The next priority of my budget is to do everything possible to protect our citizens and strengthen our nation against the ongoing threat of another attack.  Time and distance from the events of September the 11th will not make us safer unless we act on its lessons.  America is no longer protected by vast oceans.  We are protected from attack only by vigorous action abroad, and increased vigilance at home.

My budget nearly doubles funding for a sustained strategy of homeland security, focused on four key areas:  bioterrorism, emergency response, airport and border security, and improved intelligence.  We will develop vaccines to fight anthrax and other deadly diseases.  We’ll increase funding to help states and communities train and equip our heroic police and firefighters. (Applause.) We will improve intelligence collection and sharing, expand patrols at our borders, strengthen the security of air travel, and use technology to track the arrivals and departures of visitors to the United States. (Applause.)

Homeland security will make America not only stronger, but, in many ways, better.  Knowledge gained from bioterrorism research will improve public health.  Stronger police and fire departments will mean safer neighborhoods.  Stricter border enforcement will help combat illegal drugs. (Applause.) And as government works to better secure our homeland, America will continue to depend on the eyes and ears of alert citizens.

A few days before Christmas, an airline flight attendant spotted a passenger lighting a match.  The crew and passengers quickly subdued the man, who had been trained by al Qaeda and was armed with explosives.  The people on that plane were alert and, as a result, likely saved nearly 200 lives.  And tonight we welcome and thank flight attendants Hermis Moutardier and Christina Jones. (Applause.)

Once we have funded our national security and our homeland security, the final great priority of my budget is economic security for the American people. (Applause.) To achieve these great national objectives—­to win the war, protect the homeland, and revitalize our economy—­our budget will run a deficit that will be small and short-term, so long as Congress restrains spending and acts in a fiscally responsible manner. (Applause.) We have clear priorities and we must act at home with the same purpose and resolve we have shown overseas:  We’ll prevail in the war, and we will defeat this recession. (Applause.)

Americans who have lost their jobs need our help and I support extending unemployment benefits and direct assistance for health care coverage.  (Applause.) Yet, American workers want more than unemployment checks—­ they want a steady paycheck. (Applause.) When America works, America prospers, so my economic security plan can be summed up in one word:  jobs.  (Applause.)