(APPLAUSE)
As Attorney General Gonzales begins his service, he will build on the outstanding work of Attorney General John Ashcroft.
(APPLAUSE)
Over the past four years, Attorney General Ashcroft has started the Department of Justice on the right course in the war on terror. He's helped reduce violent crime to a 30-year low. He's taken vital new steps to protect children from exploitation.
John Ashcroft has worked tirelessly to make our nation safer and more just and America's thankful for your lifetime of service.
(APPLAUSE)
Attorney General Gonzales now joins every employee at the Department of Justice in an urgent mission to protect the United States from another terrorist attack.
Few periods in our history have demanded so much of this department.
BUSH: With Al's principled leadership, the Department of Justice will continue this important mission and will defend the security of all Americans and the liberty of all Americans.
The men and women of this department are meeting your duty every day, from your headquarters in Washington, to U.S. attorney's offices across the country, to dangerous posts overseas.
You have reorganized your resources to confront the threats of this new war. You have devised effective methods to investigate and prosecute terrorists. Some of you have volunteered for demanding new duties in complex areas such as intelligence and counterterrorism.
Our nation is grateful for your dedication and sacrifice.
And in return, we must provide you all the tools you need to do your job.
And one of those tools is the Patriot Act, which has been vital to our success in tracking terrorists and disrupting their plans.
