President Talks Economy, Trade At Jacksonville's Port

March 18, 2008

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- After attending a private Republican fundraising luncheon at a Mandarin home and touring Jacksonville Port Authority's Blount Island Marine Terminal, President George W. Bush is talking about growing the economy and increasing international trade.

"This is a challenging time for our economy," Bush began his speech. "There are problems, but the key to recognize problems and act early, which we have done."

After talking about actions -- including the $168 billion stimulus plan that should have $600-per-taxpayer rebates in the mail the second week of May -- Bush said his administration was prepared to do more, if necessary, to help the sagging economy.

Bush then got to the topic that brought him to the port: his support of a pending trade agreement with Columbia.

"One of the interesting signs of strength is that we're the world's leading exporter of goods and services," Bush said. "Anybody wondering about the stakes in the trade debate ought to come right here to Jacksonville, Fla., to the docks, to see whether trade make sense."

The president cited statistics that more 8 million tons of cargo move through Jaxport every year and is handles more automobiles than any other port in the country.

Bush noted that Jacksonville port generates more than 45,000 jobs.

President George W. Bush speaks to workers and invited guests at the Jacksonville Port Authority's Bount Island Marine Terminal.

"This cargo doesn't move itself," Bush said. "I'm standing in front of people who are all part of the part of the process -- good hard-working Americans, putting food on the table for their families because of trade. I believe trade brings good jobs. I believe is in our interest."

Bush said his administration has increased the number of free trade agreements from three countries to 14. Of three new agreements pending now -- Columbia, Panama and South Korea -- Bush said Columbia is the most important.

"This isn't just one of these isolated votes that gets no attention outside of Washington," Bush said after touring a cargo shipping company. "This is a vote that is being observed very carefully by people across the world."

The deal would remove most tariffs on American exports and cement Colombia's preferential trade status with the United States, which allows it to sell many products here duty-free.

"I have confidence that Congress will get it right," Bush said. "American can compete with anybody, anytime, anywhere, as long as the playing field is level."

Bush Arrives

Air Force One landed at Jacksonville International Airport just before 11 a.m. Tuesday to begin Bush's four-hour visit.

After stepping off the aircraft and greeting dignitaries, including Gov. Charlie Crist and Sen. Mel Martinez, Bush presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to Holly Cleveland, a local Wachovia Bank official.

Cleveland set up a volunteer program in 1999 that became a model for the entire company. Her program sets up bank employees with volunteer opportunities such as tutoring, painting houses, preparing tax returns or serving on nonprofit boards.

"He was so gracious when he walked up," Cleveland said. "He told me we were here to celebrate volunteerism and he thanked me for what I do in the community every day."

Bush departed the airport by motorcade to attend a Republican National Committee luncheon hosted by John D. Rood, former chairman of The Vestcor Companies and former U.S. ambassador to the Bahamas. For security reasons, the location of that event was not disclosed.

A RNC official said the luncheon is expected to raise $685,000.

Bush is scheduled to depart Jacksonville in mid-afternoon and be in West Palm Beach for another RNC fundraiser.