    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [August 16, 2006]
    [Page 1515]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, Pennsylvania
    August 16, 2006

        I want to thank the folks here at the Harley plant for their
    wonderful hospitality. I've been impressed by Harley-Davidsons. It's one
    of America's finest products. And today I add to my impressions about
    the product with the impressions of the workforce. I was--really enjoyed
    walking the floor and shaking hands with the people who work here. I'm
    impressed by the esprit de corps; I'm impressed by the fact that these
    people really enjoy what they're doing; I'm impressed by the fact that
    they're impressed by the product they make.
        One of the things we talked about with some of the employees here
    and some of the management was the need for Government to do a couple of
    things to help them here. One is to open up markets around the world for
    products like Harley-Davidsons. Harleys get shut out of certain markets,
    like other American products. And it makes sense that if you're making
    something people want around the world, that we ought to work hard to
    open up those markets. There's a direct correlation between exports and
    jobs. In other words, the more Harleys that are sold in a place like
    Vietnam or China or India, the more likely it is somebody is going to be
    able to find work.
        And so we talked about that. We also talked about the fact that one
    reason this company is successful is that they invest a lot in
    technologies and that there is a part of our Tax Code that encourages
    investment, called the research and development tax credit. And I
    assured them that when I said I'm for it being permanent, I meant I was
    for it being permanent. We hope Congress makes the research and
    development tax credit a permanent part of the Tax Code. That encourages
    folks here at Harley to make new investments; it means that the
    workforce becomes more productive; it means that the product is more
    likely to be able to compete.
        And so I come away from this plant with a lot of very positive
    impressions, and it is a joy to be here. And again I want to thank you
    all for opening up your facility, and thank the good folks there on the
    line for being--for greeting me in such a warm fashion.
        Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 3:55 p.m.