    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [November 19, 2007]
    [Page 1488]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Frances Fragos Townsend as Assistant to the President for Homeland
    Security and Counterterrorism
    November 19, 2007

        Over the past 4\1/2\ years, Fran Townsend has served my
    administration with distinction as Assistant to the President for
    Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. Fran has always provided wise
    counsel on how to best protect the American people from the threat of
    terrorism. She has been a steady leader in the effort to prevent and
    disrupt attacks and to better respond to natural disasters.
        Fran's remarkable career as a public servant has spanned more than
    two decades. She has prosecuted violent crimes, narcotics offenses,
    mafia cases, and white collar fraud as an assistant district attorney in
    Brooklyn and as an assistant U.S. attorney in Manhattan. During her
    career, Fran worked to protect the American people as the Counsel to the
    Attorney General for Intelligence Policy, the Assistant Commandant for
    Intelligence at the U.S. Coast Guard, and as the Deputy National
    Security Adviser for Combating Terrorism at the National Security
    Council.
        With her extensive experience, intellect, and candor, Fran has ably
    guided the Homeland Security Council. She has played an integral role in
    the formation of the key strategies and policies my administration has
    used to combat terror and protect Americans. She has traveled the world
    to meet with allies in the global war on terror and has partnered
    extensively with first-responders at the State and local level to
    enhance our preparedness. We are safer today because of her leadership.
        Laura and I wish Fran, her husband
    John, and their two sons James and Patrick, all the best.