[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

[[Page 761]]

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.