[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 9 (Monday, March 6, 2006)]
[Pages 352-353]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
The President's Radio Address

February 25, 2006

    Good morning. On Sunday and Monday, I will meet with America's 
Governors during their annual gathering in Washington, DC. As a former 
Governor, I appreciate the work of these fine public servants. I look 
forward to talking with them about the challenges and opportunities 
facing their States and our Nation and discussing how leaders of both 
parties can work together to solve problems for our citizens.
    One of the most important issues we will discuss is how to improve 
health care for the American people, and we have a good example in the 
Medicare system that provides health care coverage for our seniors. When 
I took office, I found a Medicare system that would pay tens of 
thousands of dollars for

[[Page 353]]

a surgery but not the money for the prescription drugs that could have 
prevented the surgery in the first place. So working with Congress, we 
passed critical legislation that modernizes Medicare, provides seniors 
with more choices, and gives them better access to prescription drugs.
    More than 25 million people with Medicare now have prescription drug 
coverage, and hundreds of thousands more are enrolling each week. This 
new coverage is saving seniors money on their drug premiums. The typical 
senior will end up spending about half of what they used to spend on 
prescription drugs each year.
    Another issue I will discuss with Governors is how to keep America 
the most innovative and competitive nation in the world. In my State of 
the Union Address, I announced the American Competitiveness Initiative. 
Under this initiative, we will double the Federal commitment to the most 
critical basic research in the physical sciences over the next decade. 
We will also make the research and development tax credit permanent to 
encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to increase their investments in 
innovation. These investments will lead to new technologies that will 
offer a better life for our citizens and keep our economy strong.
    My Competitiveness Initiative will also give American children a 
firm grounding in math and science to prepare them for the jobs of the 
21st century. I propose that we train 70,000 additional high school 
teachers over the next 5 years to lead Advanced Placement courses in 
math and science and bring in 30,000 math and science professionals to 
teach in classrooms and give extra help to students who struggle with 
math. By ensuring that our children are prepared to succeed in life, we 
will ensure that America's economy succeeds in the world.
    When I meet the Governors, I will also talk about our energy 
strategy. I propose an Advanced Energy Initiative to take advantage of 
new technologies. Under this initiative, we will change how we power our 
homes and offices by investing in clean coal technology, solar and wind 
power, and clean, safe nuclear energy. And we will change how we power 
our cars and trucks by investing in hybrid vehicles, pollution-free cars 
that run on hydrogen, and alternative fuels like ethanol and biodiesel. 
By applying the talent and innovative spirit of our citizens, we will 
move beyond a petroleum-based economy, protect our environment, and make 
America less dependent on foreign sources of energy.
    I'll also discuss with Governors our progress in the war on terror. 
The States are playing a vital role in the war effort through the 
contributions of their National Guard units. During the past 2 years, 
many Governors have traveled to Iraq or Afghanistan to visit with the 
men and women from their States who are serving in freedom's cause. 
These Governors have seen firsthand the courage of our troops and their 
dedication to the mission. Last month, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee 
visited Iraq and Afghanistan with three of his fellow Governors. He 
said, ``People back home need to realize just how proud they should be 
of our men and women here. It is obvious these troops remain upbeat and 
focused on ridding the world of terrorists.''
    To improve health care, keep America competitive, achieve greater 
energy independence, and protect our Nation, we must put aside politics 
and focus on what is best for the future of our country. America's 
Governors are good allies in this effort, and I look forward to working 
with them in the year ahead.
    Thank you for listening.

Note: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on February 24 in the 
Cabinet Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February 
25. The transcript was made available by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on February 24 but was embargoed for release until the 
broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of this address.