Administration of George W. Bush, 2003 / May 22

Remarks Following a Meeting With Congressional Leaders May 22, 2003

The President. I just had a great meeting more likely it is somebody is going to be with Members of the House and Senate. able to find work in America. In other The Vice President and I came up to con- words, the more money somebody has, it gratulate the Speaker and the leader on means somebody is more likely to demand a season of accomplishment. We’ve got an a good or a service, which means somebody obligation to help those who suffer. Amer- will produce a good or a service, which ica’s a great, strong country. We’re also a means somebody is likely to find work. compassionate country. This bill I’m going to sign is good for And I thank the Members of the House American workers. It is good for American and Senate for passing an AIDS bill that families. It is good for American investors, will help the people of Africa, a really good and it’s good for American entrepreneurs piece of legislation, a great piece of work and small-business owners. These two bod- by the Speaker and the leader and other ies are fixing to go on a well-deserved Members. break. And when they come back, we’re I also came to congratulate them on the going to work together on reforming of soon-to-be passage of an economic jobs- Medicare. and-growth bill. This is a Congress which Q. Mr. President? is able to identify problems facing the The President. And furthermore—[laugh- American people and get things done. ter]—thank you for your time. [Laughter] These are can-do people, and I’m real Thank you. proud of the work they’ve done. I look forward to signing the economic NOTE: The President spoke at 9:34 a.m. out- recovery bill soon. The principle of the bill side the House Chamber at the Capitol. In is pretty simple, that we believe the more his remarks, he referred to Senate Majority money people have in their pockets, the Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee.

Remarks Announcing the Nomination of Joshua Bolten To Be Director of the Office of Management and Budget May 22, 2003

The President. Good morning. The Office aged, more accountable, and driven by re- of Management and Budget is one of the sults. most important agencies in our Govern- I also depend on the Director to provide ment. This agency has a central responsi- honest and thorough information on the bility for implementing the full range of state of our budget and to offer sound ad- this administration’s agenda, from growing vice as we carry out our national priorities. the economy and creating jobs to ensuring For this essential position, today I nominate a strong national defense and a secure one of my closest and most trusted advis- homeland. I depend on the OMB Director ers, Joshua Bolten. to keep a watchful eye on the taxpayers’ For more than 4 years, first in Austin money, to reform the operations of our and now in Washington, I have counted Government, to make them better man-

527 May 22 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2003 on Josh for his knowledge, his clear think- Mitch Daniels. Mitch has watched over the ing, and his sound judgment. From his budget with a sharp eye and the common work in the private sector and practice of sense of a strong executive. He’s insisted law in the investment banking world, Josh on good management of the people’s has a broad perspective on commerce and money. He’s done his job with great energy international economy. From his experience and consistent good humor. I have a feeling in both the executive branch and on Cap- that Mitch’s days in the public service are itol Hill, Josh Bolten understands the work- not over. I want to thank Mitch for serving ings of the Federal Government as well our country so very well. as anybody in this city. And most impor- And now I’m pleased to introduce my tant, from his tenure as my Deputy Chief choice as the next Director of the Office of Staff for Policy, Josh knows the philos- of Management and Budget, Josh Bolten. ophy and priorities of my administration. [At this point, Director-designate Bolten Josh Bolten is brilliant. He is tireless. made brief remarks.] He remains calm in any storm. He is a The President. Thank you all. Thank you man of complete integrity. No member of all very much. my staff has served with greater skill or earned greater respect amongst his col- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:58 a.m. in leagues than Josh Bolten. I’m honored that the Oval Office at the White House. The he’s agreed to join my Cabinet. transcript released by the Office of the Press When confirmed by the Senate, Josh will Secretary also included the remarks of Direc- take over from a superb public servant, tor-designate Bolten.

Statement on the Earthquake in Algeria May 22, 2003

On behalf of the American people, I ex- ries, and the major damage in towns east tend condolences to the people of Algeria of Algiers and in the capital city. Our pray- for the terrible losses caused by yesterday’s ers are for the victims, their families, and earthquake. I was deeply saddened to learn the entire Algerian nation. The United of the hundreds of deaths, the many inju- States stands ready to help.

Statement on House of Representatives Action on Unemployment Insurance Extension Legislation May 22, 2003

I commend the House of Representatives America’s unemployed workers. I also urge for passing an unemployment insurance ex- Congress to pass legislation to create the tension that will continue important addi- innovative Re-employment Accounts I pro- tional assistance for American workers as posed to give certain unemployed individ- our economy recovers. Combined with ac- uals additional benefits and incentives to tion on the jobs-and-growth package, Con- find work. I look forward to signing these gress has taken important steps to help measures into law.

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