For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 19, 2005

President Thanks Speaker and House Leaders for Meeting National Priorities

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I appreciate the House of Representatives for its work to meet key national priorities -- including funding the war on terror, voting to renew provisions of the Patriot Act, assisting hurricane victims, reducing our dependence on foreign sources of oil, and preparing against the threat of an avian flu pandemic. I also applaud the House for being wise with taxpayer dollars and approving a significant reduction in spending on entitlements. I thank the Speaker and the House leaders, Chairman Nussle, and the chairmen of the authorizing committees for their leadership. I urge the Senate to send these bills to my desk promptly so that I can sign them into law.

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