    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 12, 2002]
    [Page 2189]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Appointment of Stephen Friedman as Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and
    Director of the National Economic Council
    December 12, 2002

        The President. Good afternoon. I'm pleased to introduce the newest
    member of my economic team, Mr. Steve Friedman. Welcome, Steve. I also
    want to welcome Barbara and Susie and Caroline and
    David and Sam. We're
    glad you all are here, and thank you for your sacrifice.
        Steve Friedman has spent a career at the center of American
    enterprise and finance and job creation. He's an innovative economic
    thinker, a proven manager, and he's a business leader of national
    standing. He has served the country as a member of the President's
    Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board and as Chairman of a task force on
    modernizing financial management at the Pentagon. Steve is a graduate of
    Cornell University, and he holds a law degree from Columbia University
    and serves as chairman emeritus of that university's board.
        I'm delighted that Steve will be joining the White House staff as
    Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Director of the
    National Economic Council.
        He replaces a dear friend, Larry Lindsey.
    I appreciate so very much Larry's service to our country. He has a
    distinguished career here in the White House. He's earned the respect of
    the President and everybody who has worked with him.
        I selected Steve for his wide experience and steady and sound
    judgment. He understands the free enterprise system. He knows how the
    economy works. And he shares my objectives for stronger economic growth,
    high standards of corporate integrity, more small businesses across our
    Nation, and greater trade across the world.
        I will work with Steve and others on a growth-and-jobs package that
    we will present to the new Congress. In order to continue our economic
    recovery, we will propose further steps to add new jobs, reduce the
    burden on our taxpayers, and to strengthen investor confidence. Our
    economy is strong, and we're going to make it even stronger. It's
    important work, and Steve Friedman will be a key member of our team. And
    I'm pleased to welcome him to full-time public service.
        Thank you very much, Steve. Appreciate it.

    [At this point, Director Friedman made brief remarks.]

        The President. You're welcome. I'm glad you're here. Thank you all
    for coming.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:05 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Director Friedman's wife,
    Barbara, and their children Susie, Caroline, David, and Sam. The
    transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included
    the remarks of Director Friedman.