    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [November 9, 2006]
    [Pages 2068-2069]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Lunch With Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Steny H. Hoyer
    November 9, 2006

        The President. We just had a really important lunch. First, I want
    to congratulate Congresswoman Pelosi for becoming the Speaker of the
    House, and the first woman Speaker of the House. This is historic for
    our country. And as a father of young
    women, it is--I think it's important, I really
    do. And I appreciate Congressman Hoyer coming as well. We've had a--I
    would call it a very constructive and very friendly conversation.
        Both of us recognize--or all three of us recognize that when you
    win, you have a responsibility to do the best you can for the country. I
    was pleased with a wide-ranging discussion about important issues facing
    America. The elections are now behind us, and the Congresswoman's party
    won. But the challenges still remain.
        And therefore, we're going to work together to address those
    challenges in a constructive way. We won't agree on every issue, but we
    do agree that we love America equally, that we're concerned about the
    future of this country, and that we will do our very best to address big
    problems.
        And so I want to thank you for coming. This is the beginning of a
    series of meetings we'll have over the next couple of years, all aimed
    at solving problems and leading the country. So, welcome.
    Congratulations again.

    [At this point, Rep. Pelosi made brief remarks.]

        The President. Thank you. Steny.

    [Rep. Hoyer made brief remarks.]

        The President. Thank you, Steny. Thank you all.

    Note: The President spoke at 1:04 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also
    included the remarks of Reps. Pelosi and Hoyer.

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