    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
    [Page 295]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Remarks During a Visit to the East Capitol Center for Change and an
    Exchange With Reporters

    February 26, 2002

    [The President's remarks are joined in progress. ]

        The President. ----with healers, people of great and deep faith, who
    have come from some of the toughest circumstances known, to be leaders
    in their communities; people--one-time crack addicts, a heroin user,
    both of whom now are a good mom and dad; people who are helping others
    to learn that there's a better way.
        And I just want to thank you all for sharing with me your
    experiences and your thoughts. You know, my dream for the country is
    that the welfare system work side by side with the faith-based programs,
    which can do a heck of a good job about changing people's hearts and
    their souls and, therefore, their minds and, therefore, their behavior.
    And you're living proof of what I'm talking about.
        So I want to thank you for sharing your testimony with us. It only
    strengthens my resolve to make a good law that will propel the healers
    of America forward. And it only strengthens my knowledge about where the
    true strength of the country is, and it's in the hearts and souls of our
    citizens.
        Thank you for your time, Curtis. Thank you for your leadership. I
    appreciate you inviting us to your program. I look forward to sharing
    some thoughts about some legislation.

    Welfare Reform

        Q. Are there enough jobs----
        The President. I'm going to make sure the economy grows. And yes,
    there are.
        Q. You stiffened the requirements. Do you think there's enough jobs
    in this economy?
        The President. Yes, I do.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:47 p.m. in the gymnasium at St. Luke's
    Catholic Church. In his remarks, he referred to Curtis Watkins,
    executive director, East Capitol Center for Change. The press release
    issued by the Office of the Press Secretary did not include the complete
    opening remarks of the President. The Office of the Press Secretary also
    released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks. A tape was not
    available for verification of the content of these remarks.