George W. Bush: “Susan C. Schwab, of Maryland, to be United States Trade Representative, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and…”

The American economy has consistently proven its strength and resilience in the face of shocks such as natural disasters, high energy prices, and the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Congratulations on becoming our President.

For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence—a time set apart.

Being your President was a high privilege, and the honor of a lifetime.