[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.