    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 22, 2003]
    [Page 79]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 79]]

    Statement on Senate Confirmation of Tom Ridge as
    Secretary of Homeland Security
    January 22, 2003

        I applaud the Senate for acting quickly and in a strong, bipartisan
    manner to confirm the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland
    Security. With today's historic vote, the Senate has demonstrated our
    shared commitment to doing everything we can to secure our homeland.
    Secretary Ridge is an outstanding and dedicated public servant who
    understands my administration's top priority always will be the
    protection of the American people, and I look forward to continuing to
    work closely with him to fulfill this important responsibility.