State of the Union AddressesBush, George W. (George Walker)
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State of the Union Addresses
Bush, George W. (George Walker)
Presidents -- United States -- Messages; United States -- Politics and government -- Sources
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 and crops and services all over the world. So we're working to
break down barriers to trade and investment wherever we can. We're
working for a successful Doha Round of trade talks, and we must
complete a good agreement this year. At the same time, we're pursuing
opportunities to open up new markets by passing free trade agreements.
I thank the Congress for approving a good agreement with Peru. And now
I ask you to approve agreements with Colombia and Panama and South
Korea. (Applause.) 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. They will support
good jobs for the finest workers in the world: those whose products say
"Made in the USA." (Applause.)
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. (Applause.)
Trade brings better jobs and better choices and better prices. Yet for
some Americans, trade can mean losing a job, and the federal government
has a responsibility to help. (Applause.) I ask Congress to reauthorize
and reform trade adjustment assistance, so we can help these displaced
workers learn new skills and find new jobs. (Applause.)
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. (Applause.) 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. (Applause.) Let
us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear
power. (Applause.) Let us continue investing in advanced battery
technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the
future. (Applause.) 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. (Applause.)
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