[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 2002)]
[Pages 287-288]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks to the National Governors' Association Dinner

February 24, 2002

    Ladies and gentlemen, Laura and I would like to welcome you all to 
the White House. It's good to see a lot of our friends, and we're so 
honored you are here.
    Tonight is a special night for us, but it's no more special--but 
especially special for three people. Three birthday people: Governor 
Siegelman, Governor Ryan, and Governor Swift. Happy birthday.
    I also want to welcome members of my Cabinet and my team who are 
here. I've assembled a fabulous team. They bring a lot of experience to 
their jobs. I'm really proud of the Cabinet members who have been 
Governors: Tommy Thompson, John Ashcroft, Tom Ridge, and Christie 
Whitman. They understand firsthand the issues that Governors face every 
day. And my administration is

[[Page 288]]

working hard to make sure the Federal Government is more responsive to 
your needs.
    Since we met last, America has been attacked and has been wounded by 
terrorists. We've been inspired by acts of courage and generosity. And 
this Nation has confirmed a deep sense of national purpose. We're 
determined to protect the American people by fighting terror wherever it 
is found. This cause will take years, require the patience of the 
American people, and it will require participation of all levels of 
government.
    And we've made a very good beginning. Our military has routed the 
Taliban, and we're hunting down Al Qaida. We've worked to take 
preventive measures to stop any attack, and we're prepared to respond 
should they come.
    The Governors have taken threats seriously, and you've acted quickly 
to confront them. And our Nation is grateful.
    At every stage of this crisis, I have benefited from your counsel. 
I've been inspired by your leadership. I was touched by my friend George 
Pataki's calm demeanor during the crisis in New York. I know our Nation 
needs to develop a national strategy to protect the homeland, and that's 
why I picked a fellow Governor, a former Governor, and a good friend, 
Tom Ridge, to lead the effort.
    America's Governors have displayed leadership at a time when history 
demanded it. And so it's with deep respect and gratitude that I offer 
this toast to the Governors of the United States.
    God bless.

Note: The President spoke at 8:10 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. Don Siegelman of 
Alabama; Gov. George F. Ryan of Illinois; Gov. Jane Swift of 
Massachusetts; and Gov. George E. Pataki of New York. This transcript 
was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on February 25.