    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 51 (Monday, December 24, 2001)]
    [Pages 1806-1807]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders

    December 19, 2001

    Economic Stimulus Package

        I am proud to report that members of both political parties and both
    bodies of Congress have come to an agreement as to how to stimulate our
    economy and how to take care of people in need, people who have lost
    their job.
        I'm proud of the Members around this table for making the conscious
    decision to work together to answer some serious needs that face our
    country. A lot of people have lost their jobs and don't have health
    care, and the people around this table said, ``I want to do something
    about it,'' and they proposed a very constructive, real plan.
        A lot of people around this table understand that in the long term
    we've got to make sure our economy grows. And so we've provided stimulus
    to the economy, most of which affects middle-class America. The income
    tax rate reduction affects those making $27,000 to $65,000 a year, hard-
    working Americans who could use help coming into the holiday season.
        I can't thank the chairman, the Speaker, the leaders around this
    table for recognizing that there's something more important than
    politics, and that's to do our jobs, to recognize we have a serious
    problem and address it and solve the problem.
        This bill can pass both bodies. This bill will pass the House; it's
    got enough votes to pass the Senate. And therefore, I look forward to
    working with both bodies in any way I can to convince those who are
    reluctant to get a bill done that this makes sense for America, so we
    can leave for Christmas knowing full-well that we've done the people's
    business.
        Again, congratulations to you all. I want to thank you for your
    work, thank you for your care for America. Thank you all.

    [[Page 1807]]

    Note: The President spoke at 9:40 a.m. in the Speaker's office at the
    Capitol. A tape was not available for verification of the content of
    these remarks.