EAST PEORIA - President Bush visited central Illinois Tuesday and stood before Caterpillar Inc.'s iconic yellow bulldozers to call for more free trade agreements that he says make it easier for U.S. companies to export their goods. | Video

"I know it's a bad mistake for the country to lose our confidence and not compete," he said.

The president, during a 24-minute address to a crowd of about 500, said exports by the giant manufacturer of earth-movers increased following trade agreements his administration negotiated with other countries.

But it's not clear the Democratic leadership in Congress will wholeheartedly endorse creating more.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says current trade agreements aren't strictly enforced by Bush's administration.

And Durbin suggests Caterpillar's success isn't necessarily reflective of the country's manufacturing climate, noting substantial layoffs in several Illinois communities including Herrin and Pinckneyville.

"As we lose good paying jobs in America overseas to China and other countries, we need to enforce the trade agreements that this administration and others have entered into," Durbin said on the Senate floor Tuesday.

While some have found new work, Durbin said many jobs aren't of as high a quality as many of the ones lost.

"The reality of America's economy is that on his watch we have lost three million manufacturing jobs," he said.

But Caterpillar assembler Raymond Knollenburg said the president's visit to the 1 million square foot East Peoria factory meant a lot to him.

"Our products are all over the world and the president recognizes that," he said.

Bush began the visit at a local eatery and took a spin driving a large bulldozer before speaking to the crowd.

His remarks focused on the economy in order to preface a major policy speech he'll give Wednesday in New York.

But he didn't completely avoid some of the controversial policies of his presidency - promoting the No Child Left Behind education program and defending his tax cuts.

"It's important for you to keep your own money," he said. "You work hard for your money."

Gary Ball, who works in repairs at Caterpillar, said the speech notably didn't deal much the war in Iraq.

"I thought he had a very good message, especially with education," he said. "But I am sure everyone would like to hear something about the war. I guess this just isn't the place for it."

Tuesday's visit to the Peoria area was Bush's only stop in Illinois. About 500 Caterpillar employees and local officials heard the speech, with some workers sitting on bulldozers as part of the backdrop.

Despite the pomp that comes with a presidential visit, Caterpillar spokesman Rusty Dunn said everyone would get back to work soon after Bush left.

"Once the bleachers and seats are removed we'll be back to work immediately," he said.