[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 13 (Monday, April 2, 2001)]
[Pages 518-519]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Tractor Supply Company and an Exchange With Reporters in 
Billings, Montana

March 26, 2001

    The President. I want to thank--Fred, thank you for having me, and I 
want to thank you all for coming. I look forward to talking about 
American agriculture with you. The issues that relate directly to 
Montana farmers and ranchers are issues that relate to Texas farmers and 
ranchers, too. Agriculture is an incredibly important part of our 
Nation's economy.
    I'm going to tell you a couple of things, then I'm going to listen. 
But I am going to tell you that when it comes to negotiations and trade 
agreements, we will treat agriculture as an important, integral part of 
our strategy. We won't kind of hold agriculture out and then maybe try 
to get a good deal or not. Agriculture is an important part of our 
country's economic future.
    Secondly, I'm--we'll have regulations based upon sound science.
    Thirdly, I'm worried about energy; I know you all are, as well. 
Energy is driving up the cost of farming. It's not only driving up the 
cost of, obviously, what it takes to run your vehicles; it also drives 
up the cost of fertilizer. And I understand that.
    And fourthly, I look forward to discussing with you some of the 
conversations I've had with our Canadian friends to the north in regards 
to labeling and wheat policy and timber policy, as well. So I'm honored 
that you all gave me a chance to come by and visit. It's my first time 
I've ever been to the State of Montana. But I suspect I'm going to 
find--good folks here in this State are kind of like the folks where I 
came from, hard-working, God-fearing, family-loving people who are 
worried about how to make a living in the agriculture sector. Thank you 
all for giving me a chance to be here.

Agricultural Assistance

    Q. Mr. President, do you see a need for a farm rescue package along 
the--[inaudible]--of last year's?
    The President. It's too early to tell, but we've got contingency 
money set aside. We've got contingency money set aside in case that 
needs to happen.
    Q. And do you see a need for a permanent change in the farm--
[inaudible]?
    The President. It's too early to tell. What we don't know yet is 
whether or not the new risk management programs that have been put in 
place achieve their desired effect.

Montana Drought

    Q. Montana farmers are worried about drought, Mr. President. What 
can you do to help them?
    The President. Pray. Pray for rain. [Laughter] We have just come 
through a tough drought in my State of Texas, and I understand what 
drought does to a farmer. The only thing we can do is hope moisture 
comes, and we've got to call upon the good Lord.

[[Page 519]]

    In the meantime, we've got disaster payments and risk management 
programs at the Federal level.
    Thank you.

Treasury Secretary Paul H. O'Neill

    Q. Mr. President, can you tell us what led Mr. O'Neill to go ahead 
and give his stock options back?
    The President. You need to talk to Mr. O'Neill.

Note: The President spoke at 4:08 p.m. in the warehouse. In his remarks, 
he referred to Fred Booth, Presidential designee to head the Montana 
office of the Farm Service Agency. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of these remarks.