    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [December 8, 2006]
    [Pages 2166-2167]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Congressional Leaders
    December 8, 2006

        I want to thank the Members of Congress--both Houses, both political
    parties--for joining me and the Vice President
    and members of my team. We just had a very constructive conversation. We
    talked about Iraq. We talked about the need for a new way forward in
    Iraq, and we talked about the need to work together on this important
    subject. We also talked about other key issues.
        I assured the leaders that the White House door will be open when
    the new Congress shows up. And I think we ought to meet on a regular
    basis; I believe there's consensus toward that. And the reason you meet
    on a regular basis is so that the American people can know that we're
    working hard to find common ground. That's what they expect us to do;
    they expect us to work on big problems and solve them.
        I want to say something about my two friends here. Senator
    Frist, we appreciate your service to the United
    States of America. You brought a lot of dignity to the office. And I
    appreciate the Speaker being,

    [[Page 2167]]

    as well--Mr. Speaker, you've done a fine job as Speaker.
        I look forward to working with Senator Reid
    and Congresswoman Pelosi for doing what's right
    for the country. And again, I want to thank you all for coming down. I
    appreciate your interest, appreciate your advice, appreciate the input
    that you've given.
        Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:16 a.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White
    House.