[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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