As we remember what happened in the Japanese subway, we can outlaw poison gas forever if the Senate ratifies the Chemical Weapons Convention—­this year.  We can intensify the fight against terrorists and organized criminals at home and abroad if Congress passes the anti-terrorism legislation I proposed after the Oklahoma City bombing—­now.  We can help more people move from hatred to hope all across the world in our own interest if Congress gives us the means to remain the world’s leader for peace.

My fellow Americans, the six challenges I have just discussed are for all of us.  Our seventh challenge is really America’s challenge to those of us in this hallowed hall tonight:  to reinvent our government and make our democracy work for them.

Reform

Last year this Congress applied to itself the laws it applies to everyone else.  This Congress banned gifts and meals from lobbyists.  This Congress forced lobbyists to disclose who pays them and what legislation they are trying to pass or kill.  This Congress did that, and I applaud you for it.

Now I challenge Congress to go further—­to curb special interest influence in politics by passing the first truly bipartisan campaign reform bill in a generation.  You, Republicans and Democrats alike, can show the American people that we can limit spending and open the airwaves to all candidates.

I also appeal to Congress to pass the line-item veto you promised the American people.

Our administration is working hard to give the American people a government that works better and costs less.  Thanks to the work of Vice President Gore, we are eliminating 16,000 pages of unnecessary rules and regulations, shifting more decision-making out of Washington, back to states and local communities.

As we move into the era of balanced budgets and smaller government, we must work in new ways to enable people to make the most of their own lives.  We are helping America’s communities, not with more bureaucracy, but with more opportunities.  Through our successful Empowerment Zones and Community Development Banks, we are helping people to find jobs, to start businesses.  And with tax incentives for companies that clean up abandoned industrial property, we can bring jobs back to places that desperately, desperately need them.

But there are some areas that the federal government should not leave and should address and address strongly.  One of these areas is the problem of illegal immigration.  After years of neglect, this administration has taken a strong stand to stiffen the protection of our borders.  We are increasing border controls by 50 percent.  We are increasing inspections to prevent the hiring of illegal immigrants.  And tonight, I announce I will sign an executive order to deny federal contracts to businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

Let me be very clear about this:  We are still a nation of immigrants; we should be proud of it.  We should honor every legal immigrant here, working hard to become a new citizen.  But we are also a nation of laws.