For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 31, 2001
Remarks by the President Before Cabinet Meeting
The Cabinet Room
2:28 P.M. EST
THE
PRESIDENT: Thank you all for coming. In my first
Cabinet meeting we're going to discuss a variety of topics
today. I'm going to remind all of us it's an honor to serve
the country. I expect only one standard, and that's the
highest of ethical standards. We're putting together a great
team to serve America. That's what we're here for.
I am going
to talk a little bit about reminding people that a dollar spent is a
tax -- is somebody's money, and that we expect there to be lean
budgets, good stewards of the people's money. We'll hear
from some of the Cabinet officers about what may be going
on. I suspect the Energy Secretary may want to brief
us. I think the Secretary of Treasury will give us an update
on what's going on the economy and tax relief.
I want to
assure Americans that they're going to be as proud of this Cabinet as I
am. This is a wonderful group of men and women who have
agreed to serve their country, for which I'm grateful.
I'll be
glad to answer a few questions.
Q Mr.
President, are you beginning to think that Congress might act more
quickly on your tax cuts if you break it up into pieces and seek
across-the-board tax cut first?
THE
PRESIDENT: I told the Speaker and anybody else who will
listen on the House side, where the legislation must begin, that we're
interested in the results. If that's what it takes to get
the bill through, we'll be willing to listen. This is an
administration that's mindful of the difference between the Legislative
Branch and the Executive Branch. We will make suggestions if
asked. If the Speaker and Chairman Thomas and others believe
that the best way to get our plan in place that will help bolster the
economy that we believe needs bolstering, we'll listen and work with
them.
Q Mr.
President, does the verdict in the Pan Am bombing case -- should it
leave any doubt that Libya was behind the bombing of Pan Am 103 as an
act of state?
THE
PRESIDENT: This was a high official. We've made
it very clear that this administration is going to hold the Libyans
accountable. We expect them to pay reparations. The
Secretary of State is in complete agreement.
Q If
they pay reparations --
THE
PRESIDENT: Let's see if they do.
Q The
government of Tripoli just announced as we were coming in here that
they will accept no responsibility for what happened. What
happens now from the U.S. side?
THE
PRESIDENT: We'll develop a plan.
Q Welcome
back, Mr. Powell.
THE
PRESIDENT: He looks pretty good here, doesn't he?
(Laughter.)
END 2:31
P.M. EST
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