[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 47 (Monday, November 25, 2002)]
[Pages 2057-2058]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Teleconference Remarks With Senate Republican Leaders

November 19, 2002

    Senator Trent Lott. [Inaudible]
    The President. Well, I appreciate that, Trent. And I want to thank 
you all for working hard. We're making great progress in the war on 
terror. Part of that progress will be the ability for us to protect the 
American people at home. This is a very important piece of legislation. 
It is landmark in its scope, and it ends a session which has been 2 
years' worth of legislative work, which has been very productive for the 
American people.
    Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
    The President. Well, I want to thank you all. It is an honor to be 
representing the greatest country on the face of the Earth over

[[Page 2058]]

in Europe. And we're going to have an historic day on Thursday when we 
go to expand NATO. The people of Europe appreciate America. They 
appreciate our strength, and most importantly, they appreciate our 
compassion and our love for freedom. And I know you all share that side 
of America with me.
    Again, I want to thank all the Senators in the room there for your 
hard work and look forward to seeing you when I get back.
    Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
    The President. All right, well thank----
    Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
    The President. I think that's important. Trent, that piece of 
legislation will help put hardhats back to work, and that's going to be 
good, and I appreciate you working on that as well.
    Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
    The President. I need to hear a Texas voice.
    Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. [Inaudible]
    Senator Don Nickles. [Inaudible]
    The President. Oh, that's good news. Well, thanks. Thanks for your 
good work, and I certainly appreciate it all.
    Senator Lott. [Inaudible]
    The President. Okay, sir. Thank you all very much. Bye-bye.

Note: The teleconference began at 1:23 p.m. The President spoke aboard 
Air Force One en route to Prague, Czech Republic. A tape was not 
available for verification of the content of these remarks.