Good jobs begin with good schools, and here we’ve made a fine start.  (Applause.) Republicans and Democrats worked together to achieve historic education reform so that no child is left behind.  I was proud to work with members of both parties:  Chairman John Boehner and Congressman George Miller. (Applause.) Senator Judd Gregg. (Applause.) And I was so proud of our work, I even had nice things to say about my friend, Ted Kennedy.  (Laughter and applause.) I know the folks at the Crawford coffee shop couldn’t believe I’d say such a thing—­(laughter)—­but our work on this bill shows what is possible if we set aside posturing and focus on results.  (Applause.)

There is more to do.  We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved Head Start and early childhood development programs.  (Applause.) We must upgrade our teacher colleges and teacher training and launch a major recruiting drive with a great goal for America:  a quality teacher in every classroom. (Applause.)

Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy.  This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on foreign oil. (Applause.)

Good jobs depend on expanded trade.  Selling into new markets creates new jobs, so I ask Congress to finally approve trade promotion authority.  (Applause.) On these two key issues, trade and energy, the House of Representatives has acted to create jobs, and I urge the Senate to pass this legislation. (Applause.)

Good jobs depend on sound tax policy. (Applause.) Last year, some in this hall thought my tax relief plan was too small; some thought it was too big.  (Applause.) But when the checks arrived in the mail, most Americans thought tax relief was just about right. (Applause.) Congress listened to the people and responded by reducing tax rates, doubling the child credit, and ending the death tax.  For the sake of long-term growth and to help Americans plan for the future, let’s make these tax cuts permanent.  (Applause.)

The way out of this recession, the way to create jobs, is to grow the economy by encouraging investment in factories and equipment, and by speeding up tax relief so people have more money to spend.  For the sake of American workers, let’s pass a stimulus package. (Applause.)

Good jobs must be the aim of welfare reform.  As we reauthorize these important reforms, we must always remember the goal is to reduce dependency on government and offer every American the dignity of a job. (Applause.)

Americans know economic security can vanish in an instant without health security.  I ask Congress to join me this year to enact a patients’ bill of rights—­(applause)—­to give uninsured workers credits to help buy health coverage—­(applause)—­to approve an historic increase in the spending for veterans’ health—­(applause)—­and to give seniors a sound and modern Medicare system that includes coverage for prescription drugs.  (Applause.)