    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [May 16, 2003]
    [Pages 499-500]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 499]]

    Remarks on Senate Action on Jobs-and-Growth and AIDS Relief Legislation
    and an Exchange With Reporters
    May 16, 2003

        The President. We had a good day yesterday in the United States
    Senate as the Senate passed a bill that will make it more likely people
    looking for work will find a job. I'm pleased with the progress. I look
    forward to working with House and Senate leadership to reconcile any
    differences they have and get a bill to my desk as soon as possible. I'm
    optimistic about our economy and its future. I'm even more optimistic
    now that the Senate has acted.
        I'm also so pleased that the Senate passed a bill to help ease the
    suffering on the African Continent as well as in some Caribbean nations.
    We've got a HIV/AIDS initiative that will help--say to the world that
    the United States is a compassionate country; we care deeply about the
    suffering that takes place in the world.
        Again, I want to thank the Senate for--as well as the House--for
    passing a good piece of legislation. It looks like that bill can get
    done pretty quickly, and I'll be able to sign it and take it to Europe
    with me as a symbol of the great depth of compassion that our country
    holds for those who suffer.
        I'll ask--answer a few. Tom [Tom Raum, Associated Press].

    Tax Cut Legislation

        Q. Mr. President, can you live with a tax cut like the one the
    Senate passed that goes away after 3 years?
        The President. Here's the thing about the tax cut. The tax cut must
    be strong and robust so people will be able to find work. That's what
    I'm focused on. I'm interested in jobs and job creation. And the more
    bold the tax relief package, the more likely it is a fellow American
    will be able to find work.

    Saudi Arabia/Terrorism

        Q. Mr. President, in terms of combating terrorism at home, do you
    think the Saudis have gotten the message this time around?
        The President. Well, Saudi Arabia is our friend, John [John Roberts,
    CBS News], and we're working closely with them to track down the killers
    of American citizens and British citizens and citizens from Saudi Arabia
    as well as other countries.
        The best way to defend the homeland, the best way to secure the
    future of the American people is to find the killers before they strike
    us. And that's exactly what we're doing now inside of Saudi Arabia.
        Obviously, we mourn the loss of life. It is a--it is certainly a
    wake-up call to many that the war on terror continues, that we've still
    got a big task to protect the American people and others who love
    freedom from the designs of--and the will of these purveyors of hate.
    And we'll find them. We'll bring them to justice.
        Q. But sir, is the message coming from this administration to the
    Saudis that you've got a problem, you have to deal with it----
        The President. The message----
        Q. ----and you have to wake up to the fact that you have to deal
    with it?
        The President. Yes, here's the message. The message is the war on
    terror goes on, that there are killers on the loose--obviously, killers
    on the loose inside of Saudi Arabia in this example. And we want to work
    with them and find them, find those killers, and bring them to justice.
    And we are still in a--it's dangerous in the world. And it's dangerous
    inside Saudi Arabia, and it's dangerous so long as Al Qaida continues to
    operate.
        And so we'll chase them down. We're doing everything we can to
    secure the homeland. The best way to secure the

    [[Page 500]]

    homeland is to work with countries like Saudi Arabia and to find the
    killers and get them before they get us. And that's what this country
    will do.
        Woodward [Bob Woodward, Washington Post].
        Q. Sir.
        The President. How are you?
        Q. Very well.
        The President. Yes, Mark [Mark Knoller, CBS Radio].

    2004 Election

        Q. Mr. President, you filed with the FEC today. How does it feel to
    be a candidate? And how do you assess your chances?
        The President. The American people will decide whether or not I
    deserve a second term. In the meantime, I am focusing my attention today
    on finding--helping people find work. And that's where I'm going to be
    for a while. I want this economy to be robust and strong so that our
    fellow Americans who are looking for a job can find a job.
        We've also got a lot of work to do on the security front. As John
    clearly pointed out, we've got an issue. We're dealing with countries
    from around the world to make sure that they know that the war on terror
    continues. No one should be complacent in the 21st century, the early
    stages of the 21st century, so long as Al Qaida moves. I've told the
    country that we've brought to justice about half of the Al Qaida
    network--operatives, key operatives. And so the other half still lives.
    And we'll find them, one at a time.
        Listen, have a great weekend. Thank you all.
        You're looking good, John, from the war zone.
        Q. Thank you, sir. I call it the Iraq-kins Diet. [Laughter]

    Note: The President spoke at 3:20 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House prior to his departure for Camp David, MD. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.