[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 48 (Monday, December 1, 2003)]
[Page 1678]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Arrival From the United Kingdom

November 21, 2003

    Good evening. Laura and I have just returned from Great Britain, 
where we had a fantastic trip. Her Majesty the Queen was a great host. 
Of course, we spent some time today in Tony Blair's constituency, which 
was not only a lot of fun, but it was a chance to continue our dialog 
about how to fight and defeat terror. We've got a special relationship 
with Great Britain. That relationship was reaffirmed during the last 3 
days.
    Back here at home, I'm pleased that the Congress passed the Healthy 
Forests Initiative, which will help us maintain our national treasure, 
our forests, again providing a commonsense strategy and making sure that 
the fire hazards that we've seen over the last couple of summers are 
mitigated as best as possible.
    Secondly, I was pleased that House of Representatives passed an 
energy bill. This Nation needs an energy bill. It needs an energy plan. 
A minority of Senators are holding it up. For the sake of our national 
security and economic security, the Senate has got to pass this bill.
    And finally, as you know, the Medicare legislation is--will be 
debated tonight in the House of Representatives and eventually in the 
Senate. It is an important time for Members of the U.S. Congress to 
honor our obligations to our seniors by providing a modern Medicare 
system, a system that includes prescription drugs and choices for our 
seniors. I urge the House and the Senate to pass this good piece of 
legislation.
    We're glad to be home. It's good to see you all. Good night. Thank 
you.

Note: The President spoke at 6:27 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Queen Elizabeth II and Prime 
Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom. This item was not received in 
time for publication in the appropriate issue.