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Skriven 2004-12-03 23:35:24 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0412034) for Fri, 2004 Dec 3
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President Nominates Bernard Kerik as Secretary of Homeland Security
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 3, 2004

President Nominates Bernard Kerik as Secretary of Homeland Security
The Roosevelt Room

President's Remarks
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9:54 A.M. EST

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 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 step-mother, 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.

MR. KERIK: Mr. President, thank you.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

MR. KERIK: Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. President. I am deeply honored and humbled by the
opportunity to serve you and this great country. You have been a strong,
effective and inspirational leader in the war for freedom and against
terror. Should I receive the consent of the Senate, I will devote every
power I possess toward fulfilling the vital mission you have set before me
and the Department of Homeland Security.

I will be particularly honored, if confirmed, to accept the torch passed
from Secretary Tom Ridge, a decorated veteran, faithful public servant, and
courageous trail blazer who stood at the helm of the largest reorganization
of our federal government in 50 years. Our nation is truly safer because of
Secretary Ridge and his tireless efforts.

To all the men and women of the Department of Homeland Security and to
their partners in the federal, state, and the local government --
especially the police officers, the firefighters, the emergency medical
technicians, and all other first responders -- it is your skill, sacrifice
and dedication that has made the lives of all Americans more secure. You
have my respect, my admiration, and I look forward to the opportunity to
join with you in protecting the nation we all love.

Mr. President, I understand, as you do, the tremendous challenge that faces
America in securing our nation and its citizens from the threat of
terrorism. And I know what is at stake. On September 11, 2001, I witnessed
firsthand the very worst of humanity, and its very best. I saw hatred claim
the lives of 2,400 innocent people, and I saw the bravest men and women I
will ever know rescue more than 20,000 others. There isn't a day that has
passed since the morning of September 11th that I haven't thought of the
sacrifices of those heroes and the losses we all suffered. I promise you,
Mr. President, that both the memory of those courageous souls and the
horrors I saw inflicted upon our proud nation will serve as permanent
reminders of the awesome responsibility you place in my charge. I pledge to
work tirelessly to honor them, and your trust in me.

I would like to thank and recognize those whose love, support and sacrifice
have brought me to this day -- most particularly my wife, Hala; my
children, Celine, Angelina, Joseph and Lisa; and my friend and mentor Mayor
Rudolph W. Giuliani. I would also like to express my gratitude to the
dedicated men and women of the New York City Police and Correction
Departments and the many other law enforcement agencies with whom it was my
honor and privilege to serve. It is you and our great country that made it
possible for a young boy raised on the modest streets of Patterson, New
Jersey, whose dream was to become a cop, to stand today at the side of the
President of the United States and accept this extraordinary nomination.

Mr. President, thank you again for this tremendous opportunity and your
confidence in me.

THE PRESIDENT: Good job. Thank you, sir.

MR. KERIK: Thank you, thank you.

END 10:01 A.M. EST
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