[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 49 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Page 2871]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Resignation of Stephen Friedman as Director of the 
National Economic Council

November 29, 2004

    Steve Friedman has been a trusted adviser and vital member of my 
economic team, working tirelessly to help make sure that America 
continues to be the best place in the world to do business.
    Steve played a valuable role in enacting the Jobs and Growth Act of 
2003 that helped move our economy from recession to the robust growth we 
are experiencing today. As a key member of my White House senior staff, 
Steve has led efforts to develop the policies that are strengthening our 
economy and helping to create jobs. Steve has done an excellent job of 
coordinating the work of my economic team and has played a key role in 
developing the economic policies for my second-term agenda.
    Steve is a good-hearted man who possesses great wisdom and a can-do 
attitude. I am grateful for his superb work and wish him and Barbara all 
the best as they fulfill their plan to return home to New York.

 Note: The Office of the Press Secretary also made available Director 
Friedman's letter of resignation.