Our top focus - protecting our Nation - must go beyond homeland preparedness; America will only be secure if we deal with threats before they happen, not just after they happen.

It is our duty and our privilege to keep America moving forward.

Sound science must be a basis to governing our trade relations around the globe.

America is moving forward and gaining strength. We have been tested, and we have proven ourselves to be a tough, resilient and resourceful nation.

Just two weeks ago, millions of Iraqis defied the threats of terrorists and went to the polls to determine their own future. I congratulate the Iraqi people for the courage they've shown in making these elections so successful.

America enjoys the best health care in the world, but the best is no good if folks can't afford it, access it and doctor's can't provide it.