The White House of USA

President Bush on Thursday said, “The greatest privilege of serving as President is to be the Commander-in-Chief of such an extraordinary group of men and women who wear our nation’s uniform. And I’m pleased to help start construction on the new hospital that will continue to provide the excellent care our troops deserve. It is fitting that this new facility be built in a place called Bethesda, which draws its name from the Biblical pool of healing. It is there that a lame man was made to walk, and was dispatched with the words: “Behold, thou art made whole.” I pray that this will be the site of many miracles of healing — where the lame will walk again, where broken bodies will be made whole, and where you’ll always know that you’re in our prayers and in the hearts of the American people.”

Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released new jobs figures for June. Nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 62,000 jobs in June and the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.5 percent, in line with expectations. Although these numbers are disappointing, the unemployment rate remains below the averages for the past three decades. Despite slow growth, the economy continues to demonstrate resilience. The first quarter GDP was revised up to one percent at an annual rate, and other data suggest growth in the second quarter may be stronger than the first quarter.

President Bush on Thursday said, “Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to President Uribe of Colombia, and he called to give me the good news that hostages had been rescued, including three Americans that had been held since 2003. I congratulated the President. I asked him to congratulate his military and those who had planned it. And I told him what a joyous occasion it must be to know that the plan had worked, that people who were unjustly held were now free to be with their families.”

President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Gillani of Pakistan to the White House on July 28, 2008. The President welcomes the opportunity to talk to Prime Minister Gillani on ways to further advance bilateral cooperation with Pakistan on a broad range of issues, including counterterrorism, economic development, and regional cooperation. The U.S.-Pakistan strategic partnership is grounded firmly in the shared objectives of promoting democracy and combating extremism.

Last week, Congress once again left town without providing our intelligence professionals the tools they need to keep our Nation safe. President Bush strongly supports Congress’ efforts to make necessary updates to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The House passed a strong bipartisan bill, and the Senate needs to act as soon as it returns from its recess.