    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [August 14, 2006]
    [Page 1507]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Secretary of Defense Donald H.
    Rumsfeld and the Defense Policy and
    Programs Team in Arlington, Virginia
    August 14, 2006

        Mr. Secretary, thanks for having me. The national security team from
    the White House is anxious to come over and get a briefing from you.
    We've got a lot to discuss. It's very important for the American people
    to know that we're constantly thinking about how to secure the homeland,
    protect our interests, and use all assets available to do our jobs.
        I appreciate very much you and your team providing the very
    important briefing. We live in troubled times, but I'm confident in our
    capacity to not only protect the homeland, but I'm confident in our
    capacity to leave behind a better world. And one reason I feel so
    confident is because we've got a fantastic military. It's been an honor
    to travel the country to meet those who wear the uniform. We're a
    blessed nation to have men and women who are willing to volunteer during
    these difficult times.
        And so, Mr. Secretary, thanks for the briefing; I'm looking forward
    to it. And thank you all for giving us your insights and inputs.

    Note: The President spoke at 9:27 a.m. at the Pentagon. The Office of
    the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these
    remarks.