Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, March 22, 1993 Volume 29—Number 11 Pages 407–456

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Addresses to the Nation Interviews With the News Media—Continued Defense conversion—412 Interviews—Continued Connecticut media—418 Addresses and Remarks Southern Florida media—413 See also Meetings With Foreign Leaders News conference with Prime Minister Rabin American Ireland Fund, dinner—440 of Israel, March 15 (No. 6)—431 House Members, breakfast—452 Retirement of Justice White—453 Meetings With Foreign Leaders St. Patrick’s Day ceremony—442 See also Interviews With the News Media Treasury Department employees—448 Haiti, President Aristide—437 U.S. Armed Forces, radio address—410 Ireland, Prime Minister Reynolds—442 U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt crew—407 Proclamations Appointments and Nominations American Red Cross Month—446 Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, National Poison Prevention Week—447 Deputy Representatives—452 Small Business Administration, Resignations and Retirements Administrator—442 See Addresses and Remarks; Statements by State Department, Ambassadors—442, 443 the President Sub-Cabinet posts—436, 454 Statements by the President Transportation Department, Deputy Secretary—451 See also Appointments and Nominations Disaster assistance for Florida—430 Interviews With the News Media Retirement of Justice White—454 Exchanges with reporters Cabinet Room—436 Supplementary Materials Oval Office—430, 437 Acts approved by the President—456 Roosevelt Room—440, 442 Checklist of White House press releases—456 South Lawn—453 Digest of other White House Interviews announcements—454 California media—423 Nominations submitted to the Senate—455

Editor’s Note: The President traveled to Atlanta, GA, on March 19, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments.

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Remarks to the Crew of the U.S.S. General Keys, and to all of you here on the Theodore Roosevelt crew of the Theodore Roosevelt. I think I can March 12, 1993 speak for the people who came in my party, including the distinguished Members of the Thank you very much, Captain. I know United States Congress who are here. This that I won’t be able to see all of you now, has been a wonderful day for us, and we but I’ve seen as many as I could, and I’ve thank you. shaken hands with a lot of you. I’ve also re- I am honored to be here. As many of you viewed your mission and been very im- know, it is a great blessing and a great honor pressed with it. to be elected President of the United States. I want to recognize the presence on the But there is no greater honor in the office ship of the 1992 Sailor of the Year, Donald than being the Commander in Chief of the Leroy Heffentrager; as well as the First Class finest Armed Forces in the world today and Petty Officer of the Quarter, Gary Neff; the the finest America has ever known. Senior Petty Officer of the Quarter, Gregory Our Armed Forces are more than the Ham; the Junior Petty Officer of the Quarter, backbone of our security. You are the shining Jason McCord; and the Blue Jacket of the model of our American values: dedication, Quarter, Airman Todd Pearson. responsibility, a willingness to sacrifice for I’ve been very impressed with everything the common good and for the interests and I’ve seen and with all the people I’ve met. the very existence of this country. Our Armed As Commander in Chief it’s immensely reas- Forces today stand as one of modern history’s suring to me to know that the United States great success stories. Look at this crew, re- is served by people of such high quality and flecting every color, every background, every such great dedication. The Secretary of De- region of our society. I might say it’s been fense, Les Aspin, and the others who are here a special pleasure to me to meet at least six in my company have already learned a great people from my home State of Arkansas here deal and see a lot that we admire and that we like. I thank you for your service to the today. I’m sure there are more of you here country, and I look forward to the remainder that I haven’t met. of my stay here. And I wish you well on your The American military pioneered our Na- deployment. tion’s progress toward integration and equal opportunity. It is America’s most effective NOTE: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. in the education and training system. It’s constantly Carrier Intelligence Center aboard the U.S.S. asked to adapt to change and always, always, Theodore Roosevelt. A tape was not available for you have risen to the challenge. All who wear verification of the content of these remarks. This America’s uniforms are what makes the item was not received in time for publication in United States of America a true superpower the appropriate issue. and a genuine force for peace and democracy in the world. Remarks to the Crew of the U.S.S. Yes, this carrier can extend our reach. Theodore Roosevelt These planes can deliver our might. They are March 12, 1993 truly extraordinary tools, but only because they are in the hands of you. It is your skill, Thank you very much, Secretary Aspin, your professionalism, your courage, and your Admiral Miller, Admiral Johnson, Captain dedication to our country and to service that Bryant, Captain Moore, Colonel Schmidt, gives the muscle, sinew, and the soul of our

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strength. And today, I’m proud to be here the people of Somalia may not threaten our to salute you. I want to say a word about shores, but still they require us to act. the Navy and to tell you what it means to Such challenges are new in many ways, but me to have a ready fleet. we dare not overlook the significance that When word of crisis breaks out in Wash- they pose to our new world. Blinders never ington, it’s no accident that the first question provide security. A changed security environ- that comes to everyone’s lips is, where is the ment demands not less security but a change nearest carrier? This ship’s namesake, Presi- in our security arrangements. dent Theodore Roosevelt, once said, ‘‘The What is happening on this ship proves that Navy of the United States is the right arm it can be done. On this deployment you are, of the United States and is emphatically the as the Secretary of Defense noted, doing peacemaker.’’ Theodore Roosevelt took spe- something new. You’ve changed your crew cial pride in our Navy, and I do, too. All of and your equipment to reflect the new chal- you ought to know that he was the first Amer- lenges of the post-cold-war era. A squadron ican ever to win the Nobel Prize. He won of sub-hunting planes is gone, giving room the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in settling to carry a contingent of tough and versatile a war between Russia and Japan in the first Marines, enabling you to address new poten- decade of this century, in part due to the tial challenges such as evacuations or taking contributions of the United States Navy. control of troubled ports. This impressive ship, not yet 10 years old, You have the services working together in already has an impressive history, serving new ways. That enables you to operate per- with distinction during the Gulf war, where haps with fewer ships and personnel but with many of you served as well. And today we greater efficiency and effectiveness. This isn’t should recall that three of this ship’s crew downsizing for its own sake. It’s rightsizing gave the last full measure of their devotion for security’s sake. toward that victory. The changes on board the Theodore Roo- But the Theodore Roosevelt was part of sevelt preview the changes I believe we must history even earlier. In 1988, it was here that pursue throughout our military. We must an American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs keep, however, a few core ideas in mind as of Staff first welcomed his Soviet counterpart we pursue those changes. Our military must to visit an American aircraft carrier. When be exceptionally mobile, with first-rate sea- my friend Admiral William Crowe and Mar- lift, airlift, and the ability to project power. shal Sergey Akhromeyev stepped aboard this And there is no more awesome example of ship together to meet the crew and watch that than the fearsome striking power that flight operations, as I have done here today, can be launched from the deck of this mighty it was a key milestone on the road to the ship. end of the cold war. Our military must also be agile, with an Now, less than 5 years later, the world has emphasis on maneuver, on speed, on techno- changed faster than anyone on board then logical superiority. That’s exactly what the could have possibly imagined. The cold war special purpose Marine air ground task force is over. The Soviet Union itself no longer ex- you have on board is all about. Our fire ists. The Warsaw Pact is gone. The specter power must be precise, so that we can mini- of Soviet tanks rolling westward across the mize the exposure to harm for the men and north German plain no longer haunts the women who wear our uniforms and reduce United States. civilian casualties where we must act. Yet this world remains a very dangerous Our military increasingly needs to be flexi- place. Saddam Hussein confirmed that. The ble so that we can cooperate with diverse tragic violence in Bosnia today reminds us coalition partners in very different parts of of that every day. The proliferation of nuclear the world. And we must be smart, with the and other weapons of mass destruction is a intelligence and communications we need for growing menace, unfortunately, not a reced- the complex threats we face. And I might ing one, to peaceful nations. And human suf- say I was deeply impressed with a wide array fering such as that now being endured by of communications equipment that many of

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you showed me today. Above all else, we new jobs and new industries but also to con- must always be ready, given the unpredict- tinue to make the investments we need in ability of new threats. the defense that must be there for the United None of these goals are possible unless we States and for the world tomorrow. have a quality force. You, the crew of this As you follow the news of these events dur- ship, exemplify that quality with your skills, ing your voyage, while our voyage back home your experience, your training, and your into this great debate is taking place, I ask dedication, many of you at astonishingly you to remember this: As your Commander young ages. You have shown me that you in Chief, I am immensely proud of who you know how to get the job done. I know our are, what you stand for, and what you are Nation can now have confidence that Ameri- doing. As these changes proceed, I pledge ca’s vital interests are well protected. to you that as long as I am President, you While all of you from the grapes on the and the other men and women in uniform roof to the aviators in the ready rooms, to of this country will continue to be the best the snipes in the holes, while you carry out trained, the best prepared, the best your missions so far from home over the next equipped, and the strongest supported fight- few months, we back at home will be en- ing force in the world. There is no single gaged in a raging debate about defense pol- decision I take more seriously than decisions icy. As you watch the news on CNN or read involving the use of force. As I weigh crises the newspapers that are delivered here to that confront America around the world, you your ship, you will hear us talk of roles and will be in my mind and in my heart. missions. You will see news about bases and This is a hopeful time, yet one still full budgets. But as we reduce defense spending, of challenges. It is uncertain, and therefore, we will not leave the men and the women we are glad that missions such as this, while who helped to win the cold war out in the not darkly framed by the cold war confronta- cold. As bases close, and they must, we must tion with a nuclear adversary, are still smartly not close our eyes and hearts to the need focused on the challenges we might face in for new investments to create opportunities the days ahead. Many new duties and dan- in the communities with the old bases. gers are taking place. And there is no clear Defense spending has been declining ever direction for what things we all might have since 1986. But I believe we have not had to face in the future. There is no sonar that a strong enough plan for what to do with can enable us to fathom all the changes in the new defense we are building and with the terrain over which we are now setting those who contributed to the old defense; sail. an insufficient plan for military personnel Napoleon had a standing order to his corps who muster out; an insufficient plan for civil- commanders to, quote, ‘‘March to the sound ian workers who made the wonderful weap- of the guns.’’ He meant that when the shoot- ons that helped us to dominate the world ing starts on a battlefield, it is the soldier’s who now have lost their jobs; an insufficient obligation to move into the fight. Well, today, plan for the communities that have been dev- there are different security challenges into astated or for the companies that have been which we must march. And at times you who hurt. serve our Nation in uniform may be called We cannot repeal the laws of change. After upon to answer not only the sound of guns all, you and those who preceded you in uni- but also a call of distress, a summons to keep form worked so hard, fought so hard, and the peace, even a cry of starving children. many died so that the cold war could be won The calls will be more diverse, but our values and we could rely less on defense and focus remain unchanged. Our purposes remain more of our resources on building our econ- clear. And your commitment to serve re- omy here at home. But still, we must act mains the linchpin in every new and continu- boldly to deal with the consequences of the ing effort. changes we face. That’s why it’s so important I know this has been a difficult day for to make the investments we need in defense many of you. It can’t be easy to leave family conversion and the education and training in and friends for 6 months at sea, especially

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when the challenges before us seem unclear, of course, the opportunity to become the and when you wonder whether world events President of the United States. But there is may or may not place you in harm’s way. But no greater honor than actually serving as I hope you understand that your work is vi- America’s Commander in Chief. tally important to the United States and to Your work is often dangerous, even when the Commander in Chief. times are quiet. Your day at the office can This is a new and hopeful world but one be 6 months or longer. And it’s not for the full of danger. I am convinced that your money, it’s always for the country. Because country, through you, has a historic role in America’s Armed Forces are more than the trying to make sure that there is, after all, backbone of our security, you’re the shining a new world order, rooted in peace, dedi- model of our best values: dedication and re- cated to prosperity and opportunity. sponsibility and the willingness of you and The American people have placed their your loved ones to bear a tremendous level faith in you, and you have placed your life of sacrifice. You commit your daily energies at the service of your country. The faith is well placed, and I thank you. and even your lives to benefit your fellow Americans. NOTE: The President spoke at 2:25 p.m. in the Our armed services stand as one of his- hangar bay aboard the ship. In his remarks, he tory’s great successes. Every color, every referred to Adm. Paul David Miller, USN, com- background, every region of our society is mander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Command; Adm. represented in America’s Armed Forces. The Jay L. Johnson, USN, commander, Carrier Group 8; Capt. Stanley W. Bryant, USN, commanding American military pioneered our Nation’s officer, U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt; Capt. C.W. progress toward integration and equal oppor- Moore, USN, commander, Carrier Air Wing 8; tunity. It’s America’s most effective edu- Col. John W. Schmidt, USMC, commander, Spe- cation and training system. It’s constantly cial Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force, adapted to change and always rising to the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt; and Gen. William M. challenge of change. You, and all who wear Keys, USMC, commander, Marine Forces Atlan- America’s uniforms, are what make the tic. This item was not received in time for publica- tion in the appropriate issue. United States a true superpower. It is your skill, your professionalism, your courage, and your dedication to country and service that Radio Address to the Armed Forces constitutes the muscle, the sinew, and the March 12, 1993 soul of our strength. And today I salute you. I want to say a special word about the Navy Good afternoon. I’m coming to you from since I’m on board this fine ship today. It aboard the United States Ship Theodore Roo- means a lot to a Commander in Chief to have sevelt, which left yesterday from Norfolk, a ready fleet. When word of a crisis breaks Virginia, on a 6-month mission. What I’ve out in Washington, it’s no accident that the seen on this ship today only increases my first question is: Where is the nearest carrier? pride not only in the sailors and marines I This ship’s namesake, President Theodore met but also in every soldier, every sailor, Roosevelt, once said, ‘‘The Navy of the every airman, every marine who serves our Nation, from Rhein-Main Air Force Base in United States is the right arm of the United Germany, where Americans are leaving to States and is emphatically the peacemaker.’’ airdrop lifesaving supplies into Bosnia, to So- Theodore Roosevelt was the first American malia, where our Armed Forces have served ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in part with great distinction and made every Amer- with the help of the United States Navy. ican proud. We have a great stake, you and I, in main- I’m honored to join you on Armed Forces taining a strong American defense and in Radio. I’ve had many blessings this year: the working hard even at the end of the cold privilege of meeting Americans all across our war. The Theodore Roosevelt played an im- Nation, the opportunity to hear about their portant part in the end of the cold war. In lives and their dreams for our future, and 1988, it was here that an American Chairman

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of the Joint Chiefs of Staff first welcomed that quality. It is your skills, your experience, his Soviet counterpart to visit an American your training, and your dedication that will aircraft carrier. That was when my friend Ad- get the job done for America and guarantee miral William Crowe and Marshal Sergey that our vital interests can be protected. Akhromeyev stepped aboard this ship to While all of you carry out your mission so meet the crew and watch flight operations far from home, we back home will be en- just as I have done today. It was a key mile- gaged in many debates on defense policy. I stone on the path to the end of the cold war. will tell you that there are changes which lie Less than 5 years later, the world has ahead. Defense cuts are, and have been for changed, faster than anyone could have pos- the last several years, a fact of life, an ines- sibly guessed. The cold war is over. The So- capable consequence of the new world viet Union no longer exists. The Warsaw Pact you’ve worked so hard to create. As you is gone. The specter of Soviet tanks rolling watch the news or read newspapers, you will westward across the northern German plains hear us talk of new roles and missions and no longer haunts us. But the world remains you’ll see news about bases and budget cuts. a dangerous and increasingly an uncertain But as we reduce defense spending, we must place. Saddam Hussein confirmed that. The not leave the men and women who won the tragic violence in Bosnia reminds us of that cold war out in the cold. As these bases close, every day. The proliferation of nuclear and as close some of them must, we must not other weapons of mass destruction is unfor- close our eyes and our hearts to the need tunately a growing, not a receding, menace. for new investments and a need to create And human suffering, such as that in Soma- new jobs in communities with old bases. lia, may not threaten our shores but still re- Defense spending has been declining since quires us to act. 1986, but there’s been no real plan about These challenges are new in many ways, but we dare not overlook their significance. what to do on it, no real plan for military Blinders never provide security. A changed personnel mustered out, no real plan for ci- security environment demands that we vilian workers who have lost their jobs or for change our security arrangement. Yes, we are the communities who have been hurt or for reducing the defense budget because of the the companies who have been devastated. end of the cold war, but we’re not downsizing We can’t repeal the laws of change, but we for its own sake, we’re trying to rightsize our do have a choice: We can be buffeted by security for security’s sake. And as we change, or we can act boldly to use this change, we must keep a few core ideas in change to make our country stronger and mind: Our military first must be exceptionally safer and smarter. That’s why it’s so impor- mobile, with first-rate sealift, airlift, and abil- tant to make the investments we need in de- ity to project power. Our military must be fense conversion, in education and training agile, with an emphasis on maneuver, on and new jobs in new industries. I want to speed, and on technological superiority. Our help ensure that those of you who choose firepower must be precise so that we can to leave the military in the years to come minimize the exposure to harm for men and return to a nation of jobs and growth and women who wear our uniform and reduce opportunity. civilian casualties. Our military must be flexi- As you follow the news of all these ble so that we can operate with diverse coali- changes, I ask you to remember this: I am tion partners in different parts of the world. immensely proud of who you are and what Our forces must be smart with the intel- you’re doing. And as these changes proceed ligence and communications we need for I pledge that as long as I am your President, complex threats. And above all, our military you and the other men and women in uni- must be ever-ready, given the unpredict- form will continue to be the best trained, the ability of new threats. best prepared, the best equipped fighting None of these goals are possible without force in the world. There is no single decision a quality force. The people on this ship and I take more seriously than those involving the all of you who are listening to me exemplify use of force. As I weigh crises that confront

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America around the world, you will be in my our country, our communities, our compa- mind and in my heart. nies, and our jobs. This is, on balance, a very hopeful time. All around us, we see changes transform- But still, it is full of challenges. We can be ing our economy. Global competition, new glad that your mission is not darkly framed technologies, and the reductions in military by the cold war’s confrontation with a nuclear spending after we won the cold war. We can’t adversary. But many new duties and dangers stop the world from changing, but there is are taking the place of that single stark threat, one decision we can and must make. Will some of them yet unknown. There is no we leave our people and our Nation unpre- sonar, no radar that can enable us to fathom pared for changes that are remaking our all the changes in terrain over which we are world, or will we invest in our people’s jobs, about to set sail. our education, our training, our technology Napoleon had a standing order to his corps to build a high-skilled, high-wage future for commanders to, quote, ‘‘March to the sound ourselves and for our children? of the gun.’’ He meant that when the shoot- The choice is especially urgent because of ing starts on a battlefield, it is the soldier’s the reductions in military spending here at obligation to move into the fight. Today, home. Yesterday I visited the U.S.S. Theo- there are many different security challenges dore Roosevelt. That aircraft carrier and its into which we must all move. And at times, crew served with distinction during the Gulf you who serve our Nation in uniform may war. There’s no greater honor than serving be called upon to answer not only the sound as their Commander in Chief. As long as I’m of guns but also the call of distress, or a sum- President, the men and women who wear our mons to keep the peace in a troubled part Nation’s uniforms will continue to be the of the world, or even the cry of starving chil- best trained, best prepared, and best dren. The cause may be more diverse, but our values must remain unchanged, our pur- equipped fighting force in the world. poses clear. And your commitment to serve We must never forget that the world is remains the linchpin in every new and con- still a dangerous place. Our military is con- tinuing effort. tinuing to change, not to downsize for its own I know that for some of you listening to sake but so that we can meet the challenges me today, this is a difficult time. You have of the 21st century. In the post-cold-war era, left your family, your friends, your home. I our military can be cut even while we main- hope you understand that your work is vitally tain the forces necessary to protect our inter- important to your fellow Americans and to ests and our people. the President and to this very new and very The preliminary announcements of base hopeful world we are trying to nourish and closings in this morning’s paper are part of to build. The American people have great that process. What we need to decide is faith in what you do. Their faith is well whether we will invest in the economic secu- placed, and I thank you for your service. rity of the people who defend our national security. For the past 4 years our Govern- NOTE: The President spoke at 3:03 p.m. from the ment has done essentially nothing. Since U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt. This item was not re- 1989, 300,000 soldiers, sailors, and flyers ceived in time for publication in the appropriate have been mustered out of the service. One issue. hundred thousand civilian employees of the Defense Department have also lost their jobs. And 440,000 workers from defense in- Radio Address to the Nation on dustries have been laid off. Defense Conversion As the business magazine Fortune has re- March 13, 1993 ported, these cuts cost 840,000 jobs over the past 4 years. That’s more than the combined Good morning. I want to talk with you total layoffs at GM, IBM, AT&T, and Sears. about a decision Americans will make very Too many of the men and women affected soon, one that will determine the future of by defense cuts are still looking for full-time

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jobs or working at jobs that pay much lower but every industry, and will be able to make wages and use fewer of their skills. products like these. Our economic plan cuts These Americans won the cold war. We Government spending that we don’t need must not leave them out in the cold. That’s and brings down the Federal deficit that why I propose a new national strategy to threatens our future. make these Americans have the training, the But just as important, our plan also makes skills, and the support they need to compete the investments that we do need in our chil- and win in the post-cold-war economy. dren’s schools, our workers’ skills, cutting- Last year the Congress appropriated $1.4 edge technologies, and our transportation billion for defense conversion activities. But and communications networks. This plan will the previous administration did not put any create 8 million jobs, building the foundation of that money to work. Our administration’s for a new era where every American can plan gets those funds moving immediately profit, prosper, and produce. and calls for an additional $300 million in In the days ahead you’ll hear a great de- resources, for a total of $1.7 billion this year bate in Congress about this plan. Some will alone, and for nearly $20 billion over the next say, don’t cut anything; some will say, don’t 5 years. invest in anything. But what many of them Our plan invests in job training and em- are really saying is, don’t change anything, ployment services for military personnel and because failing to invest and failing to reduce defense workers who have been displaced by the deficit means failing to change the status declining military spending. And we’ll make quo. sure that every community affected by a base I’m confident that Congress and the coun- closing will have the help they need right try will choose a new direction for America, away to plan for new businesses and new making our Government more effective and jobs. It takes 3 to 5 years for a base to close. less expensive, and making the investments We need to use that time to be ready. that make us smarter, stronger, and more se- That’s why I’m proposing a national strat- cure. I ask you to express your support for egy to make sure that all these communities this approach to Senators and Representa- and all these workers can use this valuable tives. Those who support our entire plan time to plan and to acquire the tools to build should be supported. They’re cutting spend- a new future. ing that we don’t need and investing more Our plan also invests in dual use tech- in what we do need. nologies, that is, those that have both civilian It’s been said that while change is certain, and military applications and in advanced ci- progress is not. Together, we can turn away vilian technologies as well. With these tech- from drift and decline and choose a new di- nologies, defense companies can create new rection with hope and growth and oppor- products and new jobs. tunity for every American. Americans have the ingenuity to adapt to changing times. On Thursday I visited a de- fense plant just outside Baltimore that is NOTE: The President spoke at 10:06 a.m. from the Oval Office at the White House. using military technology to make products for commercial use. I wish you could have seen what I saw. Police cars with computer screens that display photographs of missing Remarks in an Interview With the children and radar systems that warn the Southern Florida Media commercial airlines about sudden wind cur- March 13, 1993 rents that cause accidents. I saw an electric car that will run 80 miles an hour, and run The President. Good morning. Last Au- for more than 120 miles before being re- gust, Hurricane Andrew devastated south charged. Florida. Essential services were wiped out, With a national economic strategy, more and although 6 months later basic services companies will be able to make the most of have been restored, the progress toward re- changes that are affecting not only defense development has been minimal.

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Two weeks ago I asked Secretary Cisneros of the base, to explore the possibility of joint to go to south Florida and assess the situa- military and civilian uses of the base, and to tion, to try to evaluate what was holding up make sure we do everything we can in the Federal efforts, and report back to me. As transition period to serve the people who are a result of the initial work done by the Sec- in south Dade County. retary, I have released a seven-point plan to Fifth, agriculture is a vital economic re- ensure that the remainder of the Federal source in south Florida. The Department of funds dedicated to hurricane relief can be Agriculture will transfer several hundred mil- used for long-term building efforts now lion dollars to programs to assist with emer- needed for south Florida. That seven-point gency conservation, debris removal on farm- plan includes the following: lands, and housing for migrant farm workers. First, the Federal Emergency Manage- Sixth, recognizing the need to provide as- ment Agency will stay on the job in south sistance to property owners who must com- Florida for as long as it takes to help the ply with the Government’s rebuilding re- residents of south Dade. They will expedite quirements in flooded areas, we have made removal of debris that litters the streets, keep this one of our highest priorities, and we are the trailers in place as long as people need looking for ways to address this issue. housing, and continue to promptly reimburse And finally, in order to effectively coordi- owners and assist renters. nate our efforts, I believe we need local lead- Second, the physical and mental health of ership and the Secretary does, too. As a re- south Dade residents is critically important. sult, Secretary Cisneros and I have asked Otis The people of this community need help to Pitts, Jr., a highly respected nonprofit devel- cope with the problems that have loomed oper of affordable housing in the Miami area large in the last 6 months and that still lie to coordinate our efforts in south Dade. I ahead. Therefore, the Department of Health met Otis last year on one of my many trips and Human Services will accelerate its ef- to the Miami area. I was very impressed with forts to inoculate residents against disease what he had done. and, additionally, will fund crisis and counsel- I think I want to emphasize to all of you ing centers for the many children and adults that these actions, in my view, only constitute now experiencing severe emotional problems the beginning of our long-term commitment as a result of the traumatic experiences they to south Florida. Through the leadership of have undergone. Secretary Cisneros and Mr. Pitts and the co- Third, housing continues to be the single ordinated efforts of the community, I believe largest need in south Dade. Thousands are we can find the resources, develop the solu- homeless. Many more are living in tents, tions, and maintain the spirits and the com- trailers, with friends and relatives, and other mitment necessary to ensure the economic, temporary quarters. As you know, they are political, social, and physical vitality of south under particular distress today because of the Dade County. storm that is sweeping up our coast. The De- I’d like now to ask the Secretary to make partment of Housing and Urban Develop- a few remarks and then to introduce Mr. Pitts ment will put $100 million in reprogrammed for whatever he would like to say. funds in the most flexible programs available, such as home and community development [At this point, Secretary Cisneros and Mr. block grants, to rebuild housing in south Pitts made brief statements.] Dade. Additionally, HUD will open an office The President. Let me just make one in south Dade with community development, more remark, and then we’ll be available for public housing, and fair housing capabilities questions. I also want to acknowledge the to ease the rebuilding efforts. work of Jeff Watson, a valued member of Fourth, I have requested the Department the White House staff, who is a native of of Defense to release the $76 million Con- Florida and who has worked very, very hard gress appropriated to help facilitate the re- on this with Secretary Cisneros and me. And building of those facilities at Homestead Air again, I want to thank Otis for being willing Force Base that are critical to the future use to take on this task. We plan this to be a

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very long-term and intense effort, and I’m Federal Rebuilding Effort looking forward to producing some results. Q. Mr. President, why do you think that the progress in the rebuilding effort has been Homestead Air Force Base so unsatisfactory so far? Do you think the Q. Mr. President, on behalf of the people Bush administration botched the job? The President. I don’t want to get into of south Florida, we all thank you for your that. I don’t know. All I know is that not efforts on the economic and emotional side. long after I took office, the people I know But there is also the perception of threat. in south Dade County reminded me of what We are going to be living with the closing I had seen there and talked to me about how of Homestead Air Force Base, closer to a important it was to get things moving. And Cuban military air force base than to an I asked Secretary Cisneros to go down there American Air Force base. And several years and conduct a firsthand assessment of the ago, a Cuban general said that the Cuban operation. He said we needed someone on Government had a plan in case of a crisis, the ground who knew the community and of attacking Turkey Point nuclear plant. Can could get things done, and that there were you tell us if the Federal Government can lots of things we could do to push the money tell the people of south Florida, yes, you are through the pipeline that had already been safe, yes, we’re going to take care of you, approved that hadn’t been done. And he that perception of threat? came up with this plan, working with Jeff The President. Yes, I can say that cat- Watson, and Otis Pitts agreed to help us. So egorically. The Pentagon has considered very I don’t want to go into what happened be- carefully what the possible threats to this fore, I just want to try to get things done country’s security are and before making any now. of those recommendations. But let me also say one of the things that I have advocated Homestead Air Force Base very strongly—and just in the last couple of Q. Mr. President, after you toured south days I’ve talked to Senator Graham and Gov- Dade on September 3d, you said at a news ernor Chiles about this—is releasing the conference, ‘‘It is my belief that there is a money that was approved last year by the mission for Homestead. It is still the closest Congress to rebuild Homestead for purposes major airstrip to Cuba, and it still has the that will permit us always to have access to potential to play a major role in our effort joint use of that air base if we need it. to reduce drug trafficking.’’ Now, do you And let me just mention that Secretary think that your statement today and your Aspin and I had another long conversation seven-point plan is, in a sense, a fulfillment yesterday morning about this. We want to of what you had said September 3d, or do rebuild the airstrip and make sure that it is you think that in fact you would be willing adequate to take any kind of planes. We need to listen to Dante Fascell or people from to rebuild the control tower. We want the south Florida who are going to try to tell you facility, during the transition period, at a min- that Homestead should remain a functioning imum to be available for use for the Re- Air Force base? serves, for the Guard, for the DEA, for any The President. Well, let me tell you the Coast Guard operations, all of the things that decision I had to make on that. The series might make possible long-term dual use of base closings that were announced yester- planning and would also make the base a val- day are the third of four series of base clos- uable facility in the event that the community ings that will be announced. All the services decided that they wanted to have it for some did what they were required to do under the potential commercial use, or in the event that law. They assessed what they needed and we can use it for both commercial and Gov- what the infrastructure of the country was ernment uses. So in any case, we’re going and what they thought ought to do done. to rebuild the capacity of the air base to actu- The Secretary of Defense then forwarded ally engage in operations, which I think is the list, after having tried to evaluate the ag- terribly important. gregate economic impact of the past three

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base closings, and something only the Sec- Force saying we don’t need the base and it retary can do, which is to evaluate the cumu- being submitted under law to the base clos- lative impact of the recommendations of the ing commission. Air Force, the Army, and the Navy, since I would remind you that the Congress ap- they didn’t review each other’s recommenda- propriated $76 million to rebuild, to do re- tions before they were made. building work at the base that the previous I did not believe that I should interfere administration did not release. I support re- in that process. I think that I am open to leasing the money. I’m going to aggressively any arguments anybody wants to make, and work to rebuild the airstrips and to rebuild I think the base commission will be, too. the control tower and to use the rest of that Keep in mind, this is the biggest round of money to maximize the potential of both base closings we’ve ever announced. The military and civilian uses of that airstrip. And base closing commission did make adjust- I would say again to you, it is an enormous ments, modest adjustments in previous rec- potential resource to south Dade County. If ommendations coming out of the Pentagon, we handle this right, we can generate more and they may well make some this time. jobs out of that facility over a period of a But the conclusion that I reached is that few years even than were presented by the at this point, I should let the services make Air Force. their recommendation, the Secretary do his Q. Mr. President, the joint use proposal economic evaluation, then let the rec- you’ve talked about a number of times—not ommendations go to the commission and try just Homestead, other bases you’ve men- to get all these arguments out in the public. tioned—do you have something in the back But in any case, if we can get the money of your mind, specifically, that you’d like to released and we can rebuild the airstrip itself see there—you’re talking about either a and the control tower and some of the facili- ties, then we will be able to meet at least mega-airport, an industrial development the security needs of the area and also de- zone, or something like that, or are you just velop what could be an immensely valuable waiting to hear ideas from the private sector long-term economic resource to the people of what could be done there? Do you have of south Dade County, something that has some—— the potential, I think, of being a far bigger The President. In the case of south Dade economic impact even than the base was. County, as you know, there have been people Q. Mr. President, in south Florida there for years who thought that you could have is a feeling among some people, a sense of a mega-port there, a big commercial airport, betrayal. They thought they had tantamount perhaps even a newer and bigger airport for to a promise that you would restore Home- passenger traffic, too. And what I think we stead Air Force Base in some form or fash- need to do is to rebuild the infrastructure; ion. Long-range, what specifically will you do that’s what I’m saying. Try to maintain some to blunt the economic impact? Because what basic functions there, the Guard function, you’re saying sounds like it will help a little the Reserve function, the DEA function. I bit, but it won’t replace—— hope I can get an approval to go along with The President. I disagree with that. First that, and then see what happens as we ex- of all, I also made it clear to the people of plore possibilities with the people who live south Florida that we had a base closing com- in south Dade County. mission process and a United States Con- The only thing I want to point out to you gress that had roles in this, and there is no is that it is an immensely valuable resource, prospect whatever that the Congress would and that one of the areas of our economy have appropriated any money to fully rebuild that everyone projects to grow in the next that base with it on the base closing list until 10 years is the area of commercial aviation, the commission ruled on it, one way or the not just passengers but also freight, mail, and other. I mean, that is just not an option. other things. So I think that one of the things There wasn’t a 10 percent, a 5 percent we know for sure is, if we don’t rebuild the chance that that would be done, with the Air strip and we don’t rebuild the control tower,

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nothing good can occur. We know that for numbers of people who are willing to risk sure. their lives to leave the island, hundreds of We know, too, in my judgment that the whom have lost their lives trying to leave the Federal Government has an obligation to do island, and I think you will see this adminis- that. Let me just give you—if you go back— tration taking a more active role. even if let’s say the whole thing were going I have tried to exercise some restraint in to be shut down in 3 years under the base my remarks, because I believe it’s important closing. No dual use, no nothing. Every other that what we do, we do with the Organization place in the country with a base that’s about of the American States and with the United to be shut down has a resource right now Nations and in tandem with the Caputo mis- that could be turned over to the local com- sion to Haiti. I don’t think it should look as munity that’s worth a lot of money. if the United States is alone dictating policy The Homestead base is not worth what it there. But the people who have power now ought to be until it’s rebuilt. So what I want cannot hold it inevitably. They’ve got to rec- to do is to focus on rebuilding it so that it ognize that the people of Haiti voted in over- is a valuable asset—the airstrip and the con- whelming numbers for a democratic govern- trol tower, at least, and maybe some other ment, and they’re entitled to it. They are en- facilities there—and then see what we can titled, those people, to human rights protec- do, see what we can do in terms of joint use, tions just like everybody else. They’re enti- and see what the community wants to do in tled not to be subject to violence and abuse terms of potential uses. I do have some spe- of their own rights and existence, and I think cific ideas, but I think, frankly, that the peo- we can work out such an arrangement, and ple down there will have better ideas than I think we can work it out in the not-too- I do. distant future. All I can tell you is, I’ve spent a lot of Haiti time on Haiti, I’m working hard on it. And Q. I have two foreign questions. Yesterday the United States will become increasingly in Haiti, the military arrested a man who was insistent that democracy be restored. granted asylum by the United States and was Cuba at the airport with U.S. officials. What are you going to do about that? And second, Mr. Q. Some in Congress, including Congress- Aristide, who was going to meet you next man Torricelli, are asking for the U.S. to week, is urging you to set a date for his re- spearhead the internationalization of the U.S. embargo against Cuba, specifically going to turn. Is that feasible? the United Nations and the Security Council. The President. First of all, I’m very upset What is your position? about what happened to Haiti. The man was The President. Well, first I’d like to talk returned by error, frankly. He should be to Congressman Torricelli about it. I’m not given status in this country. And this is a very sure the Security Council is open to that, but serious thing. We are actually meeting on it I’ll be glad to talk to—he may know more today to see what our options are. about it than I do, and I’ll be glad to talk Q. Would that—— to him about it. But as you know, I supported The President. But we believe that, the Cuban Democracy Act when he con- strongly that the Haitian Government should ceived it and pushed it, and I supported it release him so that he can be brought back all during last year. I was pleased when it here, and we believe it very strongly, and we was signed, and the United States intends are discussing it today. to honor it. But just last week, one member As to your second question, I think that of the Security Council strongly disagreed I should leave my conversations with Presi- with our policy there, and so I think it’s high- dent Aristide until we have them. But I am ly questionable that we could get the Security committed to the restoration of democracy Council to go along. in Haiti. It is the only thing that will fully resolve the economic problems and the enor- NOTE: The President spoke at 11 a.m. via satellite mous social dislocation and the enormous from the Roosevelt Room at the White House.

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In his remarks, he referred to Jeffrey Watson, to be laying off 7,000 people, sir, for people Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Di- that are facing unemployment, the people rector of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Dante who are unemployed, when are they going Caputo, U.N./OAS Special Envoy to Haiti. to see some of that money come to them Remarks in an Interview With the this year? And is the infrastructure already Connecticut Media in place to see that those industries are tar- March 13, 1993 geted that need it and the money gets there? The President. Well, let’s back up a minute. The Congress appropriated this Winter Storm money months and months and months ago. The President. I’m sorry I’m a little late, There was a big debate, and the previous ad- but I’m trying to make sure we’re doing what ministration basically didn’t believe that this we need to do about the storm, which, as was a big problem, so they never released you know, is moving up the coast with winds any of the money. In the last few weeks, we very heavy now in the South Carolina area. have worked very hard to put together a plan And the center of the storm is projected to that would release over $1 billion this year reach here as late as 7 o‘clock tonight, so in defense conversion. it will come to you sometime in the middle of the night. And we’re working hard, but In addition to that, let me just say, apropos I wanted to get an update and see what of the Connecticut economy specifically, if FEMA was doing. And we’re going to be the Congress passes the stimulus plan that talking today about what other resources we I have recommended to try to jumpstart the ought to make available. economies of the States with high unemploy- I think the only thing I would say is that ment rates, Connecticut should receive about we have shared all the information we have $118 million, just out of the stimulus pack- with all the State governments involved, and age, in funds for community development I think people should simply exercise cau- block grants and Federal highway construc- tion, because it’s easy to go from what seems tion and clean water and clean drinking water to be a nice big snowstorm to these very rapid efforts and urban transit money. So all that winds. And the more you can keep telling will be coming into the State, and obviously people when the winds are coming, I think that will create a lot of jobs. Some of those the better off we’ll be. Once you get north jobs will be created in the same areas where of Washington, most people are fairly well- the defense jobs have been lost. prepared for heavy doses of snow, even if Now, to go back to your original question, it’s the biggest they’ve had in years. But the we’re going to move the job training money, winds are of great concern. Whatever you the community assistance money, and the can do to make sure your people know that new technology money as quickly as we can. there are winds coming—and unless this By and large, in most States there is a retrain- storm dissipates, that can be serious; that ing infrastructure which will accommodate it. would call for them to exercise great caution The infrastructure we need to create, frankly, as the center of the storm approaches, which is to make sure there’s a good partnership will be sometime late, late tonight for you— between the Defense Department, the Com- I’d appreciate it. Questions? merce Department, and all the other Federal Defense Conversion Agencies and communities, so that commu- Q. Yes, sir. Can we talk about the defense nities can take money and begin immediately cutbacks in Connecticut? planning to generate new jobs. And we need The President. Sure. a better partnership between the Govern- Q. You have a $1.7 billion plan for retrain- ment and the private contractors to make ing and dual use technology. You’ve got $350 sure that they have as much lead time as pos- billion set aside for FY ’93. I guess the bot- sible to plan to put new technologies into tom line is, when we hear in Connecticut, effect or to take their defense technologies for example Pratt & Whitney, they’re going and convert them into commercial products.

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I’m sure all of you saw the press when I form who may be mustered out. It gives us went to Baltimore to the Westinghouse plant. time to plan for the futures of the commu- To assist in that regard, we’re going to do nities and the civilian employees. two things. First, we’ve got all the Federal Let me ask you to consider what happens Agencies involved to put together a book when you don’t do this. On the plan we’re which can be made available to every defense on now, if we don’t close any more bases, contractor in America, which shows the re- we will have by 1997 reduced defense by 40 sources and the efforts that can be made by percent, personnel in uniform by 35 percent, the Advanced Research Products Agency, the overseas deployments by 56 percent, and Commerce Department, the Energy Depart- base structure by 9 percent. Now, what does ment, which controls the Federal labs where that mean to Connecticut? It means that if a lot of this research is done, the Defense you—because of the incredible difficulty of Department, NASA, and others. closing domestic bases, it means if you don’t Secondly, we’re going to go out across the close any of them and you have this defense country now and hold meetings that are lit- budget going down, that means more reduc- eral workshops for defense contractors to try tions in contracts. It means it hurts the plants to get them involved in this process before and where the high-tech production is done the contracts run out. The thing that has even more. bothered me about this all along is that these One of the reasons that we have to close contracts have been canceled, and then some more bases is, with a reduced Armed someone comes along and says, well, why Forces at the end of the cold war, we have don’t you think of something else to do? So got to maintain a very, very high level of tech- what we’re going to try to do is to develop nological superiority and military readiness, an ongoing relationship with defense con- which means we still are going to have a very tractors which will permit them to plan for significant amount of military contracts out conversion, even as they’re still producing there in high technology areas. But you could whatever products they’re contracted to argue that over the long run, the States that produce by the Defense Department. And have a lot of the plants that do this work, this whole thing has to be coordinated in a like Connecticut, California, and others, much more disciplined fashion than it has would be better off if we can exercise the been in the past. And that’s why I’ve set up discipline to close the bases in a way that this defense conversion group, to do. is humane and fair and economically advan- Let me just make one other point, since tageous. So that’s what we’re trying to do. the Department of Defense yesterday an- nounced another round of base closings and Sea Wolf Operation realignments, which would be modest com- Q. Mr. President, John Baxter from Asso- pared to the contracting losses you’ve had. ciated Press. As you know, I’m sure, part of There would be a reduction of 2200 jobs in your reputation in Connecticut regarding de- Connecticut around the submarine oper- fense stems from your comments during the ations. Here is the dilemma for us—and I campaign in support of the Sea Wolf, and want to just put that out here so you will I’m sure you know what an important pro- be able to evaluate what happens in the fu- gram that is in terms of jobs up there. I won- ture. We’ve had two rounds of base closings der if I could ask you if you could tell us so far. They’ve been fairly modest. And this at this point what your plans are for the Sea announcement from the Pentagon was pretty Wolf, and more generally, what your com- big. And there will be another one in 1995. ments to the people of Connecticut would Keep in mind, all these bases that were on be now that we’re beyond the campaign and that list, even if the commission approves into the administration and defense spending them for closing or realignment, they won’t is going down sharply? be closed for 3 to 5 years. That gives us real The President. Well, you remember what time to plan, if we do it. If we really have my position was on the Sea Wolf, which is an aggressive plan, it gives us time to plan that I thought at least one more ship should the futures of the men and women in uni- be completed than the administration said,

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and then we should, in effect, transform the Congress has already budgeted for from the operation to produce a smaller follow-on previous administration don’t turn out to be ship. That is what I believed, and interest- real, we’ll have a very serious question to ad- ingly enough, that’s what I was advised by dress. I am resisting further cuts in defense, the people with whom I was consulting back apart from the $10 billion extra one I agreed in 1991 was the best policy. Contrary to a to try to absorb at the end of this process. lot of the things which were written in and But I just want you to be aware of the fact out of Connecticut, it didn’t have much to that that is out there and that this is sort do with the Connecticut primary. I didn’t of an ongoing debate in-house here. We’re even know if I’d be politically alive in the trying to figure out—the Secretary of De- Connecticut primary in November and De- fense is working with the services to see what cember of 1991 when we were trying to they believe we should do and to work out evaluate these decisions. I see no reason in the best possible result. my own mind to change that position. Q. But the Sea Wolf question relating to Now, what we are doing now with the De- this upcoming budget remains an open ques- fense Department—let me tell you what we tion until notice—— have to face. What we are doing now is to The President. I think it is an open ques- try to see what our options are for proceeding tion, but I haven’t changed my position on both with contracts and with personnel, with it. But I cannot tell you it’s a lock-cinch deal the new budget targets we’re going to be re- because of what’s happened, because of quired to meet. I’m hopeful that both the this—this is sort of a wild card for us—and Senate and the House will adopt my defense because I’m obviously involved with the Con- budget cuts without cutting them anymore. gress now in trying to work through this. And if so, then we may be able to pursue Q. Brian Thomas at WTIC in Hartford. the course that I outlined in the campaign. General Dynamics as a corporation, pro- But let me tell you, there is one other ducer of the Sea Wolf, as you know, openly problem. I just want to make you aware of is not embracing the dual use concept. They this, and we won’t know exactly what the end are staying with defense as a livelihood. Is of it is until, oh, about 2 weeks from now. this kind of approach in your view something The budget that the Department of Defense that’s viable, given this situation we have has that was approved by the last Congress now, or will they sign on to this eventually? includes several billions of dollars in manage- The President. Well, it depends. Let me ment savings in the Department of Defense say what I mean by that. It depends on what which the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Cheney, General Dynamics or any other kind of com- offered and which the Congress accepted, pany in this position projects will be the fu- which are now being questioned. That is, it’s ture demand for defense products that they now being questioned about whether these can produce. Let me give you an example. management savings are real. And a special For example, Sikorsky in Connecticut and committee has been appointed to review the another one of your helicopter companies I budget and to see whether or not, in effect, think is up in employment. And a lot of our the Congress has approved a cut which can’t allies may well be buying more short-haul be realized simply by reorganizing the De- aircraft and may be buying more helicopters fense Department in management savings. in the future for more limited and different We were advised to put another $10 billion kinds of military operations. So there’s no in reduction on our defense budget at the question that some military contractors will end of this cycle, in fiscal year ’97, as a hedge be able to continue to fully—or almost all against the fact that as much as $30 billion military contractors—and do well. And there of those management savings by FY ’97 may will be some things where the demand for not be real. products will actually increase. We, the Now, let me tell you what that means prac- United States, will be buying some new mili- tically since we’re all committed to certain tary products and technology that we have deficit reduction targets. What that means is not purchased in the past. So some people that if these management savings which the will be there.

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On the other hand, with the overall budget versation about this, there was a general con- going down and, therefore, with both the size sensus that the design of the Sea Wolf was of the Armed Forces and at least the guaran- not necessary in terms of its size, bulk, given teed replacement of old products being less, a declining Soviet threat and breathtaking a number of these defense contractors are drops in production there for their own ca- going to have to look for alternative products. pacity, but that we still needed and, in fact, And I don’t know enough about what Gen- were quite dependent on submarine tech- eral Dynamics’ options are to know whether nology to maintain our overall military supe- that’s the right or the wrong decision. All I riority, but that there ought to be one de- can tell you is that we’re prepared to assist signed that was smaller and quicker and with joint research and development efforts could do more different things. And so we’re and everything else in our power. We’re pre- working on that. But I don’t have—I can’t pared to assist those companies that are seri- answer the specifics you’ve asked. ous about converting. The Westinghouse plant—let me just tell you, the one in Mary- Russia land I visited—5 years ago was 16 percent Q. ——the developments in the former nondefense. Today it’s 27 percent non- Soviet Union right now with Boris Yeltsin, defense. By 1995 it’ll be 50-plus percent non- and how does that fit into your accounting defense. And what I think you’re going to strategy for defense? see—I’ll just make a prediction where I think The President. Well, obviously, we’re all you’re going to see in many areas—is a kind concerned about it. But, you know, I don’t of a blending where the defense-nondefense think you could have ever predicted an easy line is regularly crossed and where the tech- ride for democracy and for a market econ- nology is being used for both civilian and omy in a country which had never had a mar- military purposes. For example, at Westing- ket economy and which had the courage to house we saw some things making full circle. try to seek democracy at the same time. So We saw military technology producing a civil- I view all these things with—I’m interested ian product; then we saw civilian technology in it, I’m concerned about it, but as far as being marketed back to the military for the I’m concerned, he is still the only person first time. So I think that this will become who’s been elected President of the country, a blurry line. and I believe he genuinely believes in eco- Now, submarines have few uses other than nomic reforms and political democracy. And military. I mean, it’s hard to imagine—you I think we should support that. And I’m know, maybe some weather uses there, going to do what I can to be supportive. maybe nonmilitary uses for submarines in the I think that if the major countries, the G– environmental area, particularly around the 7 countries that are in a position to support poles and other things. But I just think—I those movements would show a more coordi- wish I could give you a yes or no answer, nated and aggressive approach to the prob- but I’d have to know more about what their lems, it might be possible to build a consen- options are and what they project the prod- sus in Russia for how they would work with ucts to be. all of us. Every elected official has his or her Q. When you say completion of another political opponents. That’s part of the way submarine, are you talking about the third the system works. And an awful lot of the or the second, since the second hasn’t really people that are in the Russian legislature started yet? And if the submarine fleet is to were active members of the Communist be reduced to 40 to 45 submarines, when Party. So you would expect it to be somewhat do you envision funding for the next genera- less reformist than he is. Plus a lot of them tion and what would it look like? are responding to the cries of their own peo- The President. I can’t answer that yet be- ple for help. They’re in deep trouble eco- cause that’s one of the things we have under nomically. review. But I will be glad to try to get you My own view is there are a lot of things an answer from the Defense Department as that can be done, that that country can still quickly as I can. The last time I had a con- have a bright future as part of a peaceful coa-

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lition of nations in the world. And I just hope sionately committed to reform. And I want that we’ll have the opportunity to do it. I to keep working with him. was encouraged in my meeting with Presi- Defense Conversion dent Mitterrand that he seemed very willing to adopt an aggressive posture toward trying Q. Mr. President, diversification is a goal, to do more. And I’ll do the best I can to but what can you do about the fact that so be ready on April 4th, which is just a few many defense manufacturers have been re- days from now, with my meeting with Presi- luctant to diversify? dent Yeltsin. The President. All I can do is to try to Q. Would you support him still if he sus- make sure that they have the maximum num- pends the Parliament? And also, if he calls ber of options. Let me give you an example in military force, would you support him? of what happened yesterday, or the day be- Also, what would you say to those who are fore yesterday at the Westinghouse plant. I saying you’re relying too much on his sur- talked to one of the people, a woman there vival? who was in charge of marketing these new products, and I said, ‘‘Tell me what the prob- The President. Well, first of all, I don’t lems are.’’ She said, ‘‘Well, it’s not so much think that it would serve any useful purposes that we can’t ever think of what we could for me to try to interpret the Russian con- do that might have a nondefense application, stitution right now and what it does or but most of us have never contracted in the doesn’t mean or what we would or wouldn’t private sector before. We have never mar- respond to. The United States supports de- keted in the private sector. And we’re not mocracy and economic reform in Russia. sure that what we think will work, will work.’’ Now, in terms of whether we’re putting Basically, I think what I have to do for these too much reliance on Yeltsin personally, my defense contractors is to try to create, answer to that is, we will work with what we through the enormous resources that the have to work with, whatever happens. But Federal Government has invested in them I think we should support him because he over time and has invested in technology re- has been elected, after all. I mean, there was search, an environment in which they can at an election; the people voted for him. And least visualize and imagine all the potential he represents a passionate commitment to that might be there and then the opportunity democracy and economic reform. And he’s they have to make the connections with the gotten, frankly, in my judgment, from the private sector on the civilian side. So that’s major countries of the world who have a what we’re going to try to do. I just would stake, not just a political but an economic say every defense contractor needs to think stake in Russia, an inadequate response to about it. The answer may be no in some date. cases, but everybody really needs to think So I’m trying to do what I can to muster about it and that the Government is going the support to do more, because I think it’s to be there in a consistent way to do it. very much in America’s interests, and he’s If you look at every projection of high the person that I think I should work with. technology, high-wage employment going He is the elected President of Russia. That well into the 21st century, the technologies is a fact. And I hope he will continue to be that are there are things that have often been the elected President of Russia. But the dealt with in defense; biotechnology, civilian United States has an interest in a Russia that aviation, computer software. Some of the is not hostile to us, that is not a military most sophisticated imaging in the world is enemy, and that, frankly, has a whole lot done by the Defense Department. Now, more economic growth than the Russia that that’s the only thing I would say. There may we know does now. And I’m just trying to be some products which are not susceptible respond to that. I think that working with to civilian spinoffs, but most of them are. him is the best way to do it at this time, and I believe—I’ll say again—no one knows Legalized Gambling what’s going to happen. But the man is an Q. I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but honest democrat—small ‘‘d’’—and he’s pas- one of the things that’s been talked about

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in Connecticut, to fill the gap with defense it’s very important that we leave the process leaving, is casino gambling. And I wonder if in that way. And so that’s what we did. you’d just share your thoughts with us on how you feel about legalized gambling coming to NOTE: The President spoke at 11:42 a.m. in the a State like Connecticut, if we should do it? Cabinet Room at the White House. The President. I’m not the best person in the world to ask about that because I grew up in a town that had the largest illegal gam- Remarks in an Interview With the bling operation in America—[laughter]— California Media when I was a kid, until it was shut down in March 13, 1993 the mid-sixties. First of all, I strongly believe it should re- Winter Storm main a question of State law. That is, I don’t think I should decide for you one way or the The President. Hello, everybody. Wel- other—or the Congress. I think that it ought come to sunny Washington. [Laughter] I to be a local question. The second thing I want to basically just answer questions. I would urge is that before you do it, you ana- brought Mr. Panetta so he could help with lyze very carefully what the benefits and the any details of any questions you might have. costs are, because it is not a free ride. That’s I’m sorry we’re a little late, but as you might the only thing I’ll say. It is not an unmixed imagine, I’ve had to take some time this blessing. You may decide that it is, on bal- morning to try to calculate what our response ance, worth doing, but it is not an unmixed should be to this severe storm that is sweep- blessing. If you look at Nevada, for example, ing the east coast and that will move over the fastest growing State in the country, one Washington in its center not until about 7 of the reasons they’re growing fast is that o’clock tonight. So that’s what I’ve been they’re diversifying away from gambling to- working on. And I know it doesn’t concern ward more broad-based convention work and you except you’re here. other kinds of economic activity. So that Yes. would be my advice. Don’t just take it at face Military Base Closings value. And really think about it before you do it. Q. Mr. President, you got some of your Thanks. highest vote totals from the San Francisco Bay area when you ran for President: San Francisco 78 percent, Alameda County. A lot Military Base Closings of folks out there are wondering how you’re Q. ——reviewing and tinkering with base letting them take such a big hit to lose five closing list? facilities when they’re watching southern The President. No. The Secretary of De- California facilities also, some of them being fense had the list, and he made the decisions. taken care of. What do you say to the people The only thing I asked him to do was to make in the Bay area who supported you so strong- sure that he had really evaluated the eco- ly and now are looking at themselves taking nomic impacts of it all. And he said that he a pretty big hit? would do that. The only—he made a point The President. Well, first of all, those de- to me that under the law, the Defense De- cisions were not made on a political basis, partment is required to do that, and it really and I did not intervene individually in those couldn’t be done by the services because they decisions, nor do I think I should have. I’ll made their recommendations based on their tell you what I did do. I asked the Secretary needs within their services. So the Air Force of Defense to be sure that he fulfilled his and the Army and the Navy couldn’t have legal responsibility to consider the economic foreseen the cumulative impact on any given impact of every State, including California, State of what they recommended. And that’s and because it’s so big, all parts of California, why the Secretary of Defense went through before sending the list on to the Congress. the process he did. But he did it. I think And he did that to the best of his ability.

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There hadn’t been a lot of naval closings air bases, has taken so long that by the time in the first two rounds. The Navy strongly the bases close, they’re not ready to be taken recommended all the sites, including the over by local community interests, even ones in the Bay area. I’m concerned about though if they were ready, economic activity it. If you look at the whole country, the Bay would pick up almost immediately. So an- area and perhaps Charleston, South Carolina, other thing we’ve really focused on is trying were the hardest hit, although the Charleston to make sure we are moving as aggressively, Yard won’t close entirely. as quickly as possible on the environmental But the way the process works, it seems cleanup. I talked to the Secretary of Defense to me, is the only way it can work. And that for an hour about that yesterday when we is for the services to make their rec- were on the helicopter going to visit the ommendation and for the Secretary of De- U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt. fense to try to evaluate the economic im- Q. Mr. President, how do you justify, al- pact—something, by the way, that can’t be though it’s not your decision, but how would done by the services because they don’t know you justify spending $320 million to close a what each other is doing; so if the Secretary working capable home for three nuclear car- of Defense doesn’t do it, no one can, because riers in Alameda to build a facility in—[in- they’ve got the Navy, the Air Force, and the audible]—that was conceived as part of an Army cumulatively coming in with these rec- outdated home-porting strategy that won’t ommendations—and then to send it on to post its first carrier, nuclear carrier, until the Congress. 1996, that will require by the Navy’s own es- I believe that the Bay area ought to do— timates at least another $140 million to com- I think we ought to have two things to be plete, and that the GAO recommended clos- sensitive to what’s happened there. One is ing 2 years ago on the grounds that it was the base closing commission itself, which has a waste of money to duplicate facilities al- in the two previous cases made modifications ready present in Alameda? in the services’ requests, should consider the strongest argument the Bay area can put to- The President. That’s a question you gether for some modification of it. But sec- should ask the Navy and the Secretary of De- ondly, the areas that are disproportionately fense. As I said, I did not review that list. hit, it seems to me, should receive extra at- I didn’t think I should. This law was estab- tention from this administration in the new lished—this is the third round of base clos- conversion effort that we have announced ings. The Navy’s been pushing for base clos- just in the last couple of days. We are going ings. I heard about the GAO report after the to put into play this year over $1 billion in list was ultimately released yesterday, and funds not only for worker retraining but also that’s one of the issues I think the Base Clos- for community redevelopment and for the ing Commission ought to be required to con- development of new technologies and new front. purposes for economic activity where there Q. Mr. President, you said politics didn’t has been a severe dislocation. play a role in this. Let’s not talk politics, let’s So I am prepared to do that for the Bay just talk simple fairness. Was this list fair to area, to make a special effort to focus on their the Bay area? long-term needs so that—and keep in mind, The President. Well, let me answer you this is not going to happen overnight, this in this way. I think that the Secretary of De- is a longer term phaseout—so that by the fense deleted a couple of the facilities in time the jobs were actually lost there, we northern California because he thought the would be ready to move forward with new aggregate economic impact was too great. economic activity, perhaps even before that That’s my impression of why he made the time. decision that he made. The Bay area still Another issue that relates to all the bases takes a big hit. The Navy was very adamant in California, and indeed all the ones in the about the recommendations they made and United States, is that the environmental pointed out that very few Navy installations cleanup at a lot of these bases, especially the had been closed previously. If the Navy can

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be proved wrong, I think that’s something on us the responsibility of seriously taking we ought to consider. into account the aggregate economic impacts I believe that a couple of those facilities, not only on this round of base closings but the Treasure Island one, for example, I think on the previous two as well. And I think you that the potential of even more economic should ask him about that. benefits by turning some of those facilities Q. Mr. President, the people of California, over to nonmilitary uses are very great in- the people of Los Angeles understand that deed. But again, I think that the people from we’ve got to cut the deficit, so we’ve got to the Bay area and the elected Representatives cut the defense budget, so we’ve got to cut from California ought to make the strongest bases. But given the fact that the recession case they can to the base closing commission. in California is so deep, many people there This is the public process. This sort of en- feel the timing is poor to cut so deeply now. ables me in a way to discuss these things, What’s your view? to get involved, to evaluate them, because The President. If we were cutting now, after the base closing commission makes I would agree with that. But keep in mind, their recommendations, they send it back to these are bases that starting between 3 and me so that there’s no suggestion of closed 5 years from now will be closed. And I cer- doors or behind-the-scenes maneuvering. tainly hope that 3 years from now the Califor- This is all out-in-the-open debating. And I nia economy will be in much better shape think that the people in the Bay area ought than it is now. to make the strongest case they can on all Right now, what I’m trying to do is to get these things, including aggregate fairness, to a big infusion of capital into California the base closing commission. I’m going to re- through this stimulus program that will put view it very closely. I also think they ought a lot of money to work in community devel- to claim the right to have an extra intense opment block grants and highway projects effort in our conversion process if they’re and clean water projects and through some going to have to eat all these closings. changes in the Federal aid programs that Mr. Q. Mr. President, the Naval Training Cen- Panetta and I have worked very hard on, to ter in San Diego is now on the so-called hit try to get several hundred million dollars a list when it wasn’t before. Do you have any year more into California in recognition of insight as to why that changed? the fact that you have a big problem with The President. No, I don’t. What do you immigrants that the Federal Government has mean it wasn’t before? let you struggle with for too long without ap- Q. It never showed up on a list before, propriate response. the Naval Training Center, and then it And during this 3-year period, I plan to seemed to be on the list in the newspaper start an intense effort to diversify defense in the morning. contractors’ production, to intensely retrain The President. No, because I didn’t know men and women who might lose their jobs, whether the list that was in the press was and to put real funds into communities to right or not. You know, the Long Beach facil- develop new and different economic strate- ity was on that list, and apparently it was not gies. I think there is an enormous potential recommended for closing. So I can’t com- in California, if we do all these things, to re- ment on that. San Diego is going to net out build the high-wage job base that has been a substantial increase in jobs in this. There so savaged by this. will be a few thousand more people em- And let me just make one other point I ployed in the San Diego area when all these made to the State legislators who were here changes are made, I know that. last week about the base closing issue. Now, Q. Do you know why McClellan was re- this doesn’t answer the Bay area question, moved from the list? It was the biggest one I don’t pretend. But in the aggregate, let me that was removed. make this point. We started reducing defense The President. You ought to ask the Sec- spending in 1986—topped out, and it started retary of Defense. The only thing I asked going down. And it’s projected to go down him to do was to realize that the law imposed until 1997. If we don’t change anything

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else—let’s say we hadn’t made this an- let me ask you this: Add back in McClellan nouncement yesterday. It doesn’t answer any and the Defense Language Institute to the of the detail questions. You may be right Bay area closings, and calculate the impact about the specific one. If no announcement on northern California, and add that to the had been made yesterday, here’s what would impact on California of the previous two have been the picture by 1997: a 40-percent rounds of base closings, and tell me that that reduction in the defense budget, a 35-per- is fair or takes into account the economic im- cent reduction in personnel, a 56-percent re- pact. duction in our presence overseas, and a 9- My view is that the Secretary of Defense percent reduction in bases. basically took the list that was submitted to Now, if we permitted that to happen, what him by the separate services and did two State would be hurt worst? California. Why? things they did not do. He aggregated them Because California, with 12 percent of the together so he could calculate the cumulative Nation’s population, received 21 percent of impact of Navy, Air Force, and Army closings the total defense budget last year. Why? Be- and then considered the cumulative impact cause you have a lot of the plants that make of the previous two rounds of base closings. the high-tech defense products that are a And I believe that was his legal responsibility. critical part of this country’s economic strat- That is all I asked him to do. We didn’t get egy. So the more you keep bases that can’t into any specifics. I just said, you’ve got to— be justified for strategic purposes, if you keep that’s part of your job—do that. And I think the same defense cuts, the more you wind he’ll be able to do that with great credibility. up cutting contracts and laying factory work- There was also a lot of effort made in other ers off and putting pressure on those compa- areas to minimize the economic impact by nies. the services themselves. For example, they So if we want a balanced approach that didn’t entirely close the Charleston Navy maintains a smaller but still the best trained Yard. They didn’t entirely close up some and best equipped military force in the other operations that people had feared that world, with unquestioned technological su- they would. So, to me, he did the best job periority, and if we keep in place an indus- he could with a very difficult circumstance. trial infrastructure that can be called upon And even with this, this round of base clos- to meet those needs and to expand if nec- ings is the biggest we’ve had. And even with essary, that’s another reason we have to pro- this, California takes the biggest hit. I think ceed with discipline on the base closing, so that’s going to be a pretty hard sell for those we can build up and maintain the private sec- other Congressmen. tor industrial production we need that gives Q. Mr. President, someone in the Califor- us our technological lead. nia delegation said the military base closure Q. Mr. President, you made this point a list was actually left over from the Bush ad- couple of times, and I just want to make sure ministration, that more time and thought that we get it nailed down. Some Members should be given to it in terms of what com- of Congress are pointing to the exclusion of bination of bases should be closed for the McClellan Air Force Base as evidence that best cost-effectiveness and also more knowl- the whole process was contaminated by poli- edge of the military economic impact. They tics. And they’re saying we’re going to get think that it should be slowed down—the a coalition together, we’re going to kill the process, even a new list started. What would whole list. What would you say to those dele- be your response to that? gates? The President. I think it would be a mis- The President. I would say to them that, take to discard the list. I think that the people first of all, they ought to talk to the Secretary in California—it is true that this is left over of Defense before they do that. Secondly, from the Bush administration in the sense if they didn’t want the economic impact on that the legislation requiring a list to be pro- States considered, then that shouldn’t have duced in 1993 was signed previously and that been part of the legislation. Thirdly, that the services surely were doing this work last there is no way the aggregate economic— year, working on this. But, after all, this list

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was produced by the military services and The President. Oh, absolutely. Well, I only slightly modified by the Secretary of De- think part of that work has to be done in fense under a discipline that has to be under- California itself. That’s why I was very enthu- taken in this country. siastic when the leaders of the House and I will say again, if you leave all these bases the Senate and the Governors co-sponsored open it means more contract cuts. We’re tak- that bipartisan economic conference recently ing the military force down to 1.4 million that I spoke to by satellite technology. I think people and keeping a base structure that sup- California needs a manufacturing base, in my ported nearly twice that many. These things judgment. And there needs to be a serious have to be done. evaluation of where you are with regard to That does not mean that the services made that competitively and what you have to do the right decision in every case. But that’s to rebuild it. why we have a commission. In each of the But I believe that most of the companies two previous commission hearings, even will stay where they are if they have enough though the aggregate base closings were work to keep them going. And we are allocat- much smaller, the commission made some ing over the course of the next 4 or 5 years, minor modifications to the recommenda- if my budget passes, about $20 billion to help tions. And I would say to the people who the private sector convert this economy and make those arguments that they ought to go to deal with the dislocations caused by de- forthrightly with those arguments to the fense cutbacks and by other differences in commission; they ought to make them in the economy. And a lot of those companies public. There are some things that I might are going to be able to—they will be compet- want considered by the commission as I have ing with one another, but they’ll be compet- time to evaluate this. And I will seriously con- ing with one another for a much bigger eco- sider those things as they’re made. nomic pie in terms of the exploration of new But that’s why we’re moving now to the technologies. public part of this process, and that’s the time Let me just give you one example. There’s for those arguments to be made. But the peo- an effort going on in California similar to the ple in the services had a very difficult and one I saw at the Westinghouse plant in Mary- heavy responsibility. I don’t suppose that the land 2 days ago to develop an electric car. Naval officers or the Air Force officers or There are now electric cars that run 80 miles the Army officers in charge relished making or more an hour, that run over 100 miles the recommendations they made. They did without being recharged. You get up to about it because they think that that is best for the 200 miles without being recharged, and then national security, given the reductions in the you begin to talk about real commercial via- defense budget. bility. That could put an unbelievable num- Defense Conversion ber of people to work in the State of Califor- nia. Q. Turning to your defense conversion program, a lot of what you say—a lot of your Q. But the problem with that is GM devel- program involves having companies in Cali- oped an electric car in southern California, fornia compete for partnerships. And I’m not and it is now building it elsewhere. With your sure exactly what your program involves con- technology partnerships and your other pro- cerning defense contractors, but the problem grams, are you going to have some sort of in California is that a lot of jobs, a lot of a safeguard to make sure that these compa- high-wage manufacturing jobs have moved nies keep these manufacturing jobs in Cali- out of State. Some have moved to Arkansas. fornia? You, in fact, helped negotiate one deal where The President. Well, I don’t think you can a company moved from southern California force—I don’t think the national Govern- to Arkansas. How do you safeguard against ment can force private companies not to that, and do you want to safeguard against cross State lines. I mean, that’s almost a con- that? Do you want to keep high-wage manu- stitutional issue. I mean, under the com- facturing jobs in California? merce clause, that would be a hard sell.

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Military Base Closings some impact on this. I’m sure they did in Q. Mr. President, the reason there are so the sense that I told them that he should many political questions this morning—one consider economic impact and he did and of the reasons is that all the politicians in he made the decisions he did. But I don’t California are taking credit for saving a num- know that the list was as long as has been ber of bases. The two Senators and the Gov- speculated about. ernor have had press conferences and said, Immigration ‘‘We saved Long Beach.’’ And they said, ‘‘We took a list that was 11 and took it down to Q. Mr. President, may I change the sub- 6.’’ But when you check with the Pentagon, ject for a moment? You mentioned immigra- they say that’s not true. There were only two tion. I’m from San Diego. Our drought changes from the original list: McClellan and ended with millions of dollars in flood dam- Monterey. And all this other stuff is just age and a tremendous loss of life of people smoke. And that’s why we are confused here. trying to cross the river to come to California. Was there, in fact, only those two adjust- We’re at a point now where the county, tragic ments in the list, or was there, in fact, a grand in both senses, says it doesn’t even have the salvage effort here, successfully completed money to pay for the medical examiner to by the two people out there, the two Senators deal with the loss of life amongst immigrants, and the Governor? both legal and illegal. The President. Well, I can say this: I know How do you foresee dealing with some of that the Secretary of Defense rec- our border problems—of dealing with the ommended—decided to delete the two facili- problem of immigration and the load on the ties. I know that now. I don’t know that there county and the local jurisdictions, of issues were any others that were deleted. Those that some would argue really are solely a were the only two that I know about. I know Federal problem? that your Senators and a number of the peo- The President. Well, first of all, I think ple in your congressional delegation made what I’d like to do is ask Leon Panetta to pleas to the Defense Department, contacted explain to you what we’ve got in this budget us, contacted others after the list was leaked. to deal with that, to deal with the whole im- The list that was leaked was not accurate in migration issue. But there’s no question in some respects. The list that was leaked did my mind that, for years, the Federal Govern- have other facilities in California on it that ment’s immigration policy or lack of it has I am not aware—that I don’t know that the had a profound impact on California and on Secretary of Defense deleted, nor—I Florida and on Texas, and that basically, im- wouldn’t say that wasn’t done. I’m just telling migration is a national policy, the lack of an you I don’t know. I only know of two person- immigration enforcement is a national re- ally. sponsibility, and that under the system we But I do think that at least the people who have for joint financing of all kinds of health contacted him and contacted me probably and human services, California, Texas, and had some impact on him. The only thing I Florida, and to some extent New York—and said to him was that the law requires us to to a much lesser extent some other States— take into account economic impact, and I have basically been unfairly financially bur- think you ought to do that. dened by Federal policy, and we’re trying to I guess I ought to say one other thing. offset that. There were some people who weren’t from Since Leon worked up the budgets, I’d like California who urged the Secretary of De- for him to describe in more specific terms fense not to delete the Defense Language what we’re trying to do. Would you do that? Institute, including Senator Simon from Illi- Let him answer that question first. nois who made a public plea about it. So Director Panetta. We have been working there was a lot of support around the country on a program to try to target those States for not doing that. But I do think you’ve got that are impacted by immigration, in part, to give credit to the people who made that legal immigration and refugee resettlement intense plea. I mean, they may have had but also undocumented immigration as well.

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And the key to our program is to try to de- to the Bay area. The chairman of the House velop an approach that, first of all, tries to Armed Services Committee, a man I very fully fund the immigration assistance, the so- much respect and admire, has taken—his dis- called SLIAG provisions that flow to States trict has the biggest projected loss. But was like California, Texas, and Florida. That’s the there—do the people who speak for Califor- legalized immigration assistance grants. nia deserve some credit for making sure that While those grants have been there, they’ve the Secretary of Defense did fulfill his legal never been fully funded for various reasons. obligation? I think that’s probably yes. The We intend to fully fund those. So, for exam- answer to that is, yes, that they did. ple, in a State like California, we estimate But I will say again, this is not going to that SLIAG funding will approach almost happen tomorrow; this is going to happen be- $600 million for ’94. tween 3 and 5 years from now. If we want Secondly, what we want to do is develop to maintain our high-wage base and techno- a program to expand refugee settlement as- logical lead in defense, we will have an easier sistance. That is a program that’s in place. time doing that if we close appropriate bases As a matter of fact, there were some cuts and if we do it in a timely fashion. The dif- that were enacted in that program. There was ference between now and what has been an effort by the prior administration to, so- done in defense cutbacks, both bases and de- called, privatize it. Never worked, and as a fense contractors—and keep in mind, most consequence we’re going to be asking for ad- of the losses California has endured in the ditional funds for refugee resettlement and last few years has come from the loss of pri- a supplemental request that will follow the vate sector jobs because of contracting cuts. battle on the stimulus program; that’s two. And we have not got an aggressive and a well- Three, we’re looking at additional funds funded program which we will pursue, which for migrant education as well as Chapter I has not been done for the last 3 or 4 years, education. And then, fourthly, we’re looking to try to make sure that we find jobs and towards assistance, an assistance program to economic opportunities for the people in the try to help those States that are providing communities involved. health care to undocumented individuals. So I don’t feel under siege. I wanted to Q. Is it realistic to assume that there might do this today. I think you could make a com- be Federal money for the hospital to treat pelling case if it hadn’t been for the people so many, for all of the facilities that the coun- of California, I wouldn’t be the President of ty now pays for, to augment those with Fed- the United States. And I told them that I eral dollars because—— would work on these problems, and I will. Director Panetta. I can’t tell you that But I cannot walk away from my responsibil- there will be direct funding to that kind of ities to continue this base closing process. hospital, but what we want to do is provide And in the end, California is going to be bet- some assistance to the States that have to ter off if we preserve the capacity for high- meet that responsibility, and that’s what tech employment in the defense industries we’re trying to fashion now. And there will and if we speed up the diversification proc- be a program like this included in the budget ess. presentation that we’ll make at the end of Thank you. this month. Q. Mr. President, do you feel under siege Winter Storm on this issue from California? Q. ——about your response to the storm? The President. What was that? Military Base Closings Director Panetta. There was a question The President. No, but I want to tell you on the storm. that if you go back to the very first question The President. On the storm, we’ve got I was asked, if this had been a purely political two FEMA people in every State now with process, your question would have had a dif- a State operation. We’re in touch with the ferent answer. You know, this has been a very State officials in every State involved, and we painful thing for me, seeing this thing happen will be spending the remainder of the day

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trying to assess the damage that has been Budget Director Leon Panetta continued to an- done, the damage that might be done, and swer questions from reporters. what other resources we should perhaps bring into play. I don’t want to say any more about it than that because we’re monitoring Statement on Disaster Assistance for it as it goes along. Florida I will say that I just came from a meeting with press people on the east coast, and I March 13, 1993 would just urge our people to exercise cau- On March 12 and 13, excessive rainfall, tion as the center of the storm moves closer to their community and because what looks tornadoes, flooding, high tides, and gale force like a very enjoyable late-winter snow- winds caused death, serious personal injury, storm—and it’s not enjoyable maybe if you’re and property damage in the State of Florida. from the South and you’re not used to seeing In a telephone call to me today, Gov. it. But as you move from here on up, a lot Lawton Chiles requested individual assist- of people will be used to seeing snows of ance and public assistance from the Federal this magnitude. And I don’t want them to Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) get careless in it, because behind the snow for Alachua, Citrus, Columbia, Dade, Duval, are very, very high winds. And so that we’re Hamilton, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, trying to do is just prepare as best we can Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Pasco, and deal with it. And we may have more to Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Taylor, and say later today. Volusia Counties. Economic Stimulus Plan The situation is of such severity and mag- nitude that effective response is beyond the Q. Mr. President, laid-off workers in Cali- capabilities of the State of Florida and local fornia think this is too little, too late. governments. Therefore, I concur that sup- The President. I just got here. It’s not plemental Federal assistance is necessary, too little, too late. This is a good program. It is very aggressive. The Congress appro- and FEMA is directed to provide such assist- priated $1.4 billion last year, and none of it ance. was spent. And we’re going to spend it and Individual assistance can include tem- move aggressively. Twenty billion dollars porary housing, grants, low-cost loans to over 5 years is a lot of money to put into cover uninsured property losses, and other defense conversion. programs to help individuals and business Q. People will have lost their houses by owners recover from the effects of the disas- then. ter. Public assistance is available to eligible Q. ——in California. local governments on a cost-sharing basis for The President. Well, maybe people who the repair or replacement of public facilities were affected by decisions made before I got damaged by the flooding. here will be, but these decisions we an- Additional areas may be designated at a nounced yesterday are going to take effect later date, if requested and warranted. 3 to 5 years from now and we will have our programs in place and we’ll be working on it. And we’re going to do our best to reach Exchange With Reporters Prior to a out to those who have already been adversely affected. Meeting With Prime Minister That’s one of the reasons the stimulus Yitzhak Rabin of Israel package ought to pass. California will get March 15, 1993 more than a billion dollars worth of benefits out of this. Middle East Peace Talks NOTE: The President spoke at 12:25 p.m. in Room 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. Follow- Q. Mr. President, what do you think are ing the interview, Office of Management and the chances of resuming the Middle East

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peace talks if deportees are not returned im- The President’s News Conference mediately? With Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin The President. I think the Secretary of of Israel State’s done a commendable job on his trip, March 15, 1993 and he’s worked with the Prime Minister on that issue. And I think we’ve got a good The President. Good afternoon. It’s a chance to resume the talks. I certainly hope great pleasure for me to welcome Prime we will. Minister Rabin back to Washington. Since we first met here last August, much has Q. Do you think all the parties will come changed. But one thing I can say definitely back? will never change is the unique bond that The President. I certainly hope so. unites the United States and Israel. It is a bond that goes back to the founding of the Q. Sir, as you prepare for the first peace state of Israel and beyond, based on shared talks under your guidance, what do you think values and shared ideals. the prospects are for a lasting peace in the Middle East? Israel’s democracy is the bedrock on which our relationship stands. It’s a shining example The President. I think there are a lot of for people around the world who are on the reasons to be hopeful. Obviously, there’s dif- frontline of the struggle for democracy in ficulty, and there are those who would prefer their own lands. Our relationship is also that it not be done, but I think we have a based on our common interest in a more sta- real shot. ble and peaceful Middle East, a Middle East [At this point, one group of reporters left the that will finally accord Israel the recognition room, and another group entered.] and acceptance that its people have yearned for so long and have been too long denied, Q. Mr. President, do you think the United a Middle East that will know greater democ- States could be helpful in bringing peace be- racy for all its peoples. tween Israel and Syria? Are you optimistic that peace between these two countries can I believe strongly in the benefit to Amer- come during this year? ican interests from strengthened relation- ships with Israel. Our talks today have been The President. Well, I hope that the conducted in that context. We have begun peace process will resume shortly. And I’m a dialog intended to raise our relationship to hopeful that it can produce a good result. a new level of strategic partnership, partners I think there’s a chance. in the pursuit of peace, partners in the pur- Q. What is your reaction to terrorist action suit of security. in Israel today and the day before? If you’ve We focused today on our common objec- heard about it, what do you think about it? tive of turning 1993 into a year of peace- The President. Yes, I’ve heard about it, making in the Middle East. Prime Minister and I’m disturbed about it. I hope it won’t Rabin has made clear to me today that pursu- deter any of the parties involved from seek- ing peace with security is his highest mission. ing a genuine long-term peace. But the larger I have pledged that my administration will security interests of all the nations involved be active in helping the parties to achieve still argue for trying to have a good-faith ef- that end. At the same time, Prime Minister fort at the peace process. Rabin and I agree that our common objective should be real, lasting, just, and comprehen- sive peace, based on Resolutions 242 and 338. It must involve full normalization, diplo- NOTE: The exchange began at 10:35 a.m. in the matic relations, open borders, commerce, Oval Office at the White House. A tape was not tourism, the human bonds that are both the available for verification of the content of this ex- fruits and the best guarantee of peace. And change. Israel’s security must be assured. The Israeli

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people cannot be expected to make peace Today we were happy to learn that at the unless they feel secure, and they cannot be same time you are also willing to invest ef- expected to feel secure unless they come to forts in promoting peace and stability in the know real peace. Middle East. In this effort, Mr. President, Those like Prime Minister Rabin who you will find us to be full partners. You are genuinely seek peace in the Middle East will aware that no one wants peace more than find in me and my administration a full part- us and that there is no country more resolved ner. But those who seek to subvert the peace to defend itself when necessary. We are vet- process will find zero tolerance here for their erans of many wars. And today we say, no deplorable acts of violence and terrorism. more blood and tears. We now wish to expe- rience lasting and meaningful peace. Prime Minister Rabin has told me that he In our talks today, I presented to you is prepared to take risks for peace. He has Israel’s approach to the peacemaking. And told his own people the same thing. I have we are willing to take upon ourselves risks told him that our role is to help to minimize for peace. But we are determined to protect those risks. We will do that by further rein- our security. forcing our commitment to maintaining Peace has many enemies. Terror is used Israel’s qualitative military edge. by the enemies of peace in our effort to un- Another way we can strengthen Israel and dermine it. And we will combat it while we the United States is to combine the skills of continue to seek a solution that will lead to its people with those of our own. I am peace. pleased to announce today the establishment Since the formation of my government, we of a U.S.-Israel science and technology com- have invested efforts in trying to advance to- mission, chaired on the American side by our wards peace in the framework of the Madrid Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown. The formula. We introduced new ideas in the ne- commission will enhance cooperation to cre- gotiation tracks with Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, ate technology-based jobs for the 21st cen- and the Palestinians. Some progress has been tury in both Israel and the United States. Our made, but more is needed in order to come economies will also benefit from a lifting of to agreement. We are ready for compromise, the Arab boycott. And I hope that this boy- but compromises cannot be one-sided. We cott can end soon. call on our partners, the Arab States, the Pal- estinians from the territories, to seize the mo- Prime Minister Rabin, this year will be a ment, to return to the negotiating table so year of enhanced relations between our that we can use this historic opportunity. We countries. It should also be a year of peace call upon them to respond openly and will- in the Middle East, as you have declared. ingly to our positions. Our children and We have an historic responsibility and an his- grandchildren in Jerusalem and the Arab toric opportunity. We stand here together children and grandchildren in Damascus, today resolved not to let that opportunity Beirut, Amman, and elsewhere in the Arab pass. world will not forgive us if we all fail to act Prime Minister Rabin. President Clin- now. ton, in just a few days I will return to Israel, We have heard today with satisfaction, Mr. but I know, and will tell everyone in my President, your concept of the role of the country, Israel has a friend in the White full partner as an intermediary. We shall con- House. Our home is many miles away, but tinue our direct talks with our Arab neigh- Mr. President, we feel very close. We thank bors. But in order to expedite the dialog be- you for the hours we spent with you and your tween the parties, we welcome your good of- team, for the atmosphere of friendship and fices and hope to rely on your role as the openness and the depth of our discus- facilitator. sions. The leadership which you have dis- President Clinton, we are deeply indebted played in coping with America’s domestic to you and to your predecessors who helped problems is inspiring and stands out like a us in hours of need. We do appreciate and beacon in the night. greatly value the decision to maintain the

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current level of aid to Israel. This decision Palestinian Deportees will help us to integrate new immigrants into Q. President Clinton—[inaudible]—de- our society and to bear the heavy burden of mands for the immediate repatriation of the our security. Palestinian deportees, and where did you You know, President, that we will not be leave that subject? able to win the battle for peace without a The President. No, we did not discuss qualitative edge. Therefore, I wish to thank that. As far as I’m concerned, the Secretary you and your colleagues on behalf of the of State and the Prime Minister reached an Israeli soldiers and their parents and the citi- agreement on that. And I think that is the zens of Israel for your decision to help to framework within which we are proceeding. maintain that edge. Moreover, such a quali- Middle East Peace Talks tative edge enables the Israeli defense forces to contribute to the overall effort to maintain Q. Mr. President—— The President. Yes. Go ahead. stability in our stormy region. The decision Q. Mr. President, the last peace agree- made today to raise the level of strategic dia- ment between an Arab nation and Israel was, log between our two countries will open new as you know, the Egyptian Peace Agreement. doors of opportunity. The fact that the next In that case, the President kept a very per- months we will renew the memorandum of sonal part as an intermediary. To what extent agreement between us for 5 more years, and are you willing to become personally in- that we do it as a matter of course, is a proof volved? And Mr. Prime Minister, to what ex- of the kind of mutually beneficial relation- tent are you willing to see the President be- ships that we enjoy. The formation of new come personally involved in this peace nego- high-level forum for strategic dialog will fur- tiation? ther upgrade this relationship. Prime Minister Rabin. Well, as you can We will also have a turn in the near future expect, I cannot answer in the name of the with much urgency to address the struggle President of the United States. But I believe, against various kinds of fanaticism which give as it has happened whenever agreements birth to murderous terror, the kind that re- were reached between the Arab countries cently landed even on these shores. We must and Israel from ’74 to ’79, and even the cre- institutionalize our dialog and include all free ation of the Madrid peace conference, could countries in consultations on the ways to curb not be achieved without the United States the threatening extremism. being involved in encouraging the parties to We attach much importance to the deci- do so. I believe that there was, there is a sion made today to create the high-level joint need of the United States’ partnership to the commission for the development of projects peacemaking process. At what level, at what of science and technology. The investment time, it’s not up to me to answer. in research and industrial applications in The President. The answer to your ques- tion is that I would be prepared to commit Israel and in America will explore new fron- the resources, the effort and the attention tiers of knowledge. And they are a telling ex- of this administration, of my Secretary of ample of how our two countries can mutually State, and my personal efforts to achieve last- benefit from this cooperation. ing agreements. President Clinton, thank you for your invi- We have, on the table, the potential of very tation and reception, for the warmth on a significant bilateral agreements and the po- wintry day, and for your good will. I came tential of some regional agreements that I from Jerusalem, the city of the prophets. I think ought to be pursued. I feel very strong- return to Jerusalem, the city that witnessed ly about it, and I think the opportunities for so many wars and wants so dearly peace be- progress are there. I don’t want to minimize cause she knows that in war there are no the difficulties, the obstacles, the years of winners and in peace no losers. frustration, but I think the fact that this Thank you very much. Prime Minister, who became a hero as a war-

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rior, is doing what he can and risking signifi- Wolf [Wolf Blitzer, Cable News Network]. cantly to promote peace, is a good beginning. And I think there are other good indications Syria in the region. And I’m prepared to personally do what I can to facilitate that. Q. [Inaudible]—both of you have ad- Helen [Helen Thomas, United Press dressed the question of bilateral arrange- International]. ments between Israel and Syria. It seems that the Prime Minister in recent statements has West Bank and Gaza Strip backed away from some earlier statements Q. Do you support the transitional—[in- that Israel would never go down from the audible]—policy of self-determination for Golan Heights. Is there a change? Would the people on the West Bank and Gaza who Israel be prepared to accept a complete with- have been living for years under military oc- drawal from the Golan Heights in exchange cupation? Mr. Prime Minister, do you think for complete peace with Syria, along the lines that during your regime there will be any of the Israeli-Egyptian peace agreement? measure of self-rule for the Palestinians And would the United States welcome that while you are a leader? kind of separate Israeli-Syrian agreement Prime Minister Rabin. I don’t want to even in advance of a Palestinian agreement? give you a lengthy answer, but allow me to Prime Minister Rabin. Well, first, we are say, in 1967 we did not want war. It’s more serious in our negotiations with every one of than that. Even when we found ourselves in the Arab partners for the peace negotiations. a clash with the Egyptians, we offered to the We are ready to negotiate and reach agree- Jordanians, stay out of the war and we’ll keep ment with every one of the partners that sit your line with us without any change. around the negotiation table with us. If you’ll follow the history, we were always Second, peace has to be negotiated not be- for compromise. U.N. decision, partition of tween me, as the Prime Minister of Israel, Palestine to two states: We accepted; they and you. After all, you don’t represent Syria. rejected. They went to war to destroy us. It’s We made it clear that we accept the principle bad luck to the Arabs. Whenever they go to of withdrawal of the armed forces of Israel war, they lose. We offer them this time, to the Palestinians in the territories, what no on the Golan Heights, to secure the recog- one offered them when the Arab countries nized boundaries, but we’ll not enter negotia- were in occupation, Jordan of the West Bank, tions on the dimension of the withdrawal Egypt of the Gaza Strip, self-rule—run your without knowing what kind of peace Syria own life by yourself—as an interim agree- offers us. Is it a fully fledged peace, open ment for a transition period of not more than boundaries for movement of people and 5 years. Not later than the third year, we goods, diplomatic relations including embas- are ready to enter negotiations with them sies, normalization of relations? Will they let about a permanent solution based on Resolu- that peace treaty stand on its own two feet, tion 242 and 338. will not be influenced by what happens or What else can we do? By violence and ter- doesn’t happen in the negotiations with the ror no one will make us run. The solution other Arab partners? should be around the negotiation table, by Before we know that, why would I have talks, not by weapons. to say how much we will withdraw once it The President. The answer is the United is an issue to be agreed on between Syria States position has not changed. As I said and ourselves, with the assistance of the in my statement, we support a solution based United States? on the governing United Nations resolutions. The President. The answer to your ques- But the important thing is that everything tion, from my point of view, is that the we say or do today sends a clear message, United States believes that the full peace particularly to the other parties in the Middle process should resume. We hope very much East, that the time has come to negotiate that the Palestinians will come to the table. peace. And the United States is prepared to We would like to see all the bilaterals go for- be involved all the way through the process. ward. But

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if the parties could reach an agreement con- and then bringing that to the table? Are we sistent with security interests and the govern- talking about a whole new approach here? ing United Nations resolutions that was their The President. No, we’re not talking genuine agreement, would I welcome that about a whole new approach. Our two gov- and be prepared to support it? Yes, I would. ernments have some very gifted people who work on a continuous basis on security issues The Peace Process between us and facing the region. Looking ahead 10 years down the road, we know that Q. Mr. President, the Arabs think that you we have to pay greater attention to missile favor Israel against them. What are you doing defenses; we know that we have to pay great- to balance this situation? We know that Sec- er attention to the possibility of proliferation retary Christopher has gone there, but what of weapons of mass destruction; we know specifically has been offered to them, and that in order for any agreement in the Middle how would you see a confederation of Jordan East to have lasting impact, there will be sig- with the Palestinians? And also I would like nificant, and must be, significant security im- to ask the response to that from Prime Min- plications flowing out of any kind of arrange- ister Rabin. ments which might be made. And we just The President. Secretary Christopher want to make sure that beginning now we went to the Middle East, and I can assure give those matters the most careful attention you, one of the things that he did was to at the appropriate level. say the same thing to everybody in every cap- This will not supplant anything that is now ital that he visited, to say that the United being done. We’re very well satisfied with States wanted to be a partner in this process, the work being done by our people now. But but that we recognize we had to be a medi- these three things, it seems to us, will shape ator, and that, in the end, the only thing that a lot of our deliberations for a decade to would make peace possible was the assurance come. of security that would come to the parties afterward. Russia I believe that the other nations involved Q. Mr. President, can you clarify your ad- know that the United States has had an his- ministration’s views on the situation in Russia toric relationship of friendship with Israel, today? In particular, do you believe that the but also know that we can be counted upon Russian Parliament is a democratically elect- to keep our word and to do what we can ed institution? And if it is not a democrat- to support the security of all the parties if ically elected institution, why would you ob- an agreement can be reached. ject to its dissolution by Mr. Yeltsin—the re- Do you want to answer that? writing of a new Russian Constitution— Prime Minister Rabin. I can speak only would that not be helpful? as an Israeli, and in the name of Israel. I The President. Mr. Friedman [Tom believe that the government that I serve as Friedman, New York Times], those are great its Prime Minister is the first government questions. But I think any answer I’d give that accepted the principle or the Resolu- to them might only complicate the decisions tions 242 and 338 as applicable to the I might have to make in the days ahead. achievement of peace. No government in the Q. It would be a great story. [Laughter] past did so, which shows that we understand The President. It will be a wonderful that in peace, compromises have to be made story, and I must say those are questions I by both sides. have, we have all posed to ourselves. But let Q. Mr. President, Prime Minister Rabin me say this: I hope that everybody in Amer- today spoke about raising the level of strate- ica, I hope everybody in Israel, is pulling for gic dialog; you spoke about strategic dialog. the triumph of freedom and market reform I was wondering if you could elaborate what in Russia. Democracy is an uncertain proc- that means more, and does this mean greater ess. The Prime Minister and I have been in coordination between the two countries in and out of office. We know that. And I don’t terms of what approaches to take to peace, pretend to know everything that’s going to

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happen in Russia in the days and weeks The answers to your questions could only ahead, and I don’t want to say anything now be found in complete and thorough and on- which might constrict my field of decision going investigations by the IAEA, either in in ways that would not be in the interest of North Korea or any other country where the United States or of freedom and market these questions are asked. And I’m hoping reform in Russia. very, very much that they will reconsider So I wish I could say more, but I can’t. their decision and permit the inspectors to All I can tell you is I’m working like crazy come again. to get ready for that meeting with President Thank you very much. Yeltsin. I’m going to do what I can and mobi- lize what forces I can, public and private, in the United States to support the march of progress in Russia. And I’m going to hope NOTE: The President’s sixth news conference and pray that all those who want the same began at 2:02 p.m. in the East Room at the White thing will be in there pushing with us. House. Last question.

North Korea Announcement of Nomination for Five Sub-Cabinet Posts Q. Can you give us any more insight into what the situation is in North Korea, whether March 15, 1993 you believe they do have nuclear capability? President Clinton announced today his in- If so, where did they get it from, and what tention to nominate Sally Katzen to be Ad- leverage the United States might have in ad- ministrator of the OMB’s Office of Informa- dressing this issue? tion and Regulatory Affairs, and James Allen, The President. I cannot answer your exact Yvonne Santa Anna, and Victor Raymond to question. I can tell you that I, personally, and be Assistant Secretaries of Veterans Affairs speaking for the Government, the United for Human Resources and Administration, States is very concerned and very dis- Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, and appointed that North Korea has at least for Policy and Planning, respectively. He also ap- the time being chosen to eject the IAEA in- pointed Mary Ann Campbell to chair the Na- spectors and to withdraw from the inter- tional Women’s Business Council, of which national regime of which they are part. she is currently a member. The board of directors of the IAEA is ‘‘Each of the individuals I am calling on meeting on Wednesday. They will make a today has had a distinguished career in which statement at that time, and I will make a re- they have proven themselves in both private sponse. There are 3 months still to go, and and public enterprises,’’ said the President. as you know, any country that wants to with- ‘‘I am proud that they are joining me in the draw is bound for 3 months. I hope that Federal Government.’’ North Korea will reconsider its decision. I think there is a genuine impulse among the peoples of North Korea and South Korea, NOTE: Biographies of the nominees were made among the peoples to see a reduction in ten- available by the Office of the Press Secretary. sions and an increase in commerce and com- munication and contact. And I’m very dis- turbed by this turn of events. But I’m hoping that it will not be a permanent thing. There Exchange With Reporters Prior to a are several weeks ahead when North Korea Meeting With Congressional Leaders might reverse its decision. I hope they will March 16, 1993 do so, because we simply cannot back up on the determination to have the IAEA inspec- Q. Mr. President, do you think you can tions proceed there. really afford to cut the defense budget with

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what’s happening in Russia? Cut it as much or ever support the continuation of an illegal as you want to? government in Haiti and that we want to step The President. Well, I think we’re going up dramatically the pace of negotiations to to have hearings about it. We’re going to have restore President Aristide under conditions to see. We’ll have to cut it some. We can’t of national reconciliation and mutual respect meet the deficit reduction targets if we don’t. for human rights with a program of genuine economic progress. What’s happening in Russia may or may The Secretary of State has named an expe- not present an additional threat to our secu- rienced diplomat, Mr. Lawrence Pezzullo, rity, but what we hope we can do is to keep who is here now, to be his special representa- democracy and economic reform going. And tive in Haiti, to work with the Caputo mission I think there’s an almost unanimous feeling through the United Nations and the Organi- in the Congress that we ought to do that. zation of American States to push forward We’re bipartisan, and that’s one of the issues with a rapid settlement of these issues. I I want to discuss here today. Q. Senator Dole said last night that instead would urge the de facto government of Haiti of choosing Al Gore to reinvent Government, and the military officials in that country and you should have chosen Ross Perot. What police officials to support this process. Any do you think of that? opposition, any delay will only result in The Vice President. I can’t believe he’d stronger measures taken by the United States say that. [Laughter] and more difficulty and hardship for the peo- The President. If I said what I thought, ple of Haiti, who have been the innocent suf- it would be a story. I don’t want to do that. ferers in this whole sad saga. [Laughter] I look forward to working with President Aristide. I look forward to the success of Mr. NOTE: The exchange began at 9:47 a.m. in the Pezzullo. And I want to make it clear that Cabinet Room at the White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this the United States is committed strongly to exchange. a much more aggressive effort to restore Mr. Aristide to his Presidency and to, over the long run, work with the people of Haiti to Remarks With President Jean- restore conditions of economic prosperity. Bertrand Aristide of Haiti and an I am prepared to commit the United States Exchange With Reporters to its fair portion of a 5-year, multinational March 16, 1993 $1 billion effort to rebuild the Haitian econ- omy. And we are going to begin on this President Clinton. I’d like to make a brief project in earnest now. statement and then invite President Aristide I’d like to now invite President Aristide to make a statement. And then we’ll answer to make whatever remarks he would like to questions. make, and then open the floor for your ques- It’s been a great honor for all of us to have tions. President Aristide and members of his gov- ernment and the Ambassador from Haiti to President Aristide. Mr. President Clin- the United States here in the Oval Office ton, we are delighted to be here with you, today. And we wanted to have the oppor- with the Vice President, Secretary of State, tunity to speak to the American people and Ambassador Pezzullo. We want to thank you to the people of Haiti from the Oval Office on behalf of the Haitian people for your sup- to emphasize how important it is to me per- port. We want to thank you for what you just sonally and to the United States to restore said. That went directly to the heart of the democracy in Haiti and to restore President Haitian people working peacefully for the Aristide as the elected leader of that country. restoration of democracy. To those who have blocked the restoration I grasp this opportunity to thank the Amer- of democracy, I want to make it clear in the ican people for their solidarity, because with strongest possible terms that we will not now

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our American brothers and sisters, since 18 sition is and where we’re going before we months we realize how beautiful it is to work take actions, which at least in the short run in a nonviolent way for the restoration of de- will make life even more difficult for the Hai- mocracy. The Haitian people today hear your tians. I wouldn’t rule them out, but I think voice, and on behalf of them, I can say, in we ought to have it in an appropriate se- the past we wanted to be with you; we are quence of events. with you; in the future, we will be with you, As to the question of a date certain, I cer- and you will be welcome in Haiti when I tainly think that we ought to return President will be there after the restoration of democ- Aristide in the near future. But I think that racy. the date for the conclusion of the negotia- We have a lot of people suffering since tions ought to come out of Mr. Caputo and 18 months. And today I’m sure they are his mission. And I think we ought to, in fair- happy because they realize finally that day ness, let him do that. It is a very grave thing for the restoration of democracy will come, for the United States alone to be setting a and since today they can continue to build date certain in an endeavor that involves the but in a strongest way that democracy, always United Nations and the Organization of the in a nonviolent way. The refugees can feel American States. So I think a date may well happy. Those who are in Guantanamo can come out of the efforts of the Caputo mis- feel happy. Those who are in Haiti working sion, but we don’t feel at this time it is the peacefully for that democracy can feel happy wisest thing for the long-term interests of because that day is coming because of you, President Aristide or Haiti for us to set the because of the American Government, be- date on our own. cause of the U.S., because of the OAS. With regard to the refugees in Guanta- Thanks once again for that, and you are namo, I’m going to do the following things: welcome to our land. First of all, I’m going to send someone from Q. Mr. President, in the past few days, our White House staff to Guantanamo to re- President Aristide has called for a date cer- view the situation personally. Secondly, I’m tain for his return. He’s called for tougher going to take up the legal and human condi- sanctions, a tougher enforcement of the em- tions of the refugees with the Attorney Gen- bargo, a naval blockade, and for some action eral, who has jurisdiction in these areas, now to relieve the suffering of those in Guanta- that we have a new Attorney General con- namo. Are you prepared to take any of those firmed. I wanted to wait and have the oppor- steps? tunity to discuss that with her. President Clinton. Let me respond, if I might, to each in turn. And let me start with And then we will review the whole ques- the middle suggestion, the question of tion and see whether or not there’s anything whether the United States would take tough- else we should do. I expect all this would er action on the embargo. I wouldn’t rule be done in the near future. I don’t expect that out, but I think you shouldn’t underesti- to take a good deal of time on this. mate the impact of this diplomatic initiative, Q. President Aristide, is that satisfactory sending Mr. Pezzullo to Haiti, making the to you? statements we’re making today, sending the President Aristide. Totally. clear and unambiguous signal we’re sending. Q. Can we expect or can any Haitian in And I might note that just a few moments Cap Haitien or elsewhere expect the early ago the person we had approved for refugee return, constitutional return of the constitu- status who had been held illegally by the Hai- tional President of Haiti? tian de facto Government was released to President Aristide. Every Haitian should come to the United States as a refugee. be extremely happy about what has hap- I think that the message we’re sending out pened today. I think that all Haitians can look there is clear. So I think what we would like with joy at the cooperation of myself and to do is to give Mr. Pezzullo a chance to go President Clinton, working hand in hand for to Haiti, communicate strongly and directly all Haitians, looking forward to peace, to non- to the appropriate people there what our po- violence, to economic development. I think

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everyone can feel great contentment and a country where we don’t have yet institu- happy anticipation. tions who give justice. Q. Is there going to be a real celebration I would add this point: We want reconcili- of the Constitution, the anniversary of the ation. We want justice. We want peace. Constitution of Haiti? That’s why through this process, by a dialog, President Aristide. Yes, with the help of we can reach that level where, finally, the President Clinton, all Haitians can feel com- Haitians will feel so happy to not go to venge- fortable and happy about celebrating March ance and to not see the symbol of the coup 29th as an anniversary for peace and respect in the same place, with the same weapons, of the law, the Constitution as a basis for doing the same repression. That’s the way the law, and for its respect for all Haitians. we are trying to go. Q. Mr. Clinton, would it be acceptable to [At this point, President Aristide repeated his you if the coup leaders left without being answer in French, and it was translated as punished? follows.] President Clinton. Well, it would be ac- President Aristide. There is no institution ceptable to me to restore President Aristide in Haiti which is in a position or able to give to power in Haiti under conditions which justice in Haiti at the present time. Justice were safe for him and for all Haitians. He is sold, and that has been the case for the has spoken in the past about what his policies last 200 years. We in Haiti are opting now would be in that regard, and I presume that for nonviolence, for peace for all the people a lot of the details of this would be the sub- of Haiti. Therefore, we must free the army ject of negotiations. And those are negotia- from those who were responsible for the tions of which I do not believe I should en- coup, asking at the same time all Haitians gage, although I would say that I was very not to engage in vengeance, but rather to impressed with what President Aristide said devote themselves to justice and to feel today about the need for national reconcili- happy in the knowledge that justice will be ation. And perhaps you’d want him to make done. a comment. Q. Mr. President, you criticized—— It is in that sense that we have asked for President Clinton. Could we give him a the departure of the coup leaders, that they no longer be the heads of the army, not nec- chance to answer, please. essarily that they either be in jail or have to President Aristide. In Haiti we don’t have leave the country, but that a solution be an institution giving justice to people but un- found via dialog which will lead to a truly fortunately selling that justice. After 200 balanced situation so that all can work to- years, we realize we still have an army of gether in this nonviolent context which will 7,000 military and 40 percent of the national bring about a feeling of deepest joy in the budget. So I used to ask the Haitians, do hearts of all Haitians. not go to any kind of violence or retaliation or vengeance. I will continue to do the same, Q. Thank you. because what we need is nonviolent reality, President Clinton. I know we have to go. not violent. Let me just reaffirm two points, and I’m glad That’s why I’m not saying we want to see you said it the second time because that’s the coup leaders in jail and then to feel happy exactly what came out of our meetings. That because we punished them. I’m saying, ask- sort of attitude on the part of President ing to all the Haitians to not go to vengeance, Aristide is the very thing that should enable to wait for justice instead of doing justice for us to resolve this in a peaceful way. If the themselves out of institution. We can work people of Haiti can live in peace and security, peacefully to remove the coup leaders from subsequent to an agreement, and begin once the army and that way to free the army and again to work for their own prosperity instead let justice be done; not then to feel happy of living in ever-deepening misery, then I because we put them in jail, no; happy be- think that we will be well on the road to alle- cause we can that way make a balance in viating literally centuries of oppression in

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that beautiful country that has been so NOTE: The exchange began at 5:51 p.m. in the misgoverned for so long. Roosevelt Room at the White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this And I applaud his statement. It is in that exchange. spirit that I undertake this initiative. And I want to close by reaffirming the determina- tion of the United States to restore democ- racy and President Aristide as soon as pos- Remarks at the American Ireland sible. Fund Dinner Thank you very much. March 16, 1993 Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for once again participating in the great Amer- ican charade designed to convince people NOTE: The President spoke at 5 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. that the President has more authority than the Speaker of the House. Now, if I were a prime minister, I wouldn’t have to worry about that. [Laughter] Mr. Prime Minister, Exchange With Reporters Prior to a it’s a delight to welcome you to our Nation’s Meeting With the Hispanic Caucus Capital, and I look forward to our visit tomor- March 16, 1993 row. I want to congratulate Chairman O’Reilly. Let me ask you: Do you like the Q. Mr. President, what are you doing in purple? [Laughter] I want you to understand this meeting tonight, or this afternoon? Some that is not royal purple. That is a substitute, special—— because he made the ultimate sacrifice; he The President. Well, we’re going to talk gave his President the green. about a lot of things of interest to the caucus, and I’m going to listen. We’re going to talk I want to thank all those who worked so about the economic program, and they’re hard to make this dinner successful. It’s often going to talk about some things that they’re remarked that on St. Patrick’s Day we’re all interested in in the administration. And they Irish, or we wish we were. I am actually part can talk about it when the meeting is over. Irish, and I have often been accused of hav- I’m listening today. ing a certain gift for blarney—[laughter]— although those were not the words used last Surgeon General year when that was said. I’m glad to see Sen- ator Kennedy and Congressman Kennedy Q. Mr. President, could you tell us why and Mrs. Smith in the audience. But, you Dr. Novello is being asked to step down as know, President Kennedy was the first Irish Surgeon General before her term expires? Catholic to become President. But though The President. I don’t know what ar- a Baptist from Arkansas, I’m the first grad- rangements—she’s going to continue in the uate of a Catholic university to become Presi- Department of Health and Human Services, dent. I’m glad to see Father O’Donovan out and I have a very high regard for her. And there, my president, of Georgetown. Thank I told Donna Shalala when I appointed her you. Secretary of HHS that I had a very strong feeling about wanting my health department As a younger man, I went through a period director from home to be the Surgeon Gen- of intense uncertainty about whether I eral, but that I very strongly approved of the should pursue a career in music or a career record Dr. Novello has made and I hoped in politics. I was happy to learn that the that we could persuade her to stay on. And Prime Minister, whom you affectionately this is an arrangement they all worked out. called the Taoiseach—you know, I want the I don’t know the details and the timing. I Members of the Congress to learn that. I like can’t comment on it. I just don’t know any- that, the chieftain. It has a good feeling. thing about that. [Laughter] He’s been an exponent of one of

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Ireland’s most popular forms of native music, reconciliation, and common enterprise be- country and western. I’m glad he pursued tween Catholics and Protestants, nationalists his political career in Ireland, because if he and unionists; and promoting cultural activi- had chosen to come to Arkansas, he might ties, community development, employment have defeated me with that sort of back- opportunities in health care and counseling. ground. [Laughter] You know, Irish music I am absolutely delighted, I must say, that has made almost as much of a contribution the Government of Ireland is now providing to modern life as Irish politicians, from the a site, an historic castle, for the new Hole Chieftains to Phil Coulter to Van Morrison in the Wall Gang Camp for children with to that wonderful group U–2 that played such life-threatening diseases. I’m glad to see Paul a major role in trying to get the young people Newman and Joanne Woodward here to- in America to go and vote. The first time night, and I can tell you that Hillary and I I heard that their lead singer was named visited the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Bono, I asked what his last name was. Then Connecticut a couple of years ago, and I was I found out he didn’t have a last name. Then, moved beyond words by what I saw there. after I spent an hour with him, I discovered And I thank everyone who is responsible for he didn’t need one. [Laughter] You know, there are 44 million Americans giving the children of Ireland this remarkable of Irish descent, that is, those who are telling opportunity. the truth and those who lie, which qualifies The American Ireland Fund is doing in them—[laughter]—who have contributed Ireland what we are trying to do here in the immeasurably to every sphere of our life. In United States: to offer opportunity, to en- fact, the house that I now live in, which ei- courage responsibility, to reknit the social ther makes me the resident of America’s fin- fabric badly frayed by the pressures of mod- est public housing or, as some of my critics ern life, and to restore a sense of community say, the crown jewel of the Federal penal without which it is difficult for people to pro- system, was designed by James Hoban, a fa- ceed with their individual and family lives. mous Irishman who designed the White I’m proud to support your work because it’s House based on a model of a magnificent important, it’s an inspiration, it’s a lesson for house in Ireland. all of us, not only for those who are Irish I thought I would tell you this, for those all year long but for those who are just Irish of you who don’t know, since President Ken- for 24 hours a year. nedy once said at a dinner of Nobel laureates I thank the Irish Americans who have that it was the most distinguished array of worked with me, particularly in the last 16 brainpower ever gathered in the White months, to try to help me learn more about House since Thomas Jefferson dined there Ireland, as well as about the problems and alone. [Laughter] James Hoban defeated promise of Irish Americans here at home, Thomas Jefferson for the design of the White and I look forward to working with all of you House. Jefferson submitted anonymously a in the days and weeks and years ahead. I design for the White House, and the people hope that we will always be able to bring making the decision, basically George Wash- to our labors the remarkable spirit I sense ington and a few of his friends, concluded in this room tonight, and never lose the sense that Hoban was superior to Jefferson. [Laughter] of humor which has become so associated President Kennedy said that ‘‘Here on with this wonderful holiday. Earth, God’s work is truly our own.’’ When- Thank you very much. ever I’m asked to speak in a church I say that. It captured for me, more than anything NOTE: The President spoke at 6:43 p.m. at the else, what the essence of public service is Capital Hilton. In his remarks, he referred to Dr. about. The American Ireland Foundation Anthony J.F. O’Reilly, chairman, American Ire- embodies that phrase as well as any group land Fund. of Americans: offering hope and opportunity to all the people of Ireland; promoting peace,

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Announcement of Nomination for billion, making the Agency the largest single Five Ambassadorial Posts backer of small businesses in the Nation. March 16, 1993 President Clinton named five career For- NOTE: A biography of the nominee was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary. eign Service officers to ambassadorial posi- tions today. The President announced his in- tention to nominate Alvin Adams to be Am- bassador to Peru; Harry Gilmore, Ambas- Remarks at a Saint Patrick’s Day sador to Armenia; Mark Johnson, Ambas- Ceremony With Prime Minister sador to Senegal; Marilyn McAfee, Ambas- Albert Reynolds of Ireland and an sador to Guatemala; and Allan Wendt, Am- Exchange With Reporters bassador to Slovenia. March 17, 1993 ‘‘Secretary Christopher and I have pledged to name Ambassadors who meet the highest The President. Good day, ladies and gen- standards of excellence,’’ the President said. tlemen. On this St. Patrick’s Day, I am de- ‘‘With these announcements today, we have lighted to welcome Prime Minister Reynolds, done just that.’’ called Taoiseach in his country, to the White House. We both share a love of music and a love of Ireland, and I’m looking forward NOTE: Biographies of the nominees were made to working with him in the years ahead. I available by the Office of the Press Secretary. accept with honor this beautiful bowl of shamrocks he has presented from the people of Ireland to the people of the United States. Nomination of Erskine Bowles To Be And it will be proudly displayed in the White Small Business Administrator House as a symbol of our shared values and March 16, 1993 common heritage. The Prime Minister’s visit is an oppor- President Clinton today announced his in- tunity not only to recall our kinship but also tention to nominate North Carolina business- to work together on issues of critical impor- man Erskine Bowles to head the Small Busi- tance to both our nations. We just concluded ness Administration. a good meeting which covered many issues, ‘‘Small business is the engine that runs the and I benefited greatly from the Prime Min- American economy. We need to give a hand ister’s advice and counsel. up to the new businesses and traditional We discussed the importance of bringing mom-and-pop stores that provide the jobs in the Uruguay round to a successful conclu- our cities and small towns,’’ the President sion. We reviewed the humanitarian relief ef- said. ‘‘Erskine Bowles will do an excellent job fort in Somalia, including the generous con- of making SBA a more efficient operation tributions of Irish citizens working in such that works to strengthen the backbone of organizations as CONCERN and UNICEF. small business in this country.’’ Let me take a moment here, Mr. Prime As Administrator, Bowles will direct a Minister, to extend to the families and comprehensive array of programs and serv- friends of Valerie Place and Sean Devereux ices designed to promote and expand U.S. the heartfelt condolences of the American small businesses. He will provide day-to-day people over their tragic deaths and our grati- leadership in the development and imple- tude for their service. Their dedication to the mentation of policy and delivery of financial relief efforts in Somalia will serve as an inspi- and business development programs through ration to us as we seek to extend the hand the Agency’s nearly 100 offices nationwide. of comfort to victims of strife. SBA was established in 1953 to help small The Prime Minister and I also discussed businesses get started, stay in business, and the continuing tragic conflict in Northern grow. SBA has a portfolio of commercial Ireland that has cost 3,000 lives over the last loans and loan guarantees worth nearly $25 2 decades. I congratulate both the Irish and

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the British Governments for their joint ef- will work harder to advance our relationship. forts to promote the necessary dialog to bring In many ways she’s already been an unofficial about a just and lasting peace. And I want international ambassador. Since she founded to underscore my strong support for that im- Very Special Arts two decades ago, she has portant goal. We agree that such an outcome traveled tirelessly throughout the United cannot be coerced or imposed, and that those States and the world. Very Special Arts pro- who resort to violence must not be tolerated. vides opportunities for the disabled in cre- Violence condemns generation to harvest the ative arts in all 50 States and over 50 coun- seeds of bitterness, not peace. Nor can the tries, including Ireland. As a testament to her problem be resolved by the language of vic- success, a play from her young playwrights tories or defeats. It must be resolved in the program in Dublin will open shortly off language and spirit of compromise and con- Broadway. ciliation. I know firsthand Jean’s achievements from I told the Prime Minister that the United the Arkansas Very Special Arts program and States stands ready to do whatever we can remember well when Hillary joined her in to help in bringing peace to Northern Ire- our State for the competition to commemo- land. We are a nation of diversity. We are rate the 200th anniversary of the White prepared to help in any way that we can. I House. think that it is important to say that the most The people of the United States will be significant thing I should be doing now is proud of our new Ambassador. I am proud to encourage the resumption of the dialog of her, and I’m glad to have a couple of her between the Irish and the British Govern- relatives, the Senator from the State of Mas- ments, which I think is a critical precondition sachusetts and Congressman Kennedy, to to any establishment of a lasting peace. Our join with us today. And Mr. Ambassador, let support for the International Fund for Ire- me say again how very grateful we are to land is an important demonstration of our you and offer you the opportunity to make commitment to encourage investment and a few remarks and then offer Mrs. Smith. economic growth and to advance the cause Ambassador-Designate Smith. Thank of peace and tolerance. you very much. It is a great honor for me My discussions with Prime Minister Rey- to be nominated as Ambassador to Ireland. nolds, as with Prime Minister Major, were And I’m extremely grateful to President Clin- the first of many that I think you will see ton for his confidence in me. I will do all our governments having as we offer our as- I can to repay this confidence. It’s a wonder- sistance in trying to end the troubles. ful St. Patrick’s Day. Thank you. Let me close by saying that the ties of cul- Prime Minister Reynolds. Thank you, ture, history, and friendship between the President. And first of all, may I take the United States and Ireland mean a great deal first opportunity of saying—[at this point, to me. Last night the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Reynolds spoke in Gaelic]— I joined together in singing ‘‘When Irish Eyes which is congratulations to Jean Kennedy Are Smiling.’’ He did a slightly better job Smith to be the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. than I did. [Laughter] Today we pause to The U.S. is proud of her. We are more proud renew our ties to Ireland and the challenges still to welcome home Jean Kennedy Smith. ahead. Let me add that Ireland will have a She has been a regular visitor to our shores. friend in the White House, Mr. Prime Min- She has done marvelous work throughout the ister, not just on St. Patrick’s Day but on world, as the President has just said, in rela- every day of the year. tion to her work for the disabled arts. And I also want to take advantage of the Prime I know she’ll get plenty of opportunity to Minister’s visit here to announce my inten- continue that creative work in Ireland. tion to nominate as Ambassador to Ireland Thank you, President. St. Patrick’s Day, a distinguished individual, as Irish as Ameri- Mr. President, is an occasion which bonds cans can be, Jean Kennedy Smith. I can think and brings together our two communities of no one who better captures the bonds be- and peoples in a uniquely meaningful way. tween Ireland and the United States or who It is not simply about shamrock and symbols,

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important though these are; rather does it My government are determined not to have as its core a deep, abiding, and shared allow another generation to suffer the belief in democracy and freedom and in the scourge and savagery of violence or its de- protection and extension of human rights. meaning and related manifestations: dis- It was because these values were incor- advantage, harassment, and discrimination. porated in the foundation of the American There are no immediate answers, no sim- republic that Thomas Jefferson could pro- ple solutions, but there is a way forward. It claim in his first Inaugural Address what involves courage, commitment, and imagina- might then have seemed a paradox, and I tion. It will require, above all, the letting go quote: ‘‘I believe this . . . the strongest Gov- of all vestiges of triumphalism on every side ernment on earth.’’ and replacing it with a willingness and a de- It is a day and this is a unique occasion, termination to work together in partnership standing as we are here in the house which, within new structures which will embrace as President Clinton remarked last night at and seek to reconcile the two conflicting that very enjoyable function, that this house rights and aspirations in our small country. was designed just over 200 years ago by an We warmly welcome your concern, Mr. Irishman, James Hoban. That’s one of the President, your commitment, and your active reasons why we are contemplating the ex- support as we take on this daunting but vital traordinary success of Irish America. You will challenge. If we can succeed, Mr. President, have no difficulty, Mr. President, if on this in establishing in Ireland structures that achieve these goals, the benefits may not just day I characterize you, you yourself, as re- be for Ireland alone. In a world where deep- flecting on that Irish American success story. er ethnic divisions have assumed a new and Like John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, An- violent prominence, it may well be that the drew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant, and other model we create in Ireland will have applica- Presidents of Irish extraction before you, you tion in similar conflict situations around the have risen to the highest position in the land world. adopted by your ancestors and demonstrated So in conclusion, Mr. President, may I again that the great American dream which thank you again for the hospitable American inspired so many of your forbears is alive and reception you have given us here today at well and in very good hands. the White House. In so doing, you acknowl- The success story that is Irish America edge and honor the contribution of the mil- today began as one of political, economic, lions of fellow Irish who have made their and social struggle in the home country. It homes and built their dreams in this great should not be surprising therefore that when land. You make us all proud. the earlier waves of our immigrants reached As we travel together now for a gathering these shores, they were to the forefront in on Capitol Hill hosted by another outstand- the American War of Independence and in ing Irishman, Speaker Foley, may I extend the drafting and promulgation of the Amer- to you, Mrs. Clinton, and your family our ican Declaration of Independence, and that warmest best wishes on this very special day later waves of immigrants quickly and enthu- for all of us and convey our sincerest wish siastically embraced that declaration, to for the success of your administration. quote just one historian, ‘‘not as a tired for- I hope Americans of all ethnic back- mula, but as an ideal to be reached out for grounds have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day. and grasped.’’ And what a day in which to celebrate it here It is against that background, Mr. Presi- with one of us as President, another, Albert dent, that I have always believed that the here on my right, and the Kennedy family constructive interest and support of the that are a legend in Ireland, the United United States has the potential to be unique- States, and throughout the world. ly helpful in finding a solution to the situation The President. That was such an out- in Northern Ireland, that last residual prob- standing performance, I think the Prime lem of a long and often sad history between Minister should have to answer all the ques- Ireland and Britain. tions.

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Northern Ireland months ahead in relation to that. At the end Q. Have you decided, Mr. President, of the day, it will be his decision. whether or not to send a peace envoy or to Q. Mr. President, have you taken on board send a fact-finding mission to Northern Ire- the unionists’ concerns about—in Northern land? And could you give us some idea of Ireland—the suggestions that you might send a timeframe for that action, please? somebody who would attempt to mediate the The President. No, I discussed it with the peace situation? Prime Minister. And we decided after our President Clinton. Well, I don’t think the consultations that that is certainly an option United States can make peace in Northern that I should leave open, both of those op- Ireland, and I don’t think that the unionists, tions, and have under serious consideration. the nationalists, anyone else would expect As you know, talks began last year and then that. I think that we have a deep concern were suspended. I’m very hopeful that the about the future of Ireland. We have a deep British and the Irish Governments will get concern about ending the violence and the back together and begin a serious dialog abuses of humanity which have been there. soon. I think that is a precondition, as I said, And I want to do whatever I can to support for the other talks proceeding. And I’m going that process. to stay in touch closely with Prime Minister I do believe, I’ll say again, I do believe Reynolds. We’re going to talk frequently, and that the dialog that was opened not all that I expect to have an Ambassador in Ireland long ago between these two Governments in pretty soon. And I’ll make those decisions Ireland and Great Britain offer the real at what seems to me to be the appropriate chance of producing a framework within time. I have not made them now, and I don’t which peace could occur. And I am going think it would be appropriate to make a final to continue to stay on top of the situation, decision on that at this time. involved in it. I’ll make those decisions at Q. Can we ask the Prime Minister if he a later time when I think they are appro- likes the idea of a special envoy, opposes it, priate. I think it is inappropriate now for me or would like to—— to do more than just to say that I think the Prime Minister Reynolds. I think we had Governments should in earnest embrace the a very long and fruitful discussion, both the opportunities that are before them. And I President and myself. I gave him a fairly will be as supportive as I can. And whenever quick synopsis of the whole situation: the re- there seems to be something else I can do lationship between the two Governments by taking further action, then I will do it. that are excellent, between Dublin and Lon- I don’t want to do anything to undermine don; the talks that took place last year; the the peace process. I want to do something progress that was made there; the suspension that will support it and reinforce it. of the talks. And I think the objective of both Secretary of Defense Les Aspin of us, and indeed, the British Government Q. Mr. President, what about Secretary included, would be to get those talks re- Aspin’s health? Do you have to now consider, sumed at an earlier stage. at least consider, having a new Secretary of We fully appreciate the keen interest and Defense? support of President Clinton in this regard The President. No, people get pace- and of his burning desire to have those talks makers all the time. No. As far as I know recommenced. And he will keep in close con- he’s just doing fine. sultation with all parties concerned so that we can get those talks resumed at the earliest Northern Ireland possible date. Q. Mr. President, do you still support the Q. You don’t think that a special envoy McBride principles which you said in your at this point would be helpful? meeting with Irish leaders in New York—— Prime Minister Reynolds. As you have The President. Yes, I do. heard, the President just confirmed that both of those options are left open, and he will Mayor Raymond Flynn of Boston consult widely in the days and weeks and What did you say about Ray Flynn?

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Q. Aren’t you concerned the country may vide food and shelter for 170,000 people. Just be losing one of its better Mayors? four days after those relief efforts began, Ty- The President. Yes, I am. [Laughter] phoon Omar battered Guam with 150-mile- Press Secretary Myers. Thank you. an-hour winds. Two weeks later, Hurricane The President. It was a difficult decision Iniki roared across Hawaii, the worst hurri- for that reason. I think he’s one of the best cane to hit the islands in a century. The Mayors to serve in the United States in my American Red Cross, stretched to new limits, lifetime. coordinated disaster relief operations that Q. Why did you offer him the job? spanned half the globe. In all, 16,000 trained The President. Because I need him and Red Cross disaster workers brought knowl- because I think he’ll do a great job in a whole edgeable, humanitarian assistance to the vic- wide range of areas. And he was willing to tims of Andrew, Omar, and Iniki. serve, and I want him in the administration. While the Nation focused on the aftermath Thank you. of this singular wave of destruction, the American Red Cross continued its mission NOTE: The President spoke at 12:07 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his re- of helping people prevent, prepare for, and marks, he referred to Valerie Place and Sean cope with emergencies. Every day, Red Devereux, Irish citizens who were killed in Soma- Cross workers in 2,600 volunteer-based lia. chapters help the victims of single family fires, floods, tornadoes, and industrial acci- dents, an average of 150 incidents daily. Proclamation 6535—American Red More than 7.5 million people take Red Cross Cross Month, 1993 classes in water safety, first aid, and March 17, 1993 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) each year. Millions also depend on Red Cross classes and educational materials for infor- By the President of the United States mation on HIV/AIDS. The Red Cross helps of America to save and sustain countless lives by collect- A Proclamation ing, processing, and distributing more than In time of need, millions of Americans, half the Nation’s donated blood, the safest and others around the world, trust in the supply in the world. Red Cross workers serve compassionate and swift assistance of the alongside our Armed Forces wherever they American Red Cross. Since 1881, the Amer- are on duty, providing support and a touch ican Red Cross has served this Nation with of home to members and veterans of the tireless dedication and consummate skill in forces and their families. the face of natural disasters, war, and other Internationally, Red Cross workers risk emergencies. their lives daily to bring emergency relief to Nineteen ninety-two was an extraordinary Somalia and to provide food, shelter, and year for America and the American Red medical care in the midst of brutal combat Cross. In the hurricane-ravaged neighbor- in the former Yugoslavia. The same inter- hoods of south Florida and the desolate vil- national humanitarian spirit enables the lages of Somalia, in the flooded bayou coun- American Red Cross to help family members try of Louisiana and alongside the raging send messages to prisoners of war and search wildfires in California, caring Red Cross for relatives separated by war or refugee workers served meals, provided shelter, fur- movements. nished financial help, and offered emotional Since its founding 112 years ago by Clara support to victims. Barton, the American Red Cross has em- Hurricane Andrew, the most costly disas- bodied much of what is best about Ameri- ter in our history, cut an almost unimaginable cans: their willingness to help their neigh- swath of destruction through south Florida. bors, to take responsibility for their commu- More than 12,000 Red Cross volunteers and nities, and to respond to the call to service. staff overcame enormous challenges to pro- For this, the American Red Cross and its 1.4

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million volunteers have earned the respect 1,000,000 children each year are exposed to of a thankful Nation. potentially harmful medicines and household Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, chemicals. President of the United States of America During National Poison Prevention Week, and Honorary Chairman of the American activities are coordinated by the Poison Pre- Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested vention Week Council, a coalition of 37 na- in me by the Constitution and laws of the tional organizations whose members are de- United States, do hereby proclaim the month termined to stop accidental poisonings. The of March 1993 as American Red Cross Council distributes valuable information that Month. I urge all Americans to continue their is used by the staffs of poison control centers, generous support of the Red Cross and its pharmacists, public health officials, and oth- chapters nationwide. ers as they conduct poison prevention pro- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set grams in their communities. The United my hand this seventeenth day of March, in States Consumer Product Safety Commis- the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sion provides a Commission member to serve ninety-three, and of the Independence of the as Secretary of the Poison Prevention Week United States of America the two hundred Council each year. Since 1972, the Commis- and seventeenth. sion has required child-resistant packaging William J. Clinton for certain medicines and household chemi- cals, preventing countless tragedies. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Every American can help to protect chil- 4:56 p.m., March 18, 1993] dren with simple safety measures, such as using child-resistant packaging and securing potentially dangerous substances out of the NOTE: This proclamation was published in the reach of children. This week I encourage all Federal Register on March 22. Americans to become more aware of poten- tial hazards in their homes and to eliminate them. Proclamation 6536—National Poison Prevention Week, 1993 The Congress, by a joint resolution ap- proved September 26, 1961 (75 Stat. 681), March 17, 1993 has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third By the President of the United States week of March of each year as National Poi- of America son Prevention Week. A Proclamation Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, Since its inception more than three dec- do hereby proclaim the week beginning ades ago, the annual observance of National March 21, 1993, as National Poison Preven- Poison Prevention Week has saved lives. tion Week. I urge all Americans to observe Along with year-round educational programs in the public and private sectors, this annual this week by participating in appropriate pro- campaign for awareness has helped to reduce grams and activities and by learning how to dramatically the number of fatal accidental prevent accidental poisonings among chil- poisonings among children. In the effort to dren. protect every child from poisoning, which is In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set nearly always preventable, we renew our my hand this seventeenth day of March, in commitment to informing parents, grand- the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and parents, and other adults about the impor- ninety-three, and of the Independence of the tance of protecting children in their homes. United States of America the two hundred The urgency of our efforts is underscored by and seventeenth. the fact that, according to the American As- sociation of Poison Control Centers, nearly William J. Clinton

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[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, that if we do not regain control of our eco- 5:08 p.m., March 18, 1993] nomic destiny, we will soon lose the ability not only to provide for a future for our chil- dren but to lead the world that has come NOTE: This proclamation was published in the to look to us. That’s why I asked the Sec- Federal Register on March 22. retary of the Treasury to serve on the Na- tional Security Council as well as on the Na- tional Economic Council; and why, when he Remarks to Treasury Department met to meet with the leaders of the other Employees G–7 nations and found himself treated with March 18, 1993 such respect, he helped us in the conduct of American foreign policy as much as in the Thank you very much. Secretary Bentsen conduct of American domestic economic pol- and ladies and gentlemen, thank you for that icy. wonderful reception. Our policy is a team effort. I tried to con- I have looked forward to this day when vince the White House staff and all of my I might come to the Treasury for some time, Cabinet of that, and I say that to you. In and with somewhat mixed feelings. I read Lloyd Bentsen, I think we have a Secretary about this building since I was a boy. I re- of the Treasury with the unique capacity to member, in the periods of my life when I command respect, not only in the halls of was absolutely absorbed in the Civil War, this building and among the financial leaders reading about the trips that President Lin- of the country but also in the Congress and coln used to make across the street to come in the world’s financial and political capitals. to the Treasury Department. I learned today And that is an invaluable asset. He’s been from the Secretary that in 1830 the employ- my neighbor for a long time. I’ve known him ees burned this building down. You know, for nearly 20 years and admired him for a I’ve done a lot to increase people’s sense of long time. And when we were riding the bus empowerment, but I hope I didn’t overdo it. [Laughter] I’ve also, quite frankly, heard on one of my numerous bus trips, this one that I would be humbled to the point of em- across Texas, I made up my mind then that barrassment if I walked into the offices of if the people elected me President of the either the Secretary or the Deputy Secretary United States that I would ask him to be- of the Treasury, that they would make the come Secretary of the Treasury. I think it’s White House look like public housing. been a pretty good decision. [Laughter] So I thought I’d show up and see. He has sought here in Deputy Secretary Years ago, the whole Government used to Altman, an old and trusted friend of mine be within walking distance of the White of many, many years. We went to college to- House, and I’m glad the Treasury still is. I’m gether. He made money; I went into politics. glad that so many of you have worked so hard [Laughter] Until I was elected President, my to help to put together the economic pro- mother was absolutely convinced he had gram that is now making its way through the made the right decision. [Laughter] In Congress. And I want to thank you for that, Under Secretary-Designate Newman and and to echo what Secretary Bentsen said: that Under Secretary-Designate Summers, and so most Americans literally would have no idea, many others, I think we have a rare combina- they would be staggered to know the hours tion of intellect and experience, of people that were put in by public servants in the who are committed to making this country preparation of this program and in the his- into the high-wage, high-growth nation that toric speed with which it was put together. it ought to be. I hope that you did it not only because you In all the employees of the Treasury De- were here and it was your job but because partment I have seen, I’ve noticed a rare you know what Americans feel, and that is commitment to serve this Nation conscien- that our national security today is tied as tiously. And I must say, with the recent trage- never before to our economic security, and dies freshly in our minds, I think that we

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should all once again honor the plaque on promote free institutions and free markets the 4th floor of this building that notes more there and around the world, and to our effort than 160 Treasury agents who have been to create a comprehensive strategy for global killed in the line of duty in our Nation’s his- economic growth; all these things depend tory. From the Secret Service agents who upon you and the employees of the Depart- protect our Presidents and who have a par- ment of the Treasury. And every one of you, ticular chore in me because I like to get out whether you consider your job large or small, and see the people who put me in this job, is making an inestimable contribution to our to Customs agents who wage war on drugs, efforts to adjust to the changes in the world to the agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, To- that have dealt so much grief to the American bacco, and Firearms, many of the employees people over the last several years that can of this Department risk their lives to protect bring so much hope and prosperity to the the lives of the rest of us. My prayers and American people in the years ahead, if we I’m sure yours are still with the families of can find a way to make these changes our all four of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fire- friends and not our enemies. Indeed, I think arms agents who were killed in Waco: Todd you could make a very compelling case that McKeehan and Conway Le Bleu of New Or- the central challenge of this time is the chal- leans, Steve Willis of Houston, and Robert lenge of making the changes that we cannot Williams from my hometown of Little Rock. control, that are inevitably going to come Three of those four were assigned to my se- anyway, the friends of the average American curity during the course of the primary or people instead of their enemy. the general election. My gratitude is also with Even as we speak, the Congress is debat- the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agents ing and deciding on the economic program, who helped to evacuate the World Trade especially on the immediate jobs package. Center in New York in the aftermath of the This economic stimulus will create a half a explosion and later, who helped to find the million jobs. It will create some jobs imme- identification number of the van that led to diately that will build a foundation for more the arrest of the first suspect in the bombing. prosperity in the future. We have to start im- I know that all of you join with me in praying mediately investing in our children’s schools, for a peaceful and sure and quick conclusion our workers’ skills, our families’ health, the to the events in Waco. transportation and communications networks Here in this building, Treasury employees that will make our communities more pro- made extraordinary efforts—this has already ductive, our companies more profitable, and been noted—in the preparation of the eco- our people more secure over the long run. nomic plan. And you are continuing to tackle If we make these investments, we will create some of the most important issues facing our more jobs today and have a stronger econ- country. I want to reemphasize what Sec- omy tomorrow. Every element of this plan retary Bentsen said: The agenda that I have is designed to help Americans do better, to laid before the American people cannot be get the economy moving whether by generat- effective without the confident, committed, ing jobs or increasing income, investing in intense, consistent, and long-lasting efforts of the future or reducing the deficit that has the employees of the Department of the so paralyzed our ability to control our own Treasury. From our efforts to find ways to destiny. If we give the plan’s elements a control health care costs and provide cov- chance to work all together, we can make erage for every family, to our plan to ease the changes we need. We can create a half the credit crunch on small businesses, to the a million new jobs in the short run, eight plan to extend the earned income tax credit million during the term of this economic pro- to lift every working family out of poverty, gram, and make our next 20 years, most im- to the proposal to create community develop- portant of all, the best in our history. ment banks in the communities of this coun- There are those who still resist these try where the poor are willing to work if they changes, who prefer the status quo. They say can access the free enterprise system, to our we don’t have to change anything. I say, just efforts to negotiate Russian debt relief and look around the world. Look at what hap-

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pened in Europe for the last decade when just take the last issue alone, the economist they had two major economic recoveries that Lester Thurow has written a book called, generated no new jobs. Look at what hap- ‘‘Head to Head,’’ which estimates that most pened just last month, where our trade defi- of the new high-wage jobs in the future will cit went up, even though the American dollar be created in seven areas of high technology, went down because our trading partners, and that there is a limit to the total number gripped in recession and without any new of jobs the world can absorb in those areas, jobs and any incomes, couldn’t buy any more and that many of our competitors have of our products. Look at what has happened planned for what will happen 10 years from in this country, where the unemployment now much better than we have. rate is higher today than it was at the depths of the recession, even though we just re- We are playing catch-up in some areas ported the biggest increase in productivity where we appear to enjoy the lead. This pro- in 20 years in this country. It is clear that gram is designed to insure that we can keep there needs to be a partnership between the that lead for 10 or 20 years, and that our private sector and the Government to get the economy and your future as public employ- economy going again in ways that generate ees will be supported by that kind of techno- incomes and jobs as well as show good eco- logically based job growth in the future. I nomic statistics at the end of every month. believe that these things are critically impor- There are some who say, well, this pro- tant to our future. And I hope that the gram’s all right, but we ought to do a little United States House of Representatives will less of it. They are known affectionately as vote today for new jobs and deficit reduction. the ‘‘status quo lite’’ crowd over at the White Let me also say that there are a lot of peo- House. [Laughter] Frankly, I think that if we ple programs that some question the value do a little less of everything, we have a little here of. But look at the plan for immuniza- less deficit reduction, a little less spending tion. We know that if we immunize all chil- cuts, a little less tax increase, a little less in- dren against the preventable childhood dis- vestment, we’ll get a lot less in results. eases, we would save over the course of their It is clear that the time has come to make lives $10 in health care and lost economic a fundamental change in policy and direction benefits for every $1 we spend on immuniza- in this country. We know that the things that tion today. It works. We know that if we ex- we’re doing will work. This plan contains an pand college opportunities to families of mid- enormous incentive to increase private in- dle class people and low income people who vestment in the near-term in ways that will otherwise couldn’t afford to go to college or generate jobs. We know it contains a perma- stay in college, we’ll get more money back nent investment incentive for small business, because of the earning power of college grad- which until just a couple of years ago, had uates and how much greater it is than the been the main generator of new jobs in this earning power of college dropouts or high economy. school dropouts. We know that. And so when Indeed, you can make a compelling case we invest in people in a world where what that the recession we have endured in jobs you earn depends so much on what you can is almost totally tied to the fact that the small learn, we know there will be a direct return business engine, that created more jobs than to the taxpayers and to the rest of the people big business lost in the 1980’s, came to a in this country. screeching halt in the last 2 years in the face of a recession, a credit crunch, the incredible These things are unobjectionable, but burden of health care costs, and other costs we’ve always found excuses not to make a on small business in adding new employees full commitment. The toughest thing about to their enterprises. We also have proposed this economic program is it requires so many some special incentives for new companies difficult decisions, if you want to increase in- in high technology areas that will create the vestment and reduce the deficit at the same high-wage jobs of the future. All of these time. That’s never been done. We’ve reduced things should not be compromised. If you the deficit in times past, we’ve increased in-

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vestment in times past, and we’ve had years that Treasury had been among the leading where all we did was just let the present Departments in installing quality manage- spending patterns spiral out of control, but ment techniques and doing other things that we have never had a disciplined plan to re- would modernize the operations of Govern- duce the debt and increase investment at the ment. We have some money in the stimulus same time. package that will help you to modernize the operations of Government further. And when Look what this plan has produced in the he comes back I hope you will be willing markets. Look how much lower interest rates to meet with him and work with him and, are just since the last election. I bet there in the meanwhile, remember we have 6 are people in this room today who have refi- months to try to get the best ideas we can nanced a house or gotten the benefit of a from all the Federal employees in the coun- variable interest rate on a credit card or gone try about how to save more money and in- out and bought a car at a lower interest rate crease our ability to serve our customers, the because of the interest rates going down. American people. So if you have those ideas There are Americans who have literally al- I ask you to give them to the Vice President. ready gotten as much back in lower home mortgage payments, already, than they’re Finally, let me say that the end result of going to pay in the energy tax for the next all of this has to be to help our country work year or two. Because if you make real better, has to be to improve the lives of the changes that are tangible, that people can American people. I hope that by my coming see, they have real results. here today millions of Americans who never thought about the Treasury Department will So many times our Government has been know that you’re here working for them. And burdened by blurring everything around the I hope you will know how very grateful I am edges. I hope that today the House will make for all you have done and all you must do a clear statement to the American people if this program to turn America around is that we’re not going to blur this around the to succeed. edges. We’re going to have 150 and now, more cuts in specific spending programs. Thank you very much. We’re going to raise some taxes, even though they’re tough, and make over half of the money come from people who benefited most in the 1980’s, those with incomes above $200,000. We’re going to have a balanced NOTE: The President spoke at 11:48 a.m. in the program that also increases investment. And Cash Room at the Treasury Department. we’re going to say there really is a difference in Government spending, that immunizing a child or sending somebody to college is not the same thing as spending more money Nomination of Mortimer L. Downey every year on the same health care. There To Be Deputy Secretary of is a real difference. There is a difference, and Transportation it matters. March 18, 1993 Let me say, finally, that I appreciate, more than I can say, the work that you have done President Clinton today announced his in- and the sacrifices that you will have to make tention to nominate Mortimer L. Downey, to make this economic program work. The the Executive Director and Chief Financial Vice President has been asked by me to head Officer of the Metropolitan Transit Authority a program on reviewing the entire perform- of New York City, to be the Deputy Secretary ance of the Federal Government, trying to of Transportation. find ways to, in effect, reinvent the way Gov- ernment operates. And he told me right be- ‘‘There are few people in this country who fore I came over here that he was well aware can match the experience or the expertise

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of Mortimer Downey,’’ said the President. Remarks at a Breakfast for Members ‘‘I am very pleased that he is joining Sec- of the House of Representatives retary Pen˜ a at a Department that will play March 19, 1993 a key role in implementing my economic plan, as well as in improving our Nation’s Last night I went to bed early—at 1:15 transportation system.’’ a.m.—for you, and I was taking odds on how many of you would actually be here this morning at 8:30 a.m. [Laughter] This may be a greater test of loyalty than the votes yes- NOTE: A biography of the nominee was made terday. [Laughter] available by the Office of the Press Secretary. I want to say to you, Mr. Speaker, a special word of thanks, and in his absence, to Mr. Gephardt, to whom I talked last night some- time after midnight. I want to thank you, Announcement of Nomination for David Bonior, for your work. And I want to Two Deputy United States Trade say a special word of thanks for the southern- Representatives drawled discipline of Butler Derrick, the fine job he did. I love to listen to Butler talk. March 18, 1993 He makes me sound like a Yankee. [Laugh- ter] I’d also like to thank the other leaders President Clinton announced today his in- up here on the platform but especially the tention to nominate Rufus Yerxa and two chairs who are here, Mr. Natcher and Charlene Barshefsky as Deputy U.S. Trade Mr. Sabo, for the work they did. Representatives, and his approval of the ap- And I want to thank, of course, most of pointment by Ambassador Mickey Kantor of all, all of you for what you did yesterday. And the following: I want to thank your constituents, the people who made this possible. If it hadn’t been for Ira Shapiro, General Counsel the American people voting for a change in Nancy LeaMond, Assistant U.S. Trade direction in this country, communicating that Representative for Congressional Affairs to you, and telling you that they would stay Anne Luzzatto, Assistant U.S. Trade Rep- behind you if you made the tough decisions, resentative for Public Affairs none of this would have been possible. Debbie Shon, Assistant U.S. Trade Rep- Yesterday was a great day of victory for resentative for Intergovernmental Af- ordinary Americans and for the proposition fairs and Public Liaison that this Government can work for them Ellen Frost, Counselor again, that we don’t have to be mired in grid- Howard Reed, Special Counsel for Finan- lock, that we don’t have to spend all of our cial and Investment Policy time posturing and dividing and running for Tom Nides, Special Counsel for Congres- cover instead of moving into the future. It sional and Intergovernmental Affairs was a wonderful beginning. I think it’s impor- tant to remember that it’s just a beginning, ‘‘We are at a key moment in the history that you now have to encourage your col- of American trade policy,’’ said the President. leagues on the other side of the Capitol to ‘‘Rufus Yerxa, Charlene Barshefsky, and the act and that we all have to continue to stay outstanding team that Ambassador Kantor in touch with the people who sent us here. has put together will work hard to make sure When I leave you today, I’m going to Atlanta that we do not miss the opportunities that to try to continue my dialog with the Amer- lay ahead of us.’’ ican people and to say we still have a great deal of work to do to create the jobs and invest in our people and reduce the deficit. But people know that it’s working. NOTE: Biographies of the nominees were made You know, this last week I have had to available by the Office of the Press Secretary. take a good deal of time off to deal with the

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foreign policy responsibilities of the Presi- I called Justice White just a few moments dent. But one of the most interesting things ago and had a fine conversation with him. that happened during the last week is that I’ve known him for nearly 20 years, and I every world leader with whom I met at some thanked him for his service to our country. point during the conversation said that Amer- He’s had a truly remarkable life. And I appre- ica seems to be on the move again, that it’s ciate the fact that he cared enough about the exciting to see so much happening here. Court as an institution to offer me a signifi- I just want to say on behalf of all of you cant period of time to deliberate and still to who were working last night, who missed the have plenty of time to have a nominee con- White House correspondents’ dinner, I’ll sidered by the Senate and then confirmed give you a list of my jokes on the way out— well in advance of the beginning of the [laughter]—but you won’t have to endure Court’s next term. them again. So I will begin work on this tomorrow in We are looking forward, the Vice Presi- earnest. And I will attempt to be faithful to dent and I and all of our family, to working my Constitutional duties and appoint a truly with you as we complete this work. This can outstanding American in a timely fashion. be a historic year for this country. You acted with unbelievable dispatch. I don’t think that a budget resolution has ever been passed so Potential Supreme Court Nominees quickly and one has ever been this com- prehensive and acted on this quickly. It is Q. ——you once mentioned Governor a wonderful beginning but is just the begin- Cuomo before. ning. And let’s, all of us, determine that we’re The President. I don’t want to get into not going to quit until our job is done. Let’s personalities now. This is Mr. Justice White’s urge the people, as I said, in the Senate to day. And as I said, I never will forget sitting join hands with us and move forward quickly in the Supreme Court as a young attorney now. And let’s stay in touch with the folks general and having had him already tell me back home and tell them what we’re really that the quality of representation by the doing is giving the Government back to States was pretty poor. And then I had them. worked very hard with a lawyer from my Thank you very much, and God bless you. State who was making the argument, and he sent me a note, which I still have in my per- sonal files 16 years later, saying that we were NOTE: The President spoke at 8:55 a.m. in the doing better. So that’s what I’m going to try East Room at the White House. to do every day. Q. Do you have a long list of possible Remarks on the Retirement of nominees? Supreme Court Justice Byron R. The President. No. The list may get White and an Exchange With longer; it may get shorter. I did not anticipate having the opportunity to make an appoint- Reporters ment at this early stage, so we don’t have March 19, 1993 a big bank of potential nominees. I’ll go to work on it tomorrow. I don’t want to discuss The President. Let me say, as all of you any individuals at this point. I will do my best know, I received a letter not long ago from to pick a truly outstanding person just as soon Justice White expressing his intention to re- as I can. sign from the Court at the end of this term and saying that he wanted to give me this much notice so that hopefully I could an- Bosnia nounce my intention to nominate someone Q. ——is to get people out of Bosnia. Are and all the hearings could be concluded in you going to be able to comply with that re- time to really prepare someone to serve at quest? the beginning of the October term of the The President. President Mitterrand and Court. I talked the other day, and he told me he

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was going to give some helicopters, which, pressed his intention to nominate the follow- as you know, he’s done. And this morning ing: was the first I have been informed of that. Jerry Bowen, Director, National Cemetery So we’re going to discuss that today and make Systems, Department of Veterans Af- a decision. fairs; Mark Catlett, Assistant Secretary for Fi- Abortion nance and Information Resources Man- Q. Is abortion a litmus test for a Supreme agement, Department of Veterans Af- Court nominee? Is that the whole issue? fairs; The President. Now, the question as you Daniel Tarullo, Assistant Secretary for ask it contains a thousand questions. And I Economic and Business Affairs, Depart- wouldn’t say no, and a thousand questions ment of State; and no. Do I believe that there is a constitutional Susan Gaffney, Inspector General, De- right to privacy? Yes, I do. partment of Housing and Urban Devel- Thank you. opment. ‘‘I am very pleased with the pace of the NOTE: The President spoke at 9:55 a.m. on the nominations that we have been making,’’ said South Lawn at the White House upon departure the President. ‘‘This week alone, I have for Atlanta, GA. In his remarks, he referred to named more than 30 people to fill important President Franc¸ois Mitterrand of France. positions in the day-to-day operations of the Federal Government,’’ he added.

Statement on the Retirement of NOTE: Biographies of the nominees were made Supreme Court Justice Byron R. available by the Office of the Press Secretary. White March 19, 1993

This morning I received a letter from Jus- Digest of Other tice Byron White informing me that he in- tends to retire at the end of the current Su- White House Announcements preme Court term. He is a living example of the American The following list includes the President’s public dream fulfilled. He came from humble be- schedule and other items of general interest an- ginnings, was a star college and professional nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and athlete, a Rhodes scholar, a prominent pri- not included elsewhere in this issue. vate attorney, and Deputy Attorney General at one of the most important times in our March 15 history before joining the Court in 1962. In The White House announced that Japa- his 31 years on the Supreme Court, Justice nese Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa will White served his country and our Constitu- visit the White House on April 16 for a meet- tion well. We are all more fortunate that he ing and working lunch. devoted the great portion of his life to public service. March 16 In the morning, the President met with congressional leaders and later with Senators Announcement of Nomination for from western States. Four Sub-Cabinet Posts March 19, 1993 March 17 In the morning, the President met with President Clinton announced today his the governing board of the Electronics In- choices for four senior positions at the De- dustry Association. partments of Veterans Affairs, State, and In the afternoon, the President and Prime Housing and Urban Development. He ex- Minister Albert Reynolds of Ireland attended

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the Friends of Ireland St. Patrick’s Day lunch consultations between the European Com- at the Capitol. munity and the United States on May 7. The President announced his approval for the following departmental appointments at March 19 the Department of the Interior: Brooks In the morning, the President traveled to Yeager, Director of Program Analysis; Kevin Atlanta, GA, where he visited the Downtown Sweeny, Director of Communications; and Child Development Center and addressed Thomas Williams, Deputy Assistant Sec- members of the business community at the retary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Apparel Mart, and returned to Washington, The President announced his intention to DC, in the evening. nominate six sub-Cabinet officials: Eugene Branstool, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Inspec- tion Services; Nominations Lionel Skipwith Johns, Associate Director Submitted to the Senate for Technology, Office of Science and Technology Policy; Daniel Beard, Commissioner, Bureau of The following list does not include promotions of Reclamation, Department of the Inte- members of the Uniformed Services, nominations rior; to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- Mary Lou Keener, General Counsel, De- eign Service officers. partment of Veterans Affairs; Edward Scott, Assistant Secretary of Vet- erans Affairs for Congressional Affairs; Submitted March 15 and Joe Shuldiner, Assistant Secretary of Strobe Talbott, Housing and Urban Development for of Ohio, to be Ambassador at Large and Spe- Public and Indian Housing. cial Adviser to the Secretary of State on the New Independent States. March 18 In the morning, the President met with Harriet C. Babbitt, Democratic Senators. Later, he went to the of Arizona, to be the Permanent Representa- Department of the Treasury where he was tive of the United States of America to the given a brief tour. Organization of American States, with the In the afternoon, the President had lunch rank of Ambassador. with the Vice President and afterwards met with the Black Publishers Association. Stephen A. Oxman, In the late afternoon, the President met of New Jersey, to be an Assistant Secretary with the President of the Commission of the of State, vice Thomas Michael Tolliver Niles, European Communities, Jacques Delors, and resigned. then with recipients of the White House News Photographers Association awards. Submitted March 16 In the evening, the President attended the Radio and Television Correspondents Asso- Joan E. Spero, ciation dinner at the Washington Hilton. of New York, to be Under Secretary of State The White House announced that the for Economic and Agricultural Affairs, vice President has invited the President of the Robert B. Zoellick. European Council, Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen of Denmark, and the James Lee Witt, President of the Commission of the Euro- of Arkansas, to be Director of the Federal pean Communities, Jacques Delors, to the Emergency Management Agency, vice Wal- White House for the biannual Presidential lace Elmer Stickney, resigned.

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Submitted March 17 Released March 16 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Robert M. Sussman, retary Dee Dee Myers of the District of Columbia, to be Deputy Transcript of a press briefing by Director of Administrator of the Environmental Protec- Communications George Stephanopoulos tion Agency, vice Frank Henry Habicht II, resigned. Released March 17 Transcripts of two press briefings by Press Thomas E. Donilon, Secretary Dee Dee Myers of the District of Columbia, to be an Assist- ant Secretary of State, vice Margaret Transcript of a press briefing by Director of DeBardeleben Tutwiler, resigned. Communications George Stephanopoulos Released March 18 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Dee Dee Myers Checklist Transcript of a press briefing by Director of of White House Press Releases Communications George Stephanopoulos

The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Acts Approved Other White House Announcements. by the President

Released March 15 Approved March 17 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Dee Dee Myers S. 400 / Public Law 103–7 Transcript of a press briefing by Director of Aircraft Equipment Settlement Leases Act of Communications George Stephanopoulos 1993

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