    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [August 13, 2004]
    [Pages 1656-1657]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks in Seattle, Washington
    August 13, 2004

         It's my honor to come to this vital and important United States
    manufacturing company. Boeing is a great name in American industry. Not
    only does Boeing make a great product; the Boeing Company has got great
    workers. It's been my honor to spend some time with the people who work
    here, talking about our world, talking about the need for our country to
    be confident when it comes to world trade.
         I assured the folks with whom I was talking that my administration
    is dedicated to free and fair trade. See, I believe if our country is
    treated fairly, we can compete with anybody, anytime, anywhere.
         The Boeing Company competes against Airbus, which is a European
    company. Airbus was founded about 30 years ago and has received, in
    those 30 years, large Government subsidies from European nations and
    continues to receive them. And I think those subsidies are unfair. I
    think it makes it--it's unfair to this American company that these
    European Governments continue to subsidize Airbus. And so I informed
    these good folks who work here that I've

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    instructed U.S. Trade Representative Bob Zoellick to inform European officials in his September meeting that
    we think these subsidies are unfair and that he should pursue all
    options to end these subsidies--including bringing a WTO case, if need
    be. We believe in free trade; we want that free trade to be fair as
    well. And getting rid of the subsidies of Airbus will make the trade
    fair, will make the playing field level.
         I also want to say something about those residents in Florida. I
    have been in touch with the Governor and FEMA
    Director Mike Brown about the--Hurricane Charley
    that is hitting the coast, the western coast of Florida. Our prayers are
    with you and your families tonight. We have deployed resources to help.
    I have declared an emergency, and the process is now in place to aid,
    provide Federal aid to those who may be affected by this hurricane. And
    as I repeat, we ask God's blessing on those who were in the path of that
    hurricane.
        I thank you all very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:28 p.m. in the Boeing Delivery Center at
    Boeing Field/King County International Airport. In his remarks, he
    referred to Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida.