January 10, 1985
The President is today announcing his intention to nominate four distinguished members of the
administration to new positions. The nominations are Donald P. Hodel to be Secretary of the
Interior, John S. Herrington to be Secretary of Energy, William J. Bennett to be Secretary of
Education, and Richard G. Darman to be Deputy Secretary of the Treasury. The nominations will
be transmitted to the Senate at an early date.
The President believes these nominees will provide exceptionally strong leadership in the second
term of his administration. They are men of proven ability who have served in key positions within
the Government. They will make a strong team even stronger.
In conjunction with these nominations, the President has directed Mr. Hodel and Mr. Herrington,
once confirmed, to commence a study of their respective departments and to propose
reorganizational options to the President. These options should be designed to recognize the
interrelationship of energy, natural resource, and defense policies. The President is committed to
maximizing effective management and efficiency in the natural resource area.
The President has also directed Mr. Bennett, following confirmation, to conduct a study of the
Education Department's functions to determine the proper organizational structure and role of the
Federal Government in education.
Note: Larry M. Speakes read the statement to reporters at 3:30 p.m. in the Briefing Room at the
White House.