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By making the Section 8, low income rental a lot of time talking about industry and trade assistance program, more flexible, the Fed- and commerce; after all, we trade over a tril- eral Government can make homeownership lion dollars a year between Europe and the a reality for more Americans. United States. And I reminded people a solid The new Section 8 HUD pilot program, truth, that the strength of our economy de- the Olmstead Executive order, and the full pends upon the people who go to work every implementation of Section 508 will help day—that there is a lot of fiscal matters that eliminate the barriers that many Americans we’ll take up and monetary matters, but the with disabilities face. The proposals I sent truth of the matter is, the great strength of to Congress will build on our society’s com- the American economy is our workforce, the mitment to welcome all Americans as friends hard men and women who work every single and neighbors. When governments, business, day to make a living. And that is your concern and individuals work together to build a wel- today, and I commend you all very much for coming society, Americans of every ability giving this conference your time and your in- will benefit. terest and your talent. Thank you for what you’re doing here at Our responsibilities are clear: We should the Department of Defense. Thank you for try to make it easier for people to find good your compassion. And may God bless Amer- jobs by giving them the education and train- ica. ing they need to succeed; second, we should NOTE: The President spoke at 10:19 a.m. in the help them keep good jobs and encourage em- auditorium at the Pentagon. In his remarks, he ployers to do more for their workers; and referred to Defense Secretary Donald H. third, we owe them a chance to build a nest Rumsfeld and Dinah Cohen, director, Computer/ egg that will help them maintain a high Electronic Accommodations Program. standard of living in their retirement years. As you well know, a successful working life Remarks at the Summit on the 21st usually begins with a good education. This Century Workforce has always been true. But it’s even more true as our economy changes. We live in a time June 20, 2001 of incredible opportunities to succeed, and Thank you all very much. Thank you very every child growing up in America, regard- much. Please be seated. Madam Secretary, less of background or accent, deserves an thank you very much, and I appreciate so equal chance to take advantage of these op- very much your service to the country. I portunities. Five months after the day that made a good pick when I convinced Elaine I was inaugurated, I am pleased to say that to join my Cabinet; she’s doing a terrific job. we are nearing historic reforms in public I think Rod Paige is here, too, the Secretary education. This is a victory for every child of Education. If he’s not—he is here. Hey, and for every family in America. Mr. Secretary. Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Last week education reform passed the Members of Congress, thank you all so Senate by a vote of 91 to 8. When these re- very much for being here. I spend a lot of forms become law, schools will have more quality time with Members of Congress these freedom from needless meddling by Wash- days. [Laughter] I think we’re making pretty ington. There will be fewer mandates and good progress, and I appreciate you all for regulations for schools to meet, more free- coming. dom and more flexibility, as schools live up I want to thank the business and labor to high standards they will now be required leaders who are here. And I want to thank to meet. you all for taking an interest in the American You see, I believe every child can learn. workforce. I believe we’ve got to start with the mind- As Elaine mentioned, I just came back set that every child in America can learn. And from Europe and had a fascinating experi- we need to raise the bar and trust local peo- ence. It’s such an honor to represent our ple to meet the standards and—the high great Nation around the world. We’ve spent standards. Every public school, starting next 942 June 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2001 year, as well, will be held accountable for possible, we should find ways to remove con- its performance. flicts between home and work. For example, It’s not enough to promise and proclaim more workers should be able to take advan- high standards. The American people expect tage of comp time. Federal workers already results. Families and parents want results. enjoy this privilege, and private sector em- And the law will soon require such results ployees deserve the same. Many hard-work- with testing every child for every grade, ing people would prefer to be able to choose three-through-eight, in reading and math. a few extra days at home instead of a few The critics say, ‘‘Why?’’ The answer is, be- extra dollars on payday. We’ve got to trust cause we want to know. And we want to know the workers of America to make the decisions early, before it’s too late. This business about that’s best for their families. passing children through grades because of Until fairly recently, many Americans have age has got the end. This society must ask never known paydays at all nor the other re- the question, ‘‘What do you know?’’ wards that work brings. They have been de- I’m grateful for the hard work in Capitol nied jobs on account of a disability, and one Hill by both Republicans and Democrats on of the great advances in our time is that per- this measure. We’ve worked together from sons with disabilities have been more wel- the start to what I hope is the finish soon. comed in the workplace. But there’s still Congress needs to finish this work. The con- more to do. ference needs to come together. The House We must speed up the day when the last conferees and the Senate conferees need to barrier has been removed to full and inde- meet, reconcile their differences, and get the pendent lives for every American, with or bill to my desk before public education starts without disability. I’ve sent to Congress a set next fall. It’s time to act, and it’s time to act of proposals called the New Freedom Initia- with meaningful, real reforms. tive. It’s an important step to ensuring that All of us recognize that education spending all Americans with disabilities can participate should be increased—I realize that; the Sen- more fully in the life of their communities ate realizes that; the House recognizes that— and of our country. We’ll help our fellow but only where we’re certain that the money Americans gain greater access to assistive will be well spent. Additional resources must technology. We’ll also help them gain access be tied to demonstrated progress and results. to public transportation and to the work- As Congress writes the final bill, I trust that place, itself, in keeping with the require- members of both parties will stay true to that ments of the Americans with Disabilities Act. principle. We must not repeat the mistakes I’ve also asked Congress to create a fund of years past, confusing spending money with to help people with disabilities to buy the progress. We must keep the focus on reform equipment they need to telecommute. We’ll and results. It’s the least we owe the work- provide tax incentives to encourage employ- force of tomorrow, the very least—which is ers to provide such equipment. And we’ll a good, sound education. protect home offices from needless OSHA But at every turn, Federal policy must regulations. keep pace with changes of our workforce. Tens of millions of Americans today work This morning I took one step, with an Execu- out of their homes. For most, it’s a conven- tive order formally establishing an Office of ience; for workers with disabilities, it is a rev- the 21st Century Workforce within the De- olution. And we want as many Americans as partment of Labor. This office will be possible to share in this revolution of inde- charged with identifying new challenges and pendence. new opportunities for American workers. An urgent issue for many workers today My Executive order also creates a Presi- is quality health care. Like education reform, dential council to advise on labor issues and this issue is reaching an hour of decision, and especially on those issues affecting the lives before this year is out, I want to sign into of workers and their families. Every working law a Patients’ Bill of Rights. And let me be person is entitled to expect fair treatment specific again about the type of bill I’d like from the employers they work for. Wherever to sign. It must cover everyone, all patients Administration of George W. Bush, 2001 / June 20 943 and all private health care plans. The stand- The tax bill also eased the IRS limits on ards should be strong enough to protect ev- pension benefits that you’re allowed to re- eryone, yet flexible enough to preserve the ceive. We heard from many unions and em- good work that has been done in many ployers about the need for these changes, States. It must guarantee all patients impor- and we listened. This will help our workers tant rights: the right to get emergency treat- prepare for later years, sending less money ment at the nearest emergency room; the to Washington and putting more money in right to see a specialist when they need one; their own savings accounts. a woman should be able to visit her gyne- And I’ve also established a bipartisan com- cologist, and parents, their children’s pedia- mission to save and strengthen Social Secu- trician, without going through a gatekeeper. rity. With this help and with the support of In any bill that receives my signature, pa- Congress—we need to get beyond the years tients will have the right to a fair and imme- of delay and finger-pointing and quarreling diate review when medical care is denied. about this incredibly important issue. The If a health care plan denies care, you should days of shifting blame must end in order to be able to appeal immediately to an inde- save this important system. pendent, impartial review panel of medical To those who are retired and near retired, doctors. And if they say you need the care, a promise made will be a promise kept by your health care plan must provide it, period. this Government. But to the younger workers It’s important for Americans to know, with who wonder whether or not there is going that kind of strong, independent review proc- to be a Social Security system around, you ess, most disagreements will not wind up in have an administration and a vehicle now court. The law should allow the review proc- that’s willing to think differently, to trust you ess to work, not short-circuit it by inviting with your own money, to say it’s your money unnecessary lawsuits. to begin with, so that you can build your own I believe that an HMO that wrongly denies nest egg that you can pass from one genera- coverage to a patient should be held liable tion to the next. It’s time. in court. But we must keep our eye on the One of the great virtues of the country is purpose. We want to give patients the care the value we place on hard work—it really they need when they need it. The idea is makes America unique, in a different place— to serve more patients, not to create more and the respect we have for those who work lawsuits in America. We can provide mean- hard. Mine is an administration that under- ingful remedies to patients without driving stands the important resource of the men and up the cost of health care or forcing employ- women of America, the hard-working people ers to drop coverage. who make this country grow. And ours is an Measured against this criterion I’ve de- administration that will always value hard scribed, there are some good bills and some work and trust the individual and understand bad bills. And I want to thank Senators John the limitations of Government. Breaux, Democrat; Senator Bill Frist, Re- I want to thank you all for giving me a publican; Senator Jim Jeffords, inde- chance to come by and visit with you. It is pendent—[laughter]—for working hard to a huge honor to be the President of the great- come up with a reasonable solution to this est nation on the face of the Earth. And it’s very important problem. a huge honor to be the President of a nation Finally, the end of a working life should full of decent, hard-working, caring, and not be the beginning of worry and hardship. compassionate people. I thank you for the The tax reform package I signed into law 2 privilege. God bless. weeks ago will help in several ways. For start- ers, it leaves more money in every working person’s pocket. We remembered whose money it was we’re spending up here; it’s the working people’s money. And it gives NOTE: The President spoke at 9:35 a.m. at the workers the chance to put more of their own MCI Center. In his remarks, he referred to Labor money into an IRA or a 401(k) plan. Secretary Elaine Chao. 944 June 20 / Administration of George W. Bush, 2001

Executive Order 13218—21st be appointed by the President. The Century Workforce Initiative membership shall include individuals June 20, 2001 who represent the views of business and labor organizations, Federal, State, and By the authority vested in me as President local governments, academicians and by the Constitution and laws of the United educators, and such other associations States of America, including the Federal Ad- and entities as the President determines visory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. are appropriate. In addition, the Sec- App.), and in order to promote the study and retary of Labor and the Director of the the development of strategies to address the Office of Personnel Management shall needs of the 21st century workforce, it is serve as ex officio members rep- hereby ordered as follows: resenting the views of the Federal Gov- Section 1. Establishment of the Office of ernment. The Secretary of Labor shall the 21st Century Workforce. (a) The Sec- be the Chairperson of the Council. retary of Labor is hereby directed to establish (b) Functions of the Council. The Council within the Department of Labor the Office shall provide information and advice to the of the 21st Century Workforce. The Office President through the Secretary of Labor, shall provide a focal point for the identifica- the Office of the 21st Century Workforce tion and study of issues relating to the work- within the Department of Labor, and other force of the United States and the develop- appropriate Federal officials relating to ment of strategies for effectively addressing issues affecting the 21st century workforce. such issues. These activities shall include: (b) The Office of the 21st Century Work- (i) assessing the effects of rapid techno- force shall gather and disseminate informa- logical changes, demographic trends, tion relating to workforce issues by con- globalization, changes in work proc- ducting summits, conferences, field hearings, esses, and the need for new and en- meetings, and other appropriate forums de- hanced skills for workers, employers, signed to encourage the participation of orga- and other related sectors of society; nizations and individuals interested in such (ii) examining current and alternative issues, including business and labor organiza- approaches to assisting workers and em- tions, academicians, employers, employees, ployers in adjusting to and benefitting and public officials at the local, State, and from such changes, including opportuni- Federal levels. ties for workplace education, retraining, (c) Among the issues to be addressed by access to assistive technologies and the Office of the 21st Century Workforce workplace supports, and skills upgrad- shall be the identification of the ways in ing; which the Department of Labor may stream- (iii) identifying impediments to the ad- line and update the information and services justment to such changes by workers made available to the workforce by the De- and employers and recommending ap- partment; eliminate duplicative or overlap- proaches and policies that could remove ping rules and regulations; and eliminate those impediments; statutory and regulatory barriers to assisting (iv) assisting the Office of the 21st Cen- the workforce in successfully adapting to the tury Workforce in reviewing programs challenges of the 21st century. carried out by the Department of Labor Sec. 2. Establishment of the Council on and identifying changes to such pro- the 21st Century Workforce. grams that would stream line and up- (a) Establishment and Composition of the date their effectiveness in meeting the Council. needs of the workforce; and (i) There is hereby established the (v) analyzing such additional issues re- ‘‘President’s Council on the 21st Cen- lating to the workforce and making such tury Workforce’’ (Council). reports as the President or the Secretary (ii) The Council shall be composed of of Labor may request. not more than 13 members who shall (c) Administration of the Council.