What Bush Did on his Summer Vacation--Update

Yesterday, President Bush issued a proclamation commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

(Excerpt)

America is a stronger and better Nation because of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As President Johnson said upon signing the Act, it is "a triumph for freedom as huge as any victory that has ever been won on any battlefield." The Act was a great step forward in the history of our Nation, and it remains essential as we continue our progress toward a society in which every person of every background can realize the American Dream.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 6, 2005, as a day of celebration in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Also yesterday, the President issued a Memorandum for the Secretary of Commerce.

SUBJECT: Assignment of Reporting Function

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby assign to you the functions of the President under section 316 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1451, et seq.).

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Today, the President delivered his weekly radio address from Crawford, Texas. The subject was the economy.
(Excerpt)

This past week, we learned that America added over 200,000 new jobs in July. Since May of 2003, we've added nearly 4 million new jobs. The unemployment rate is down to 5 percent, below the average of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. And more Americans are working today than ever before in our nation's history.

Recent economic reports show that our economy is growing faster than any other major industrialized nation. Small businesses are flourishing. Workers are taking home more of what they earn. Real disposable personal income has grown by over 12 percent since the end of 2000. Inflation is low and mortgage rates are low. And over the past year, the home ownership rate in America has reached record levels.

The tax relief stimulated economic vitality and growth and it has helped increase revenues to the Treasury. The increased revenues and our spending restraint have led to good progress in reducing the federal deficit. Last month we learned that the deficit is now projected to be $94 billion less than previously expected. I set a goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2009, and we are ahead of pace to meet that goal.

...Our economy is strong, yet I will not be satisfied until every American who wants to work can find a job. So this coming Tuesday I will meet with my economic team in Texas to discuss our agenda to keep the economy moving forward. As Congress considers appropriations bills this fall, we will work with the House and the Senate to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, or not at all.

In addition to delivering all the positive economic news, Bush vowed to do what he can to make the economy stronger.

HE WILL BE MEETING WITH HIS ECONOMIC TEAM ON TUESDAY. WHILE ON HIS "VACATION," HE WILL BE WORKING ON AN AGENDA TO KEEP THE ECONOMY MOVING FORWARD.

As part of the President's "vacation" itinerary, he will make visits to at least seven states. The President will also sign energy legislation into law during his time off.

Did I mention that the President is receiving daily national security briefings, signing documents, and holding teleconferences with aides and military commanders while vacationing at his ranch?