To watch American History tv every saturday, or anytime online at cspan. Org slash history. A healthy democracy doesnt just look like this. It looks like this. Where americans can see democracy at work, and citizens are truly informed. A republic thrives. Get informed, straight from the source. On cspan, unfiltered, unbiased, word for word. From the Nations Capital to wherever you are. It is the opinion that matters the most, is your own. This is what democracy looks like. Cspan, powered by cable. Thanks for joining us for cspans American History series. Speeches that defined the presidency. Tonight, our focus is on two president s. George h. W. Bush and bill clinton. In 1991, 12 days after leaving forces against iraq, george bush went before congress to talk about the hard work of freedom. In 1995 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] [applause] [applause] [applause] members of the congress, i have the high privilege and the distinct honor of presenting to you the president of the United States. [applause] [applause] thank you very much. Thank you. [applause] mister president , 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 as we stand at a defining our. Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great struggle in the skies and on the seas and send. We know why were there. We are americans. Part of something larger than ourselves. For two centuries, weve done the hard work of freedom. Tonight, we lead the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity. What is at stake is more than one small country. It is a big idea. A new world order. Where 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 the 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 that community of nations holds dear. The world has said, this aggression would not stand, and it will not stand. [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 a 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 as 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, whole and free. Tonight, germany is united. Europe has become whole and free. Americas leadership was instrumental in making it possible. [applause] our relationship to the soviet union is important. Not only to us, but to the world. That relationship has helped to shape these and other historic changes. Like many other nations, we have been deeply concerned by the violence in the baltics. We have communicated that concern to the soviet leadership. The principle that has guided us is simple. Our objective is to help the baltic peoples achieve their aspirations, not to punish the soviet union. [applause] in our recent discussions with the soviet leadership, we have been given representation, which it fulfilled, would result in a with the withdrawal of some soviet sources, a reopening of dialogue with the republics, and a 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 a lasting basis for u. S. Soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future, for all mankind. The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe and latin america and the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere, all around the world, all confirm the wisdom of our nations founders. Tonight, we work to achieve another victory. A victory over journey and savage aggression. We in this union entered the last decade of the 20th century thankful for our blessing. 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 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. Today, in a rapidly changing world, American Leadership is indispensable. Americans know that leadership brings burdens and sacrifice. We also know why the hopes of humanity turned to us. We are americans. We have a unique responsibility to do the hard work of freedom. When we do, freedomworks. [applause] with conviction and courage we see in the persian gulf today is simply the american character in action. The indomitable spirit that 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 home. We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly confront the evil, for the sake of the good for land so far away, 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, the American People, with an appeal for renewal. This is not merely a call for new government initiatives. It is the 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 aids patient. To help one hungry child. We have, within our reach, the promise of a renewed america. We can find meaning and reward, by serving some higher purpose than ourselves. A shining purpose. The illumination of 1000 points of light. It is expressed by all who know the Irresistible Force of a childs hand. Of a friend who stands by you and stays there. A volunteers generous gesture. An idea that is simply right. The problems before us may be different. The key to solving them remains the same. It is the individual, the individual who steps forward, and the state of our union is the union of each of us, one to the other, the sum of our friendships, marriages, families and communities. We all have something to give. If you know how to read, find someone who cant. If youve got a hammer, find a nail. If youre not hungry, not lonely, not in trouble, seek out 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, the people, have been the source of our strength. Government can do alone is limited, the potential of the American People knows no limits. We are a nation of rock solid realism. And cleareyed idealism. We are americans. We are the nation that believes in the future. We are the nation that can shape the future. Weve begun to do just that. By strengthening the power and choice of individuals and families. Together, these last two years, weve put dollars for childcare directly in the hands of parents, instead of bureaucracies. [applause] unshackled the potential of americans with disabilities. [applause] applied the creativity in 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. And everything we do, let us on the potential of our most precious resource. Our citizens, our citizens themselves. We must return to families, communities, counties, cities, states and institutions of every kind, the power to chart their own destiny, and the freedom and opportunity provided by strong economic growth. Thats what america is all about. [applause] i know tonight, in some region of our country, people are in genuine economic distrust. I hear the. Earlier this month, Kathy Blackwell of massachusetts, wrote me about what can happen when the economy slows down. Saying, my heart is aching. I think that you should know your people out here are hurting badly. I understand, and im not unrealistic about the future. 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 inventories piled up. Third, our exports are running solid and strong. In fact, american businesses are exporting 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 in half. Yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion history has been temporarily interrupted but our economy is still over twice as large as our closest competitor. We will get the recession behind us. We will return to growth soon. We will get our way into a new record of expansion and achieved competitive strength that will carry us into the next American Century. We should focus our efforts today getting power and opportunity to the individual. [applause] we begin with control of federal [applause] im doing a budget that holds the rate of spending less than the rate of inflation. That is why thats why all of the sound and fury of last years budget debate, we put into law new enforceable spending caps so that the future spending debates will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war. Other controversial, the budget agreement put the federal government on a pay as you go plane and cut the growth of debt by nearly 500 billion dollars. That frees of funds for saving and job creating investment. Now its more. My budget again includes tax free Family Savings accounts, penalty free withdrawals from i. R. A. S for first time home buyers, [applause] and to increase jobs and growth, a reduced tax for a long term capital again. I know that there are differences among us about the impact, the effects of a Capital Gains incentive. Tonight, im asking the congressional leaders, and the Federal Reserve to cooperate with us in a study led by chairman Alan Greenspan to sort out our technical differences so that we can avoid the return to unproductive partisan victory. Suggesting is the efforts 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. That is exactly what we will be sending to the congress. We have prepared and detailed the series of proposals they include a budget that promotes investment in americas future, children, education, infrastructure, space, high technology. Legislation to achieve excellence in education. Building on the partnership, forced with the governors at the education summit, theyre teasing their childrens schools and helping to make america number one in math and science. 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 investments, and a permanent tax credit to strengthen the are indeed, and to create jobs. Comprehensive meant National Energy strategy that calls for a Energy Conservation and efficiency, increased developments, and greater use of alternative fuel. [applause] a banking reform plan to bring americas Financial System into the 21st century so that our banks remain safe and secure, and continue, and we can continue to make of creating loans for our factories, our businesses, and for home buyers. I do think that there is been too much pessimism, sound banks should be making sound loans now, and Interest Rates should be lower now. [applause] in addition to these proposals, we recognize that our economic strength depends on being competitive in world markets. We have to continue to expand american exports. A successful uruguay the world trade negotiations will create more real jobs, more real growth for all nations. You and i know that if the Playing Field is level, americas workers and farmers can outwork, out produce anyone, anytime, anywhere. And with a mexican free trade agreement, the enterprise for the americas initiative, we can help our partners strengthen their economy and move towards the free trade zone throughout this entire hemisphere. The budget also includes the plan of action at home to put more power and opportunity in the hands of the individual. That means new incentives to create jobs in our intercity. Encouraging investment from enterprise sounds. It almost meets tenant control, ownership, public housing. Its the birthright of every American Civil Rights are also crucial to protect and equal opportunity. Every one of this has a responsibility to speak out against racism, bigotry, and hate. [applause] we will continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statutes, and once again i will 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, the fear that stocks our city. The attorney general will soon convene a crime summit of the nations Law Enforcement officials. To help us support, them we need tough crime control legislation, and we need it now. As we fight crime, we will fully implement our National Strategy for combatting drug abuse. Recent data shows that we are making progress. Much remains to be done. We wont rest into the day of the dealer is over forever. Good health care is every american is right, and every americans responsibility. We are proposing and Aggressive Program of new prevention initiatives, for instance for children, adults, and for the elderly to promote a healthier america, and to help keep costs from spiralling. It is time to give people more choice in government. A reviving the idea of the citizen politician who comes not to stay, but to serve. One of the reasons that there is so much support across this country for term limitations, the American People are increasingly concerned about the big money influence in politics. We must look beyond the next election, to the next generation, and the time has come to put the National Interest above the totally eliminating Political Action committee. That will truly put more competition in elections, more power into the hands of the individual. Where power cant be put directly into 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 this they are of washington by washington, and for washington. What is established, federal programs seem 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 [applause] [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 min