[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 11 (Monday, March 24, 2008)]
[Page 390]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Meeting With Economic Advisers on the National 
Economy

March 17, 2008

    Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for coming by today to talk about 
the economic situation. We'll be meeting later on this afternoon with 
the President's task force on financial markets.
    First of all, you know, the Secretary has given me an update. One 
thing is for certain: We're under--we're in challenging times. But 
another thing is for certain, that we've taken strong and decisive 
action. The Federal Reserve has moved quickly to bring order to the 
financial markets. Secretary Paulson has been--is supportive of that 
action, as am I. And I want to thank you, Mr. Secretary, for working 
over the weekend. You've shown the country and the world that the United 
States is on top of the situation.
    Secondly, you've reaffirmed the fact that our financial institutions 
are strong and that our capital markets are functioning efficiently and 
effectively. We obviously will continue to monitor the situation and, 
when need be, will act decisively, in a way that continues to bring 
order to the financial markets.
    In the long run, our economy is going to be fine. Right now we're 
dealing with a difficult situation. And, Mr. Secretary, I want to thank 
you very much for your steady and strong and consistent leadership.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 9:40 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the 
White House.