Preview: State of the Union

Jan. 23, 2007— -- The following is a White House release that previews remarks President Bush will deliver in his State of the Union address tonight.

The American people expect their elected leaders from both parties to work together on the important issues facing the Nation. Tonight, the President will lay out an ambitious agenda, driven by bold and innovative concepts.  He will discuss the importance of forging common ground with the new Congress and explain that to keep America safe, we must prevail in the war on terror.

"Some in this chamber are new to the House and Senate -- and I congratulate the Democratic majority. Congress has changed, but our responsibilities have not…We are not the first to come here with government divided and uncertainty in the air. Like many before us, we can work through our differences, and achieve big things for the American people."

"Our citizens don't much care which side of the aisle we sit on -- as long as we are willing to cross that aisle when there is work to be done. Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity -- and this is the business before us tonight."

On our growing economy:

"A future of hope and opportunity begins with a growing economy -- and that is what we have…Unemployment is low, inflation is low, and wages are rising. This economy is on the move -- and our job is to keep it that way, not with more government but with more enterprise."

On the importance of strengthening and re-authorizing No Child Left Behind this year:

"Five years ago, we rose above partisan differences to pass the No Child Left Behind Act…And because we acted, students are performing better in reading and math, and minority students are closing the achievement gap."

"Now the task is to build on this success, without watering down standards…without taking control from local communities…and without backsliding and calling it reform…And we can make sure our children are prepared for the jobs of the future, and our country is more competitive, by strengthening math and science skills." 

On the President's new health care initiatives:

"[I]n all we do, we must remember that the best health care decisions are made not by government and insurance companies, but by patients and their doctors."