    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 17 (Monday, May 1, 2006)]
    [Pages 760-761]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    The President's Radio Address

    April 22, 2006

        Good morning. This weekend I am traveling in California, where I'm
    focusing on important issues for our Nation's future, including our
    economy, energy prices, the war on terror, and immigration reform.
        America's economy is strong, and we need to keep it strong in an
    increasingly competitive world. The talent and innovative spirit of our
    people have driven America's economic growth. To maintain our economic
    leadership, our Nation must stay on the leading edge of innovation. So I
    have proposed the American Competitiveness Initiative.
        One important part of this initiative is improving math and science
    education for our young people, so they have the right skills to succeed
    in the 21st century economy. On Friday in San Jose, I had the chance to
    visit Cisco Systems, a company that understands the importance of
    preparing the next generation for the high-tech jobs of tomorrow.
        Through its Networking Academy Program, Cisco is helping to train
    high school students in math, science, and information technology
    skills. By ensuring that we have a skilled workforce for the future,
    companies like Cisco are helping America compete with confidence and
    keeping our economy growing and creating new jobs for our citizens.
        Saturday is Earth Day, and many of you are asking how we can meet
    our growing energy needs while protecting our environment. The key is
    technology. So I have proposed the Advanced Energy Initiative to change
    the way we power our homes, businesses, and cars. I will visit the
    California Fuel Cell Partnership to take a closer look at hydrogen fuel
    cells, one of the exciting new technologies supported by my initiative.
    These fuel cells have the potential to revolutionize the way we power
    our cars by giving us vehicles that will emit no pollution and will be
    more efficient than gas-powered cars.
        My Advanced Energy Initiative will also help improve hybrid
    vehicles, cars and trucks that run partly on electricity and help
    drivers save gas. We're funding research into a new generation of plug-
    in hybrid vehicles that could be recharged in electrical outlets and

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    could allow many drivers to make their daily commute using no gasoline.
        By developing these and other new sources of clean renewable energy
    like ethanol, we will continue growing our economy, reduce energy prices
    and protect our environment, and make America less dependent on foreign
    oil.
        Americans are asking about our progress toward victory in the war on
    terror. I have confidence in the outcome of this struggle because I know
    the character of the people who wear our Nation's uniform. On Sunday, I
    will attend church and have lunch with Marine Corps and Navy personnel
    and their families at the Twentynine Palms base. I will tell them how
    honored I am to be their Commander in Chief and express the gratitude of
    all Americans for their service in the cause of freedom.
        Since September the 11th, 2001, the men and women of our military
    have overthrown a cruel regime in Afghanistan, captured or killed many
    Al Qaida terrorists, liberated Iraq, and made America more secure from
    terrorist dangers. We're fighting the terrorists abroad so we do not
    have to face them here at home. By taking the fight to the terrorists
    and bringing liberty and hope to a troubled region, our courageous
    troops are making the world a safer place.
        On Monday, I'll visit Irvine, California, to discuss immigration
    reform with the local community. Immigration is an emotional issue, and
    it's sparked passionate debate. When we discuss immigration, we're
    talking about the integrity of our borders, the enforcement of our laws,
    and the character of our Nation.
        Here's what I believe: America does not have to choose between being
    a welcoming society and being a lawful society. We can be both at the
    same time. In the coming weeks, I'll press Congress to pass
    comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border, enforces our
    laws, meets the needs of our economy, and upholds our highest ideals.
        We must also ensure that all immigrants assimilate into our society
    and learn our customs, our values, and our language. America is a land
    of immigrants and a nation of laws, and we must stay true to both parts
    of this great heritage.
        As Congress returns from its recess, its Members have important and
    consequential work before them. I urge them to act on my initiatives to
    keep America competitive, to promote alternative sources of energy,
    reform our immigration system, and continue their support of our troops
    fighting in the global war on terror.
        By taking these steps, we'll maintain America's strength. And a
    strong America will help lead the world to a future of greater freedom
    and prosperity and peace.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 7:49 a.m. on April 21 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on April 22. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    April 21 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office
    of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
    this address.