[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 10 (Monday, March 12, 2001)]
[Page 401]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for Joe M. Allbaugh as Director of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency

March 5, 2001

    Thank you all very much. It's an honor to be here to swear in my 
friend. I first want to say it's a treat to see Mr. and Mrs. Allbaugh 
from the great State of Oklahoma, and his brother, most importantly, 
Diane and Taylor. Thank you all for being here. Of course, you wouldn't 
have missed it. [Laughter]
    When I was a Governor, Joe and I used to travel a lot together, and 
a lot of times people would come up and say, ``Is he your bodyguard?'' 
[Laughter] He wasn't, but I always felt a little safer when he was 
around. And that's the kind of man he is, and that's the kind of man I 
wanted to run FEMA.
    When the worst happens anywhere in America, I can assure you folks 
will be confident when Joe Allbaugh arrives on the scene. He's not just 
a commanding presence, or his stylish hair cut--[laughter]--it's his 
confidence, his character, and his calm when trouble comes. This isn't 
mere speculation.
    Last Wednesday at 10:54 in the morning, an earthquake rocked the 
State of Washington, injuring hundreds of people and causing billion 
dollars of property damage. By 11:30 that night, Joe Allbaugh was on the 
scene ready to assist people in need. That's the kind of man he is.
    I couldn't have made it to Washington without him. And I can't tell 
you how honored I am that he has come to Washington to serve his 
country.
    We never know where FEMA will be needed next, but we do know what 
makes this Agency so effective: more than 2,000 dedicated employees all 
across America; 4,000 standby employees, ready if needed; an ethic of 
professionalism and a willingness to work with State and local officials 
to help people in need.
    As Governor I worked with FEMA officials. Joe and I have great 
respect for the outgoing Director, James Lee Witt, and for the acting 
Director, John Magaw. A lot of change is needed in Washington, but in 
this Agency the standards are already high. Every year, many thousands 
of Americans live through floods and hurricanes and fires. They know 
from personal experience that FEMA is an example of the Federal 
Government at its best. And I'll tell you from personal experience that 
FEMA has a new Director that speaks to America at its best.
    When he acts, he'll have my full confidence. When he speaks, it will 
inspire confidence in others. This Agency is in strong and steady hands. 
Joe will be at the White House many times in the next few years. In the 
nature of his job, they won't always be the happiest of times. But Joe 
will help Americans deal with the worst in the best, most compassionate 
way possible.
    Thank you for accepting this responsibility.

Note: The President spoke at 10:15 a.m. in the Columbia Room at the 
Holiday Inn Capitol At The Smithsonian. In his remarks, he referred to 
Director Allbaugh's parents, Marvin and Peggy, his brother, Jay, wife, 
Diane, and daughter, Taylor. The transcript released by the Office of 
the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Director Allbaugh.