[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[January 26, 2001]
[Pages 21-22]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Luncheon With Freshman Members of the House of 
Representatives
January 26, 2001

    Welcome to the people's house. Here we are in week one. I hope 
you're as enthused about your job as I am about mine. I, first, look 
forward to saying hello to each of you, and I know the Vice 
President does, as well.
    We've begun a series of policy initiatives. First is education. I've 
been meeting with mostly the senior Members of the House and Senate--
although a few freshmen have shown up in the meetings--to hear about a 
vision that I think is so important for America, and that is, every 
child get educated and a way to do so.
    There will be other issues that we'll be talking about--military 
preparedness, Medicare and health care, Social Security reform, tax 
relief--and I look forward to working with you all. I come to Washington 
with a positive spirit of the possible, that I refuse to let any 
bitterness that may be lingering around inhibit us from rising above the 
expectations of the American people.
    The people--some people--take a look at the election and say, 
``Well, gosh, the country is too divided. Nothing will happen.'' Our 
mission is to prove them wrong. It's to not only restore faith in 
Government

[[Page 22]]

by results, positive results for the people, but also to restore faith 
in Government by how we behave, by how we conduct the people's business. 
I know we can do it.
    I'm honored you all are here. Congratulations on your elections. We 
look forward to working with you, and God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 12:09 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of 
these remarks.