This vital bill, the trade reform bill, has been pending before Congress for nearly 2 years.

The world today looks to the United States of America for leadership.

I happen to believe that the ideals and the aspirations of all Americans and all Boy Scouts are one and the same.

I think they say once a Scout always a Scout, and I can tell you from my own experience that is true.

That is why, as an old Scout who still tries to live by the Scout laws and the Scout oath, with no apologies, I am proud and honored to accept this award tonight.

In each of your responsibilities, we have come to expect of you not only great dedication and energy, but also an unfailing sense of the needs and well-being of all our people.

Scouting is one of these things that keeps that spark of idealism alive, that plants it in the hearts of young Americans while preparing them for manhood and for citizenship.

Well, if these are not the goals of the people of the United States, what they want their President to live up to, then I must draw this conclusion: Either you have the wrong man or I have the wrong country, and I don't believe either is…

Betty and I extend our warmest best wishes for every happiness and success in the future to you and your family.

I remember the pride I felt then in the court of honor and the pledge that I made to myself never to dishonor that badge.

The teamwork, the self-discipline, and just as important, the sense of adventure that grow out of the Scouting experience are the very things we need today to build a better America.

I have your letter and it is with the deepest regret that I accept your resignation as Counsellor to the President.

It is America's youthful spirit, strength, its idealism that are the keys to our country's greatness.

I deeply appreciate your very kind comments and good wishes in your letter.

Your services will be greatly missed.

I consider a great privilege and a high honor.

I admire and respect everybody who has accomplished that great objective.

Good luck to you, Lee.

Better education is one way for us, individually, but our country and the world to do better in the future.

Lee gave me a little advice, and that advice was very sound.

These first few decisions do not end the unfinished business of clemency, but the task of formal forgiveness is underway.

I consider them as valid today as when I first announced them.

I fully understand the considerations which prompted your decision to resign the Chairmanship prior to your resignation as a member.

You have my sincere thanks and deep appreciation for your years of service to our Nation.

The Renegotiation Board has a most important and vital role in government.