[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 11 (Tuesday, January 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S663]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is very cold in Washington today, but our 
Nation's heart is warm. From every corner of our country and the 
furthest crevices of the Earth, people came together at the apex of our 
democracy to be a part of an American renewal.
  President Barack Obama's inaugural address appealed to our better 
angels, as Abraham Lincoln called them, and our best intentions. 
President Obama reminded us no matter how daunting our challenges may 
seem, America always answers the call of history.
  The millions who came together, lining our National Mall for miles 
and miles, were not merely observers to this memorable day; they were 
participants, ready to work with our new President in service to a 
common cause.
  Our great country is ready to join our new President to answer that 
call to service. That is why we are in session now, a few short hours 
after the swearing in. Faced with some of the great challenges of our 
lifetimes and challenges in the history of our country, there is no 
time to waste.
  In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will work with President 
Obama and our Republican colleagues to revive our economy, protect 
homeowners and consumers, bring our country closer to energy 
independence, strengthen our national security, and improve access to 
health care and education for all Americans.
  These challenges require a President with a full arsenal of tools and 
experts. President Obama has nominated a Cabinet of exceptionally 
bright and capable people, as indicated by support from all over 
America--Democrats and Republicans and Independents talking about these 
great Cabinet nominees. These Cabinet nominees represent a cross-
section of our country, geographically and politically.
  So it is up to us, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate, to 
confirm these worthy nominees quickly so they, along with our new 
President, can hit the ground running.
  I express my appreciation to my distinguished counterpart, Senator 
McConnell, for working with us today to move on to some of these 
nominations. For those who are not going to be approved today, we are 
going to work to approve them shortly.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a document entitled 
``Employment Guidelines for Potential Presidential Appointees in 
Subcabinet Positions'' be printed in the Record.
   There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

    Employment Guidelines for Potential Presidential Appointees in 
                          Subcabinet Positions

       An individual may be employed as an advisory or counselor 
     to the Secretary prior to announcement, nomination and 
     confirmation but after being selected as a potential nominee.
       The advisor/counselor must:
       Act in a manner consistent with that of an advisor 
     preparing for additional duties and responsibilities and not 
     presume any authority that could come only as a result of 
     Senate confirmation. For example, do not use the office 
     space, dining facilities, etc. that are available only to a 
     confirmed appointee in that position.
       Comply with all applicable ethics rules.
       The advisor/counselor may:
       Consult within the Department on current policy topics, 
     receive briefings, and become familiar with relevant issues.
       Offer informed advisory views on policy issues, but on a 
     strictly informal basis.
       The advisor/counselor must not:
       Serve as an official Department representative in meetings 
     or on travel.
       Have access to classified materials until a security 
     clearance is issued.
       Sign any documents that give the appearance of having 
     assumed official duties or take any actions that give the 
     appearance of issuing authoritative guidance. Must not 
     originate an action, receive routing of official actions of 
     the Department or approve/disapprove any actions of the 
     Department. However, the advisor may receive informational 
     copies of action proposals and other official memoranda.
       Undertake to hire, transfer, or terminate members of a 
     potential future organization or otherwise reorganize its 
     management. It is permissible, however, to meet and interview 
     applicants and to informally advise confirmed appointees on 
     personnel and organizational issues.
       Use the term ``designate'' prior to nomination by The 
     President of the United States.
       Meet with anyone outside the Department unless accompanied 
     by a ``reasonable official'' of the Department who can speak 
     for the Department. The limited role as a consultant to the 
     Department, and not an official of the Department, should be 
     made clear.
       Attend a meeting with a contractor.
       Meet with foreign officials or interest groups to any great 
     extent.
       Represent or speak for a component of the Department, or a 
     prospective component, in a meeting within the Department.
       Meet or speak with the press, other than in connection with 
     the confirmation process and then only after consultation 
     with Public Affairs.
       Give speeches or many any appearances outside the 
     Department on any issue relating to the business of the 
     Department.

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