    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 28, 2003]
    [Page 81]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Cabinet Meeting
    January 28, 2003

        The President. Thank you for coming. I'm going to make a quick
    statement, and then I will ask you all to leave without any questions.
        Q. With questions?
        The President. No, without any questions. I appreciate your
    understanding.
        First, I want to welcome Tom Ridge, newly
    confirmed member of my Cabinet. I appreciate the Senate moving quickly.
    I asked the Senate to move quickly on the nomination of John Snow as well. He's having his hearing today. They'll find
    that John is a very capable, smart person who will do a fine job as the
    Secretary of Treasury. I look forward to having him join us here at this
    table.
        Tonight I'm going in front of our Nation to talk about the great
    challenges that face our country, but no doubt that we'll be able to
    handle those challenges because we are a great country. I'll talk about
    our deep desire for peace, peace not only here at home but peace in
    troubled regions of the world. I'll talk about our plan to spread
    prosperity throughout America. I'll talk about the need to have a health
    care system that is modern and sensitive to the needs of our seniors.
        I'll talk about a lot of issues, but as I do so, I'm going to remind
    the American people that solutions to some of the seemingly intractable
    problems lay in the hearts and souls of our fellow citizens; that not
    only are we a strong nation, I will say, but that we're a compassionate
    nation, and when we find hurt and people who need healing, that our
    fellow citizens can provide the love necessary to help a citizen realize
    the full potential of this country.
        I look forward to giving this speech. It is a moment where I will
    rally the American people to some great causes and remind them that
    we'll accomplish those causes together.
        Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:54 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House.