    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [November 19, 2002]
    [Pages 2094-2095]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Teleconference Remarks With Senate Republican Leaders
    November 19, 2002

        Senator Trent Lott. [Inaudible]
        The President. Well, I appreciate that, Trent. And I want to thank
    you all for working hard. We're making great progress in the war on
    terror. Part of that progress will be the ability for us to protect the
    American people at home. This is a very important piece of legislation.
    It is landmark in its scope, and it ends a session which has been 2
    years' worth of legislative work, which has been very productive for the
    American people.
        Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
        The President. Well, I want to thank you all. It is an honor to be
    representing the greatest country on the face of the Earth over in
    Europe. And we're going to have an historic day on Thursday when we go
    to expand NATO. The people of Europe appreciate America. They appreciate
    our strength, and most importantly, they appreciate our compassion and
    our love for freedom. And I know you all share that side of America with
    me.
        Again, I want to thank all the Senators in the room there for your
    hard work and look forward to seeing you when I get back.
        Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
        The President. All right, well thank----
        Senator Lott. [Inaudible]

    [[Page 2095]]

        The President. I think that's important. Trent, that piece of
    legislation will help put hardhats back to work, and that's going to be
    good, and I appreciate you working on that as well.
        Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
        The President. I need to hear a Texas voice.
        Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.
    [Inaudible]
        Senator Don Nickles. [Inaudible]
        The President. Oh, that's good news. Well, thanks. Thanks for your
    good work, and I certainly appreciate it all.
        Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
        The President. Okay, sir. Thank you all very much. Bye-bye.

    Note: The teleconference began at 1:23 p.m. The President spoke aboard
    Air Force One en route to Prague, Czech Republic. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.