[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
[January 8, 2003]
[Pages 40-41]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks on Signing Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation 
Legislation Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders
January 8, 2003

    The President. Thank you all for coming today. I'm going to have a 
statement, and then we'll ask you to leave so we can get down to our 
business.
    I want to welcome Members of the Senate and the House, both 
Republicans and Democrats, for this, the first of many meetings we'll 
have this year to figure out how we can work together and get some 
things done on behalf of the American people.
    Yesterday and today the Senate and the House acted on behalf of the 
unemployed workers of America. I have the extension of unemployment 
benefits in front of me. I want to congratulate Senators Frist and Daschle and Speaker 
Hastert  Dennis and Leader Pelosi for the good work on behalf of the American workers.
    And right now it is my honor to sign this piece of legislation, 
which should bring some comfort to those of our fellow citizens who need 
extra help during the time in which they try to find a job. So 
congratulations for a good job, and it's my honor to sign the bill.

 [At this point, the President signed the bill.]

    The President. I signed this, and I intend to sign a lot of other 
bills this year. And I know the only reason I'll be able to do so is 
because we're going to work together. We owe that to the American 
people. It's the spirit that now prevails in this room. And I look 
forward to working with Members of both parties to get a lot done to

[[Page 41]]

make America a safer place, a stronger place, and a better place.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 4:08 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. S. 23, approved January 8, to provide for a 5-month extension of 
the Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 2002 and for a 
transition period for individuals receiving compensation when the 
program under such Act ends, was assigned Public Law No. 108-1. The 
Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language 
transcript of these remarks.