    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 28, 2006]
    [Pages 588-589]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Resignation of Andrew H. Card, Jr., as White House Chief of Staff and the Appointment of
    Joshua B. Bolten as White House Chief of
    Staff
    March 28, 2006

        Earlier this month, Andy Card came to me and raised the possibility
    of stepping down as Chief of Staff. After 5\1/2\ years, he thought it
    might be time to return to private life, and this past weekend, I
    accepted Andy's resignation.
        Andy Card has served me and our country in historic times: on a
    terrible day when America was attacked; during economic recession and
    recovery; through storms of unprecedented destructive power; in peace
    and in war. Andy has overseen legislative achievements on issues from
    education to Medicare. He helped confirm two Justices to the Supreme
    Court, including a new Chief
    Justice.

    [[Page 589]]

        In all these challenges and accomplishments, I have relied on Andy's
    wise counsel, his calm in crisis, his absolute integrity, and his
    tireless commitment to public service. Andy is respected by his
    colleagues for his humility, his decency, and his thoughtfulness. They
    have looked to him as a leader and a role model, and they, like me, will
    miss him.
        On most days, Andy is the first one to arrive in the West Wing and
    among the last to leave. And during those long days over many years,
    I've come to know Andy as more than my Chief of Staff. He is leaving the
    White House, but he will always be my friend. Laura and I have known Andy and his wife, Kathi, for more than 20 years, and our close friendship
    will continue.
        With me today is Joshua Bolten, who will be the new White House
    Chief of Staff. Josh is a man with broad experience, having worked on
    Capitol Hill and Wall Street and the White House staff and for nearly 3
    years as a Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Josh is a
    creative policy thinker. He's an expert on the budget and our economy.
    He's respected by Members of Congress from both parties. He's a strong
    advocate for effective accountable management in the Federal Government.
        He's a man of candor and humor and directness, who's comfortable
    with responsibility and knows how to lead. No person is better prepared
    for this important position, and I'm honored that Josh has agreed to
    serve.
        The next 3 years will demand much of those who serve our country. We
    have a global war to fight and win. We have great opportunities to
    expand the prosperity and compassion of America. We've come far as a
    nation, yet there's a lot on the road ahead. I'm honored to have served
    with Andrew Card. I've got great confidence in my next Chief of Staff.
        Congratulations, Josh.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:31 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of Chief of Staff Card and Chief of Staff-designate
    Bolten.