For Immediate Release
February 18, 2004

Making Tax Cuts Permanent Important to Economic Growth Says President

Excerpt from February 18, 2004 Remarks with Tunisian President

Q Mr. President, do you think the economy is strong enough to produce 2.6 million jobs this year, as your economic report projected?

PRESIDENT BUSH: I think the economy is growing. And I think it's going to get stronger. I do think there are some things we need to do. We need to make sure the tax cuts are permanent. I look forward to continuing to talk about this issue. Uncertainty in the tax code could affect small business planning. Uncertainty in the tax code will make it harder for our citizens to make rational decisions about spending money. We need to have an energy policy, open up markets for trade, we need less regulation. We need tort reform. There are things we can do to make sure the economy grows.

I'm pleased by the fact that since August there's been 366,000 new jobs, in one survey. There was another survey called the Household Account that's been more optimistic. But I'm mindful there are still people looking for work, and we've got to continue building on the progress we've made so far.