Remarks at the
Swearing-In Ceremony for William Steele Sessions as Director of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation
The President. Judge Sessions and
ladies and gentlemen of the FBI: Thank you, and good afternoon. Special
greetings to the Sessions family, gathered here today to see the Nation do
honor to the man they've known as husband and father. And, judge, I can't help
thinking it's typical of your thorough and methodical manner that you got the
ulcer out of the way before you started the job. [Laughter]
But
before I begin, I can't resist telling you all about my visit to the FBI museum
exhibit just a moment ago -- how it really carried me back. I saw John Dillinger's death mask, an old-style machine gun, and I
remembered how, as a young man, I used to thrill at the FBI story. And I want
you to know that all these years later, when, as President, I'm briefed on all
that the Bureau is doing -- when I learn, for example, that during the past 5
years, FBI investigations have led to more than 7,000 drug convictions -- well,
my friends, I still thrill at the FBI story. But we're here today to
congratulate Judge Sessions.
``Tough
but fair.'' ``Devoted to safeguarding constitutional rights.'' ``A man of
integrity.'' Those who commented on his nomination found themselves using these
phrases to describe Judge William Steele Sessions. But perhaps the most
eloquent testimony was offered to a newspaper reporter by the judge's eldest
son. He said simply: ``My father has drilled honesty
into me from day one.''
Born
in
If
I could just add something here, I can't resist pointing out that a record as
impressive as Judge Sessions' is the kind of thing some people find hard to
take. At one point a reporter suggested to the judge's son -- again, the eldest
son, William -- that there had to be some skeleton in the judge's closet. And
William answered that, as a matter of fact, there was. One of the judge's
grandsons had given him a plastic skeleton to satisfy the Senate. [Laughter]
If
I could interject something else, I can't help thinking of another superb judge
whose nomination is soon to go before the Senate -- Judge Douglas Ginsburg. As
you know, Judge Sessions, we've been toughening the Federal laws against crime,
and judges have been returning to a more faithful interpretation of the
Constitution regarding criminal law. The constitutional rights of the accused
must be protected, but so must the rights of law-abiding citizens. Hardened
criminals simply must not be allowed to prey upon the innocent.
On
the Supreme Court, Judge Ginsburg would continue the trend toward a recognition that victims have rights, too. And, so, his
Senate confirmation is vitally important to the fight against crime. Let's
commit ourselves today to providing for future generations an
But
reviewing your own remarkable record, Judge Sessions, the Senate Judiciary
Committee concluded in its unanimous report that, and again, I quote: ``Judge
Sessions' record demonstrates that he is a tough but fair-minded man, a man of
experience, intellect, and character.''
Now
this fine judge has taken the oath of office as our nation's fourth Director of
the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You will lead a Bureau that has sharpened
its investigative focus to ensure that our country's law enforcement expertise
and resources are directed against the crimes of the highest national priority.
Foreign
intelligence activities and terrorism threaten the security of our nation and
the lives of all Americans. In the past 3 years, the FBI's counterintelligence
efforts have achieved unprecedented success against those who threaten our
nation's security. By targeting these criminal activities and other priority
matters such as organized crime, white collar crime and drugs, and pursuing
investigations of quality rather than mere quantity, the FBI is confronting the
challenge of enforcing our laws and protecting our citizens. I am confident
that, under the leadership of Judge Sessions, the men and women of the FBI will
carry on the fight against crime with ever greater thoroughness and skill.
Judge
Sessions, I can think of no one better qualified to live up to and enlarge on
the FBI tradition of fighting crime fiercely, but always according to the due
process of law. No one can better embody the FBI belief that the enforcement of
our laws must be very tough, but very fair. On behalf of all Americans and, if
I may, especially on behalf of the men and women of the FBI gathered
here today: Judge Sessions, congratulations. Thank you,
and God bless you.
[At
this point, former FBI Director William H. Webster spoke.]
Director
Sessions. Mr. President, Chief Justice Burger, Attorney General Meese, Judge Webster, and distinguished Senators and
Congressmen, distinguished guests, and my former friends of the Federal
judiciary, Mr. Otto -- I think I said that poorly, they are always my friends,
and I'm the former judge, but you know what I mean -- Alice, dear friends, and
family: Before I can look to the future, I am compelled to recall the past and
to acknowledge the contribution of Judge Webster to the tradition of this
amazing institution.
To
you, Mr. President, I can now publicly express my gratitude for being afforded
the opportunity to lead the men and women of the world's finest and most
extraordinary law enforcement agency. I would be remiss if I did not express my
thanks to the Acting Director, John Otto, for the illustrious service he has
performed during the months of waiting, and also for waiting so patiently for
the passing of the torch of leadership.
My
pledge today is truly unchanged, though it is now supported by my publicly
expressed oath, that is, to lead in a fashion that unerringly and faithfully
supports and defends the constitutions and the laws of this great land.
My
hope is that I can so faithfully uphold the standards of the Federal Bureau of
Investigation that when my term is completed my associates here at the Bureau
will regret my departure and my country will have been strengthened and
enriched by my service. My commitment to the Bureau is to give, as courageously
as I can and with all the integrity that I can muster, whatever is required to
fulfill the obligation of my oath and my pledge. And I do truly thank you.
Note: The President
spoke at