Bush says new phase in war on terrorism is under way

President Bush Monday said the war on terrorism had entered a new phase. "Now that the Taliban are gone and al-Qaeda has lost its home base for terrorism, we have entered a second stage in the war on terror - a sustained campaign to deny sanctuary to terrorists who would threaten our citizens from anywhere in the world," Bush said.

The president spoke at a South Lawn ceremony commemorating the six-month anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. Among those on hand were lawmakers, families of the victims and members of the Washington diplomatic corps.

Bush said the United States would not send U.S. troops to "every battle," but will "prepare other nations for the battles ahead."

Nevertheless, Bush pointed to the need to take firm action against states that may obtain or already have weapons of mass destruction. "Here is what we already know: Some states that sponsor terror are seeking or already possess weapons of mass destruction," he said, adding, "Our coalition must act deliberately, but inaction is not an option."

In brief remarks at the White House after the speech, Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., applauded Bush. "I think the president's laid out very clearly the intent of this administration and our country this morning, and I think the American people are with him," Daschle said.

During an appearance earlier today at the National League of Cities conference, Daschle urged increased federal support for states and localities that exceed some of Bush's homeland security proposals. Daschle told the group that he wants to expand local law enforcement block grants to states.

As for Bush's proposed $4.3 billion on bioterrorism protection measures, Daschle said, "Frankly, I don't know that that's enough," and noted he had requested $10 billion be spent.

Referring to the community policing initiatives begun by former President Clinton, Daschle said, "We ought to expand the COPS program, not cut it," as Bush proposes in his fiscal 2003 budget.

Daschle also said he supports preventing the $8.6 billion cut in highway funding that would result in Bush's budget because of a formula quirk. In addition, Daschle said he hopes to pass legislation this fall from the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to spend $35 billion over five years on drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects.