[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 29 (Monday, July 23, 2001)]
[Pages 1067-1068]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Departure From Oxford, United Kingdom

July 20, 2001

    Good morning. First, I'd like to thank the Prime Minister and Mrs. 
Blair for their gracious hospitality. I can assure you, Chequers is a--
it's a great place to get a night's sleep and a good place to renew a 
confirmed friendship.

[[Page 1068]]

    The Prime Minister and I had a wide-ranging discussion. We're really 
intent to make sure that our relationship is strong and honest and open. 
I can assure the people of Great Britain, as well as my own country, 
that our relationship and alliance has never been stronger.
    Secondly, I'm off to Genoa, where the G-7 and the G-8 will meet to 
discuss how to enhance the world's prosperity. It really begins with 
each of our own countries making sure our economic houses are in order. 
I will share with my fellow leaders the fact that we shepherded through 
a major reduction in income taxes in America so that the working people 
have got more money in their pockets to spend on their needs.
    I'll also share the fact that our Federal Reserve is conscious of 
the need to make sure that the interest rates are such that we have 
economic vitality. As well, we will discuss ways to make sure countries 
less fortunate than ours will be able to sustain economic growth. It's 
imperative that we have a new round of global trade talks, to make sure 
that all nations in the world have got opportunity within their lands.
    There are some who will try to disrupt the meetings, claiming they 
represent the poor. To those folks I say, instead of addressing policies 
that represent the poor, you embrace policies that lock poor people into 
poverty, and that's unacceptable to the United States. Trade has been 
the best avenue for economic growth for all countries, and I reject the 
isolationism and protectionism that dominates those who will try to 
disrupt the meetings in Genoa.
    And finally, on the homefront, I'm pleased that the United States 
Congress easily passed a faith-based initiative sponsored by J.C. Watts 
of Oklahoma and Tony Hall of Ohio. It's an initiative that puts our 
Federal Government squarely on the side of faith-based and community-
based programs, all of which exist to help a neighbor in need.
    The debate has been long and arduous, and now the Congress is 
beginning to act. It's a positive step toward making sure the American 
Dream extends its reach throughout all our communities. It's a step that 
recognizes that Government can't cause people to love one another, but 
what Government can do is stand side by side with loving individuals who 
are intent upon bringing compassion and hope to neighborhoods where 
there may not be any.
    I congratulate the House. I urge the United States Senate to act on 
this measure quickly, so that the armies of compassion, which exist all 
across America, will be invigorated and continue their march to make 
sure our country is hopeful and optimistic.
    Thank you very much for your hospitality. May God bless Great 
Britain, and may God continue to bless America.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 8:23 a.m. at Royal Air Force Brize Norton 
airfield. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Tony Blair and 
his wife, Cherie. A tape was not available for verification of the 
content of these remarks.