Bush vows justice will be done

Bush: "Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Standing before a united Congress, President Bush told the nation Thursday the United States will use "every resource at our command" to bring to justice those responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks that killed thousands.

He issued a stern message to countries worldwide: "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."

The president condemned the Taliban regime in Afghanistan for its repressive regime and demanded that it turn over all terrorists in their land, close all terrorist training camps and release all international citizens jailed unjustly. The prime suspect in last week's attack, Osama bin Laden, lives as a "guest" of the Taliban.

"They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate," Bush said of the Taliban.

The president said the U.S. military is on the highest of alerts. "There is a reason. The hour is coming when America will act," he said.

"Our grief has turned to anger and anger to resolution. Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done," Bush vowed to thunderous applause.

He said the battle against terrorism must be fought worldwide.

"The civilized world is rallying to America's side. They understand that if terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens may be next," said Bush.

"Terror unanswered cannot only bring down buildings, it can threaten the stability of legitimate governments -- and you know what -- we're not going to allow it."

Bush announced the creation of a Cabinet-level Office of Homeland Security to be headed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge.

RESOURCES Presidential calls to arms      CNN.COM SPECIAL REPORT  CNN NewsPass Video  Agencies reportedly got hijack tips in 1998  MORE STORIES Intelligence intercept led to Buffalo suspects Report cites warnings before 9/11  EXTRA INFORMATION Timeline: Who Knew What and When? Interactive: Terror Investigation Terror Warnings System Most wanted terrorists What looks suspicious? In-Depth: America Remembers In-Depth: Terror on Tape In-Depth: How prepared is your city?  RESOURCES On the Scene: Barbara Starr: Al Qaeda hunt expands? On the Scene: Peter Bergen: Getting al Qaeda to talk

He urged all Americans to respect Muslims and to live up to the nation's highest principles, saying, "No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith."

The speech came just nine days after the deadliest act of terror on U.S. soil, when hijacked airliners hit the nation's symbols of wealth and power.

More than 6,000 people are believed dead in the attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A fourth airliner, believed headed for another target in Washington, crashed in Pennsylvania.

Bush praised the rescue workers and investigators working in New York and at the Pentagon. He praised Congress for delivering $40 billion in funding for rebuilding and building up the military.

He said help was on the way for U.S. airline carriers and vowed the nation would help rebuild New York City.

He also promised something for terrorists who try to spread death and destruction.

"By sacrificing human life to serve their radical visions -- by abandoning every value except the will to power -- they follow in the path of fascism and Nazism and totalitarianism. And they will follow that path all the way to where it ends, in history's unmarked grave of discarded lives."