[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[January 31, 2001]
[Page 40]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 40]]


Remarks Prior to a Cabinet Meeting and an Exchange With Reporters
January 31, 2001

    The President. Thank you all for coming. In my first Cabinet 
meeting, we're going to discuss a variety of topics today. I'm going to 
remind all of us, it's an honor to serve the country. I expect only one 
standard, and that's the highest of ethical standards. We're putting 
together a great team to serve America. That's what we're here for.
    I am going to talk a little bit about reminding people that a dollar 
spent is a tax--is somebody's money and that we expect there to be lean 
budgets, good stewards of the people's money.
    We'll hear from some of the Cabinet officers about what may be going 
on. I suspect the Energy Secretary may want 
to brief us. I think the Secretary of Treasury will give us an update on what's going on, the economy and 
tax relief.
    I want to assure Americans that they're going to be as proud of this 
Cabinet as I am. This is a wonderful group of men and women who have 
agreed to serve their country, for which I'm grateful.
    I'll be glad to answer a few questions.

Tax Relief Legislation

    Q. Mr. President, are you beginning to think that Congress might act 
more quickly on your tax cuts if you break it up into pieces and seek 
across-the-board tax cut first?
    The President. I told the Speaker and 
anybody else who will listen on the House side, where the legislation 
must begin, that we're interested in the results. If that's what it 
takes to get the bill through, we'll be willing to listen. This is an 
administration that's mindful of the difference between the legislative 
branch and the executive branch. We will make suggestions if asked. If 
the Speaker and Chairman Thomas and others 
believe that the best way to get our plan in place that will help 
bolster the economy that we believe needs bolstering, we'll listen and 
work with them.

Pan Am 103 Verdict

    Q. Mr. President, does the verdict in the Pan Am bombing case--
should it leave any doubt that Libya was behind the bombing of Pan Am 
103 as an act of state?
    The President. This was a high official. We've made it very clear 
that this administration is going to hold the Libyans accountable. We 
expect them to pay reparations. The Secretary of State is in complete agreement.
    Q. If they pay reparations----
    The President. Let's see if they do.
    Q. The Government of Tripoli just announced as we were coming in 
here that they will accept no responsibility for what happened. What 
happens now from the U.S. side?
    The President. We'll develop a plan.

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell

    Q. Welcome back, Mr. Powell.
    The President. He looks pretty good 
here, doesn't he? [Laughter]

Note: The President spoke at 2:28 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Representative William M. Thomas, 
chairman, House Committee on Ways and Means. A tape was not available 
for verification of the content of these remarks.