For Immediate Release
January 23, 2004

Global Message

From President Bush's remarks, Roswell, N.M., 1/22/04

Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11th, 2001 -- but the dangers to our country have not passed. Terrorist enemies still plot against America and the civilized world. But by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated.

We must continue protecting our ports and borders, safeguarding our infrastructure and, in general, preparing for the worst.

The budget President Bush will submit to Congress next month includes more than $30 billion for homeland security. This is nearly three times the amount we were spending at the time of the attacks.

The Patriot Act is another tool in defending America. The Patriot Act gives federal authorities the means to track terrorists, disrupt their cells and seize their assets. It also enables intelligence officials and law enforcement to better share the information needed to stop terrorist attacks before they happen.

We are tracking al-Qaida around the world -- and nearly two-thirds of their known leaders have been captured or killed. One by one, we will bring the terrorists to justice.

We are confronting the regimes that harbor and support terrorists, and could supply them with weapons of mass destruction. The United States and our allies refuse to live in the shadow of this ultimate danger.

America is proud to have good allies at our side. In Iraq today, 34 nations have joined us, while 37 nations and NATO are contributing to our efforts in Afghanistan.