[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 5 (Monday, February 5, 2001)]
[Page 244]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Prior to a Cabinet Meeting and an Exchange With Reporters

January 31, 2001

    The President. Thank you all for coming. In my first Cabinet meeting 
we're going to discuss a variety of topics today. I'm going to remind 
all of us, it's an honor to serve the country. I expect only one 
standard, and that's the highest of ethical standards. We're putting 
together a great team to serve America. That's what we're here for.
    I am going to talk a little bit about reminding people that a dollar 
spent is a tax--is somebody's money and that we expect there to be lean 
budgets, good stewards of the people's money. We'll hear from some of 
the Cabinet officers about what may be going on. I suspect the Energy 
Secretary may want to brief us. I think the Secretary of Treasury will 
give us an update on what's going on, the economy and tax relief.
    I want to assure Americans that they're going to be as proud of this 
Cabinet as I am. This is a wonderful group of men and women who have 
agreed to serve their country, for which I'm grateful.
    I'll be glad to answer a few questions.

Tax Cut Legislation

    Q. Mr. President, are you beginning to think that Congress might act 
more quickly on your tax cuts if you break it up into pieces and seek 
across-the-board tax cut first?
    The President. I told the Speaker and anybody else who will listen 
on the House side, where the legislation must begin, that we're 
interested in the results. If that's what it takes to get the bill 
through, we'll be willing to listen. This is an administration that's 
mindful of the difference between the legislative branch and the 
executive branch. We will make suggestions if asked. If the Speaker and 
Chairman Thomas and others believe that the best way to get our plan in 
place that will help bolster the economy that we believe needs 
bolstering, we'll listen and work with them.

Pan Am 103 Verdict

    Q. Mr. President, does the verdict in the Pan Am bombing case--
should it leave any doubt that Libya was behind the bombing of Pan Am 
103 as an act of state?
    The President. This was a high official. We've made it very clear 
that this administration is going to hold the Libyans accountable. We 
expect them to pay reparations. The Secretary of State is in complete 
agreement.
    Q. If they pay reparations----
    The President. Let's see if they do.
    Q. The Government of Tripoli just announced as we were coming in 
here that they will accept no responsibility for what happened. What 
happens now from the U.S. side?
    The President. We'll develop a plan.
    Q. Welcome back, Mr. Powell.
    The President. He looks pretty good here, doesn't he? [Laughter]

Note: The President spoke at 2:28 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary of Energy Spencer 
Abraham; Secretary of the Treasury Paul H. O'Neill; Representative 
William M. Thomas, chairman, House Committee on Ways and Means; and 
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of these remarks.