    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [September 5, 2006]
    [Page 1610]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Mark B. McClellan as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
    Services
    September 5, 2006

        Mark McClellan has served my administration in a number of pivotal
    positions and in doing so has bettered the lives of millions of
    Americans. He played an instrumental role in transforming the Nation's
    health care system, and his efforts will continue to make a difference
    for generations.
        Mark first served as a member of my Council of Economic Advisers,
    focusing on health care and related economic issues. He then became head
    of the Food and Drug Administration, where he provided steady leadership
    to empower consumers and to ensure rapid access to products that are
    safe and effective. For the last 2\1/2\ years, Mark has run the Center
    for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the Department of Health and Human
    Services. As CMS Administrator, Mark was critical in the successful
    implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit, the most
    important health care reform in 40 years. He has also worked to ensure
    that price and quality information are available to consumers and led
    reforms that brought principles of private sector competition to
    Government programs, thereby moving the country toward a system in which
    Americans will receive better care at lower overall prices.
        Mark has been a trusted adviser, and he leaves behind a strong
    record of accomplishment. I wish all the best to Mark, his wife,
    Stephanie, and their children.