Presidential Documents

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, October 1, 2007 Volume 43—Number 39 Pages 1241–1272

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Addresses and Remarks Executive Orders See also Bill Signings; Meetings With Foreign Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Leaders Committees and Amendments to and Energy security and climate change, Revocation of Other Executive Orders— meeting—1261 1266 New York City Strengthening Adult Education—1258 Democracy, meeting on—1250 Dinner hosted by United Nations Meetings With Foreign Leaders Secretary-General Ban—1252 No Child Left Behind Act—1253 Afghanistan, President Karzai—1252 United Nations General Assembly—1245 Brazil, President Lula da Silva—1244 United Nations Security Council, meeting— Iraq, Prime Minister Maliki—1249 1250 Palestinian Authority, President Abbas—1243 Radio address—1241 Transportation Secretary Peters and FAA Proclamations Acting Administrator Sturgell, meeting— To Provide for Duty Elimination for Certain 1258 Goods of Mexico Under the North Young Presidents’ Organization—1242 American Free Trade Agreement—1265 Bill Signings Statements by the President College Cost Reduction and Access Act, remarks—1255 Burma situation—1258 Integration of Central High School in Little Communications to Congress Rock, AR, 50th anniversary—1251 Peru-U.S. free trade agreement, message National Assessment of Educational transmitting proposed legislation—1260 Progress—1251 Communications to Federal Agencies Supplementary Materials Presidential Determination on Energy Assistance for the Democratic People’s Acts approved by the President—1272 Republic of Korea, memorandum—1268 Checklist of White House press releases— Waiver of Limitation on Obligation and 1271 Expenditure of $1,051.6 Million in Fiscal Digest of other White House Year 2007 Economic Support Funds for announcements—1269 Iraq, memorandum—1269 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1270

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

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The President’s Radio Address week for Congress to make sure health insur- September 22, 2007 ance for poor children does not lapse. If they fail to do so, more than a million children Good morning. In just 8 days, the State could lose health coverage. Health coverage Children’s Health Insurance Program—or for these children should not be held hostage SCHIP—is set to expire. This important pro- while political ads are being made and new gram helps children whose families cannot polls are being taken. Congress must pass a afford private health insurance, but who do clean, temporary extension of the current not qualify for Medicaid to get the coverage SCHIP program that I can sign by Sep- they need. I strongly supported SCHIP as tember 30th, the date the program expires. a Governor and have strongly supported it as President. My 2008 budget proposed to In addition to extending the SCHIP pro- increase SCHIP funding by $5 billion over gram, Congress needs to focus on passing 5 years, a 20-percent increase over current fundamental spending bills, especially the funding. annual funding bill for the Department of Defense. Congress must also pass additional Instead of working with my administration funding for our troops fighting the war on to enact this funding increase for children’s health, Democrats in Congress have decided terror. We need these bills so we can get to pass a bill they know will be vetoed. One our men and women in uniform essential of their leaders has even said such a veto equipment, like additional armored fighting would be ‘‘a political victory.’’ As if this vehicles that are resistant to mines and am- weren’t irresponsible enough, Congress is bushes. waiting until the SCHIP program is just The American people expect their elected about to expire before passing a final bill. leaders in Washington to work together by In other words, Members of Congress are passing responsible bills in a timely manner. risking health coverage for poor children I am confident that with good will on both purely to make a political point. sides, Democrats and Republicans can do The proposal congressional leaders are this. We can meet our obligations to help pushing would raise taxes on working Ameri- poor children get health coverage. We can cans and would raise spending by $35 to $50 meet our responsibilities to the men and billion. Their proposal would result in taking women keeping our Nation safe. And we can a program meant to help poor children and do our duty to spend the taxpayers’ money turning it into one that covers children in wisely. some households with incomes of up to $83,000 a year. And their proposal would Thank you for listening. move millions of children who now have private health insurance into Government-run health care. Our goal should be to move children who have no health insurance to private NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:50 a.m. on September 21 in the Cabinet Room at the White coverage, not to move children who already House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September have private health insurance to Government 22. The transcript was made available by the Of- coverage. fice of the Press Secretary on September 21 but My administration remains committed to was embargoed for release until the broadcast. working with Congress to pass a responsible The Office of the Press Secretary also released SCHIP bill. In the meantime, I called this a Spanish language transcript of this address. 1241

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Remarks to the Young Presidents’ translating into larger paychecks for Amer- Organization ican workers. Unemployment is low; inflation September 24, 2007 is low; and opportunity abounds. The entre- preneurial spirit is strong. Thank you all. Please be seated. I’ve spo- You know, this economic vitality just didn’t ken to a lot of people in this room, but rarely happen—in other words, it’s—I think it’s the have I spoken to a group of people who I result of hard work and people dreaming big can address, Mr. President, or Madam Presi- dreams and working hard to fulfill them. I dent. [Laughter] I thank you for joining us. also believe it’s the result of progrowth eco- I appreciate Jim Nussle joining us as well. nomic policies. And the job in Washington I look forward to having—giving you a few is to keep the environment sound for invest- remarks on the budget. As business leaders, ment and for growth. you know it’s important to set priorities and And so with that in mind, last February, make decisions in a timely way. That’s what I submitted a budget to Congress that fully you do on a daily basis. If you were running funds our priorities, yet holds the growth of a company whose lease was up for renewal nonsecurity discretionary spending to less in a few months, you’d ask the landlord to than inflation; it puts us on the path to budg- start negotiating prices and terms. You would et surplus by 2012; and it does all this without anticipate the cancellation of the—or the re- raising taxes. In other words, we can meet negotiation of the lease. You would ask for priorities, and we can do so without raising time to think about the best way forward, taxes. I think raising taxes would be bad for and you wouldn’t be happy if the landlord the economy and bad for the working people. waited until the night before your time was Unfortunately, the Democratic majority in up and then dropped on your desk a 500- Congress has chosen a different path. The page lease that he expected you to sign. In plan they have put forward includes an in- the business world, that’s called alienating crease in discretionary spending that is nearly your customers. [Laughter] In Washington, $22 billion more than my budget request. that’s called the appropriations process. Some in Congress will tell you that $22 bil- [Laughter] lion is not a lot of money. As business leaders, The fiscal year ends in less than a week. you know better. As a matter of fact, $22 Yet Congress has not sent a single appropria- billion is larger than the annual revenues of tions bill to my desk. Not one. Instead, the most Fortune 500 companies. And the $22 congressional leaders may end up lumping billion is only for the first year. With every all 12 outstanding appropriations bills into passing year, the number gets bigger and big- one massive, trillion-dollar piece of legisla- ger, and so over the next 5 years, the increase tion later this year. This would make it easier in Federal spending would add up to $205 for Members to sneak in all kinds of special billion. And the only way to pay for such a projects, put in wasteful spending or large spending increase is to raise taxes on porkbarrel that they are not willing to debate the American people. in the open. So it’s no surprise that the same Members If they think that by waiting until just be- of Congress who are planning the big in- fore they leave for the year to send me a crease in Federal spending are also planning bill that is way over budget and thicker than the largest tax increase in American history. a phonebook, if they think that’s going to At a time when families are working hard force me to sign it, it’s not. This would be to pay their mortgages or pay for their chil- bad for our country; it would be harmful for dren going to college, now is not the time our economy; and it would be unfair for the to be taking money out of their pocket. taxpayers. The Founders understood that there This is an important time for our economy. would be times when the President and the For nearly 6 years, we’ve enjoyed uninter- Congress would have different views about rupted economic growth. Since August 2003, spending and taxes, and so they gave the ex- the economy has added more than 8.2 mil- ecutive and legislative branches different lion jobs. Productivity is growing, and that’s powers. Congress has the power of the purse,

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the authority to pass tax bills and set spend- extra time to complete the 12 annual spending levels. The President has the authority ing bills, and do them 1 at a time, in a fiscally to reject unwise or excessive taxes and spend- responsible way. ing. And unless Congress has a two-third ma- I believe we can work together to keep jority, it must come to an agreement with your taxes low, to keep the economy growing, the President if it wants to get a bill enacted. and to balance a Federal budget. I appreciate Every year, Congress deals with separate you giving me a chance to come and visit bills that fund the day-to-day activities of our with you. Thank you. Government, everything from defense to homeland security to education and transpor- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:52 a.m. in Room tation. These 12 spending bills are the nor- 350 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Of- mal process by which Congress sets it prior- fice Building. In his remarks, he referred to Office ities when they spend your money. of Management and Budget Director James A. Now we are days away from the end of Nussle. the year, end of the fiscal year. And as I told you, Congress hadn’t finished one of these bills. They got the requirement to do 12; they Remarks Following Discussions With hadn’t done 1. If Congress doesn’t get its President Mahmoud Abbas of the work done in a week, the Government is not Palestinian Authority in New York going to have the funding to continue impor- City tant services. I don’t believe the American September 24, 2007 people should be denied those services because Congress can’t get its work done. President Bush. Mr. President, Prime Congress needs to pass these annual Minister, members of your delegation, thank spending bills. And if they need more time, you for coming. I strongly support the cre- I urge them to pass a clean continuing resolu- ation of a Palestinian state. I believe it’s in tion. Under a clean continuing resolution, the the interests of the Palestinian people. I be- Government would continue to operate at lieve it’s in the interests of Israel to have a current funding levels while the Congress democracy living side by—democracies liv- works on the annual appropriations bills. The ing side by side in peace. principle should be that there would be no And the fundamental question that I ask new spending, no new policies, no new is, is there leadership that share the vision projects unless the President and Congress and are willing to work hard to achieve the agree in advance on a specific item. vision? And if the answer to that question The continuing resolution is not a new is yes, the United States of America will be idea. This isn’t the first time it’s—would have a strong partner in implementing the vision. happened. The last Congress didn’t pass all I have known the President for quite a its appropriations bills on time. And with the while. I am convinced that he is dedicated help of a continuing resolution, Congress to the formation of a Palestinian democracy kept the Government running while finishing that will live with peace with their neighbor, the work. An earlier Republican Congress Israel. And I believe the Prime Minister of did the same thing during President Clinton’s Israel is dedicated to the same vision. And second term after a disruptive Government therefore, as I told the President, the United shutdown that no Congress has allowed States of America will work as hard as we since. possibly can to help you achieve the vision, When the 110th Congress took office ear- Mr. President. lier this week, the leaders promised to make Condi Rice has been very engaged; Sec- the legislative process more transparent and retary Rice has been very engaged in the re- to—prove they could be responsible with the gion. And when she speaks, she’s speaking people’s money. They said, ‘‘Give us a chance for me and my Government. And I appre- to be responsible.’’ Well, now is the time to ciate you taking time to explain to me the honor those pledges. By passing a clean con- hurdles you see, the role you’d like to see tinuing resolution, Congress would give itself the United States play, and your dedication

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to a cause that is just and important. I appre- Israel. President Abbas spoke in Arabic, and his ciate the fact that you’re fighting the extrem- remarks were translated by an interpreter. ists who don’t share the same kind of view. And I believe that the vision of two states, side by side in peace, is achievable. And we Remarks Following Discussions With want to help you realize that goal. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of So thank you for coming. Brazil in New York City President Abbas. Mr. President, thank September 24, 2007 you very much for receiving us here and for hosting us. We appreciate that very much. President Bush. It’s a pleasure to be with I would like to take this opportunity to con- my friend the President of Brazil. Every time firm to you that we truly believe very strongly we visit, it’s always a fruitful and important in the peace process, and we believe very discussion. We talked about climate change. strongly in your vision of establishing a Pales- And I assured the President that the event tinian, independent, viable state that lives we’re having in Washington—which he kind- side by side with the State of Israel. ly is coming to—is an important meeting Mr. President, these days we feel hopeful, about reaching international consensus on and we feel and we sense the hope, especially how to move together on the issue of climate after the call to convene an international change. meeting during the month of November. We We talked about alternative fuels. Brazil, believe that this meeting should deal with under President Lula’s leadership, is a lead- the substance and issues of substance that ing producer of ethanol. And he is an evan- would lead to full negotiations on permanent gelist on the subject. And I appreciate very status that would lead to a permanent peace much his leadership, because I believe the and a peace agreement between Israel and United States will benefit from ethanol. And the Palestinians. so I look forward to working with you. And And based on our belief of the seriousness I want to thank you for your leadership in of this call, both us and the Israelis have Haiti. formed the teams that will work immediately And finally, we had a good discussion on in order to negotiate for the issues to be Doha. We share a commitment to a success- ready and ripe to take it one step further ful round of trade talks. And I assured the and be prepared and ready prior to the mid- President that the United States would show November date for the convening of the flexibility, particularly on agricultural goods, meeting. in order to help achieve a breakthrough. So I also take this opportunity to reaffirm I want to thank you for the conversation. It’s again that we strongly believe in the road- a joy being with you. map, which includes your vision, Mr. Presi- President Lula. First of all, I would like dent, as well as the Arab initiative. Collec- to thank for the opportunity once again to tively, together, I believe they represent a be here with President Bush and with mem- strong framework that would allow us and bers of his Cabinet. Secondly, we are con- help us to negotiate the permanent status vinced that on the climate change and the issues and reach an agreement on it. Doha round, we’re still dependent on some Therefore, Mr. President, we will continue factors. And one of these factors is the will- to count on your work, on your support, and ingness of an important country like the U.S. your serious efforts. We have faith and trust demonstrating its capability to be flexible. in all of this and believe that with the help And President Bush has demonstrated the of this, we’ll be able to reach the just and willingness to reach an agreement—in the durable peace in the Middle East. many different conversations that we have President Bush. Thank you, sir. had, he has demonstrated very clearly his NOTE: The President spoke at 4:46 p.m. at the willingness. And the U.S. is willing to be Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. In his remarks, he referred more flexible. And he’s also willing to discuss to Prime Minister Salam Fayyad of the Palestinian with all countries on climate change. And this Authority; and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of has been Brazil’s position.

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We are convinced that the Doha round is Remarks to the United Nations a need; it’s something that is a necessity for General Assembly in New York City the rich and for the poor countries. And we’ll September 25, 2007 be—the rich and the developing countries could give a contribution for the less devel- Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President, dis- oped countries. tinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen: And at the same time, the climate issue Thank you for the opportunity to address the is an issue that involves all the human beings General Assembly of the United Nations. Sixty years ago, representatives from 16 on the planet Earth. So all of us, we share nations gathered to begin deliberations on a responsibility to take care of the planet that new international bill of rights. The docu- we will leave for our grandsons and for our ment they produced is called the Universal grand-grandsons. We don’t want to try to find Declaration of Human Rights, and it stands who to put the blame on or who is innocent. as a landmark achievement in the history of What matters is that everybody has to take human liberty. The declaration opens by rec- care of the planet, because if we don’t take ognizing ‘‘the inherent dignity’’ and the of the planet Earth, we will all have some- ‘‘equal and inalienable rights of all members thing to lose. of the human family’’ as ‘‘the foundation of I once again told President Bush that freedom and justice and peace in the world.’’ Brazil is willing to do its share on the climate And as we gather for this 62d General As- issue, as also to cope with what we have to sembly, the standards of the declaration must cope with, from the deforestation of the rain guide our work in this world. forest in the Amazon, which we managed to Achieving the promise of the declaration reduce in 52 percent in the year. requires confronting long-term threats. It also requires answering the immediate needs And on the Doha round, Brazil is willing of today. The nations in this chamber have to do whatever is necessary so that we can our differences, yet there are some areas reach a deal very—[inaudible]. If we manage where we can all agree. When innocent peo- to convince important countries like China, ple are trapped in a life of murder and fear, India, South Africa, Argentina, Mexico, plus the declaration is not being upheld. When the European Union and Japan, I believe millions of children starve to death or perish that we can, in the next phase, announce from a mosquito bite, we’re not doing our good measures as related to the Doha round, duty in the world. When whole societies are as also on the climate change. cut off from the prosperity of the global So what we are demonstrating is that the economy, we’re all worse off. Changing these issue exists. No one has a definite solution. underlying conditions is what the declaration We are in—just in a learning process on how calls the work of ‘‘larger freedom,’’ and it to cope with this issue. And we all want to must be the work of every nation in this As- do our homework. The demonstration of the sembly. political will President Bush has, and myself, This great institution must work for great is, we’re sending a signal that no one owns purposes: to free people from tyranny and the truth; everybody knows a little bit and violence, hunger and disease, illiteracy and doesn’t know so much a little bit too. We ignorance, and poverty and despair. Every want together to add up our knowledge so member of the United Nations must join in that we can find the best solutions. Thank this mission of liberation. you. First, the mission of the United Nations requires liberating people from tyranny and President Bush. Thank you. violence. The first article of the Universal Declaration begins, ‘‘All human beings are NOTE: The President spoke at 6:48 p.m. at the born free and equal in dignity and rights.’’ Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. President Lula da Silva The truth is denied by terrorists and extrem- spoke in Portuguese, and his remarks were trans- ists who kill the innocent with the aim of lated by an interpreter. imposing their hateful vision on humanity.

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The followers of this violent ideology are a of steps to help bring peaceful change to threat to civilized people everywhere. All civ- Burma. The United States will tighten eco- ilized nations must work together to stop nomic sanctions on the leaders of the regime them by sharing intelligence about their net- and their financial backers. We will impose works and choking their—off their finances an expanded visa ban on those responsible and bringing to justice their operatives. for the most egregious violations of human In the long run, the best way to defeat rights, as well as their family members. We’ll extremists is to defeat their dark ideology continue to support the efforts of humani- with a more hopeful vision, the vision of lib- tarian groups working to alleviate suffering erty that founded this body. The United in Burma. And I urge the United Nations States salutes the nations that have recently and all nations to use their diplomatic and taken strides toward liberty, including economic leverage to help the Burmese peo- Ukraine and Georgia and Kyrgyzstan and ple reclaim their freedom. Mauritania and Liberia, Sierra Leone and In Cuba, the long rule of a cruel dictator Morocco. The Palestinian Territories have is nearing its end. The Cuban people are moderate leaders, mainstream leaders that ready for their freedom. And as that nation are working to build free institutions that enters a period of transition, the United Na- fight terror and enforce the law and respond tions must insist on free speech, free assem- to the needs of their people. The inter- bly, and ultimately, free and competitive national community must support these lead- elections. ers, so that we can advance the vision of two In Zimbabwe, ordinary citizens suffer democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living under a tyrannical regime. The Government side by side in peace and security. has cracked down on peaceful calls for re- Brave citizens in Lebanon and Afghanistan form and forced millions to flee their home- and Iraq have made the choice for democ- land. The behavior of the Mugabe regime racy, yet the extremists have responded by is an assault on its people and an affront to targeting them for murder. This is not a show the principles of the Universal Declaration. of strength; it is evidence of fear. And the The United Nations must insist on change extremists are doing everything in their in Harare and must insist for the freedom power to bring down these young democ- of the people of Zimbabwe. racies. The people of Lebanon and Afghani- In Sudan, innocent civilians are suffering stan and Iraq have asked for our help, and repression. And in the Darfur region, many every civilized nation has a responsibility to are losing their lives to genocide. America stand with them. has responded with tough sanctions against Every civilized nation also has a responsi- those responsible for the violence. We’ve bility to stand up for the people suffering provided more than $2 billion in humani- under dictatorship. In Belarus, North Korea, tarian and peacekeeping aid. I look forward Syria, and Iran, brutal regimes deny their to attending a Security Council meeting that people the fundamental rights enshrined in will focus on Darfur, chaired by the French the Universal Declaration. Americans are President. I appreciate France’s leadership outraged by the situation in Burma, where in helping to stabilize Sudan’s neighbors. And a military junta has imposed a 19-year reign the United Nations must answer this chal- of fear. Basic freedoms of speech, assembly, lenge to conscience and live up to its promise and worship are severely restricted. Ethnic to promptly deploy peacekeeping forces to minorities are persecuted. Forced child Darfur. labor, human trafficking, and rape are com- Second, the mission of the United Nations mon. The regime is holding more than 1,000 requires liberating people from hunger and political prisoners, including Aung San Suu disease. Article 25 of the Universal Declara- Kyi, whose party was elected overwhelmingly tion states: ‘‘Everyone has the right to a by the Burmese people in 1990. standard of living adequate for the health and The ruling junta remains unyielding, yet well-being of himself and of his family, in- the people’s desire for freedom is unmistak- cluding food and clothing and housing and able. This morning I’m announcing a series medical care.’’ Around the world, the United

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Nations is carrying out noble efforts to live Third, the mission of the United Nations up to these words. requires liberating people from the chains of Feeding the hungry has long been a spe- illiteracy and ignorance. Article 26 of the cial calling for my Nation. Today, more than Universal Declaration states: ‘‘Everyone has half the world’s food assistance comes from the right to education.’’ And when nations America. We send emergency food stocks to make the investments needed to educate starving people from camps in Sudan to their people, the whole world benefits. Bet- slums in—around the world. I’ve proposed ter education unleashes the talent and poten- an innovative initiative to alleviate hunger tial of its citizens and adds to the prosperity under which America would purchase the of all of us. Better education promotes better crops of local farmers in Africa and else- health and greater independence. Better where, rather than shipping in food from the education increases the strength of democ- developed world. This would help build up racy and weakens the appeal of violent local agriculture and break the cycle of fam- ideologies. So the United States is joining ine in the developing world. And I urge our with nations around the world to help them United States Congress to support this initia- provide a better education for their people. tive. A good education starts with good teach- Many in this hall are bringing the spirit ers. In partnership with other nations, Amer- of generosity to fighting HIV/AIDS and ma- ica has helped train more than 600,000 teachers and administrators. A good education re- laria. Five years ago in sub-Sahara Africa, an quires good textbooks. So in partnership with AIDS diagnosis was widely considered a other nations, America has distributed tens death sentence, and fewer than 50,000 peo- of millions of textbooks. A good education ple infected with the virus were receiving requires access to good schools. So in part- treatment. The world responded by creating nership with other nations, America is help- the Global Fund, which is working with gov- ing nations raise standards in their schools ernments and the private sector to fight the at home and providing scholarships to help disease around the world. The United States students come to schools in the United decided to take these steps a little further States. In all our education efforts, our Na- by launching the $15 billion Emergency Plan tion is working to expand access for women for AIDS Relief. Since 2003, this effort has and girls, so that the opportunity to get a helped bring cutting-edge medicines to more decent education is open to all. than a million people in sub-Sahara Africa. Finally, the mission of the United Nations It’s a good start. So earlier this year, I pro- requires liberating people from poverty and posed to double our initial commitment to despair. Article 23 of the Universal Declara- $30 billion. By coming together, the world tion states: ‘‘Everyone has the right to work, can turn the tide against HIV/AIDS once and to free choice of employment, and to just for all. and favorable conditions of work.’’ In the 21st Malaria is another common killer. In some century, this requires ensuring that people countries, malaria takes as many lives as HIV/ in poor countries have the same opportunity AIDS—the vast majority of them children to benefit from the global economy that citi- under the age of 5 years old. Every one of zens of wealthy countries have. these deaths is unnecessary because the dis- The United Nations provides vital eco- ease is preventable and treatable. The world nomic assistance designed to help developing knows what it takes to stop malaria: bed nets nations grow their economies and reach their and indoor spraying and medicine to treat potential. The United States agrees with that the disease. Two years ago, America position. We’ve dramatically increased our launched a $1.2 billion malaria initiative. own development assistance, and we’re deliv- Other nations and the private sector are mak- ering that aid in innovative ways. We started ing vital contributions as well. I call on every the Millennium Challenge Account to re- member state to maintain its focus, find new ward nations that govern justly, fight corrup- ways to join this cause, and bring us closer tion, invest in their people, and promote eco- to the day when malaria deaths are no more. nomic freedom. With this aid, we’re reaching

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out to developing nations in partnership, not the proliferation of weapons of mass destruc- paternalism. And we’re ensuring that our aid tion. Together, we’re confronting the chal- dollars reach those who need them and lenges of energy security and environmental achieve results. quality and climate change. I appreciate the In the long run, the best way to lift people discussions on climate change led by the Sec- out of poverty is through trade and invest- retary-General last night. I look forward to ment. A nation that is open and trading with further discussions at the meeting of major the world will create economic rewards that economies in Washington later this week. far exceed anything they could get through The goals I’ve outlined today cannot be foreign aid. During the 1990s, developing na- achieved overnight, and they cannot be tions that significantly lowered tariffs saw achieved without reform in this vital institu- their per capita income grow about three tion. The United States is committed to a times faster than other developing countries. strong and vibrant United Nations, yet the Open markets ignite growth, encourage in- American people are disappointed by the vestment, increase transparency, strengthen failures of the Human Rights Council. This the rule of law, and help countries help body has been silent on repression by re- themselves. gimes from Havana to Caracas to Pyongyang The international community now has an and Tehran, while focusing its criticism ex- historic chance to open markets around the cessively on Israel. To be credible on human world by concluding a successful Doha round rights in the world, the United Nations must of trade talks. A successful Doha outcome reform its own Human Rights Council. would mean real and substantial openings in Some have also called for reform to the agriculture, goods, and services and real and structure of the Security Council, including substantial reductions in trade-distorting an expansion of its membership. The United subsidies. The world’s largest trading nations, States is open to this prospect. We believe including major developing countries, have that Japan is well-qualified for permanent a special responsibility to make the tough po- membership on the Security Council and litical decisions to reduce trade barriers. that other nations should be considered as America has the will and flexibility to make well. The United States will listen to all good those necessary decisions. Our negotiators ideas, and we will support changes to the Se- are demonstrating that spirit in Geneva. I curity Council as part of broader U.N. re- urge other leaders to direct their negotiators form. And in all we do, I call on member to do the same. And I’m optimistic that we states to work for an institution that adheres can reach a good Doha agreement and seize to strict ethical standards and lives up to the this once-in-a-generation opportunity. high principles of the Universal Declaration. In the meantime, America will continue With the commitment and courage of this to pursue agreements that open trade and chamber, we can build a world where people investment wherever we can. We recently are free to speak, assemble, and worship as signed free trade agreements with Peru, Co- they wish; a world where children in every lombia, Panama, and South Korea. These nation grow up healthy, get a decent edu- agreements embody the values of open mar- cation, and look to the future with hope; a kets: transparent and fair regulation, respect world where opportunity crosses every bor- for private property, and resolving disputes der. America will lead toward this vision under international law rules. These are good where all are created equal and free to pur- agreements, and they’re now ready for a con- sue their dreams. This is the founding convic- gressional vote, and I urge the Congress to tion of my country. It is the promise that approve them as soon as possible. established this body. And with our deter- As America works with United Nations to mination, it can be the future of our world. alleviate immediate needs, we’re also coming Thank you, and God bless. together to address longer-term challenges. Together, we’re preparing for pandemics NOTE: The President spoke at 9:57 a.m. in the that could cause death and suffering on a General Assembly Hall. In his remarks, he re- global scale. Together, we’re working to stop ferred to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the

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United Nations; Srgjan Kerim, President, 62d Ses- the Middle East. When that happens, it sion of the U.N. General Assembly; President makes America more secure. If we were to Fidel Castro of Cuba; President Robert Mugabe leave before the job is done, chaos could of Zimbabwe; and President Nicolas Sarkozy of ensue, innocent people would lose their life, France. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these re- extremists would be emboldened, nations marks. that are worried about the United States would—about our commitment would lose their nerve, the countries of the Middle East Remarks Following Discussions With would be endangered, and that would cause Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq America to be endangered as well. in New York City And so we’re with you, Prime Minister. September 25, 2007 We thank you for the courage of the Iraqi people. We expect there to be reconciliation President Bush. Mr. Prime Minister, it’s and law, just like you expect there to be rec- good to see you again. We generally meet onciliation and law. And I appreciate your via TV screens—[laughter]—and now it’s time today. Appreciated your remarks yester- good to see you in person. And I appreciate day; I thought they were strong remarks your delegation coming. You brought a very about a hopeful Iraq. And it’s good to be distinguished delegation—Ministers in this with you. Government, the Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister Maliki. Thank you very Speaker of the Assembly is with us today— much, Mr. President. I am grateful to be Mr. Speaker, thank you. here with you. I thank you for the meeting We talked about a lot of issues and spent with your distinguished delegation and with time talking about reconciliation and law. my delegation. And the Prime Minister and the Speaker are During the meeting with the President, we dedicated to getting good law out of the As- have reviewed a number of issues. We have sembly. And the political parties in Iraq must discussed a variety of issues. All of them are understand the importance of getting these common issues that we strongly believe that laws passed. Some politicians may be trying they represent the mutual goal that we have, to block the law to gain special advantage. the mutual goal of confronting and defeating And these parties have got to understand that terrorism, as well as building and continuing it’s in the interests of Iraq to get good law to build the Iraqi institutions and the Iraqi passed. And so I want to thank you for your Government. dedication and your commitment to laws that The Iraqi side is fully prepared to assume will help this young democracy reconcile and all the responsibilities and to work for a bet- move forward. ter future for all of Iraq. We have made it The Prime Minister and I have talked very clear and emphasized that the future about a variety of concerns. And I assured of Iraq goes through the gates of national him we want his security forces well-trained, reconciliations, of political agreements. That mobile, and capable of handling Iraqi secu- is the way to make the states, and that’s the rity on their own. I have made it clear to way to ensure and assure the future of Iraq. the American people that our troop levels The task before us is gigantic. We have will depend upon success. When General succeeded in ridding Iraq of the dictatorship Petraeus reported to the country, you know, and the regime that governed there. Now we I talked about troops coming home based have another challenge, which is to get rid upon success. And success in Iraq is impor- of terrorism, terrorist organizations. The road tant to the future of our country, and it’s ob- will be long; it requires cooperation from ev- viously important to the people of Iraq. eryone and the international community in You’re sitting in a vital region and when order to uproot terrorism and secure a better you succeed—which I’m confident you future for everyone. will—it’ll send a message to other people We believe and we feel that there is a de- who believe in peace. It’ll make it easier for velopment and progress that’s happening people to grow up with a hopeful future in every day in our political life, in the way to

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manage and administer the country in the the world who are willing to take the hard security situation. Of course, as the President steps necessary to spread liberty. referred, also we have some spending legisla- And so I’m looking forward to our strategy tions—that we will continue to exert every session. I appreciate your time. I want to possible efforts to have those spending legis- thank you very much for your interest in this lations passed. They’ve been sent to the Iraqi vital subject. Thanks. Parliament. But also, we continue to work on the basis of the existing law, and we con- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:34 p.m. at the United Nations Headquarters. tinue to work to have those legislations passed. We also discussed the importance of the Remarks During a Meeting With the region where we live. It is a vital region. It United Nations Security Council in is important for Iraq and the region to be New York City away from conflicts, to have a stable region and a stable Iraq, and to uproot terrorism September 25, 2007 in that part of the world and in that country. Mr. President, thank you. And thank you Iraq’s security is very important, and we have for convening this meeting of the United Na- talked about the importance of mutual re- tions Security Council. I appreciate the op- spect between our two sides and working to- portunity to join you. And I appreciate your gether for our mutual goals. We have a great focus is—your focus on the challenges to deal of confidence that we will be victorious. peace and security in Africa, particularly in Shukran. Sudan and Darfur. President Bush. Shukran. The reason I say that is, my Nation has labeled what’s taking place in Darfur as geno- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:33 a.m. at the cide, and when we find genocide, it’s time Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to do something about it. Time is of the es- to Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Mahmud sence. And so, Mr. President, you’re focusing Zebari and Speaker of the House of Representa- our attention on this crucial matter. tives Mahmud al-Mashhadani of Iraq; and Gen. I want to thank the Secretary-General, as David H. Petraeus, USA, commanding general, well, for your support of the people of Multi-National Force—Iraq. Prime Minister Darfur. I appreciate your determination to Maliki spoke in Arabic, and his remarks were make relieving their suffering a priority of translated by an interpreter. the United Nations. And I want to thank Chairperson Konare Remarks Prior to a Meeting on for the leadership of the African Union. After Democracy in New York City all, you deployed 7,000 troops. But 7,000 troops is not enough, if you believe what’s September 25, 2007 taking place on the ground is genocide. Now maybe some don’t think it’s genocide, but Thank you all for coming. This is a meeting if you’ve been raped, you think it’s—your of people who love liberty and who under- human rights have been violated. If you’re stand that freedom is universal. I appreciate mercilessly killed by roaming bands, you the ability to share thoughts about how to know it’s genocide. And the fundamental embolden those who seek reform to stand question is, are we the free world willing to with those who are willing to fight tyranny, do more? You’ve made a strong effort, and and ways for us all to be effective. we appreciate you. But you know better than As you know, there are people around the me that the area of Darfur is bigger than world who are desperate to live in free soci- France, or Texas, and both are plenty big eties. I think, for example, of those in Burma. for 7,000 troops. And it’s incumbent upon those of us who live Your Excellencies, the fighting in Darfur in free societies to help them. I can think between the rebels and the Government con- of no better way to work toward freedom tinues. Two hundred thousand people have than to strategize with leaders from around lost their lives; 200,000 innocents are no

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longer with us. More than 2 million people live in peace. And it’s our duty to help them have been forced from their homes. They’re realize that dream. fleeing the violence. And they go into refugee Thank you, Mr. President. camps, and they head into neighboring countries like Chad and Central African Republic. NOTE: The President spoke at 3:35 p.m. in the And that’s why I appreciate your leader- Security Council Chamber at United Nations ship, Mr. President, to help these countries Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred to help these refugees. The resolution adopted President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, in his capac- today addresses the plight of the refugees in ity as President of the United Nations Security Chad and Central African Republic. In other Council; Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the words, it’s a step in the right direction. It’s United Nations; Alpha Oumar Konare, Chair- a practical solution to a big problem. It’s a person, Commission of the African Union; and President Umar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir of part of a grand solution, Mr. President. Sudan. That’s why your leadership is appreciated. The resolution authorizes the deployment to these two nations of a robust European Statement on the 50th Anniversary of peacekeeping force and several hundred po- the Integration of Central High lice and military advisers. This U.N. mission School in Little Rock, Arkansas is going to help national and local governments exercise sovereignty over their terri- September 25, 2007 tory. It’s going to allow workers to deliver Fifty years ago today, nine students en- humanitarian aid. That makes us feel good. dured bitterness and violence because of the We’re spending $2 billion so far on providing color of their skin and because of their con- aid, and we want to make sure our aid gets victions. As an Arkansas high school turned to the people who need help. into a battleground for equality, the bravery And that’s why the United States strongly of the Little Rock Nine inspired a generation supports the resolution and the mission. We of Americans. continue to support swift implementation of Today, we commemorate the 50th anni- existing resolutions of this Council. We want versary of the integration of Central High the words of this Council to mean something. School. This anniversary reminds us of our We want it to be said, when the Council Nation’s struggle to fulfill its founding prom- speaks on behalf of suffering people, those ise for all Americans. We are also reminded words will be followed by action. of the resilience of the heroes who sacrificed And so we call on the Government in for justice and equality. We honor their cour- Khartoum to facilitate the deployment of a age, and we resolve to continue their work robust U.N. peacekeeping force to save life. to make America a more perfect Union. We call on all parties to cease arm sales to the combatants. We expect people gathered around this table to send a focused message Statement on the National that innocent life matters. We expect Presi- Assessment of Educational Progress dent Bashir to observe a cease-fire during September 25, 2007 next month’s peace talks, and we want the rebels to do the same. Earlier today, the 2007 Nation’s Report We’re tired—the message has got to be, Card, also known as the National Assessment we’re tired of people trying to escape the of Educational Progress, was released. The noose of pressure. We want the pressure to news is outstanding. Eighth graders achieved be uniform. Why? Because we believe in uni- their highest scores ever in math, while versal freedom and peace. fourth graders set records in both reading The conflict in Darfur has claimed too and math. African American and Hispanic many lives, and there’s too much suffering. students posted alltime highs in a number The innocent victims of this conflict want of categories, which represents progress to- only to return to their homes. They want to ward closing the achievement gap.

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These scores confirm that No Child Left national resolve to deter regimes pursuing Behind is working and producing positive re- the world’s most dangerous weapons. You sults for students across the country. Since have supported freedom and independence No Child Left Behind became law in 2002, for the people of Lebanon and Afghanistan the States have been setting standards and and Iraq. holding schools accountable for ensuring that Under your leadership, the United Nations every child can read and do math at grade is addressing global challenges, such as the level. We are successfully challenging the soft important issue of climate change. I welcome bigotry of low expectations and continuing your efforts to advance the work of U.N. re- to make significant progress in reforming our form and uphold the highest ethical stand- schools. ards throughout this organization. As we commemorate the integration 50 So, Mr. Secretary-General, in honor of years ago of Central High School in Little your first year of leadership and in anticipa- Rock, Arkansas, we are reminded of the sac- tion of your continued leadership in the years rifices students and their families have made to come, I offer a toast to you and to the in pursuit of a better education. Today’s re- United Nations. sults demonstrate America’s progress in making their dreams a reality, but we have more NOTE: The President spoke at 8:44 p.m. at the work to do. Now is not the time to turn back United Nations Headquarters. In his remarks, he the clock on educational accountability and referred to Srgjan Kerim, President, 62d Session real options for parents, which No Child Left of the U.N. General Assembly. The transcript re- Behind provides. leased by the Office of the Press Secretary also The successes detailed in the Nation’s Re- included the remarks of Secretary-General Ban. port Card highlight the importance of reauthorizing No Child Left Behind. I have proposed a number of ways to improve the law, Remarks Following Discussions With by increasing flexibility, helping struggling President Hamid Karzai of schools, and empowering parents with more Afghanistan in New York City choices. I look forward to continuing to work September 26, 2007 with lawmakers of both parties to strengthen this important law. President Bush. Mr. President, welcome back to the States. It just seemed like yesterday we were at Camp David. Remarks at a Dinner Hosted by President Karzai. Yes. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of President Bush. We had a fruitful set of the United Nations in New York City discussions there, and we’ve had some this September 25, 2007 morning. First of all, I thank you for your courage Mr. Secretary-General, Mr. President, dis- and your leadership. I appreciate your full tinguished members of the United Nations understanding that a government that re- community, Your Excellencies, ladies and sponds to its people is a government that is— gentlemen: It’s my pleasure to welcome you provides hope and opportunities. I thank you to New York. We look forward to concluding for the progress report you’ve given me. This a successful 62d session of the United Na- country has gone from a brutal tyranny, tions General Assembly under the leadership where women and girls were repressed, to of President Kerim. a country where women and girls have hope. Mr. Secretary-General, I appreciate your The Department has got strong women in determination to ensure that the United Na- the ranks. Young girls are going to school. tions lives up to its high ideals, takes respon- Health care is now available in ways like sibilities seriously, and helps more people never before. live in freedom and justice. You have urged President Karzai. Child mortality. this organization to help the suffering people President Bush. Child mortality rates are of Darfur. You have strengthened inter- down. And this is a tribute to you and your

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Government, the people of Afghanistan’s de- I don’t know if you feel it in the United sire to live in peace. It’s in the interest of States, but we feel it so immensely in Afghan- the United States that we continue to help istan that we are now, once again, a free you. It’s in our security interests that this de- country, liberated from the grips of terrorism mocracy flourish because when freedom and Al Qaida and their associates. And we takes place in Afghanistan, it will set an ex- love our flag flying around the world—I love ample for what’s possible in other parts of to see it in this room, by the way. the broader Middle East. When people see Thank you very much. that there’s hope in a part of the world that President Bush. Good. Thank you. had been ravaged by war, had been terror- ized by brutal extremists, when people real- NOTE: The President spoke at 8:53 a.m. at the ize there’s a different way of life, they’ll de- Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. mand the same things. And it’s peace that we all want, and it’s liberty that will help us keep that peace. Remarks on the No Child Left So, Mr. President, you’ve got strong Behind Act in New York City friends here. I appreciate your courage. As September 26, 2007 you know, every time we meet, I ask you, ‘‘Are you making progress; are more children Good morning. Laura and I are really going to school; are more health care clinics pleased to be here in New York City and operating; are the security forces more capa- really pleased to be able to be here with the ble of dealing with the extremists?’’ I expect mayor and the superintendent and our Sec- progress, and you expect progress. And I ap- retary of Education. And particularly, we’re preciate the report that you have given me pleased to be with the students and prin- today. So thank you, and welcome. cipals of—the principal and students of PS President Karzai. Thanks very much, Mr. 76. President. And, as always, thank you for the These are hardworking students who are great hospitality that you have always given learning to read and write and add and sub- to the Afghan people and to me personally, tract. And we had a chance to visit with them to my delegation. Camp David was a lovely and learn about their dreams, and we really place—I wish one could stay there longer appreciate you all being here. It’s exciting sometime in the future. [Laughter] for us to be here. Afghanistan, indeed, has made progress, Last week, the school system here in New but, Mr. President, that should be a tribute York City received the Broad Prize for Urban to you, your leadership, and the American Education. This is one of the most pres- people for all that we have achieved there tigious education prizes in the country. The in Afghanistan, especially the thing that you award is given every year to large urban mentioned, reduction in child mortality— school districts that have shown the greatest from a country that was the worst in the overall performance and improvement in stu- world to a country that’s coming up and sav- dent achievement, while narrowing the ing 85,000 lives, especially this year, of chil- achievement gap amongst poor and minority dren under 5; and for a country that was self- students. sufficient 40 years ago in zero production to In bestowing this recognition on New York becoming again self-sufficient in the produc- City, the Broad Prize Committee highlighted tion of food after the years of drought, mis- the city’s strong leadership. And that starts ery, and want, and the roads and education with Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The mayor is and the Afghan flag flying around the world. a no-nonsense guy who understands that if So there is an endless list for which we have you set a goal, you expect to see results in to be grateful to you. achieving that goal. He knows how to ask And most important of all, Mr. President, tough questions, and he’s pretty good about something that we tend to forget from time moving aside bureaucracy that will inhibit to time, the liberation of Afghanistan, such the people he has selected to achieve the an important thing for the Afghan people. goal. And the person he selected to be the

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chancellor is Joel Klein, who really is one of our country depends on a high-quality edu- the country’s finest school superintendents. cation for our children. And that was the rea- I appreciate both these men being here. son why people from both political parties And I want to congratulate you on this well- came together in Washington to pass the No deserved honor. Child Left Behind Act. This city tackled the challenges of under- The law is based on this premise: The Fed- performing schools in such a way that it has eral Government invests money in education, become a model for urban schools. This and we ought to expect results in return for achievement is a hopeful sign for other that investment. It’s a pretty simple principle. school districts across America. If New York If you’re a taxpayer and you’re spending your City can do it, you can do it. And one of money, you want to make sure that money the things that’s interesting about the prize gets good results. And the best way to deter- and our ability to communicate with each mine whether you get good results is to other is that if people are truly interested measure. Instead of just hoping for the best, in figuring out how New York City accom- we’ve asked States to set standards to hold plished its objectives, they ought to e-mail schools accountable so that every child can the school district. They ought to look at the read and do math at grade level. strategy. They ought to figure out what the Measuring results is important because it mayor and superintendent have done to em- helps teachers spot problems early. You can’t power principals and teachers and parents. solve a problem unless you diagnose the And teachers and parents and the principals problem, and it’s best to diagnose problems and the students also deserve credit when early in a child’s life. Measuring results gives it comes to recognizing this award. parents information. If you’re interested in I also believe that part of the reason why getting parents involved in your schools, just New York City did well is because of the post your results up for people to read. It’s No Child Left Behind Act, which raises amazing how it gets a parent’s attention when standards, insists upon accountability in the the schools aren’t meeting expectations. schools all across our country. The No Child A system that doesn’t hold people to ac- Left Behind Act is working. I say that be- count assumes that certain children cannot cause the Nation’s Report Card says it’s learn and that it’s acceptable to shuffle them working. Scores are improving, in some in- through school. Well, that’s not acceptable stances hitting alltime highs. Children across in America, to shuffle children through America are learning. The achievement gap school. That’s what I have called the soft big- that has long punished underprivileged stu- otry of low expectations. Through the No dents is beginning to close. And I’m going Child Left Behind Act, we have challenged to spend a little time talking about that today. that soft bigotry. And the Nation’s Report First, I do want to recognize the Secretary Card shows we’re making good progress. of Education, Margaret Spellings. I do want Here’s how the Report Card works. More to recognize Louise Sedotto, who is the prin- than 700,000 students from every State have cipal of PS 76. You know, one of the things been tested. They’ve been tested in math and that’s interesting—I bet you Joel will tell you reading, and here are the results. In math, this—that when you find a school that is per- the scores for fourth and eighth graders were forming well, you find a principal who is will- higher than they’ve ever been. In reading, ing to think outside the box and lead. And the scores for fourth graders were also the I appreciate you being here, Louise, and I highest on record. The Nation’s Report Card congratulate you and your teachers. I bet shows that some of the achievement gaps you, when I ask your teachers, do they like amongst African Americans and Hispanic you, they’ll say, ‘‘We not only like her; we students are narrowing. In the fourth grade love her.’’ [Laughter] reading, the achievement gap between white And I want to thank the students again and African American students is at an all- who are here. And the reason I’m glad time low. In the eighth grade math, the they’re standing here is because all the old achievement gap between white and African folks up here recognize that the future of American and white and Hispanic students

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has narrowed since 2003. What all this means And so my call to the Congress is, don’t is, No Child Left Behind Act is working for water down this good law. Don’t go back- all kinds of children in all kinds of schools wards when it comes to educational excel- in every part of the country. lence. Don’t roll back accountability. We’ve And so we’ve got to build on the progress. come too far to turn back. And so Congress And that means Congress needs to reauthor- needs to work with this administration to pass ize and strengthen the No Child Left Behind legislation that helps—gives our children the Act. The act is working; Congress needs to education they deserve. reauthorize it and make it better. Through I don’t think there’s anything more impor- this law, our Nation has made an historic tant than the education of young people. I commitment to America’s children, and we know that’s how the mayor feels, and I know have a moral obligation to keep that commit- that’s how the superintendent feels, and I ment. We must ensure that they have the know that’s how Laura and Margaret feel. skills they need to succeed in life, and in a There’s nothing more American than ensur- global economy, that becomes even more im- ing that all our children have the chance to portant. realize their fullest potential and their high- As Congress considers reauthorization of est dreams. And the improvement in New the No Child Left Behind Act, I’ve offered York City’s public schools reminds us of what several proposals to help strengthen it. And we can achieve when we set big goals and Secretary Spellings is going to be on Capitol work hard to meet them. Hill to explain why these proposals will make And so I’m proud to be here to congratu- a good law even better. One, we can lift late the good folks of New York City. I want achievement—student achievement higher to thank all involved with making sure our by giving local leaders more flexibility in the children have the skills necessary to realize law as well as providing funding to turn the great hope of America. God bless you around troubled schools. I believe student all. achievement will be enhanced when families with children stuck in low-performing NOTE: The President spoke at 10:29 a.m. at the schools have a opportunity to send their child Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to a better school. to Joel I. Klein, chancellor, New York City De- partment of Education; and Louise Sedotto, prin- We should increase access to tutoring pro- cipal, PS 076 The Bennington School. The Office grams for students who struggle and make of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish lan- sure these children get the special help they guage transcript of these remarks. need. If you measure and you find a problem, it’s time to provide tutoring for those children so they can get up to speed. That’s what Remarks on Signing the College Cost happens here in New York City. The mayor Reduction and Access Act and the superintendent and the principal say, September 27, 2007 ‘‘When we find a problem, we’re going to address that problem early.’’ And it’s work- Thank you all. Please be seated—unless ing. you don’t have a chair. [Laughter] I welcome We should reward teachers who improve you to the White House. I have the honor student achievement in low-income schools. of signing a bill that will help millions of low- When you find a good teacher willing to go income Americans earn a college degree. I’m into a school that needs help, that teacher really looking forward to signing this bill. I ought to be given an additional incentive. love the fact that this country is dedicated We should make sure our children are pre- to helping people who want to realize a pared for the jobs of the future by expanding dream. access to Advanced Placement courses and The College Cost Reduction and Access strengthening math and science education. Act expands one of America’s most important As yesterday’s positive Report Card shows, and successful education initiatives, the Fed- children do learn when standards are high eral Pell Grant Program. For the last 6 years, and results are measured. I’ve worked to make sure that we expand Pell

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grants. I know the Members of Congress feel The other things is, this is a practical ap- the same way. Pell grants give young people proach to dealing with the fact that we’re— a chance to pursue their dreams. They give live in an age in which technology is trans- our fellow citizens the chance to build a bet- forming the way we live and work. And in ter future. order for our citizens to be able to seize the The bill also takes important steps to put opportunities of a new era, they’re going to higher education within reach for more of have to have skills that can be only learned the men and women who wear our Nation’s through a post-secondary education. That’s uniform. I want to thank the Congress for the realities of the world in which we live. answering this call. I appreciate your hard According to 1 study, 80 percent of the fast- work on this piece of legislation, and I’m est-growing jobs in America require some looking forward to signing the bill. sort of education after high school. Times are I want to thank the Secretary of Education changing. When we were—when the baby for her hard work. Margaret Spellings is boomers like me were younger—it’s a dif- dedicated to making sure every child can ferent era. We’re living in a global economy. learn and every child can realize dreams. I And we’ve got to stay competitive as we head want to thank you for establishing the bipar- into the 21st century, and the best way to tisan Commission for the Future of Higher stay competitive is to make sure people have Education. The Commission engages stu- access to good education. And one of the best ways to make higher dents and families and policymakers and education affordable is through Pell grants. business leaders in the academic community Pell grants make it possible for people from on ways to improve higher education and to all walks of life to afford a college education. make it more affordable and accessible. I ap- Pell grants send an important message to stu- preciate you taking that on, Margaret. dents in need: If you work hard and you stay I want to thank Congressman George Mil- in school and you make the right choices, ler from California who has joined us. He the Federal Government is going to stand happens to be the chairman of the House with you. That’s what a Pell grant says. Education and Labor Committee. When With us today are a number of young George puts his mind to getting something Americans whose lives have been trans- done, he can get it done. I’m about to call formed—I’m going to mention two. Robert to—get him to—call him to get this No Child Garcia—I’m mentioning him because he’s a Left Behind Act reauthorized. [Laughter] remarkable story, but also, he happens to be But I don’t want to mix messages early in from Texas. [Laughter] His family struggled the speech. [Laughter] financially. Robert’s mom sacrificed mightily I thank Congressman Ric Keller from to get him a good education. By the way, Florida and Congressman John Spratt, who that happens all across our country. Parents is the chairman of the House Budget Com- are sacrificing mightily to make sure their mittee. I’m honored you all joined us. Mem- children can realize a dream. With her sup- bers of the Senate need to be thanked as port—with his mom’s support, he became a well: Senator Ted Kennedy, Mike Enzi, leader in his high school band, and he grad- Orrin Hatch, and Lamar Alexander. They uated fifth in his class. were going to be here, but they got votes A Pell grant made it possible for Robert on the Senate floor, so they’re here in spirit. to go to the University of Texas, where he I want to thank the students who have has just begun his junior year. The lowest joined us today. I appreciate you all being grade he’s made so far in college is B. That here. These are Pell grant recipients. We be- sets him apart from the President. [Laughter] lieve it’s important to put a face behind what Robert wants to use his education to get in- it means to get a Pell grant. In other words, volved in public policy, so he can help at- every one of these folks up here is benefiting risk youth. Here’s what Robert says: ‘‘The from the Pell grant, so he or she can realize Pell grant has saved my life.’’ That’s got to their dreams. That’s what America is all make us feel good, to hear that. ‘‘The Pell about, isn’t it? grant has saved my life. They’ve provided me

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with everything I need to survive: living ex- grants. This bill makes some spending com- penses, tuition, books, and food. Without the mitments that aren’t paid for yet, and I look Pell grant, I wouldn’t be here.’’ forward to working with the Congress to en- Kalise Robinson—she grew up in Wash- sure Pell grant increases that are not fully ington, DC. She was shuffled through the funded in this bill are paid for with offsets foster care system, and she was mistreated in other areas. And we’re going to continue for much of her childhood. But she never working with Congress to make sure the Pell lost her spirit. She was struggling to support grants stay strong. her children, and she asked for help, and she I also do want to mention No Child Left found it from a community outreach group. Behind, if you don’t mind, Mr. Chairman. They helped her find shelter, and she got [Laughter] Chairman Miller was one of the a GED. In 2005, with the help of a Pell grant, main reasons why this bill got off the House Kalise entered the University of District of floor in the first place. He’s one of the main Columbia. She currently has a 3.3 grade leaders to make sure the bill got to my desk. point average, and when she graduates, she And the reason I bring it up is, in order wants to help somebody else. Kalise says, ‘‘I to make sure we’ve got more children ready came from a rough life. The Pell grant helped for college, the No Child Left Behind Act me. Wherever I go, I tell people there are needs to be reauthorized and strengthened. options out there for you. If you work hard, Just this week, we saw what happens when there is help and money out there for you.’’ you have high standards and you measure, We thank you both for being here. Thank measure for results. Those results were re- you all for coming too. ported out through the Nation’s Report And so today is a reaffirmation of our com- Card. About 700,000 people were tested na- mitment, our determination to help more tionwide to determine whether or not stand- Americans realize dreams by getting a good ards are being met. Eighth graders achieved education. The bill I sign today increases their highest scores ever in math, while funding for Pell grants by $11.4 billion over fourth graders set records in both reading the next 5 years. It allows us to increase the and math. African American and Hispanic maximum award from 5,400—to $5,400 by students posted alltime highs in a number 2012. And these are positive steps, and of categories. In other words, that achieve- they’re good steps. I wish we could make the ment gap is beginning to close in America. Pell grant process last year round. I think It’s something that we all want to see happen. that would be helpful. I want to work with the Members of Congress to see if we can’t There is nothing more important than get that done. That recognizes the realities making sure our children get a good edu- for Pell grant recipients. cation. Today we’ve taken an important step The bill also helps ease the burden on men in that direction. I’m hoping we can get the and women in uniform who have taken out No Child Left Behind Act reauthorized and loans for higher education. We believe that strengthened. I appreciate the Members when you’re wearing the uniform, we need being here today. I thank you for your hard to help you; that you’re making a sacrifice, work on this. I’m honored to sign this piece and it’s okay for the Government to help you of legislation, the College Cost Reduction in dealing with your loans when it comes to and Access Act. higher education. And so those on active duty Thanks for coming. will now have new flexibility to defer payments on their loans. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:32 a.m. in Room These are important steps. This bill does, 350 of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Of- however, create new and duplicative pro- fice Building. H.R. 2669, approved September 27, grams that divert resources from the Pell was assigned Public Law No. 110–84.

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Remarks Following a Meeting With NOTE: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in the Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Oval Office at the White House. Peters and Federal Aviation Administration Acting Administrator Statement on the Situation in Burma Robert A. Sturgell September 27, 2007 September 27, 2007 The world is watching the people of The President. Today I’m joined by Sec- Burma take to the streets to demand their retary of Transportation Mary Peters and the freedom, and the American people stand in Acting Administrator of the FAA, Bobby solidarity with these brave individuals. We Sturgell. I want to thank you all for coming. feel admiration and compassion for the We’ve been having a discussion about the monks and peaceful protesters calling for de- fact that a lot of our air travelers are not only mocracy. Every civilized nation has a respon- inconvenienced, they’re—in some cases, sibility to stand up for people suffering under they’re just not being treated fairly. And a brutal military regime like the one that has there’s a lot of anger amongst our citizens ruled Burma for too long. I call on all nations about the fact that, you know, they’re just that have influence with the regime to join not being treated right. us in supporting the aspirations of the Bur- And the Secretary and I have been talking mese people and to tell the Burmese junta about what to do about it, and I’ve instructed to cease using force on its own people, who her to report back to me as quickly as pos- are peacefully expressing their desire for sible on two matters: One, to make sure that change. By its own account, the junta has consumers are treated fairly and complaints already killed at least nine nonviolent dem- are listened to, and that we address some onstrators, and many others have been in- of the egregious behavior that our consumers jured and arrested as they seek to express have been subjected to. Endless hours sitting their views peacefully. I urge the Burmese in an airplane on a runway, and there’s no soldiers and police not to use force on their communication between the pilot and the fellow citizens. I call on those who embrace airport, it’s just not right. And so Mary is the values of human rights and freedom to going to work very hard to make sure the support the legitimate demands of the Bur- system is much more responsive. mese people. The other issue, of course, is dealing with congestion. And one of the reasons why our consumers on airlines, airline passengers are Executive Order 13445— being so inconvenienced is because the skies Strengthening Adult Education are too crowded. And there’s some short- September 27, 2007 term things we’re going to do, and Mary is going to report back to me about what those By the authority vested in me as President will be. by the Constitution and the laws of the Also, Congress needs to look at this FAA United States of America, it is hereby or- reauthorization—I call it modernization— dered as follows: and work with this Department and work Section 1. Policy. It is the policy of the with Bobby bringing our FAA into the 21st United States to use existing Federal pro- century, so that our consumers and pas- grams that serve adults, including new Amer- sengers and citizens won’t be inconvenienced icans, to strengthen literacy skills, improve the way they are. opportunities for postsecondary education Now, we’ve got a problem; we understand and employment, and facilitate participation there’s a problem; and we’re going to address in American life. the problem. Madam Secretary, I appreciate Sec. 2. Definitions. As used in this order: your willingness to do so. (a) ‘‘agency’’ means an executive agency Secretary Peters. Thank you, Mr. Presi- as defined in section 105 of title 5, United dent. States Code, other than the Government Ac- The President. Thank you. countability Office; and

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(b) ‘‘adult education’’ means teaching or Sec. 5. Functions of the Working Group. instruction below the postsecondary level, for Consistent with the policy set forth in section individuals who are 16 years of age or older, 1 of this order, the Working Group shall: designed to provide: (a) identify Federal programs that: (i) mastery of basic education skills needed (i) focus primarily on improving the basic to function effectively in society; education skills of adults; (ii) a secondary school diploma or its (ii) have the goal of transitioning adults equivalent; or from basic literacy to postsecondary edu- (iii) the ability to speak, read, or write the cation, training, or employment; or English language. (iii) constitute programs of adult edu- Sec. 3. Establishment of Interagency Adult cation; Education Working Group. The Secretary of (b) as appropriate, review the programs Education shall establish within the Depart- identified under subsection (a) of this section ment of Education for administrative pur- and submit to the heads of the agencies ad- poses only, an Interagency Adult Education ministering those programs recommenda- Working Group (Working Group), consistent tions to: with this order. (i) promote the transition of adults from such programs to postsecondary education, Sec. 4. Membership and Operation of the training, or employment; Working Group. (ii) increase the effectiveness, efficiency, (a) The Working Group shall consist exclu- and availability of such programs; sively of: (iii) minimize unnecessary duplication (i) the Secretary of Education, who shall among such programs; serve as Chair; (iv) measure and evaluate the performance (ii) the Secretary of the Treasury, the At- of such programs; and torney General, and the Secretaries of the (v) undertake and disseminate the results Interior, Labor, Health and Human Services, of research related to such programs; Housing and Urban Development, and Vet- (c) identify gaps in the research about ef- erans Affairs; and fective ways to teach adult education for (iii) other officers or full-time or perma- postsecondary readiness, recommend areas nent part-time employees of the United for further research to improve adult edu- States, as determined by the Chair, with the cation programs and services, and identify concurrence of the head of the agency con- promising practices in disseminating valid ex- cerned. isting and future research findings; and (b) The Chair, or the Chair’s designee (d) obtain information and advice as ap- under subsection (c) of this section, in imple- propriate, in a manner that seeks individual menting section 5 of this order, shall convene advice and does not involve collective judg- and preside at the meetings of the Working ment or consensus advice or deliberation, Group, determine its agenda, direct its work, concerning adult education from: and establish and direct subgroups of the (i) State, local, territorial, and tribal offi- Working Group, as appropriate to deal with cials; and particular subject matters, that shall consist (ii) representatives of entities or other indi- exclusively of members of the Working viduals; Group or their designees under subsection (e) at the request of the head of an agency, (c) of this section. unless the Chair declines the request, (c) A member of the Working Group may promptly review and provide advice on a pro- designate, to perform the Working Group or posed action by that agency relating to adult Working Group subgroup functions of the education; and member, any person who is a part of the (f) report to the President, through the As- member’s agency and who is either an officer sistant to the President for Domestic Policy, of the United States appointed by the Presi- on its work, and on the implementation of dent or a member of the Senior Executive any recommendations arising from its work, Service. at such times and in such formats as the

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Chair may specify, with the first such report tions with Peru, and it reflects the commit- to be submitted no later than 9 months after ment of the United States to supporting de- the date of this order. mocracy and economic growth in Peru. It will Sec. 6. Administration of the Working also help Peru battle illegal crop production Group. (a) To the extent permitted by law, by creating alternative economic opportuni- the Department of Education shall provide ties. the funding and administrative support the In negotiating this Agreement, my Admin- Working Group needs, as determined by the istration was guided by the objectives set out Chair, to implement this order. in the Trade Act of 2002. The Agreement (b) The heads of agencies shall provide, will create significant new opportunities for as appropriate, such assistance and information as the Chair may request to implement American workers, farmers, ranchers, busi- this order. nesses, and consumers by opening new mar- Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in kets and eliminating barriers. this order shall be construed to impair or oth- Under the Agreement, tariffs on approxi- erwise affect: mately 80 percent of U.S. exports will be (i) authority granted by law to an agency eliminated immediately. This will help to or the head thereof; or level the playing field, since over 97 percent (ii) functions of the Director of the Office of our imports from Peru already enjoy duty- of Management and Budget relating to budg- free access to our market under U.S. trade et, administrative, or legislative proposals. preference programs. United States agricul- (b) This order shall be implemented con- tural exports will enjoy substantial new im- sistent with applicable law and subject to the provements in access. Almost 90 percent, by availability of appropriations. value, of current U.S. agricultural exports will (c) This order is not intended to, and does be able to enter Peru duty-free immediately, not, create any right or benefit, substantive compared to less than 2 percent currently. or procedural, enforceable at law or in eq- By providing for the effective enforcement uity, by any party against the United States, of labor and environmental laws, combined its agencies or entities, its officers, employ- with strong remedies for noncompliance, the ees, or agents, or any other person. Agreement will contribute to improved work- George W. Bush er rights and high levels of environmental The White House, protection in Peru. September 27, 2007. The Agreement forms an integral part of my Administration’s larger strategy of open- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 1, 2007] ing markets around the world through negotiating and concluding global, regional, and NOTE: This Executive order will be published in bilateral trade initiatives. The Agreement the Federal Register on October 2. provides the opportunity to strengthen our economic and political ties with the Andean Message to the Congress region, and underpins U.S. support for de- Transmitting Proposed Legislation mocracy and freedom while contributing to further hemispheric integration. To Implement the United States- Peru Free Trade Agreement Approval of this Agreement is in our na- September 27, 2007 tional interest. To the Congress of the United States: I am pleased to transmit legislation and George W. Bush supporting documents to implement the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agree- ment (Agreement). The Agreement rep- The White House, resents a historic development in our rela- September 27, 2007.

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Remarks During a Meeting on doing—I hope you think he’s doing a fine Energy Security and Climate Change job. [Laughter] September 28, 2007 I welcome Minister Rachmat, the Minister of Environment of Indonesia, who is the Thank you all. Please be seated. Thank chairman of the upcoming U.N. climate you. Good morning. Thank you. Welcome to meeting in December. I welcome Mr. de the State Department. I’m honored to ad- Boer, who is the Executive Secretary of the dress this historic meeting on energy security United Nations Framework Convention on and climate change. And I appreciate you all Climate Change. I welcome all the Ministers being here. and delegates who are here. We really appre- Energy security and climate change are ciate you coming. I thank the Ambassadors two of the great challenges of our time. The for joining this august group. United States takes these challenges seri- I thank Members of the Congress who ously. The world’s response will help shape have taken time to come by: Congressman the future of the global economy and the Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Congress- condition of our environment for future gen- man Bart Gordon of Tennessee. I appreciate erations. The nations in this room have spe- you taking time to come by and participate cial responsibilities. We represent the world’s in these meetings. major economies; we are major users of en- Every day, energy brings countless bene- ergy; and we have the resources and knowl- fits to our people. Energy powers new hos- edge base to develop clean energy tech- pitals and schools, so we can live longer and nologies. more productive lives. Energy transforms the Our guiding principle is clear: We must way we produce food, so we can feed our lead the world to produce fewer greenhouse growing populations. Energy enables us to gas emissions, and we must do it in a way travel and communicate across great dis- that does not undermine economic growth tances, so we can expand trade and pros- or prevent nations from delivering greater perity. Energy sustains the world’s most ad- prosperity for their people. We know this can be done. Last year, America grew our econ- vanced economies, which makes it possible omy while also reducing greenhouse gases. for us to devote resources to fighting hunger Several other nations have made similar and disease and poverty around the globe. strides. In this new century, the need for energy This progress points us in the right direc- will only grow. Much of this increased de- tion, but we’ve got to do more. So before mand will come from the developing world, this year’s G–8 summit, I announced that the where nations will need more energy to build United States will work with other nations critical infrastructure and grow their econo- to establish a new international approach to mies, improve the lives of their people. Over- energy security and climate change. Today’s all, the demand for energy is expected to rise meeting is an important step in this process. by more than 50 percent by 2030. With the work we begin today, we can agree This growing demand for energy is a sign on a new approach that will reduce green- of a vibrant, global economy. Yet it also pos- house gas emissions, strengthen energy secu- sesses—poses serious challenges, and one of rity, encourage economic growth and sustain- them, of course, is energy security. Right now able development, and advance negotiations much of the world’s energy comes from oil, under the United Nations Framework Con- and much of the oil comes from unstable re- vention on Climate Change. gions and rogue states. This dependence I thank the State Department for hosting leaves the global economy vulnerable to sup- this event. I appreciate members of my Cabi- ply shocks and shortages and manipulation net who have joined us today. I thank Jim and to extremists and terrorists who could Connaughton, who is the Chairman of the cause great disruptions of oil shipments. Council on Environmental Quality, for being Another challenge is climate change. Our here. I appreciate you being the personal understanding of climate change has come representative of this, and I hope you’re a long way. A report issued earlier this year

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by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- sources, different stages of development, and mate Change concluded both that global different economic needs. temperatures are rising and that this is There are many policy tools that nations caused largely by human activities. When we can use, including a variety of market mecha- burn fossil fuels, we release greenhouse gases nisms to create incentives for companies and into the atmosphere, and the concentration consumers to invest in new low-emission en- of greenhouse gases has increased substan- ergy sources. We will also form working tially. groups with leaders of different sectors of our For many years, those who worried about economies, which will discuss ways of sharing climate change and those who worried about technology and best practices. energy security were on opposite ends of the Each nation must decide for itself the right debate. It was said that we faced a choice mix of tools and technologies to achieve re- between protecting the environment and sults that are measurable and environ- producing enough energy. Today, we know mentally effective. While our strategies may better. These challenges share a common so- be differentiated, we share a common re- lution: technology. By developing new low- sponsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emis- emission technologies, we can meet the sions while keeping our economies growing. growing demand for energy and, at the same The key to this effort will be the advance time, reduce air pollution and greenhouse of clean energy technologies. Since I became gas emissions. As a result, our nations have President, the United States Government has an opportunity to leave the debates of the invested nearly $18 billion to research, de- past behind and reach a consensus on the velop, and promote clean and efficient en- way forward. And that’s our purpose today. No one country has all the answers, includ- ergy technologies. The private sector here in ing mine. The best way to tackle this problem our country has responded with significant is to think creatively and to learn from others’ investments, ranging from corporate re- experiences and to come together on a way search and development to venture capital. to achieve the objectives we share. Together Our investments in research and technology our nations will pave the way for a new inter- are bringing the world closer to a remarkable national approach on greenhouse gas emis- breakthrough, an age of clean energy where sions. we can power our growing economies and This new approach must involve all the improve the lives of our people and be re- world’s largest producers of greenhouse gas sponsible stewards of the Earth the Almighty emissions, including developed and devel- trusted to our care. oping nations. We will set a long-term goal The age of clean energy requires trans- for reducing global greenhouse gas emis- forming the way we produce electricity. sions. By setting this goal, we acknowledge Electric powerplants that burn coal are the there is a problem. And by setting this goal, world’s leading cause of greenhouse gas we commit ourselves to doing something emissions. The world’s supply of coal is se- about it. cure and abundant. And our challenge is to By next summer, we will convene a meet- take advantage of it while maintaining our ing of heads of state to finalize the goal and commitment to the environment. One prom- other elements of this approach, including ising solution is advanced clean coal tech- a strong and transparent system for meas- nology. The future of this technology will uring our progress toward meeting the goal allow us to trap and store carbon emissions we set. This will require concerted effort by and air pollutants produced by burning coal. all our nations. Only by doing the necessary Since 2001, the United States has invested work this year will it be possible to reach more than two and a half billion dollars to a global consensus at the U.N. in 2009. research and develop clean coal. And in part- Each nation will design its own separate nership with other nations and the private strategies for making progress toward achiev- sector, we’re moving closer to an historic ing this long-term goal. These strategies will achievement: producing energy from the reflect each country’s different energy re- world’s first zero-emissions coal-fired plant.

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We also need to take advantage of clean, new, clean alternatives. We’re investing mil- safe nuclear power. Nuclear power is the one lions of dollars to develop the next generation existing source of energy that can generate of sustainable biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, massive amounts of electricity without caus- which means we’ll use everything from wood ing any air pollution or greenhouse gas emis- chips to grasses to agricultural waste to make sions. Without the world’s 439 nuclear pow- ethanol. erplants, there would be nearly 2 billion addi- We’re offering tax credits to encourage tional tons of carbon dioxide in the atmos- Americans to drive fuel-efficient hybrid vehi- phere each year. And by expanding the use cles. We’re working to develop next-genera- of nuclear power, we can reduce greenhouse tion plug-in hybrids that will be able to travel gas emissions even more. nearly 40 miles without using a drop of gaso- The United States is working to reduce line. And your automobile doesn’t have to barriers to new nuclear powerplants in our look like a golf cart. [Laughter] country without compromising safety. Just We’re on track to meet our pledge of in- last week, a company applied for approval vesting $1.2 billion to develop advanced hy- to build the first new nuclear reactor in my drogen-powered vehicles that emit pure country since the 1970s. water instead of exhaust fumes. We’re also As we build new reactors here in the taking steps to make sure these technologies United States, we’re also working to bring reach the market. We’ve asked Congress to the benefits of nuclear energy to other coun- set a new mandatory—I repeat, mandatory— tries. My administration established a new fuel standard that requires 35 billion gallons initiative called the Global Nuclear Energy of renewable and other alternative fuels in Partnership. This partnership will work with 2017 and to reform fuel economy standards nations with advanced civilian nuclear energy for cars the same way we did for light trucks. programs, such as France and Japan and Together these two steps will help us cut China and Russia. Together we will help developing nations obtain secure, cost-effec- America’s consumption of gasoline by 20 per- tive, and proliferation-resistant nuclear cent in 10 years. It’s an initiative I’ve called power, so they can have a reliable source of 20-in-10. zero-emissions energy. Ushering in the age of clean energy is an We’ll also need to expand our use of two historic undertaking. We take it seriously other promising sources of zero-emissions here in the United States. And achieving this energy, and that’s wind and solar power. vision will require major investment in inno- Wind power is becoming cost-effective in vation by all our nations. Today, the United many parts of America. We’ve increased States and Japan fund most of the research wind energy production by more than 300 and development for clean energy tech- percent. We also launched the Solar America nologies. But meeting the objectives we Initiative to lower the cost of solar power, share and the goal we’re going to set will so we can make—help make this technology require all the nations in this hall to increase competitive as well. Taken together, low-car- their clean energy research and development bon technologies like wind and solar power investments. have the potential to one day provide up to We must also work to make these tech- 20 percent of America’s electricity. nologies more widely available, especially in The age of clean energy also requires the developing world. So today I propose that transforming the way we fuel our cars and we join together to create a new international trucks. Almost all our vehicles run on gaso- clean technology fund. This fund will be sup- line or diesel fuel. This means we produce ported by contributions from Governments greenhouse gas emissions whenever we get from around the world, and it will help fi- behind the wheel. Transportation accounts nance clean energy projects in the devel- for about 20 percent of the world’s green- oping world. I’ve asked Treasury Secretary house gas emissions every year. To reduce Hank Paulson to coordinate this effort, and these emissions, we must reduce our de- he plans to begin exploratory discussions with pendence on oil. So America is investing in your countries over the next several months.

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At the same time, we also must promote proach. And we look forward to working with global free trade in energy technology. The our Congress to make sure that comprehen- most immediate and effective action we can sive approach is effective. And we look for- take is to eliminate tariff and nontariff bar- ward to working with you as a part of this riers on clean-energy goods and services. global effort to do our duty. As we work to transform the way we And we’ve done this kind of work before. produce energy, we must also address an- And we have confidence in the success of other major factor in climate change, which our efforts. Twenty years ago, nations final- is deforestation. The world’s forests help re- ized an agreement called the Montreal Pro- duce the amount of greenhouse gases in the tocol to phase out substances that were de- atmosphere by storing carbon dioxide. But pleting the ozone layer. Since then, we have when our forests disappear, the concentra- made great strides to repair the damage. Just tion of greenhouse gas levels rise in the at- last week, developed and developing nations mosphere. Scientists estimate that nearly 20 reached consensus on speeding up the recov- percent of the world’s greenhouse gas admis- ery of the ozone layer by accelerating the sions are attributable to deforestation. We’re partnering with other nations to phaseout of these harmful substances. This promote forest conservation and manage- accelerated phaseout will bring larger bene- ment across the world. We welcome new fits because they’ll dramatically reduce commitments from Australia, Brazil, with greenhouse gas emissions. China and Indonesia. The United States re- We have seen what happens when we mains committed to initiatives such as the come together to work for a common cause, Congo Basin Forest Partnership and the and we can do it again. And that’s what I’m Asian Forest Partnership. We will continue here to urge you. The United States will do our efforts through the Tropical Forest Con- our part. We take this issue seriously. And servation Act, which helps developing nations we look forward to bringing a spirit of co- redirect debt payments toward forest con- operation and commitment to our efforts to servation programs. So far, my administration confront the challenges of energy security has concluded 12 agreements, concluding up and climate change. By working together, we to 50 million acres of forest lands. America’s will set wise and effective policies. That’s efforts also include an $87-million initiative what I’m interested in, effective policies. I to help developing nations stop illegal log- want to get the job done. We’ve identified ging. These efforts will help developing na- a problem; let’s go solve it together. tions save their forests and combat a major We will harness the power of technology. source of greenhouse gas emissions. There is a way forward that will enable us The United States is also taking steps to to grow our economies and protect the envi- protect forests in our own country. It’s one ronment, and that’s called technology. We’ll thing to help others; we got to make sure meet our energy needs. We’ll be good stew- we do a good job here at home—and we are. ards of this environment. Achieving these Since 2001, we’ve provided more than $3 bil- goals will require a sustained effort over lion to restore our forests and protect them many decades; this problem isn’t going to be against catastrophic fires as part of the Healthy Forests Initiative. In partnership solved overnight. Yet years from now, our with our farmers and ranchers, we’re pro- children are going to look back at the choices viding tens of billions of dollars in incentives we make today, at this deciding moment. It for conservation. We’re promoting sustain- will be a moment when we choose to expand able public and private land management prosperity instead of accepting stagnation. It policies. By taking these steps, we’ve helped will be a moment when we turn the tide increase the amount of carbon storage in our against greenhouse gas emissions, instead of forests, and we’ve helped safeguard a na- allowing the problem to grow. It will be a tional treasure for generations to come. moment when we rejected the predictions What I’m telling you is, is that we’ve got of despair and set a course of a more hopeful a strategy; we’ve got a comprehensive ap- future.

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The moment is now, and I appreciate you rocal and mutually advantageous concessions attending this meeting. And we look forward with respect to Mexico provided for by the to working with you. May God bless you all. NAFTA, and to carry out the agreement with Mexico providing an accelerated schedule of NOTE: The President spoke at 10:09 a.m. at the duty elimination for specific goods. Department of State. 4. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the ‘‘1974 Act’’) (19 U.S.C. Proclamation 8180—To Provide for 2483), authorizes the President to embody Duty Elimination for Certain Goods in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the of Mexico Under the North American United States (HTS) the substance of rel- Free Trade Agreement evant provisions of that Act, or other acts af- fecting import treatment, and actions taken September 28, 2007 thereunder. By the President of the United States Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, of America President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by A Proclamation the Constitution and the laws of the United 1. On December 17, 1992, the Govern- States of America, including but not limited ments of Canada, Mexico, and the United to section 201(b) of the NAFTA Implemen- States of America entered into the North tation Act and section 604 of the 1974 Act, American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). do proclaim that: The NAFTA was approved by the Congress (1) In order to provide an accelerated in section 101(a) of the North American Free schedule of duty elimination for specific Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Pub- goods of Mexico under the terms of general lic Law 103–182) (the ‘‘NAFTA Implementa- note 12 to the HTS, the tariff treatment set tion Act’’) (19 U.S.C. 3311(a)) and was imple- forth in the HTS is modified as provided in mented with respect to the United States by the Annex to this proclamation. Presidential Proclamation 6641 of December (2) The amendments made to the HTS by 15, 1993. the Annex to this proclamation shall be effec- 2. Section 201(b) of the NAFTA Imple- tive with respect to goods entered, or with- mentation Act (19 U.S.C. 3331(b)) authorizes drawn from warehouse for consumption, on the President, subject to the consultation and or after October 1, 2007. layover requirements of section 103(a) of the (3) Any provisions of previous proclama- NAFTA Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. tions and Executive Orders that are incon- 3313(a)), to proclaim accelerated schedules sistent with the actions taken in this procla- of duty elimination that the United States mation are superseded to the extent of such may agree to with Mexico or Canada. Con- inconsistency. sistent with Article 302(3) of the NAFTA, I, through my duly empowered representative, In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set have entered into an agreement with the my hand this twenty-eighth day of Sep- Government of Mexico providing for an ac- tember, in the year of our Lord two thousand celerated schedule of duty elimination for seven, and of the Independence of the specific goods of Mexico. The consultation United States of America the two hundred and layover requirements of section 103(a) and thirty-second. of the NAFTA Implementation Act with respect to such schedule of duty elimination George W. Bush have been satisfied. 3. Pursuant to section 201(b) of the [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, NAFTA Implementation Act, I have deter- 9:47 a.m., October 1, 2007] mined that the modifications herein pro- claimed of duties on goods originating in the NOTE: This proclamation and its attached annex territory of Mexico are necessary or appro- will be published in the Federal Register on Octo- priate to maintain the general level of recip- ber 2.

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Executive Order 13446— 13226, as amended (Office of Science and Continuance of Certain Federal Technology Policy). Advisory Committees and (l) President’s Council on Bioethics; Exec- Amendments to and Revocation of utive Order 13237 (Department of Health Other Executive Orders and Human Services). September 28, 2007 (m) President’s Council on Physical Fit- ness and Sports; Executive Order 13265 (De- By the authority vested in me as President partment of Health and Human Services). by the Constitution and the laws of the (n) President’s Export Council; Executive United States of America, and consistent Order 12131, as amended (Department of with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Commerce). Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), (o) President’s National Security Tele- it is hereby ordered as follows: communications Advisory Committee; Exec- Section 1. Each advisory committee listed utive Order 12382, as amended (Department below is continued until September 30, 2009. of Homeland Security). (a) Committee for the Preservation of the (p) Trade and Environment Policy Advi- White House; Executive Order 11145, as sory Committee; Executive Order 12905 (Of- amended (Department of the Interior). (b) National Infrastructure Advisory Coun- fice of the United States Trade Representa- cil; section 3 of Executive Order 13231, as tive). amended (Department of Homeland Secu- Sec. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of rity). any other Executive Order, the functions of (c) Federal Advisory Council on Occupa- the President under the Federal Advisory tional Safety and Health; Executive Order Committee Act that are applicable to the 12196, as amended (Department of Labor). committees listed in section 1 of this order (d) President’s Board of Advisors on His- shall be performed by the head of the depart- torically Black Colleges and Universities; Ex- ment or agency designated after each com- ecutive Order 13256 (Department of Edu- mittee, in accordance with the guidelines and cation). procedures established by the Administrator (e) President’s Board of Advisors on Tribal of General Services. Colleges and Universities; Executive Order Sec. 3. The following Executive Order, 13270 (Department of Education). which established a committee whose work (f) President’s Commission on White has been completed, is revoked: Executive House Fellowships; Executive Order 11183, Order 13369, as amended by Executive Or- as amended (Office of Personnel Manage- ders 13379 and 13386, establishing the Presi- ment). dent’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Re- (g) President’s Committee for People with form. Intellectual Disabilities; Executive Order Sec. 4. Sections 1 and 2 of Executive 12994, as amended (Department of Health Order 13385 are superseded by sections 1 and Human Services). and 2 of this order. (h) President’s Committee on the Arts and Sec. 5. the Humanities; Executive Order 12367, as Executive Order 12994, as amend- amended (National Endowment for the ed (President’s Committee for People with Arts). Intellectual Disabilities) is further amended (i) President’s Committee on the Inter- to read as follows: national Labor Organization; Executive ‘‘By the authority vested in me as Presi- Order 12216, as amended (Department of dent by the Constitution and the laws of the Labor). United States of America, and in order to (j) President’s Committee on the National promote full participation of people with in- Medal of Science; Executive Order 11287, tellectual disabilities in their communities, it as amended (National Science Foundation). is hereby ordered as follows: (k) President’s Council of Advisors on ‘‘Section 1. Committee Continued and Re- Science and Technology; Executive Order sponsibilities Expanded. The President’s

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Committee on Mental Retardation, with ex- ‘‘Sec. 3. Functions of the Committee. (a) panded membership and expanded respon- Consistent with subsection (c) of this section, sibilities, and renamed the President’s Com- the Committee shall: mittee for People with Intellectual Disabil- (1) provide such advice concerning intel- ities (Committee), is hereby continued in op- lectual disabilities as the President or eration. the Secretary of Health and Human ‘‘Sec. 2. Composition of Committee. (a) Services may request; and The Committee shall be composed of the fol- (2) provide advice to the President con- lowing members: cerning the following for people with (1) The Attorney General; intellectual disabilities: (2) The Secretary of the Interior; (A) expansion of educational opportuni- (3) The Secretary of Commerce; ties; (4) The Secretary of Labor; (B) promotion of homeownership; (5) The Secretary of Health and Human (C) assurance of workplace integration; Services; (D) improvement of transportation op- (6) The Secretary of Housing and Urban tions; Development; (E) expansion of full access to community (7) The Secretary of Transportation; living; and (8) The Secretary of Education; (F) increasing access to assistive and uni- (9) The Secretary of Homeland Security; versally designed technologies. (10) The Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation for National and Com- ‘‘(b) The Committee shall provide an an- munity Service; nual report to the President through the Sec- (11) The Commissioner of Social Security; retary of Health and Human Services. Such (12) The Chairman of the Equal Employ- additional reports may be made as the Presi- ment Opportunity Commission; dent may direct or as the Committee may (13) The Chairperson of the National deem appropriate. Council on Disability; and ‘‘(c) The members shall advise the Presi- (14) No more than 21 other members who dent and carry out their advisory role con- shall be appointed to the Committee sistent with the requirements of the Federal by the President. These citizen mem- Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 bers shall consist of individuals who U.S.C. App.). represent a broad spectrum of per- spectives, experience, and expertise ‘‘Sec. 4. Cooperation by Agencies. The on intellectual disabilities; persons heads of Federal departments and agencies with intellectual disabilities and mem- shall: bers of families with a child or adult ‘‘(a) designate, when requested by the Sec- with intellectual disabilities; and per- retary of Health and Human Services, an of- sons employed in either the public or ficer or employee of such department or the private sector. Except as the agency to serve as a liaison with the Com- President may from time to time oth- mittee; and erwise direct, appointees under this ‘‘(b) furnish such information and assist- paragraph shall serve for two-year ance to the Committee, to the extent per- terms, except that an appointment made to fill a vacancy occurring be- mitted by law, as the Secretary of Health and fore the expiration of a term shall be Human Services may request to assist the made for the balance of the unexpired Committee in performing its functions under term. this order. ‘‘(b) The President shall designate the ‘‘Sec. 5. Administration. (a) The Depart- Chair of the Committee from the 21 citizen ment of Health and Human Services shall members. The Chair shall preside over meet- provide the Committee with necessary staff ings of the Committee and represent the support, administrative services and facilities, Committee on appropriate occasions. and funding, to the extent permitted by law.

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‘‘(b) Each member of the Committee, ex- Presidential Determination on cept any member who receives other com- Energy Assistance for the pensation from the United States Govern- Democratic People’s Republic of ment, may receive compensation for each Korea day engaged in the work of the Committee, as authorized by law (5 U.S.C. 3109), and September 28, 2007 may also receive travel expenses, including Presidential Determination No. 2007–34 per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707), for persons employed intermittently in the Government Memorandum for the Secretary of State service. Committee members with disabil- Subject: Presidential Determination on ities may be compensated for attendant ex- Energy Assistance for the Democratic penses, consistent with Government proce- People’s Republic of Korea dures and practices. ‘‘(c) The Secretary of Health and Human Pursuant to the authority vested in me by Services shall perform such other functions section 610(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act with respect to the Committee as may be of 1961, as amended (the ‘‘Act’’), I hereby required by the Federal Advisory Committee determine that it is necessary for the pur- Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), except that poses of the Act that $25 million in FY07 of reporting to the Congress. funds available for assistance for Eastern Eu- ‘‘Sec. 6. General. (a) Nothing in this order rope and the Baltic States under the Act and shall be construed as subjecting any Federal the Support for East European Democracy agency, or any function vested by law in, or (SEED) Act be transferred to and consoli- assigned pursuant to law to, any Federal dated with funds made available for chapter agency, to the authority of the Committee 4 of part II of the Act, and such funds are or as abrogating or restricting any such func- hereby transferred and consolidated. tion in any manner. In addition, pursuant to the authority vest- ‘‘(b) This order is not intended to, and does ed in me by section 614(a)(1) of the Act, I not, create any right or benefit, substantive hereby determine that it is important to the or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity security interests of the United States to fur- by any party against the United States, its nish up to $25 million in funds made avail- departments, agencies, instrumentalities, or able pursuant to chapter 4 of part II of the entities, its officers or employees, or any Act, comprised of funds transferred pursuant other person.’’. to this determination, for energy assistance Sec. 6. This order shall be effective Sep- for the Democratic People’s Republic of tember 30, 2007. Korea without regard to any provision of law within the purview of section 614(a)(1) of the George W. Bush Act. I hereby authorize the furnishing of this The White House, assistance. September 28, 2007. You are hereby authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, and to arrange for its publication in the Fed- 9:47 a.m., October 1, 2007] eral Register. NOTE: This Executive order will be published in the Federal Register on October 2. George W. Bush

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Memorandum on Waiver of opportunity with Deputy Assistant Attorney Limitation on Obligation and General John C. ‘‘Jack’’ Keeney to honor his Expenditure of $1,051.6 Million in 60 years of Government service. Fiscal Year 2007 Economic Support In the afternoon, the President traveled to Funds for Iraq the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, NY, where he was joined by Mrs. Bush. September 28, 2007 Later, he met with Quartet Representative Presidential Determination No. 2007–35 in the Middle East Tony Blair. In the evening, the President traveled to Memorandum for the Secretary of State the United Nations Headquarters, where he participated in a leaders dinner on climate Subject: Waiver of Limitation on Obligation change. Later, he returned to the Waldorf- and Expenditure of $1,051.6 Million in Fiscal Astoria Hotel. Year 2007 Economic Support Funds for Iraq The President announced his designation Pursuant to the authority vested in me as of the following individuals as members of President by the Constitution and the laws the Presidential delegation to attend the of the United States, including section opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics 1314(c)(2) of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Vet- World Summer Games in Shanghai, China, erans’ Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Ac- on October 2: Margaret Spellings (head of countability Appropriations Act, 2007 (Public delegation); Clark T. Randt, Jr.; John H. Law 110–28) (the ‘‘Act’’), I hereby waive the Hager; Ernie Banks; Lynn Fuchs; Michelle requirements of section 1314(c)(1) for Kwan; Eunice Kennedy Shriver; Timothy P. $1,051.6 Million of Fiscal Year 2007 Eco- Shriver; Anne Sweeney; and Jennifer Polk nomic Support Funds for Iraq and direct you Wardlow. to submit to the Congress this determination along with the certification in accordance September 25 with section 1314(c)(2) of the Act. In the morning, the President had an intel- You are authorized and directed to publish ligence briefing. Later, he traveled to the this determination in the Federal Register. United Nations Headquarters, where he par- George W. Bush ticipated in an official greeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and President of the 62d Session of the United Nations General Assembly Srgjan Kerim. He Digest of Other then met separately with Secretary-General Ban and President Kerim. White House Announcements Later in the morning, the President returned to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The following list includes the President’s public In the afternoon, the President traveled to schedule and other items of general interest an- the United Nations Headquarters. nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and In the evening, the President returned to not included elsewhere in this issue. the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The President announced his intention to September 22 nominate Javaid Anwar to be a member of In the morning, the President had an intel- the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Tru- ligence briefing. man Scholarship Foundation. The President announced his intention to September 24 nominate Madonna Cynthia Douglass to be In the morning, the President had an intel- a member of the Occupational Safety and ligence briefing. Later, in the Old Family Health Review Commission. Dining Room, he participated in an interview The President announced his intention to with Juan Williams of FOX News. Then, in nominate Christina H. Pearson to be Assist- the Oval Office, he participated in a photo ant Secretary of Health and Human Services

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(Public Affairs) and, upon nomination, to Michael Rutz and Stephan Lamby of ARD designate her as Acting. German Television. The President announced his intention to During the day, the President had a tele- nominate Douglas W. Webster to be Chief phone conversation with Speaker of the Financial Officer at the Department of House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to Labor. discuss SCHIP reauthorization legislation. The President announced his intention to In the evening, at the Library of Congress, designate Christopher A. Padilla as Acting the President and Mrs. Bush attended the Under Secretary for International Trade at 2007 National Book Festival Gala and din- the Department of Commerce. ner. The President announced his intention to designate John C. Rood as Acting Under Sec- retary for Arms Control and International Se- curity at the Department of State. The President declared a major disaster in Nominations Illinois and ordered Federal aid to supple- Submitted to the Senate ment State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding The following list does not include promotions of from August 20–31. members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- September 26 eign Service officers. In the morning, the President had an intelligence briefing. Later, he and Mrs. Bush Submitted September 25 met with United States Mission to the United Nations staff and their families. They then Christina H. Pearson, met with Joel I. Klein, chancellor, New York of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of City Department of Education. Then, at a Health and Human Services, vice Suzanne private residence, they attended a Repub- C. DeFrancis, resigned. lican National Committee reception. Withdrawn September 25 In the afternoon, the President and Mrs. Bush returned to Washington, DC. John A. Rizzo, of the District of Columbia, to be General September 27 Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency, In the morning, the President had an intel- vice Scott W. Muller, resigned, which was ligence briefing. Later, in the Oval Office, sent to the Senate on January 9, 2007. he participated in a photo opportunity with Submitted September 27 Big Brother of the Year, Charles Matthews, and Big Sister of the Year, Crystal Rivera. Javaid Anwar, In the afternoon, the President met with of Nevada, to be a member of the Board of Minister of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship China. Foundation for a term expiring December The White House announced that the 10, 2007, vice Elmer B. Staats, term expired. President and Mrs. Bush will host Chancellor Javaid Anwar, Angela Merkel of Germany at the Bush of Nevada, to be a member of the Board of Ranch in Crawford, TX, on November 9–10. Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship September 28 Foundation for a term expiring December 10, 2013 (reappointment). In the morning, the President had a video teleconference with Prime Minister Gordon Madonna Cynthia Douglass, Brown of the United Kingdom. Later, he had of Virginia, to be a member of the Occupa- an intelligence briefing. tional Safety and Health Review Commission In the afternoon, in the Map Room, the for a term expiring April 27, 2013, vice W. President participated in an interview with Scott Railton, term expired.

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Douglas W. Webster, Fact sheet: A Mission of Liberation Around of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, the World Department of Labor, vice Samuel T. Mok, Fact sheet: Burma: Calling for Human Dig- resigned. nity and Democracy

Released September 26

Checklist Fact sheet: 2007 Nation’s Report Card Shows Minority Students Posting All-Time Highs of White House Press Releases Released September 27 The following list contains releases of the Office Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of retary Dana Perino Other White House Announcements. Transcript of a press briefing by Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters, Federal Released September 22 Aviation Administration Acting Adminis- trator Robert A. Sturgell, and Domestic Pol- Statement by the Press Secretary on the icy Council Deputy Director Jess Sharp on Montreal Protocol to reduce greenhouse aviation congestion gases and protect the ozone layer Statement by the Press Secretary: Visit of Released September 24 Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Statement by the Press Secretary on the retary Dana Perino and a senior administra- President’s decision to veto the SCHIP reau- tion official on the President’s bilateral meet- thorization bill passed by Congress ings Statement by the Press Secretary announcing Transcript of a press gaggle by Press Sec- that the President signed H.R. 2669 and retary Dana Perino and National Security H.R. 3580 Adviser Stephen J. Hadley Statement by the Press Secretary announcing Statement by the Press Secretary: Egypt: Set- that the President signed H.R. 3528 backs on Press Freedom and Civil Society Fact sheet: Major Economies Meeting on Fact sheet: Today’s Education Announce- Energy Security and Climate Change ment Fact sheet: College Cost Reduction and Ac- cess Act of 2007 Released September 25 Fact sheet: New Steps To Address Airport Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- Passenger Delays curity Adviser Stephen J. Hadley on the President’s bilateral with Prime Minister Released September 28 Nuri al-Maliki of Iraq Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- retary Dana Perino curity Council Senior Director for Democ- racy, Human Rights, and International Orga- Statement by the Press Secretary announcing nizations Michael Kozak that the President signed H.R. 954, H.R. 3218, and H.R. 3375 Statement by the Press Secretary on the President’s support for reauthorizing SCHIP Fact sheet: Toward a New Global Approach to Climate Change and Energy Security Statement by the Press Secretary on disaster assistance to Illinois Excerpt of the President’s radio address

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Acts Approved Approved September 28 by the President H.R. 954 / Public Law 110–87 To designate the facility of the United States Approved September 27 Postal Service located at 365 West 125th Street in New York, New York, as the ‘‘Percy H.R. 2669 / Public Law 110–84 Sutton Post Office Building’’ College Cost Reduction and Access Act H.R. 3580 / Public Law 110–85 H.R. 3218 / Public Law 110–88 Food and Drug Administration Amendments To designate a portion of Interstate Route Act of 2007 395 located in Baltimore, Maryland, as ‘‘Cal Ripken Way’’ H.R. 3528 / Public Law 110–86 To provide authority to the Peace Corps to H.R. 3375 / Public Law 110–89 provide separation pay for host country resi- To extend the trade adjustment assistance dent personal services contractors of the program under the Trade Act of 1974 for Peace Corps 3 months

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