    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 17, 2003]
    [Pages 1570-1571]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Congressional Leaders
    November 17, 2003

        I just had the honor of meeting with the Medicare Conference Working
    Group. I first thanked them for their extraordinary leadership on
    developing a fine piece of legislation for Medicare. There are
    Republican leaders at this table; there are Democrat leaders at this
    table. These are Americans who understand we have an obligation to our
    seniors to modernize and strengthen the Medicare system.
        The bill that will be offered to the House and the Senate modernizes
    and strengthens Medicare. There's 400 billion additional dollars
    available for our seniors in this bill. There's prescription drug
    coverage in the bill for our seniors. This vote will demonstrate whether
    the Members of the House and the Senate will help keep our commitment to
    America's seniors. I look forward to working with the Members

    [[Page 1571]]

    around the table to secure passage of this very important and historic
    piece of legislation. I urge members of both political parties to study
    the legislation, to remember the promise we have made to America's
    seniors, and to vote yes for this legislation.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:20 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.