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News

Bush to focus on Iraq, Social Security

Domestic issues will likely emerge in State of the Union

By Adriana Barillas-Batarse
The Daily Cougar

President George W. Bush is expected to lay the groundwork for his domestic and foreign agenda today in his first State of the Union address after his re-election, capitalizing on the recent election in Iraq while dealing with low second-term approval ratings.

The president is expected to pitch his Social Security reform proposal, immigration reform and other topics during his speech.

Bush gave a preview of the speech Friday to Republicans. "I will remind the country we're still at war. I want to thank the Congress for providing the necessary support for our troops who are in harm's way," he said.

In his second inaugural speech Jan. 20, Bush recommitted the United States to the war on terror. By focusing on messages of freedom and spreading democracy throughout the world, he is expected to continue that theme today.

Bush has pledged that the U.S. military will continue training Iraqi forces so they can take responsibility for securing the country.

"He will surely stress the progress that is being made in Iraq, with emphasis on the just-held election," Peter Roussel, a UH political scientist, said. "He will undoubtedly talk of the continuing effort to win the war on terrorism and assure safety for our homeland."

The president has also proposed an increase in the benefits for families of troops in combat zones to nearly eight times the current amount. He also announced the restructuring of forces overseas to make them more effective.

"My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people from further attacks and emerging threats," he said in his second inaugural speech.

Bush is also likely to use tonight's address to go farther than terrorism and the war. On the domestic front, one of his goals is to change Social Security by introducing private accounts into the retirement system.

Congress and the country will also be called on to reform immigration by strengthening the requirements for visa applications and establishing a passport security program. The president also has a health plan that includes tax-free saving accounts for medical expenses.

In education, the centerpiece is the No Child Left Behind Act, which expands student testing and sets rigid standards for achievement.

Bush has also set a goal to cut the federal deficit in half by 2009.

In tonight's speech, Bush will undoubtedly make his case regarding several key issues like reforming Social Security, curbing recession, tort reform and judicial appointments, Roussel said.

Though Democrats are expected to give the customary response to the State of the Union after the speech, they have already reacted to what they expect the president to cover.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called on the administration to outline an exit strategy for Iraq. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the House minority leader, vowed lasting opposition to Social Security benefit cuts.

"The president needs to spell out a real and understandable plan for the unfinished work ahead," Reid said.

Opposition might also come from Republicans worried that the president's proposal could affect them in the 2006 midterm election. Bush, however, is calling for bipartisanship.

The State of the Union has been given since 1790 as prescribed in the U.S. Constitution. The speech is meant to give Congress a report on the condition of the country and an indication of what the president plans to do in the next few years. 

"Presidents hope audiences will be inspired by and remember the messages delivered in their State of the Union addresses," Roussel said.

But the speeches can become long and loaded with references to a wide variety of issues.

"I think President Bush will seek to keep this speech more focused on the key foreign and domestic issues without overloading the speech with excessive rhetoric," Roussel said.

The address will begin at 8 p.m.
 

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