[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Page 578]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Announcing the Resignation of Andrew H. Card, Jr., as White 
House Chief of Staff and the Appointment of Joshua B. Bolten as White 
House Chief of Staff

March 28, 2006

    Earlier this month, Andy Card came to me and raised the possibility 
of stepping down as Chief of Staff. After 5\1/2\ years, he thought it 
might be time to return to private life, and this past weekend, I 
accepted Andy's resignation.
    Andy Card has served me and our country in historic times: on a 
terrible day when America was attacked; during economic recession and 
recovery; through storms of unprecedented destructive power; in peace 
and in war. Andy has overseen legislative achievements on issues from 
education to Medicare. He helped confirm two Justices to the Supreme 
Court, including a new Chief Justice.
    In all these challenges and accomplishments, I have relied on Andy's 
wise counsel, his calm in crisis, his absolute integrity, and his 
tireless commitment to public service. Andy is respected by his 
colleagues for his humility, his decency, and his thoughtfulness. They 
have looked to him as a leader and a role model, and they, like me, will 
miss him.
    On most days, Andy is the first one to arrive in the West Wing and 
among the last to leave. And during those long days over many years, 
I've come to know Andy as more than my Chief of Staff. He is leaving the 
White House, but he will always be my friend. Laura and I have known 
Andy and his wife, Kathi, for more than 20 years, and our close 
friendship will continue.
    With me today is Joshua Bolten, who will be the new White House 
Chief of Staff. Josh is a man with broad experience, having worked on 
Capitol Hill and Wall Street and the White House staff and for nearly 3 
years as a Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Josh is a 
creative policy thinker. He's an expert on the budget and our economy. 
He's respected by Members of Congress from both parties. He's a strong 
advocate for effective accountable management in the Federal Government.
    He's a man of candor and humor and directness, who's comfortable 
with responsibility and knows how to lead. No person is better prepared 
for this important position, and I'm honored that Josh has agreed to 
serve.
    The next 3 years will demand much of those who serve our country. We 
have a global war to fight and win. We have great opportunities to 
expand the prosperity and compassion of America. We've come far as a 
nation, yet there's a lot on the road ahead. I'm honored to have served 
with Andrew Card. I've got great confidence in my next Chief of Staff.
    Congratulations, Josh.

Note: The President spoke at 8:31 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White 
House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also 
included the remarks of Chief of Staff Card and Chief of Staff-designate 
Bolten.