    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [February 6, 2002]
    [Pages 179-180]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters in New York City
    February 6, 2002

    Assistance for New York City

        Q. Can you answer a quick--about the $20 billion?
        The President. Yes, absolutely.
        Q. When are we going to get it, and why does there seem a
    reluctance----
        The President. Oh, there's no reluctance. The $20 billion needs to
    come to New York. And that's $20 billion, by the way, not including the
    Victims' Compensation Fund. And I look forward to working with the New
    York delegation, the Governor, and the
    mayor to make sure that the Liberty Zone
    and the Liberty Bonds become reality. Now, that's one way for us to help
    New York rebuild herself, and a vital part of our economy and economic
    growth is to have a vibrant New York City.
        And so the $20 billion is coming. A lot of it has already come;
    there's more to come. And I look forward to working in a way to get it
    done.
        Q. Have you had any chance to talk to Mitch Daniels and say, ``Be a
    little nicer to New York''?

    [[Page 180]]

        The President. No, Mitch
    understands my pledge. He understands what I said--when I said $20
    billion, I meant $20 billion. And I'm the kind of fellow who does what I
    say I'm going to do. And I think it's important for the country to know
    that a vibrant New York City is vital for our economy. We've got to have
    a strong New York City.
        It's not only a part of our economic scene at home, it's important
    for New York to be strong for international reasons, as well. And so I
    look forward to working with the mayor and
    the Governor to make sure we get this done.

    Stimulus Package

        Q. Any thoughts on the stimulus?
        The President. Yes. Let me--one question on the stimulus. One answer
    on that is, at the minimum they need to take care of the workers, at the
    very minimum. But it's important for Congress to realize that our
    economy has not yet fully recovered. And therefore, I believe we still
    need to provide stimulus for economic growth so that there's jobs.
    People need work. And everything Congress ought to do is to take care of
    those who've lost their jobs but also recognize that people want more
    than an unemployment check; they want a steady paycheck. And so jobs
    ought to be what the people up there in Washington are asking
    themselves: How do we create jobs so people can find work?
        Q. Why can't they get it done?
        The President. You're asking the wrong man. I'm in the executive
    branch of Government.

    Note: The exchange began at 1:54 p.m. during a tour of the Police
    Department Command and Control Center. In his remarks, the President
    referred to Gov. George E. Pataki of New York and Mayor Michael
    Bloomberg of New York City. A tape was not available for verification of
    the content of this exchange.