    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 30, 2004]
    [Pages 489-490]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing That National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice Will Provide Public Testimony to the National
    Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States
    March 30, 2004

        Today I have informed the Commission on Terrorist Attacks Against
    the United States that my National Security Adviser, Dr. Condoleezza
    Rice, will provide public testimony. I've also advised Chairman
    Kean and Vice Chairman Hamilton that Vice President Cheney and I
    will jointly meet with all members of the Commission in a private
    session.
        This Commission has been charged with a crucial task. To prevent
    future attacks, we must understand the methods of our enemies. The
    terrorist threat being examined by the Commission is still present,
    still urgent, and still demands our full attention.
        From the day the panel was created, I have directed executive branch
    agencies and members of my staff to cooperate with the Commission.
    Recognizing the exceptional nature of this inquiry, we have given
    Commission members access to relevant Presidential daily briefings, to
    my communications with foreign leaders, and to internal White House
    communications.

    [[Page 490]]

        More than 800 members of the administration have been interviewed.
    More than 20 White House officials have met with the Commission or soon
    will do so. Dr. Rice herself has already met privately with the
    Commission for 4 hours. I've ordered this level of cooperation, because
    I consider it necessary to gaining a complete picture of the months and
    years that preceded the murder of our fellow citizens on September the
    11th, 2001.
        As the Commission has done its work, I've also been concerned, as
    has Dr. Rice, that an important principle be upheld: A President and his
    advisers, including his Adviser for National Security Affairs, must be
    able to communicate freely and privately without being compelled to
    reveal those communications to the legislative branch. This principle of
    the separation of powers is protected by the Constitution, is recognized
    by the courts, and has been defended by Presidents of both political
    parties. We have observed this principle while also seeking ways for Dr.
    Rice to testify, so that the public record is full and accurate.
        Now the Commission and leaders of the United States Congress have
    given written assurances that the appearance of the National Security
    Adviser will not be used as precedent in the conduct of future
    inquiries. The leaders of Congress and the Commission agree--they agree
    with me that the circumstances of this case are unique, because the
    events of September the 11th, 2001, were unique. At my direction, Judge
    Gonzales has informed the Commission
    that Dr. Rice will participate in an open public hearing.
        Our Nation must never forget the loss or the lessons of September
    the 11th, and we must not assume that the danger has passed. The United
    States will confront gathering dangers to our freedom and security. The
    Commission knows its responsibility to collect vital information and to
    present it to the American people. And I know my responsibility as well
    to act against the continuing threat and to protect the American people.
    I have made that pledge to my fellow citizens, and I will keep it.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 4:46 p.m. in the James S. Brady Briefing
    Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Thomas H. Kean,
    Chairman, and Lee H. Hamilton, Vice Chairman, National Commission on
    Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission); and Counsel
    to the President Alberto R. Gonzales.