June 19 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 lead discussions aimed at concluding an NOTE: The statement referred to Prime Min- agreement soon. ister Ehud Olmert of Israel. Remarks on the Nomination of Congressman James A. Nussle To Be Director of the Office of Management and Budget June 19, 2007 The President. Good afternoon. Welcome years, Jim represented the people of north- to the White House. I am here to say good- east Iowa in the United States Congress. bye to a good friend and introduce the As a Member of Congress, Jim was a strong newest nominee to my Cabinet. Recently advocate for fiscal discipline and a cham- Rob Portman came and told me that after pion of tax cuts that allowed the American 14 years of public service in Washington, people to keep more of what they earn. he’s ready to head home to be with Jane In 2001, Jim became chairman of the and the family. I’ve known him for many House Budget Committee. As a leader in years. There’s no finer man in public serv- Congress, Jim showed he can work with ice than Rob Portman. He’s been a trusted Members of both sides of the aisle to get adviser, and Laura and I am going to miss positive things done for America. Jim’s him. name and knowledge command respect on Fortunately, we found a good man to Capitol Hill. And as OMB Director, he will succeed him. Today I’m pleased to an- use his expertise about the budget process nounce my nomination of Jim Nussle to to ensure that the taxpayers’ money is spent serve as Director of the Office of Manage- with respect and with restraint. ment and Budget. In his new post, Jim will continue the I’m proud to welcome Jim’s wife Karen, important work carried out by Rob his mom and dad, Lori and Mark, and his Portman. Over the past 2 years, Rob has mother-in-law Eva Mae. Any man who in- served my administration in two important vites his mother-in-law to a—[laughter]— jobs. As the United States Trade Rep- has got to have good judgment. [Laughter] We’re going to ask a lot of Jim, and I resentative, Rob negotiated several new thank you all for supporting him in this. trade agreements and reenergized the The job of OMB Director is one of the Doha talks at the World Trade Organiza- most important in our Federal Govern- tion. ment. The Director has a central responsi- And as OMB Director, he helped me bility for implementing the full range of achieve our goal of cutting the Federal def- my administration’s agenda, from defense icit in half and doing it 3 years ahead of programs that will keep the American peo- schedule. He’s helped me put forward a ple safe to energy initiatives that will break plan to balance the budget by 2012 by re- our dependence on foreign oil to tax poli- straining Federal spending and keeping our cies that keep our economy growing and taxes low. He’s put Democratic leaders in creating jobs. Congress on notice that I will veto bills In all these areas, the OMB Director with excessive levels of spending. He has works to ensure that the American people led my administration’s efforts to curb the get good value for every tax dollar they use of congressional earmarks and imple- send to Washington. Jim Nussle is the right ment reforms that will make the earmark man to take on these challenges. For 16 process more transparent. 772 15 2010 15:52 Feb 25, 2011 Jkt 214691 PO 00000 Frm 00772 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\214691.024 214691 Administration of George W. Bush, 2007 / June 20 I thank Rob for his service and good [At this point, Director-designate Nussle advice and, most of all, his friendship. I made brief remarks] want to tell his wife Jane, that after 14 The President. Good job. Well done. years of commuting to Washington, he’s going to be back home in Ohio, especially [Office of Management and Budget Director on the weekends. Robert J. Portman made brief remarks] Rob is a tough act to follow, but that’s The President. Good job. Thank you all. why I picked Jim Nussle. He’s a man of integrity, a man of vision, a man well quali- NOTE: The President spoke at 2:49 p.m. in fied to hold this job. I ask the Senate to the Roosevelt Room at the White House. act quickly on his nomination. When con- The transcript released by the Office of the firmed, he’ll make an outstanding OMB Di- Press Secretary also included the remarks of rector. Director-designate Nussle and Director Congratulations to you. Portman. Statement on the Deaths of Firefighters in Charleston, South Carolina June 19, 2007 Laura and I mourn the devastating loss were true heroes who demonstrated great of some of America’s bravest. Our prayers skill and courage. Their unwavering com- are with the families and friends of nine mitment to their neighbors and to the city firefighters from Charleston, South Caro- of Charleston is an inspiration to all Ameri- lina, who selflessly gave their own lives to cans. protect their community. These firefighters Remarks at the Congressional Picnic June 19, 2007 The President. Thank you all for coming. to be serving with you. Occasionally, we Laura and I welcome you to the South might have our differences, but one thing Lawn. This is an opportunity to thank the we all agree on is, we represent the great- Members of Congress and their families for est country on the face of the Earth. serving the United States. I want to thank our chef, Paul First, I want to recognize the Speaker. Prudhomme, from New Orleans, Lou- Madam Speaker, thank you for joining us. isiana—one of the great chefs in America. It means a lot that you’ve come. I appre- Thanks for coming, Paul. I thank Tony ciate the leadership of the House and the Snow and his bunch of, well, mediocre mu- Senate who’ve joined us. For all the wives sicians—[laughter]—no, great musicians. and husbands, thank you for standing by Beats Workin’, thanks for coming. Kermit, your spouse. It’s not easy to be in public come up here. Kermit, we’re proud to have office. It’s a lot easier, though, when you have somebody who loves you to help you you. do your job. And so Laura and I want Kermit Ruffins. Well, thanks for having to thank you all, in particular. We’re proud us. 773 15 2010 15:52 Feb 25, 2011 Jkt 214691 PO 00000 Frm 00773 Fmt 1240 Sfmt 1240 E:\HR\OC\214691.024 214691.