6 Jan. 3 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 Letter to Congressional Leaders they would make time to paint my picture. Transmitting a Report on the [Laughter] Pretty tough old bird here to National Emergency With Respect to paint, wasn’t I? [Laughter] But I appreciate, the Taliban Scott, your taking time to try to figure me out. It’s a real pleasure for me to work with January 3, 2002 you. I know it’s a challenge from your part, Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) but it looks like you did me justice, and I As required by section 401(c) of the Na- thank you. And it’s also good to see your tional Emergencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), brother, Stuart. and section 204(c) of the International Emer- The Gentlings are a part of the really fan- gency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 tastic artistic community we have here in U.S.C. 1703(c), I transmit herewith a 6- Texas. These guys may seem a little odd month periodic report on the national emer- when you meet them upstairs, but they’re gency with respect to the Taliban that was really good at what they do. [Laughter] declared in Executive Order 13129 of July I’ve got to tell you, I was talking with 4, 1999. Bomer last night, and we started laughing Sincerely, about all the wonderful times we had in this building. And as I look around the room, I George W. Bush see many who helped make that happen. NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis This was a joyous 6 years for us here. Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, It kind of reminds me of what Harry Tru- and Richard B. Cheney, President of the Senate. man said. He said, ‘‘I’ve tried never to forget who I was or where I’d come from and where I was going back to.’’ And that’s what this Remarks on the Unveiling of the Capitol says to us. And so does Crawford, President’s Portrait in Austin, Texas by the way. It’s our home. January 4, 2002 One of the things that happened here is that we made a lot of friends. You know, Thank you. Thank you, Laura. You need sometimes in politics, friends are just a fleet- to know, I listen to her every day. [Laughter] ing memory. But that’s not the case for us. Whatever success we’ve had is because she’s Our friends are permanent parts of our life. constantly telling me what to do. [Laughter] We don’t view such things as political friends. I’m proud of Laura, and I can’t tell you what You’re either our friend, or you’re not our a great job she has done for America—you friend, no matter what your politics are like. know that, yourself. But she brings such a That’s why we have got such fond memo- steadiness and a calm resolve, and I’m really ries of working with Pete and Nelda Laney. proud of her. Oh, I know he’s got the Democrat label, but I want to thank the Governor and the first somehow our relationship transcended that. lady. Thank you all very much for your hospi- And the same with Bullock. I can’t help but tality. It’s great to see the Lieutenant Gov- chuckle about our breakfasts that we used ernor and Sally, the Speaker and Nelda. It’s to have in this building, Pete, with Bullock. good to see you all. I can’t help but notice I’d like to share some of the stories with the that my friend Jan Bullock is here, as well. people watching on C–SPAN—[laughter]— Jan, thank you for coming. but unfortunately, I can’t repeat them in We’ve got all kinds of dignitaries here. I mixed company. [Laughter] want to thank you for taking time out of your But the truth of the matter is, whether it day to come and witness my hanging. be the Speaker or Bullock or Janelle or oth- [Laughter] Fortunately, it’s my portrait. ers, from both parties, we came in this build- [Laughter] ing with one desire, to do what’s right for I’m particularly pleased to be here with Texas. We’ve got political labels around our the artist. Now, I was somewhat concerned name, no question about it. But we made when Laura told me that the Gentlings were up our mind to try to figure out what was famous painters of birds—[laughter]—but best for our State and to work together. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 10:31 Jan 08, 2002 Jkt 197250 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 E:\PRESDOCS\P01JAT4.004 pfrm06 PsN: P01JAT4 Administration of George W. Bush, 2002 / Jan. 4 7 And so I went up to Washington with a cided to make a huge sacrifice, leave their wonderful sense of being able to get things beloved State and go to Washington, DC. done, because of my relationships and my We also have got a lot of others up there experience here in the State Capitol. I still that many of you knew: Ashley, Izzy, believe that can happen. But sometimes Logan—it’s such an honor for Logan to know Washington needs to figure out that politics that we named one of our cows after him isn’t what’s most important; the people are that was recently born—[laughter]—Mar- what’s most important. garet Wilson and Stuart Bowen and Vickers And so I’m going to take that can-do Texas Meadows; Pat Wood. These are all folks— spirit to Washington for however long I’m we worked together here in Austin—who are there and remind people that results are mat- now serving our Nation. And I truly believe ter—results are what matters, not rhetoric; America is better off as a result of the influx remind people that if you’re willing to share of Texans who showed up. credit, if you’re willing to tell the other per- I always will remember—and this painting son that you’re going to succeed, as well, helps remind me of the fact that all of us amazing things can happen; and remind peo- were a part of a larger story, a story much ple that our country, just like our State, is bigger than ourselves. Many have come be- much bigger than the political process. fore us, and many will follow. Mine is just Those are the lessons I learned here in one of 46 portraits in this Dome, and I’ll al- this State Capitol. I also learned you cannot ways be in good company here. succeed without a good team around you. It is amazing for me to think, when I step There’s no such thing, in my judgment, as back and think this will be hanging here for- a one-man band when it comes to politics ever, along with J. Pinckney Henderson. I or being the Governor or being the President didn’t know Henderson very well. [Laughter] of the United States. You’re only successful But I did read about Sam Houston or John if you’re able to convince a lot of good folks Connolly and the first Texas Governor I ever to join on the team and to empower them knew, Allan Shivers. It’s an honor to be hang- to achieve the common objectives. ing with these men. It’s also amazing to think that it’ll be here And that’s exactly what we did here in Aus- for a long, long time. I just hope Governor tin. I think history will show that the staff Richards doesn’t mind being my neighbor for of Governor George Bush was one of the eternity. [Laughter] greatest staffs ever assembled. You should be I want to thank you all for coming. It’s applauding because you’re the ones who a day I’ve really been looking forward to for were on the staff, in this room. [Applause] a long time. We look forward to seeing you We had fun. We got some positive things upstairs for the little coffee we’re having. done for Texas. We worked hard. And it was Again, I remember you; I won’t forget the memories that I’ll never forget. And so Texas. It’s a huge honor to be the President, I want to thank you all who worked on our by the way. But one of these days I’ll be back, team. It should be noted that many of them settled in, sitting on my porch in Crawford, who were on this team moved to Wash- looking for somebody to come and recount ington: Pinky Allbaugh—[laughter]—he’s old war stories with. not here, so I can say it—[laughter]—Karen, May God bless you all. of course; Karl Rove; Gonzales—I see Al is here, the chief attorney—Margaret Spellings, she’s got a new last name now—those of us NOTE: The President spoke at 10:07 a.m. at the who know her husband are somewhat Texas State Capitol. In his remarks, he referred amazed—[laughter]—Albert Hawkins; Har- to Gov. Rick Perry of Texas and his wife, Anita riet Miers. Thigpen Perry; Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliffe of Texas and his wife, Sally; Speaker of the Texas House of These are all the folks that I rely on.