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robs too many people of their potential. Dur- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the ing National Drunk and Drugged Driving Federal Register on December 6. Prevention Month, we continue our work to end impaired driving and urge all Americans to be responsible and safe drivers this holiday Remarks on the Nomination of season and throughout the year. Bernard B. Kerik To Be Secretary of My Administration is committed to saving Homeland Security lives and preventing injuries resulting from December 3, 2004 alcohol- and drug-impaired driving. The NHTSA sponsors public education programs The President. Good morning. I’m proud such as the ‘‘You Drink & Drive. You Lose.’’ to announce my nomination of Commis- campaign to raise awareness about the dan- sioner Bernard Kerik as the Secretary of gers of drunk and drugged driving, and works Homeland Security. with State and local law enforcement agen- Bernie Kerik is one of the most accom- cies as they conduct sobriety checkpoints and plished and effective leaders of law enforce- saturation patrols. In addition, the National ment in America. In his career, he has served Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has in- as an enlisted military police officer in Korea, vested millions of dollars to educate Ameri- a jail warden in , a beat cop in cans about the threat posed by illegal drugs Manhattan, New York City corrections com- and drugged driving. We are also increasing missioner, and as New York’s 40th police resources for State enforcement and edu- commissioner, an office once held by Teddy cation programs. My Administration awarded Roosevelt. In every position, he has dem- $80.6 million in grants this year to States that onstrated a deep commitment to justice, a have lowered the legal threshold for impaired heart for the innocent, and a record of great driving to .08 blood alcohol concentration success. (BAC). As of this year, all 50 States, the Dis- I’m grateful he’s agreed to bring his life- trict of Columbia, and the Commonwealth time of security experience and skill to one of Puerto Rico have adopted this legal defini- of the most important positions in the Fed- tion of impaired driving. Individuals across our country can help eral Government. Bernie is a dedicated, in- prevent drunk and drugged driving by en- novative reformer who insists on getting re- couraging responsible actions, identifying sults. As the head of New York City jails, sober designated drivers, and educating he cut inmate violence by more than 90 per- young people about safe, substance-free driv- cent. As Mayor ’s police com- ing behavior. Working together, all Ameri- missioner, he had great success in reducing cans can make our roads safer and save lives . His broad, practical, by preventing drunk and drugged driving. hands-on experience makes Bernie superbly Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, qualified to lead the Department of Home- President of the of America, land Security. by virtue of the authority vested in me by When confirmed by the Senate, Bernie the Constitution and laws of the United Kerik will build on the historic accomplish- States, do hereby proclaim December 2004 ments of Secretary . As the De- as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Pre- partment’s first leader, Tom oversaw the vention Month. large reorganization—the largest reorganiza- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set tion of the Government in nearly a half-cen- my hand this second day of December, in tury. He met urgent challenges with patience the year of our Lord two thousand four, and and purpose, and because of his service, our of the Independence of the United States of country is safer. America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. Tom also carried out his duties with skill George W. Bush and honesty and decency. He’s been my friend for more than 20 years. He is one of [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, the great public servants of our generation. 8:45 a.m., December 3, 2004] Tom Ridge has our Nation’s gratitude; he’s

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got my gratitude; and I wish he and Michele Remarks on Signing the Individuals all the best. with Disabilities Education My nominee to succeed Secretary Ridge Improvement Act of 2004 has the background and the passion that are December 3, 2004 needed to protect our citizens. As police commissioner on September the 11th, 2001, Thanks for coming. Good morning. I’m Bernie Kerik arrived at the World Trade proud to be standing up here with friends Center minutes after the first plane hit. He from both sides of the political aisle who was there when the Twin Towers collapsed. worked together to reauthorize the Individ- He knew the faces of the rescuers who uals with Disabilities Education Act. It’s a rushed toward danger. He attended the fu- really good piece of legislation. It took a lot of hard work, and it shows what is possible neral of the officers who didn’t come back. in our Nation’s Capital. Bernie Kerik understands the duties that I want to thank Mike Castle for being the came to America on September the 11th. sponsor of the bill. I appreciate your hard The resolve he felt that morning will guide work, Mike. I also appreciate being here with him every day on his job. And every first- Senator Ted Kennedy, who has been a long- responder defending our homeland will have time advocate for the IDEA legislation. I ap- a faithful ally in Bernie Kerik. preciate you bringing your sister. Welcome. As he prepares for new responsibility, Ber- I want to thank Senator Mike Enzi from Wy- nie Kerik has the love and support of his fam- oming and Senator Pat Roberts from Kansas, ily, his wife, Hala; his children, Joseph, Senator Sessions from Alabama, Senator Celine, and Angelina and Lisa. He will always Lamar Alexander from Tennessee, and Con- be inspired by his father and hero, Donald gressman Ric Keller for being here as well. Kerik, Sr., and his caring stepmother, Clara. Thanks for your good work and your stalwart Bernard Kerik has devoted his life to pro- support. tecting his fellow citizens, and his example I appreciate Gene Hickok. Dr. Hickok has led many others to take up that calling. here is the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. De- He loves his country. He has gained the trust partment of Education. I want to thank Doug and admiration of millions. I call on the Sen- Huntt, who is the commissioner of the Ohio ate to promptly confirm his nomination as Rehabilitation Services Commission, for the Secretary of Homeland Security. agreeing to serve on the President’s Commis- sion on Excellence in Special Education. I Thank you for serving, Bernie, and con- want to thank you for your work on that, Dr. gratulations. Huntt. Secretary-Designate Kerik. Mr. Presi- I appreciate Kyle Stevenson being up here dent, thank you. today. Kyle, thank you for coming. I first got The President. Yes, sir. to meet Kyle at the—[laughter]—White House tee-ball game. He’s a pretty good [At this point, Secretary-Designate Kerik player. Thanks for coming. Stephanie, I ap- made brief remarks.] preciate you being here. It’s good to see you again. I want to thank Isabelle June Bailey The President. Good job. Thank you, sir. for being here. Isabelle June, thank you for being here. We’re so proud you’re here. Thank you for joining us. [Laughter] She’s up here with her mom, Carolyn, and her dad NOTE: The President spoke at 9:54 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his re- and two brothers, Alex and Ben, are with us marks, he referred to Rudolph W. Giuliani, today as well. Thank you all for coming. former mayor of New York City; and Michele America’s schools educate over 6 million Ridge, wife of Homeland Security Secretary Tom children with disabilities. In the past, those Ridge. The transcript released by the Office of students were too often just shuffled through the Press Secretary also included the remarks of the system with little expectation that they Secretary-Designate Kerik. could make significant progress or succeed

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