*EPF105 11/15/2004
Text: Bush Pays Tribute to Outgoing Cabinet Members
(Credits Secretary Powell for forging new alliances in the War on Terror) (920)
President Bush issued statements of appreciation and gratitude to the four members of his cabinet whose upcoming departures were announced November 15.
Earlier in the day, the White House released the texts of four letters of resignation submitted by Secretary of State Colin Powell, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, and Education Secretary Rod Paige.
The president praised Secretary Powell for forging new alliances and helping to build coalitions in connection with the War on Terror, and coalition operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also mentioned Powell's help in lowering tensions on the Indian subcontinent and calling attention to humanitarian suffering in Sudan, Liberia and Haiti.
Bush credited Secretary Abraham with playing a pivotal role in U.S. nuclear nonproliferation efforts, praised Secretary Veneman for opening markets for U.S. agricultural products, and thanked Secretary Paige for his work in bringing reforms to the U.S. public school system.
Following is the text of four statements by President Bush expressing appreciation for the service of four departing cabinet members:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
November 15, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Colin Powell is one of the great public servants of our time. He is a soldier, a diplomat, a civic leader, a statesman, and a great patriot. I value his friendship. He will be missed. On behalf of all Americans, I thank him for his many years of service, and I wish him and Alma all the best.
In his four years as Secretary of State, Colin forged new alliances that are helping America win the war on terror and reinvigorated old and honored friendships. He has helped to build two great coalitions that have liberated more than 50 million people in Afghanistan and Iraq from brutal dictators, and which are now helping those nations emerge as successful democracies. He was a key architect of the Broader Middle East initiative, which is helping to spread freedom and democracy in that region.
His diplomatic skills also helped to end regional conflicts and lower tensions on the Indian subcontinent. Through his advocacy, he focused the world's attention on the plight of the suffering in Sudan, Liberia, and Haiti. His role in resolving the EP-3 incident early in my Administration showed the calm judgment and steady resolve he has brought to our foreign policy. Thousands of dedicated foreign policy professionals are grateful for his leadership in modernizing and strengthening the Department of State.
[end text]
[begin text]
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
November 15, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Ann Veneman has been a strong advocate for America 's farm and ranch families. As Secretary of Agriculture, she has been a valuable member of my Cabinet, working to ensure that we promote economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers, ensure a safe and wholesome food supply, and sell American farm products all around the world.
I commend Ann for her efforts to enact and implement a responsible farm bill with strong conservation provisions. I greatly appreciate Ann's leadership in ensuring that we responded quickly and effectively to protect the American food supply following the discovery of BSE in the United States and following September 11th. She has helped ensure commonsense forest management and skillfully implemented the Healthy Forests Initiative. She has played a key role in opening markets and in ensuring a level playing field for America's farm products.
Ann has served our country with distinction and integrity. I appreciate her fine work and wish her well.
[end text]
[begin text]
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
November 15, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Spence Abraham has been a valued member of the Cabinet and a strong and steady leader of the Department of Energy. He helped develop our National Energy Policy to reduce our country's reliance on foreign sources of energy and to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally sound energy for America's future. He launched new technological research initiatives that will lead to the next generation of pollution-free automobiles and clean-coal power plants. In the war on terror, Spence Abraham played a pivotal role in keeping the most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people through his work on nuclear non-proliferation.
I am very grateful for Spence's service and thank him for his sacrifice and hard work for America. I wish him and Jane all the best.
[end text]
[begin text]
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
November 15, 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Rod Paige has been at the forefront of fundamentally reforming and improving our nation's public education system so that no child is left behind in America. His passion for taking on the status quo and fighting for reform underscores his strong commitment to our country's young people and his desire to give them a brighter future. Throughout his life, Rod has overcome great obstacles and achieved great success. He represents the best of America.
We have only begun the long-term transformation of education so that future generations can enjoy all of the promise and opportunity America has to offer. Thanks to the hard work of Rod Paige, we have a very strong start and are well on our way to fulfilling that promise.
I am thankful for Rod's leadership during this important time and am grateful for his friendship. I wish him all the best.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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