sign in sign up
<<
Home , Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice

Jan. 27 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2005

Cosgrove, chairman and chief executive offi- cer, The Cleveland Clinic; and Gov. Bob Taft of Ohio.

Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony for as Secretary of State January 28, 2005

Thank you all for coming. Laura and I Andy. Thank you for coming. I shouldn’t are honored to be here. Over the past 4 start going around the room heralding all years, America has benefited from the wise the—[laughter]—accomplished souls who counsel of Dr. Condoleezza Rice and our are here. I do want to thank members of family has been enriched by our friendship the diplomatic corps for coming. I appre- with this remarkable person. We love her. ciate Your Excellencies taking time to I don’t know if you’re supposed to say that honor Condi. I want to thank the distin- about the Secretary of State. [Laughter] guished guests and members—folks who Condi—appointment and confirmation of work at the State Department for joining Secretary of State marks a remarkable tran- us as well. It’s a good thing to come and sition in what is already a career of out- honor your new boss—[laughter]—good di- standing service and accomplishment. plomacy—[laughter]. Today also marks an opportunity to leaves big shoes to fill at honor another career defined by service the State Department, but Condi Rice is and accomplishment. Throughout a lifetime the right person to fill them. As National spent in public service, Colin Powell has Security Adviser, she has led during a time asked nothing in return. For over four dec- when events not of our choosing have ades, millions at home and abroad have forced America to the leading edge of his- benefited from his bravery, his dignity, and tory. Condi has an abiding belief in the his integrity. He’s left our Nation a better power of to secure justice and place than it was when he began his career liberty and the inclusion of men and in public service as a in women of all races and religions in the the Army. His magnificent courses that free nations chart for them- wife, Alma, I am certain is pleased that selves. a grateful nation is giving back her hus- A few days from now, these convictions band—[laughter]—and all of us admire and will be confirmed by the Iraqi people when appreciate the service of Colin Powell. they cast their ballots in ’s first free I appreciate the fact that Justice Ruth elections in generations. Sunday’s election Bader Ginsburg administered the oath. It is the first step in a process that will allow was neighborly of her to do that. [Laugh- Iraqis to write and pass a constitution that ter] I want to thank Congresswoman Jane enshrines self-government and the rule of Harman from for joining us, as law. This history is changing the world, be- well as Juanita Millender-McDonald from cause the advent of democracy in Iraq will California. We’re honored you both are serve as a powerful example to reformers here. Thanks for taking time to honor your throughout the entire Middle East. On fellow Californian, Condi Rice. Sunday, the Iraqi people will be joining I see sitting between you two is a fine millions in other parts of the world who American in . Welcome, now decide their future through free votes.

106

31 2005 13:57 Sep 09 2008 Jkt 206694 PO 00000 Frm 00106 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\94A XXX 94A Administration of George W. Bush, 2005 / Jan. 28

In , the people have voted and opportunities that lie ahead. In the in the first free Presidential elections in coming months and years, we must stop that nation’s 5,000-year history. The people the proliferation of dangerous weapons and of Ukraine have made clear their own de- materials. We must safeguard and expand sire for democracy. The Palestinians have the freedom of international marketplace just elected a new President who has repu- and free trade. We must advance justice diated violence. Freedom is on the march, and fundamental human rights. We must and the world is better for it. fight HIV/AIDS and other diseases and re- Widespread hatred and radicalism cannot duce poverty. survive the advent of freedom and self-gov- Each task will require good relations with ernment. Our Nation will be more secure, nations around the world, and each will the world will be more peaceful as freedom require a Secretary who will lead by char- advances. Condi Rice understands that. acter and conviction and wisdom. To meet And the terrorists understand that as well, these times and tasks, America has its best and that is why they are now attacking Iraqi in Dr. Condoleezza Rice, now Secretary civilians in an effort to sabotage elections. Condoleezza Rice, our 66th Secretary of We applaud the courage of ordinary Iraqis State. for their refusal to surrender their future to these killers. No nation can build a safer and better NOTE: The President spoke at 9:58 a.m. at world alone. The men and women of the the U.S. Department of State. In his re- State Department are doing a fine job of marks, he referred to former U.S. Ambas- working with other nations to build on the sador to the Andrew Young; momentum of freedom. I know our Nation and President (Abu Mazen) will be really well served when the good of the Palestinian Authority. The transcript folks at the State Department join with released by the Office of the Press Secretary Condi Rice to face the many challenges also included the remarks of Secretary Rice.

Remarks to the ‘‘Congress of Tomorrow’’ Luncheon in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia January 28, 2005

The President. Thank you all. Please be as well. I’m glad you’re here. I thank my seated. friend from the great State of Texas Tom Deborah, thanks for the kind introduc- DeLay for his leadership. I appreciate you, tion. I’m kind of warming up for the State Mr. Leader. Mitch McConnell, the Senate of the Union—[laughter]—some verbal majority whip—Senator McConnell, thank jumping jacks. Thanks for letting me come you, sir, appreciate you. Congressman by. I’m going to have a few remarks, then Blunt, the House whip. Thank you, Con- I’ll answer questions for a while. gressman, glad you’re here, appreciate you. Mr. Speaker, thank you for your leader- How is your son doing? ship. Thank you for your friendship. This Representative Roy Blunt. He’s doing country has had no better Speaker than great. Denny Hastert. The President. Good, huh? Appreciate Senator Ted Stevens—thank Representative Blunt. He’s taking a page you for your tenure and your leadership out of your book.

107

31 2005 13:57 Sep 09 2008 Jkt 206694 PO 00000 Frm 00107 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\94A XXX 94A