For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 5, 2001
Remarks by the President at Swearing-In Ceremony for Director of FEMA Joseph Allbaugh
FEMA Headquarters Washington, D.C.
10:15 A.M. EST
THE
PRESIDENT: Thank you very much. It's an honor to
be here to swear in my friend. I first want to say it's a
treat to see Mr. and Mrs. Allbaugh from the great state of Oklahoma,
and his brother; most importantly, Diane and Taylor. Thank
you all for being here. Of course, you wouldn't have missed
it. (Laughter.)
When I was
a governor, Joe and I used to travel a lot together, and a lot of times
people we come up and say, is he your body guard? (Laughter.) He
wasn't, but I always felt a little safer when he was around. And
that's the kind of man he is, and that's the kind of man I wanted to
run FEMA.
When the
worst happens anywhere in America, I can assure you folks will be
confident when Joe Allbaugh arrives on the scene. He's not
just a commanding presence, or his stylish hair cut -- (laughter) --
it's his confidence, his character, and his calm when trouble comes.
This isn't
mere speculation. Last Wednesday at 10:54 a.m. in the
morning, an earthquake rocked the state of Washington, injuring
hundreds of people and causing billion dollars of property
damage. By 11:30 p.m. that night, Joe Allbaugh was on the
scene, ready to assist people in need. That's the kind of man he is.
I couldn't
have made it to Washington without him. And I can't tell you
how honored I am that he has come to Washington to serve his country.
We never
know where FEMA will be needed next, but we do know what makes this
agency so effective -- more than 2,000 dedicated employees all across
America; 4,000 standby employees, ready if needed; an ethic of
professionalism and a willingness to work with state and local
officials to help people in need.
As governor
I worked with FEMA officials. Joe and I have great respect
for the outgoing director, James Lee Witt, and for the acting director,
John Magaw. A lot of change is needed in Washington, but in
this agency, the standards are already high. Every year,
many thousands of Americans live through floods and hurricanes and
fires. They know from personal experience that FEMA is an
example of the federal government at its best. And I'll tell
you from personal experience that FEMA has a new director that speaks
to America at its best.
When he
acts, he'll have my full confidence. When he speaks, it will
inspire confidence in others. This agency is in strong and
steady hands. Joe will be at the White House many times in
the next few years. In the nature of his job, they won't always be the
happiest of times. But Joe will help Americans deal with the
worst, in the best, most compassionate way possible.
Thank you
for accepting this responsibility. (Applause.)
MR.
ALLBAUGH: Mr. President, thank you for being here this
morning. I am honored and humbled by your nomination, the
honor, the ability to serve our country. Secretary Evans,
thank you for being here. Judge Gonzalez, thank you. Good
to see you again. Dr. Olivine, thank you. Many of the White
House staff are here, a lot of close friends from Bush-Cheney
2000. FEMA employees -- unfortunately, we couldn't get
everybody in here. We've got all the regional offices I
think that are piped in.
Let me
acknowledge my wife, Diane, and daughter, Taylor. I wouldn't
be here without their support and love. My parents, Marvin
and Peggy, all the way from Oklahoma. Not that it's that
far. (Laughter.) All the way. My brother, Jay,
from Kansas. I hope you all have an opportunity to meet my
parents. You might get a glimpse and a gleam into why I am
the way I am. I would not be here without their love and
support over the many years.
By the way,
this is a flat-top, not a buzz-cut. (Laughter.)
THE
PRESIDENT: It's coming back. (Laughter.)
MR.
ALLBAUGH: Yes. To the folks at FEMA, I am honored
and touched by your warm welcome and support over the last two
weeks. We got off to a quick start, as you know, as the
President alluded to. I'm proud to join the family of
FEMA. I'm honored to be here.
The
administration moved quickly last week, as you saw, and we would not
have been as effective or successful without your hard support.
Mr.
President, you need to know that these folks are the backbone of our
response mechanism here for the country. I consider them the
Cal Ripkens, quite frankly, of the federal government. They
show up, they put in their time, they make tremendous sacrifices, and
when they leave when the job is done, they go home not expecting any
accolades, just a job well-done. FEMA is made up of a group of
doers. And I'm honored to join that crowd.
We have
many days ahead of us that are going to be tough. We'll have
some good times and some good laughs, probably all at my expense.
(Laughter.) Our mission and employees are
unique. FEMA has the opportunity and a responsibility to
affect families in a positive way when they need help the
most. There can be no higher calling in this service. There
can be no higher calling for our country. Now we can all go
back to work, and as the President would say, doing the people's
business.
Thank you
all for coming. We appreciate it
greatly. (Applause.)
END 10:21 A.M. EST
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