[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.