    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [October 3, 1994]
    [Page 1681]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Mike Espy as Secretary of Agriculture
    October 3, 1994

        I have accepted with regret Secretary Mike Espy's offer to resign
    effective December 31, 1994. This decision will permit me to name a
    successor efficiently. It will facilitate the work of the Department,
    and it will enable Secretary Espy to leave his post with an outstanding
    record of accomplishment that will outlast the uncertainty that exists
    today.
        Secretary Espy has been a relentless champion for American farmers
    and consumers. Because of his leadership, legislation enabling USDA to
    reinvent its management and modernize the services it provides farmers
    and farm communities is nearing completion in Congress. When lives and
    livelihoods were threatened by natural disasters in rural communities,
    Mike Espy was our steward for relief efforts. As Agriculture Secretary,
    he was an advocate for ensuring that people who were hungry in an
    abundant America were fed by the food we grow here. He fought for
    agriculture exports, the environment, and for a Department that was
    service-friendly to farmers and taxpayers. In these duties and others,
    he served well.
        Over the last few weeks, however, the Office of the White House
    Counsel has reviewed information about Secretary Espy and the actions he
    took while in office. Although Secretary Espy has said he has done
    nothing wrong, I am troubled by the appearance of some of these
    incidents and believe his decision to leave is appropriate. During the
    remainder of his tenure, Secretary Espy will recuse himself from meat
    and poultry inspection issues. And I have asked Judge Abner Mikva, the
    White House Counsel, to continue his review of the Espy case until that
    review is complete.