Remarks by Undersecretary McQueary

April 9, 2003

Secretary Ridge, Dr. Alberts, distinguished guests, staff of the National Academy of Science, family and friends:  Good afternoon, and thank you all for coming.  

When Deputy Secretary England first approached me about joining the Department of Homeland Security as Under Secretary for Science and Technology, my wife, Cheryl, and I were naturally quite excited about the prospect of living in our nation's capital and to be able to enjoy all that it offers.  But that was only a small part of the story.

Secretary Ridge subsequently interviewed me and said he would like to have me on the team.  During our meeting, he actually asked why I would want to take the Science and Technology Under Secretary job!

I told him that there were two reasons:

• First, the opportunity to build the Science and Technology organization held enormous appeal because I had had experience in building successful teams before.
• The second - and perhaps the more important reason - was that this country has provided me with a lifetime of incredible opportunities - and leading the office of Science and Technology would be my great chance to give something back.

There can be no doubt that having a role in the development of this vitally important new department at this particular moment in our great nation's history is extraordinary.  I pledge to you all that I will do my best.  With the support of my wife and my fine staff, we cannot fail.  

Thank you.