National Issues

President and Mrs. George W. Bush reported taxable income of $719, 274 for the tax year 2007. This resulted in a total of $221,635 in federal income taxes paid by President and Mrs. Bush.

Vice President and Mrs. Cheney filed their federal income tax return for 2007 today.

Kameran L. Onley, Robert Kelly, John Willard Johnson, James L. Oblinger, Dina Habib Powell, Donald Edward Vermeil, Mary Beth Long, Norman R. Bobins, Joseph M. Brodecki, Michael David Epstein, Donald Etra, David M. Flaum, Andrew Hochberg, Ezra Katz, Howard Konar, Douglas R. Korn, Hadassah F. Lieberman, Pierre-Richard Prosper

Speaker Pelosi has also made clear the she is using this agreement as a political power play, saying "if you're in a conversation with someone and they have all the cards, you're not likely to have a winning hand,' Pelosi told reporters afterward. 'Now the leverage is with us.'" ("House Gives Leaders Power To Stop Fast-Track Clock," The Politico, 4/10/08)

The President and Mrs. Bush will welcome His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to our Nation’s Capital on April 15-18, 2008. This is the first visit of His Holiness to the United States since he became Pope. Pope Benedict XVI is only the second Pontiff to visit The White House. His Holiness Pope John Paul II was welcomed to The White House by President Jimmy Carter on October 6, 1979.

Today's unprecedented and unfortunate action by the House of Representatives - led by Speaker Pelosi - to change the rules governing legislation to implement our trade agreement with Colombia is damaging to our economy, our national security, and our relations with an important ally. It also undermines the trust required for any Administration to negotiate trade agreements in the future.

President Bush on Thursday said, "I want to say a word to our troops and civilians in Iraq. You've performed with incredible skill under demanding circumstances. The turnaround you have made possible in Iraq is a brilliant achievement in American history. And while this war is difficult, it is not endless. And we expect that, as conditions on the ground continue to improve, they will permit us to continue the policy of return on success. The day will come when Iraq is a capable partner of the United States. The day will come when Iraq is a stable democracy that helps fight our common enemies and promote our common interests in the Middle East. And when that day arrives, you'll come home with pride in your success, and the gratitude of your whole nation."

On Pan American Day and during Pan American Week, we underscore the importance of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Western Hemisphere where our common values continue to strengthen friendships, advance freedom, and encourage fair trade.

Today, President Bush announced that - after detailed discussions with the Secretaries of State and Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff - he is accepting General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker's recommendations on the way ahead in Iraq. General Petraeus reported that security conditions have improved enough to withdraw all five surge brigades by the end of July. This is a 25 percent decrease of U.S. combat brigades in Iraq from the year before. General Petraeus has explained that he then will need time to consolidate his forces and assess the reduced U.S. presence on the ground before making measured recommendations on further reductions.

By the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 1006(e) of the America COMPETES Act (Public Law 110-69) (the "Act"), I hereby designate the Committee on Technology of the National Science and Technology Council to carry out the responsibilities assigned to the Council on Innovation and Competitiveness in section 1006 of the Act.

Pursuant to the authority and conditions contained in section 634(d) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Div. J, Public Law 110 161), I hereby determine and certify that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive the provisions of section 1003 of the Anti Terrorism Act of 1987, Public Law 100 204.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "We spent a lot of time talking about the neighborhood. But before I get to a couple of countries in the neighborhood, I do want to say, one, how much I appreciate your firm stance against extremists and radicals who use the tactics of murder and intimidation to advance their ideologies. Singapore is a very strong ally in the war against the extremists."

President George W. Bush today announced that he has named one individual to serve in his Administration: William B. Wichterman.

The United States is concerned by reports that Egypt's April 8 local council elections were characterized by widespread electoral violations. We have been troubled by the reports of harassment, detainment, and arrests of opposition candidates and campaign workers in the lead up to the elections, as well as the allegations that large numbers of opposition candidates were prevented from registering.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "I'm about to sign a piece of legislation that will help give prisoners across America a second chance for a better life. This bill is going to support the caring men and women who help America's prisoners find renewal and hope."

MRS. BUSH: We are replacing the Scarlet Oak that fell earlier -- actually, I think it was before Christmas, that was planted by Benjamin Harrison, I think in 1898, I believe, is when it was planted. And so now we're replacing it. And we've invited descendants of Benjamin Harrison to come help us plant it. So we see all the family members over here, and three -- two great-great-grandsons, and one great-grandson of Benjamin Harrison who are here with us.

For Over A Year, The President And His Administration Have Reached Out To The House And Senate Leadership To Build A Bipartisan Path For Consideration Of The Agreement:

For 25 years, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) has given school children across America an opportunity to gain the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence. On National D.A.R.E Day, we recognize those individuals who teach America's children how to resist peer pressure and live productive, drug-free, and violence-free lives.

America is blessed to have brave men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe. The members of the United States Armed Forces have proudly held fast against determined and ruthless enemies, protected our citizens from harm, and freed millions from oppression. On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we pay tribute to the courageous and selfless individuals who were taken captive while serving the cause of peace and securing liberty across the globe.

President Bush on Tuesday said, "The Medal of Honor is America's highest decoration for military valor. Over the years, many who have received the medal have given their lives in the action that earned it. The name of Petty Officer Michael Anthony Monsoor will now be among them. In September 2006, Michael laid down his life for his brothers in arms. Today, we remember the life of this faithful Navy SEAL. And on behalf of a grateful nation, we will present Michael Monsoor's family with the Medal of Honor that he earned."