Us for thanks for joining us for cspans American History series, speeches that defined of president. Tonight, our focus is on to president , george h. W. Bush and bill clinton. In 1 won 12 days after leading forces against george bush went before congress to talk about the hard work of freedom. And 1985 at the university of texas in austin, bill clinton talked about Race Relations and the opportunity to improve them. Heres president bush and president clinton. [applause] members of the congress, i have a high privilege and distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [applause] thank you very much sir. Thank you, [applause] mister president and mister speaker and members of the United States congress, i come to this house of the people to speak to you and all americans. Certain that we stand at a defining hour. Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great struggle in the skies and on the seas and sand. We know i wear their, we are americans. Part of something larger than ourselves. So for two centuries, weve done the hard work of freedom and tonight we lead the world in facing down the threat to decency and humanity. What is at stake is more than one small country. It is a big idea, the new world order, or diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of mankind. Peace and security, freedom and the rule of law. Such is a world worthy of our struggle and worthy of our childrens future. [applause] the community of nations has resolutely gathered to condemn and repel lawless aggression. Saddam husseins unprovoked invasion is ruthless, systematic of a peaceful neighbor, violated everything the community of nations hold dear. The world has said, this aggression would not stand. And it will not stand. Together [applause] together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement, cynicism and isolation that gives temptation to tyrants. The world has answered saddams invasion with 12 United Nations resolutions. Starting with the demand for iraqs immediate and unconditional withdrawal and backed up by forces from 28 countries of six continents. With few exceptions, the world now stands at one. The end of the cold war has been a victory for all humanity. A year and a half ago, in germany, i said that our goal was a europe full and free. Tonight, germany is united, europe has become a whole and free. And americas leadership was instrumental in making it possible. [applause] a relationship to the soviet union is important. Not only to us but to the world. That relationship has helped to shape these another historic changes. But like many other nations, we have been deeply concerned by the violence in the baltics and we have communicated that concern to the soviet leadership. The principle that has guided i guess is simple. Our objective is to help the baltic peoples achieved their aspirations, and not to punish the soviet union. [applause] in a recent discussions with the soviet leadership, we have been given representations which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal of some soviet forces, a reopening of dialogue with the republics and move away from violence. We will watch carefully as the situation develops and we will maintain our contact with the soviet leadership to encourage continued commitment to democratization and reform. [applause] if it is possible, i want to continue to build a lasting basis for u. S. And soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind. The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe in latin america into the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere, all around the world, so ill confirm the wisdom of our nations founders. Tonight, we work to achieve another victory. A victory over tyranny and savage aggression. We in this union enter the last decade of the 20th century thankful for our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware of our difficulties and responsive to our duties at home and around the world. For two centuries, america has served in the world as an inspiring example of freedom and democracy. For generations, america has led the struggle to preserve and extend the blessings of liberty. In today, in a rapidly changing world, American Leadership is indispensable. Americans know that leadership brings burdens and sacrifices but we also know why the hopes of humanity turn to us. We are americans. We have a unique responsibility to do the hard work of freedom. And when we do, freedomworks. [applause] the conviction encourage we see in the persian gulf today is simply the american character in action. So the indomitable spirit it. It is contributing to this victory for world peace and justice, its the same spirit that gives us the power and the potential to meet our toughest challenges at homes. We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly confront the evil for the sake of good in a land so far away, then surely we can make this land all that it should be. If anyone tells you that americas best days are behind her, theyre looking the wrong way. [applause] tonight, i come before this house and the American People with an appeal for renewal. This is not merely a call for a new government initiative, its a call for new initiatives in government. In our communities and from every american, to prepare for the next american century. America has always lead by example. So who among us will set the example . Which of our citizens will lead us in this next american century. Everyone who steps forward today to get one addict off drugs, to convince one troubled teenager not to give up on life, to comfort one aid patient, to help one hungry child. We have within our reach the promise of a renewed america. We can find meaning in rewarded by serving some higher purpose than ourselves. A shining purpose, the elimination of 1000 points of light. It is expressed by all who know the Irresistible Force of a childs hand. Have a friend who stands by and stays there. Volunteers generous gesture. And idea that is simply right. The problems before us may be different but the key to solving them remains the same. It is the individual who steps forward and the state of our union is the union of each of us. I went to the other, the sum of our friendships, marriages, families and communities. We all have Something Big this. So, you know how to read, find someone who can. Get a, hammer find a nail, if youre not hungry, not lowly, not in trouble, you get someone who is. Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of freedom. That will define the state of our union. [applause] since the birth of our nation, we have the people it has been a source of our strength. What government could do alone is limited, but the potential of the American People knows no limits. Were a nation of rock solid realism and idealism. We are americans, where the nation that believes in the future. We are the nation that can shape the future and we have begun to do just that by strengthening the power and the choice of individuals and families. Together, these last two years, we put dollars for childcare directly in the hands of parents instead of bureaucracies. [applause] unshackled, the potential of americans with disability. [applause] applied the creativity to the marketplace in the service of the environment for clean air and made homeownership possible for more americans. [applause] the strength of a democracy is not in bureaucracy. It is in the people and their communities, in everything that we do. Let us unleash the potential of our most precious resource. Our citizens, our citizens themselves. We must return to, family community, counties, cities, states and institutions of every kind. The power to chart their own destiny and the freedom an opportunity provided by strong Economic Growth. Thats what america is all about. [applause] i know tonight, in some regions of our country, people are in genuine economic distress and i hear them. Earlier this month, Kathy Blackwell of massachusetts wrote me about what can happen when the economy slows down, saying, my heart is aching and i think that you should know, your people out here are hurting badly. I understand and im not unrealistic about the future. But there are reasons to be optimistic about our economy. First, we dont have to fight double digit inflation. Second, most industries wont have to make big cuts in production because they dont have big inventory piled up. And a third, our experts are running solid and a strong. In fact, american businesses are exploiting at a record rate. So, lets put these times in perspective. Together, since 1981, weve created almost 20 million jobs, cut inflation in half and cut Interest Rates and a half. And yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion in history has been temporarily interrupted. But our economy is still over twice as large as our closest competitor. We will get this recession behind, s and return to growth soon. [applause] we will get on our way to a new record of expansion and achieve the competitive strength that will carry us into the next american century. We should focus our efforts today on encouraging Economic Growth. Investing in the future and getting power and opportunity to the individuals. We must [applause] we must begin with control of federal spending. Thats why [applause] thats why im submitting a budget that holds the growth and spending to less than the rate of inflation. Thats why, amid all the sound and fury of last years budget debate, we put in the law knew in forcible spending caps so that future spending debates will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war. [applause] and though controversial, the budget agreement finally put the federal government on a pay as you go plan and cut the growth of debt by nearly 500 billion dollars. That frees funds for saving and job creating investment. Now, lets do more. My budget again includes tax free Family Savings account, penalty free withdrawals from i. R. A. S for first time home buyers [applause] and to increase jobs and growth, a reduced tax foot long term Capital Gains. [applause] i know there are differences among us about the impact and effect of the Capital Gains incentive. So, tonight, im asking the congressional leaders in the Federal Reserve to cooperate with us in a study led by chairman Alan Greenspan to sort of a technical differences, so that we can avoid a return to unproductive partisan bickering. Just as our efforts will bring Economic Growth now, and in the future they must also be matched by long Term Investments for the next american century. That requires a forwardlooking plan of action. Thats exactly what we will be sending to the congress. For us investments in americas future, children, education, infrastructure, space and high technology. Legislation to achieve excellence in education. Building on the partnerships forged with the 50 government is at that education summit. Enabling parents to choose their children schools and now bank make america number one in math and science. [applause] a blueprint for a new national highway system, a critical investment in our transportation infrastructure. [applause] a research and Development Agenda that includes record levels of federal investment and a permanent tax credit to strengthen private r and d and to create jobs. [applause] comprehensive National Energy strategy that calls for Energy Conservation and efficiency, increased development and greater use of alternative fuels. A banking reform plan to bring americas Financial System to the 21st century, so that our banks remain safe and secure and continue, can continue, to make good job creating loans for our factories, businesses and home buyers. You know, i do think that there has been too much pessimism. Sound banks should be making sound loans now and Interest Rates should be lower now. In addition to these proposals, we must recognize that our economic strength depend on being competitive in world markets. We must continue to expand american exports. A successful uruguay round of world trade negotiations will create more real jobs and more real growth for all nations. He and i know that, if the Playing Field is level, the americas workers and farmers can outwork, out produce anyone, anytime, anywhere. And with a mexican free trade agreement, and our enterprise for the americas initiative, we can help our partners strengthen their economy and move toward a free trade zone throughout this entire hemisphere. [applause] the budget also includes a plan of action right here at home to put more power and opportunity in the hands of the individual. That means new incentives to create jobs in our inner cities, by encouraging investment through enterprise zones. It also means tenant control and ownership of public housing. Freedom and the power to choose should not be the privilege of wealth. They are the birthright of every american. Civil rights are also crucial to protecting equal opportunity. [applause] every one of us has a responsibility to speak out against racism, bigotry and hate. [applause] we will continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statute and i will once again press the congress to strengthen the laws against employment discrimination, without resorting to the use of unfair preferences. [applause] we are determined to protect another fundamental civil right, freedom from crime and the fear that stocks are cities. The attorney general will soon convene a crime summit of our nations Law Enforcement officials. Help us support them, we need tough crime control legislation, and we need it now. [applause] and as we fight crime, we will fully implement our National Strategy for combatting drug abuse. Recent data shows that we are making progress. But much remains to be done. We will not rest until the day of the dealer is over forever. [applause] Good Health Care is every americans right at every americans responsibility. And so, we are proposing an Aggressive Program of new prevention initiatives for infant, for children, for adults and for the elderly, to promote a healthier america and help keep costs from spiralling. [applause] its time to give people more choice and government, by reviving the ideal of the citizen politician who comes not to stay but to serve. And one of the reasons that there is so much support across this country for term limitations is that the American People are increasingly concerned about big money influence in politics. So, we must like beyond the next election to the next generation and the time has come to put the National Interests above the special interests, to totally eliminate political actions committees. [applause] that would truly put more competition in elections and more power in the hands of individuals. And where power cannot be put directly in the hands of the individual, it should be moved closer to the people, away from washington. The federal government too often treats Government Programs as if they are of washington, washington and for washington. Once established, federal program seemed to become immortal. Its time for a more Dynamic Program life cycle. Some programs should increase. Some should decrease. Some should be terminated and some should be consolidated and turned over to the state. [applause] my budget includes a list of programs for potential turnover, totaling more than 20 billion dollars. Working with congress and the governors, i propose we select at least 15 billion dollars in such programs and turn them over to the states in a single, consolidated grant, fully funded for flexible management by the state. [applause] the value of this turnover approach is straightforward. It lands the federal government to reduce overhead, it allows states manage more flexibly and more efficiently. The most power and decisionmaking closer to the people and it reinforces the theme of this administration, appreciation and encouragement of the innovative powers of states as laboratories. This nation was founded by leaders who understood what that power belongs in the hands of people. They plan for the future and southwest must we, here and all around the world. As americans, we know there are times when we must step forward. And accept our responsibility to lead the world away from the dark chaos of dictators, toward the brighter promise of a better day. Almost 50 years ago, we began a long struggle against aggressive totalitarianism. Now, we face another defining our for america and for the world. There is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard work of freedom then every soldier and sailor, every marine, airmen and coast guard desmond, every minute woman now serving in the persian gulf. [applause] what a fitting tribute to them. To think over the wonderful fitting tribute to. Them each of them is volunteered. Providing for this nations defense. They bravely struggle to earn for america and for future generations a just and lasting peace. Our commitment to them must be equal to their commitments to their country. They are truly americas finest. They were in the gulf is not a war we wanted and worked hard to avoid war. For more than five months we along with the arab league and the European Community and the United Nations tried every diplomatic avenue and you and secretary general president s gorbachev and owes all and lou barak invented the and king fight and hassan and prime ministers and majors and tragic, just to name a few. All worked for a solution. Time and again, Saddam Hussein lastly rejected the path of diplomacy and peace. The world well knows how this conflict began and when. An august 2nd, when sudan invaded and sacked a small, defenseless neighbor. And i am certain of how