[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 42 (Monday, October 27, 2008)]
[Pages 1379-1380]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Following a Briefing at the National Security Agency at Fort 
Meade, Maryland

October 24, 2008

    I want to thank General Alexander for his hospitality to me and the 
Vice President and Director McConnell. We have been here at NSA, which 
is on the frontline of protecting the American people. Every time I come 
out here, I'm impressed by the caliber of people who work here, the 
amount of energy that goes into their jobs, and their deep desire to 
find an enemy and bring them to justice before they hurt us again.
    Ever since 9/11, the people in this building have done what the 
country expects them to do, and that is to work as hard as necessary to 
help protect the United States of America. The work here at the NSA is 
absolutely vital, and I wish all our citizens could meet the folks that 
work here and realize how smart they are, how capable they are, and how 
enthusiastic they are in doing their duty.

[[Page 1380]]

    So, General, thank you for your hospitality. We've enjoyed coming 
out here, and appreciate the efforts you're putting into protecting the 
homeland.
    Thank you all very much.

Note: The President spoke at 12:50 p.m. in the Operations Building. In 
his remarks, he referred to Lt. Gen. Keith B. Alexander, USA, Director, 
National Security Agency.