布什于2008年在國會大廈最后一次發(fā)表國情咨文

布什于2008年在國會大廈最后一次發(fā)表國情咨文 英文版

Madam Speaker, Vice President Cheney, Members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens,

Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We have faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve answered that call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.

All of us were sent to Washington to carry out the people’s business. That is the purpose of this body. It is the meaning of our oath. And it remains our charge to keep.

The actions of the 110th Congress will affect the security and prosperity of our Nation long after this session has ended. In this election year, let us show our fellow Americans that we recognize our responsibilities and are determined to meet them. And let us show them that Republicans and Democrats can compete for votes and cooperate for results at the same time.

From expanding opportunity to protecting our country, we have made good progress. Yet we have unfinished business before us, and the American people expect us to get it done.

In the work ahead, we must be guided by the philosophy that made our Nation great. As Americans, we believe in the power of individuals to determine their destiny and shape the course of history. We believe that the most reliable guide for our country is the collective wisdom of ordinary citizens. So in all we do, we must trust in the ability of free people to make wise decisions, and empower them to improve their lives and their futures.

To build a prosperous future, we must trust people with their own money and empower them to grow our economy. As we meet tonight, our economy is undergoing a period of uncertainty. America has added jobs for a record 52 straight months, but jobs are now growing at a slower pace. Wages are up, but so are prices for food and gas. Exports are rising, but the housing market has declined. And at kitchen tables across our country, there is concern about our economic future.

In the long run, Americans can be confident about our economic growth. But in the short run, we can all see that growth is slowing. So last week, my administration reached agreement with Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader Boehner on a robust growth package that includes tax relief for individuals and families and incentives for business investment. The temptation will be to load up the bill. That would delay it or derail it, and neither option is acceptable. This is a good agreement that will keep our economy growing and our people working. And this Congress must pass it as soon as possible.

We have other work to do on taxes. Unless the Congress acts, most of the tax relief we have delivered over the past 7 years will be taken away. Some in Washington argue that letting tax relief expire is not a tax increase. Try explaining that to 116 million American taxpayers who would see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Others have said they would personally be happy to pay higher taxes. I welcome their enthusiasm, and I am pleased to report that the IRS accepts both checks and money orders.

Most Americans think their taxes are high enough. With all the other pressures on their finances, American families should not have to worry about the Federal government taking a bigger bite out of their paychecks. There is only one way to eliminate this uncertainty: make the tax relief permanent. And members of Congress should know: If any bill raising taxes reaches my desk, I will veto it.

Just as we trust Americans with their own money, we need to earn their trust by spending their tax dollars wisely. Next week, I will send you a budget that terminates or substantially reduces 151 wasteful or bloated programs totaling more than $18 billion. And this budget will keep America on track for a surplus in 2012. American families have to balance their budgets, and so should their government.

The people’s trust in their government is undermined by congressional earmarks—special interest projects that are often snuck in at the last minute, without discussion or debate. Last year, I asked you to voluntarily cut the number and cost of earmarks in half. I also asked you to stop slipping earmarks into committee reports that never even come to a vote. Unfortunately, neither goal was met. So this time, if you send me an appropriations bill that does not cut the number and cost of earmarks in half, I will send it back to you with my veto. And tomorrow, I will issue an Executive Order that directs Federal agencies to ignore any future earmark that is not voted on by the Congress. If these items are truly worth funding, the Congress should debate them in the open and hold a public vote.

Our shared responsibilities extend beyond matters of taxes and spending.

On housing, we must trust Americans with the responsibility of homeownership and empower them to weather turbulent times in the housing market. My administration brought together the HOPE NOW alliance, which is helping many struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. The Congress can help even more. Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, modernize the Federal Housing Administration, and allow state housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to help homeowners refinance their mortgages. These are difficult times for many American families, and by taking these steps, we can help more of them keep their homes.

To build a future of quality health care, we must trust patients and doctors to make medical decisions and empower them with better information and better options. We share a common goal: making health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. The best way to achieve that goal is by expanding consumer choice, not government control. So I have proposed ending the bias in the tax code against those who do not get their health insurance through their employer. This one reform would put private coverage within reach for millions, and I call on the Congress to pass it this year. The Congress must also expand health savings accounts, create association health plans for small businesses, promote health information technology, and confront the epidemic of junk medical lawsuits. With all these steps, we will help ensure that decisions about your medical care are made in the privacy of your doctor’s office—not in the halls of Congress.

On education, we must trust students to learn if given the chance and empower parents to demand results from our schools. In neighborhoods across our country, there are boys and girls with dreams—and a decent education is their only hope of achieving them. Six years ago, we came together to pass the No Child Left Behind Act, and today no one can deny its results. Last year, fourth and eighth graders achieved the highest math scores on record. Reading scores are on the rise. And African-American and Hispanic students posted all-time highs. Now we must work together to increase accountability, add flexibility for states and districts, reduce the number of high school dropouts, and provide extra help for struggling schools. members of Congress: The No Child Left Behind Act is a bipartisan achievement. It is succeeding. And we owe it to America’s children, their parents, and their teachers to strengthen this good law.

We must also do more to help children when their schools do not measure up. Thanks to the D.C. Opportunity Scholarships you approved, more than 2,600 of the poorest children in our nation’s capital have found new hope at a faith-based or other non-public school. Sadly, these schools are disappearing at an alarming rate in many of America’s inner cities. So I will convene a White House summit aimed at strengthening these lifelines of learning. And to open the doors of these schools to more children, I ask you to support a new $300 million program called Pell Grants for Kids. We have seen how Pell Grants help low-income college students realize their full potential. Together, we have expanded the size and reach of these grants. Now let’s apply that same spirit to help liberate poor children trapped in failing public schools.

On trade, we must trust American workers to compete with anyone in the world and empower them by opening up new markets overseas. Today, our economic growth increasingly depends on our ability to sell American goods, crops, and services all over the world. So we are working to break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We are working for a successful Doha round of trade talks, and we must complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we are pursuing opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements.

I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. Now I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. Many products from these nations now enter America duty-free, yet many of our products face steep tariffs in their markets. These agreements will level the playing field. They will give us better access to nearly 100 million customers. And they will support good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say“Made in the USA”.

These agreements also promote America’s strategic interests. The first agreement that will come before you is with Colombia, a friend of America that is confronting violence and terror and fighting drug traffickers. If we fail to pass this agreement, we will embolden the purveyors of false populism in our hemisphere. So we must come together, pass this agreement, and show our neighbors in the region that democracy leads to a better life.

Trade brings better jobs, better choices, and better prices. Yet for some Americans, trade can mean losing a job, and the Federal government has a responsibility to help. I ask the Congress to reauthorize and reform trade adjustment assistance, so we can help these displaced workers learn new skills and find new jobs.

To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology. Our security, our prosperity, and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded. Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more efficient technology.

To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow. Last year, the Congress passed legislation supporting the American Competitiveness Initiative, but never followed through with the funding. This funding is essential to keeping our scientific edge. So I ask the Congress to double Federal support for critical basic research in the physical sciences and ensure America remains the most dynamic nation on earth.

On matters of science and life, we must trust in the innovative spirit of medical researchers and empower them to discover new treatments while respecting moral boundaries. In November, we witnessed a landmark achievement when scientists discovered a way to reprogram adult skin cells to act like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough has the potential to move us beyond the divisive debates of the past by extending the frontiers of medicine without the destruction of human life. So we are expanding funding for this type of ethical medical research. And as we explore promising avenues of research, we must also ensure that all life is treated with the dignity it deserves. So I call on the Congress to pass legislation that bans unethical practices such as the buying, selling, patenting, or cloning of human life.

On matters of justice, we must trust in the wisdom of our Founders and empower judges who understand that the Constitution means what it says. I have submitted judicial nominees who will rule by the letter of the law, not the whim of the gavel. Many of these nominees are being unfairly delayed. They are worthy of confirmation, and the Senate should give each of them a prompt up-or-down vote.

In communities across our land, we must trust in the good heart of the American people and empower them to serve their neighbors in need. Over the past seven years, more of our fellow citizens have discovered that the pursuit of happiness leads to the path of service. Americans have volunteered in record numbers. Charitable donations are higher than ever. Faith-based groups are bringing hope to pockets of despair, with newfound support from the Federal government. And to help guarantee equal treatment for faith-based organizations when they compete for Federal funds, I ask you to permanently extend Charitable Choice.

Tonight the armies of compassion continue the march to a new day in the Gulf Coast. America honors the strength and resilience of the people of this region. We reaffirm our pledge to help them build stronger and better than before. And tonight I am pleased to announce that in April we will host this year’s North American Summit of Canada, Mexico, and the United States in the great city of New Orleans.

There are two other pressing challenges that I have raised repeatedly before this body, and that this body has failed to address: entitlement spending and immigration.

Every member in this chamber knows that spending on entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid is growing faster than we can afford. And we all know the painful choices ahead if America stays on this path: massive tax increases, sudden and drastic cuts in benefits, or crippling deficits. I have laid out proposals to reform these programs. Now I ask members of Congress to offer your proposals and come up with a bipartisan solution to save these vital programs for our children and grandchildren.

The other pressing challenge is immigration. America needs to secure our borders—and with your help, my administration is taking steps to do so. We are increasing worksite enforcement, we are deploying fences and advanced technologies to stop illegal crossings, we have effectively ended the policy of “catch and release”at the border, and by the end of this year, we will have doubled the number of border patrol agents. Yet we also need to acknowledge that we will never fully secure our border until we create a lawful way for foreign workers to come here and support our economy. This will take pressure off the border and allow law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean us harm. We must also find a sensible and humane way to deal with people here illegally. Illegal immigration is complicated, but it can be resolved. And it must be resolved in a way that upholds both our laws and our highest ideals.

This is the business of our nation here at home. Yet building a prosperous future for our citizens also depends on confronting enemies abroad and advancing liberty in troubled regions of the world.

Our foreign policy is based on a clear premise: We trust that people, when given the chance, will choose a future of freedom and peace. In the last seven years, we have witnessed stirring moments in the history of liberty. We have seen citizens in Georgia and Ukraine stand up for their right to free and fair elections. We have seen people in Lebanon take to the streets to demand their independence. We have seen Afghans emerge from the tyranny of the Taliban to choose a new president and a new parliament. We have seen jubilant Iraqis holding up ink-stained fingers and celebrating their freedom. And these images of liberty have inspired us.

In the past seven years, we have also seen images that have sobered us. We have watched throngs of mourners in Lebanon and Pakistan carrying the caskets of beloved leaders taken by the assassin’s hand. We have seen wedding guests in blood-soaked finery staggering from a hotel in Jordan, Afghans and Iraqis blown up in mosques and markets, and trains in London and Madrid ripped apart by bombs. And on a clear September day, we saw thousands of our fellow citizens taken from us in an instant. These horrific images serve as a grim reminder: The advance of liberty is opposed by terrorists and extremists—evil men who despise freedom, despise America, and aim to subject millions to their violent rule.

Since September 11, we have taken the fight to these terrorists and extremists. We will stay on the offense, we will keep up the pressure, and we will deliver justice to the enemies of America.

We are engaged in the defining ideological struggle of the 21st century. The terrorists oppose every principle of humanity and decency that we hold dear. Yet in this war on terror, there is one thing we and our enemies agree on: In the long run, men and women who are free to determine their own destinies will reject terror and refuse to live in tyranny. That is why the terrorists are fighting to deny this choice to people in Lebanon,Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Palestinian Territories. And that is why, for the security of America and the peace of the world, we are spreading the hope of freedom.

In Afghanistan, America, our 25 NATO allies, and 15 partner nations are helping the Afghan people defend their freedom and rebuild their country. Thanks to the courage of these military and civilian personnel, a nation that was once a safe haven for al-Qaeda is now a young democracy where boys and girls are going to school, new roads and hospitals are being built, and people are looking to the future with new hope. These successes must continue, so we are adding 3,200 Marines to our forces in Afghanistan, where they will fight the terrorists and train the Afghan Army and police. Defeating the Taliban and al-Qaeda is critical to our security, and I thank the Congress for supporting America’s vital mission in Afghanistan.

In Iraq, the terrorists and extremists are fighting to deny a proud people their liberty and to establish safe havens for attacks across the world. One year ago, our enemies were succeeding in their efforts to plunge Iraq into chaos. So we reviewed our strategy and changed course. We launched a surge of American forces into Iraq. And we gave our troops a new mission: Work with Iraqi forces to protect the Iraqi people, pursue the enemy in its strongholds, and deny the terrorists sanctuary anywhere in the country.

The Iraqi people quickly realized that something dramatic had happened. Those who had worried that America was preparing to abandon them instead saw tens of thousands of American forces flowing into their country. They saw our forces moving into neighborhoods, clearing out the terrorists, and staying behind to ensure the enemy did not return. And they saw our troops, along with provincial reconstruction teams that include foreign service officers and other skilled public servants, coming in to ensure that improved security was followed by improvements in daily life. Our military and civilians in Iraq are performing with courage and distinction, and they have the gratitude of our whole nation.

The Iraqis launched a surge of their own. In the fall of 2006, Sunni tribal leaders grew tired of al Qaeda’s brutality and started a popular uprising called “The Anbar Awakening.”Over the past year, similar movements have spread across the country. And today, this grassroots surge includes more than 80,000 Iraqi citizens who are fighting the terrorists. The government in Baghdad has stepped forward as well—adding more than 100,000 new Iraqi soldiers and police during the past year.

While the enemy is still dangerous and more work remains, the American and Iraqi surges have achieved results few of us could have imagined just 1 year ago.

When we met last year, many said containing the violence was impossible. A year later, high profile terrorist attacks are down, civilian deaths are down, and sectarian killings are down.

When we met last year, militia extremists—some armed and trained by Iran—were wreaking havoc in large areas of Iraq. A year later, coalition and Iraqi forces have killed or captured hundreds of militia fighters. And Iraqis of all backgrounds increasingly realize that defeating these militia fighters is critical to the future of their country.

When we met last year, al-Qaeda had sanctuaries in many areas of Iraq, and their leaders had just offered American forces safe passage out of the country. Today, it is al-Qaeda that is searching for safe passage. They have been driven from many of the strongholds they once held, and over the past year, we have captured or killed thousands of extremists in Iraq, including hundreds of key al-Qaeda leaders and operatives. Last month, Osama bin Laden released a tape in which he railed against Iraqi tribal leaders who have turned on al-Qaeda and admitted that coalition forces are growing stronger in Iraq. Ladies and gentlemen, some may deny the surge is working, but among the terrorists there is no doubt. Al-Qaeda is on the run in Iraq, and this enemy will be defeated.

When we met last year, our troop levels in Iraq were on the rise. Today, because of the progress just described, we are implementing a policy of“return on success,”and the surge forces we sent to Iraq are beginning to come home.

This progress is a credit to the valor of our troops and the brilliance of their commanders. This evening, I want to speak directly to our men and women on the frontlines. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen: In the past year, you have done everything we have asked of you, and more. Our nation is grateful for your courage. We are proud of your accomplishments. And tonight in this hallowed chamber, with the American people as our witness, we make you a solemn pledge: In the fight ahead, you will have all you need to protect our nation. And I ask the Congress to meet its responsibilities to these brave men and women by fully funding our troops.

Our enemies in Iraq have been hit hard. They are not yet defeated, and we can still expect tough fighting ahead. Our objective in the coming year is to sustain and build on the gains we made in 2007, while transitioning to the next phase of our strategy. American troops are shifting from leading operations, to partnering with Iraqi forces, and, eventually, to a protective overwatch mission. As part of this transition, one Army brigade combat team and one Marine Expeditionary Unit have already come home and will not be replaced. In the coming months, four additional brigades and two Marine battalions will follow suit. Taken together, this means more than 20,000 of our troops are coming home.

Any further drawdown of U.S. troops will be based on conditions in Iraq and the recommendations of our commanders. General Petraeus has warned that too fast a drawdown could result in the“disintegration of the Iraqi security forces, al-Qaeda-Iraq regaining lost ground, and a marked increase in violence.”Members of Congress: Having come so far and achieved so much, we must not allow this to happen.

In the coming year, we will work with Iraqi leaders as they build on the progress they are making toward political reconciliation. At the local level, Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds are beginning to come together to reclaim their communities and rebuild their lives. Progress in the provinces must be matched by progress in Baghdad. And we are seeing some encouraging signs. The national government is sharing oil revenues with the provinces. The parliament recently passed both a pension law and de-Ba’athification reform. Now they are debating a provincial powers law. The Iraqis still have a distance to travel. But after decades of dictatorship and the pain of sectarian violence, reconciliation is taking place—and the Iraqi people are taking control of their future.

The mission in Iraq has been difficult and trying for our nation. But it is in the vital interest of the United States that we succeed. A free Iraq will deny al-Qaeda a safe haven. A free Iraq will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty is possible. And a free Iraq will be a friend of America, a partner in fighting terror, and a source of stability in a dangerous part of the world.

By contrast, a failed Iraq would embolden extremists, strengthen Iran, and give terrorists a base from which to launch new attacks on our friends, our allies, and our homeland. The enemy has made its intentions clear. At a time when the momentum seemed to favor them, al-Qaeda’s top commander in Iraq declared that they will not rest until they have attacked us here in Washington. My fellow Americans: We will not rest either. We will not rest until this enemy has been defeated. We must do the difficult work today, so that years from now people will look back and say that this generation rose to the moment, prevailed in a tough fight, and left behind a more hopeful region and a safer America.

We are also standing against the forces of extremism in the Holy Land, where we have new cause for hope. Palestinians have elected a president who recognizes that confronting terror is essential to achieving a state where his people can live in dignity and at peace with Israel. Israelis have leaders who recognize that a peaceful, democratic Palestinian state will be a source of lasting security. This month in Ramallah and Jerusalem, I assured leaders from both sides that America will do, and I will do, everything we can to help them achieve a peace agreement that defines a Palestinian state by the end of this year. The time has come for a Holy Land where a democratic Israel and a democratic Palestine live side-by-side in peace.

On the homefront, we will continue to take every lawful and effective measure to protect our country. This is our most solemn duty. We are grateful that there has not been another attack on our soil since September 11. This is not for a lack of desire or effort on the part of the enemy. In the past six years, we have stopped numerous attacks, including a plot to fly a plane into the tallest building in Los Angeles and another to blow up passenger jets bound for America over the Atlantic. Dedicated men and women in our government toil day and night to stop the terrorists from carrying out their plans. These good citizens are saving American lives, and everyone in this chamber owes them our thanks. And we owe them something more: We owe them the tools they need to keep our people safe.

One of the most important tools we can give them is the ability to monitor terrorist communications. To protect America, we need to know who the terrorists are talking to, what they are saying, and what they are planning. Last year, the Congress passed legislation to help us do that. Unfortunately, the Congress set the legislation to expire on February 1. This means that if you do not act by Friday, our ability to track terrorist threats would be weakened and our citizens will be in greater danger. The Congress must ensure the flow of vital intelligence is not disrupted. The Congress must pass liability protection for companies believed to have assisted in the efforts to defend America. We have had ample time for debate. The time to act is now.

Protecting our nation from the dangers of a new century requires more than good intelligence and a strong military. It also requires changing the conditions that breed resentment and allow extremists to prey on despair. So America is using its influence to build a freer, more hopeful, and more compassionate world. This is a reflection of our national interest and the calling of our conscience.

America is opposing genocide in Sudan and supporting freedom in countries from Cuba and Zimbabwe to Belarus and Burma.

America is leading the fight against global poverty, with strong education initiatives and humanitarian assistance. We have also changed the way we deliver aid by launching the Millennium Challenge Account. This program strengthens democracy, transparency, and the rule of law in developing nations, and I ask you to fully fund this important initiative.

America is leading the fight against global hunger. Today, more than half the world’s food aid comes from the United States. And tonight, I ask the Congress to support an innovative proposal to provide food assistance by purchasing crops directly from farmers in the developing world, so we can build up local agriculture and help break the cycle of famine.

America is leading the fight against disease. With your help, we are working to cut by half the number of malaria-related deaths in 15 African nations. And our Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is treating 1.4 million people. We can bring healing and hope to many more. So I ask you to maintain the principles that have changed behavior and made this program a success. And I call on you to double our initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by approving an additional $30 billion over the next five years.

America is a force for hope in the world because we are a compassionate people, and some of the most compassionate Americans are those who have stepped forward to protect us. We must keep faith with all who have risked life and limb so that we might live in freedom and peace. Over the past seven years, we have increased funding for veterans by more than 95 percent. As we increase funding, we must also reform our veterans system to meet the needs of a new war and a new generation. I call on the Congress to enact the reforms recommended by Senator Bob Dole and Secretary Donna Shalala, so we can improve the system of care for our wounded warriors and help them build lives of hope, promise, and dignity.

Our military families also sacrifice for America. They endure sleepless nights and the daily struggle of providing for children while a loved one is serving far from home. We have a responsibility to provide for them. So I ask you to join me in expanding their access to childcare, creating new hiring preferences for military spouses across the Federal government, and allowing our troops to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouses or children. Our military families serve our nation, they inspire our Nation, and tonight our nation honors them.

The secret of our strength, the miracle of America, is that our greatness lies not in our government, but in the spirit and determination of our people. When the Federal Convention met in Philadelphia in 1787, our nation was bound by the Articles of Confederation, which began with the words,“We the undersigned delegates.”When Gouverneur Morris was asked to draft the preamble to our new Constitution, he offered an important revision and opened with words that changed the course of our nation and the history of the world: “We the people.”

By trusting the people, our Founders wagered that a great and noble nation could be built on the liberty that resides in the hearts of all men and women. By trusting the people, succeeding generations transformed our fragile young democracy into the most powerful nation on earth and a beacon of hope for millions. And so long as we continue to trust the people, our nation will prosper, our liberty will be secure, and the State of our Union will remain strong. So tonight, with confidence in freedom’s power, and trust in the people, let us set forth to do their business.

布什于2008年在國會大廈最后一次發(fā)表國情咨文 中文版

我第一次站在這個講壇上向各位發(fā)表國情咨文演說是在七年以前。當時，我國經(jīng)受了我們大家都無法預見的考驗。我們必須就和平與戰(zhàn)爭、世界經(jīng)濟中日益激烈的競爭以及我國公民的健康與福祉作出艱難的抉擇。這些問題要求我們展開激烈的辯論，我認為可以公平地說，我們響應了這一召喚。而且歷史將會見證，我們雖有分歧，但采取了果斷行動。我們共同向世人展示了美國民治制度的力量和韌性。

我們在座的各位受命來到華盛頓都是要為民眾服務。這是這個機構(gòu)的使命，這是我們誓言的含義。這始終是我們應當履行的職責。

第110屆國會采取的行動在其任期結(jié)束后仍將對我國的安全與繁榮產(chǎn)生深遠影響。在這個大選年，讓我們向美國同胞們表明我們深知自己的責任，并決心履行職責。讓我們向他們表明共和黨人和民主黨人能在為贏得選票而競爭的同時為爭取實效而合作。

從擴大機遇到保護國土，我們已取得長足進展。但我們還有很多工作要做，而美國人民要求我們完成這些工作。

在今后的工作中，我們必須奉行那些把我國造就成一個偉大國家的原則。作為美國人，我們相信個人能夠掌握自己的命運并影響歷史的進程。我們相信普通公民的集體智慧是我國最可靠的指南。因此，我們不論做什么都必須相信自由的人民有能力做出明智的決定，并讓他們有力量改善自己的生活和前途。

為建設一個繁榮的未來，我們必須讓人民支配自己的錢財，并讓他們有能力推動我國經(jīng)濟增長。今晚我們在這里集會之時，我國經(jīng)濟正處于一個充滿變數(shù)的時期。美國的就業(yè)機會連續(xù)五十二個月持續(xù)增加，打破了歷史紀錄，但目前的增速有所減緩。工資水平得到提高，但食品和汽油價格也不斷上漲。出口正在增加，但房產(chǎn)市場卻出現(xiàn)下滑。美國各地的家庭都在飯桌上談論著對我國經(jīng)濟前景的擔憂。

從長遠來看，我們應當對我國的經(jīng)濟增長抱有信心。但在短期內(nèi)，我們都看出增長速度正在減緩。因此，本屆政府于上周同佩洛西議長和共和黨領(lǐng)袖博納就一套強有力的增長計劃達成了協(xié)議，其中包括針對個人和家庭的退稅計劃以及鼓勵企業(yè)投資的計劃。人們難免希望增加議案的內(nèi)容，但這樣做會使議案拖延或脫軌，而這兩種結(jié)果都是不可接受的。這是一項很好的協(xié)議，能保持我國經(jīng)濟增長，并保障人民就業(yè)。本屆國會必須盡快通過這項議案。

我們在稅收方面還有其他工作有待完成。除非本屆國會采取行動，否則我們七年來實施的大多數(shù)減稅計劃將由于到期而被廢棄。華盛頓的某些人士聲稱讓減稅計劃到期作廢并不是提高稅率。請這些人向1.16億美國納稅人做出解釋，他們要繳納的稅款為什么將平均增加1,800美元。還有一些人聲稱他們樂意付更高的稅。我贊賞他們的熱情，并樂意告訴他們國稅局既收支票也收匯票。

大多數(shù)美國人都認為他們要付的稅夠高的了。美國家庭承受著種種經(jīng)濟壓力，不應當再讓他們擔心聯(lián)邦政府要從他們的收入中扣除更大的一部分。消除這種顧慮的唯一辦法是將減稅政策永久化。各位國會議員都應當知道：任何一項增稅議案如果送到我這里都會被我否決。

就像我們相信美國人民會合理理財，我們也需要理智地使用他們繳納的稅金，以贏得他們的信任。下一周，我將向各位提交一份預算，終止和大幅削減151項浪費性或過分膨脹的項目，其總額超過180億美元。按照我將提交的預算，美國可于2012年實現(xiàn)財政盈余。美國家庭必須平衡預算，他們的政府也應當這樣做。

人民對自己政府的信任受到了國會專項撥款的損害，一些特殊利益項目常常在最后一刻被偷偷塞了進來，既不討論也不辯論。去年，我請你們自動將專項撥款的數(shù)目和金額減少一半。我還請你們停止把從未經(jīng)過表決的專項撥款偷偷塞進委員會的報告中。令人遺憾的是，兩個目標都沒有達到。因此，這一次如果你們送給我一份未能將專項撥款的數(shù)目和金額減少一半的撥款法案，我就會否決它，把它退還給你們。明天我將發(fā)布一個行政令，指示聯(lián)邦機構(gòu)將來不要理睬任何未經(jīng)國會表決的專項撥款。如果這些項目確實值得花費資金，國會應該就其進行公開辯論，公開投票表決。

我們的共同責任不限于征稅和開支。

在住房領(lǐng)域，我們必須讓美國人能夠擔起房屋所有人的責任，讓他們有能力渡過房產(chǎn)市場的動蕩期。本屆政府組成了“希望在眼前”聯(lián)盟，幫助許多處境艱難的房主避免喪失房屋贖回權(quán)。國會可以提供更多的幫助。今晚，我吁請你們通過關(guān)于改革房利美公司和房貸美公司的法案，并對聯(lián)邦住房管理局進行現(xiàn)代化改造，允許州住房機構(gòu)發(fā)行免稅債券，幫助房主重新貸款。美國很多家庭目前正經(jīng)歷難關(guān)，通過這些步驟，我們可以幫助更多的人保住房產(chǎn)。

為了建設一個有優(yōu)質(zhì)醫(yī)療保健的未來，我們必須把醫(yī)療決定權(quán)交到病人和醫(yī)生手中，讓他們獲得更好的信息，擁有更好的選擇。我們的一個共同目標是：讓所有美國人都更能夠負擔和得到醫(yī)療服務。實現(xiàn)這一目標的最好辦法是擴大消費者的選擇，而不是政府的控制。因此我已提議，取消稅法中對那些無法參加團體醫(yī)療保險計劃的人不利的條款。此項改革可以使千百萬人有能力自行購買保險，我吁請國會今年通過此項立法。國會還必須發(fā)展醫(yī)療儲蓄帳戶，為小企業(yè)制定聯(lián)合醫(yī)療計劃，推動醫(yī)療信息技術(shù)，并遏制虛假醫(yī)療訴訟的泛濫。通過采取這些措施，我們將幫助確保個人的醫(yī)療決定是在其醫(yī)生的診所，而不是在國會的大廳內(nèi)做出。

關(guān)于教育我們必須相信，學生只要有機會就會學習，必須讓父母有權(quán)利要求學校展示教學效果。全國各地社區(qū)都有滿懷理想的學生──良好的教育是他們實現(xiàn)理想的唯一希望。六年前，我們共同通過了《不讓任何一個孩子掉隊法》。今天，它的成果無可否認。去年，四年級和八年級學生的數(shù)學分數(shù)達到最高紀錄。閱讀成績正在提高。非洲裔和拉丁裔學生的成績達到歷史最高水平?，F(xiàn)在我們必須共同努力，加強問責制，給予州和地區(qū)更大的靈活性，減少高中輟學率，為面臨困難的學校提供更多幫助。各位議員：《不讓任何一個孩子掉隊法》是兩黨的共同成就，它正在取得成功。我們有責任為美國兒童、他們的父母和他們的老師加強這一良好的法律。

我們還必須付出更大努力幫助在落后學校中的孩子。你們批準的哥倫比亞特區(qū)機會獎學金使我國首都的2,600多名最貧困兒童從一個教會學校和其他非公立學校獲得了新的希望?？杀氖沁@類學校正在以令人不安的速度從許多美國城市的市區(qū)中大批消失。為鞏固這些學習的生命線，我將召集一次白宮高峰會議。為了向更多的孩子敞開這些學校的大門，我請你們支持一項3億美元的“佩爾兒童助學金”新項目。我們已經(jīng)看到佩爾助學金如何使低收入家庭的大學生充分實現(xiàn)了他們的潛力。我們通過共同努力，擴大了這些贈款的規(guī)模和受益人數(shù)?，F(xiàn)在，讓我們以同樣的精神來幫助貧困兒童從癱瘓的公立學校中解放出來。

在貿(mào)易問題上，我們必須相信美國勞工有與世界上任何人進行競爭的能力，并通過在國外開辟新市場加強他們的競爭力。今天，我國的經(jīng)濟增長越來越依賴于我們在世界各地出售美國商品、農(nóng)產(chǎn)品和服務的能力。因此，我們正在一切可能的領(lǐng)域努力拆除貿(mào)易和投資壁壘。我們正在為多哈回合貿(mào)易談判的成功而努力，我們必須在今年達成一項好的協(xié)議。同時，我們正在通過簽定自由貿(mào)易協(xié)定的途徑尋求打開新市場的機會。

我感謝國會批準了與秘魯簽定的好協(xié)定?，F(xiàn)在，我請你們批準與哥倫比亞、巴拿馬和韓國簽定的協(xié)定。目前，這些國家的很多產(chǎn)品免關(guān)稅進入美國，而我們的很多產(chǎn)品在這些國家的市場上卻面臨過高的關(guān)稅。這些協(xié)定將創(chuàng)造平等的競爭條件。這些協(xié)定將為近一億名顧客購買我國產(chǎn)品提供便利。這些協(xié)定將有助于世界上最優(yōu)秀的工人保持良好的就業(yè)機會：在他們的產(chǎn)品上標有“美國制造”的字樣。

這些協(xié)定還將推進美國的戰(zhàn)略利益。最先請你們審議的將是與哥倫比亞簽定的協(xié)定，美國的這一友邦正在勇敢地抗擊暴力與恐怖，打擊毒品販子。如果我們不能批準這項協(xié)定，我們就將使本半球兜售虛假民粹主義的人更加肆無忌憚。因此，我們必須一致行動，通過這項協(xié)定，向本地區(qū)的鄰國表明，民主會帶來更美好的生活。

貿(mào)易創(chuàng)造更好的就業(yè)機會、更好的選擇、更低廉的價格。但對有些美國人來說，貿(mào)易會導致失業(yè)，聯(lián)邦政府有責任提供幫助。我請國會重新授權(quán)和改革貿(mào)易調(diào)整補助，以便幫助這些失業(yè)工人掌握新技能，找到新工作。

為了保障未來的能源，我們必須相信美國科研工作者和企業(yè)家的創(chuàng)造才智，使他們有能力開發(fā)新一代的清潔能源技術(shù)。我們的安全、我們的繁榮和我們的環(huán)境都要求我們減少對石油的依賴。去年，我促請你們通過未來十年減少油耗的法案，你們做出了響應。我們應該共同采取下列步驟：讓我們?yōu)檠邪l(fā)捕獲碳排放的燃煤發(fā)電技術(shù)提供資金。讓我們增加可再生動力和無排放核動力的使用。讓我們繼續(xù)對先進的電池燃料技術(shù)和可再生燃料進行投資，為未來的轎車和卡車提供動力。讓我們設立新的國際清潔技術(shù)基金，幫助印度和中國等發(fā)展中國家更多地利用清潔能源。讓我們達成一項有可能減緩和停止增加并最終減少溫室氣體排放的國際協(xié)議。要使這項協(xié)議產(chǎn)生效果，每個主要經(jīng)濟體都必須做出承諾，任何國家都不能坐享其成。美國致力于加強本國的能源安全，積極應對全球氣候變化。實現(xiàn)這些目標的最佳途徑就是美國繼續(xù)帶頭開發(fā)更清潔、更高效的技術(shù)。

要保持美國的競爭力，我們就必須相信我國科技工作者和工程人員的技能，使他們有能力去實現(xiàn)明天的突破。去年，國會通過了支持《提高美國競爭力行動計劃》的法案，但一直未能提供資金。提供資金對保持我國的科技優(yōu)勢是必不可少的。因此，我誠請國會將極為重要的對物理科學基礎(chǔ)研究的資助加倍，確保美國繼續(xù)是世界上最有活力的國家。

在生命與科學的問題上，我們必須相信醫(yī)學科研工作者的創(chuàng)新精神，使他們有能力發(fā)現(xiàn)新的治療方法，同時尊重倫理界限。11月，我們看到了一項具有里程碑意義的成就：科學工作者發(fā)現(xiàn)了將人體皮膚細胞改造成胚胎干細胞的方法。這一突破有可能使我們擺脫過去加深分歧的爭論，擴展醫(yī)學研究的領(lǐng)域，而無須毀滅人的生命。因此，我們正在擴大對這類符合倫理的醫(yī)學研究的資助。在探索大有希望的研究途徑時，我們還必須確保所有的生命都得到應有的尊重。因此，我吁請國會通過立法，禁止購買、出售克隆人的生命或就此頒發(fā)專利等違反道德的做法。

在司法問題上，我們必須相信我國建國先賢的智慧，使懂得憲法真諦的法官獲得應有的職權(quán)。我已提交法官提名人，他們將依法作出裁決，而不是敲擊木槌，心血來潮地做出裁決。其中很多法官提名人的審議被不公平地拖延。他們都應當獲得批準，參議院應立即就每一位提名人進行表決。

在我國各地社區(qū)，我們必須相信美國人民是善良的人民，并要讓他們能夠為有需要的鄰人提供服務。過去七年來，我們越來越多的同胞意識到，追求幸福意味著奉獻。參與志愿服務的人數(shù)創(chuàng)下新高。慈善捐助超過以往任何時候。從聯(lián)邦政府得到新的支持的信仰組織正為那些困境中的人帶來希望。為確保信仰組織在競爭聯(lián)邦資金時得到平等對待，我提請各位永久性地延長“慈善選擇”條款。

今晚，關(guān)愛之軍正在墨西哥灣沿岸朝向一個新的黎明繼續(xù)挺進。美國敬佩這一地區(qū)人民的頑強力量。我們再次承諾幫助他們把家園建設得比過去更牢固、更美好。今晚我欣慰地宣布，4月份我們將在新奧爾良這個偉大城市舉辦今年的“加墨美北美洲峰會”。

我們還面臨著另外兩個我在國會多次提及，但國會未能做出反應的緊迫挑戰(zhàn)：福利開支和移民問題。

在座各位都知道，社會保障、退休醫(yī)療和醫(yī)療補助等福利項目的開支增長速度大于我們的承受能力。我們都清楚，如果美國繼續(xù)這一趨勢，未來將面臨痛苦的選擇：稅收大幅增加，福利急劇減少，或者赤字不堪重負。我已提出改革這些項目的方案?，F(xiàn)在我請國會議員們提出你們的計劃，并制定出跨黨派解決方案，為我們的子孫后代保全這些重要項目。

另一緊迫挑戰(zhàn)是移民問題。美國需要保護邊界──在各位幫助下，本屆政府正在采取相關(guān)措施。我們正在工作場所加強執(zhí)法，我們正在設置屏障和采用先進技術(shù)阻止非法越境，我們實際上已經(jīng)終止了邊界的“隨抓隨放”政策，到今年年底我們將把邊防巡邏人員增加一倍。然而，我們也需承認，除非建立一種途徑使外籍工人能夠合法前來為我國經(jīng)濟貢獻力量，否則我們就不可能完全保護邊界。這將緩解邊界的壓力，使執(zhí)法工作集中于對付圖謀危害我們的人。我們還必須找到一種合理和人道的方式處理非法居留者。非法移民問題雖然復雜但可以解決，我們必須以一種既捍衛(wèi)我們的法律又維護我們的最高理念的方式予以解決。

這便是我國的國情。然而，為我國公民建設一個繁榮的未來還有賴于打擊國外敵人和促進世界動蕩地區(qū)的自由事業(yè)。

我國的外交政策基于一個明確的理念：我們相信，如果賦予機會人們將選擇自由與和平的未來。在過去七年里，我們目睹了自由發(fā)展史上一些風云激蕩的時刻。我們看到格魯吉亞和烏克蘭公民爭取自由公正選舉的斗爭。我們看到黎巴嫩人民走上街頭要求獨立自主。我們看到阿富汗人民擺脫塔利班暴政并選舉了新總統(tǒng)和新議會。我們看到喜氣洋洋的伊拉克人民伸出浸有墨汁的手指，歡慶他們的自由。這些自由的畫面激勵人心。

在過去七年時間里，我們也看到令人警醒的畫面。在黎巴嫩和巴基斯坦，我們看到抬著被劊子手殺害的敬愛領(lǐng)袖靈柩的哀悼人流。在約旦，我們看到參加婚禮的賓客禮服上浸透鮮血掙扎著走出賓館。阿富汗人和伊拉克人在清真寺和街市被炸死。倫敦和馬德里的地鐵被炸彈炸毀。在9月的一個晴朗日子，我們目睹數(shù)千名美國同胞瞬間被奪走生命。這些可怕的畫面無情地提醒我們：恐怖分子和極端分子反對自由進步，他們是蔑視自由、蔑視美國，妄圖將億萬人置于其暴力統(tǒng)治之下的邪惡之徒。

自從“9·11”事件發(fā)生以來，我們向這些恐怖分子和極端分子主動出擊。我們將保持攻勢，保持壓力，把我們的敵人繩之以法。

我們正在進行一場決定21世紀命運的思想斗爭。恐怖分子反對我們珍惜的每一項人道與文明的原則。然而在這場反恐戰(zhàn)爭中，我們和我們的敵人在一件事情上具有相同的看法：長期而言，有權(quán)自由決定自己命運的人們最終會抵制恐怖行為，拒絕在暴政統(tǒng)治下生活。這就是恐怖分子為了不讓黎巴嫩、伊拉克、阿富汗、巴基斯坦和巴勒斯坦領(lǐng)土的人民享有這種選擇而發(fā)動攻擊的原因。這也是我們?yōu)榱嗣绹陌踩褪澜绲暮推秸趥鞑プ杂傻南Ｍ脑颉?/p>

在阿富汗，美國和美國的25個北約盟國以及15個伙伴國家正在幫助阿富汗人民捍衛(wèi)他們的自由和重建他們的國家。由于這些軍事和文職人員的勇氣，一個曾是“基地”組織庇護所的國家，現(xiàn)在成了一個兒童上學讀書、新的道路與醫(yī)院正在建造、人民對未來懷著新希望的年輕民主國家。這些成果必須保持，因此我們向駐阿富汗部隊增派了3,200名海軍陸戰(zhàn)隊員，他們將在阿富汗與恐怖分子作戰(zhàn)，并對阿富汗軍隊和警察進行培訓。戰(zhàn)勝塔利班與“基地”組織對我國的安全至關(guān)重要，我感謝國會對美國在阿富汗重要使命的支持。

在伊拉克，為了阻止自豪的伊拉克人民獲得自由，為了建立一個能夠在世界各地發(fā)動襲擊的庇護所，恐怖分子與極端分子正在進行破壞活動。一年前，我們的敵人在使伊拉克陷入混亂方面一度得逞。因此我們回顧了我們的戰(zhàn)略并改變了做法。我們向伊拉克增加了美國的兵力。我們向我們的軍隊布置了一項新的任務：與伊拉克部隊合作保護伊拉克人民，追擊躲在堡壘里的敵人，在伊拉克任何地方都不給恐怖分子以藏身之地。

伊拉克人民很快認識到局勢發(fā)生了重大變化。那些曾經(jīng)擔心美國準備遺棄他們的人卻看到數(shù)萬名美國士兵前來增援他們的國家。他們看到我們的部隊進入各個社區(qū)清剿恐怖分子，并留駐下來以確保敵人不再反撲。他們看到我們的部隊同包括外交官和其他業(yè)務熟練的公職人員在內(nèi)的省級重建隊一起進駐，以確保在安全得到加強之后接踵而至的日常生活的改善。我們在伊拉克的軍事和文職人員勇敢而杰出，我們?nèi)珖嗣窀屑に麄儭?/p>

伊拉克人自己的斗爭也進入高潮。2006年秋天，遜尼派部落領(lǐng)導人對“基地”組織的殘暴行為忍無可忍，發(fā)動了一場名為“安巴爾覺醒”的群眾運動。過去一年內(nèi)，類似運動已遍及伊拉克各地。今天，這種基層力量已經(jīng)壯大至包括正在與恐怖分子戰(zhàn)斗的八萬多名伊拉克公民。巴格達的伊拉克政府也邁出了前進的步伐，在過去一年里增加了十多萬名伊拉克士兵與警察。

雖然敵人仍然十分危險，我們還有更多工作要做，但美國與伊拉克的增兵措施已取得了我們中很少有人在一年前能夠想象的結(jié)果。

去年這個時候，許多人認為限制暴力行為是不可能做到的事情。一年后，重大恐怖主義襲擊事件減少了，平民百姓的死亡減少了，教派之間的殺戮減少了。

去年這個時候，民兵極端分子──其中一些由伊朗武裝和培訓──正在伊拉克的廣大地區(qū)造成嚴重的破壞。一年后，聯(lián)盟部隊和伊拉克部隊已擊斃和捕獲了數(shù)百名民兵戰(zhàn)斗人員。具有各種背景的伊拉克人日益認識到戰(zhàn)勝這些民兵戰(zhàn)斗人員對他們國家的前途至關(guān)重要。

去年這個時候，“基地”組織在伊拉克大有棲身之處，其頭目當時還給美國軍隊指出離開伊拉克的安全出路。而今，是“基地”組織在尋找安全出路。他們被趕出了過去盤踞的很多據(jù)點，過去一年里，我們在伊拉克捕獲和擊斃了數(shù)千名極端分子，包括“基地”組織的數(shù)百名重要頭目和成員。上個月，本·拉登在公開的一盤錄像帶中斥責與“基地”組織反目的伊拉克部落領(lǐng)袖，并承認聯(lián)盟軍隊在伊拉克日益強大。女士們、先生們，也許有人否認增兵戰(zhàn)略正取得成效，但恐怖主義分子對此確知無疑。“基地”組織正在伊拉克逃竄，我們的敵人將被擊敗。

去年這個時候，我們正在向伊拉克增加兵力。今天，由于取得了上述進展，我們正在實施“功成而歸”的方針，被派到伊拉克的增援部隊開始返回家園。

這一進展歸功于我們英勇的戰(zhàn)士和他們卓越的指揮官。今晚，我要直接對前線的將士講話。陸?？杖姂?zhàn)士們、海軍陸戰(zhàn)隊員們、海岸警衛(wèi)隊員們：一年來，你們超量完成了我們交給你們的一切使命。祖國感謝你們的英勇氣概，我們?yōu)槟銈兊某删投湴痢＝裢?，在這個神圣的會議廳，我們面對美國人民向你們莊嚴保證：在未來的戰(zhàn)斗中，你們將得到保衛(wèi)國家所需的一切。我要求國會履行對這些勇士的職責，讓我們的部隊得到全部撥款。

伊拉克境內(nèi)的敵人已受到沉重打擊，但他們尚未潰敗，未來還有艱苦的搏斗。我們在今后一年中的目標是，保持和擴大2007年的戰(zhàn)果，同時向下一戰(zhàn)略階段過渡。美國軍隊正在從承擔主要作戰(zhàn)任務轉(zhuǎn)向配合伊拉克部隊的行動，最終將轉(zhuǎn)為防護性監(jiān)測。隨著過渡的開始，一個陸軍旅作戰(zhàn)部隊和一支海軍陸戰(zhàn)隊遠征隊已經(jīng)歸國，并且不再派出換防部隊。在未來幾個月內(nèi)，還將有另外四個旅和海軍陸戰(zhàn)隊的兩個營相繼撤回。這意味著即將有兩萬多部隊返回家園。

美國進一步的減兵計劃將取決于伊拉克局勢和我軍指揮官的建議。彼得雷烏斯上將警告說，過于迅速地削減兵力有可能導致“伊拉克安全部隊解體”，“基地”組織“卷土重來，暴力激增”。各位議員：時至今日，面對已經(jīng)取得的進展與戰(zhàn)果，我們絕不能讓此種情況發(fā)生。

在未來一年中，我們將與伊拉克領(lǐng)導人合作，幫助他們在實現(xiàn)政治和解方面繼續(xù)取得進展。在地方一級，遜尼派、什葉派和庫爾德人開始團結(jié)起來，收復社區(qū)，重建生活。巴格達必須取得與外省同樣的進展。我們已經(jīng)看到一些令人鼓舞的跡象：中央政府與各省分享石油收入，議會最近通過了養(yǎng)老金法律和允許前復興黨支持者在政府任職的法律，并且正在討論一部加強省政府權(quán)力的法案。伊拉克人仍然有一段很長的路要走。但是，經(jīng)歷了數(shù)十年的專制統(tǒng)治和族群沖突的痛苦之后，和解正在成為現(xiàn)實──伊拉克人民正在掌控自己的未來。

對我們的國家而言，在伊拉克承擔的使命是困難而艱巨的，但取得成功對美國的利益至關(guān)重要。一個自由的伊拉克將不會為“基地”組織提供庇護所。一個自由的伊拉克將向中東地區(qū)千百萬人民顯示自由的未來是能夠?qū)崿F(xiàn)的。一個自由的伊拉克將是美國的朋友和反恐合作伙伴，并將在世界上一個危險的地區(qū)促進穩(wěn)定。

相反，一個失敗的伊拉克將使極端分子更加狂妄，將加強伊朗的力量，并將為恐怖分子提供一個向我們的朋友、盟國和我們的國土發(fā)動新攻擊的基地。敵人的圖謀已經(jīng)昭然若揭。曾幾何時，當形勢看似對他們有利時，伊拉克“基地”組織的總指揮宣稱他們在攻擊華盛頓之前絕不罷手。同胞們：我們也不會罷手。我們在打敗這個敵人之前絕不會罷手。我們必須現(xiàn)在完成這項困難的工作，這樣，未來人們在回顧歷史時會說，那一代人臨危不懼，承擔重任，在艱苦的斗爭中取勝，為后代留下了一個更有希望的地區(qū)和更安全的美國。

我們還在“圣地”與極端主義勢力斗爭，我們有了新的理由對那里充滿希望。一位巴勒斯坦人選出的總統(tǒng)認識到，與恐怖勢力抗爭對建立一個人民享有尊嚴，與以色列和平共處的巴勒斯坦國至關(guān)重要。以色列領(lǐng)導人認識到，一個和平、民主的巴勒斯坦國將促進持久的安全。這個月我在拉馬拉和耶路撒冷向雙方領(lǐng)導人保證，美國和我本人都將盡最大努力幫助他們在今年年底前達成一項確立巴勒斯坦國的和平協(xié)議。一個民主的以色列和一個民主的巴勒斯坦在”圣地”和平共處的日子已經(jīng)到來。

在國內(nèi)，我們將繼續(xù)采取所有既合法又有效的手段來保衛(wèi)國土。這是我們最莊嚴的職責。令我們感到欣慰的是，自“9·11”以來我國沒有再遭受襲擊。這并不是因為敵人沒有這種企圖或行為。六年來，我們挫敗了無數(shù)起襲擊，其中包括企圖駕機撞毀洛杉磯最高建筑的陰謀，以及另一起妄圖在大西洋上空炸毀飛往美國客機的陰謀。我國政府恪盡職守的工作人員為制止恐怖分子實施圖謀而日夜操勞。這些優(yōu)秀公民正在保護美國人民的生命，在座各位都應當向他們表示感謝。但這還不夠，我們應給予他們保障我國人民安全所必需的工具。

我們能給予他們的最重要的工具之一是監(jiān)控恐怖主義通訊的能力。為了保護美國的安全，我們需要知道恐怖分子在和誰通話，說些什么以及有何圖謀。去年，國會通過了有助于我們采取上述行動的立法。但令人遺憾的是，國會限定這項立法于2月1日到期。這意味著如果你們不在星期五之前采取行動，我們追蹤恐怖主義威脅的能力就會被削弱，我國公民將處于更危險的境地。國會必須確保重要的情報渠道不被阻斷。國會必須通過責任保護法，以保護那些據(jù)信在保衛(wèi)美國的行動中提供了一臂之力的公司。我們已經(jīng)花費大量的時間進行辯論，現(xiàn)在是采取行動的時候了。

要保衛(wèi)國家并防范新世紀的種種威脅，單憑可靠的情報和強大的軍隊是不夠的。還必須改變滋生怨恨、讓極端分子乘機利用絕望情緒的環(huán)境。因此，美國正在利用其影響力來建設一個更加自由、更有希望、更富同情心的世界。這反映了我們的國家利益，也是我們良心的召喚。

美國反對蘇丹的種族大屠殺。我們支持從古巴到津巴布韋，從白俄羅斯到緬甸的眾多國家贏得自由。

美國正在以強有力的教育計劃和人道援助領(lǐng)導并展開戰(zhàn)勝全球貧困的斗爭。我們還通過建立“世紀挑戰(zhàn)賬戶”改變了提供援助的方式。這個項目的宗旨是在發(fā)展中國家加強民主，提高透明度并增強法治。我請你們?yōu)檫@項重要的計劃提供足夠的經(jīng)費。

美國正在領(lǐng)導戰(zhàn)勝全球饑餓的斗爭。今天，全世界一半以上的食品援助來自美國。今晚，我請國會支持一項創(chuàng)新方案，通過直接從發(fā)展中國家的農(nóng)民那里購買農(nóng)產(chǎn)品來提供食品援助，使我們能夠推動當?shù)剞r(nóng)業(yè)的發(fā)展，幫助終止連年饑荒。

美國正在領(lǐng)導戰(zhàn)勝疾病的斗爭。在各位的幫助下，我們正在做出努力，使十五個非洲國家與瘧疾相關(guān)的死亡人數(shù)下降一半。我們的“防治艾滋病緊急救援計劃”正在為140萬人提供治療服務。我們能夠治療更多的人，給他們帶去希望。因此，我請你們維護使行為方式得到改變并使這一項目獲得成功的原則。我吁請你們批準在今后五年追加撥款300億美元，將我們承諾用于防治艾滋病的首期撥款翻一番。

美國在世界上是希望的力量，因為我國人民充滿關(guān)愛之心，而那些挺身而出保衛(wèi)我們的人是最有關(guān)愛之心的。我們必須守信于那些舍生忘死，使我們能夠在自由與和平中生活的人。過去七年來，我們給退伍軍人的撥款增加了95%以上。我們在增加撥款的同時還必須改革我們的退伍軍人制度，以滿足新型戰(zhàn)爭和新一代人的需要。我吁請國會實施多爾參議員和沙拉拉部長提議實行的改革，使我們能夠改進護理我軍傷兵的制度，幫助他們建設充滿希望、憧憬和尊嚴的生活。

我國的軍人家屬也為美國做出了犧牲。當親人在遠方服役時，他們?nèi)淌芰硕嗌賯€不眠之夜，每天承擔著養(yǎng)育子女的重擔。我們有責任為他們提供幫助。因此，我請你們和我共同努力，讓他們享受到更多子女入托服務，在整個聯(lián)邦政府內(nèi)制定優(yōu)先照顧軍屬的新的人事政策，并允許軍人將他們未使用的教育福利轉(zhuǎn)讓給他們的配偶或子女。我軍家屬為國效力，他們鼓舞著我們這個國家，因此，今晚全國民眾向他們致敬。

我們的力量的秘密和美國的奇跡是：我們的偉大不在于我國政府，而在于我國人民的精神和意志。聯(lián)邦制憲會議于1787年在費城召開時，我國就承諾遵循《邦聯(lián)條例》，其開篇是“我們?nèi)w簽名代表”。當有人請莫里斯起草我國新憲法導言時，他提出進行重要的修改，首句便是改變了我國的進程和世界歷史的幾個字“我們?nèi)w人民”。

我國的建國先賢通過托信于人民而表達了一種信念，即一個偉大而崇高的國家可以建立在常存于全體人民心中的自由之上。通過托信于人民，后來的一代又一代人將我們脆弱而年輕的民主制度打造成世界上最強大的國家和千百萬人的希望燈塔。只要我們繼續(xù)托信于人民，我國就會繁榮富強，我們的自由就會得到保障，我們的國家就會保持強盛。因此，今晚，讓我們懷著對自由力量的信心和對人民的信任，為成其大業(yè)而奮斗。