[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 49 (Monday, December 11, 2006)]
[Page 2128]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Senate Confirmation of Robert M. Gates To Be the Secretary 
of Defense

December 6, 2006

    I am pleased the Senate has overwhelmingly voted to confirm Dr. 
Robert Gates as the next Secretary of Defense. In his confirmation 
hearing, Dr. Gates demonstrated he is an experienced, qualified, and 
thoughtful man who is well respected by members of both parties and is 
committed to winning the war on terror. Throughout his career, Dr. Gates 
has transformed the organizations he has led and empowered them to 
successfully address complex issues. I am confident that his leadership 
and capabilities will help our country meet its current military 
challenges and prepare for emerging threats of the 21st century.
    I thank Chairman Warner and Ranking Member Levin for leading 
dignified and constructive hearings, and I thank the Senate for moving 
quickly on this nomination.