National Issues

President Bush on Friday said, "First of all, I want to congratulate the government, yourself, for hosting a very successful NATO summit. It's not easy to host as many automobiles, body guards, world leaders, hanger-oners as you did. And yet you did it, and you organized well. Everybody who came to the summit was most impressed. I really do want to thank you. And I want to thank the people of Bucharest for their patience. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I do think it was a good sign, it was important for your country to be the host of this important event. And it was a very successful summit."

Forty years ago today, America was robbed of one of history's most consequential advocates for equality and civil rights. On this day, we mourn the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and we celebrate his powerful and eloquent message of justice and hope.

Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released new jobs figures for March. Although the unemployment rate rose to 5.1 percent, it remains below the averages for the past three decades. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 80,000 jobs. While these numbers are disappointing, they are not entirely unexpected. We have been anticipating that the early part of 2008 will be the weakest part of the year. Disruptions in the housing and financial markets have had an impact on the broader economy, and it will take time to work through these challenges. The President believes the government can respect the principles of the free market while also taking sensible, focused action to help Americans deal with these challenges.

President George W. Bush today announced that he has named three individuals to serve in his Administration: Patrick S. Aylward, Amy L. Farrell, and John S. Roberts.

Today, the New York Times criticized President Bush for failing to generate headlines for his visit to Novadebt counseling center in Freehold, N.J. to meet with mortgage counselors and discuss the housing market, asserting "the papers were awash with the news that Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania had endorsed Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for president." The "newspaper of record" further claims "Mr. Bush has sometimes seemed invisible during the housing and credit crunch." (Sheryl Gay Stolberg, "In Economic Drama, Bush Is Largely Offstage," The New York Times, 4/3/08)

President Bush on Thursday said, "Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has welcomed 10 liberated nations to its ranks. These countries have brought new ideas, new enthusiasm and new vigor. NATO's embrace of these new members has made Europe stronger, safer and freer. These countries have made our Alliance more relevant to the dangers we confront in the new century."

Nominations sent to the Senate: Brandon Chad Bungard, William J. Burns, Elaine C. Duke, John P. Hewko, Richard E. Hoagland, Janice L. Jacobs, Jeffrey F. Kupfer, Alexa E. Posny, and, Marie L. Yovanovitch.

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate two individuals to serve in his Administration: Bartholomew H. Chilton and Scott O'Malia.

Today the House of Representatives approved the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act. This strong bipartisan vote advances the reauthorization of the life-saving work of the PEPFAR program.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "I appreciate very much our discussions we had on NATO enlargement. Romania and the United States agree that our Alliance must continue to be open to new members that share our values and to make tough choices to reform, and countries that are willing to address our security needs jointly."

President Bush on Wednesday said, "Mr. Secretary, thank you for your time. Thank you for organizing the Bucharest summit. I appreciate your service very much to the cause of real peace, and I want to thank you for your briefing. I'm, like you, optimistic that this is going to be a very successful summit."

President Bush calls on Congress to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and pass H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde U.S. Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act. In 2003, President Bush launched the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), committing $15 billion over five years to combat global HIV/AIDS - the largest international health initiative in history to fight a single disease. In 2007, the President requested that Congress double our original funding commitment for this successful program to $30 billion over five years.

President Bush today announced his intention to nominate four individuals and designate one individual to serve in his Administration: Elaine C. Duke, Brandon Chad Bungard, John P. Hewko, Janice L. Jacobs, and Patrick W. Dunne.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "Building a strong NATO Alliance also requires a strong European defense capacity. So at this summit, I will encourage our European partners to increase their defense investments to support both NATO and EU operations. America believes if Europeans invest in their own defense, they will also be stronger and more capable when we deploy together. I have confidence that NATO is ready for the challenges of the 21st century because I have confidence in the courage of allies like Romania. The Romanian people have seen evil in their midst -- and they've seen evil defeated. They value freedom because they've lived without it. And this hard experience has inspired them to fight and sacrifice for the liberty of others."

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate two individuals to serve in his Administration: Richard E. Hoagland and Jeffrey F. Kupfer.

President Bush on Tuesday said, “Mr. President, our two nations share a common vision for the future. We seek to advance a cause of freedom, and help all peoples of Europe live together in security and peace. With great confidence in that future, I offer a toast to you, to your gracious wife, and to a free and sovereign people of Ukraine.”

President Bush on Tuesday said, "So we're very excited for you, and we're excited about your future. And we wish you all the very best. Thank you for your gracious hospitality. Thank you for letting us come by your beautiful school. And may God bless you, and wish you all the very best."

President George W. Bush today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to attend a ceremony commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in Warsaw, Poland on April 15, 2008.

Every human life has matchless value, and during National Donate Life Month, we reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness about the importance of organ donation. We also express our appreciation to those who have donated organs, tissue, and marrow.

During Cancer Control Month, we honor cancer victims and survivors, raise awareness of the impact cancer has on our citizens, and underscore our commitment to battling this deadly disease.