Homeland security will make America not only stronger, but, in many ways, better.  Knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health.  Stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods.  Stricter border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs. (Applause.) And as government works to better secure our homeland, America will continue to depend on the eyes and ears of alert citizens.

A few days before Christmas, an airline flight attendant spotted a passenger lighting a match.  The crew and passengers quickly subdued the man, who had been trained by al Qaeda and was armed with explosives.  The people on that plane were alert and, as a result, likely saved nearly 200 lives.  And tonight we welcome and thank flight attendants Hermis Moutardier and Christina Jones. (Applause.)

Once we have funded our national security and our homeland security, the final great priority of my budget is economic security for the American people. (Applause.) To achieve these great national objectives—­to win the war, protect the homeland, and revitalize our economy—­our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short-term, so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner. (Applause.) We have clear priorities and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas:  We’ll prevail in the war, and we will defeat this recession. (Applause.)

Americans who have lost their jobs need our help and I support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage.  (Applause.) Yet, American workers want more than unemployment checks—­ they want a steady paycheck. (Applause.) When America works, America prospers, so my economic security plan can be summed up in one word:  jobs.  (Applause.)

Good jobs begin with good schools, and here we’ve made a fine start.  (Applause.) Republicans and Democrats worked together to achieve historic education reform so that no child is left behind.  I was proud to work with members of both parties:  Chairman John Boehner and Congressman George Miller. (Applause.) Senator Judd Gregg. (Applause.) And I was so proud of our work, I even had nice things to say about my friend, Ted Kennedy.  (Laughter and applause.) I know the folks at the Crawford coffee shop couldn’t believe I’d say such a thing—­(laughter)—­but our work on this bill shows what is possible if we set aside posturing and focus on results.  (Applause.)

There is more to do.  We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved Head Start and early childhood development programs.  (Applause.) We must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a great goal for America:  a quality teacher in every classroom. (Applause.)

Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy.  This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on foreign oil. (Applause.)