    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2002]
    [Page 2192]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Henry Kissinger as Chairman of the National Commission on Terrorist
    Attacks Upon the United States
    December 13, 2002

        It is with regret that I accept Dr. Kissinger's decision to step
    down as Chairman of the national commission to investigate the events of
    September 11, 2001, and the years that led up to that event.
        As I stated at the time of his appointment, Dr. Kissinger is one our
    Nation's most accomplished and respected public servants. I thank him
    for his willingness to consider serving his country once again. His
    chairmanship would have provided the insights and analysis the
    Government needs to understand the methods of our enemies and the nature
    of the threats we face.
        My administration will work quickly to select a new Chairman whose
    mission will be to uncover every detail and learn every lesson of
    September 11, even as we act on what we have learned so far to better
    protect and defend America.