WASHINGTON D.C. - On her second day on the job, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) headquarters to address the USAID staff and underscore her support for the Agency's work as "an equal partner, along with defense and diplomacy, in the furtherance of America's national security."

"What I'm hoping to do as your Secretary of State is to work with USAID to provide the kind of leadership and support that will give you the tools you desperately need in order to fulfill the missions we are asking you to perform. We are asking you to do more and more with less, and my goal is to make sure we match the mission and the resources," said Secretary Clinton.

Secretary Clinton continued by saying, "As First Lady…I was able to see the work you do, and to see the results with my own eyes, and to travel a lot of miles to support you and your predecessors in the important work of literally embodying American values…So I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work with you. And I look forward to the days, weeks, months, and years ahead."

USAID works in agriculture, democracy & governance, economic growth, the environment, education, health, global partnerships, and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries around the world.

For high-resolution photos of Secretary Clinton at USAID please go to:
Photo 1: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/photos/displayimage.php?pos=-2011
Photo 2: http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/photos/displayimage.php?pos=-2012

For a transcript of her remarks and for more information about USAID and its programs around the world please visit www.usaid.gov.