President Bush Delivers Landon Lecture at KSU

President Bush’s visit to Senator Roberts alma mater, Kansas State University, focused national attention on the university and the state this week. Bush, who came at the request of Roberts, delivered the prestigious Landon Lecture. He is the third sitting president to come to K-State for the lecture series. Roberts introduced the president, who delivered a wide-ranging speech on the global war on terrorism. The president talked about his decision-making process as he fulfills his number one priority: to protect the America people. "The threat to the United States is forefront in my mind," Bush said. "I knew that at times people would say, ‘you know, it [September 11] may be an isolated incident, let’s just don’t worry about it.’ Well for me it’s not an isolated incident. I understand there is still an enemy which lurks out there...an enemy which is relentless and desirous to bring harm to the American people because of what we believe in."

In discussing the war on Iraq, Bush said, "The way to defeat the enemy is for the political process to marginalize the rejectionists, and for us to train the Iraqi forces so they can find the few that want to dash the hopes of the many, and that's what we're doing." The audience included more than 800 Ft. Riley soldiers who had come to see their Commander in Chief.

As the Kansas City Star reported on Tuesday, Senator Roberts also "saved President Bush from a monumental faux pas Monday with a quick lesson in Wildcat etiquette." Aboard Air Force One in route to Kansas, Roberts lent President Bush a purple tie to fit in at Bramlage Coliseum.

Ft. Riley recently received good news – and right in time for the holidays. The First Brigade, First Infantry Division based at Ft. Riley, received word that their deployment to Iraq, set for late December, was cancelled. This means approximately 3,500 soldiers associated with the brigade were able to stay home with their families for the holidays.

"This represents the first time since combat operations began that the rotational schedule has been altered to allow for the long-term draw down of the U.S. military presence in Iraq," Senator Roberts said. "With the success of the Iraqi elections on December 15, and the constant improvement in the numbers and quality of Iraqi security forces, this move represents the increasing responsibility that Iraqi forces are assuming, allowing the United States to achieve our mission of bringing freedom and stability to the Iraqi people."

This does present several challenges for Ft. Riley and the local community. Because of the BRAC 2005 decisions, Ft. Riley is set to gain several thousand soldiers and their families over the next couple of years. Due to this tremendous growth, Ft. Riley has identified significant construction needs to provide for the housing and well being of soldiers and their families, for construction of administration and storage facilities and new training ranges.

Judge Sam Alito continues through the Senate confirmation process this week as his nomination was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. His confirmation now goes to the Senate floor for a full Senate vote.

Senator Roberts said, "Judge Samuel Alito is a modest man whose career is marked by hard work. He is hailed by all who know him as a man of the highest integrity and character. Judge Alito’s extensive judicial experience coupled with the highest approval rating given by the American Bar Association demonstrates his ample qualifications to serve on the United States Supreme Court. I am pleased to support his nomination."