At a time when our nation faces many challenges, it gives me confidence that these fine individuals have agreed to give their talents to serving the American people.

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE: Peter A. Kovar, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

NATO's door will stay open for new members if they perform--if they fulfill the criteria.

We want our children to be scientists and engineers and doctors and teachers.

Today we pay our respect to those who distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, the recipients of the Medal of Honor.

It is a privilege to join all of you as we celebrate the contributions of Greece and those of Greek heritage to this country and to the world.

I'm not going to wait until we find out that our children can't compete for the jobs of the future.

We are grateful to all those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces and serve and sacrifice on behalf of our great Nation.

These leaders found allies in ancient texts.

We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our Nation can never fully repay.

We need to come together and let's stop -- you know, the bankers have to understand things, but let's not demonize every investor and entrepreneur.

That drive is what has always fueled our prosperity.

Cynthia J. Giles, of Rhode Island, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, vice Granta Y. Nakayama, resigned.

That is unbelievable.

We are sending millions of dollars in additional equipment.

We're beginning to see signs of progress.

We will continue to do whatever is necessary in the weeks ahead.

We are going to stay with it as long as I'm in this office.