[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 14 (Monday, April 9, 2001)]
[Pages 565-566]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders and an Exchange 
With Reporters

April 2, 2001

Trade Policy

    The President. It's my honor to host a discussion on trade and its 
advantages to our country. I want to thank the leaders of the House and 
the Senate in both parties for

[[Page 566]]

being here. We've got a lot of work to do in order to get trade 
promotion authority, but I'm confident that we can work together to do 
so. It's in our Nation's best interest that we trade. It's in the 
interest of those who provide jobs. It's in the interest of our farmers 
and ranchers. It's in the interest of small-business owners. And as I 
was reminded, it's in the interest of those of us who care about our 
values as to how to spread our values around the world.
    This is an issue that is going to require close cooperation between 
members of the Republican Party and the Democrat Party. But that's 
achievable because trade is an American issue, and it's an important 
American issue.
    So I look forward to working with the Members. I'm honored you all 
are here. Thank you for coming. And Ambassador Zoellick, who is the 
Trade Representative, is working hard on the Hill. And when you all get 
back from recess, we'll be working with you to see if we can advance the 
cause.
    Thanks for coming.

U.S. Navy Aircraft Incident

    Q. Any progress on the Chinese, Mr. President?
    The President. Nothing more to report.
    Q. Is it safe to assume they boarded the plane?
    The President. Nothing more to report. Gregory [David Gregory, NBC 
News], give it a rest, will you? [Laughter]

Note: The President spoke at 4:19 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these 
remarks.