    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [March 31, 2008]
    [Page 441]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Departure for Kiev, Ukraine
    March 31, 2008

        Good morning. Laura and I are on our way to a
    very important NATO summit, and Members of the United States Congress
    are on their way back to Washington. And they have a lot of work to do.
        Congress needs to pass FISA reform. Our intelligence professionals
    are waiting on the Congress to give them the tools they need to monitor
    terrorist communications. Congress also needs to provide liability
    protection to companies that may have helped save lives after September
    the 11th, 2001.
        Congress needs to pass legislation to modernize the Federal Housing
    Administration. Struggling homeowners are waiting on Congress to act, so
    that the FHA can help more Americans refinance their mortgages and stay
    in their homes.
        Congress needs to act urgently to approve the Colombian free trade
    agreement. A courageous ally in South America is waiting on Congress to
    approve an agreement that will strengthen our national security.
    American businesses, workers, and farmers are waiting on Congress to
    level the playing field.
        These are all vital priorities. And I ask members of both parties to
    get these important pieces of legislation to my desk as soon as
    possible.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:56 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House.