[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.