Resignation of Scooter Libby (VIDEO)

President's Remarks on the Resignation of Scooter Libby, FULL STREAMING VIDEO, The South Lawn, 3:51 P.M. EDT

President George W. Bush speaks to the media on the South Lawn regarding the resignation Friday, Oct. 28, 2005, of Vice Presidential Chief of Staff Scooter Libby. White House photo by Paul Morse

THE PRESIDENT: Today I accepted the resignation of Scooter Libby. Scooter has worked tirelessly on behalf of the American people and sacrificed much in the service to this country. He served the Vice President and me through extraordinary times in our nation's history.

Special Counsel Fitzgerald's investigation and ongoing legal proceedings are serious, and now the proceedings -- the process moves into a new phase. In our system, each individual is presumed innocent and entitled to due process and a fair trial.

While we're all saddened by today's news, we remain wholly focused on the many issues and opportunities facing this country. I got a job to do, and so do the people who work in the White House. We got a job to protect the American people, and that's what we'll continue working hard to do.

I look forward to working with Congress on policies to keep this economy moving. And pretty soon I'll be naming somebody to the Supreme Court.

Thank you all very much.

END 3:53 P.M. EDT, For Immediate Release, Office of the Press Secretary, October 28, 2005

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HHS Buys Vaccine Preparations For Potential Influenza Pandemic

HHS Buys Additional Vaccine As Preparations For Potential Influenza Pandemic Continue

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced the purchase of additional vaccine that could be used in the event of a potential influenza pandemic.

The department has awarded a $62.5 million contract to Chiron Corporation to manufacture an avian influenza vaccine designed to protect against the H5N1 influenza virus strain, which has caused an epidemic of avian flu in Asia and has recently spread to Europe. The number of individuals who could be protected by the newly contracted vaccine is still to be determined by ongoing clinical studies.

“An influenza vaccine effective against the H5N1 virus is our best hope of protecting the American people from a virus for which they have no immunity,” Secretary Leavitt said. “This contract will increase our stockpile of the vaccine and is a continuation of our aggressive multi-pronged approach to a potentially critical public health challenge.”

This purchase builds on the department’s current plans to buy enough H5N1 influenza vaccine for 20 million people and enough influenza antivirals for another 20 million people. These supplies of vaccine and antiviral treatment will be placed in the nation’s Strategic National Stockpile where they will be available for use should an influenza pandemic occur. Last month, HHS awarded a $100 million contract to sanofi pasteur, the vaccines business of the sanofi-aventis Group, for avian flu vaccine.

Developing an effective avian influenza vaccine is a key element of a comprehensive U.S. approach to prepare for an influenza pandemic that includes improved vaccine production methods and stockpiling of antivirals.

Earlier this year, Secretary Leavitt established an HHS-wide Influenza Task Force to coordinate all HHS activities affecting the public health preparedness for seasonal influenza outbreaks and an influenza pandemic. Long-term objectives include an effective and efficient global surveillance network for outbreaks of influenza-like illness in humans and animals, and interoperable local, state, and federal government response plans for influenza outbreaks within the United States. The task force is also developing strategies to effectively coordinate with response partners, both public and private and insure timely communication with the public.

### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005, Contact: HHS Press Office, (202) 690-6343

RELATED: Sunday, October 16, 2005 FLU VIRUS REPORTED TO RESIST DRUG ENVISIONED FOR PANDEMIC . Sunday, October 09, 2005 Researchers Reconstruct 1918 Pandemic Influenza Virus . Tuesday, August 09, 2005 Bird Flu Cases Increase . Sunday, August 07, 2005 universal flu vaccine . Tuesday, April 05, 2005 Avian Influenza in Asia . Sunday, March 27, 2005 Experimental Avian Flu Vaccine

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