[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.