[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 9 (Monday, March 3, 2003)]
[Page 235]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Dinner for the Nation's Governors

February 23, 2003

    Good evening. Laura and I really look forward to these yearly 
dinners with our Nation's Governors and spouses, and we welcome you all 
back to the White House.
    For those of you who are first-timers here as Governors, we welcome 
you as well. I'm particularly pleased that Lyle Lovett, from the great 
State of Texas, is here with us. We look forward to hearing you tonight, 
Lyle.
    I also welcome former Governors who serve in my Cabinet. Tommy 
Thompson and Christie Todd Whitman, John Ashcroft are here. Tom Ridge is 
now a member of my Cabinet. He's not here. He'll still be invited to the 
Cabinet Room. [Laughter]
    Governors are strong leaders with a practical point of view, and I'm 
really grateful for my former fellow Governors for serving their 
country. There are 25 new Governors who are here. I know it's an 
exciting experience for you to set an agenda and to put together a great 
team to solve problems for your State or your territory.
    I loved being the Governor of Texas. In my 6 years, I placed great 
value on the advice of fellow Governors and made many friendships which 
continue to this day. I've grown especially close to the Governor of 
Florida. [Laughter] The man is like a brother to me. [Laughter]
    We each have a shared experience, and we have shared 
responsibilities. We share the responsibility for protecting the 
homeland. We share the responsibility for encouraging economic growth 
and jobs. We share the responsibility for making sure every child learns 
and no child is left behind. We share the responsibility for expanding 
access to high-quality, affordable health care and for helping our 
fellow citizens in need. And we'll meet these responsibilities together.
    I'm honored to have you all here. I now ask you to join me in a 
toast to the Governors of the United States. Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 8:03 p.m. in the State Dining Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to country and western 
entertainer Lyle Lovett. The transcript released by the Office of the 
Press Secretary also included the remarks of Gov. Paul E. Patton of 
Kentucky, chair, National Governors Association. The Office of the Press 
Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.