Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, April 29, 1996 Volume 32—Number 17 Pages 693–733

1

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:06 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 W:\DISC\P17AP4.000 p17ap4 Contents

Addresses and Remarks Executive Orders See also Bill Signings Order of Succession of Officers To Act as Lebanon agreement—725 Secretary of Defense—721 Legislative agenda—723 Maryland, Earth Day in Great Falls—704 Interviews With the News Media National Teacher of the Year award Exchanges with reporters ceremony—707 Briefing Room—723, 725 Radio address—695 Oval Office—712 Service Employees International Union St. Petersburg, Russia—693 convention—714 News conference with President Yeltsin of Bill Signings Russia in Moscow, April 21 (No. 120)—696 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 Joint Statements Remarks—717 Russia-U.S. Highly Enriched Uranium Statement—719 Agreement—703 Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996, statement—726 Meetings With Foreign Leaders 13th continuing resolution, statement—722 Lebanon, President Harawi—712 Communications to Congress Russia, President Yeltsin—693 Colombian drug traffickers, message Proclamations reporting—710 Jewish Heritage Week—693 Environmental management, message—729 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week—694 Savings Association Insurance Fund legislation, letter—723 Statements by the President Communications to Federal Agencies See Bill Signings Environmental management, Supplementary Materials memorandums—729, 730 Public-private partnerships for protection of Acts approved by the President—733 national parks, memorandum—705 Checklist of White House press releases—732 Transportation planning to address impacts of Digest of other White House transportation on national parks, announcements—731 memorandum—706 Nominations submitted to the Senate—732

Editor’s Note: The President was in Philadelphia, PA, on April 26, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

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

2

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:06 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 1249 Sfmt 1249 W:\DISC\P17AP4.000 p17ap4 Week Ending Friday, April 26, 1996

Exchange With Reporters in Proclamation 6887—Jewish Heritage St. Petersburg, Russia Week, 1996 April 19, 1996 April 19, 1996 Q. Mr. President, can I ask you—anything By the President of the United States you wanted to see in particular? of America The President. I saw the Impressionists A Proclamation paintings. I wanted to see them. And I want- The Jewish experience in America has ed to see the living quarters of Catherine the been a mutually rewarding one for this coun- Great. [Laughter] try and for the Jewish people. Jewish Ameri- Q. How did it compare to yours? cans have made great contributions in such The President. I like mine just fine. fields as the arts and sciences, business, gov- [Laughter] ernment, law and medicine, enriching Amer- Q. [Inaudible]——house, Mr. President? ica’s heritage with the resonant tradition of The President. Well, she didn’t have to an ancient people. And America, for its part, run for election. [Laughter] has been a land of opportunity for its Jewish Q. Are you going to see the Rembrandts citizens. here? In many ways, the Jewish experience is The President. Perhaps, yes. I love the unique, freighted with the anguish of fre- desks. The thing that strikes me is the wood- quent persecution, but ennobled by an work. I hadn’t counted on seeing all that. You unyielding spirit that has always found a way ought to go back and see all the secret cham- to turn darkness into light. In the crucible bers in the desk back there. He put every- of sorrow, the Jewish people have reaffirmed, thing he had in there. time and again, the basic human values of Q. Mr. President, you’ve seen some reli- faith, community, justice, and hope. gious symbols today that have been opened On the tolerant soil of American democ- racy, the Jewish people have flourished. We in the last few years to the Russian people. will be forever grateful for the remarkable What are your thoughts on seeing things that contributions of our Jewish citizens, and it didn’t used to be open during the Soviet era? is fitting that we set aside a week to give The President. That’s a very good thing, thanks for their inestimable gifts and to not only making it available to the people, honor the traditions of their remarkable reli- but also making religious expression legiti- gion and heritage. mate again and making it—encouraging and Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, nourishing it. I think it’s a real sign of the President of the United States of America, health of the Russian democracy that religion by virtue of the authority vested in me by is respected and people are free to pursue the Constitution and laws of the United it and express their honest convictions. States, do hereby proclaim April 21 through April 28, 1996, as Jewish Heritage Week. I NOTE: The exchange began at approximately 2:30 call upon the people of the United States to p.m. in the White Hall Room at the Hermitage observe this week with appropriate pro- Museum. This item was not received in time for grams, ceremonies, and activities. publication in the appropriate issue. A tape was In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set not available for verification of the content of this my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the exchange. year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine-

693

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 694 Apr. 19 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

ty-six, and of the Independence of the United teams, victim assistance providers and shelter States of America the two hundred and twen- workers. At the darkest of moments, these tieth. selfless men and women renew our Nation’s William J. Clinton faith in humanity, and their advocacy em- bodies the time-honored American traditions [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, of compassion and service. They constitute 11:21 a.m., April 22, 1996] a community of caring whose healing work helps victims to become survivors. As a Na- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the tion, we owe these generous individuals our Federal Register on April 23. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate deepest gratitude for making our commu- issue. nities better and safer places in which to live and work. While 1995 brought tragedy, it also Proclamation 6888—National Crime brought the implementation of one of the Victims’ Rights Week, 1996 most comprehensive crime laws ever en- April 19, 1996 acted. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 furthered the By the President of the United States rights of victims in the Federal justice system of America and targeted resources for criminal justice improvements. The Crime Act’s provisions A Proclamation include truth-in-sentencing provisions that On April 19, 1995, millions of Americans ensure longer sentences for violent offenders witnessed the chaos and anguish wrought by and allocution rights for victims that give a single bomb blast in Oklahoma City that them the right to speak in court before the took 168 lives and injured scores of others. imposition of a sentence. The Crime Act also For days afterwards, our Nation joined the provides hundreds of communities around survivors in a grim vigil as somber work crews the Nation with increased law enforcement entered the wreckage again and again to lo- personnel, and its Violence Against Women cate victims. Act is the first comprehensive Federal effort That bomb blast in Oklahoma City was a to combat violence against women. devastating reminder that too many Ameri- The Crime Act is just one landmark in a cans have become victims of crime. Although crime victims’ movement that has spanned violent crime has decreased every year for 20 years and brought many hard-won re- the last 3 years, 83 percent of our citizens forms. A victims’ bill of rights—once a novel 12 years of age and above will experience idea—is now a reality in virtually every State. violent or attempted violent crime in their Victim assistance programs, which were few lifetimes. And worse, 52 percent will be vic- in the 1960s, now number in the thousands. timized more than once. Added to these grim Every State has a compensation program to statistics is the reality that violent crime is help reimburse victims for mental health, increasingly a problem of our youth. For 12- medical, and other expenses resulting from to 19-year-olds, the chance of being as- the crimes committed against them. And in saulted, robbed, or raped is two to three 1995, the Crime Victims Fund in the U.S. times higher than for adults, and perpetrators Treasury, which supports many of these pro- of crime are both younger and more violent. grams, surpassed the one-billion-dollar mark In 1994, for example, about 33 percent of in funds collected and distributed to the all violent crimes were committed by those States. under 21 years of age. As we reflect on the events of 1995, let There is another, more positive, dimension us remember both the horror and the com- to the aftermath of crime: the multitude of passion we felt last April. Let us not slip into dedicated professionals and volunteers who complacency when we hear or read about an- support and assist crime victims. They are other crime victim. Whether we are business emergency medical technicians and fire- owners or teachers, clergy or physicians, fighters, law enforcement officers and rescue neighbors or colleagues, we must join the

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 20 695

community of caring and lessen the burdens Because so many threats to America’s se- on our Nation’s crime victims. Let us join curity are global in scope and because no na- together to build safe and responsive com- tion is immune to them, we simply must work munities and to promote justice and healing with other nations more closely than ever to for all who have suffered from violent crime. fight them. Whether the threat is the aggres- Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, sion of rogue states or the spread of weapons President of the United States of America, of mass destruction or organized crime or by virtue of the authority vested in me by drug trafficking or terrorism, no nation can the Constitution and laws of the United defeat it alone. But together we can deal with States, do hereby proclaim April 21 through these problems and we can make America April 27, 1996, as National Crime Victims’ more secure. That’s what I have worked hard Rights Week. I urge all Americans to pause to do this week. and remember crime victims and their fami- In Korea, President Kim and I proposed lies by working to reduce violence, to assist a new initiative to promote peace and stabil- those harmed by crime, and to make our ity on the Korean Peninsula, where 37,000 homes and communities safer places in American troops stand watch on the last cold which to live and raise our families. war frontier. In the last 3 years we have dra- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set matically reduced North Korea’s nuclear my hand this nineteenth day of April, in the threat. Now, the four-party peace process we year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- call for among North and South Korea, ty-six, and of the Independence of the United China, and the United States can lead to a States of America the two hundred and twen- permanent peace. We hope and we expect tieth. that North Korea will take it seriously. In Japan, Prime Minister Hashimoto and William J. Clinton I signed a Joint Security Declaration adapted to the 21st century, after a year of very hard [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, work. It strengthens the commitment of the 11:22 a.m., April 22, 1996] world’s two largest economies to work to- gether to maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 23. This item was not region, a region that buys one-half of Ameri- received in time for publication in the appropriate ca’s exports and supports over 3 million issue. American jobs. Here in Moscow, I am working with other world leaders in a summit to improve nuclear The President’s Radio Address safety, protect the environment and public April 20, 1996 health against nuclear accidents, and prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong Good morning. Today I speak to you from hands. Again, in the last 3 years we’ve done Russia, the final stop in a journey that has a great deal to reduce the number of nuclear focused on my first priority as President: in- weapons, the number of countries holding creasing the security and safety of the Amer- nuclear weapons, and there are no nuclear ican people. Today, though the cold war is weapons pointed at the American people over, serious challenges to our security re- anymore. Still, there is a great deal of work main. In fact, the very forces that have un- to be done. We need a comprehensive nu- locked so much potential for progress—new clear test ban treaty, greater protections technologies, borders more open to ideas and against environmental and public health services and goods and money and travelers, damage, and we have to do even more to instant global communications, and instant ensure the security of the nuclear materials access to unlimited amounts of important in- that are out there now. formation all across the world—these very Just as we work with our friends and allies forces have also made it easier for the forces to protect the security of our people, we also of destruction to endanger innocent lives in must do our part at home, making sure that all countries. we’re as well prepared as possible to do what

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 696 Apr. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

needs to be done to combat the forces of tims everywhere this National Crime Victims’ destruction, whether they are homegrown or Rights Week, we must vow never to relent whether they come from beyond our borders. against these forces of destruction. This is especially true of our efforts against By working with other nations, we can put terrorism. That’s why I’m very pleased that terrorists on the defensive and make the Congress has agreed to give the American world a safer place. And by working together law enforcement people important new tools at home, we will keep America strong and to fight terrorism. secure as we move into the new century. Yesterday was the first anniversary of the Thanks for listening. bombing in Oklahoma City. We owe it to the fine Americans who were killed there, NOTE: The address was recorded at 11 p.m. on April 19 at the Radisson Slavinskaya Hotel in Mos- those who were wounded, and their families cow for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on April 20. to do all we can to fight terrorism. Last year I sent Congress a bill to strengthen law en- forcement’s ability to protect Americans The President’s News Conference from terrorism. Right after the Oklahoma With President Boris Yeltsin of City bombing I strengthened the proposals Russia in Moscow and congressional leaders promised swift April 21, 1996 passage of the legislation. This past Thursday, Congress passed the U.S.-Russia Relations antiterrorism bill at last. Now, my fellow President Yeltsin. Dear members of the Americans, there will be no more delay. I press, ladies and gentlemen, our discussion will sign this bill into law early next week, with the President of the United States of and by Wednesday, law enforcement will America lasted sufficiently long, about 5 have new tools to crack down, track down, hours, and in substance became the continu- and shut down terrorists. ation of the discussions that were started Even though I’m pleased with what Con- within the G–7, issues which we discussed gress, both Republicans and Democrats to- within the 8, and today’s meeting also to a gether, did, I am disappointed that some of great extent coincided. First of all, this was my proposals were left out of the bill. I be- security; regional stability was also discussed lieve we should help police keep suspected in the bilats. terrorists under surveillance. I believe we I think that today’s discussion gave a rather should give law enforcement more time to large contribution to the successes of the G– investigate and prosecute terrorists who use 7 in Moscow in the security area. Discussions machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and ex- of a whole series of issues on nuclear security plosive devices. and how to move ahead on START II, to These and other important antiterrorism strengthen the ABM treaty of 1972. We now measures were left on the cutting-room floor. have rather good schedules on what Russia But this bill still makes important progress. has to do, what the United States has to do It will make it easier for police to trace by October of this year. bombs to criminals who made them by re- We’ve reached progress on European se- quiring chemical taggants in some explosive curity as well. In May, we have an important materials. It will make it much harder for meeting which should be dedicated to re- terrorists to raise the money they need to viewing the CFE treaty and forces in Eu- fund their crimes. It may not go as far as rope. We agreed to work in this area and I would like, but it does strike a real blow to concentrate more in the future on the against terrorism, and I will be happy to sign wording of the treaty itself. You’ll probably it. have questions at this. Our two countries as From Egypt to England, from the Tokyo cosponsors of the Middle East peace process subway to the World Trade Center, from the we discussed in great detail. We discussed heart of Jerusalem to America’s heartland, the situation in Israel and Lebanon. They terrorism ignores borders and strikes without were discussed also at the meeting of the 8 discrimination. As we recognize crime vic- and now the ministers of foreign affairs of

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 21 697

our countries are continuing talk. We’re con- President Clinton. Thank you very much, stantly in touch with them, and today we President Yeltsin. summarized a bit on some of the decisions Ladies and gentlemen, just a few years ago reached. the mere fact of a meeting between the Russia and the United States play a key American and Russian Presidents was news. role in the settlement in Bosnia. Our peace- But this is my 3rd trip to Moscow as Presi- keeping troop units are working very well. dent and my 10th meeting with President We have to reinvigorate this and aim it at Yeltsin. So now the news is no longer that nonmilitary aspects of the settlement, such we are meeting, but instead what we’re meet- as holding elections, providing for human ing about and what is being done for the ben- rights, and rebuilding the destroyed areas. efit of our people. I want to especially underscore here the After this meeting there is much to report. fact that the elections do not interfere with First, let me thank President Yeltsin for initi- the long-term cooperation between our two ating and then hosting yesterday’s nuclear countries. I mean, our Presidential elections summit. It is fitting that this summit was held do not stand in the way. Our policies allow in Moscow. For 3 years, the President and us to speak about various issues and we have I have worked together in trying to make the a practice now and a tradition with Bill to world a safer place by reducing the nuclear hold normal, regular meetings whenever we threat that all our citizens face. Because of meet, and whenever we make comments to those efforts, Russian and American missiles each other and react to each other’s state- are no longer pointed at each other’s cities ments. This is as any family would have it. or citizens. We’ve both made deep cuts in There are sometimes comments made to our nuclear arsenals by putting START I into each other—these issues at least have no ide- force. And we’ll make even deeper cuts when ological nature whatsoever. The United the Duma ratifies START II. States and Russia are great powers. It’s not We’ve worked with Ukraine, Belarus, and just for us to get involved with big global Kazakhstan to dismantle nuclear weapons on issues, but we look out for our own interests. their land. And yesterday, with other world In today’s meeting, we have defined more leaders, we took important steps to make nu- carefully our policies, our tasks. We have es- clear materials more secure so they don’t fall tablished on the basis of equality—we’ve into the wrong hands, to make the civilian added the words ‘‘on the basis of equality’’ use of nuclear power safer, and to strongly in our cooperation, which is in consistence support the passage of a comprehensive test with the interest of our two countries. And ban treaty this year. in the majority of cases, the lion’s share of The United States and Russia are also cases, others support both us and the United working together to promote peace in the States in all of this. Our partners all have world’s most troubled regions. The President interest and see interest in the positive devel- and I reviewed the situation in Bosnia where opment of U.S.-Russia relations. They view our troops are serving side by side to help our relationship as a factor which promotes its people rebuild their land and their lives. international cooperation. This is very good. As cosponsors of the Middle East peace Next week, I’m going to China. There, I process we discussed the terrible outbreak plan to touch upon many of the issues which of violence in Lebanon and northern Israel. we discussed yesterday and today in Moscow. We agree on the need to secure a cease-fire I’m counting on understanding from the Chi- to stop the violence, and as all of you know, nese. our foreign ministers are both in the region I want to say that I’m very pleased with as we speak. The best way to prevent vio- my discussion with the President of the Unit- lence from returning is to continue imple- ed States, and I hope that Bill will also ex- menting the agreements between Israel and press his points of view, how he assesses our the Palestinian Authority, and to secure a meeting today. comprehensive peace in the region that in- Thank you, Bill. cludes Lebanon and Syria.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 698 Apr. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

The political and the security partnership U.S. and Russian Elections between our nations is strengthened by our Q. A question to both Presidents. To what growing commercial ties. We’ve worked hard extent do the elections in Russia and the to take down the old barriers to trade and United States in November define the U.S.- to investment. Thanks to President Yeltsin’s Russian relation today? Thank you. leadership, 60 percent of Russia’s economy President Clinton. Who will go first? I’ll is now in the hands of its people, not the go first. Well, I think all elections have con- state. Inflation has been cut; democracy is sequences, and so the relationship will be de- taking hold. Since 1993, trade between the fined obviously by these elections in impor- United States and Russia is up 65 percent. tant ways. The United States supports the And the U.S. is now the largest foreign inves- direction that Russia has taken in building tor in this great nation. That’s helping to cre- a vibrant and open democracy and in moving ate more good jobs and new opportunities toward an economic reform which would put in both our countries. more of the economy in the hands of the The President and I also discussed areas people. And we now see, after some very dif- in which we have differences, as he men- ficult years, some real progress being made. tioned. The flank issue of the Conventional And we look forward to being a good partner Forces in Europe Treaty is one of them. But in that effort, as well as in making our coun- we are working hard to find a solution to tries more secure and ending the nuclear that that is acceptable to all parties prior to threat and in finding ways to work together the review conference in May, and I can say to solve other problems around the world. with confidence that we did move closer to Two great nations like ours have a lot of that goal today. common interests for the future, and I would We also made important progress in distin- hope no matter what happens we’ll be able guishing between antiballistic missile systems to pursue that. But I don’t think we should that are limited by the ABM treaty and thea- be under any illusion that people run for of- ter missile defenses which are not. As a re- fice on platforms that they intend to imple- sult, we’ll send our negotiators back to Gene- ment and, therefore, all elections involve va next month with the aim of concluding choices and have consequences. And so the an initial demarcation agreement this June. people of Russia and the people of the Unit- From St. Petersburg to Moscow, these last ed States will have to come to grips with that 3 days have allowed me and our entire Amer- and make their own judgments, as great de- ican delegation to see the richness of Russia’s mocracies do. past, the achievements of its present, and the President Yeltsin. I, too, would like to an- promise of its future. I want the Russian peo- swer since the question was to both Presi- ple to know how much the American people dents. I have to say that with every meeting support Russia’s commitment to democracy with the President of the United States, our and to reform. We’ve learned from our his- relations improve. Not a single meeting has tory that building a thriving democracy is not yet been empty. It always has given us not easy or automatic, but Russia is making dra- only to our countries, to our peoples, but all matic progress, as evidenced by the Duma of us some sort of a positive. elections last December and the coming Undoubtedly, also, yesterday’s meeting of Presidential elections this June. the 8 has given a lot, and today’s meeting This is a time of real possibility and oppor- with the President, since the meetings tunity to make our people more prosperous touched upon a large variety of issues and and more secure. The United States wants problems, bilateral, international in nature a strong, stable, and open Russia, to work where issues came together, coincided, et with us as equal partners in seizing those op- cetera. portunities and turning the challenges of a But I just wanted to tell those who in the new era in the common solutions. press and in the media have already tried Thank you. to tally up the score and say, well, they espe- President Yeltsin. Thank you. Please, cially really contrived this whole meeting in questions. Moscow in order to help the President of

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 21 699

Russia, President Yeltsin—that’s not so. This portant. And because of the meeting we had was planned a long time ago, way back in today, we’re much closer to resolving a cou- Halifax we had statements to this effect. And ple of very important issues that relate to our no questions which have to do with any kind ability again to make the world a safer place: of mutual obligations or tie-ins to the elec- the CFE treaty, the demarcation between tions both here or in November in the United antiballistic missile systems and theater mis- States—we did not have any tie-ins, any mu- sile defenses, and a number of other areas tual obligations to each other, especially ma- in which we need to cooperate for the safety terial or financial. We gave no assurances, and for the future of our people. any deals. We were here open, honest. So So it seems to me that that’s what we ought don’t suspect here—suspect us in any way. to look at. Have we done the right thing or A meeting such as the 8 or a meeting of two not? Are people going to be better off or Presidents of two great nations. not? Are they going to be safer or not? Is Q. In Sharm al-Sheikh it was reported that the future going to be brighter or not? That you told President Yeltsin that you would is how I think that we would both wish to support his reelection bid with positive U.S. be judged. And I think it’s a great mistake policies, and that you asked him for help with to put too much of a political spin on this clearing up some negative issues such as the since typically, at least, foreign policy does poultry dispute. Was there a—did you talk not play that big a role in voting patterns. about politics today? I mean, what were your But it’s very, very important to how people political discussions? And how do you both live and what kind of future we have. think that a meeting like this helps you with President Yeltsin. I agree with President voters? Clinton that the discussion was on the go President Clinton. First of all, let me constantly, during the breaks, and just as be- clear up the report from Sharm al-Sheikh. fore, we said we have to have an equivalent What I said in Sharm al-Sheikh and what I partnership of the two countries. We have believe is that the best politics is to do the to support this relationship and help each right thing and advance the interest of our other, all the Presidents, just like we support people. I did bring up that trade dispute, just each other as countries, as people. And this as I have brought up a dozen or more trade is only natural. Now, as far as any specific disputes with other leaders all around the issues having to do with campaigns and help- world. That’s a big part of my job now, and ing each other in campaigns in specifics, I think I did the right thing. there was none. Today at our luncheon, the President gave Now, the second part of the question, Bill me a brief overview of what he thought— didn’t touch upon the second part—I don’t quite brief—was the present lay of the land know, maybe he or I can maybe respond and with the elections coming up and again said say that the production of fowl which came that he was trying to do his job, that he want- from the United States was—there was one ed to do his job. And I told him I thought batch that was stopped and held up by our that producing concrete results for the peo- health service. After that we quickly got to- ple by doing your job was the best thing to gether; we set up a commission, let the Gore- do politically. So that’s the—which is essen- Chernomyrdin Commission figure it out, get tially what I also said when we talked at into the details in the poultry question. And Sharm al-Sheikh. they did and they were convinced that, yes, Whether these things have any benefit or there was some violations. Those violations not, who knows? You know, most of our peo- were taken care of, and now trade once again ple are—most democracies all over the world has been reestablished and it’s back to nor- are people preoccupied with problems at mal. home, somewhat skeptical about foreign pol- icy. But I can tell you this: Because of this Conventional Forces Treaty nuclear summit the people of Russia and the Q. You’ve already spoken about European people of the United States are going to have security. Can you tell us a little more in detail a more secure future. And that’s what’s im- specifically what the CFE treaty—how it was

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 700 Apr. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

touched upon, and the limitations on the Chechnya flanks, please, if you would? Q. President Yeltsin, you just mentioned President Yeltsin. The question of Euro- that things were going according to plan in pean security has a lot of aspects, including Chechnya. But there are other reports that NATO. So I don’t think that we’ve got to hostilities there continue and human rights lay all of these issues out to you at this very groups are complaining still about the behav- moment and how they relate to the central ior of Russian forces. I wonder, for President question, but more specifically and in detail Clinton, what do you say to those who believe we discussed the issues of the limitations on that the United States has not been firm the flanks, since this really has to do with enough, hasn’t been critical enough, and that our direct interests on the Caucasus and in even now the criticism is muted specifically the northwest of our country near because the United States is anxious to see Kaliningrad. President Yeltsin reelected? But the way it turned out was that in Ger- And for President Yeltsin, what would you many when we were moving our forces back say to those who believe that your call for a cease-fire was motivated largely by short- to Russia, the closest way to go was to term political interests? Kaliningrad, and so we saturated Kaliningrad President Yeltsin. In your question you with our troops and forces and equipment. made a couple of errors right off the bat. And the whole—really a lot of saturation— First of all, you said that the United States and went beyond the limits that were pro- is seeking the reelection of President Yeltsin. vided for in the CFE treaty itself. I have different data. Second, military actions Also that’s another situation near the in the Chechnya region are not going on. No Caucasus because, as you know, what we military operations are being carried out have there—because of the situation in from March 31. It’s another matter, some Chechnya, right now it’s not bad so what bands are still running around. Out of 22 re- we’re doing is implementing my plan on find- gions of Chechnya, 19 of them have signed ing a settlement in the Chechnya problem. agreements. In three, there are still—the And things are going according to plan the bosses there are still the bands. They’re still way it’s been approved. in charge. And, in fact, it’s true they are mak- Nonetheless, there is a concentration of ing life difficult for a lot of people. conventional forces, tanks and things; in But I repeat again, there are no military some cases it varies from what the CFE trea- operations now underway. A state commis- ty may be calling for. So President Clinton, sion has been set up headed by at my request, very carefully reviewed with Chernomyrdin; contact has been established his advisers and specialists, and they went with Dudayev through intermediaries. The and decided that temporarily we would be intermediaries we have—Shaimiev, Orlov— we have people like that, King Hassan II, given the opportunity to—within the overall the King of Morocco, who have agreed to framework, the overall total numbers—to do act in the role of intermediaries and to talk some movement of forces on the territory. to Dudayev, to influence him from the point Of course, the conference in May is going of view of negotiations only on one question to finally decide that. But they expressed that he is not in agreement with, in other their opinion, and once again, this issue has words, that the Chechen Republic from our been discussed. There was one question to point of view—and this is an absolute—must us that we move from one site a part of our be and will remain within Russia. equipment. We didn’t argue; we’re going to President Clinton. Let me make two move it. And, in short, there really is no ques- brief points. First of all, I think the record tion for discussion remaining. We hope that will reflect that the United States has consist- around May 15, when the conference is held, ently supported a political solution to the this treaty is going to be adjusted somewhat Chechnya crisis and offered its support for and everything will be fine. that. And when President Yeltsin made his

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 21 701

announcement on March 31st, we supported dent Clinton promised this and somehow to that. influence his colleagues. You say that there are some who say we I believe that, in fact, it will be thus for should have been more openly critical. I a while. Then, gradually, maybe we ourselves think it depends upon your first premise; do will find, together with NATO, a relationship, you believe that Chechnya is a part of Russia maybe to come up with an agreement that, or not? I would remind you that we once let’s say, no country will be allowed to enter had a Civil War in our country in which we NATO, let’s say, without Russia’s agreement, lost on a per-capita basis far more people and then maybe only through a consensus than we lost in any of the wars of the 20th will be NATO changing. In other words, century over the proposition that Abraham there is a variety of solutions for this prob- Lincoln gave his life for, that no State had lem, but we yet have to work on this. a right to withdraw from our Union. We talked about it in detail, but, look, And so the United States has taken the we’re not going to be sitting here giving you position that Chechnya is a part of Russia, everything exactly in detail what we did for but that in the end, a free country has to 5 hours. We’re going to have a 5-hour press have a free association, so there would have conference then. to be something beyond the fighting, there President Clinton. A brief comment on would have to be a diplomatic solution. the two issues President Yeltsin mentioned. That’s what we have done. The United States has within it some people But we realize this is a very difficult prob- who have had questions about the ABM trea- lem. And we have—President Yeltsin said ty to which we’re a signatory. I believe the today in our private meeting he wanted a dip- United States should keep its treaty commit- lomatic solution. He specifically asked me to ments. I think if we expect Russia to keep do a thing or two that he thought might be its treaty commitments, we have to keep helpful to him in securing a peaceful resolu- ours. tion of this and an end to the fighting and Not so long ago I vetoed a defense bill a real reconciliation between the people of passed in the Congress because I thought it Chechnya and the rest of Russia. So I intend would have put us out of compliance with to do what he requested in that regard, and the ABM treaty. What we have to do now I will continue to try to advocate an end to because the ABM treaty does not prohibit the violence and do what the United States the development of theater missile defenses can to support a resolution of this. is to define clearly what the lines between the two are, both regular velocity and high velocity theater missile defense. Russia-U.S. Relations We made real progress here in doing that. Q. As a whole, how do you assess the And I’m convinced that if we do this in an progress in the field of security, including the open way that has a lot of integrity that re- issue of ABM? And how is this going to affect quires—where no one can question our com- the future of equal partnership between Rus- mitment to the ABM treaty, I think we’ll all sia and the United States? be just fine on this, and I think it will work President Yeltsin. The word equal or on out very well. an equivalent basis, when we first signed the With regard to NATO, our differences are first treaty we weren’t around, that word well-known, but I think it’s also worth point- wasn’t around. And it occurred later, because ing out that as with other aspects of this rela- we saw some sort of discrimination practiced tionship, they have been clear and open, against Russia. And that’s why the word equal there have been no surprises, and from my or on an equal basis in all respects—that’s point of view there have been no changes. what appeared. I will say again: My goal is for a demo- Now, as far as security, we discussed in cratic, undivided Europe. The world has detail these issues. And in general, of course, been caused a lot of trouble in the last 1,000 for some time we’re not going to be forcing years repeatedly because of the divisions of the widening of NATO at our request. Presi- Europe, number one. Number two, my goal

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 702 Apr. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

is to see the United States and Russia over that this close relationship can continue? And the long run develop a strong, equal partner- particularly to Mr. Yeltsin, do you believe ship of two great democracies, freedom-lov- your Communist opponents are in fact a dif- ing countries that define their greatness in ferent kind of Communists than the ones terms of their values and their example and who you helped put out of power and the the achievements of their people and not the party that you once walked out of? domination of other nations. And I believe President Yeltsin. I have nothing to think that we will find a way to work that out that’s here on this score. There’s nothing to think consistent with the position I’ve taken on of because I am sure that I will be victorious. NATO. President Clinton. Well, my answer’s ir- And so I feel—I believe that as this thing relevant. [Laughter] goes along we’ll find answers to that. And Should we take one more? Do you want so my position hasn’t changed about NATO, to take one more? but I do not in any way, shape, or form mean President Yeltsin. One more question. any threat to the security of the long-term One more question each—you and I, each legitimate interests of Russia there. And the side, one more question. more important thing is, by the way, practical thing, is the progress we have made here with Nuclear Testing the ABM theater missile defense issue. Q. A question to you. Have you discussed That’s a very significant advance for both the issue of standing nuclear testing and is countries in resolving a real, as opposed to there any difference of opinion on nuclear an imagined, security problem. testing? President Yeltsin. One minute, I didn’t President Yeltsin. Yes, this issue was dis- respond to part three of that second question cussed yesterday at the meeting of the 8, on the ABM. since the topic was, after all, nuclear security, The thing is that, really, we did have at and everything there, practically speaking, one time differences when the U.S. side starts with nuclear materials and testing. So began to develop its own system beyond the when we talked about testing, banning test- ABM. And we expressed our surprise at this. ing yesterday, I will say that we had a very, And when Bill Clinton became President we very loyal discussion, pleasant talk. All, to the agreed solidly that we are going to abide by very last one, agreed that this year we’ve got the ABM treaty. And for all this time, all the to sign the treaty on banning and testing in times we’ve met, we’ve had never any doubts, any size of test forever and forever. and we’ve had never any claims or questions But not all nuclear states participated at to each other or any doubts that this treaty yesterday’s meeting of the 8. Now, with the is in any way going to be changed or modified others, we’re going to have to do a little work, or changes introduced or anything like that. especially with China. Well, that’s why we, It’s another matter now, that as Bill Clin- the leaders of the states, and that’s where ton said, that we’ve got to, simply from the the members of the 8 which decide these technical point of view, have that demarca- big political issues and other issues in order tion between strategic and theater nuclear to somehow move forward and make systems. But that’s being carried out now by progress on these big issues and to reach our specialists and experts, U.S. experts, and agreements and to prepare accords with that will be fulfilled to not the detriment of other states. And we’re going to be attempt- either the United States or the Russian Fed- ing to do that. I have got the conviction that eration. we are going to find an agreement and, after all, I think we will be able to sign this year. Russian Elections President Clinton. I’ll just make a brief, Q. The two Presidents: Both of you today supplemental remark there. We have all have talked very optimistically and hopefully agreed to go with the so-called Australian about U.S. and Russian relations. But again language which is a strict zero-yield com- to return to the elections, if the Communists prehensive test ban treaty. That is the only were to win in this election, do you believe kind of treaty that can give the people of the

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 21 703

world the certainty that they really are seeing national financial institutions, which were not the end of the nuclear age of the big weap- available to do those things, again, as a part ons. of the Marshall Plan on anything like this Some other countries want to kind of leave scale. a big crack in the door for so-called peaceful Thirdly, even though our assistance to tests or experimentation. And we all believe Russia has dropped in the last couple of that we just have to try to persuade them years, the Nunn-Lugar funds are still helping to our way of thinking. The biggest and most the denuclearization movement, and funds important issue now is trying to persuade the that I asked the Congress to adopt in the Chinese to adopt a position that we have ’93–94 timeframe, those funds have by no adopted. And I suggested on behalf of the means all been used up. That is, they’re still 8 that we ask President Yeltsin to take this awaiting specific projects. So money has been issue up on his trip to China. He agreed to appropriated for investment here that can do that, and the rest of us agreed to do our still be invested here as the projects come best as well to support that and try to per- on line. suade the Chinese that this is the right course So our commitment to the economic revi- for the future. And I have every hope that talization of Russia is very strong. And I we can succeed. would point out that I believe Russia has privatized a higher percentage of its economy Assistance to Russia than any of the other countries of the former Q. Mr. President, U.S. assistance to Russia Soviet Union. And the economic problems after communism fell—it’s been a fraction that Russia has endured began before the So- of what the Marshall Plan did for Europe viet Union disappeared. And we see the to help rebuild Europe after World War II. economy coming back now, and I think that With many Russians questioning whether things are going in the right direction. capitalism and democracy have really made I do believe that the United States and their lives better, do you feel that the West the rest of the advanced economies should has missed a historic chance to help Russia? continue their commitment to investment And if you’re reelected next year and there’s and to support democracy and economic re- a new Congress, do you foresee anything form. I don’t think we should let up. But more ambitious in the future? I think it’s a mistake to say that a historic President Clinton. Well, first of all, the opportunity has been missed, because a great short answer to your question is no, I don’t deal has been done. think that the West has missed an historic Thank you very much. chance. The present Congress I think has un- derestimated the impact that a relatively NOTE: The President’s 120th news conference small amount of investment assistance in began at 2:42 p.m. in the Executive Office Build- ing at the Kremlin. President Yeltsin spoke in Rus- other countries can have, not just in Russia sian, and his remarks were translated by an inter- but in other places in the world. And so I preter. think that’s a mistake. I think not paying our U.N. dues is a mistake, not investing in the International Development Association is a Russia-U.S. Joint Statement on the mistake. Highly Enriched Uranium But let me ask you—you compared this Agreement to the Marshall Plan. There are some things April 21, 1996 that are quite different. For one thing, we are now the largest—the United States is the The United States and Russia have agreed largest private investor in Russia, and the on transparency measures that provide assur- flow of private investment is much broader ances that the sides are fulfilling the obliga- and quicker than it was at the end of World tions undertaken under the HEU Agreement War II. For another thing, the United States to transform ‘‘megatons into megawatts.’’ has strongly supported the multi-billion-dol- The transparency measures that have been lar aid package coming out of the inter- developed are the culmination of two years

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 704 Apr. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

of negotiations between official U.S. and ficult challenges they’ve been in. I thank Russian delegations and are evidence that ir- them all, these who are here and their coun- reversible nuclear disarmament is achievable terparts. if we work together. By blending-down HEU You know, I just came back, literally just derived from nuclear weapons to low-en- came back from a remarkable journey all riched uranium that can only be used as fuel around the world. I flew from here to Alaska in commercial nuclear power reactors, we and refueled, and then I went to Korea and ensure that this material can never again be Japan and on to St. Petersburg and Moscow. used in nuclear weapons. And I was thinking, standing here today, I saw some of the most magnificent manmade NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- creations anywhere in the world: the Impe- tion of the content of this joint statement. rial Palace in Tokyo, the great Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the entire Krem- Remarks on Earth Day in Great lin has just been redone and restored to its Falls, Maryland historical grandeur. But none of it is any April 22, 1996 more beautiful than this wonderful nature that God has given us right here in this na- Thank you very much. Ladies and gentle- tional park. men, thank you all for being here today and And not everybody can travel to see the for the work that you do. I want to thank great palaces of the world. Even the great the Vice President for being the constant art galleries of the world are beyond the conscience of our administration and of the reach of many of our fellow citizens. But ev- national debate on the environment. I thank erybody can come to this park without regard Anthony Hildebrandt and Ashley King for to their income, their station in life, what the example they are setting for the young their other resources are. This belongs to all people of America. I want to thank these the American people, and we have to dedi- young folks with the Montgomery County cate ourselves to making sure that as long Conservation Corps and the others who have as there is an America there will be a national volunteered to work in this park. park system with these treasures there for I want to say a special word of thanks to every single citizen of this country. the employees of the National Park Service We have done a lot of work since I became all over this country and here. They do a President to try to improve our national parks magnificent job for America. I want to thank and to preserve them. We are dramatically Carol Browner, our EPA Administrator, and cutting back on noise from aircraft flights Katie McGinty, who represents the Nation’s over the Grand Canyon and the Rocky environmental concerns in the Environ- Mountain parks and other treasures. We are mental Council in the White House. And I moving, I say as I hear the plane, to restore want to thank Secretary Babbitt, who can’t a natural quiet in our parks. We are expand- be here because he can’t be in more than ing the Point Reyes National Seashore in one place at once; even Bruce Babbitt can’t California, where Hillary and I spent our sec- do that. And, as the Vice President said, he’s ond wedding anniversary, by 38,000 acres. at the Sterling Forest event this morning rep- We are calling on Congress to pass legislation resenting us. to designate new wilderness areas and pur- I want to thank the Members of Congress chase the Sterling Forest in the New York- who are here for their fidelity to the Nation’s New Jersey border. And I am directing the environment and their willingness to stand Park Service to take more than a dozen other and be counted in some pretty difficult mo- steps to make visiting the parks more pleasur- ments over the last year or so. They have able for America’s families and for our guests helped us to continue our commitment and from all around the world. Our duty is to to protect this country’s natural resources. pass on to future generations these treasures And I want you to know that I never appre- that God has given to us. ciated them more than I have in the last year Remember, it was a great Republican or so when they’ve been in some of the dif- President, Theodore Roosevelt, who set our

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 22 705

Nation on the path of conservation. In 1908 should not have to live in a world stripped he said, ‘‘Any right-thinking parent earnestly of its natural beauty. We can and we must desires and strives to leave a child both an protect the environment while advancing the untarnished name and a reasonable equip- prosperity of the American people and peo- ment for the struggle of life. So this Nation ple throughout the world. as a whole should earnestly desire and strug- When it comes to protecting the environ- gle to leave to the next generation the na- ment, we can’t turn back. We have to go for- tional honor unstained and the national re- ward, and it has to become a part of our every sources unexhausted.’’ It sounded good in decision as a people. If we make that com- 1908, and it’s even more important as we mitment and stick to it, then America will stand on the edge of a new century. have a bright future indeed. Let me say that I consider that I was very Thank you all, and God bless you. lucky as a child to have the privilege of being raised in a national park. My hometown is NOTE: The President spoke at 12:18 p.m. at the the only city in America that actually contains observation deck at Great Falls National Park. In a national park, Hot Springs National Park. his remarks, he referred to Anthony Hildebrandt of Boy Scout Troop 241, and Ashley King of the And I grew up in a State where more than Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. half the land was covered by forests. I took for granted things that many children in our cities never, ever see. Memorandum on Public-Private And frankly, I had to grow up a little be- Partnerships for Protection of the fore I realized that none of that could be National Parks taken for granted. And a lot of people along the way had a big influence on me; the most April 22, 1996 recent, of course, is the Vice President. But Memorandum for the Heads of Executive since he’s here today I want to thank my sen- Departments and Agencies ior Senator, Dale Bumpers, who has been one of the most courageous conservationists Subject: Facilitating Public-Private and environmentalists for the last 25 years Partnerships for Protection of the National in America. Thank you. He taught me by the Parks power of example that Governors have a re- Many important efforts are already under- sponsibility to the environment as well. way in which the private sector works in part- And so I say to all of you, there’s some- nership with government to protect or main- thing for each of us to do. But the remarkable tain public lands. These include the work of resurgence in support for clean air, for clean the National Park Foundation, an organiza- water, for a safe environment in our urban tion created by the Congress in 1967 to re- areas as well as our rural areas, for standing ceive private gifts and make disbursements up for our national parks, that has not come to benefit the parks; cooperative agreements from those of us in public life. Fundamen- between the private sector and State and tally, it has come from those of you who are local parks to share resources and equipment the citizens who live in our neighborhoods and to provide valuable services, including and walk our streets and climb our mountains maintenance services, to the parks; and and walk our trails day-in and day-out. You agreements with willing private parties to ac- have given America back its soul, its con- quire conservation easements. In an effort science, and its commitment on the environ- to ensure that the public-private partnerships ment. And don’t ever give up your respon- that can enhance park protection and main- sibility for doing that. tenance are as effective as possible, I hereby So on this Earth Day, as we stand beneath direct the following action: the eagle in this wonderful treasure that we 1. The Secretary of the Interior is to pro- have been given, let us vow that there is more vide to me, within 30 days, a specific proposal to do. None of our children should have to for ways in which the National Park Founda- live near a toxic waste dump or eat food tion’s role in fostering public-private partner- poisoned by pesticides. Our grandchildren ships on behalf of the parks can be invig-

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 706 Apr. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

orated through either administrative or legis- Memorandum on Transportation lative action. Planning to Address Impacts of 2. The Secretary of the Interior is to pro- Transportation on National Parks vide to me a legislative proposal that would April 22, 1996 make permanently available to the National Park System the authority to enter into coop- Memorandum for the Heads of Executive erative agreements on behalf of the parks. Departments and Agencies This proposal should be consistent with the Subject: Additional Transportation Planning temporary authority that would be provided to Address Impacts of Transportation on by enactment of my 1997 budget proposal National Parks as submitted to the Congress. Transportation in national parks—includ- 3. The Secretary of the Interior is to pro- ing ground transportation of visitors into the vide a report to me within 6 months on op- parks and airplane flights over the parks— tions for preserving historic structures within has a significant impact on a visitor’s experi- National Parks. This report should consider ence of the park and on park management. the possibilities for partnerships with busi- The Secretary of Transportation has both val- nesses, associations, and individuals in the uable expertise and regulatory authority to private sector. address certain of these issues, and has been 4. The Secretary of the Interior shall work working on them with the Secretary of the with the Congress to pass legislation that Interior and others. would allow the implementation of the 1995 Aircraft flying at low altitudes over national National Park Service study to protect vistas parks can, if not properly managed, mar the surrounding Point Reyes National Seashore, natural beauty of the parks and create signifi- California, while retaining existing private cant noise problems as well. The intrusion uses through actions including the purchase of such aircraft can interfere with wildlife (in- of conservation easements from willing pri- cluding threatened and endangered species), vate sellers. The Secretary of the Interior cultural resources and ceremonies, and visi- shall also give priority to funding such pur- tors’ enjoyment of parks, including the ability chases from existing funds should authoriza- to experience natural sounds without inter- tion for such purchases be enacted. In addi- ruption from mechanical noise. Several parks tion, to the extent permitted by law and with- face overflight problems, including Grand in existing budget authority, the Secretary Canyon National Park where substantial res- shall exercise his existing authority to make toration of natural quiet is mandated by law, a minor boundary adjustment as necessary and several others identified by the National to carry out the purposes of the National Park Service (NPS). It is important to the Park Service study to add property to Point future of parks to address these problems Reyes National Seashore prior to enactment quickly and in a fair and reasonable manner. of such legislation, and to make available an In addition, the National Park System con- amount of funds not to exceed $1 million tains thousands of miles of roads. All too to purchase such property from willing sell- often in peak visitor periods roads are so ers. crowded with cars that the congestion and This memorandum shall be published in competition for space diminish the quality of the public’s experience. Parks are not too full the Federal Register. of people, but the roads and parking areas often are jammed. With modern technology William J. Clinton and alternative transportation systems, the parks can continue to be accessible to all, [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, and can be more enjoyable places to experi- 8:45 a.m., April 24, 1996] ence and learn about nature and history. Therefore, to the extent permitted by law, NOTE: This memorandum was published in the I hereby direct the Secretary of Transpor- Federal Register on April 25. tation in consultation with the heads of rel-

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.022 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 23 707

evant departments and agencies to continue those park units identified in the 1994 NPS the ongoing development of rules as set out study, as priorities for (1) resolution of air- below to address overflights of the National space issues and (2) maintaining or restoring Parks: natural quiet. 1. For Grand Canyon National Park, 4. Develop appropriate educational and (a) issue proposed regulations within 90 other materials for the public at large and days to place appropriate limits on sight- all aviation interests that describe the impor- seeing aircraft over the Grand Canyon tance of natural quiet to park visitors and the National Park to reduce the noise imme- need for cooperation from the aviation com- diately and make further substantial munity. This guidance shall also recognize progress toward restoration of natural that, in some parks, air tours provide impor- quiet, as defined by the Secretary of the tant access to approved areas in those parks, Interior, while maintaining aviation safe- especially with regard to the disabled com- ty in accordance with the Overflights munities. Act (Public Law 100-91). Action on this In addition, with respect to ground trans- rulemaking to accomplish these pur- portation in the parks, the Secretary of the poses should be completed by the end Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of 1996; and of Transportation, is directed as follows: (b) should any final rulemaking determine To develop a plan for a comprehensive ef- that issuance of a further management fort to improve public transportation in plan is necessary to substantially restore the national parks. This plan should in- natural quiet in the Grand Canyon Na- clude: tional Park, complete within 5 years a 1. design of pilot programs for improved plan that addresses how the Federal public transportation in the Grand Can- Aviation Administration and NPS will yon, Zion, and Yosemite National Parks; complete the ‘‘substantial restoration 2. plans to work with relevant State, local, and maintenance of natural quiet,’’ as and tribal governments on this effort; defined by the Secretary of the Interior 3. options to increase access to the parks in accordance with the Overflights Act. by rebuilding infrastructure in the parks; Any such plan shall ensure that the res- and toration of natural quiet required by the 4. recommendations to enhance resource Overflights Act shall be completed in protection and the quality of visitor ex- the park not more than 12 years from perience through innovative transpor- the date of issuance of this directive as tation planning including, where pos- recommended in NPS’s 1994 ‘‘Report sible and appropriate, the use of alter- on Effects of Aircraft Overflights on the native fuel vehicles. National Park System.’’ This memorandum shall be published in 2. For Rocky Mountain National Park, the Federal Register. complete and issue, if appropriate, within 90 William J. Clinton days, a notice of proposed rulemaking to ad- dress the potential adverse impact on the [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, park and its visitors of overflights by sightsee- 8:45 a.m., April 24, 1996] ing aircraft, keeping in mind the value of nat- NOTE: This memorandum was published in the ural quiet and the natural experience in the Federal Register on April 25. park, as well as protection of public health and safety. 3. Issue by the end of 1996 a notice of Remarks at an Award Ceremony for proposed rulemaking for the management of the National Teacher of the Year sightseeing aircraft in those National Parks April 23, 1996 where it is deemed necessary to reduce or prevent the adverse effects of such aircraft. The President. Thank you very much. The regulation should, at a minimum, estab- Thank you, Secretary Riley. To all of our lish a framework for managing air traffic over Teachers of the Year and their friends and

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.023 p17ap4 708 Apr. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

family members; to Senator Wellstone, Sen- leaders, the Vice President, and me. We ator Grams, Congressman Minge, and to the made real progress toward agreeing on a bal- educators and their supporters who are here. anced budget. Our plans have in common Let me say that this is a day I look forward more than enough savings to balance the to every year, and every year God has blessed budget, provide tax relief to working families, us with good weather in the Rose Garden. and reflect our values by protecting the fun- And that ought to tell you something about damental structures of Medicare and Medic- where teachers will stand in the ultimate aid and our commitments to education and measure of things. [Laughter] a clean environment. As I think you know, I have been away Last week, the Congressional Budget Of- now for some days on a trip which literally fice certified that the budget plan I presented took me around the world, from Korea to to Congress would balance the budget in 7 Japan to Russia. And before I make the re- years. This is the first time in 17 years that marks I’d like to make in honor of our Teach- the Congressional Budget Office has deter- er of the Year and her counterparts here, I mined that a President’s proposed budget is think it’s important to comment on a couple balanced. Moreover, the CBO has issued of events that are unfolding now here in new and now more optimistic budget projec- Washington. tions which will make the task of agreeing Let me begin with a compliment to the on a balanced budget significantly easier for Congress for working in a bipartisan way for both sides. the American people. Last week Congress It’s been over 3 months now since the ne- passed strong legislation to crack down on gotiations over how to balance the budget terrorism which I expect to sign right here were suspended. I think we all understood tomorrow. I thank them for that. I also am there were intervening events that required pleased that Congress is moving forward on this work to be suspended. But the time for the Kassebaum-Kennedy bill which would waiting is now over. Now is the moment to improve access to health care for 43 million finish the job and work toward a balanced Americans, and, if an amendment adopted budget. by the United States Senate is carried We should resume negotiations over how through, would include mental health cov- best to do this in 7 years. My door is open, erage for American families who need that. and it’s time to get the job done. We should I’m also pleased to report that we’re con- begin again to seriously talk about this budget tinuing to make significant progress on bipar- process. We should include congressional tisan agreement for the remaining spending leaders, obviously the leadership, but also a bills this year. There is, of course, more to broad enough range of representatives from do. I am very hopeful that Congress will now, both parties and both Houses who represent as a result of movements in the House and a broad diversity of views so that we can actu- comments in the Senate by Republican ally agree on something that can pass. We Members, go ahead and raise the minimum should put together a mainstream coalition wage for working people. No one can raise to get the job done. a family on $4.25 an hour, and if we’re going Now if we do that, that will help all the to have family values coming out of Washing- educators. Why? Because if we have a bal- ton, we ought to start by valuing families that anced budget amendment, interest rates will are working hard, trying to stay off welfare, come down, investments will go up, the and doing their best to raise their kids. We economy will be stronger, and people will ought to do it with no gimmicks, a bill that pay more funds in local school taxes so that I can sign into law. they can support your educational institu- And finally, let me say that I hope that tions. Congress can now bring this bipartisan mo- We can make this a season of bipartisan mentum to bear on the challenge of finally achievement. We’re off to a good start. There passing a 7-year balanced budget plan. Last will be time enough for us to honestly debate year and early this year, we had over 50 hours our disagreements in the fall. We don’t need of negotiation between the congressional a yearlong campaign. Most countries just

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 23 709

have campaigns of 5 or 6 or 7 weeks. In the So we have to renew our schools and throw coming weeks, we should take the time to open the doors of college to all who want sit down and work together on an area where to go who are qualified for it. That’s why, we are very, very close to real agreement. even as we cut the deficit in half in 4 years, If we stop fighting about yesterday and bal- we have maintained our commitment to in- ance the budget, we can face the challenges vest in education, all the way from Head Start and have the debates of tomorrow. through the Goals 2000 program that Sec- Let me say, too, that this is really about retary Riley mentioned, through access to laying a foundation for the future, the same college. But we also have to acknowledge kind of work that you do. There is nothing that the demands of the 21st century require more important than building the right kind an honest assessment of what is right and of future for America, whether it is in bal- wrong with our educational system, what ancing the budget or teaching our children. money will fix, and what cannot be fixed by This fact was brought home to me again very money alone. forcefully in my recent visits to Korea and The education agenda Secretary Riley and Japan and Russia. At each stop, I had discus- I are pursuing is consistent with what parents sions with leaders of those countries which and States have called for, tougher standards focused on a fairly simple but very big ques- and accountability and higher expectations tion: How can we all work together to pre- and greater opportunities. I believe that in serve world peace, to enhance human free- a fundamental way, education is a matter of dom and define ways to enable all of our high expectations, high standards, good people to seize the opportunities of this new teachers, concerned parents, and a support- information technology-driven age? ive community. High technology will play a bigger and big- The dimensions of economic change we ger role, and that’s why the Vice President are now experiencing, because of these and I are trying to make sure that every sweeping changes and because of the end school and every library in this country, every of the cold war and the growth of a global classroom and every library in the country, market, are the most profound changes af- from the smallest rural school to the largest fecting our economy and, therefore, how our urban one, all of them are connected to the people work and live that this country has information superhighway by the year 2000. experienced in 100 years, since people But we all know that we have to have those moved fundamentally from the farm to the other things: the good teachers, the con- factory. cerned parents, the high expectations, the And I might say that Bill Gates, the Amer- high standards. We know that these things ican computer wizard, gave a speech not very will make a difference. At last month’s Na- long ago that I had the privilege to hear, and tional Governors’ Association education sum- he wrote in his book ‘‘The Road From Here’’ mit, I challenged the States and the Gov- that the changes we are now experiencing ernors there to create a system that rewards in communication are the most profound the and inspires and demands higher standards world has experienced in 500 years since Gu- for teachers, removing barriers that attract tenberg printed the first Bible in Europe the most talented people, rewarding teachers with a printing press. who meet these high standards, making it We have to build a bridge to the 21st cen- easier to remove people who should leave tury that all Americans who are willing to the classroom. work for it have a chance to cross. Education But in the end, we know that what we have is the way we do it, the way we can give to do, all the rest of us who give these every child a future, to live the American speeches, is to support the good teachers. dream, to make the most of his or her own The magic that occurs between the teacher life, to build solid families and strong com- and the student is still the ultimate—the ulti- munities and a strong America. If our chil- mate key to successful education. It is partly dren succeed, America will do very well in- a science but largely an art. It is sometimes deed. a mystery and always a wonder.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 710 Apr. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

All of us who ever amounted to anything straightforward, and unbending, but it does like to tell people that we were born in a mean we have to understand these kind of log cabin we built ourselves. We’d like for complex relationships that she has done such everybody to believe we were self-made. But a marvelous job of explaining to her students. the truth is, I don’t believe there’s a single She is the embodiment of the all-American person in America who is really successful teacher, a hard working, dedicated, caring today, at least there aren’t many, who can’t person, always working to do better. Her ap- point to at least one and sometimes a lot proach to teaching, they tell me, is just as more teachers that had a profound impact fresh and enthusiastic today as it was 30 years on his or her life. I know that is certainly ago. I think anyone who can do that and true of me. avoid burnout and, instead, keep burning on I carried on a correspondence with my deserves an award for that, if nothing else. 6th-grade teacher until the day she died at And she’s done it while raising these three the age of 90; she wrote me a week before fine children of her own, one of whom has she died. I have kept up with many of my followed in her footsteps as a teacher. teachers from elementary and high school Mary Beth likes to say, good teaching and college all my life, because I know that changes lives. She has changed countless I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. lives in 30 years of teaching, and I am proud And I’m so glad that our Teacher of the that she is here as a symbol of all the good Year not only brought her own fine children that America’s teachers do every day all who are a pretty good monument to her across America. teaching—Sarah and Christie and Mark— [At this point, Teacher of the Year Mary Beth but also five of her students, because they Blegen thanked the President for his support really represent the ultimate success of all of education on behalf of all teachers and of your endeavors. made brief remarks.] I want to thank, again, Mary Beth Blegen and all of you for devoting your lives to teach- The President. Thank you very much. ing. Mary Beth has taught humanities, his- We’re adjourned. tory, writing, and English for more than 30 years at Minnesota’s Worthington High NOTE: The President spoke at 1:45 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. School. When she was first hired, it was a violation of the child labor laws. Ms. Blegen. Right. Thank you. Thank you Message to the Congress Reporting very much. Oh, you are such a good man. on Drug Traffickers in Colombia The President. She has seen many of the April 23, 1996 changes that all of us have witnessed in America. Worthington has evolved from a To the Congress of the United States: mostly white and rural middle class commu- I hereby report to the Congress on the de- nity into one that is more economically and velopments concerning the national emer- ethnically diverse. It is a community that has gency with respect to significant narcotics seen a shift in jobs from primarily agricultural traffickers centered in Colombia that was de- jobs to factory jobs and other supporting jobs. clared in Executive Order No. 12978 of Oc- Her greatest achievement has been her tober 21, 1995. This report is submitted pur- ability to help her students understand the suant to section 401(c) of the National Emer- complex relationships that exist in our chang- gencies Act, 50 U.S.C. 1641(c), and section ing world. And I might say that that may be 204(c) of the International Emergency Eco- the toughest thing we all have to do. We have nomic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. to figure out how to meet the challenges to- 1703(c). morrow while preserving our basic values. 1. On October 21, 1995, I signed Execu- We have to understand that for every com- tive Order No. 12978, ‘‘Blocking Assets and plicated problem there is normally a simple, Prohibiting Transactions with Significant appealing answer that is wrong. That does Narcotics Traffickers’’ (the ‘‘Order’’) (60 Fed. not mean that our values can’t be simple, Reg. 54579, October 24, 1995). The Order

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 23 711

blocks all property subject to U.S. jurisdic- as well as expanded information regarding tion in which there is any interest of four addresses and pseudonyms, to the List of significant foreign narcotics traffickers who SDNTs on November 29, 1995 (60 Fed. Reg. are principals in the so-called Cali drug cartel 61288–89). A copy of the notice is attached centered in Colombia. They are listed in the to this report. annex to the Order. In addition, the Order 3. On March 8, 1996, FAC published a blocks the property and interests in property notice in the Federal Register adding the of foreign persons determined by the Sec- names of 138 additional individuals and 60 retary of the Treasury, in consultation with entities designated pursuant to the Order, the Attorney General and the Secretary of and revising information for 8 individuals on State, (a) to play a significant role in inter- the list of blocked persons contained in the national narcotics trafficking centered in Co- notices published on November 29, 1995, lombia or (b) to materially assist in or provide and October 24, 1995 (61 Fed. Reg. 9523– financial or technological support for, or 28). A copy of the notice is attached to this goods or services in support of, the narcotics report. The FAC, in coordination with the trafficking activities of persons designated in Attorney General and the Secretary of State, or pursuant to the Order. In addition the is continuing to expand the list of Specially Order blocks all property and interests in Designated Narcotics Traffickers, including property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of per- both organizations and individuals, as addi- sons determined by the Secretary of the tional information is developed. Treasury in consultation with the Attorney 4. On October 22, 1995, FAC dissemi- General and the Secretary of State, to be nated details of this program to the financial, owned or controlled by, or to act for or on securities, and international trade commu- behalf of, persons designated in or pursuant nities by both electronic and conventional to the Order (collectively ‘‘Specially Des- media. This information was updated on No- ignated Narcotics Traffickers’’ or ‘‘SDNTs’’). vember 29, 1995, and again on March 5, The Order further prohibits any trans- 1996. In addition to bulletins to banking in- action or dealing by a United States person stitutions via the Federal Reserve System and or within the United States in property or the Clearing House Inter-bank Payments interests in property of SDNTs, and any Systems (CHIPS), individual notices were transaction that evades or avoids, has the pur- provided to all State and Federal regulatory pose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to agencies, automated clearing houses, and violate, the prohibitions contained in the State and independent banking associations Order. across the country. The FAC contacted all Designations of foreign persons blocked major securities industry associations and pursuant to the Order are effective upon the regulators, posted electronic notices to 10 date of determination by the Director of the computer bulletin boards and 2 fax-on-de- Department of the Treasury’s Office of For- mand services, and provided the same mate- eign Assets Control (FAC) acting under au- rial to the U.S. Embassy in Bogota for dis- thority delegated by the Secretary of the tribution to U.S. companies operating in Co- Treasury. Public notice of blocking is effec- lombia. tive upon the date of filing with the Federal 5. There were no funds specifically appro- Register, or upon prior actual notice. priated to implement this program. The ex- 2. On October 24, 1995, the Department penses incurred by the Federal Government of the Treasury issued a notice containing in the 6-month period from October 21, 76 additional names of persons determined 1995, through April 20, 1996, that are di- to meet the criteria set forth in Executive rectly attributable to the exercise of powers Order No. 12978 (60 Fed. Reg. 54582–84, and authorities conferred by the declaration October 24, 1995). A copy of the notice is of the national emergency with respect to attached to this report. Significant Narcotics Traffickers are esti- The Department of the Treasury issued mated at approximately $500,000 from pre- another notice adding the names of one addi- viously appropriated funds. Personnel costs tional entity and three additional individuals, were largely centered in the Department of

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 712 Apr. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

the Treasury (particularly in the Office of innocent civilian life. And we support what- Foreign Assets Control, the Office of the ever can be done to end the violence as General Counsel, and the U.S. Customs quickly as possible. And that’s what Secretary Service), the Department of Justice, and the Christopher is working on in the Middle East Department of State. today. 6. Executive Order No. 12978 provides Q. Mr. President, there’s a perception this Administration with a new tool for com- among some that the United States is more bating the actions of significant foreign nar- interested in the reelection of Shimon Peres cotics traffickers centered in Colombia, and than the bloodshed in Lebanon. If that’s not the unparalleled violence, corruption, and true, why is the United States so cool to the harm that they cause in the United States French peace initiative in Lebanon? and abroad. The Order is designed to deny President Clinton. Well, those two things these traffickers the benefit of any assets sub- have nothing to do with one another. What ject to the jurisdiction of the United States the United States is trying to do is to maintain and to prevent United States persons from a coherent capacity to talk to both sides so engaging in any commercial dealings with that we can move quickly as we did in 1993 them, their front companies, and their when we were able to move alone to reestab- agents. Executive Order No. 12978 dem- lish circumstances that obtained until, frank- onstrates the U.S. commitment to end the ly, right after Sharm al-Sheikh when the vio- scourge that such traffickers have wrought lence started again when the agreement of upon society in the United States and be- 1993 was broken. And that’s what we’re try- yond. ing to do. And we don’t object to anybody The magnitude and the dimension of the trying to help achieve that. problem in Colombia—perhaps the most piv- otal country of all in terms of the world’s Middle East Peace Process cocaine trade—is extremely grave. I shall Q. Do you think that Syria’s President continue to exercise the powers at my dis- Asad snubbed Secretary Christopher yester- posal to apply economic sanctions against sig- day by not meeting with him? nificant foreign narcotics traffickers and their President Clinton. I really don’t know. violent and corrupting activities as long as I haven’t talked to him. I’m not sure that’s these measures are appropriate, and will con- accurate. But the main thing is they’re going tinue to report periodically to the Congress to meet; we’re going to talk; we’re going to on significant developments pursuant to 50 keep working. And I think we’ll eventually U.S.C. 1703(c). get this worked out. But sooner is better than William J. Clinton later. It should have been done yesterday. The White House, April 23, 1996. Lebanon Q. Mr. President, there is also the percep- tion that you condemn violence against Israe- Remarks Prior to Discussions with lis more than you do the Lebanese in the President Ilyas Harawi of Lebanon south, and you have not condemned the oc- and an Exchange With Reporters cupation of southern Lebanon for so long. April 24, 1996 I mean, you wouldn’t tolerate one inch of our territory being occupied. Lebanon President Clinton. The United States President Clinton. Let me begin by say- supports the United Nations resolution on ing I’m very pleased to have the President this. We don’t believe there should be any of Lebanon here today to discuss what we foreign troops in Lebanon. I’d like to see can do to bring about an end to the present Lebanon completely sovereign and free and violence and to establish conditions so that independent. And if Lebanon were com- it will not occur. I believe all Americans are pletely sovereign, free, and independent, profoundly concerned and regret the loss of none of this would have happened.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 24 713

The Lebanese people have been subjected Budget Negotiations to all kinds of problems because of—frankly, Q. Are you looking forward to seeing Sen- because of the influence of outside forces in ator Dole here at the White House today? the country. But our position has been con- President Clinton. I expect to. I was sistent that we think the only way to reestab- pleased by what he said yesterday. Let me lish Lebanese sovereignty is to have a com- say again, we know we’re going to sign the prehensive resolution of the problems in the anti-terrorism bill today. We have proved region. And no one has worked harder for that we can do some things. The Senate that, including for the sovereignty of Leb- passed the Kassebaum-Kennedy bill 100 to anon, than the United States. nothing yesterday. So we have a big consen- sus now that we ought to go ahead and bal- Middle East Peace Process ance the budget. And the recent revision by Q. Mr. President, how close are we to a the Congressional Budget Office makes us cease-fire? even closer together. So I was pleased to see President Clinton. Well, I hope we’re Senator Dole’s response to what I said yes- quite close. I have some, you know—I’ve got- terday, and I intend to call him today. ten some encouraging news, but I can’t an- Q. [Inaudible]—— nounce one. And I’ve learned the hard way President Clinton. I’m going to call him to understate rather than overstate where we today. We’ll see. I’m going to call him. are. [At this point, one group of reporters left the But I think every thinking, feeling person room, and another group entered.] knows that this has gone on way too long. And it needs to stop. Lebanon Lebanon Q. Mr. President, do you have any mes- sage to the Lebanese people who are living Q. There were some Arab-Americans here now in difficulties? yesterday who asked for emergency U.S. aid President Clinton. Yes. First of all, the to Lebanon. Are you prepared to respond United States is deeply concerned and very positively to that? regretful of the loss of life and the dislocation President Clinton. We are going to pro- of innocent civilians who have been caught vide some emergency aid, and I’ll have a up in this conflict. We are doing everything chance to talk to the President about that we can to bring an end to the fighting and as we have our meeting. to get a set of understandings which will pre- Q. Could we ask the Lebanese President vent it from recurring. We had such an un- a question? Mr. President, is there anything derstanding in 1993, and it held for more the Lebanese Government can do to stop the than 2 years. We would like to see a new Hezbollah from launching Katyushas on agreement in place, and we know there must northern Israel? be an end to the fighting. President Harawi. I wish that the Leba- Now secondly, I want to have a chance nese Army and security forces were present to discuss with the President what we might in this section of the country. Then I could be able to do in the short run in the way answer your question much more clearly. But of humanitarian assistance to the people who we don’t have authority over this part of our have been displaced, and we’ll be discussing country occupied by the Israelis. that. And finally, let me just say, over the long 1996 Election run, what our goal is is to see a Lebanon Q. Is that a sign that you’ll be spending with strong sovereignty, with the sovereignty more time on the campaign now? of the country protected. And so then I hope President Clinton. [Inaudible]—at this we can achieve it. I think we can only achieve time—— it if we can resolve the larger problems in Q. That’s all it means? the Middle East. We have seen too many President Clinton. That’s what it means. times that until there is an ultimate peace

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 714 Apr. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

settlement, Lebanon, unfortunately, is going was very slow in intervening to stop the car- to continue to be victimized. nage last week, that the United States had Q. When do you think we’re going to not even sent condolences to the victims, to achieve a full, fair peace to the Lebanese the families of the victims, until it was too people and the Lebanese territory, especially late. What is your view of this? now that you’re meeting with President President Clinton. Well, all I can tell you Harawi? is, the moment I heard about the fighting, President Clinton. Well, as you know, I instructed the Secretary of State to imme- I’ve been working hard for it for 3 years now. diately try to achieve an end to it and to pro- And I hope and believe that if we can re- tect the lives of the people involved—the establish a cease-fire and the conditions minute I heard about it. under which violence will not recur, then we We were—as you know, our whole foreign can get back to the peace process. The issues policy team was in the Far East. And I in- are fairly clear, and the timing is largely in structed the Secretary of State to leave our the hands of the parties. But the United mission—we were going to Russia for the nu- States is working hard. And I can’t set a time- clear summit—and fly directly to the Middle table on it, but it could be done before too East to try to reestablish a cease-fire and stop long if we can reestablish the peace. But first the killing. And as soon as I had an oppor- of all, we have to stop the killing. tunity to publicly comment on it, I expressed my profound condolences to the people who Middle East Peace Process were killed—the minute, the first oppor- Q. Mr. President, on what basis do you tunity I had to say something about it. ask for a cease-fire? I am sorry that the people feel that way, President Clinton. We ask for a cease- but the important thing is to stop others from fire, first of all, on strictly humanitarian being killed and help people put their lives terms—that the people who are being hurt back together and restore some sense of nor- by this, starting when the shelling started 6 malcy and peace. And that’s what I’m trying weeks ago, are innocent civilians on both to do. sides of the border and that all these people who are being dislocated, the people who NOTE: The President spoke at 9:55 a.m. in the have died, they’re not a part of the larger Oval Office at the White House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these fight that’s going on here. remarks. We, first of all, want to reestablish peace. Secondly, we want to do what we can to help Lebanon deal with the problems of the refu- Remarks to the Service Employees gees. The third thing we want is an arrange- International Union Convention ment so that the violence doesn’t recur. And April 24, 1996 then—then—we want to go back to the peace process. Thank you for that wonderful welcome, We do support U.N. Resolution 425. We and thank you, Dick, for that fine introduc- do support the sovereignty of Lebanon. We tion. I really enjoyed working with you, and don’t think there should be any foreign I want to congratulate you on the many years troops in Lebanon. But history has shown us, of service you have given to your great union. from our point of view, at least, that the only I look forward to working with your new way to achieve that is to get a comprehensive president, Andy Stern. I know he has also peace in the Middle East. And I have worked made a tremendous contribution as your or- very hard for that. I have tried to be an hon- ganizing director, and I wish him every suc- est arbiter, if you will, of the positions of both cess. sides. I have done everything I could to that I want to also acknowledge your secretary- end, and we are still working. And we will treasurer, Betty Bednarczyk, and my won- continue to work for that. derful Secretary of Labor Bob Reich. I know Q. Mr. President, the view in Lebanon and that you enjoyed his speech, and I thank him in the Arab world is that your administration for his work on your behalf.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 24 715

And finally, let me thank SEIU for one Well, just a couple of weeks ago, we learned of its greatest gifts to America, John that our economy has already created 8.5 mil- Sweeney. Because of John’s leadership, and lion new jobs, nearly all of them in the private because of your commitment, labor is back. sector. And last month the Congressional I know in this political season, some people Budget Office said that by the end of this aren’t too happy about that, but I am de- year the deficit will be less than half of what lighted. it was when I took office. Over 8 million new I am proud that in 1996 the voice of orga- jobs, the deficit cut in half. nized labor, the voice of working men and Those are two important commitments women from all across our country, will be you helped me keep to the American people. heard in our national debate. I welcome your We also have the lowest combined rates of voice. America needs to hear it. And I prom- unemployment and inflation in 27 years. Our ise you this: You will be heard. auto and telecommunications industries are You know, in a way, it’s hard to believe now leading the world again. We have a 15- that SEIU is celebrating its 75th anniversary, year high in homeownership, and we have for you stand out as America’s most dynamic finally halted the decade-long slide in real and innovative union, a shining example of hourly earnings. labor’s revival. Not only has SEIU given re- But let’s face it, we all know this is a record newed hope for millions of union members, to be proud of, but to build on, not to sit you’ve also pioneered new ways to organize on. Too many Americans still are working both workers in low-wage industries and harder just to hold on. We have to do more. workers in fast-growing industries like health We have to continue to focus on the concerns care. of working Americans, the concerns they Of course, we all know your contributions have about their own families’ economic se- to America stretch far beyond collective bar- curity at a time when the country is under- gaining. From civil rights and family and going profound economic transformation, a medical leave to the minimum wage and the transformation every bit as momentous as the fight to save Medicare and Medicaid, SEIU shift from farms to factories a century ago. has been a leader in the struggle to achieve As I said in the State of the Union, one economic and social progress for all Ameri- of the main challenges we face is to make cans. sure that this new economy with all of its In many ways, we’re on a shared mission. opportunity doesn’t leave behind people who Four years ago our economy was drifting are willing to work for their own opportuni- with high unemployment, a deficit twice as ties. We need to make sure that every Amer- high as it is now, and very few new jobs. ican can be a winner in this time of economic I took office determined to change our change, to make sure that every American course, to cut the deficit in half in 4 years, has access to education and training and good to invest in education and training, to shrink health care and secure pensions. And we ab- and reform the Government so that it works solutely have to get wages rising again in our better and costs less. Our Government is now country. We have got to do that for working the smallest it’s been since 1965, but it’s still people and working families. strong enough to protect workplace safety, That’s why I fought for the passage of the pure food, clean air and water, to help Amer- Family and Medical Leave Act. That’s why icans to get the education and training they we have dramatically expanded the earned- need, to help grow the economy and to pro- income tax credit, to give tax cuts to more tect our seniors through Medicare. And I’m than 15 million working families with in- proud of that strength. You helped to get it comes under $28,000. That’s why just after there, and you helped to keep it there, and I took office I swept away my predecessor’s I thank you very much. anti-worker, anti-union Executive orders. In 1992, I told the American people that And that’s why, with an Executive order of if we carried out our economic plan, two our own last spring, this administration said things would happen, we’d get 8 million new in no uncertain terms we will not allow com- jobs and the deficit would be cut in half. panies who replace striking workers perma-

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 716 Apr. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

nently to do business with our Government. I’ll say again: If we’re going to have family I also want you to know that I directed the values coming out of Washington, we should Justice Department to take all appropriate start by valuing families that are working steps to overturn a recent court decision hard, staying off welfare, doing their best to blocking that Executive order. raise their children. They’re living by the val- Now unfortunately, for the past year you ues we say we all believe in, and it’s harder and I have been trying to work with a Con- for them than it is for most of the rest of gress that didn’t always see eye to eye with us. I say it’s time to give them a hand up; us when it came to putting in place an agenda they don’t want a handout, just a hand up. that would make the American dream acces- Now Congress appears, at last, to be mov- sible to all Americans. I’m proud to say that ing forward with a bill that would raise the in these battles we’ve had with Congress minimum wage. They should do it, and they we’ve more than held our own. Not only have should do it without gimmicks. That’s an- we managed to stall or defeat practically other bill I want to be the law of the land every major attack on America’s working now. And I want to say a special word of families and on the unions that represent thanks again to my friend John Sweeney for them, we may be poised on the verge of his hard work on this. The dignity of Ameri- major victories. ca’s working people should be above re- I challenged Congress to pass the Kasse- proach. If you work full time and you have baum-Kennedy bill, which would improve children in your home, you should not live access to health care for 43 million Ameri- in poverty. We can afford this, and there’s cans, so that you don’t lose your health care all the evidence in the world it will not cost when you change jobs, and you can’t be de- us jobs. nied coverage if someone in your family has Let me say next, I hope Congress will start been sick. Now Congress is finally moving forward with that important legislation. Yes- moving right now on my ‘‘Retirement Saving terday it passed the Senate 100 to zero. and Security Act,’’ which would expand cov- That’s the kind of thing we all ought to be erage to help 51 million working Americans doing more of for the American people. who are not now covered by an employer- And I want to challenge the Senate and provided retirement plan. The bill would also the House to get together and pass a good increase portability so workers can take their version, a clean version of that bill. Pass retirement savings with them and keep sav- something that can pass 100–0 again in the ing if they change jobs or lose their jobs. Senate and 435–0 in the House. And when And finally, I urge Congress to come back it does, that bill will be law the minute it to the table and work with me to pass the hits my desk. right kind of 7-year balanced budget. Now I challenge the Congress to raise the mini- in all those hours of negotiations over the mum wage, which is on the verge of hitting winter, congressional leaders and I have a 40-year low. Now, you and I know that no come up with plans that have in common one can raise a family on $4.25 an hour. So more than enough savings to balance the if we’re going to talk about family values in budget, provide tax relief for working fami- Washington, we ought to reinforce them in lies, and protect our values by protecting the heartland of America. Last year, I pro- Medicare and Medicaid and our investments posed that Congress increase the minimum in education and in the protection of our en- wage to $5.15 an hour. For a parent working vironment. full time, this 90-cent-an-hour increase We can make this a season of progress. would help pay for groceries for 7 months, We can get back to work and balance the for 4 months of rent or months of child care. budget in the right way, so we can bring in- Raising the minimum wage will help many terest rates down again, make homeowner- of our hardest working people. Six out of 10 ship more affordable, get investment in the of them are working women, many trying to economy and grow jobs, and still protect the raise children and hold their families to- things we believe in that keep us coming to- gether. gether as a country.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 24 717

But make no mistake: I will not stand for Remarks on Signing the a budget that jeopardizes these bedrock com- Antiterrorism and Effective Death mitments to Medicare, Medicaid, education, Penalty Act of 1996 and the environment. And I will not accept legislation like the T-Max, which would re- April 24, 1996 peal the ban against company unions, or leg- Thank you very much, Mary Jo White, for islation that weakens OSHA. We can’t afford the work you do every day. Thank you, Attor- to jeopardize the future of working Ameri- ney General Reno. Thank you, Mr. Vice cans by undermining the safety and the soli- President. To Senator Dole and Chairman darity of the workplace, and if such legisla- Hatch and Chairman Hyde, the other Mem- tion crosses my desk, I’ll do what the Con- bers of Congress who are here; Governor stitution entitles me to do: I’ll veto it. Keating and the Attorneys General who are You and your families and the millions and here and the others in law enforcement; to millions of working families just like you, the members of the administration, and espe- you’re the heart and soul of the American cially to the victims’ families who are here. dream. We have to keep working together, I thank the families for coming today. I not just to preserve what’s been won, but thank their advocates for coming. But I think to continue to fight for better jobs, stronger we should all acknowledge that the impor- unions, higher wages, more justice, for things tance of this event is embodied in no small that will bring us together. measure by the fact that the families were I honestly believe the 21st century can be willing to come here, knowing that it would the next American Century. Our children in some measure force them to relive the and our grandchildren can enjoy more free- pain that they have endured because of acts dom and more opportunity than any genera- of terror. It took a lot of courage for them tion of Americans, if we do the right thing. to endure that pain. So while this is a good If we stand up to those who would take this day for America, we can’t really say it is a country backward, if we stand up for the men happy day. Not all good days can be happy and women who work hard every day to build days, but every American is in debt to these our country, we can realize the promise of families for standing up for the need for the this great Nation. changes that we have experienced. And I ask You know, there is a lot of talk in Washing- the rest of us to acknowledge that. And we ton about empowerment. Sometimes people thank you. in the other party mean giving people more I also would point out that Presidents can choice but not caring much about whether advocate and the executive branch can en- they can exercise the choice. Well, we want force the laws, but this would not have hap- empowerment, too. We want to make sure pened but for the remarkable convergence every person, every family, every community, of Republicans and Democrats in the Con- has what it takes to make the most of their gress. The Vice President introduced those own lives and live up to their dreams. With who were especially active in the leadership your help, we will realize that goal. who are over here to my left who will come Thank you, and God bless you all. up in a moment when we sign the bill. But there are so many more Members of Con- gress here, for the benefit of all of you, I NOTE: The President spoke by satellite at 12 noon from Suite 520 of Media Technologies to the con- would like to ask every Member who is here vention meeting in Chicago, IL. In his remarks, and who worked so hard on this legislation he referred to Richard Cordtz, interim president, to please stand and be recognized. Would Service Employees International Union, and John the Members of Congress please stand? [Ap- Sweeney, president, AFL–CIO. plause] Thank you very much.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 718 Apr. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

This is a good day because our police offi- against them, speak against them, and fight cers are now going to be better prepared to against them. stop terrorists, our prosecutors better pre- Fighting terrorism is and will for a long pared to punish them, our people being bet- time to come be one of the top security prior- ter protected from their designs. This legisla- ities of the United States. On our own and tion is more important today because of the with our allies, we have implemented strong very forces which have unlocked so much po- sanctions against states that harbor terrorists tential for progress: the new technologies, and encourage them. We have intensified the instant communications, the open bor- partnerships with other countries to stand to- ders. These things have done so much good. gether against terrorists around the world. But they have also made it easier for the or- We have increased our investment, our per- ganized forces of hatred and division to en- sonnel, and our training for law enforcement danger the lives of innocent people. We have efforts here at home. seen terrorism take its horrible toll all around I sent Congress antiterrorism legislation the world, from Tokyo to London to Jerusa- over a year ago, and after the Oklahoma City lem and, of course, in our own country. bombing I asked for additional measures. I When a terrorist car bomb took the lives applaud the great majority of Congress who of 241 American Marines in Beirut, we felt stood up for the safety of the American peo- the shock waves here at home. When savage ple, worked through the policy debates, and killers took the life of Leon Klinghoffer, made sure that in the end politics faltered countless Americans wept for him and for and common sense prevailed. Democrats and his family. When Pan Am 103 went down Republicans, Republicans and Democrats, over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people people who love their country as patriots including 189 Americans, we saw again that came together, worked together, and got the there are no borders or bounds on the forces job done. of hatred. When the bomb exploded at the The antiterrorism bill is grounded in com- World Trade Center, as Mary Jo said, by the mon sense and steeled with force. Because grace of God killing only 6 but injuring over of this bill, law enforcement will be better 1,000 people, we knew again that we had no prepared than ever to stop terrorists before place to hide. And of course, 5 days ago we they strike and to bring them to justice when marked the first anniversary of the most ter- they do. From now on we can quickly expel rible terrorist attack upon these shores in our foreigners who dare to come to America and history, reminding us that even the very support terrorist activities. From now on young and the most innocent are not im- American prosecutors can wield new tools mune. and expanded penalties against those who We also have to remember as we remem- terrorize Americans at home or abroad. ber those who were lost that, as painful as From now on we can stop terrorists from that loss is, their deaths and their destruc- raising money in the United States to pay tions are not the terrorists’ only goals, for for their horrible crimes. each and every act of terrorism is also a From now on criminals sentenced to death means to another end, the unbelievable idea for their vicious crimes will no longer be able that it is all right to kill an innocent person to use endless appeals to delay their sen- to achieve a political goal, to stop us from tences, and families of victims will no longer living our lives in the light of liberty, to force have to endure years of anguish and suffer- us to cower in the dark grip of fear, to terrify ing. us as targets into submission. We have new laws and better controls So let us honor those who lost their lives against chemical and biological weapons. We by resolving to hold fast against the forces have agreed to put chemical markers in plas- of violence and division, by never allowing tic explosives that will help us to detect explo- them to shake our resolve or break our spirit, sives like those used to bring down Pan Am to frighten us into sacrificing our sacred free- 103. We will be able to require chemical doms or surrendering a drop of precious taggants in some other explosive materials as American liberty. Rather we must guard well. They will make it easier for police to

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 24 719

trace bombs to the criminals who made them and your courage is a lesson to us all. Your and bring those criminals to justice. vigilance has sharpened our vigilance. This legislation is a strong step forward for And so I sign my name to this bill in your our security, but we mustn’t stop there. I am names. We renew our fight against those who directing the Secretary of the Treasury to seek to terrorize us in your names. We send complete the study of taggants required by a loud, clear message today all over the world Congress and propose appropriate regula- in your names. America will never surrender tions as quickly as possible. We must also to terror. America will never tolerate terror- address the problem of black and smokeless ism. America will never abide terrorists. powders, routinely used to make illegal Wherever they come from, wherever they go, smokeless devices like pipe bombs. I’m di- we will go after them. We will not rest until recting Secretary Rubin to consult with in- we have brought them all to justice and se- dustry representatives and the law enforce- cured a future for our people, safe from the ment community to report back with appro- harm they would do—in your names. priate recommendations. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless Finally, I believe we have to take addi- America. tional steps. I believe we must do more to NOTE: The President spoke at 2:50 p.m. on the help police keep terrorists who are suspected South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, terrorists under surveillance. I believe we he referred to Mary Joe White, New York U.S. should give law enforcement more time to Attorney, whose office prosecuted the World investigate and prosecute terrorists who use Trade Center bombing. S. 735, approved April machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and ex- 24, was assigned Public Law No. 104–132. plosive devices. I agree with police officers that instead of creating a commission to study Statement on Signing the them, in the end we must ban cop-killer bul- Antiterrorism and Effective Death lets. Penalty Act of 1996 Nonetheless, make no mistake about it: This bill strikes a mighty blow against terror- April 24, 1996 ism, and it is fitting that this bill becomes I have today signed into law S. 735, the law during National Crime Victims’ Rights ‘‘Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Week, because it stands up for victims in so Act of 1996.’’ This legislation is an important many important ways. There are a lot of vic- step forward in the Federal Government’s tims’ advocates and victims here, and I thank continuing efforts to combat terrorism. them for their presence today. This bill rec- I first transmitted antiterrorism legislation ognizes that victims have a compelling inter- to the Congress in February 1995. Most of est in the trials of those accused of commit- the proposals in that legislation, the ‘‘Omni- ting crimes against them and requires closed- bus Counterterrorism Act of 1995,’’ were circuit television coverage when Federal aimed at fighting international terrorism. trials are moved far away, a provision we owe After the tragedy in Oklahoma City, I asked to the vigilance of the Members of Congress Federal law enforcement agencies to reassess from Oklahoma. And we thank you for it. their needs and determine which tools would I’d like to close with a word to all of the help them meet the new challenge of domes- family members of Americans slain by terror- tic terrorism. They produced, and I transmit- ists and to the survivors of terrorism, to the ted to the Congress, the ‘‘Antiterrorism children who lost their parents in Pan Am Amendments Act of 1995’’ in May 1995. 103 and parents who lost their children in Together, these two proposals took a com- Israel, to all of you from Oklahoma City, to prehensive approach to fighting terrorism Andrew Kerr on my staff of the National Se- both at home and abroad. I am pleased that curity Council whose father was murdered the Congress included most of the provisions in Beirut, to each and every one of you with of these proposals in this legislation. As a re- us today and those who are watching all sult, our law enforcement officials will have across this great land of ours. Your endurance tough new tools to stop terrorists before they

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 720 Apr. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

strike and to bring them to justice if they After I proposed that the Secretary of the do. In particular, this legislation will: Treasury consider the inclusion of taggants —provide broad new Federal jurisdiction in explosive materials, so that bombs can be to prosecute anyone who commits a ter- traced more easily to the bomb makers, the rorist attack in the United States or who Congress exempted black and smokeless uses the United States as a planning powder—two of the most commonly used ground for attacks overseas; substances in improvised explosive devices. —ban fundraising in the United States that I asked that law enforcement be given in- supports terrorist organizations; creased access to hotel, phone and other —allow U.S. officials to deport terrorists records in terrorism cases. I asked for a man- from American soil without being com- datory penalty for those who knowingly pelled by the terrorists to divulge classi- transfer a firearm for use in a violent felony. fied information, and to bar terrorists I asked for a longer statute of limitations to from entering the United States in the allow law enforcement more time to pros- first place; ecute terrorists who use weapons such as ma- —require plastic explosives to contain chine guns, sawed-off shotguns, and explo- chemical markers so that criminals who sive devices. But the Congress stripped each use them—like the ones that blew up of these provisions out of the bill. And when Pan Am Flight 103—can be tracked I asked for a ban on cop-killer bullets, the down and prosecuted; Congress delivered only a study, which will —enable the Government to issue regula- delay real action to protect our Nation’s po- tions requiring that chemical taggants lice officers. be added to some other types of explo- I intend to keep urging the Congress to sives so that police can better trace give our law enforcement officials all the bombs to the criminals who make them; tools they need and deserve to carry on the —increase our controls over biological and fight against international and domestic ter- chemical weapons; rorism. This is no time to give the criminals —toughen penalties over a range of terror- a break. ist crimes; There are three other portions of this bill —ban the sale of defense goods and serv- that warrant comment. First, I have long ices to countries that I determine are sought to streamline Federal appeals for con- not ‘‘cooperating fully’’ with U.S. victed criminals sentenced to the death pen- antiterrorism efforts. Such a determina- alty. For too long, and in too many cases, tion will require a review of a country’s endless death row appeals have stood in the overall level of cooperation in our efforts way of justice being served. Some have ex- to fight terrorism, taking into account pressed the concern that two provisions of our counterterrorism objectives with this important bill could be interpreted in that country and a realistic assessment a manner that would undercut meaningful of its capabilities. Federal habeas corpus review. I have signed By enacting this legislation, the United this bill because I am confident that the Fed- States remains in the forefront of the inter- eral courts will interpret these provisions to national effort to fight terrorism through preserve independent review of Federal legal tougher laws and resolute enforcement. claims and the bedrock constitutional prin- Nevertheless, as strong as this bill is, it ciple of an independent judiciary. should have been stronger. For example, I Section 104(3) provides that a Federal dis- asked the Congress to give U.S. law enforce- trict court may not issue a writ of habeas cor- ment increased wiretap authority in terror- pus with respect to any claim adjudicated on ism cases, including the power to seek multi- the merits in State court unless the decision point wiretaps, enabling police to follow a reached was contrary to, or involved an un- suspected terrorist from phone to phone, and reasonable application of, clearly established authority for the kind of emergency wiretaps Federal law, as determined by the Supreme available in organized crime cases. But the Court. Some have suggested that this provi- Congress refused. sion will limit the authority of the Federal

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 24 721

courts to bring their own independent judg- lief for long-term legal residents and restrict ment to bear on questions of law and mixed a key protection for battered spouses and questions of law and fact that come before children. The provisions will produce ex- them on habeas corpus. traordinary administrative burdens on the In the great 1803 case of Marbury v. Madi- Immigration and Naturalization Service. The son, Chief Justice John Marshall explained Administration will urge the Congress to cor- for the Supreme Court that ‘‘[i]t is emphati- rect them in the pending immigration reform cally the province and duty of the judicial legislation. department to say what the law is.’’ Section I also regret that the Congress included 104(3) would be subject to serious constitu- in this legislation a commission to study Fed- tional challenge if it were read to preclude eral law enforcement that was inspired by the Federal courts from making an inde- special interests who are no friends of our pendent determination about ‘‘what the law Nation’s law enforcement officers. The Con- is’’ in cases within their jurisdiction. I expect gress has responsibility to oversee the oper- that the courts, following their usual practice ation of Federal law enforcement; to cede of construing ambiguous statutes to avoid this power to an unelected and unaccount- constitutional problems, will read section 104 able commission is a mistake. Our Nation’s to permit independent Federal court review resources would be better spent supporting of constitutional claims based on the Su- the men and women in law enforcement, not preme Court’s interpretation of the Constitu- creating a commission that will only get in tion and Federal laws. their way. Section 104(4) limits evidentiary hearings I hope that there will be an opportunity in Federal habeas corpus cases when ‘‘the to revisit these and other issues, as well as applicant has failed to develop the factual some of the other proposals this Administra- basis of a claim in State court proceedings.’’ tion has made, but upon which the Congress If this provision were read to deny litigants refused to act. a meaningful opportunity to prove the facts This legislation is a real step in the right necessary to vindicate Federal rights, it direction. Although it does not contain every- would raise serious constitutional questions. thing we need to combat terrorism, it pro- I do not read it that way. The provision ap- vides valuable tools for stopping and punish- plies to situations in which ‘‘the applicant has ing terrorists. It stands as a tribute to the failed to develop the factual basis’’ of his or victims of terrorism and to the men and her claim. Therefore, section 104(4) is not women in law enforcement who dedicate triggered when some factor that is not fairly their lives to protecting all of us from the attributable to the applicant prevented evi- scourge of terrorist activity. dence from being developed in State court. William J. Clinton Preserving the Federal courts’ authority to hear evidence and decide questions of law The White House, has implications that go far beyond the issue April 24, 1996. of prisoners’ rights. Our constitutional ideal NOTE: S. 735, approved April 24, was assigned of a limited government that must respect Public Law No. 104–132. individual freedom has been a practical re- ality because independent Federal courts have the power ‘‘to say what the law is’’ and Executive Order 13000—Order of to apply the law to the cases before them. Succession of Officers To Act as I have signed this bill on the understanding Secretary of Defense that the courts can and will interpret these April 24, 1996 provisions of section 104 in accordance with this ideal. By the authority vested in me as President This bill also makes a number of major, by the Constitution and the laws of the Unit- ill-advised changes in our immigration laws ed States of America, including section 3347 having nothing to do with fighting terrorism. of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby These provisions eliminate most remedial re- ordered as follows:

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 722 Apr. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

Section 1. Succession to Act as the Sec- for the duration of the Secretary’s absence retary of Defense. (a) In the event of the or disability, and does not affect the authority death, permanent disability, or resignation of of the Secretary to resume the powers of his the Secretary of Defense, the incumbents office upon his return. holding the Department of Defense positions (2) In the event that the Secretary of De- designated below, in the order indicated, fense is temporarily absent from his position, shall act for and exercise the powers of the the Secretary may continue to exercise the Secretary of Defense as Acting Secretary of powers and fulfill the duties of this office Defense: during his absence, notwithstanding the pro- (1) Deputy Secretary of Defense. visions of this order. (2) Secretary of the Army. (c) Precedence among those officers des- (3) Secretary of the Navy. ignated in paragraphs (a)(12)–(14) of this sec- (4) Secretary of the Air Force. tion who have the same appointment date (5) Under Secretary of Defense for Acqui- shall be determined by the Secretary of De- sition and Technology. fense at the time that such appointments are (6) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. made. (7) Under Secretary of Defense (Comp- (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) troller). of this section, an officer shall not act for (8) Under Secretary of Defense for Per- or exercise the powers of the Secretary of sonnel and Readiness. Defense under this order if that officer (9) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense serves only in an acting capacity in the posi- for Acquisition and Technology. tion that would otherwise entitle him to do (10) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense so. for Policy. Sec. 2. Temporary Nature of Succession. (11) Director of Defense Research and Succession to act for and exercise the powers Engineering. of the Secretary of Defense pursuant to this (12) The Assistant Secretaries of Defense, order shall be on a temporary or interim basis the Director of Operational Test and Evalua- and shall not have the effect of vacating the tion, and the General Counsel of the Depart- statutory appointment held by the successor. ment of Defense, in the order fixed by their Sec. 3. Revocation of Prior Executive length of service as permanent appointees in Order. Executive Order No. 12787 of De- such positions. cember 31, 1991, is hereby revoked. (13) Under Secretaries of the Army, the William J. Clinton Navy, and the Air Force, in the order fixed by their length of service as permanent ap- The White House, pointees in such positions. April 24, 1996. (14) Assistant Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force whose appointments [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, are vested in the President, and General 8:45 a.m., April 25, 1996] Counsels of the Army, the Navy, and the Air NOTE: This Executive order was published in the Force, in the order fixed by their length of Federal Register on April 26. service as permanent appointees in such po- sitions. (b) In the event of the temporary absence Statement on Signing the 13th or temporary disability of the Secretary of Continuing Resolution Defense, the incumbents holding the De- April 24, 1996 partment of Defense positions designated in paragraph (a) of this section, in the order in- Today I have signed into law H.J. Res. 175, dicated, shall act for and exercise the powers the Thirteenth Continuing Resolution for fis- of the Secretary of Defense as Acting Sec- cal year 1996. retary of Defense. House Joint Resolution 175 provides for (1) In these instances, the designation of a temporary extension of appropriations— an Acting Secretary of Defense applies only through April 25—for activities covered by

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.024 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 25 723

the five fiscal year 1996 appropriations bills Gephardt, House minority leader. This letter was that have not been enacted into law. made available by the Office of the Press Sec- It is my hope that this very brief extension retary but was not issued as a White House press will enable the Congress to complete accept- release. able legislation to fund these activities for the remainder of the fiscal year. Remarks on the Legislative Agenda When the fiscal 1996 process is complete, and an Exchange With Reporters we should resume our efforts to achieve a April 25, 1996 balanced budget. A balanced budget that is consistent with our Nation’s values should be The President. This is ‘‘Take Your Daugh- our ultimate goal. I am determined to con- ter To Work’’ Day. [Laughter] tinue working toward that goal. Q. How about you? William J. Clinton The President. This is ‘‘Take Your Parents To Work’’ Day. [Laughter] They all brought The White House, you here. I’m glad you’re here. I think it’s April 24, 1996. a wonderful thing. I think it’s terrific, and I’m glad to see you all. NOTE: H.J. Res. 175, approved April 24, was as- signed Public Law No. 104–131. Good afternoon. The budget agreement which is now being voted on by Congress is good for the American people. It cuts bil- Letter to Congressional Leaders on lions of dollars in spending, cuts the deficit, Savings Association Insurance Fund keeps us on the path to balancing the budget. Legislation At the same time, the budget reflects our April 24, 1996 values by preserving our commitments to education, to the preservation of the environ- Dear lllll: ment, and to health care. The Congress has before it a proposal from The budget continues to put 100,000 po- the Administration that would restore the lice on the street. It will enable us to enforce Savings Association Insurance Fund to full antipollution laws. It gives me authority to health and assure that interest payments on block provisions that would put at risk our the so-called FICO bonds continue uninter- natural resources, our parks, and our envi- rupted. With the enactment of this legisla- ronment. It protects our efforts in education, tion, we could all take pride in achieving a to shrink class size, to improve teaching resolution of the last remaining con- standards, to keep our children safe, and it sequences of the thrift industry’s problems funds AmeriCorps, the national service pro- of the 1980’s. Moreover, we can do so with- gram. out imposing additional costs on American Today we are showing that we can work taxpayers. together to cut the budget and to honor our This necessary proposal will protect tax- values. But our work is not done. Now we payers, who have already paid over $125 bil- should summon this same bipartisan spirit, lion to assure that no insured depositor suf- and we should work together to finish the fered any loss as the result of these problems. job of balancing the Federal budget in 7 I believe this legislation has broad bipartisan years. support, and I urge the Leadership to con- The most important thing to happen today sider immediate Congressional action. is simply this: We have shown that we can Sincerely, work together and that when we do we can get results that are good for the American Bill Clinton people today and for our future. But when NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- the leadership of Congress insists on going rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives; it alone, one party alone, we get gridlock, Robert Dole, Senate majority leader; Thomas A. stalemate, vetoes, Government shutdowns. Daschle, Senate minority leader; Richard K. Today was a real victory for progress over Armey, House majority leader; and Richard A. partisanship. Both the Republicans and the

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.025 p17ap4 724 Apr. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

Democrats in Congress deserve credit. Let’s Let’s don’t litter this up with special inter- keep it going. The message to the Repub- est amendments. Let’s don’t let this oppor- licans in Congress today from me is simple. tunity pass. Let’s don’t walk away from the It is a line first used in a very different con- plain, clear, unambiguous needs of millions text by President Kennedy: Let us never fear of American families. Let’s pass this bill un- to negotiate. adorned, simple, good, and strong. Since I took office we’ve cut the budget Again I say that this agreement shows what deficit in half and more than half. Earlier we can do when we work together. Yesterday this year I proposed to Congress a plan that with the signing of the antiterrorism legisla- the Congressional Budget Office has cer- tion, we showed what we can do when we tified as balancing the budget in 7 years. And work together. I look forward to joining with our plans have in common more than enough the Republican and the Democratic leaders savings to balance that budget and to provide in Congress to give the American people the a modest tax cut. I truly believe we can con- balanced budget they deserve. I hope they vene a true, mainstream coalition to continue will join with me. We show today that that’s this progress toward a balanced budget and the way to get things done in the American that we can reach agreement pretty quickly system. because there are so many savings common Thank you. to both plans. I want to meet with Members of Congress. Budget Agreement I’ll do it in a large group or a small one, Q. Why do you think that happened? Why or a one-on-one, but I want to finish the job. do you think there was a compromise or turn- We have an opportunity; we can’t let it slip ing point after all these months? from our grasp. We have seen now with this The President. I’m not sure. We would year’s budget and the antiterrorism bill that have happily accepted this budget last year. we can do things together. I think that the forces within the majority We have other important work to finish party in Congress who wanted to show some as well. Congress should pass an increase in positive results prevailed. I think the spirit the minimum wage. I’m disappointed that of principled compromise prevailed. I have the leaders of Congress have refused to shown a willingness to work with them and schedule a vote on the minimum wage so to compromise with them. And I have also far. As I have said so many times, you simply shown that I am very anxious to reduce this can’t raise a family on $4.25 an hour, but deficit. millions of Americans are trying to do that. Even though we still have some problems They don’t want to be on welfare. They don’t with our budget, I’d like to point out that want to be dependent. They do want to be it is the lowest deficit of any advanced econ- rewarded for their work, and they want to omy in the world as a percentage of our in- be able to raise their children in dignity. The come. This is going to—the more we keep increase in the minimum wage I have pro- driving the deficit down, the more we’re posed will help them to do that. going to get interest rates down, the more And Congress should also move forward we’re going to keep growth going, the sooner to send me the Kassebaum-Kennedy bill with we’ll be able to see American incomes going no special interest amendments. Again, that up. So I want to do this with them. I don’t bill, as proposed by Senator Kassebaum and know what happened, but whatever it was, Senator Kennedy, passed the United States it was a very positive and good thing. Senate 100 to zero. That is a clear, unambig- I want to thank Mr. Panetta for the work uous statement that it is beyond politics to that he did on this in negotiating on our be- say to the working people of America, ‘‘You half very strongly but also in a conciliatory ought not to lose your health insurance when spirit. And I want to thank the leaders in you change jobs, and you ought to be able Congress who did the same. We can get this to get it even if somebody in your family has done in lots of other areas if we just keep been sick.’’ working at it.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 26 725

Bipartisan Cooperation judgments without being frustrated at the Q. Are you worried that Republicans won’t political system in Washington for not pro- go along with a 7-year balanced budget be- ducing results today. cause they’re worried about making you look So I think we can get these things done, good before the election? and I hope we will. The President. Well, I don’t know. You Whitewater see, I believe there’s enough credit to go around when you do the right thing. Yester- Q. The Justice Department is asking Judge day, when I asked the Members of Congress Howard to keep your videotaped testimony to stand out there, most of them Republicans off TV and out of political ads. Two ques- who came, although we had a fair number tions: One, are you afraid of being embar- of our Democrats who were there as well. rassed by the tape? And secondly, do you Q. Senator Dole was way in the back, agree with a growing number of people who though. think that Kenneth Starr should step down? The President. Well, that was his choice. The President. Well, I’ll just answer the I think—I saw him—I saw him, in a generous question about my testimony, and I’ll—I gesture, make sure that the committee don’t think I should answer the other ques- chairs, Senator Hatch, and Mr. Hyde got to tion at this time. The facts are what they are, go up front. He was just being generous to and they are plain for all to see now on the them. second question you asked me. But I believe that when we do things to- On the first question, what I want to do gether, the American people are not fooled. is to—I was asked to testify. If I have any They know that I cannot claim full credit for information that is helpful, I want to be able a bill that goes through a Congress that is to give it. I think that the American people majority Republican, and they are more than and the press should have access to my testi- happy to give credit to people who actually mony but that it shouldn’t be abused in any work together to build things. way. So I believe that—my argument is this: If And so that is the position that I have we have an agreement that is within our taken. And I take it that is the position the grasp, that we know is good for the country, Justice Department has taken, and they will then the credit will take care of itself, and have more to say about that as we go along. the credit will probably flow in appropriate NOTE: The President spoke at 4 p.m. in the Brief- proportions to everybody involved in it. Then ing Room at the White House. In his remarks, there are still all these things that there is he referred to U.S. District Judge George How- disagreement on, that you can have a legiti- ard, Jr. mate, exciting, interesting campaign about, thrown into the future. My view is that, you know, we got into Remarks on the Agreement on this budget mess because of profligate deci- Lebanon and an Exchange With sions that no one who was here in Washing- Reporters ton during the time in either party is prob- April 26, 1996 ably completely blameless from, between 1981 and 1993. And I see passing this bal- The President. Good afternoon. As you anced budget amendment as a way of taking all know, just a short time ago Secretary care of a past problem that we need to get Christopher concluded an agreement with rid of. Then we can debate this march into the leaders of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, to the future, which path are we going to take end the current crisis in southern Lebanon for the future. and northern Israel and to prevent it from Everybody knows in the next 4 years we starting again. I spoke with the Secretary this are walking right into the 21st century. The morning, shortly after 7 o’clock, and I have answer is, which road are we going to take. just spoken with the Israeli Prime Minister That debate will still be out there. The Amer- Shimon Peres, who joins me in welcoming ican people can have that debate, make their this achievement.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 726 Apr. 26 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

The agreement will stop Katyusha rocket the peace and stop the suffering of the inno- attacks on northern Israel and protect both cent civilians. Lebanese and Israeli citizens. It sets up a mechanism to which Israel and Lebanon can 1996 Olympics refer complaints, composed of those two Q. Mr. President, there are reports that countries, the United States, France, and there have been arrests in Georgia in connec- Syria. Because it is in writing, this agreement tion, perhaps, with a militia group making will be less likely to break down than the some threats against the Olympics. I know informal understandings that had been in you’re planning on attending the Olympic place since 1993. games. Can you, first of all, tell us what ex- I want to congratulate Secretary Chris- actly is going on? topher and his team for their tireless efforts The President. Let me say—as you know, over the past week. Now the civilians on both I have to leave—but the Justice Department sides of the border can return to their homes will make whatever statements are appro- and resume their normal lives with greater priate there. I think it’s inappropriate for me confidence and greater security than in the at this moment to say more. past. I also want to commend Prime Minister Thank you. Peres, President Asad, Prime Minister Q. Are you concerned, though, about your Harawi, and the representatives of other in- security going to Atlanta? terested governments, including France, for The President. No. providing leadership which was very much needed to end this crisis. NOTE: The President spoke at 12:50 p.m. in the Now this agreement will only last if all Briefing Room at the White House. In his re- those who worked with us to bring it about marks, he referred to President Hafiz al-Asad of now work to make sure it succeeds. We must Syria and Prime Minister Ilyas Harawi of Leb- not and we will not tolerate new attempts anon. to disrupt the calm which has been reestab- lished at such a terrible cost. I know I speak for all Americans in saying Statement on Signing the Omnibus that our thoughts and prayers are with the Consolidated Rescissions and innocent civilians and their families in Leb- Appropriations Act of 1996 anon and in Israel who have suffered so April 26, 1996 much during the last 2 weeks. Now we must turn again to the hard work of building a Today I have signed into law H.R. 3019, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Mid- the ‘‘Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and dle East. Appropriations Act of 1996.’’ Thank you very much. This bill helps us move toward a balanced budget in a way that honors our Nation’s val- ues by protecting our commitments to edu- Middle East Peace Process cation and training, the environment, law en- Q. Mr. President, doesn’t this really accept forcement, science and technology, and na- the status quo, and will—the real crux of the tional service. It restores $5.1 billion of the problem is Israeli occupation of Lebanon, $8.1 billion I had sought for these priorities and the President of Lebanon told you that over levels in the appropriations bills that I he could restore order on the border if the had rejected. In addition, H.R. 3019 provides Israeli troops got out. Why don’t you work emergency disaster funding as well as fund- on that? ing for our troops in Bosnia and for the fur- The President. Well, first of all, that will therance of the Middle East peace process. be worked on in the context of resolving— We should have reached this conclusion making peace in the Middle East. That is 7 months ago, at the beginning of the fiscal a part of a comprehensive resolution to the year instead of more than halfway through Middle East peace process. That has always it. Unfortunately, the Congress passed ver- been our position. But first we had to restore sions of the appropriations bills that were far

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 26 727

outside of the mainstream, leaving me no At my request, the bill also deletes the choice but to veto them. measure contained in the Senate- and Rather than move quickly to reach a com- House-passed Interior appropriations bills promise such as the one achieved with this that would have extended the repeal of envi- legislation, the Congress shut the Govern- ronmental laws and allowed the clear-cutting ment down twice and then I had to sign a of old growth trees for 3 years or more. That record 13 continuing resolutions funding the authority is currently set to expire on Sep- Government. tember 30 of this year, just 5 months away. The extent of conflict and delay was un- I am disappointed, however, that the Con- precedented. It should never happen again. gress was unwilling to support an immediate Nonetheless, 7 months later, we have a bill repeal of these provisions, despite the fact we can all be proud of, one that achieves that, by imperiling salmon and other species, savings, protects investments, and avoids out- these provisions threaten the environment comes that could have been disastrous for and economy of the region. our environment and our people. The bill also funds important programs For example, the bill eliminates, or per- that the House or the Senate—or both—had mits me to suspend, the most egregious legis- sought to eliminate. lative riders that the Congress had sought to The Congress, in a bill I vetoed, sought attach to the appropriations bills, including to kill AmeriCorps, the National Service pro- those that would have blocked enforcement gram. This bill retains it, as I had insisted, of some of the Nation’s key environmental funding the Corporation for National and laws. These riders reflected a philosophy of Community Service at $402 million. Through disregard for our environment that the National Service, we will continue to allow American people and bipartisan majorities in young Americans to help address vital needs previous Congresses and Administrations in their communities, such as health care, had long ago rejected. crime prevention, and education, while earn- At my insistence the Congress dropped the ing a monetary award to help them pursue rider that would have prevented the Environ- additional education or training. mental Protection Agency (EPA) from using The House sought to terminate Goals its authority to protect our Nation’s wetlands. 2000, which is providing schools throughout Likewise, this bill provides me the author- the country with the resources to improve ity to suspend three other riders—authority teacher training and raise academic stand- that I invoked immediately after signing this ards to prepare our children for the 21st Cen- legislation. If I had not suspended these rid- tury. This bill restores funding for Goals ers, they would have: 2000. • overridden existing environmental laws In another bill I vetoed, the Congress and led to unsustainable levels of timber sought to end the Community Oriented Po- cutting in Alaska’s Tongass National licing Services (COPS) program, the commit- Forest; ment I made with the previous Congress to • drastically undermined the level of pro- put 100,000 additional police officers on the tection provided to the Mojave National streets of our cities and towns by the year Preserve by the 1994 California Desert 2000. At my insistence, that program is con- Protection Act; and tinued. As a result, we remain on track for • prohibited proposed or final listing ac- fulfilling our commitment, with 45,000 police tions by the Departments of the Interior officers funded by the end of this fiscal year, and Commerce under the Endangered including 19,000 provided by this legislation. Species Act, which could have resulted These police are working hand-in-hand with in a greater risk of extinction of some their communities to fight crime. Crime is of the over 400 species that are cur- down in many communities across the Na- rently either proposed for listing or for tion, and we can make further progress which proposed listings are awaiting through the COPS program and similar ef- evaluation. forts.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 728 Apr. 26 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

In the same bill that I vetoed, the Congress House had sought to place a severe cap on proposed to end the Department of Com- the Direct Loan program, a step that would merce’s Advanced Technology Program have had the effect of killing in its infancy (ATP), an integral part of my civilian tech- an effort that has benefited students, colleges nology strategy to promote economic growth. and universities, and taxpayers alike. Adequate funding is provided for that pro- The bill also restores other programs to gram, while proposed language that would close to, or above, last year’s levels that at have prohibited new grants was deleted. ATP least one house of Congress had sought to provides an effective mechanism for aug- cut deeply. These include Head Start, De- menting U.S. economic growth through partment of Labor worker protection pro- highly-leveraged, industry-led research and grams, and payments to international organi- development. It is a rigorously competitive, zations for peacekeeping and other pro- cost-shared program that fosters technology grams. To help finance these priorities, the development, promotes industrial alliances, bill provides new debt collection authorities, and creates jobs. The continuation of a strong calls for selling the United States Enrich- ATP is a fitting tribute to the late Secretary ment Corporation, and cuts Government Ron Brown, who deserves so much credit for overhead. making ATP what it is today. The Congress, also at my insistence, Other programs or agencies that one or dropped from the bill the most seriously ob- both houses sought to end, but which this jectionable language provisions affecting the bill restores, include the Community Devel- Education Department. The Congress also opment Financial Institutions program, the eliminated controversial language affecting Summer Youth jobs program, and the Coun- Goals 2000, paving the way for renewed bi- cil on Environmental Quality. partisan support for this program. Very importantly, the bill provides $22.8 The bill provides $6.5 billion for the EPA. billion for the Education Department. I am The cuts originally proposed by the House pleased that the Congress restored critical for the EPA would have crippled its ability education programs—among my highest pri- to protect the health of families throughout orities to levels near or above the fiscal 1995 the Nation. I am pleased that the Congress levels. The restorations include important deleted or modified other objectionable leg- funding for Title I—Education for the Dis- islative riders, including restrictions on the advantaged (which the House had sought to size of the diplomatic presence in Vietnam, cut by $1.2 billion), Goals 2000, Safe and the District of Columbia school voucher pro- Drug-Free Schools, School-to-Work, and vision, and a measure that could have re- Education Technology. sulted in bans on the use of Medicaid funds This bill also ensures that colleges, univer- for abortions for victims of rape or incest. sities, and vocational schools can continue to I am also pleased that the Congress choose the Federal student loan program— dropped political advocacy disclosure provi- either the new Federal Direct Student Loan sions. These provisions could have interfered Program or the bank-based guaranteed stu- with the First Amendment rights of such dent loan program—that best serves the nonprofit organizations as the Girl Scouts, needs of their students and ensures that stu- the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, dents have access to the most flexible student and the American Red Cross. loan repayment provisions, including in- I commend the Congress for repealing the come-contingent repayment. Institutions of language in the 1996 Defense Authorization higher education that now participate in the Act that unfairly required the discharge of program or have planned to participate in military personnel with HIV. July 1996 will be able to do so; other schools I am disappointed that the Congress chose that wish to participate can enroll without to modify the conditions under which prison facing limits on the program. Students with grant monies are distributed to the States. guaranteed student loans who want access to The Congress carefully crafted a distribution income-contingent repayment will be able to mechanism just 2 years ago to ensure that switch into the Direct Loan program. The States implementing ‘‘truth in sentencing’’

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 / Apr. 26 729

would be rewarded for doing so. That mecha- With this in mind, we should build on our nism is in place and has no need for change. efforts here and move on to the larger chal- These program changes will significantly lenge of balancing the budget over the next delay getting these resources to the places 7 years. The American people deserve a bal- they are needed most. anced budget, and we should give it to them. I note with regret the other objectionable William J. Clinton legislative riders that remain in the bill. They include a provision intended to allow The White House, the construction of a third telescope on Mt. April 26, 1996. Graham, Arizona, affecting the Mt. Graham red squirrel, Native American cultural lands, NOTE: H.R. 3019, approved April 26, was assigned Public Law No. 104–134. and the abortion accreditation provision. While I am disappointed that the Congress chose to reduce funding for the Legal Serv- Message to the Congress on Waivers ices Corporation, I am pleased that the bill for Environmental Management assures continued funding of legal services April 26, 1996 programs for all eligible populations, includ- ing migrants. To the Congress of the United States: I am also disappointed that the Congress I hereby report that I have exercised the did not approve my request to increase fund- authority provided to me under subsection ing by $250 million for our anti-drug initia- 325(c) of the Department of the Interior and tive. But I am pleased that the conferees stat- Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996, ed their intent to provide additional funds to suspend subsection 325(a) and 325(b) of for these important programs in FY 1997, en- such Act. A copy of the suspension is at- suring that we can continue our anti-drug ef- tached. fort at full strength. Unfortunately, the Congress did not in- William J. Clinton clude legislation I had sought to stabilize the The White House, Savings Association Insurance Fund. It is im- April 26, 1996. portant for the Congress to take action on this issue quickly so that we can put the thrift NOTE: The President exercised authority to waive crisis behind us without imposing any further certain sections of the Omnibus Consolidation Re- costs on the taxpayers. scissions Act of 1996 (P.L. 103–134) pursuant to In addition, I note that section 119(a) of provisions of that act. the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996, contains Memorandum on Waivers for a legislative veto, which would be unconstitu- Environmental Management tional under INS v. Chadha (462 U.S. 919) (1983). However, because I am suspending April 26, 1996 section 119(a) pursuant to section 119(b), the Memorandum for the Secretary of the constitutional problem will be avoided. Interior, the Secretary of Commerce With regard to defense, this bill also per- mits the Federal Government to undertake Subject: Suspension of the Proviso Limiting a multi-year procurement of the C–17 air- Implementation of Subsections (a), (b), (c), craft, the critical next-generation military (e), (g), or (i) of the Endangered Species Act transport. The C–17 will greatly enhance our of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533) Contained in the ability to respond to crises around the world; Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and buying it this way will save hundreds of mil- Appropriations Act of 1996 (H.R. 3019) lions of dollars for the taxpayers. By the authority vested in me by the final This bill represents true compromise and proviso under the heading of United States bipartisan cooperation. Clearly, when we Fish and Wildlife Service, Resource Manage- work together we can enact good legislation ment, of title I of the Department of the In- for the American people. terior and Related Agencies Appropriations

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 730 Apr. 26 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

Act, 1996 (authorizing the suspension of the tection of cultural, biological, or historic re- preceding proviso limiting implementation of sources. subsections (a), (b), (c), (e), (g), or (i) of sec- This suspension shall take effect imme- tion 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 diately and shall continue in effect for the (16 U.S.C. 1533) (‘‘limitation proviso’’)), and period in which subsection 325(a) and sub- section 301 of title 3, United States Code, section 325(b) of the Act would otherwise I hereby suspend that limitation proviso be- be in effect. cause I have determined that such suspen- You are authorized and directed to publish sion is appropriate based upon the public in- this memorandum in the Federal Register. terest in sound environmental management, sustainable resource use, protection of na- William J. Clinton tional or locally-affected interests, and pro- tection of cultural, biological, or historic re- sources. This suspension is effective immediately Memorandum on Waivers for and shall continue until the limitation proviso Environmental Management expires. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized April 26, 1996 to report this suspension to the Congress and to publish this memorandum in the Federal Memorandum for the Secretary of the Register. Interior

William J. Clinton Subject: Suspension of Subsection 119(a) of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996, (‘‘Act’’) Memorandum on Waivers for as set forth in Section 101(c) of Title I of Environmental Management the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 (H.R. 3019) April 26, 1996 Regarding the Mojave National Preserve. By the authority vested in me by sub- Memorandum for the Secretary of section 119(b) of the Department of the In- Agriculture terior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996, (‘‘Act’’) as set forth in section Subject: Suspension of Subsection 325(a) and 101(c) of title I of the Omnibus Consolidated Subsection 325(b) of the Department of the Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 Interior and Related Agencies Appro- (H.R. 3019), and section 301 of title 3, Unit- priations Act, 1996, (‘‘Act’’) as set forth in ed States Code, I hereby suspend subsection Section 101(c) of Title I of the Omnibus 119(a) of the Act because I have determined Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations that such suspension is appropriate based Act of 1996 (H.R. 3019) Concerning the upon the public interest in sound environ- Tongass National Forest mental management, sustainable resource By the authority vested in me by sub- use, protection of national or locally-affected section 325(c) of the Department of the Inte- interests, and protection of cultural, biologi- rior and Related Agencies Appropriations cal, or historic resources. Act, 1996, (‘‘Act’’) as set forth in section This suspension shall take effect imme- 101(c) of title I of the Omnibus Consolidated diately and shall continue until subsection Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 119(a) expires. (H.R. 3019), and section 301 of title 3, Unit- You are authorized and directed to report ed States Code, I hereby suspend subsections this suspension to the Congress and to pub- 325(a) and 325(b) of the Act because I have lish this memorandum in the Federal Reg- determined that such suspension is appro- ister. priate based upon the public interest in sound environmental management and pro- William J. Clinton

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 731

Digest of Other April 23 White House Announcements The President had a telephone conversa- tion with President Juan Carlos Wasmosy of Paraguay to discuss the unrest there. The President announced reforms of the The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest an- U.S. intelligence community based on the nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and recommendations of the Commission on the not included elsewhere in this issue. Roles and Capabilities of the U.S. Intel- ligence Community. The White House announced that the President will travel to Lyon, France, June 27–29 to participate in the annual summit April 20 of industrialized nations. The President declared a major disaster in In the morning, the President met with the State of Illinois and ordered Federal aid the other leaders of the P–8 Summit on Nu- to supplement State and local recovery ef- clear Safety and Security in St. Catherine forts in the area struck by severe storms and Hall at the Kremlin, followed by a working tornadoes on April 18–19. luncheon with the P–8 leaders and President The President declared a major disaster in Leonid Kuchma of Ukraine. In the after- the State of Arkansas and ordered Federal noon, the President met again with P–8 lead- aid to supplement State and local recovery ers. Later in the afternoon, he met with efforts in the area struck by severe storms Prime Minister John Major of the United and tornadoes on April 21–22. Kingdom at the Kremlin. April 24 April 21 In the afternoon, the President attended In the morning, the President met with a Clinton-Gore ’96 luncheon at the Jefferson President Boris Yeltsin of Russia at the Hotel. Kremlin. In the afternoon, he met with Rus- sian political leaders at Spaso House, and April 25 then addressed the American community in Moscow at the U.S. Embassy. In the evening, The President announced his intention to the President returned to Washington, DC. appoint Harold Wishna to the Commission on Presidential Scholars.

April 22 April 26 In the early afternoon, the President trav- In the afternoon, the President traveled to eled to Great Falls, MD, where he assisted Wilmington, DE, where he attended the volunteers with the cleanup of the C&O Senate Democratic Issues Conference at the Canal, which was damaged by flooding in Hotel DuPont. In the early evening, the January 1996. He then returned to Washing- President traveled to Philadelphia, PA, ton, DC. where he attended a Democratic National The White House announced that the Committee reception at the Franklin Insti- President and Chancellor Helmut Kohl of tute and a Democratic dinner at City Hall. Germany will meet May 23 in Milwaukee, In the late evening, he returned to Washing- WI. ton, DC. The President announced his intention to The President announced his intention to appoint Judith M. Gueron, Kristin Anderson appoint Daniel Lamaute to the Board of Moore, Joan M. Reeves, and Gary J. Stangler Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson Inter- to the Advisory Board on Welfare Indicators. national Center for Scholars.

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 732 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996

Nominations Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry Submitted to the Senate on the situation in Paraguay Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry The following list does not include promotions of announcing the upcoming visit of Chancellor members of the Uniformed Services, nominations Helmut Kohl of Germany to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- eign Service officers. Released April 23 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Submitted April 22 retary Mike McCurry Victor H. Ashe, Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry of Tennessee, to be a member of the Board on the President’s announcement of intel- of Directors of the Corporation for National ligence community reforms and Community Service for a term expiring Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry October 6, 2000, vice Andrea N. Brown, announcing the President’s upcoming visit to term expired. Lyon, France, for the summit of industri- alized nations Alan G. Lowy, of California, to be a member of the Board Statement by Chief of Staff Leon Panetta ac- of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial cepting Senator Bob Dole’s offer to negotiate Fellowship Foundation for a term expiring a balanced budget May 29, 2001, vice Robert W. Naylor, term Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry expired. announcing disaster assistance for Arkansas Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry announcing disaster assistance for Illinois Checklist of White House Press Releases Released April 24 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- The following list contains releases of the Office retary Mike McCurry of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry Other White House Announcements. on the amendment of the Palestinian Cov- enant Released April 21 Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- on the response to the recent threat to Para- retary Mike McCurry guay’s constitutional order Statement by National Economic Adviser Announcement of the President’s letter to Laura D’Andrea Tyson on the minimum congressional leaders on the Savings Associa- wage tion Insurance Fund Fact sheet on the Joint Statement on the Released April 25 Russia-U.S. Highly Enriched Uranium Agreement and Transparency Measures Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry Released April 22 Advance text of remarks by National Security Transcript of a press briefing by Vice Presi- Adviser Anthony Lake at the Fletcher School dent Albert Gore, Interior Secretary Bruce of Law and Diplomacy Babbitt, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner, and Council Released April 26 on Environmental Quality Chair Katie McGinty on the President’s initiatives to pro- Statement by Chief of Staff Leon Panetta on tect national parks budget negotiations

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4 Administration of William J. Clinton, 1996 733

Acts Approved Approved April 25 by the President H.R. 3034 / Public Law 104–133 To amend the Indian Self-Determination Approved April 24 and Education Assistance Act to extend for two months the authority for promulgating H.J. Res. 175 / Public Law 104–131 regulations under the Act Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes Approved April 26

S. 735 / Public Law 104–132 H.R. 3019 / Public Law 104–134 Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Ap- Act of 1996 propriations Act of 1996

VerDate 28-OCT-97 08:28 Jan 08, 1998 Jkt 010199 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 1244 Sfmt 1244 W:\DISC\P17AP4.026 p17ap4