President Prepares State of the Union Address
by Lydia Garlikov

When President Bush gives the State of the Union address to Congress Wednesday night, he's likely to repeat many proposals he's made in the past.

The first half of his speech is dedicated to issues abroad, where he’s sure to give an update about the war on terror and U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. He's also sure to speak of Sunday's successful democratic elections in Iraq.

With Sunday’s success many have wondered if U.S. forces will be leaving Iraq soon, and some Democrats are demanding an exit strategy. President Bush says, however, that the U.S. will maintain its presence and continue training Iraqi forces until Iraqis secure the country.

Since October 2001 more than 1,500 soldiers have been killed during their tours. Now the president is proposing to increase the death benefit for families of soldiers killed in combat zones to $100,000 and increase life insurance benefits.

The second half of the address will cover his domestic goals, the focus of which is an overhaul of Social Security. It is also one of his most controversial plans. Under his proposal, employees could set aside some of their Social Security taxes into private savings accounts.

Another familiar focus will be the president’s No Child Left Behind Act, which he plans to expand to the high school level during the next four years. On the judicial front, Bush again will recommend Congress limit the amount of money juries award victims of medical malpractice.

Now in his second term, President Bush appears ready to put more political muscle behind some old themes. To view the transcript of President Bush’s State of the Union address, go to the White House web site.