    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [October 17, 2002]
    [Pages 1831-1832]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Satellite Remarks to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
     October 17, 2002

        Thank you all. I appreciate those kind remarks, Rosario. You're a gran amiga. Buenos dias. I wish I could be
    with you in person today as the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
    salutes Hispanic businesswomen.
        The USHCC is one of this country's great business organizations.
    America's more than 1.2 million Hispanic-owned businesses are
    transforming our economy and transforming our country. I'm particularly
    glad that the USHCC is paying tribute to Hispanic businesswomen. After
    all, the Hispanic businesswomen are emerging leaders of the American
    economy. Their success is creating jobs, building communities, and
    making our Nation more open and more inclusive. I am grateful and
    America is grateful for the accomplishments of these Hispanic
    businesswomen.
        I appreciate so very much the chair of the board of directors of the U.S. Hispanic
    Chamber of Commerce. I appreciate so very much the president and CEO. I'm honored that you all would invite me. I
    want you to know that I'm a strong believer in small business because I
    know that small businesses are the pathway to advancement and success
    for many Americans, especially women and new arrivals to our country and
    to minorities. I believe in small business because I know that two-
    thirds of all new jobs created in America every year come from small
    businesses. More than one million small businesses are owned by Hispanic
    Americans. And women-owned small businesses are growing twice as fast as
    all other United States firms. And this is good news for America.
        Small businesses are a great equalizer. The only connections you
    really need to succeed are happy customers. The only credentials you
    really need are good products. The only values you need are a
    willingness to work hard and take risks.
        Running a business also brings many personal rewards. You enjoy the
    freedom and pride that comes from being your own boss. You achieve
    success based upon your own abilities. You're helping others achieve
    success by providing them with jobs.
        Workers and entrepreneurs create the wealth of America, not
    Government. Yet, Government does have a responsibility to create an
    environment where small businesses can grow and prosper. Small
    businesses grow when taxes are low, when taxes are low for workers and
    when taxes are low for entrepreneurs. Low taxes mean more money in the
    pockets of the people who are building America.
        Small businesses grow when the Government considers the impact of
    its regulations, the impact those regulations will have particularly on
    small employers. We must avoid burdening our entrepreneurs with
    unnecessary rules and procedures. Small businesses grow when the
    Government's contracting policies encourage competition and don't
    unfairly favor large businesses at the expense of smaller firms.
        And small businesses grow when entrepreneurs can build their
    businesses without the fear of falling prey to frivolous lawsuits, all
    designed to make trial lawyers even wealthier.
        Our Nation has a responsibility to create an environment where the
    talents of men

    [[Page 1832]]

    and women of every origin and background are recognized and rewarded.
        Rosario mentioned my appointments to my
    Government. I am proud to serve many, many exceptional Hispanic
    Americans. One of my jobs is to put the best people in the right jobs in
    every branch of Government. I've done so in the executive branch, and
    I'll do so in the judiciary branch as well. Right now the Senate
    Judiciary Committee is now considering a friend of mine, a guy named
    Mike--Miguel Estrada. He's my nominee for the
    DC Circuit Court of Appeals. If confirmed, he'll be the first Hispanic
    ever to serve on this important court.
        No one can deny that he's well-qualified.
    No one can deny he's a great lawyer and that he's highly skilled. Yet
    unfortunately, there are Senators who play politics with Miguel
    Estrada's nomination. There are Senators searching for any reason to
    defeat him.
        I call upon the Senate leadership to treat Miguel Estrada with dignity and respect and to bring his nomination
    up for the full Senate to confirm him before they adjourn. He's an
    American success story. He's an inspiration to many Americans, and he'll
    be an outstanding judge.
        And so I appreciate all of you all who are there today. I appreciate
    so very much Elizabeth and
    George and the many of you there today to
    bear witness to the great opportunities found in this country,
    opportunities borne of freedom and equality. These values make us
    strong, and we will defend them, no matter how long it takes.
        Gracias por su dedicacion a la excelencia. Gracias por demostrar que
    el sueno Americano es posible para todos los que lo desean en su
    corazon. Y aprecio su amor por esta gran nacion.
        Y Dios los bendiga a todos, y que Dios los bendiga a Los Estados
    Unidos.

    Note: The President spoke by satellite at 4:19 p.m. from Read-Pattillo
    Elementary School in New Smyrna Beach, FL, to the meeting in Los
    Angeles, CA. In his remarks, he referred to Rosario Marin, U.S.
    Treasurer; and Elizabeth Lisboa-Farrow, chair of the board of directors,
    and George Herrera, chairman and chief executive officer, U.S. Hispanic
    Chamber of Commerce.