[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
[February 6, 1997]
[Page 129]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Message to Federal Workers
February 6, 1997

    As I begin my second term as President, I want all of you to know 
how proud I am of your hard work and accomplishments during the past 
four years. I came to Washington with a high regard for civil servants, 
and you have only confirmed that opinion.
    And I'm not the only one who has been impressed. Four years ago, 
public confidence in the federal government was at an all-time low. But 
you have begun to change that attitude. Even in a time of leaner budgets 
and smaller staffs, you have improved service to the public, forged 
effective partnerships with communities and private businesses, and 
discarded old-fashioned management systems. Now, for the first time in 
decades, public opinion of federal agencies is markedly on the rise. 
Congratulations--the credit for this stunning turnaround goes to you.
    Vice President Gore and I are excited and optimistic about the 
prospects for America in the next four years. We are on the right track 
to the twenty-first century and are picking up speed as we continue to 
work with you to reinvent government. I believe that our nation will 
enter that new century stronger, more confident, and more capable than 
ever before. And I believe that a large part of that success will be 
achieved because of the energy and talent of each of you--the men and 
women of the federal government.
    Thank you for all you do on behalf of your fellow Americans.

                                                            Bill Clinton