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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Message to the Nation

Spanish Translation

By Kathryn R. Hoffman

When President George W. Bush walked into the Chamber of the House of Representatives last Tuesday, the room erupted into thunderous applause. A beaming Bush shook hands with senators and representatives before taking a stand at the podium.

"As we gather tonight, our nation is at war. . . . Yet the state of our union has never been stronger," the President began. During the next 48 minutes, Bush presented three "great goals" to help keep America strong: fighting terrorism, protecting the homeland and creating more jobs. Bush was interrupted 76 times by applause.

The State of the Union address gives the President a chance to speak to the American people and set out his plans for the year. The U.S. Constitution requires that the President report regularly to Congress.

Bush devoted much of his speech to America’s war on terrorism. Still, he did talk about issues at home, including education and health care. On education, the President stated his goal: "a quality teacher in every classroom." He also urged Americans to volunteer in their communities. He asked each person to commit 4,000 hours of service over a lifetime.

A Wartime Agenda
Like many Presidents before, Bush had the difficult job of addressing the nation during a time of war. "History has called America to action," he said. "It is both our responsibility and our privilege to fight freedom’s fight." Bush urged patience, saying the battle in Afghanistan is just the beginning. He singled out Iraq, Iran and North Korea as hostile nations that support terror.

The President thanked the members of the U.S. military who have been fighting in Afghanistan. He also paid tribute to Afghanistan’s temporary leader, Hamid Karzai, and its minister of women’s affairs, Dr. Sima Samar. Karzai and Samar sat with First Lady Laura Bush and other honored guests.

Money Talks
Bush used his speech to introduce a budget that includes the largest increase in defense spending in 20 years. The money would be used to replace old weapons and increase soldiers’ pay. Bush also promised more money for homeland security.

The President said he would work for financial security as well. For many Americans, these are hard times. Almost 8 million people are unemployed. Bush said executives must run their companies more responsibly—a reference to Enron, a large energy company that went bankrupt in December, causing many to lose their life savings.

Following the President’s speech, the opposing political party had a chance to respond. House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt agreed with Bush on most points, saying that Democrats and Republicans would "work together to solve the problems that face us."

Earlier in the week, the President prepared a special message for kids. "Work hard. Read. Make the right choices, and follow your dreams." That’s advice every American can follow.

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Did You Know?

George Washington gave the first annual message to Congress on January 8, 1790. His speech is the shortest in history—lasting only six minutes.

In 2000, Bill Clinton gave the longest State of the Union speech. It lasted 89 minutes.

Thomas Jefferson sent a written message to Congress in 1801. Congress did not get an oral report again until Woodrow Wilson’s speech in 1913.

In 1923, Calvin Coolidge gave the first address to be broadcast over the radio.

In 1947, Harry Truman was the first President to deliver the speech on TV.

The President’s address was known as "the annual message" until 1935, when Franklin D. Roosevelt used the phrase "state of the union."

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