Remarks by Bush on Western Hemisphere Policy

Remarks by President Bush on Western Hemisphere PolicyRonald Reagan Building and Rosetta Stone software International TradeCenterWashington, DCMarch 5, 2007THE PRESIDENT:Thank you all. (Applause.) Please be seated -- sixE9,ntese.Buenas tardes. Gracias por la bienevenida. For those of younot from Texas, that means, good afternoon. (Laughter.) Andthank you for the welcome. I'm honored to be back again withthe men and women of the Hispanic Chamber. I appreciate yourhospitality. I'm pleased to report the economy of theUnited States is strong, and one of the reasons why isbecause the entrepreneurial spirit of America is strong. Andthe entrepreneurial spirit of America is represented in thisroom. (Applause.) I thank you for the role of theChamber. I appreciate so very much the work you do with ourbanks to help move capital. I appreciate so very much thefact that you recognize outstanding Latina business womenthrough your Anna Maria Arias Fund. I appreciate the factthat you say loud and clear, el suexF1,o Americano es paratodos. I strongly believe that the role of government isto make it clear that America is the land of opportunity. Ithink the best way to do that is to encourage businessformation, encourage ownership, is to say, if you work hardand dream big, you can realize your dreams here in America.I also believe it's essential to make sure that when peopletake risk, that they're able to keep more of their owntaxes. Congress needs to make the tax cuts we passed apermanent part of the tax code. (Applause.) I know thatin order for us to make sure el suexF1,o Americano es paratodos that we have an education system that sets highstandards for all children, demands accountability in ourschools so that we Rosetta Stone Greek can say with certainty, children from allbackgrounds are able to read and write and add and subtract.That is why I believe it is essential that Congressreauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act.I think it'svery important for us to continue to expand federalcontracting opportunities for small businesses, and to makesure that America is a place of promise and hope. It isimportant and essential that Congress pass comprehensiveimmigration reform that I can sign into law. (Applause.)I want to talk about another important priority for ourcountry, and that is helping our neighbors to the south ofus build a better and productive life. Thursday, Laura and Iare going to leave on a trip that will take us to Brazil andUruguay and Colombia, y Guatemala, y por fin, Mexico. Theseare countries that are part of a region that has made greatstrides toward freedom and prosperity. They've raised up newdemocracies. They've enhanced and undertaken fiscal policiesthat bring stability.Yet, despite the advances, tens ofmillions in our hemisphere remain stuck in poverty, and shutoff from the promises of the new century. My message tothose trabajadores y campesinos is, you have a friend in theUnited States of America. We care about your plight.(Applause.) David, thank you very much for being theChairman of this important organization and for theinvitation. I want to thank Michael Barrera, who is thePresident and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber. I thank my friendy Tejano, Massey Villarreal, who is with us today. Massey,it's good to see you again. You've got a barba crecida.(Laughter.) Looking good, though, man. I thank FrankLopez, who is the President and CEO of Chamber Foundation. Iwant to thank members of my Cabinet who have come. I thinkit's a good sign that -- this administration recognizes theimportance of having a neighborhood that is peaceful andflourishing -- that we have so many members of the Cabinetwho have joined us today. I want to thank Carlos Guitierrez.(Applause.) Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao -- MadamSecretary. (Applause.) Secretary of Health and HumanServices Michael Leavitt. (Applause.) Secretary of EducationMargaret Spellings -- Madam Secretary. (Applause.) Thank youall for coming.Tom Shannon, representing the StateDepartment. Ambassador Randy Tobias, who runs USAID, who, bythe way, prior to this assignment, led one of the mostimportant initiatives in my administration that has helpedto fight the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. I appreciate Rosetta Stone Hindi V3 your servicethere, and I now appreciate your service at USAID, Randy.I want to thank John Veroneau, who is with us today, whois the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative. We've got membersof the United States Congress with us today, powerfulmembers of the Senate and the House. I am so grateful theyare here, starting with Senator Dick Lugar of the greatstate of Indiana.