[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[April 2, 2001]
[Page 359]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders and an Exchange 
With Reporters
April 2, 2001

Trade Promotion Authority

    The President. It's my honor to host a discussion on trade and its 
advantages to our country. I want to thank the leaders of the House and 
the Senate in both parties for being here. We've got a lot of work to do 
in order to get trade promotion authority, but I'm confident that we can 
work together to do so. It's in our Nation's best interest that we 
trade. It's in the interest of those who provide jobs. It's in the 
interest of our farmers and ranchers. It's in the interest of small-
business owners. And as I was reminded, it's in the interest of those of 
us who care about our values as to how to spread our values around the 
world.
    This is an issue that is going to require close cooperation between 
members of the Republican Party and the Democrat Party. But that's 
achievable because trade is an American issue, and it's an important 
American issue.
    So I look forward to working with the Members. I'm honored you all 
are here. Thank you for coming. And Ambassador Zoellick, who is the Trade Representative, is working hard on 
the Hill. And when you all get back from recess, we'll be working with 
you to see if we can advance the cause.
    Thanks for coming.

U.S. Navy Aircraft Incident

    Q. Any progress on the Chinese, Mr. President?
    The President. Nothing more to report.
    Q. Is it safe to assume they boarded the plane?
    The President. Nothing more to report. Gregory [David Gregory, NBC 
News], give it a rest, will you? [Laughter]

Note: The President spoke at 4:19 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these 
remarks.