|
President Warns Social Security in Need of Reform
Text
| Audio:
Saying
he would work with Congress "to find the most effective combination
of reforms," President Bush called on political leaders to work
with him to save Social Security from bankruptcy during his State of
the Union address Wednesday night.
In
a wide-ranging address that included calls for medical liability reform
and a pledge to continue to work for democracy throughout the Middle
East, the president outlined a diverse second term agenda while calling
on Congress to focus on fiscal discipline to bring rising budget deficits
under control.
RealAudio: Columnists
Mark Shields and David Brooks react to the president's address and assess
the Social Security debate. (2/2/05)
Democrats
Pledge to Fight for Social Security, Homeland Defenses
Text
| Audio:
In their joint response to the president's State of the Union address,
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, Calif., and Senate Minority Leader
Harry Reid, D-Nev., called for the administration to begin the process
of ending the military occupation of Iraq and questioned the president's
plans for Social Security reform.
RealAudio: Shields
and Brooks reflect on the Democratic response and the prospects for
bipartisanship in the months ahead. (2/2/05)
Social
Security Reform Takes Center Stage
Full
Coverage: President
Bush, citing the anticipated strain on Social Security when baby boomers
start to retire in 2008, has declared Social Security reform his No.
1 domestic policy effort in his second term. But some of his proposals,
particularly the idea of personal investment accounts, have generated
controversy and may make major reform a difficult sell on Capitol Hill.
Analysis
of the Policies and Politics
RealAudio:
Shields
and Brooks preview the president's address. (6:45pm
EST 2/2/05)
RealAudio:
Three former White House insiders assess how presidents have used the
State of the Union to rally support for the domestic and international
goals of an administration. (2/1/05)
For
Teachers: A State of the Union Lesson Plan
From
Online NewsHour Extra for students, a
lesson plan explores the history and purpose of the State of the
Union. (For grades 7-12)
Past
State of the Union Addresses
President
Bush's Past Addresses
2004:
The
president defends the war in Iraq and calls for reauthorization of
the Patriot Act.
2003:
President
Bush addresses the dangers of Iraq, pledges to reform domestic programs.
2002:
President Bush outlines the "Axis of Evil" and reflects
on the Sept. 11 tragedies.
2001:
Just after his inauguration, President Bush addresses Congress.
President Clinton's Past Addresses
2000:
In an hour and a half speech, President Clinton outlines his goals
for his final year in office.
1999:
On the day the White House opened its defense in the impeachment trial
of the president, Mr. Clinton urges Congress to focus on Social Security
reform, education, health care and the environment.
1998:
In an hour and 15 minute address, President Clinton says the state
of the union is strong, but urges Congress to "save Social Security
first."
|
