[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 48 (Monday, December 5, 2005)]
[Page 1807]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the National Economy

December 2, 2005

    Thanks to good old-fashioned American hard work and productivity, 
innovation, and sound economic policies of cutting taxes and restraining 
spending, our economy continues to gain strength and momentum.
    Our economy added 215,000 jobs for the month of November. We've 
added nearly 4\1/2\ million new jobs in the last 2\1/2\ years. Third-
quarter growth of this year was 4.3 percent. That's in spite of the fact 
that we had hurricanes and high gasoline prices. The unemployment rate 
is 5 percent, and that's lower than the average for the 1970s, 1980s, 
and 1990s.
    We have every reason to be optimistic about our economic future. I 
mean, when you think about the news that's come in--the jobs report, the 
recent report on strong economic growth, low inflation, strong 
productivity, lower gasoline prices, a strong housing market, increases 
in consumer confidence and business investment--our economic horizon is 
as bright as it's been in a long time.
    The foundation for growth is strong. It's based upon low taxes and 
restrained Government spending, legal reform, incentives for saving and 
investment.
    The small-business sector is vibrant. Most of the new jobs in 
America are created by the small-business sector, and our entrepreneurs 
are doing well. We got the best workforce in America--in the world. 
People are productive. They're hardworking. Our ingenuity and know-how 
and--is vibrant. This economy is in good shape.
    We're not going to rest until every American who wants a job can 
find one. We're going to continue to work for good policies for our 
workers and our entrepreneurs. I'll continue to push for progrowth 
economic policies, all aimed at making sure every American can realize 
the American Dream.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 10:45 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish 
language transcript of these remarks.