    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [September 28, 2006]
    [Pages 1711-1712]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With the Republican Senate Conference
    September 28, 2006

        I just had a really constructive and interesting session with
    Republican Members of the United States Senate. I'm impressed by the
    leadership here in the Senate. I'm impressed by the caliber of people
    that serve our country.
        I want to congratulate the House for passing a very vital piece of
    legislation that will give us the tools necessary to protect the
    American people, and that's the Hamdan legislation. That's the
    legislation that will give us the capacity to be able to interrogate
    high-valued detainees and, at the same time, give us the capacity to try
    people who--in our military tribunals.
        In speaking to the Senate, I urged them to get this legislation to
    my desk as soon as possible. Senator Frist and
    Senator McConnell committed
    to that end. The American people need to know we're working together to
    win this war on terror. Our most important responsibility is to protect

    [[Page 1712]]

    the American people from further attack, and we cannot be able to tell
    the American people we're doing our full job unless we have the tools
    necessary to do so. And this legislation passed in the House yesterday
    is a part of making sure that we do have the capacity to protect you.
        Our most solemn job is the security of this country. People
    shouldn't forget there's still an enemy out there that wants to do harm
    to the United States. And therefore, a lot of my discussion with the
    Members of the Senate was to remind them of this solemn responsibility.
    And so I look forward to you passing good legislation, Senators. Thank
    you for having me. Appreciate your time.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:16 a.m. at the U.S. Capitol. In his
    remarks, he referred to H.R. 6166.