For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 19, 2001
President: Economic Security Package Has Enough Votes in House, Senate
Remarks by the President in Photo Opportunity with House Republican Conference
The United States Capitol
9:40 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: I am proud to report that members of both
political parties and both bodies of Congress have come to an agreement
as to how to stimulate our economy and how to take care of people in
need, people who have lost their job.
I'm proud of the members around this table for making the conscious
decision to work together to answer some serious needs that face our
country. A lot of people have lost their jobs and don't have
health care, and the people around this table said, I want to do
something about it, and they proposed a very constructive, real plan.
A lot of people around this table understand that in the long-term
we've got to make sure our economy grows. And so we've
provided stimulus to the economy, most of which affects middle-class
America. The income tax rate reduction affects those making
$27,000 to $65,000 a year -- hard-working Americans who could use help,
coming into the holiday season.
I can't thank the Chairman, the Speaker, the leaders around this
table for recognizing that there's something more important than
politics, and that's to do our jobs, to recognize we have a serious
problem and address it and solve the problem.
This bill can pass both bodies. This bill will pass the
House; it's got enough votes to pass the Senate. And
therefore, I look forward to working with both bodies in any way I can
to convince those who are reluctant to get a bill done that this makes
sense for America, so we can leave for Christmas knowing full-well that
we've done the people's business.
Again, congratulations to you all. I want to thank you
for your work, thank you for your care for America. Thank
you all.
END
9:45 A.M. EST
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