[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[January 26, 2001]
[Pages 20-21]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for Colin L. Powell as Secretary of State
January 26, 2001

    The President. Thank you all for coming. It is a great privilege for 
all of us to be here for the swearing in of our new Secretary of State. 
It's also a great privilege to be here with Alma, the true strength of the Powell family.

[[Page 21]]

    As I said in my Inaugural Address, America remains involved in the 
world, by history and by choice, shaping a balance of power that favors 
freedom. To achieve this goal, we need a foreign policy that serves 
America's vital interests and speaks for our highest ideals, a foreign 
policy that is clear and consistent and confident, true to our values 
and true to our friends.
    To lead this effort at this unique moment in history, I picked a 
unique leader. Many times over the past four decades, America has called 
on Colin Powell, and each time he has answered the call. When his 
country called him to serve as a foot soldier, Colin Powell answered the 
call. When his country needed him to help defeat a tyrant brutalizing 
his neighbors and destabilizing a vital region of the world, he answered 
the call. When America needed him to serve the high purpose of building 
the character of our young and to promote voluntarism, he answered the 
call.
    Today America calls on Colin Powell again. He is a leader who 
understands that America must work closely with our friends in times of 
calm if we want to be able to call upon them in times of crisis. He 
understands that our Nation is at its best when we project our strength 
and purpose with humility. He understands that if we do not set our own 
agenda, it will be set by others, by adversaries abroad or by the crisis 
of the day.
    I know of no better person to be the face and voice of American 
diplomacy than Colin Powell. His dignity and integrity will add to the 
strength and authority of America around the world.
    Congratulations, Mr. Secretary.

[At this point, Secretary Powell made brief remarks.]

    The President. Thank you, sir.

Note: The President spoke at 10:53 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Alma Powell, wife of Secretary 
Powell. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
also included the remarks of Secretary Powell.