John Boehner, November 12, 2004

Last week, I reviewed a series of domestic issues we can expect to see action on as the second term for President Bush and 109th Congress begin in January. From tax reform to strengthening Social Security to addressing the rising costs of health care and college tuition, we’ve got some major challenges ahead on the domestic front. However, there are equally important challenges abroad. I’ll review a handful of these here.

War on Terrorism. On September 20, 2001, in an address to Congress and the nation, President Bush promised, "I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people." These words marked the beginning of the global War on Terrorism. Since then, we’ve frozen billions in terrorist assets, dismantled the Taliban, sent terrorists on the run and into hiding, streamlined our homeland security agencies here at home, and toppled a dictatorship in the heart of the Middle East. What’s next? To start, we need common sense reforms within our intelligence community, as well as stronger security measures on our borders and shores. And we must use all means necessary to make sure nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons stay out of the hands of those intent on harming our country. The War on Terrorism is like none other we’ve fought, and staying the course during the next several years is critical.

Iraq. Iraq has become the central front in the War on Terrorism. In the past year, we’ve seen violence escalate. However, we also have witnessed some extraordinary progress, including the capture of Saddam Hussein and the transfer of sovereignty to a new Iraqi government. Our coalition also has trained thousands of Iraqi soldiers and police, and the doors of Iraqi schools have opened to more students than at any time in that country’s history. More milestones are ahead. In January, Iraq will hold free elections. Saddam Hussein soon will face trial before his peers. And, in time, a democracy will emerge in the heart of the most tumultuous region of the world. It will be a lynchpin for peace in the Middle East. Terrorists in Iraq are waiting for us to blink. We can’t, and we won’t.

Trade. Trade expands the markets in which our farmers, manufacturers, and other businesses compete and sell their products. In 2005 -- most likely -- we will renew the President’s ability to negotiate trade agreements and propose them to Congress for an up or down vote. This ability -- called trade promotion authority (TPA) - has been sought by many presidents, from Reagan to Clinton to Bush. Since Congress gave President Bush TPA in 2002, we have approved several trade agreements, most recently with Australia -- a major victory for American agriculture and manufacturing alike. Next up: an agreement with Central American nations, which would take a second important step toward a free trade zone for the entire Western Hemisphere. In 2005, Congress also will have the chance to renew U.S. membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). This will present us dual opportunities to fix some of the WTO rules and enforcement flaws while providing American farmers and businesses access to the economies of 146 nations through this global trade pact.

There’s so much more, from maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula to keeping a watchful eye on rising nuclear threats in countries such as Iran and Pakistan. The American people have given President Bush and Congress their confidence to accomplish much, both domestically and internationally. And I’m eager to get to work.

Congressman John Boehner, a Republican, represents Ohio's Eighth Congressional District, which includes Miami, Butler, Preble, Darke, and Mercer Counties.