[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.