President Bush is urging Congress to pass legislation to create a new cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security.
Speaking at his first White House press conference since Tuesday's election victory by his Republican party, Mr. Bush said the threat of terrorism is real.
The president said passing the security legislation is his top priority -- and he said the current session of Congress should spend its last few days working to get it passed. Mr. Bush said he wants to work with both parties to get things done.
President Bush also said he is concerned about North Korea's nuclear weapons program, and is working with its neighbors to persuade Pyongyang to abandon the efforts. Mr. Bush said he believes that diplomatic pressure from various nations will convince North Korea to end its development of nuclear weapons.
The president said his other priorities include creating jobs, strengthening the economy and passing a budget.
President Bush also congratulated the winners in Tuesday's election, both Republicans and Democrats. Mr. Bush also said current Vice President Dick Cheney would be his running mate if he choose to run for re-election in 2004.