WASHINGTON -- Summarizing his first six months in under six minutes, President Bush declared on Friday an end to Washington's "deadlock and drift" and promised to return from his month-long August vacation with new policy ideas.
"Our nation has needs that will not wait," Bush said in a 5 1/2-minute Rose Garden address meant to celebrate the accomplishments of his first half-year in office and sketch an agenda for the remaining half.
"Within a limited budget, we must have an active, compassionate government. Beginning in September, I'll be proposing creative ways to tackle some of the toughest problems in our society." Looking ahead to fall battles over the appropriations bills that keep government running and other legislation, Bush warned lawmakers against "irresponsible spending" and partisanship.
"Americans know obstructionism when they see it and, when necessary, I will point it out," he said.
Bush presided over the fifth full Cabinet meeting of his administration before stepping outside to news cameras. Surrounded by beaming Cabinet members and top White House advisers, the president celebrated passage earlier this year of an across-the-board income tax cut and action in Congress on education, energy and health-insurance legislation.
"We're ending deadlock and drift and making our system work on behalf of the American people," Bush said.
"Six months ago, I chose a distinguished Cabinet, took a solemn oath, and promised to fight for the things close to my heart. My administration pledged to bring civility and high standards to Washington .... Six months later, I'm proud of my Cabinet and the White House staff who have worked with such energy and have brought integrity to their jobs."
Bush, who leaves Saturday for his remote Texas ranch until after Labor Day, cast his vacation as a chance to sound out the people he represents.
"I'm headed home to the heartland to listen to the American people and to talk about the values that unite and sustain our country. Members of Congress are going home as well. When we all come back in September, so many accomplishments are within our reach," Bush said.
He identified only vague policy areas that he will address in the fall:
-Helping parents raise "responsible, motivated and moral children."
-- Helping "disadvantaged Americans find opportunity and ownership and tools to succeed in our free economy."
-- Showing that American society welcomes and "values the ideals and contributions of immigrants."
-- Challenging Americans "to be citizens not spectators in the renewal of their neighborhoods and their cities."
Copyright © 2001 Associated Press.
