1432 Oct. 31 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 at an all time high and the deficit declining, Remarks on the Nomination of now is not the time to raise taxes. Running Edward T. Schafer To Be Secretary up the taxes on the American people would of Agriculture be bad for our economy; more importantly, October 31, 2007 it would be bad for American families. I want you to have more money, so you can make The President. Thank you all. Be seated. the decisions for your families and yourself Good afternoon. I’m proud to announce my that you think are necessary. I like it when nomination of Ed Schafer to be the next Sec- the after-tax revenues—income are up. I retary of the Agriculture. think it’s good for America that American The Secretary of Agriculture heads a Cabi- families are able to save for their children’s net Department of more than 100,000 em- education or small businesses have more ployees. I rely on the Secretary to provide money to invest. And the surest way to dilute sound advice on issues ranging from our Na- that spirit of entrepreneurship is to run your tion’s farm economy and food supply to inter- taxes up. And that’s why I’m going to use national trade and conservation programs. To my veto pen to prevent people from doing carry out these responsibilities, the Secretary it. of Agriculture needs to be someone who un- You know, we’re living during challenging derstands the challenges facing America’s times. I view—but I view these as exciting farmers, ranchers, and consumers. times as well. I genuinely do. I think we’re Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this laying the foundation of peace for your chil- post. He was a leader on agricultural issues dren and grandchildren. I know it’s necessary during his 8 years as the Governor of North to do the hard work now so the first chapters Dakota. He worked to open new markets for of the 21st century will be positive chapters. North Dakota farmers and ranchers by ex- I firmly believe that the spread of liberty panding trade with China. He oversaw the is going to make it such that when people development of the State’s agricultural look back at this period of time, they say, biofuels industry. He helped families recover thank God America had faith in certain val- from natural disasters, including drought, ues, certain fundamental truths. And one of fires, and floods. And he pioneered innova- those truths is that there is an Almighty, and tive programs to increase economic oppor- a gift of that Almighty to every man, woman, tunity in rural communities. and child is freedom. And another historical Ed also has extensive management experi- truth is, freedom yields the peace we want. ence in the private sector. Before running And at home, freedom for people to invest for public office, he was the president of the and to make choices is important for a hope- family-owned business that his dad started. ful America. Government must trust the He’s also launched a number of entrepre- American people. We must trust the Amer- neurial ventures on his own. At every stage ican people with your money; we must trust of his career, Ed has shown wisdom, fore- the American people as you make important sight, and creativity. Those same qualities decisions in health care; and we must trust will make him a valuable member of my Cab- the American people to continue to be the inet, and they will make him a trusted friend compassionate people that we are. to America’s farmers and ranchers. It’s an honor to represent you. May God Ed’s passion for agriculture has deep roots. bless you, and may God continue to bless His maternal grandparents were Danish im- our country. migrants who worked as farmers on the plains of North Dakota. Ed has always kept NOTE: The President spoke at 10:48 a.m. at the their story close to his heart. And they’d be Renaissance Hotel. In his remarks, he referred proud to see their grandson rise to become to William B. Gyr, president and chief executive officer, Sunny Delight Beverages Company; and our Nation’s top agriculture official. Cal Dooley, president and chief executive officer, In his new job, Ed will carry on the work Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Prod- of another fine public servant, Mike Johanns. ucts Association. He also referred to H.R. 976; Mike became Secretary of Agriculture at the H.R. 3678; and H.R. 3963. beginning of my second term. During his VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:26 Nov 06, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P44NOT4.002 P44NOT4 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMPRESDOCS Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 / Oct. 31 1433 time in office, he helped open new markets Proclamation 8195—National for trade, promoted renewable fuels and con- Adoption Month, 2007 servation, and provided timely assistance to our farmers and ranchers devastated by nat- October 31, 2007 ural disasters. Mike leaves a legacy of integ- rity and dedication. And Laura and I wish By the President of the United States Mike and his wife, Stephanie, all the best of America on their return to Nebraska. I also thank my friend Deputy Secretary A Proclamation of Agriculture Chuck Conner for serving as Acting Secretary during this time of transi- During National Adoption Month, we rec- tion. Chuck grew up on a family farm in Indi- ognize the adoptive and foster families who ana. He has a deep knowledge of agricultural have shared their homes and hearts with chil- issues. He’s done an outstanding job. Appre- dren in need, and we encourage more Ameri- ciate the fact that you will remain as Acting cans to consider adopting young people of Secretary until the Senate confirms Ed as all ages. Mike Johanns’s permanent replacement. And Families who adopt show the generous thank you for joining us today. spirit of our Nation. Every child desires a Following Mike is not going to be easy, permanent home, and when parents adopt but Ed Schafer is up to the challenge. With a child to love as their own, lives are forever Ed’s leadership, we will work with Congress changed. For parents, the decision to adopt to pass a farm bill that provides farmers with a child is among life’s greatest and happiest a safety net, protects our lands and the envi- turning points. On November 17, families ronment, and spends Federal tax dollars across the country will celebrate National wisely. Ed will also join other members of Adoption Day by finalizing their adoptions, my administration to continue leveling the and each one of these homes will be richer playing field for America’s farm products by for the addition of new family members. concluding the Doha round of trade negotia- My Administration is committed to pro- tions. And he and I will continue to work moting adoption of children of all ages. We hard to open up new markets for American are working to bring together more children beef. with loving, adoptive parents through the As Ed takes on these new challenges, he Collaboration to AdoptUsKids at will rely on the support of his caring family. adoptuskids.org and by providing States with Ed is blessed with a wonderful wife, Nancy, financial assistance through the Adoption In- who came from North Dakota today. He is centives Program. The Promoting Safe and also blessed with four children and eight Stable Families Program helps improve care grandchildren. Their love will give Ed the and services to children and families and en- strength to serve our country in his new ca- sure more young people in America have a pacity. caring, secure, and permanent home. To- I urge the Senate to swiftly confirm Ed gether, these efforts are building a brighter Schafer as the 29th Secretary of Agriculture. future for our youth. I look forward to having this good and decent During National Adoption Month, we man as a member of my Cabinet. Congratu- honor adoptive and foster parents as they lations. raise children of conviction and character. By [At this point, Secretary-designate Schafer accepting the gift of these children, parents made brief remarks.] are helping shape lives and contributing to the strength of our great Nation. The President. Thank you, sir. Good job. Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, NOTE: The President spoke at 2:05 p.m. in the President of the United States of America, Roosevelt Room at the White House. The tran- by virtue of the authority vested in me by script released by the Office of the Press Secretary the Constitution and laws of the United also included the remarks of Secretary-designate States, do hereby proclaim November 2007 Schafer. as National Adoption Month. I call upon all VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:26 Nov 06, 2007 Jkt 214250 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P44NOT4.002 P44NOT4 hmoore on PRODPC68 with HMPRESDOCS.