For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 5, 2006

President Bush Meets with Secretary of Defense Nominee Robert Gates
Diplomatic Reception Room

	President's Remarks

7:48 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I just had breakfast with my nominee to be the Secretary of Defense, Bob Gates. Bob Gates will be a fine Secretary of Defense. I appreciate the fact that he's getting a hearing today in the United States Senate. I hope for a speedy confirmation so he can get sworn in and get to work.

Those who wear the uniform know they'll have a friend in Bob Gates in the Defense Department. He admires our military; he respects those who have volunteered to serve our country. He is -- he's going to do an excellent job for us.

Again, Bob, I thank you for agreeing to serve.

MR. GATES: Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENT: Best of luck up there on Capitol Hill. Good luck to you.

MR. GATES: Thank you very much.

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all.

END 7:49 A.M. EST