    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [February 5, 2002]
    [Page 179]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Economic Stimulus Legislation and an Exchange With Reporters
    February 5, 2002

        The President. I was just informed that the Senate will not vote out
    a stimulus package. I'm very disappointed. There's a lot of workers who
    hurt, and they need help. Our economy, while there's some good news,
    needs more stimulus. I still think we need to pass a bill that will help
    workers and help stimulate the economy. You know, we got a good bill out
    of the House, and I believe that we had a good chance to get a good bill
    out of the Senate last fall; there was enough votes to pass the bill.
    And I'm just disappointed. I think--I think we need a good stimulus
    package.
        Q. [Inaudible]--for a regular breakfast this week?
        The President. No, no, we're meeting next week. But I mean, I don't
    need to have a meeting, a breakfast to express my disappointment. I'm
    disappointed. I think people need to--workers need help, and I think we
    need to stimulate the economy with some wise policy. And we're working
    hard on this issue. I talked about it--gosh, I remember going to the
    Midwest to talk about it; I think I talked about in the Midwest right
    after the attacks. We've been working with both Republicans and
    Democrats to try to forge a good package. You know, I'm just sorry it
    hasn't happened. I hope they do reconsider and pass a good bill.
        Q. [Inaudible]
        The President. I can't hear you.
        Q. Are you saying they're not listening?
        The President. You need to talk to them. I'm just--what I'm saying
    is, I'm disappointed we don't have a package. Workers need help, and we
    need to stimulate the economy.
        Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:08 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, upon returning from Pittsburgh, PA. A tape was not available for
    verification of the content of these remarks.