THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Vice President and Governor Ridge, thank you
all. I want to thank the members of Congress who have come to discuss
the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. We just had a
really productive meeting on this important issue. All of us agree
that protecting Americans from attack is our most urgent national
priority, and that we must act on the priority.
I want to thank the Speaker, Speaker Hastert, and Leader Gephardt,
as well as Leader Lott and Senator Reid for being here. And I
appreciate so very much their agreement that we ought to have a debate
about the creation of the Department of homeland Security on the floor
of both bodies before Congress leaves for the August break. These four
leaders have shown a strong commitment to get something done on behalf
of the American people.
I also want to appreciate -- the members of the House Select
Committee on Homeland Security are here -- Chairman Armey and Vice
Chairman Pelosi, and other members. Both Republicans and Democrats are
charged with reconciling the work of numerous House committees who
acted this past week. They face a significant challenge, but I'm
confident they'll meet the challenge, because they, too, want to do
what's right.
I also welcome members of the House and Senate who have been long
interested in changing the way our government protects our homeland.
Senator Lieberman and Thompson and Collins, Congresswomen Harman and
Tauscher, and Congressmen Thornberry, Gibbons, Chambliss, Portman and
Shays. These are members who had an interest in reform prior to
September the 11th. They've been working on this issue for a long
time, and I appreciate their input and their willingness to stay
involved in the process.
I want to thank them for their past efforts. The American people
need to know these members of Congress are working hard and working
long hours. And during the next couple of weeks, they'll be working
hard to get something on the floor of their respective bodies. And
that's good, and that's good for the American people.
There are a lot of tough decisions that will be made as we develop
and discuss and debate how to move forward. But I'm confident that
members of both parties and members of both chambers know that the
security of our nation is the goal. That's the most important thing
that they'll be focused on, is how best to secure the United States.
We also understand that the current structure of our government is
a patchwork, to put it best, of overlapping responsibilities and it
really does hinder our ability to protect the homeland. And so we're
working with both parties in both chambers to effect a strategy that
will make it more likely that not only this administration and this
Congress can deal with the true threats of the 21st century, but as
importantly, future administrations and future congresses will be able
to deal with the threats that will continue to be directed at a nation
which loves freedom.
I -- right after the September the 11th attacks I established the
Office of Homeland Security in the White House and gave it a critical
mission, to produce a national strategy for homeland security. And
today I'm sending to Congress our new national strategy for homeland
security. This comprehensive plan lays out clear lines of authority
and clear responsibilities; responsibilities for federal employees and
for governors and mayors and community and business leaders and the
American citizens. With a better picture of those responsibilities,
all of us can direct money and manpower to meet them.
In the war on terror, the American people are showing tremendous
strength and great resolve. Our unity is a great weapon in this
fight. And by acting together to create a new and single Department of
Homeland Security, we'll be sending the world a signal that the
Congress and the administration will work together to protect the
American people, and to win this war on terror.
Again, I want to thank the members for their hard work. I
appreciate the long hours that they're putting in. I appreciate their
love for America and their patriotism during this trying time for our
country. May God bless the American people and may God continue to
bless America.