Remarks following discussions with business leaders

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, April 21, 2003

In 2 years' time, this Nation has experienced war, a recession, and a national emergency, which has caused our Government to run a deficit. The best way to reduce the deficit is with more growth in our economy, which means more revenues to our Treasury and less spending in Washington, DC.

I am pleased that both the House and the Senate have passed budget resolutions that show real spending restraint. And now the Congress must focus on a robust and effective growth package. We need at least $550 billion in that package because the more tax relief that goes to the American people, the more jobs we will create in this economy.

The last few months have been a time of challenge for America. Our resolve has been tested. Yet, we have the great resources of national strength and national character to overcome every challenge we face. Our confidence and our optimism have never wavered. We are defending the peace of the world. We're bringing freedom to corners of the world that haven't seen freedom in years. We're also building the prosperity of our country.

This is a unique moment in our history. and the American people are rising to meet it.

I want to thank each of you for your hard work. I want to thank each of you for the faith you have shown in this country's future. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless America. Thank you all.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:16. a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Christine J. Bierman, founder and chief executive officer, Colt Safety, Fire & Rescue; Karla Aaron, owner, Hialeah Metal Spinning, Inc.; Tim Barrett, owner, Wood World; Frank C. Fillmore, Jr., founder and president, The Fillmore Group; Steven C. Anderson, president and chief executive officer, National Restaurant Association; Salvador Gomez, chairman of the board and chief executive officer, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Thomas J. Donohue, president and chief executive officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Jerry Jasinowski, president, National Association of Manufacturers; Karen Kerrigan, chairman, Small Business Survival Committee; Tom Musser, chairman of the hoard, National Federation of Independent Business; Terry Neese, president and co-founder, Women Impacting Public Policy; William Parsley, president, Carswell Distributing Co.; Dirk Van Dongen, president, National Association of Wholesaler- Distributors; and former President Saddam Hussein of Iraq. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.