[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
[July 24, 2002]
[Page 1286]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1286]]


Remarks Following a Meeting With Congressional Leaders
July 24, 2002

Legislative Agenda

    The President. Today I've had the honor of talking to Members of the 
United States Congress--these good folks happen to be Democrats--about 
how to leave behind a legacy of a more secure America. We're talking 
about an incredibly important piece of legislation that will be voted on 
this Friday. It's a legislation to create a Department of Homeland 
Security; it's really a piece of legislation to make America a safer 
place.
    And I want to thank the leaders who are here for their willingness 
to put partisanship aside and focus on what's best for the American 
people. I believe we're going to get a good bill on Friday out of the 
House. I ask the Senate to vote on the bill before they go home for 
their August vacation.
    Secondly, we're making progress on a piece of legislation which will 
enable us to say that we passed laws to help protect investors, 401(k) 
stockholders, from corporate fraud. This Government--this Government 
will investigate, will arrest, and will prosecute corporate executives 
who break the law. And the Justice Department took action today.
    And finally, I am hopeful that after a lot of work, we can get a 
trade bill up on the floor of the House and the floor of the Senate 
before they go home for August as well. This is an important part of a 
legislative package necessary to help create jobs and keep the economy 
going.
    Today was a day of action and a day of accomplishment in Washington, 
DC. And I want to thank the Members for that.
    Thank you all.

Note: The President spoke at 2:55 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House.