[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 13, 1992]
[Pages 1352-1353]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter Accepting the Resignation of Samuel K. Skinner as Chief of Staff 
to the President
August 13, 1992

Dear Sam:
    It is with deep regret but even more with pride in your many 
accomplishments that I accept your resignation as Chief of Staff. I am 
very pleased, at the same time, that you will serve as General Chairman 
of the Republican National Committee.
    You have worked in every one of my campaigns since 1979, and you 
have served with great distinction in two demanding jobs in the last 
four years. As Secretary of Transportation, you developed the National 
Transportation Policy that will keep our Nation on the move well into 
the next century, obtained record levels of Federal funding for the 
aviation infrastructure, and strengthened mass transit programs. Under 
your leadership, the Coast Guard performed superbly in Operations Desert 
Storm and Desert Shield.
    Your many accomplishments at the Department are crowned by one of 
our most significant legislative achievements--the Intermodal Surface 
Transportation Efficiency Act. That law establishes the National Highway 
System, builds partnerships between all levels of government and the 
private sector, and strengthens highway safety programs.
    As Chief of Staff, you led the White House during a period of great 
change both at home and abroad. I deeply appreciate your loyalty in 
fighting for the programs that we know will change America for the 
better. This year, among many other accomplishments, we presented our 
Comprehensive Health Care Reform proposals, accelerated welfare reform 
in the States, and announced the ``G.I. Bill for Children'' to promote 
school choice for middle- and low-income families. We sent our economic 
growth agenda to Congress and worked to improve our economy, to ensure 
that every American who wants to work can have a productive job, and we 
concluded negotiations for a North American Free Trade Agreement. In 
foreign relations, President Yeltsin had a successful State Visit to 
Washington.
    Throughout your distinguished career, both in your beloved Illinois 
and on the national scene, you have been known for your integrity and 
``can do'' approach to problems. As a lawyer and public servant, you 
have brought your friendly style and deep devotion to the principles we 
share, and all of us at the White House are the richer for your tenure 
here.
    I am deeply grateful for all your accomplishments on behalf of our 
Nation. Thank you for your service, dedication, and most of all your 
friendship to me and my entire family.
    Barbara and I send our warmest wishes to you and Honey.

[[Page 1353]]

    Most sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    
Dear Mr. President:
    It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve in your 
Administration as Secretary of Transportation and Chief of Staff. When I 
arrived from Chicago almost four years ago, I had a single aim: to 
faithfully serve you and this Nation. I am proud that, under your 
leadership, we have accomplished much. It has truly been an exhilarating 
and rewarding four years.
    History will judge you to be one of the greatest Presidents this 
country has ever had. But it is vitally important that you be permitted 
to finish the work you have begun, here and around the world. I will do 
everything within my power to support your election to a second term.
    I respectfully resign the office of Chief of Staff to the President 
of the United States effective August 23, 1992.

                                                       Samuel K. Skinner

                    Note: These letters were made available by the 
                        Office of the Press Secretary but were not 
                        issued as White House press releases.