BUSH URGES FAITH-BASED SERVICES FOR DRUG ADDICTS

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (AP) - President Bush urged Republican
lawmakers Sunday to work with him on an agenda that empowers religious
groups to provide social services and offers mentoring programs and more
help for those addicted to drugs. "There are people who need love and
compassion," Bush said at a congressional retreat at the Greenbrier resort.
"There are people who wonder whether or not the American experience is
meant for them."

The president also made another pitch for passage of proposed tax cuts that
he says would create jobs, for changes in Medicare to provide more choice
and prescription drug coverage for seniors, and more rapid confirmation of
nominees for federal judgeships. He also talked up some programs that are
not part of the traditional GOP agenda.

On Monday, Bush is traveling to Nashville, Tenn., to renew his push for
programs that are part of his effort to be a "compassionate conservative."

"I'm going to call for focus on those who are addicted to drugs," Bush
said. "We'll work hard to continue to drive the demand for drugs down and
interdict supply, but there are sad souls in our society who are hooked on
drugs."

And he said he looked forward "to working with the Congress to empower
programs which work, particularly faith-based programs which work, to help
save Americans one heart, one soul, one conscience at a time."

He said it was important to pursue such programs domestically, but also "to
show our compassion abroad as well."

The president also talked about the thousands of children living in
orphanages in Africa because their parents died of AIDS, and he asked
lawmakers to approve quickly his proposal to sharply increase U.S. funds
dedicated to the global battle against the disease - to $15 billion over
the next five years.

"It's a vital initiative, because we're talking about saving human life,"
Bush said. "We're talking about showing the world the great strength and
compassion of the United States of America."

Democrats have questioned Bush's call for new tax cuts while pushing for
programs to help the needy, improve education and provide prescription
drugs - all while planning a war with Iraq.