[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 49 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Pages 2896-2897]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Nomination of Bernard B. Kerik To Be Secretary of 
Homeland Security

December 3, 2004

    The President. Good morning. I'm proud to announce my nomination of 
Commissioner Bernard Kerik as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
    Bernie Kerik is one of the most accomplished and effective leaders 
of law enforcement in America. In his career, he has served as an 
enlisted military police officer in Korea, a jail warden in New Jersey, 
a beat cop in Manhattan, New York City corrections commissioner, and as 
New York's 40th police commissioner, an office once held by Teddy 
Roosevelt. In every position, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to 
justice, a heart for the innocent, and a record of great success.
    I'm grateful he's agreed to bring his lifetime of security 
experience and skill to one of the most important positions in the 
Federal Government. Bernie is a dedicated, innovative reformer who 
insists on getting results. As the head of New York City jails, he cut 
inmate violence by more than 90 percent. As Mayor Rudy Giuliani's police 
commissioner, he had great success in reducing crime in New York City. 
His broad, practical, hands-on experience makes Bernie superbly 
qualified to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
    When confirmed by the Senate, Bernie Kerik will build on the 
historic accomplishments of Secretary Tom Ridge. As the Department's 
first leader, Tom oversaw the large reorganization--the largest 
reorganization of the Government in nearly a half-century. He met urgent 
challenges with patience and purpose, and because of his service, our 
country is safer.
    Tom also carried out his duties with skill and honesty and decency. 
He's been my friend for more than 20 years. He is one of the great 
public servants of our generation. Tom Ridge has our Nation's gratitude; 
he's

[[Page 2897]]

got my gratitude; and I wish he and Michele all the best.

    My nominee to succeed Secretary Ridge has the background and the 
passion that are needed to protect our citizens. As police commissioner 
on September the 11th, 2001, Bernie Kerik arrived at the World Trade 
Center minutes after the first plane hit. He was there when the Twin 
Towers collapsed. He knew the faces of the rescuers who rushed toward 
danger. He attended the funeral of the officers who didn't come back. 
Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September 
the 11th. The resolve he felt that morning will guide him every day on 
his job. And every first-responder defending our homeland will have a 
faithful ally in Bernie Kerik.

    As he prepares for new responsibility, Bernie Kerik has the love and 
support of his family, his wife, Hala; his children, Joseph, Celine, and 
Angelina and Lisa. He will always be inspired by his father and hero, 
Donald Kerik, Sr., and his caring stepmother, Clara. Bernard Kerik has 
devoted his life to protecting his fellow citizens, and his example has 
led many others to take up that calling. He loves his country. He has 
gained the trust and admiration of millions. I call on the Senate to 
promptly confirm his nomination as the Secretary of Homeland Security.

    Thank you for serving, Bernie, and congratulations.

    Secretary-Designate Kerik. Mr. President, thank you.

    The President. Yes, sir.

[At this point, Secretary-Designate Kerik made brief remarks.]

    The President. Good job. Thank you, sir.

Note: The President spoke at 9:54 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the 
White House. In his remarks, he referred to Rudolph W. Giuliani, former 
mayor of New York City; and Michele Ridge, wife of Homeland Security 
Secretary Tom Ridge. The transcript released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary also included the remarks of Secretary-Designate Kerik.