[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 3 (Monday, January 25, 1993)]
[Pages 84-85]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for Cabinet Members

 January 22, 1993

    The President. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Today I am proud 
to present to you and to the American people a Cabinet of talented, 
diverse, and seasoned leaders.
    I'm deeply gratified to the United States Senate for their quick 
confirmation of 18 nominees only 2 days after the Inauguration. The 
Senate acted with historic dispatch because it recognizes that our 
Nation needs action now on our problems. I very much appreciate that, 
and like them I am ready to get to work.
    Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to now present the Chief Justice 
to administer the oath of office. Mr. Chief Justice.
    Chief Justice Rehnquist. Would you each raise your right hands and 
repeat after me. And the first phrase is ``I, blank,'' and obviously 
there you insert your name--[laughter]--``do solemnly swear.''

[At this point, the Chief Justice administered the oath of office.]

    The President. Let me, first of all, say I'm glad no one said ``I, 
blank.'' [Laughter] There will be time enough for those blanks in the 
days ahead. [Laughter]

[[Page 85]]

    I think now we're supposed to adjourn to the State Dining Room, is 
that correct? Is that right?
    I also want to recognize my Ambassador to the United Nations-
designate, Madeleine Albright, who has not quite been confirmed by the 
Senate, but I think she will be soon. Because she teaches at my alma 
mater, I thought she ought to have a separate swearing-in ceremony. 
[Laughter]
    So I think that's it. Let's adjourn, please, to the reception in the 
State Dining Room. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 10:22 a.m. in the East Room at the White 
House.