[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.