    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [July 16, 2002]
    [Pages 1249-1250]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1249]]

    Remarks on the National Strategy for Homeland Security
    July 16, 2002

        Mr. Vice President and Governor
    Ridge, thank you all. I want to thank the Members
    of Congress who have come to discuss the creation of the Department of
    Homeland Security. We just had a really productive meeting on this
    important issue. All of us agree that protecting Americans from attack
    is our most urgent national priority and that we must act on the
    priority.
        I want to thank the Speaker, Speaker Hastert, and Leader Gephardt,
    as well as Leader Lott and Senator Reid for being here. And I appreciate so very much their
    agreement that we ought to have a debate about the creation of the
    Department of Homeland Security on the floor of both bodies before
    Congress leaves for the August break. These four leaders have shown a
    strong commitment to get something done on behalf of the American
    people.
        I also want to appreciate--the members of the House Select Committee
    on Homeland Security are here, Chairman Armey and Vice Chairman Pelosi and
    other members. Both Republicans and Democrats are charged with
    reconciling the work of numerous House committees who acted this past
    week. They face a significant challenge, but I'm confident they'll meet
    the challenge, because they, too, want to do what's right.
        I also welcome Members of the House and Senate who have been long
    interested in changing the way our Government protects our homeland--
    Senator Lieberman and Thompson and Collins, Congresswomen
    Harman and Tauscher, and Congressmen Thornberry,
    Gibbons, Chambliss,
    Portman, and Shays. These are members who had an interest in reform
    prior to September the 11th. They've been working on this issue for a
    long time, and I appreciate their input and their willingness to stay
    involved in the process.
        I want to thank them for their past efforts. The American people
    need to know these Members of Congress are working hard and working long
    hours. And during the next couple of weeks, they'll be working hard to
    get something on the floor of their respective bodies. And that's good,
    and that's good for the American people.
        There are a lot of tough decisions that will be made as we develop
    and discuss and debate how to move forward. But I'm confident that
    Members of both parties and Members of both Chambers know that the
    security of our Nation is the goal. That's the most important thing that
    they'll be focused on, is how best to secure the United States.
        We also understand that the current structure of our Government is a
    patchwork, to put it best, of overlapping responsibilities, and it
    really does hinder our ability to protect the homeland. And so we're
    working with both parties in both Chambers to effect a strategy that
    will make it more likely that not only this administration and this
    Congress can deal with the true threats of the 21st century but, as
    importantly, future administrations and future Congresses will be able
    to deal with the threats that will continue to be directed at a nation
    which loves freedom.
        I--right after the September the 11th attacks, I established the
    Office of Homeland Security in the White House and gave it a critical
    mission: to produce a national strategy for homeland security. And today
    I'm sending to Congress our new National Strategy for Homeland Security.
    This comprehensive plan lays out clear lines of authority and clear
    responsibilities, responsibilities for Federal employees and for
    Governors and mayors and community and business leaders and the American
    citizens.

    [[Page 1250]]

    With a better picture of those responsibilities, all of us can direct
    money and manpower to meet them.
        In the war on terror, the American people are showing tremendous
    strength and great resolve. Our unity is a great weapon in this fight.
    And by acting together to create a new and single Department of Homeland
    Security, we'll be sending the world a signal that the Congress and the
    administration will work together to protect the American people and to
    win this war on terror.
        Again, I want to thank the Members for their hard work. I appreciate
    the long hours that they're putting in. I appreciate their love for
    America and their patriotism during this trying time for our country.
        May God bless the American people, and may God continue to bless
    America.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:30 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White
    House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.