[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[March 23, 2001]
[Pages 289-291]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
Exchange With Reporters in Portland, Maine
March 23, 2001
Expulsion of Russian Diplomats
Q. In response to the fact that the Russians responded in kind----
The President. They can make whatever decisions they deem necessary.
Our country took the right course of action.
Q. What message does it send, though, do you think?
The President. It says that we will be firm and consistent in our
foreign policy.
[At this point, the President continued his tour of the Salvation Army
Senior Center.]
Tax Relief Legislation
Q. One more question, Mr. President.
The President. Same subject?
Q. No, on tax cuts. Even if, with retroactivity, the size of the
package were to get bigger than $1.6 trillion, is it worthwhile if it
provides more money for people up front during this slowing economy?
The President. Well, I think we can accelerate tax relief--we should
accelerate tax relief--and keep the size of the tax relief package at
the same level. I'm confident we can do both. And I've told those who
think it ought to be smaller and those who think it ought to be bigger
that it ought to be $1.6 trillion.
The key thing is to make sure that we have tax relief that's
meaningful, and to get as much money in the people's pockets as quickly
as possible to provide a stimulus package.
Q. But how do you do both?
The President. Well, that's what we're going to work with the
Congress on, is to make sure that we come with a size of the package
that fits into the budget and at the same time, get money into people's
pockets as quickly as possible. There are ways to do that. You could
delay one aspect
[[Page 290]]
of the total tax relief package for one year, for example. I mean, there
are ways to get it done. The key thing is that good people are coming
together to try to effect good, sound fiscal policy and to stimulate the
economy.
Q. So, Mr. President, if something like what Senator Domenici has
proposed happened, there would be some give elsewhere to keep it within
the $1.6 trillion?
The President. I think we ought to work to keep it within the $1.6
trillion. I've sent that message. I hear Members of Congress saying,
``Now we have the opportunity to load up the tax relief package for
different projects.'' And my message is, keep it at $1.6 trillion. There
are others who, of course, want to diminish it, as well. And my answer
to them is, let's keep it at $1.6 trillion.
Q. Would you oppose anything like a rebate that brought it above
$1.6 trillion?
The President. Well, we're working with the Congress to keep it
within the bounds of $1.6 trillion. I saw what Senator
Domenici said; he was talking about
accelerating by about $40 billion. Well, that's a rounding number when
you're talking in terms of trillions.
Campaign Finance Reform Legislation
Q. If campaign financial legislation that banned soft money from
individuals and that did not include paycheck protection in labor unions
reach your desk, would you veto it?
The President. Well, I'm watching the debate very carefully. My
message is, I would like a bill to sign, and I want all parties involved
in the debate to know that I'm anxious to sign a bill. I look forward to
a bill and am confident that they will be able to come up with a bill
that I can sign.
Q. [Inaudible]--any one position?
The President. Well, let me put it to you this way. I would--I
believe they can come up with a reform that will meet the parameters
that I've laid out that I can sign.
Expulsion of Russian Diplomats
Q. Mr. President, are you worried about this tit for tat with the
Russians and that it could get out of hand and hurt U.S.-Russian
relations?
The President. No, I believe we can have good, strong relations with
the Russians. They'll just understand my administration is one that
takes firm positions when we think we're right. That doesn't preclude
the ability for Mr. Putin and me, for
example, to meet at some point in time and have a good, honest
discussion about common interests, areas where we can work together, and
be able to discuss our disagreements in an open and honest way.
Tax Relief Legislation
Q. Are you unalterably opposed to the idea of some kind of midterm
review? I know you don't like the word ``trigger,'' but anything that
takes a look to see whether surpluses really materialize?
The President. Well, it depends on what it is. There's a lot of
ideas now being floated out in the Congress, and I'm openminded to any
good idea. And I'll listen to what different Members have to say. The
key thing is that we have meaningful, real tax relief, where everybody
who pays taxes gets relief and where, to the best extent possible,
accelerate the tax relief to get money in people's pockets to serve as a
stimulus to the economy.
Q. So a trigger is not out of the question?
The President. Again, any suggestion that people give I'm willing to
listen to. Obviously, one of my concerns is that a tax relief package be
undone because Congress wasn't fiscally responsible in its spending. I
won't support a measure that says to Congress, spend all the money you
want and, therefore, diminish the tax relief plan that we've gotten
passed for the people, because one way is, to make sure that the
surpluses don't exist, is if Congress isn't fiscally responsible with
the people's money.
[[Page 291]]
Expulsion of Russian Diplomats
Q. [Inaudible]--speak to President Putin before you have a face-to-
face meeting in June?
The President. Maybe. I'm not sure yet.
Education
Q. Maine's education--[inaudible]--worried that your plan for a
national testing----
The President. I'm going to address that today. I appreciate you
asking that question. The Governor is
here somewhere--the Governor and I talked about that. Maine has got a
very strong accountability system, and it has enabled the public elected
officials to address problems. When I talk about accountability systems,
I talk about those developed by States and local jurisdictions, and
Maine is a perfect example.
One of the reasons I've come to this State is, not only is it a
special spot in my heart because of an address down the road here, but
this is a State where accountability and education go hand in hand. And
in no way, shape, or form would I want Federal policy to undermine the
good work that Governor King and others
in Maine have done.
So when I talk about local accountability and a willingness to set
standards, I think of places like Texas and a place like Maine.
Gov. Angus S. King, Jr., of Maine.
We've been doing testing in the 4th, 8th, and 11th grade in Maine since
1986. We published the results on the Internet by school, by school
district, and it's accountability with a capital A.
The President. Yes. I know there's--I'm aware that there was some
consternation about proposals that I'm working with both Republicans and
Democrats on in the Congress. People have got to remember I was a
Governor, and I wasn't particularly happy when the Federal Government
began to tell us what to do, particularly when it came to educating our
children. And consistent in the plans that I'm working with the Congress
on is that philosophy that we trust the local people. And the people of
Maine have been very fortunate to have a Governor of this caliber to look after the public education system
here.
And as the Governor will tell you,
the whole basis of reform is strong accountability, because you don't
know whether--unless you measure, you don't know whether children are
learning. And anyway, I'd better save some of the remarks for the
speech. That way you'll pay attention.
Governor King. I've got a motto for
you, Mr. President: Does it work, and how do you know?
The President. There you go. I may copy it.
Anybody hungry? You look like a man who could use a meal. [Laughter]
Note: The exchange began at 11:10 a.m. during a tour of the Salvation
Army Senior Center. In his remarks, the President referred to President
Vladimir Putin of Russia. A tape was not available for verification of
the content of this exchange.