Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet
Welcomes
President George W. Bush
to the CIA
(as delivered)

20 March 2001

Mr. President, Chief of Staff Andy Card, Doctor Rice.

I know that I speak for every member of the CIA family and indeed our entire Intelligence Community when I say how deeply appreciative we are that you have taken time so early in your Administration to come visit us here at CIA. We are grateful to you for the active interest you have demonstrated in our work from Day One, in fact, before Day One, when you so graciously received our briefers in Texas when you were a candidate.

The men and women you see before you and their colleagues around the world are committed to providing you with the best intelligence possible as you lead our nation into the early years of the 21st century. As our President, we owe you and we will give you our very best always.

Mr. President, you will never find a more dedicated, hardworking, patriotic, decent group of Americans than the men and women of CIA and our Intelligence Community. Every day, they perform their mission, selflessly and silently, so that their fellow Americans may continue to live in freedom and safety. Each and every day, they put their whole hearts into the work for our country, and, when necessary, they put their very lives on the line. I know that they will serve you and our nation very well, and that they will make you and America very proud.

Now, it is indeed my high honor and great privilege to welcome to the George Bush Center for Intelligence—a man we are all very proud to work for—the 43rd President of the United States, The Honorable George W. Bush.