    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [December 6, 2003]
    [Pages 1690-1691]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1690]]

    The President's Radio Address
    December 6, 2003

        Good morning. This week we received additional reports that
    America's economy is gaining strength.
        In November, our Nation added 57,000 new jobs, and the unemployment
    rate fell to 5.9 percent. In the past 4 months, 328,000 Americans
    started work at new jobs.
        In the third quarter of 2003, worker productivity rose at a 9.4
    percent annual rate, the fastest pace since 1983. Rising productivity
    means rising wages, and productivity gains help companies keep prices
    low, which allows American families to stretch their paychecks further.
        Other economic signs are positive. Surveys show manufacturing
    activity to be at its strongest level in 20 years. Automobile sales rose
    in November. Home construction continues to expand.
        During this season, America's families are planning for the year
    ahead, and they have reason to be optimistic. The American economy
    continues on a solid path of recovery. With strong sales and improving
    profits, companies will continue to hire new workers in the coming year.
    And because of tax relief, all workers will get to keep more of what
    they earn, and small businesses will be able to create more jobs.
        Since 2001, we have cut taxes for everyone who pays income taxes. We
    reduced the marriage penalty in our Tax Code. We raised the child credit
    to $1,000 per child, and we have reduced taxes on dividends and capital
    gains. This tax relief is critical because it keeps more money in the
    hands of workers and small-business owners and others who move this
    economy forward.
        Here in Washington, our responsibility is to make sure this economy
    keeps its momentum, and I will not be satisfied until every person who
    wants to work can find a job. I have proposed a six-point plan to
    strengthen this recovery and bring prosperity to every corner of
    America. In the coming months, I will continue to work with Congress to
    achieve these important measures.
        First, businesses are more likely to hire people if health care for
    workers is affordable. We need to allow small-business owners to join
    together in association health plans, giving them the purchasing power
    of large companies when they shop for health insurance. And we must
    reform the medical liability system so that health care dollars serve
    the interest of patients, not the interests of trial lawyers.
        Second, we need broad legal reforms so frivolous lawsuits don't put
    good companies out of business and good people out of work. The Congress
    should start by enacting class action reform.
        Third, we must reduce unnecessary Government regulation and redtape,
    so businesses can focus on consumers and customers, not paperwork.
        Fourth, Congress should enact a national energy policy so that
    businesses and farms and homeowners can count on a reliable and
    affordable supply of energy and our Nation is less dependent on foreign
    sources of energy.
        Fifth, my administration is pursuing free and fair trade agreements
    so that our products and services can reach new markets and new
    customers overseas.
        Sixth, we should make all the tax relief we have passed permanent.
    The tax relief is scheduled to phase out in coming years if Congress
    does not take action. Tax relief set our economy on the right track, and
    permanent tax relief will keep it on the right track.
        By moving forward on this agenda, we can build on the great progress
    our economy is making. With the confidence and hard work of the American
    people and with the right policies in Washington, there are

    [[Page 1691]]

    even brighter days ahead for the American economy.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at 8:58 a.m. on December 5 in the Cabinet
    Room at the White House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on December 6. The
    transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    December 5 but was embargoed for release until the broadcast. The Office
    of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of
    this address.