    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [July 20, 2001]
    [Pages 879-880]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Departure From Oxford, England
    July 20, 2001

        Good morning. First, I'd like to thank the Prime Minister and Mrs. Blair for their
    gracious hospitality. I can assure you, Chequers is a--it's a great
    place to get a night's sleep and a good place to renew a confirmed
    friendship.
        The Prime Minister and I had a wide-ranging
    discussion. We're really intent to make sure that our relationship is
    strong and honest and open. And I can assure the people of Great
    Britain, as well as my own country, that our relationship and alliance
    has never been stronger.
        Secondly, I'm off to Genoa, where the G-7 and the G-8 will meet to
    discuss how to enhance the world's prosperity. It really begins with
    each of our own countries making sure our economic houses are in order.
    I will share with my fellow leaders the fact that we shepherded through
    a major reduction in income taxes in America so that the working people
    have got more money in their pockets to spend on their needs.
        I'll also share the fact that our Federal Reserve is conscious of
    the need to make sure that the interest rates are such that we have
    economic vitality. As well, we will discuss ways to make sure countries
    less fortunate than ours will be able to sustain economic growth. It's
    imperative that we have a new round of global trade talks, to make sure
    that all nations in the world have got opportunity within their lands.
        There are some who will try to disrupt the meetings, claiming they
    represent the poor. To those folks I say, instead of addressing policies
    that represent the poor, you embrace policies that lock poor people into
    poverty, and that's unacceptable to the United States. Trade has been
    the best avenue for economic growth for all countries, and I reject the
    isolationism and protectionism that dominates those who will try to
    disrupt the meetings in Genoa.
        And finally, on the homefront, I'm pleased that the United States
    Congress easily passed a Faith-Based Initiative sponsored by J.C.
    Watts of Oklahoma and Tony Hall of Ohio. It's an initiative that puts our Federal
    Government squarely on the side of faith-based and community-based
    programs, all of which exist to help a neighbor in need.
        The debate has been long and arduous, and now the Congress is
    beginning to act. It's a positive step toward making sure the American
    Dream extends its reach throughout all our communities. It's a step that
    recognizes that Government can't cause people to love one another, but
    what Government can do is stand by--side by side with loving individuals
    who are intent upon

    [[Page 880]]

    bringing compassion and hope to neighborhoods where there may not be
    any.
        I congratulate the House. I urge the United States Senate to act on
    this measure quickly, so that the armies of compassion, which exist all
    across America, will be invigorated and continue their march to make
    sure our country is hopeful and optimistic.
        Thank you very much for your hospitality. May God bless Great
    Britain, and may God continue to bless America.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:23 a.m. at Royal Air Force Brize Norton
    airfield. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Tony Blair and
    his wife, Cherie.