    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 15, 2001]
    [Pages 1241-1243]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1241]]

    Remarks to Members of the Senior Executive Service
    October 15, 2001

        Thank you all. I order you to stop. [Laughter] Thanks for the kind
    introduction, and thanks for such a warm welcome. These are
    extraordinary times, times of testing for our Government and for our
    Nation. Yet, all of us can be proud of the response of our Government
    and the exceptional character of the Nation we serve. I've never felt
    more certain about America's goodness or more confident about America's
    future.
        I have come to Constitution Hall today to express my appreciation
    for your dedication and integrity, your commitment to excellence, and
    your love of our country. The work of both career and political
    employees during the last 9 months has been outstanding. We've
    accomplished a great deal together. And since September 11th, Federal
    employees have acted with remarkable professionalism and purpose. And on
    behalf of the American people, I thank you.
        I want to thank my old college roommate and friend Clay
    Johnson for thinking of this idea of coming to
    Constitution Hall to speak to you. I want to thank Ruth Sanchez-
    Way for her warm introduction and her work
    on behalf of the American people. I want to thank my friend Kay
    James for being here as well. I want to thank
    the Navy Band. Every time you play, I step a little lighter. [Laughter]
    I'm really proud of my Cabinet. I want to thank the members of my
    Cabinet who are here, and I'm proud of you all as well.
        I want to start by recognizing the 65 winners of the Presidential
    Rank of Distinguished Executive who are seated behind me.
    Congratulations. And I want to congratulate the Meritorious Executives
    who are here in the audience with us as well--all career members of the
    Senior Executive Service, and today we honor their exceptional
    performance. Their work covers a tremendous range of issues, yet they
    share some things in common: an outstanding work ethic, commitment to
    public service, and pride in a job well done.
        One person who was chosen to receive a Presidential Rank Award is
    not with us today. Bryan Jack headed the Defense Department's
    Programming and Fiscal Economics Division. He was a brilliant
    mathematician and top budget analyst. A native Texan, a graduate of
    Stanford Business School, and newly married, Bryan was a passenger on
    American Airlines Flight 77 when it crashed on September 11th. Bryan's
    wife, Barbara Rachko, is with us today. I
    know how proud you are, Barbara, of your husband. And in this hour of
    grief--in your hour of grief, the Nation is on bended knee with you.
    Where is Barbara?
        Since September 11th, we've seen America more united and resolute
    than at any point in our lifetimes. We've seen a nation that is generous
    and patriotic and a nation that is determined to see justice be done.
    We've also seen acts of great sacrifice and heroism. And many of those
    acts were performed by people who serve in government at the local,
    State, and Federal level--the police and firefighters, medics, FEMA
    employees, members of the military, and civilian employees of
    Government. They've worked past exhaustion. They have risked their
    lives. And some gave their lives as well. Our Nation is grateful for all
    these men and women who have shown the meaning of duty and public
    sacrifice.
        In times of war, the American people look to the Government more
    than they do in times of peace. They count on Government to help protect
    them, and we will. They count on the Government to defeat those who are
    trying to destroy us, and we will. Yet, while our Government is focused
    on the war against terrorism, it continues to have vital
    responsibilities in other areas. We will give our best to America

    [[Page 1242]]

    in war effort, in all other areas of responsibility as well.
        In doing so, we must resist pressure to unwisely expand Government.
    We need to affirm a few important principles, that Government should be
    limited but effective, should do a few things and do them well. It
    should welcome market-based competition wherever possible. It should
    respect the role and authority of State and local governments, which are
    closest to the people. And Government should do everything it can to
    strengthen families, which are the cornerstone of our society.
        Today, we're seeing one of the highest levels of trust in Government
    since the mid-sixties, which is due partly to the surge of national
    pride that has swept our country since the terrorist attacks. But it's
    also because of how you've performed your jobs, particularly during the
    last month. The American people have placed their trust in us, and we
    will honor that trust.
        Let me say a few words about important values we must demonstrate
    while all of us serve in Government. First, we must always maintain the
    highest ethical standards. We must always ask ourself not only what is
    legal but what is right. There is no goal of Government worth
    accomplishing if it cannot be accomplished with integrity.
        Second, I want us to set an example of humility. As you work for the
    Federal Government, there is no excuse for arrogance, and there's never
    a reason to show disrespect for others. A new tone in Washington must
    begin with decency and fairness. I want everyone who represents our
    Government to be known for these values.
        Third, we must confront the tough problems, not avoid them and leave
    them for others. This is never easy, but it's what conscience demands
    and what leadership requires. We must keep the long view and remind
    ourselves that we're here to serve the public's long-term interests.
        Fourth, I hope you'll never take the honor of public service for
    granted. Some of us will serve in Government for a season; others will
    spend an entire career here. But all of us should dedicate ourselves to
    great goals. We are not here to mark time but to make progress, to
    achieve results, and to leave a record of excellence.
        Fifth, we should never forget that we're part of the same team. The
    American people do not distinguish between political and career
    employees. They don't hold us to separate standards. The public has high
    expectations for the entire Government, and together we will meet those
    expectations.
        And sixth, we should always remember, every dollar we spend is the
    taxpayers' money. People worked hard to earn it, and so we should spend
    it wisely and reluctantly. That will take discipline and creative
    leadership, and I urge all of us to show that kind of leadership.
        I know that you face barriers in trying to lead creatively. Some of
    them are imposed by Congress, including barriers to hiring people you
    need, rewarding men and women of merit, and contracting services which
    would save the taxpayers money. And that's why, last August, my
    administration released a strategy for improving the performance of the
    Federal Government. And that is why, shortly, we will be sending to
    Congress the ``Freedom to Manage Act'' and the ``Managerial Flexibility
    Act,'' which will allow you to manage more efficiently and serve the
    public in better fashion.
        Those of you in high places of Government are more than
    administrators and experts. You hold the ideals and hopes of the Nation
    in trust. And I want to thank you for your willingness to serve our
    great Nation.
        It is an incredible honor for me to be the leader of such a strong
    team on behalf of the American people, a team of men and women who could
    be doing something else but have decided, ``I want to serve the greatest
    land on the face of the Earth.''
        Let's do our duty. Let's hold ourselves to the highest of standards.
    And we'll leave

    [[Page 1243]]

    this city and this Government better than we found it.
        Thank you for having me. May God bless your work, and may God bless
    America.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:42 p.m. at Constitution Hall. In his
    remarks, he referred to Ruth Sanchez-Way, Director, Center for Substance
    Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
    Administration.