STATEMENT OF SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS ON PRESIDENT BUSH''S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

The President''s themes of national security, homeland security, and economic security accurately reflect the concerns faced by all American families. We need to know that our military is capable of protecting our country and our freedoms, that we are safe in our own land, and that we are secure in our own futures. President Bush was wise to remind Americans that the war on terrorism is far from over. Our success in Afghanistan should not blind us to the reality that we have a long way to go to root out global terrorism. There are those out there still who would do us great harm, and I fully support the President''s priorities of protecting the American people by strengthening our military. The men and women in our armed forces deserve the best possible resources and equipment and the fullest commitment that the President has put forth.

The State of our Union is remarkably strong following September 11th. Indeed, it is stronger, perhaps, than it was before. It is also, however, changed. And part of that change is the realization that we must remain vigilant regarding our homeland security. I am, therefore, pleased with the President''s call for nearly doubling the funding for first responders such as our police, firefighters, and EMTs; and for our borders, seaports, and airports. Maine faces significant border and port security challenges, so I''m encouraged that we, especially, will benefit from the President''s initiatives.

While our economy is showing faint signs of recovery, I agree with the President that economic security demands the attention of the Congress. We need to move forward with extended benefits for our unemployed workers, with incentives for small businesses which are the engines of our economy and the primary creators of new jobs, with reforms to corporate pension plans to enhance retirement security, and with access to affordable health care, health insurance, and a prescription drug benefit for our seniors. I fully support the President''s call for a 16 percent increase in funding for the National Institutes for Health as well as his proposals to triple funding for bioterrorism prevention and research. We need to move forward on these issues in a spirit of bipartisanship.

Finally, I applaud the President for seeking to sustain and encourage the spirit of service to America that grew out of the horrible acts of September 11th. The great sorrow that was visited upon this nation has evolved into a greater sense of service to our country and communities. Tapping into this wealth of good will and human resources is an excellent way to illustrate to the world the true compassion of America and Americans.