    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [June 25, 2003]
    [Page 688]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders on Medicare Reform
    June 25, 2003

        The President. Thank you all for coming. I'll take some questions at
    the end of the EU Summit. I'm so honored that members of both political
    parties from the House of Representatives have come to discuss our
    mutual desire to get a Medicare reform package passed. Members of both
    parties have made up their minds that we can do a good job on behalf of
    seniors by making sure that Medicare is a modern system.
        We are making great progress on this issue. We have an historic
    opportunity to seize the moment and get a good bill done. There's good
    momentum on the side of those of us who believe that we have an
    obligation to serve something greater than ourselves or our political
    parties. And I want to thank, again, members of both parties who are
    working hard to reach a consensus on behalf of our country's seniors.
        We've got Nancy Johnson and Congressman
    Israel here, who are very competent spokesmen
    for what is necessary to achieve a common objective. And I want to thank
    the Members. I look forward to working with you. Whatever amount of
    energy and effort is required from the White House, we will provide it,
    to get a bill done this summer, one that I can sign, and then we can all
    go back to our districts--in my case, tour the country--and say we have
    accomplished a major objective. Together--we work together.
        Thank you all for coming. Now you're supposed to yell a question so
    I know what you're going to ask later on. [Laughter]
        Q. What are you going to tell the undecided Republicans this
    afternoon?
        The President. Wrong question. [Laughter]
        Q. The economy?
        The President. The economy? Okay, good, yell about that. [Laughter]

    Note: The President spoke at 9:53 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House.