1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:19,020
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of the 95th Congress and distinguished guests,

2
00:00:19,760 --> 00:00:26,700
in accordance with the Constitution, I come before you once again to report on the State

3
00:00:26,700 --> 00:00:31,500
of the Union, this report will be my last, maybe.

4
00:00:42,580 --> 00:00:48,800
But for the Union, it is only the first of such reports in our third century of independence,

5
00:00:49,380 --> 00:00:51,980
the close of which none of us will ever see.

6
00:00:51,980 --> 00:01:11,240
We can be confident, however, that 100 years from now, a freely elected president will come before a freely elected Congress, chosen to renew our great republic's pledge to the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

7
00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:26,020
for my part i pray the third century we are beginning will bring to all americans our

8
00:01:26,020 --> 00:01:32,620
children and their children's children a greater measure of individual equality opportunity and

9
00:01:32,620 --> 00:01:39,980
justice a greater abundance of spiritual and material blessings and a higher quality of life

10
00:01:39,980 --> 00:01:42,760
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

11
00:01:48,440 --> 00:01:53,820
The state of the union is a measurement of the many elements of which it is composed.

12
00:01:54,260 --> 00:02:01,580
A political union of diverse states, an economic union of varying interests, an intellectual

13
00:02:01,580 --> 00:02:07,760
union of common convictions, and a moral union of immutable ideals.

14
00:02:07,760 --> 00:02:16,200
taken in some I can report that the state of the union is good there is room for improvement as

15
00:02:16,200 --> 00:02:22,880
always but today we have a more perfect union than when my stewardship began

16
00:02:37,760 --> 00:02:48,380
As a people, we discovered that our bicentennial was much more than a celebration of the past.

17
00:02:48,380 --> 00:02:54,660
It became a joyous reaffirmation of all that it means to be Americans,

18
00:02:55,340 --> 00:03:02,840
a confirmation before all the world of the vitality and durability of our free institutions.

19
00:03:02,840 --> 00:03:11,340
I am proud to have been privileged to preside over the affairs of our federal government during these eventful years.

20
00:03:11,580 --> 00:03:19,680
When we proved, as I said in my first words upon assuming office, that our Constitution works,

21
00:03:20,120 --> 00:03:26,420
our great republic is a government of laws and not of men, here the people rule.

22
00:03:32,840 --> 00:03:40,720
The people have spoken. They have chosen a new president and a new Congress to work their will.

23
00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:49,620
I congratulate you, particularly the new members, as sincerely as I did President-elect Carter.

24
00:03:50,400 --> 00:03:57,940
In a few days, it will be his duty to outline for you his priorities and legislative recommendations.

25
00:03:57,940 --> 00:04:08,980
Tonight I will not infringe on that responsibility, but rather wish him the very best in all that is good for our country.

26
00:04:08,980 --> 00:04:24,880
During the period of my own service in this Capitol and in the White House,

27
00:04:25,240 --> 00:04:30,100
I can recall many orderly transitions of governmental responsibility,

28
00:04:30,100 --> 00:04:36,980
of problems as well as of position, of burdens as well as of power.

29
00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:43,260
The genius of the American system is that we do this so naturally and so normally.

30
00:04:43,960 --> 00:04:49,120
There are no soldiers marching in the street except in the inaugural parade.

31
00:04:49,120 --> 00:04:55,960
No public demonstrations except for some of the dancers at the inaugural ball.

32
00:04:56,480 --> 00:05:04,180
The opposition party doesn't go underground, but goes on functioning vigorously in the Congress and in the country.

33
00:05:04,180 --> 00:05:11,540
and our vigilant press goes right on, probing and publishing our faults and our follies,

34
00:05:12,180 --> 00:05:16,240
confirming the wisdom of the framers of the First Amendment.

35
00:05:25,060 --> 00:05:32,480
Because the transfer of authority in our form of government affects the state of the union and of the world,

36
00:05:32,480 --> 00:05:38,200
I am happy to report to you that the current transition is proceeding very well.

37
00:05:38,820 --> 00:05:41,100
I was determined that it should.

38
00:05:41,700 --> 00:05:47,300
I wanted the new president to get off on an easier start than I had.

39
00:05:48,000 --> 00:05:55,320
When I became president on August 9, 1974, our nation was deeply divided and tormented.

40
00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:01,100
In rapid succession, the vice president and the president had resigned in disgrace.

41
00:06:01,100 --> 00:06:08,920
We were still struggling with the after effects of a long, unpopular and bloody war in Southeast Asia.

42
00:06:09,500 --> 00:06:14,580
The economy was unstable and racing toward the worst recession in 40 years.

43
00:06:15,120 --> 00:06:16,680
People were losing jobs.

44
00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:18,960
The cost of living was soaring.

45
00:06:19,460 --> 00:06:23,140
The Congress and the chief executive were at loggerheads.

46
00:06:23,780 --> 00:06:30,180
The integrity of our constitutional process and other institutions was being questioned.

47
00:06:31,100 --> 00:06:40,720
For more than 15 years, domestic spending had soared as federal programs multiplied and the expense escalated annually.

48
00:06:41,020 --> 00:06:46,780
During the same period, our national security needs were steadily shortchanged.

49
00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:58,180
In the grave situation which prevailed in August 1974, our will to maintain our international leadership was in doubt.

50
00:06:58,180 --> 00:07:03,060
I asked for your prayers and went to work.

51
00:07:03,400 --> 00:07:10,840
In January 1975, I reported to the Congress that the State of the Union was not good.

52
00:07:11,540 --> 00:07:18,580
I proposed urgent action to improve the economy and to achieve energy independence in 10 years.

53
00:07:19,100 --> 00:07:27,120
I reassured America's allies and sought to reduce the danger of confrontation with potential adversaries.

54
00:07:27,120 --> 00:07:30,360
I pledged a new direction for America.

55
00:07:31,520 --> 00:07:35,140
1975 was a year of difficult decisions,

56
00:07:35,700 --> 00:07:40,740
but Americans responded with realism, common sense, and self-discipline.

57
00:07:41,540 --> 00:07:47,040
By January 1976, we were headed in a new direction,

58
00:07:47,740 --> 00:07:51,740
which I hold to be the right direction for a free society.

59
00:07:51,740 --> 00:07:59,920
It was guided by the belief that successful problem-solving requires more than federal action alone,

60
00:08:00,620 --> 00:08:07,620
that it involves a full partnership among all branches and all levels of government,

61
00:08:08,180 --> 00:08:17,980
and public policies which nurture and promote the creative energies of private enterprises, institutions, and individual citizens.

62
00:08:17,980 --> 00:08:25,880
a year ago. I reported that the State of the Union was better, in many ways a lot better,

63
00:08:25,880 --> 00:08:33,380
but still not good enough. Common sense told me to stick to the steady course we were on,

64
00:08:33,820 --> 00:08:41,020
to continue to restrain the inflationary growth of government, to reduce taxes as well as spending,

65
00:08:41,020 --> 00:08:44,460
to return local decisions to local officials

66
00:08:44,460 --> 00:08:50,060
to provide for long-range sufficiency in energy and national security needs.

67
00:08:50,720 --> 00:08:55,480
I resisted the immense pressures of an election year

68
00:08:55,480 --> 00:08:58,960
to open the floodgates of federal money

69
00:08:58,960 --> 00:09:03,720
and the temptation to promise more than I could deliver.

70
00:09:11,020 --> 00:09:22,880
I told it as it was to the American people and demonstrated to the world

71
00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:28,280
that in our spirited political competition, as in this chamber,

72
00:09:28,800 --> 00:09:32,440
Americans can disagree without being disagreeable.

73
00:09:32,440 --> 00:09:41,920
now after 30 months as your president

74
00:09:41,920 --> 00:09:46,120
I can say that while we still have a way to go

75
00:09:46,120 --> 00:09:51,540
I am proud of the long way we have come together

76
00:09:51,540 --> 00:10:11,320
I am proud of the part I have had in rebuilding confidence in the presidency, confidence in our free system, and confidence in our future.

77
00:10:11,700 --> 00:10:20,780
Once again, Americans believe in themselves, in their leaders, and in the promise that tomorrow holds for their children.

78
00:10:21,540 --> 00:10:24,700
I am proud that today America is at peace.

79
00:10:25,400 --> 00:10:29,760
None of our sons are fighting and dying in battle anywhere in the world.

80
00:10:29,760 --> 00:10:42,480
And the chance for peace among all nations is improved by our determination to honor our vital commitments in defense of peace and freedom.

81
00:10:42,480 --> 00:10:58,980
I am proud that the United States has strong defenses, strong alliances, and a sound and courageous foreign policy.

82
00:10:58,980 --> 00:11:09,160
Our alliances with major partners, the great industrial democracies of Western Europe, Japan, and Canada, have never been more solid.

83
00:11:09,160 --> 00:11:12,460
consultations on mutual security,

84
00:11:12,460 --> 00:11:16,800
defense and east-west relations have grown closer.

85
00:11:16,800 --> 00:11:31,594
Collaboration has branched out into new fields such as energy economic policy and relations with the third world We have used many avenues for cooperation including summit meetings held among major

86
00:11:31,594 --> 00:11:39,514
allied countries. The friendship of the democracies is deeper, warmer, and more effective than at any

87
00:11:39,514 --> 00:11:47,494
time in 30 years. We are maintaining stability in the strategic nuclear balance and pushing back

88
00:11:47,494 --> 00:11:55,634
the specter of nuclear war. A decisive step forward was taken in the Vladivostok Accord,

89
00:11:56,214 --> 00:12:02,754
which I negotiated with General Secretary Brezhnev. Joint recognition that an equal

90
00:12:02,754 --> 00:12:09,994
ceiling should be placed on the number of strategic weapons on each side. With resolve

91
00:12:09,994 --> 00:12:16,974
and wisdom on the part of both nations, a good agreement is well within reach this year.

92
00:12:17,494 --> 00:12:29,414
The framework for peace in the Middle East has been built.

93
00:12:30,134 --> 00:12:33,214
Hope for future progress in the Middle East

94
00:12:33,214 --> 00:12:37,074
were stirred by the historic agreements we reached

95
00:12:37,074 --> 00:12:40,134
and the trust and confidence that we formed.

96
00:12:40,794 --> 00:12:42,474
Thanks to American leadership,

97
00:12:43,034 --> 00:12:45,874
the prospects for peace in the Middle East are brighter

98
00:12:45,874 --> 00:12:48,594
than they have been in three decades.

99
00:12:48,594 --> 00:12:53,894
The Arab states and Israel continue to look to us to lead them

100
00:12:53,894 --> 00:13:00,074
from confrontation and war to a new era of accommodation and peace.

101
00:13:00,374 --> 00:13:06,634
We have but no alternative but to persevere, and I'm sure we will.

102
00:13:06,634 --> 00:13:22,174
the opportunities for a final settlement are great and the price of failure is a return to

103
00:13:22,174 --> 00:13:28,634
the bloodshed and hatred that for too long have brought tragedy to all of the peoples of this area

104
00:13:28,634 --> 00:13:33,494
and repeatedly edged the world to the brink of war.

105
00:13:34,034 --> 00:13:37,294
Our relationship with the People's Republic of China

106
00:13:37,294 --> 00:13:40,434
is proving its importance and its durability.

107
00:13:41,234 --> 00:13:45,674
We are finding more and more common ground between our two countries

108
00:13:45,674 --> 00:13:49,114
on basic questions of international affairs.

109
00:13:49,994 --> 00:13:52,274
In my two trips to Asia as president,

110
00:13:52,274 --> 00:13:56,494
we have reaffirmed America's continuing vital interest

111
00:13:56,494 --> 00:14:00,974
in the peace and security of Asia and the Pacific Basin,

112
00:14:01,654 --> 00:14:04,574
established a new partnership with Japan,

113
00:14:05,394 --> 00:14:08,554
confirmed our dedication to the security of Korea,

114
00:14:09,454 --> 00:14:13,954
and reinforced our ties with the free nations of Southeast Asia.

115
00:14:15,034 --> 00:14:21,094
An historic dialogue has begun between industrial nations and developing nations.

116
00:14:21,094 --> 00:14:26,334
Most proposals on the table are the initiatives of the United States

117
00:14:26,334 --> 00:14:32,554
including those on food, energy, technology, trade, investment, and commodities.

118
00:14:33,114 --> 00:14:40,734
We are well launched on this process of shaping positive and reliable economic relations

119
00:14:40,734 --> 00:14:45,914
between rich nations and poor nations over the long term.

120
00:14:46,594 --> 00:14:53,654
We have made progress in trade negotiations and avoided protectionism during recession.

121
00:14:53,654 --> 00:14:57,234
We strengthen the international monetary system.

122
00:14:57,994 --> 00:15:03,174
During the past two years, the free world's most important economic powers

123
00:15:03,174 --> 00:15:10,794
have already brought about important changes that serve both developed and developing economies.

124
00:15:11,394 --> 00:15:15,374
The momentum already achieved must be nurtured and strengthened

125
00:15:15,374 --> 00:15:20,694
for the prosperity of the rich and poor depend upon it.

126
00:15:21,574 --> 00:15:28,134
In Latin America, our relations have taken on a new maturity and a sense of common enterprise.

127
00:15:29,314 --> 00:15:36,634
In Africa, the quest for peace, racial justice, and economic progress is at a crucial point.

128
00:15:36,634 --> 00:15:45,374
The United States, in close cooperation with the United Kingdom, is actively engaged in this historic process.

129
00:15:45,374 --> 00:15:53,134
Will change come about by warfare and chaos and foreign intervention?

130
00:15:54,034 --> 00:15:58,694
Or will it come about by negotiated and fair solutions,

131
00:15:59,574 --> 00:16:04,054
ensuring majority rule, minority rights, and economic advance?

132
00:16:05,374 --> 00:16:09,094
America is committed to the side of peace and justice

133
00:16:09,094 --> 00:16:14,814
and to the principle that Africa should shape its own future

134
00:16:14,814 --> 00:16:17,954
free of outside intervention.

135
00:16:28,474 --> 00:16:33,554
American leadership has helped to stimulate new international efforts

136
00:16:33,554 --> 00:16:36,994
to stem the proliferation of nuclear weapons

137
00:16:36,994 --> 00:16:41,714
and to shape a comprehensive treaty governing the use of oceans.

138
00:16:41,714 --> 00:16:45,214
I am gratified by these accomplishments.

139
00:16:46,094 --> 00:16:49,754
They constitute a record of broad success for America

140
00:16:49,754 --> 00:16:53,354
and for the peace and prosperity of all mankind.

141
00:16:54,594 --> 00:17:00,734
This administration leaves to its successor a world in better condition than we found.

142
00:17:01,494 --> 00:17:05,274
We leave as well a solid foundation for progress

143
00:17:05,274 --> 00:17:10,574
on a range of issues that are vital to the well-being of America.

144
00:17:10,574 --> 00:17:14,814
what has been achieved in the field of foreign affairs

145
00:17:14,814 --> 00:17:18,294
and what can be accomplished by the new administration

146
00:17:18,294 --> 00:17:24,894
demonstrate the genius of Americans working together for the common good.

147
00:17:25,554 --> 00:17:29,014
It is this, our remarkable ability to work together,

148
00:17:29,774 --> 00:17:32,534
that has made us a unique nation.

149
00:17:32,534 --> 00:17:39,014
It is Congress, the President, and the people striving for a better world.

150
00:17:39,014 --> 00:17:46,354
I know all patriotic Americans want this nation's foreign policy to succeed.

151
00:17:47,234 --> 00:17:56,574
I urge members of my party in this Congress to give the new president loyal support in this area.

152
00:17:56,574 --> 00:18:16,334
I express the hope that this new Congress will re-examine its constitutional role in international affairs.

153
00:18:16,334 --> 00:18:23,594
the exclusive right to declare war, the duty to advise and consent on the part of the Senate,

154
00:18:24,254 --> 00:18:26,774
the power of the purse on the part of the House,

155
00:18:27,334 --> 00:18:32,914
our ample authority for the legislative branch and should be jealously guarded.

156
00:18:33,314 --> 00:18:38,374
But because we may have been too careless of these powers in the past,

157
00:18:38,374 --> 00:18:51,294
does not justify congressional intrusion into or obstruction of the proper exercise of presidential responsibilities now or in the future.

158
00:18:51,294 --> 00:19:03,014
There can be only one Commander-in-Chief.

159
00:19:03,014 --> 00:19:10,114
in these times crises cannot be managed and wars cannot be waged by committee.

160
00:19:11,074 --> 00:19:15,294
Nor can peace be pursued solely by parliamentary debate.

161
00:19:15,954 --> 00:19:19,354
To the ears of the world the president speaks for the nation.

162
00:19:20,154 --> 00:19:26,234
While he is, of course, ultimately accountable to the Congress, the courts, and the people,

163
00:19:26,234 --> 00:19:38,014
He and his emissaries must not be handicapped in advance in their relations with foreign governments, as has sometimes happened in the past.

164
00:19:38,794 --> 00:19:47,934
At home, I am encouraged by the nation's recovery from the recession and our steady return to sound economic growth.

165
00:19:47,934 --> 00:19:57,634
It is now continuing after the recent period of uncertainty, which is part of the price we pay for free elections.

166
00:19:58,534 --> 00:20:08,014
Our most pressing need today and the future is more jobs, productive permanent jobs created by a thriving economy.

167
00:20:08,014 --> 00:20:22,074
We must revise our tax system both to ease the burden of heavy taxation and to encourage the investment necessary for the creation of productive jobs for all Americans who want to work.

168
00:20:22,734 --> 00:20:35,514
Earlier this month, I proposed a permanent income tax reduction of $10 billion below current levels, including raising a personal exemption from $750 to $1,000.

169
00:20:35,514 --> 00:20:40,514
I also recommended a series of measures to stimulate investment,

170
00:20:41,714 --> 00:20:48,474
such as accelerated depreciation for new plants and equipment in areas of high unemployment,

171
00:20:49,134 --> 00:20:53,414
a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 48 to 46 percent,

172
00:20:54,374 --> 00:20:57,954
and eliminating the present double taxation of dividends.

173
00:20:57,954 --> 00:21:09,974
I strongly urge the Congress to pass these measures to help create the productive permanent jobs in the private economy that are so essential for our future.

174
00:21:10,774 --> 00:21:13,274
All the basic trends are good.

175
00:21:13,834 --> 00:21:17,954
We're not on the brink of another recession or economic disaster.

176
00:21:17,954 --> 00:21:30,834
If we follow prudent policies that encourage productive investment and discourage destructive inflation, we will come out on top, and I'm sure we will.

177
00:21:30,834 --> 00:21:45,274
We have successfully cut inflation by more than half.

178
00:21:45,274 --> 00:21:50,794
When I took office, the consumer price index was rising at 12.2% a year.

179
00:21:51,294 --> 00:21:55,414
During 1976, the rate of inflation was 5%.

180
00:21:55,414 --> 00:22:00,274
We have created more jobs, over 4 million more jobs,

181
00:22:00,834 --> 00:22:09,714
today than the spring of 1975. Throughout this nation today, we have over 88 million people in

182
00:22:09,714 --> 00:22:17,334
useful, productive jobs, more than in any other time in our nation's history. But there are still

183
00:22:17,334 --> 00:22:25,934
too many Americans unemployed. This is the greatest regret that I have as I leave office.

184
00:22:25,934 --> 00:22:31,934
We brought about with the Congress, after much delay, the renewal of the general revenue sharing.

185
00:22:31,934 --> 00:22:36,934
We expanded community development and federal manpower programs.

186
00:22:36,934 --> 00:22:40,934
We began a significant urban mass transit program.

187
00:22:40,934 --> 00:22:53,109
Federal programs today provide more funds for our states and local governments than ever before billion for the current fiscal year

188
00:22:53,748 --> 00:22:59,188
Through these programs and others that provide aid directly to individuals,

189
00:22:59,829 --> 00:23:06,208
we have kept faith with our tradition of compassionate help for those who need it.

190
00:23:06,789 --> 00:23:10,789
As we begin our third century, we can be proud of the progress

191
00:23:10,789 --> 00:23:16,069
that we have made in meeting human needs for all of our citizens.

192
00:23:16,708 --> 00:23:20,649
We've cut the growth of crime by nearly 90%.

193
00:23:20,649 --> 00:23:26,668
Two years ago, crime was increasing at the rate of 18% annually.

194
00:23:27,329 --> 00:23:33,708
In the first three quarters of 1976, that growth rate had been cut to 2%.

195
00:23:33,708 --> 00:23:40,748
But crime and the fear of crime remains one of the most serious problems facing our citizens.

196
00:23:40,789 --> 00:23:47,708
We have had some successes, and there have been some disappointments.

197
00:23:48,289 --> 00:23:55,649
Bluntly, I must remind you that we have not made satisfactory progress toward achieving energy independence.

198
00:23:56,629 --> 00:24:04,948
Energy is absolutely vital to the defense of our country, to the strength of our economy, and to the quality of our lives.

199
00:24:04,948 --> 00:24:11,089
Two years ago, I proposed to the Congress the first comprehensive national energy program,

200
00:24:11,769 --> 00:24:20,869
a specific and coordinated set of measures that would end our vulnerability to embargo blockade or arbitrary price increases

201
00:24:20,869 --> 00:24:31,109
and would mobilize U.S. technology and resources to supply a significant share of the free world's energy after 1985.

202
00:24:31,109 --> 00:24:39,769
Of the major energy proposals I submitted two years ago, only half belatedly became law.

203
00:24:40,629 --> 00:24:48,309
In 1973, we were dependent upon foreign oil imports for 36% of our needs.

204
00:24:48,909 --> 00:24:57,988
Today, we are 40% dependent, and we'll pay out $34 billion for foreign oil this year.

205
00:24:57,988 --> 00:25:06,329
such vulnerability at present or in the future is intolerable and must be ended

206
00:25:06,329 --> 00:25:26,488
The answer to where we stand on our national energy effort today

207
00:25:26,488 --> 00:25:33,549
reminds me of the old argument about whether the tank is half full or half empty.

208
00:25:34,188 --> 00:25:40,408
The pessimist will say we have half failed to achieve our 10-year energy goals.

209
00:25:40,408 --> 00:25:44,369
The optimist will say that we have half succeeded.

210
00:25:45,149 --> 00:25:49,728
I'm always an optimist, but we must make up for lost time.

211
00:25:50,389 --> 00:25:55,849
We have laid a solid foundation for completing the enormous task which confronts us.

212
00:25:56,549 --> 00:25:59,908
I have signed into law five major energy bills,

213
00:25:59,908 --> 00:26:07,688
which contain significant measures for conservation, resource development, stockpiling, and standby authorities.

214
00:26:08,129 --> 00:26:12,488
We have moved forward to develop the naval petroleum reserves,

215
00:26:12,968 --> 00:26:17,668
to build a 500 million barrel strategic petroleum stockpile,

216
00:26:18,029 --> 00:26:22,609
to phase out unnecessary government allocation and price controls,

217
00:26:23,109 --> 00:26:28,748
to develop a lasting relationship with other oil-consuming nations,

218
00:26:28,748 --> 00:26:36,488
to improve the efficiency of energy use through conservation in automobiles, buildings, and industry,

219
00:26:37,089 --> 00:26:46,589
and to expand research on new technology and renewable resources such as wind power, geothermal, and solar energy.

220
00:26:47,168 --> 00:26:54,188
All these actions, significant as they are for the long term, are only the beginning.

221
00:26:54,188 --> 00:27:09,008
I recently submitted to the Congress my proposals to reorganize the federal energy structure and the hard choices which remain if we are serious about reducing our dependence upon foreign energy.

222
00:27:10,008 --> 00:27:18,309
These include programs to reverse our declining production of natural gas and increase incentives for domestic crude oil production.

223
00:27:18,309 --> 00:27:23,569
I propose to minimize environmental uncertainties affecting coal development.

224
00:27:24,188 --> 00:27:30,069
expand nuclear power generation, and create an energy independence authority

225
00:27:30,069 --> 00:27:38,329
to provide government financial assistance for vital energy programs where private capital is not available.

226
00:27:38,329 --> 00:27:43,809
We must explore every reasonable prospect for meeting our energy needs

227
00:27:43,809 --> 00:27:51,908
when our current domestic reserves of oil and natural gas begin to dwindle in the next decade.

228
00:27:51,908 --> 00:27:58,789
I urgently ask Congress and the new administration to move quickly on these issues.

229
00:27:59,609 --> 00:28:05,569
This nation has the resources and the capability to achieve our energy goals

230
00:28:05,569 --> 00:28:11,188
if its government has the will to proceed, and I think we do.

231
00:28:21,908 --> 00:28:34,629
I have been disappointed by inability to complete many of the meaningful organizational reforms which I contemplated for the federal government, although a start has been made.

232
00:28:34,629 --> 00:28:52,069
For example, the federal judicial system has long served as a model for other courts, but today it is threatened by a shortage of qualified federal judges and an explosion of litigation claiming federal jurisdiction.

233
00:28:52,069 --> 00:29:05,309
I commend the new administration and the Congress for the recent report and recommendations of the Department of Justice undertaken at my request on the needs of the federal courts.

234
00:29:05,309 --> 00:29:13,188
I especially endorse its proposals for a new commission on the judicial appointment process.

235
00:29:13,188 --> 00:29:19,228
while the judicial branch of our government may require reinforcement,

236
00:29:20,029 --> 00:29:25,269
the budgets and payroll of the other branches remain staggering.

237
00:29:26,369 --> 00:29:31,269
I cannot help but observe that while the White House staff

238
00:29:31,269 --> 00:29:36,488
and the executive office of the president have been reduced

239
00:29:36,488 --> 00:29:42,488
and the total number of civilians in the executive branch contained during the 1970s,

240
00:29:43,188 --> 00:29:47,428
the legislative branch has increased substantially

241
00:29:47,428 --> 00:29:52,448
although the membership of the Congress remains at 535.

242
00:29:53,668 --> 00:29:58,728
Congress now costs the taxpayers more than a million dollars per member.

243
00:29:58,728 --> 00:30:04,049
The whole legislative budget has passed the billion dollar mark.

244
00:30:04,589 --> 00:30:10,609
I set out to reduce the growth in the size and spending of the federal government

245
00:30:10,609 --> 00:30:14,569
But no president can accomplish this alone.

246
00:30:15,468 --> 00:30:19,569
The Congress sidetracked most of my requests for authority

247
00:30:19,569 --> 00:30:23,188
to consolidate overlapping programs and agencies,

248
00:30:23,508 --> 00:30:29,349
to return more decision-making and responsibility to state and local governments

249
00:30:29,349 --> 00:30:34,849
through block grants instead of rigid categorical programs,

250
00:30:34,849 --> 00:30:41,728
and to eliminate unnecessary red tape and outrageously complex regulations.

251
00:30:42,468 --> 00:30:46,728
We have made some progress in cutting back the expansion of government

252
00:30:46,728 --> 00:30:50,248
and its intrusion into individual lives,

253
00:30:50,869 --> 00:30:56,549
but believe me, there is much more to be done, and you and I know it.

254
00:31:04,849 --> 00:31:13,289
It can only be done by tough and temporarily painful surgery

255
00:31:13,289 --> 00:31:17,008
by a Congress as prepared as the President

256
00:31:17,008 --> 00:31:22,008
to face up to this very real political problem.

257
00:31:22,948 --> 00:31:25,269
Again, I wish my successor,

258
00:31:26,289 --> 00:31:29,549
working with a substantial majority of his own party,

259
00:31:29,549 --> 00:31:37,549
the best of success in reforming the costly and cumbersome machinery of the federal government.

260
00:31:38,228 --> 00:31:42,168
The task of self-government is never finished.

261
00:31:42,769 --> 00:31:44,349
The problems are great.

262
00:31:45,148 --> 00:31:47,569
The opportunities are greater.

263
00:31:48,829 --> 00:31:54,428
America's first goal is and always will be peace with honor.

264
00:31:54,428 --> 00:32:00,228
America must remain first in keeping peace in the world.

265
00:32:01,168 --> 00:32:08,089
We can remain first in peace only if we are never second in defense.

266
00:32:24,428 --> 00:32:37,688
In presenting the State of the Union to the Congress and to the American people,

267
00:32:38,248 --> 00:32:44,248
I have a special obligation as Commander-in-Chief to report on our national defense.

268
00:32:44,508 --> 00:32:50,589
Our survival as a free and independent people requires, above all,

269
00:32:50,589 --> 00:32:58,248
strong military forces that are well equipped and highly trained to perform their assigned mission.

270
00:32:59,029 --> 00:33:04,789
I am particularly gratified to report that over the past two and a half years,

271
00:33:04,789 --> 00:33:11,008
we have been able to reverse the dangerous decline of the previous decade

272
00:33:11,008 --> 00:33:17,148
in real resources this country was devoting to national defense.

273
00:33:17,148 --> 00:33:21,468
This was an immediate problem I faced in 1974.

274
00:33:22,648 --> 00:33:33,329
The evidence was unmistakable that the Soviet Union had been steadily increasing the resources it applied to building its military strength.

275
00:33:34,188 --> 00:33:40,008
During this same period, the United States' real defense spending declined.

276
00:33:40,008 --> 00:33:56,988
In my three budgets, we not only arrested that dangerous decline, but we have established the positive trend which is essential to our ability to contribute to peace and stability in the world.

277
00:33:56,988 --> 00:34:05,508
The Vietnam War, both materially and psychologically, affected our overall defense posture.

278
00:34:06,428 --> 00:34:18,803
The dangerous anti sentiment discouraged defense spending and unfairly disparaged the men and women who serve in our armed forces

279
00:34:26,023 --> 00:34:33,123
The challenge that now confronts this country is whether we have the national will and determination

280
00:34:33,123 --> 00:34:40,403
to continue this essential defense effort over the long term as it must be continued.

281
00:34:40,723 --> 00:34:47,183
We can no longer afford to oscillate from year to year in so vital a matter.

282
00:34:47,943 --> 00:34:52,883
Indeed, we have a duty to look beyond the immediate question of budgets

283
00:34:52,883 --> 00:34:58,983
and to examine the nature of the problem we will face over the next generation.

284
00:34:58,983 --> 00:35:08,763
I am the first recent president able to address long-term basic issues without the burden of Vietnam.

285
00:35:09,883 --> 00:35:23,283
The war in Indochina consumed enormous resources at the very time that the overwhelming strategic superiority we once enjoyed was disappearing.

286
00:35:23,283 --> 00:35:44,683
In past years, as a result of decisions by the United States, our strategic forces leveled off, yet the Soviet Union continued a steady, constant buildup of its own forces, committing a high percentage of its national economic effort to defense.

287
00:35:44,683 --> 00:35:54,003
The United States can never tolerate a shift in strategic balance against us

288
00:35:54,003 --> 00:36:01,163
or even a situation where the American people or our allies

289
00:36:01,163 --> 00:36:05,043
believe the balance is shifting against us.

290
00:36:05,043 --> 00:36:10,603
The United States would risk the most serious political consequences

291
00:36:10,603 --> 00:36:18,963
if the world came to believe that our adversaries have a decisive margin of superiority.

292
00:36:20,243 --> 00:36:27,303
To maintain a strategic balance, we must look ahead to the 1980s and beyond.

293
00:36:27,303 --> 00:36:33,463
The sophistication of modern weapons requires that we make decisions now

294
00:36:33,463 --> 00:36:38,243
if we are to ensure our security ten years from now.

295
00:36:38,243 --> 00:36:48,023
Therefore, I have consistently advocated and strongly urged that we pursue three critical strategic programs

296
00:36:48,023 --> 00:36:51,003
The Trident missile launching submarine

297
00:36:51,003 --> 00:36:57,243
The B-1 bomber with its superior capability to penetrate modern air defenses

298
00:36:57,243 --> 00:37:01,403
And a more advanced intercontinental ballistic missile

299
00:37:01,403 --> 00:37:11,123
that will be better able to survive nuclear attack and deliver a devastating retaliatory strike.

300
00:37:11,983 --> 00:37:17,723
In an era where the strategic nuclear forces are in rough equilibrium,

301
00:37:18,823 --> 00:37:23,923
the risks of conflict below the nuclear threshold may grow more perilous.

302
00:37:23,923 --> 00:37:30,843
A major long-term objective, therefore, is to maintain capabilities to deal with

303
00:37:30,843 --> 00:37:37,343
and thereby deter conventional challenges and crises, particularly in Europe.

304
00:37:38,283 --> 00:37:43,343
We cannot rely solely on strategic forces to guarantee our security

305
00:37:43,343 --> 00:37:46,363
or to deter all types of aggression.

306
00:37:47,383 --> 00:37:53,643
We must have superior naval and marine forces to maintain freedom of the seas,

307
00:37:53,643 --> 00:38:00,223
strong multi-purpose tactical air forces, and mobile modern ground forces.

308
00:38:00,843 --> 00:38:09,883
Accordingly, I have directed a long-term effort to improve our worldwide capabilities to deal with regional crises.

309
00:38:09,883 --> 00:38:18,083
I have submitted a five-year naval building program indispensable to the nation's maritime strategy.

310
00:38:18,923 --> 00:38:26,723
Because the security of Europe and the integrity of NATO remain the cornerstone of American defense policy,

311
00:38:26,723 --> 00:38:37,403
I have initiated a special long-term program to ensure the capacity of the alliance to deter or defeat aggression in Europe.

312
00:38:38,463 --> 00:38:46,603
As I leave office, I can report that our national defense is effectively deterring conflict today.

313
00:38:47,563 --> 00:38:53,163
Our armed forces are capable of carrying out the variety of missions assigned to them.

314
00:38:53,163 --> 00:39:00,183
Programs are underway which will assure we can deter war in the years ahead.

315
00:39:01,103 --> 00:39:13,143
But I also must warn that it will require a sustained effort over a period of years to maintain these capabilities.

316
00:39:13,143 --> 00:39:17,823
we must have the wisdom, the stamina, and the courage

317
00:39:17,823 --> 00:39:22,063
to prepare today for the perils of tomorrow

318
00:39:22,063 --> 00:39:24,543
and I believe we will.

319
00:39:36,843 --> 00:39:38,583
As I look to the future

320
00:39:38,583 --> 00:39:42,803
and I assure you I intend to go on doing that

321
00:39:42,803 --> 00:39:44,443
for a good many years.

322
00:39:55,823 --> 00:39:57,903
I can say with confidence

323
00:39:57,903 --> 00:39:59,843
that the State of the Union is good,

324
00:40:00,523 --> 00:40:04,503
but we must go on making it better and better.

325
00:40:05,943 --> 00:40:08,223
This gathering symbolizes

326
00:40:08,223 --> 00:40:10,343
the constitutional foundation,

327
00:40:10,343 --> 00:40:14,163
which makes continued progress possible,

328
00:40:15,203 --> 00:40:19,803
synchronizing the skills of three independent branches of government,

329
00:40:20,583 --> 00:40:25,683
reserving fundamental sovereignty to the people of this great land.

330
00:40:26,683 --> 00:40:35,363
It is only as the temporary representatives and servants of the people that we meet here.

331
00:40:35,363 --> 00:40:44,743
We bring no hereditary status or gift of infallibility, and none follows us from this place.

332
00:40:45,383 --> 00:40:50,003
Like President Washington, like the more fortunate of his successors,

333
00:40:50,483 --> 00:40:56,023
I look forward to the status of private citizen with gladness and gratitude.

334
00:40:56,023 --> 00:41:05,823
To me, being a citizen of the United States of America is the greatest honor and privilege in this world.

335
00:41:26,023 --> 00:41:43,583
From the opportunities which fate and my fellow citizens have given me,

336
00:41:44,583 --> 00:41:49,943
as a member of the House, as Vice President and President of the Senate,

337
00:41:50,583 --> 00:41:52,643
and as President of all the people,

338
00:41:52,643 --> 00:42:09,603
I have come to understand and place the highest value on the checks and balances which our founders imposed on government through the separation of powers among co-equal legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

339
00:42:09,603 --> 00:42:20,043
this often results in difficulty and delay as I well know but it also places supreme authority

340
00:42:20,043 --> 00:42:30,243
under God beyond any one person any one branch any majority greater small or any one party

341
00:42:30,243 --> 00:42:35,863
the Constitution is the bedrock of all our freedoms.

342
00:42:37,063 --> 00:42:39,083
Guard and cherish it.

343
00:42:40,763 --> 00:42:44,043
Keep honor and order in your own house

344
00:42:44,043 --> 00:42:46,923
and the republic will endure.

345
00:42:48,203 --> 00:42:50,883
It is not easy to end these remarks.

346
00:42:53,363 --> 00:42:57,043
In this chamber, along with some of you,

347
00:42:57,043 --> 00:43:02,563
I have experienced many, many of the highlights of my life.

348
00:43:04,443 --> 00:43:07,503
It was here that I stood 28 years ago

349
00:43:07,503 --> 00:43:10,643
with my freshman colleagues

350
00:43:10,643 --> 00:43:15,303
as Speaker Sam Rayburn administered the oath.

351
00:43:16,363 --> 00:43:20,163
I see some of you now, Charlie Bennett, Dick Bowling,

352
00:43:21,303 --> 00:43:23,163
Carl Perkins, Pete Rodino,

353
00:43:23,163 --> 00:43:27,623
Harley Staggers, Tom Steed, Sid Yates, Clem Zablocki

354
00:43:27,623 --> 00:43:30,883
and I remember those

355
00:43:30,883 --> 00:43:33,383
who have gone to their rest

356
00:43:33,383 --> 00:43:40,203
It was here we waged many, many a lively battle

357
00:43:40,203 --> 00:43:43,363
Won some, lost some

358
00:43:43,363 --> 00:43:46,323
But all was remaining friends

359
00:43:46,323 --> 00:43:50,783
It was here, surrounded by such friends

360
00:43:50,783 --> 00:43:54,403
that the distinguished Chief Justice

361
00:43:54,403 --> 00:44:00,183
swore me in as Vice President on December 6, 1973.

362
00:44:02,023 --> 00:44:04,863
It was here I returned eight months later

363
00:44:04,863 --> 00:44:07,103
as your President

364
00:44:07,103 --> 00:44:10,063
to ask not for a honeymoon,

365
00:44:10,783 --> 00:44:12,223
but for a good marriage.

366
00:44:13,683 --> 00:44:17,303
I will always treasure those memories

367
00:44:17,303 --> 00:44:20,643
and your many, many kindnesses.

368
00:44:20,783 --> 00:44:22,583
I thank you for them all.

369
00:44:23,983 --> 00:44:33,163
My fellow Americans, I once asked you for your prayers, and now I give you mine.

370
00:44:34,883 --> 00:44:46,303
May God guide this wonderful country, its people, and those they have chosen to lead them.

371
00:44:46,303 --> 00:44:52,683
may our third century be illuminated by liberty and blessed with brotherhood

372
00:44:52,683 --> 00:45:03,523
so that we, in all who come after us, may be the humble servants of thy peace.

373
00:45:04,423 --> 00:45:04,823
Amen.

374
00:45:05,663 --> 00:45:06,383
Good night.

375
00:45:06,903 --> 00:45:07,763
God bless you.

376
00:45:16,303 --> 00:45:46,283
Thank you.