"America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our country," he said.
Bush called for a renewal of the Patriot Act that increased law enforcement powers in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Several Democrats drew a flinty stare from the president by applauding when he said the act is set to expire next year. Many Democrats feel the act encroaches on civil rights.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi responded in a statement that Bush has pursued a "go-it-alone foreign policy that leaves us isolated abroad."
"American taxpayers are bearing almost all the cost -- a colossal US$120 billion and rising. More importantly, American troops are enduring almost all the casualties," she said.
Bush made no apologies for his tough approach to the war on terrorism, dismissing what he said were those who question whether America is really in a war and view terrorism more as a crime.
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