[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 6 (Monday, February 10, 1997)]
[Pages 156-157]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to Federal Workers

February 6, 1997

    As I begin my second term as President, I want all of you to know 
how proud I am of your hard work and accomplishments during the past 
four years. I came to Washington with a high regard for civil servants, 
and you have only confirmed that opinion.

[[Page 157]]

    And I'm not the only one who has been impressed. Four years ago, 
public confidence in the federal government was at an all-time low. But 
you have begun to change that attitude. Even in a time of leaner budgets 
and smaller staffs, you have improved service to the public, forged 
effective partnerships with communities and private businesses, and 
discarded old-fashioned management systems. Now, for the first time in 
decades, public opinion of federal agencies is markedly on the rise. 
Congratulations--the credit for this stunning turnaround goes to you.
    Vice President Gore and I are excited and optimistic about the 
prospects for America in the next four years. We are on the right track 
to the twenty-first century and are picking up speed as we continue to 
work with you to reinvent government. I believe that our nation will 
enter that new century stronger, more confident, and more capable than 
ever before. And I believe that a large part of that success will be 
achieved because of the energy and talent of each of you--the men and 
women of the federal government.
    Thank you for all you do on behalf of your fellow Americans.
                                                  Bill Clinton