Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, October 19, 1998 Volume 34—Number 42 Pages 2027–2067

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Addresses and Remarks Interviews With the News Media—Continued Budget Rose Garden—2051 Agreement—2059, 2062 South Lawn—2045, 2059 Negotiations—2030, 2031 Silver Spring, MD—2046 Death of Matthew Shepard—2032 Kosovo—2038, 2045 Meetings With Foreign Leaders Maryland Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu—2051, Departure for Silver Spring—2045 2060 Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Palestinian Authority, Chairman Arafat—2051, Spring—2046 2060 Wye River Conference on the Middle East in Wye Mills—2060 Proclamations Middle East peace process—2051 National Forest Products Week—2065 New York City National School Lunch Week—2027 Departure—2031 White Cane Safety Day—2061 G&P Charitable Foundation for Cancer Research dinner—2040 Statements by the President Gubernatorial candidate Peter F. Vallone, Attack on Matthew Shepard—2029 reception—2032 Congressional action Senatorial candidate Charles Schumer ‘‘Charter School Expansion Act of 1998’’— Dessert—2041 2030 Reception—2035 ‘‘Digital Millennium Copyright Act’’—2034 Nobel Peace Prize, Northern Ireland Death of Clark M. Clifford—2029 recipients—2062 Presidential Medal of Freedom, Radio address—2028 announcement of award to Chancellor White House Conference on School Safety— Helmut Kohl of Germany—2065 2052 Senate action on the ‘‘International Religious Communications to Congress Freedom Act of 1998’’—2027 Estonia-U.S. fishery agreement, message Supplementary Materials transmitting—2050 Lithuania-U.S. fishery agreement, message Acts approved by the President—2067 transmitting—2051 Checklist of White House press releases— 2067 Interviews With the News Media Digest of other White House Exchanges with reporters announcements—2066 Cabinet Room—2030 Nominations submitted to the Senate—2066

Editor’s Note: The President was in Chicago, IL, on October 16, the closing date of this issue. Releases and announcements issued by the Office of the Press Secretary but not received in time for inclusion in this issue will be printed next week.

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

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Statement on Senate Action on the Proclamation 7137—National School ‘‘International Religious Freedom Lunch Week, 1998 Act of 1998’’ October 9, 1998 October 9, 1998 By the President of the United States I welcome today’s strong bipartisan Senate of America passage, and the anticipated passage in the House of Representatives, of the ‘‘Inter- national Religious Freedom Act of 1998.’’ A Proclamation I have made the promotion of religious When the National School Lunch Program freedom a priority of my Presidency and an was established by President Truman in integral part of our foreign policy through, 1946, it built upon decades of local commit- among other efforts, the creation of the Advi- ment by parents, educators, and community sory Committee on Religious Freedom leaders who recognized a simple but impor- Abroad and my appointment last June of our tant fact: hungry children can’t learn. Today, special representative on international reli- for millions of students, the National School gious freedom. Lunch Program provides nutritious meals The ‘‘International Religious Freedom Act that serve as a vital foundation for learning of 1998’’ is a welcome and responsible addi- and growing. Many of these children receive their only nutritious meal of the day at tion to our ongoing efforts. Its principled, school. Thanks to this practical and effective measured approach rightly emphasizes effec- program, children and adolescents in school tive remedies over broad, symbolic gestures. cafeterias across our country not only have I also wish to applaud the bipartisan, coop- the opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and erative approach that helped achieve this leg- balanced meal each day, but they also begin islation, in particular the leadership of Sen- to understand the importance of making ators Nickles, Lieberman, Hagel, Biden, healthy eating choices. Feinstein, and Specter and Representative Unfortunately, the eating habits of Ameri- Clement. I’d also like to pay tribute at this ca’s children and adolescents often fall short. time to Representative Frank Wolf, whose Parents, educators, school administrators, longstanding and devoted advocacy for this food service professionals, and community issue has been an inspiration to those of us leaders must work in partnership to ensure so determined to promote religious freedom that our youth learn the importance of good abroad. nutrition to overall good health. Learning This legislation is not directed against any about nutrition in school and having the daily one country or religious faith. Indeed, this opportunity to eat a well-balanced meal can act will serve to promote the religious free- help children develop the eating habits nec- dom of people of all backgrounds, whether essary to excel in the classroom and in life. Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, In recognition of the contributions of the Taoist, or any other faith. I look forward to National School Lunch Program to the signing this act. health, education, and well-being of our Na- tion’s children, the Congress, by joint resolu- NOTE: This item was not received in time for pub- tion of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87–780), lication in the appropriate issue. has designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October of each year as 2027

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‘‘National School Lunch Week’’ and has re- health care rights. I hope next year we’ll have quested the President to issue a proclamation a Congress that agrees. in observance of this week. But I do not want to see this Congress Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, walk away from America’s schoolchildren, as President of the United States of America, it has walked away from America’s patients. do hereby proclaim October 11 through Oc- We should be able to make real, bipartisan tober 17, 1998, as National School Lunch progress on education. After all, we’ve got Week. I call upon all Americans to join the the first balanced budget and surplus in 29 dedicated individuals who lead child nutri- years; our economy continues to create jobs tion programs at the State and local levels and broaden prosperity, despite the eco- in appropriate activities and celebrations that nomic turmoil abroad. We must use this mo- promote these programs. ment of good fortune to make an historic in- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set vestment in the quality of our public schools, my hand this ninth day of October, in the and we’ve still got a few days to do it. year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- Our Nation needs 100,000 new, highly ty-eight, and of the Independence of the qualified teachers to reduce class size in the United States of America the two hundred early grades. All the studies confirm what and twenty-third. every parent already knows: smaller classes William J. Clinton and better trained teachers make a big dif- ference—better academic performance, [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, fewer discipline problems, more individual- 11:43 a.m., October 13, 1998] ized attention. Of course, basic math tells us that smaller classes plus more teachers de- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the mand more classrooms, especially since we Federal Register on October 14. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- already have a record number of children in priate issue. our schools. All across America, children are being forced to learn in school buildings that are overcrowded or even crumbling or in The President’s Radio Address temporary housing trailers. October 10, 1998 So again today, I call on Congress to help communities build or modernize 5,000 Good morning. In the next few days, as schools with targeted tax credits. I can’t think it completes its work on the budget, Con- of a better tax cut for our country’s future gress has the opportunity and the obligation than one that gives our children a modern, to make enormous progress to renew and safe, adequately equipped place to learn. strengthen our schools. There is no more And these tax credits are fully paid for in critical task before it. the balanced budget. Ten days ago we closed the books on our The budget should also bring cutting-edge fiscal year, yet Congress still has not opened technology to the classroom, continuing our the books for the new fiscal year at hand. efforts to connect all classrooms and libraries Last night, for the second time in 2 weeks, to the Internet by 2000, and make sure that I signed stopgap legislation to keep our Gov- the teachers are trained to use such tech- ernment running. But I can’t keep granting nology. It should fund innovative charter extensions indefinitely. schools so that parents and teachers can This week, unfortunately, we saw partisan- bring the benefits of choice and competition ship defeat progress, as 51 Republican Sen- to our public schools. It should fully fund ators joined together to kill the HMO Pa- after-school programs, so young people learn tients’ Bill of Rights. Rest assured, I will ask their lessons in the classroom, not the streets. the next Congress to guarantee your right to It should expand Head Start for the early see a specialist, to receive the nearest emer- years and insist on high standards in the ba- gency care, to keep your doctor throughout sics, providing for voluntary national testing your course of treatment, to keep your medi- with a nonpartisan system to measure cal records private, and have other basic progress. It should fund our child literacy

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programs so that every child will be able to as a nation. We must all reaffirm that we read well and independently by the end of will not tolerate this. the third grade. It should help bring out of Just this year there have been a number school youth back into a learning environ- of recent tragedies across our country that ment. And it should support our new mentor- involve hate crimes. The vicious murder of ing initiative to reach out to young people James Byrd last June in Jasper, Texas, and and encourage them early to stay in school, the assault this week on Mr. Shepard are only learn their lessons, and go on to college. among the most horrifying examples. Small classes, trained teachers, modern Almost one year ago I proposed that Con- schools, high standards, public school choice gress enact the ‘‘Hate Crimes Prevention and more—this is a plan that can revolution- Act.’’ Our Federal laws already punish some ize education in America. But the Repub- crimes committed against people on the basis lican majority in Congress hasn’t even passed of race or religion or national origin, but we the annual education investment bill yet. should do more. This crucial legislation When it comes to education, Congress sim- would strengthen and expand the ability of ply must not settle for an incomplete. I ask the Justice Department to prosecute hate the Republicans in Congress to join the crimes by removing needless jurisdictional Democrats to put progress over partisanship, requirements for existing crimes and by giv- and send me a full education investment bill. ing Federal prosecutors the power to pros- Remember, the budget Congress must ecute hate crimes committed because of the now finalize will be the last complete budget victim’s sexual orientation, gender, or disabil- of the 20th century. We cannot pass up this ity. All Americans deserve protection from golden opportunity to invest wisely now to hate. help all our children seize the promise of the There is nothing more important to the century to come. future of this country than our standing to- Thanks for listening. gether against intolerance, prejudice, and violent bigotry. It is not too late for Congress NOTE: The President spoke at 10:06 a.m. from to take action before they adjourn and pass the Oval Office at the White House. the ‘‘Hate Crimes Prevention Act.’’ By doing so, they will help make all Americans more safe and secure. Statement on the Attack on Matthew Shepard October 10, 1998 Statement on the Death of I was deeply grieved by the act of violence Clark M. Clifford perpetrated against Matthew Shepard of Wy- October 10, 1998 oming. The Justice Department has assured me Hillary and I were saddened to learn of that local law enforcement officials are pro- the death of Clark Clifford, an American ceeding diligently to bring those responsible statesman who helped shape half a century’s to justice. And I am determined that we will struggle for freedom. From his first days by do everything we can and offer whatever as- President Truman’s side as a young naval sistance is appropriate. aide, to his wise counsel to President Carter, Hillary and I ask that your thoughts and he was someone upon whom Presidents your prayers be with Mr. Shepard and his could rely for judicious and effective advice. family, and with the people of Laramie, Wyo- When his wisdom and experience were need- ming. In the face of this terrible act of vio- ed, which was often, he offered it with lence, they are joining together to dem- charm, grace, and a certain humility. As Sec- onstrate that an act of evil like this is not retary of Defense at a critical time under what our country is all about. In fact it strikes President Johnson, he helped to begin the at the very heart of what it means to be an search for peace in Vietnam. His legacy of American and at the values that define us public service is notable in our history. Our

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thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Marny, 35 or more students all vying for a minute and their three daughters. of attention from the teachers, about schools so old they can’t be connected to the Inter- Statement on Congressional Action net. This can be changed, but we cannot afford on the ‘‘Charter School Expansion to wait. And we are waiting for the Repub- Act of 1998’’ lican majority in Congress to bring this year’s October 10, 1998 education investment bill to the floor. The I am very pleased that the Congress has delay must end. On education, Congress approved the ‘‘Charter School Expansion Act must choose progress over partisanship. We of 1998.’’ This law will ensure that the charter need a strong bipartisan bill. schools movement will give parents and stu- Just a few days ago, I had the honor of dents more choices, better schools, and signing into law such a bill to open the doors greater accountability for results. When I was wider to higher education. And in just the elected President, there was only one charter last 2 days, Republicans and Democrats have school in the Nation. With help from the worked together to pass strong charter school charter school initiative I proposed in 1993 and vocational education measures. And I’d and signed into law in 1994, there are now like to thank Senator Jeffords, Senator Ken- more than 1,000 charter schools serving nedy, Senator Coats, Congressmen Goodling more than 200,000 students across the Na- and Clay and Roemer for that. Now it’s time tion. This new measure is an important step once again for Congress to cross party lines toward reaching my goal of creating 3,000 and send me an education budget that I can high-quality public charter schools that will sign that is worthy of our children and their educate more than half a million students. future. There is more to do to create the renais- This bill must make the right investments sance in public education our Nation needs in our children’s future. It must include a and our students deserve. Congress must put strong downpayment on my request for progress ahead of partisanship and strength- 100,000 teachers for smaller classes in the en our public schools by enacting legislation early grades. It must invest in academically that will help communities hire 100,000 well- enriched after-school and summer school trained teachers to reduce class size in the programs to keep kids in school and out of early grades, modernize or build 5,000 trouble. It must invest in modernized schools schools, strengthen early literacy programs, for our children; we cannot raise students up provide quality after-school programs, and in buildings that are falling down. Any budget put in place high national standards and tests that does not do anything to help modernize in the basic skills of reading and math. our schools to give our children safe and clean places to learn does not fully prepare Remarks During Education Budget them for the 21st century. Negotiations and an Exchange With Tomorrow night the funding to keep the Reporters Government open expires again. Senator October 11, 1998 Daschle, Congressman Gephardt, their Democratic colleagues, and I will work with The President. In only 447 days, the 21st the Republican majority to do the right thing century begins, a century in which the edu- for our country. We must pass a budget that cation of our Nation’s children will matter is fiscally responsible, that honors our values, more than ever before. Yet, far too many of that invests in the education of our children. our schools are not ready for that new cen- That is the most important thing we can do tury. We’ve all seen the news stories about in this long-running Congress. teachers teaching classes in subjects they Q. Mr. President, the Republican leaders didn’t major in in college, about schools so were saying this morning that if you were overcrowded they have trailers out back to serious about reaching this budget deal, that handle the overflow, about classrooms with you would stay in Washington instead of

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going on to fundraisers tomorrow and the fol- is here; the President sent the bills. I’m wor- lowing day. ried about what they do when they are here. The President. Well, let me first of all They kill everything that the American peo- say that in the State of the Union in January, ple want. And that’s what they’ve got to get I sent a program to Congress to save the sur- to work on, to do the things people want plus until Social Security is fixed, to invest done. in education as I just described, to pass a Patients’ Bill of Rights, to keep our economy 1998 Congressional Elections going amidst all this economic turmoil in the Q. Mr. President, you characterize this as world. In February I sent them a balanced a do-nothing Congress. Do you think, with budget with the same education program in the results of the upcoming election, will it it. be a referendum on your Presidency? You’re This is the first Congress in 24 years that going to run against this Congress. Do you did not pass a budget—in 24 years. Now they think the election results will be a referen- have turned their attention to this, and we dum on your Presidency? are making progress. And I worked on it yes- The President. Well, first of all, I’m not terday; I am prepared to do whatever it takes running. But what I do intend to do is to to work with them, now that they have turned bring the issues to the American people. The their attention to this, to get the job done. American people will have to decide if they But in the end, it is their votes. We are ag- believe that Social Security should be saved gressively working with them to resolve this, before this surplus is spent for other things. but they have to decide that they will agree The American people will have to decide with us after this whole year that it is a prior- whether they really want a Patients’ Bill of ity, that we are going to do it, and that we’re Rights that guarantees people in HMO’s the going to do it now. right to see a specialist or go to the nearest emergency room or have their medical Continuing Resolution Legislation records private or finish a treatment for Q. Mr. President, will you sign another chemotherapy or pregnancy before they can continuing resolution if Congress passes one? be forced to change doctors. Dick Armey said today that he felt one was These are the kinds of decisions the Amer- needed. ican people have to make about what they The President. You mean for a couple want for their future. What I’d like to see days? is this election to be about the American peo- Q. That’s right. ple and their future, not about Washington, The President. Well, sure, we’re not DC—just as I think this last year could have going to shut the Government down if we’re been and should have been about the people working on this, of course. No one is inter- in America and not about Washington, DC. ested in doing that. I just want to get this That is the decision before them, and I trust job done. them. I think they’ll make the right decision. Representative Richard A. Gephardt. Mr. President, can I add an answer? This NOTE: The President spoke at 1 p.m. in the Cabi- net Room at the White House. A tape was not Congress has been here probably less than available for verification of the content of these most Congresses, but what I’m worried about remarks. is not when they’re not here. What I’m wor- ried about is when they are here. They’ve killed campaign reform; they’ve killed the Remarks on Departure for tobacco bill; they’ve killed all the education New York City legislation the President has sent; they killed October 12, 1998 Patients’ Bill of Rights; they tried to spend the surplus on a tax cut, rather than saving Budget Negotiations it for Social Security. Good afternoon. While Columbus Day is They shouldn’t be worried about whether a day off for many Americans, here at the the President is here or not. The President White House we have been working hard

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with the leaders of both parties on Capitol something we can do about this. Congress Hill to write a budget to strengthen our Na- needs to pass our tough hate crimes legisla- tion for the 21st Century. tion. It can do so even before it adjourns, I have just spoken with my Chief of Staff, and it should do so. Erskine Bowles. He and our budget team re- I hope that in the grief of this moment port that they are making progress on impor- for Matthew Shepard’s family, and in the tant issues, but there are still quite a number shared outrage across America, Americans of issues still to be resolved; the most critical will once again search their hearts and do one, perhaps, is education. Eight months ago, what they can to reduce their own fear and in my State of the Union Address, I asked anxiety and anger at people who are dif- the Congress to help local communities re- ferent. And I hope that Congress will pass duce class size in the early grades by hiring the hate crimes legislation. 100,000 new teachers. I also asked Congress Thank you. to help local communities to build or repair thousands of schools so we would have the NOTE: The President spoke at 3:02 p.m. on the classrooms for the teachers to teach in. South Lawn at the White House. A recent study from Congress’ own Gen- eral Accounting Office concluded that as many as one-third of our classrooms are in need of serious modernization and repair. Remarks at a Reception Honoring With a third of our children in substandard Gubernatorial Candidate Peter F. classrooms, our future is at risk. I believe we Vallone in New York City can reach across the political divisions here October 12, 1998 in Washington to take the steps we must to reduce class size, to hire more teachers, to The President. Thank you very much. modernize our classrooms. Smaller classes, First of all, let me thank Mayor Dinkins for more teachers, modern classrooms can do for his presence here tonight and his friendship our public schools what 100,000 new police and the many things he did for the people officers are doing to keep our communities of New York and the many things that he’s safer. This should not be a partisan issue. done for me over the years. And Peter, I want I know there’s an election coming, but to tell you that I appreciate being invited to Members of Congress can return home to come by and be with your friends tonight campaign knowing that they put progress and your supporters. I thank you and Tena ahead of partisanship on the important issue for making this race, and I thank you for the of education. We need 21st century schools personal support you have given me. I’m very where teachers can teach and students can grateful for that. learn. [At this point, a telephone rang.] Death of Matthew Shepard The President. Somebody answer that Let me also take a moment here to offer phone. [Laughter] my prayers and my condolences to the family I’d also like to thank you for letting me— of Matthew Shepard, as well as to the com- I’ve got one nonpaying guest here tonight, munity of Laramie, Wyoming, and the uni- my senior Senator from Arkansas, Dale versity. While it wouldn’t be proper for me Bumpers, who’s back there. He is universally to comment on the specifics of this case, I considered to be the best speaker in the do want to say again, crimes of hate and United States Senate, so if we were really crimes of violence cannot be tolerated in our being generous, I’d let him talk, and I’d sit country. In our shock and grief, one thing down tonight. But I’ll pull rank a little bit. must remain clear: Hate and prejudice are I want to make a couple of points, if I not American values. The public outrage in might. First of all, our country is in good Laramie and all across America today echoes shape. Compared to 6 years ago, we are in what we heard at the White House Con- much better shape. We’ve got the first sur- ference on Hate Crimes last year. There is plus in 29 years and the smallest percentage

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of people on welfare in 29 years and the low- college if they settle down and do a good est unemployment rate in 28 years, the low- job in school. est crime rate in 25 years, the highest home- We’re fighting a huge battle that Senator ownership in history. That’s the good news. Bumpers has really helped us on, on the envi- But the important thing is that at this mo- ronment, where every year now—every sin- ment we can’t just sit around and enjoy that. gle year—we have to look at 10 or 15 bills We have to build on it. This is a record to having nothing to do, very often, with the build on, not to sit on, because we live— environment, being littered with what they as everybody in New York City knows, here, call riders in Washington, designed to under- the financial capital of our country, we are mine America’s commitment to environ- living in a very dynamic world. And there mental protection at the very time when we are a lot of things going on out there. Some know more than we ever have before about of them are good and some of them are quite how to grow the economy and improve the challenging. environment. Not only that, there are a lot of challenges We didn’t succeed in passing the Patients’ we haven’t met here at home. And the reason Bill of Rights, but we need to keep working that we’re back in Washington working on until we do, because I think if someone gets this budget now, trying so hard—here we are hit, God forbid, going out of this hotel to- just 3 weeks before an election—to get a night, by a car, you shouldn’t have to go all budget passed, and this is the first time in the way across town to an emergency room just because that’s the only one covered by 24 years that the United States Congress has your HMO. If your doctor tells you you need not passed a budget resolution with their own a specialist, you ought to be able to get it. budget plan. But the reason we’re doing it And you ought to know that your medical is because we know we still have big chal- records are private. Those are just some of lenges out there. the things we’re trying to do. We have got—just to take one example Now, what’s that got to do with the Gov- that’s very important in New York—we have ernor’s race? A lot. The answer is a lot. There got to keep the economic growth going by are some things that the President can do maintaining our leadership in the global that will affect the country as a whole, inde- economy and stabilizing all these troubles pendent of what is going on in the commu- elsewhere; otherwise, they’ll come back here nities of America, the cities of America, or to hurt us. That’s what this International the States of America. You know, I have to Monetary Fund issue is all about. get this International Monetary Fund fund- We have got to expand economic oppor- ing passed. I have to come up with a plan tunity into the poorest inner-city neighbor- to, in my judgment, reform the global finan- hoods and rural areas in this country which cial system so that we avoid some sort of ca- haven’t received them. Secretary Cuomo, tastrophe here. That’s my job. Tonight my from New York, the HUD Secretary, has got Special Envoy for Kosovo, Dick Holbrooke, a great program up here that he and the Vice is briefing our NATO allies about what we’re President put together to get more invest- trying to do to make peace in Kosovo. Those ment into those areas. And for the last 4 days, are things that the President only can do. if you’ve been paying attention to the news, But in education, in crime control—when you know I’ve been involved in a pitched bat- we passed the crime bill to put 100,000 po- tle trying to pass the education plan that I lice on the street, that money went through sent to Washington—to Congress in January, the Governors and the mayors. If we pass for smaller classes in the early grades, for a bill in the Congress to put 100,000 teachers modernizing and building 5,000 schools, for in the classroom, that money will go through hooking up all our classrooms to the Internet, the Governors, and to some extent, the large for giving children after-school and summer local school districts. school programs and mentoring programs for But the Governors of this country have pri- middle school kids from troubled neighbor- mary responsibility in so many areas—relat- hoods so they can know they can go on to ing to education, relating to law enforcement,

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relating to the environment, relating to eco- this country, no matter how different we all nomic growth in a specific area. And if you are, one from another—by race, by religion, look at Peter Vallone’s record here in New by circumstance, by neighborhood—no mat- York City, I defy you to find another city ter what. official anywhere else in America who has One of the things I have tried hardest to been as innovative in three things that all go do as President—I think with more success together: improving education, fighting in the country than in Washington, DC—is crime, and being responsible with the budg- to reconcile Americans to one another and et. You will not find a better record of reform to make us all understand that we don’t have from any big-city official anywhere in the to be afraid of each other if we share the United States. And I think that is very impor- same values, follow the same rules, and are tant. committed to building the same kind of fu- Now, why is that important? Because ture. That’s another reason I’d like to see whatever we do in Washington, it has to be Peter Vallone have a chance to serve as Gov- made live on the streets of America, in the ernor, because I think he’s that kind of per- communities, and in the States. And I can son. tell you—I was a Governor for 12 years; I Thank you very much. know a little about that job. And as we move into this next period of our Nation’s history, NOTE: The President spoke at 5:25 p.m. in Conrad we have given you the smallest Federal Gov- Salon E at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. In his re- ernment in 35 years. We have focused far marks, he referred to former Mayor David more on empowering the American people Dinkins of New York City; Mr. Vallone’s wife, to solve their own problems and less on set- Tena; and Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, the ting up new bureaucracies. President’s nominee to be Ambassador to the But we have also given big, big new re- U.N. sponsibilities to the States. The Governors will have more to do than anybody else with whether we really succeed in adding 5 mil- Statement on Congressional Action lion children to the ranks of those with health on the ‘‘Digital Millennium insurance. The Governors will have a great Copyright Act’’ deal to do with deciding whether all these October 12, 1998 funds we’re trying to get in education actually lift the learning of our children all across I am pleased that the Congress has passed America. And I could go on and on and on. the ‘‘Digital Millennium Copyright Act.’’ So I’m here not just because this man is This bill will implement the two new land- my friend and he has stood up for me, but mark World Intellectual Property Organiza- because, far more important, he has stood tion (WIPO) treaties that my administration up for and led the people of New York City negotiated. These treaties will provide clear in an exemplary way, in a reformist way, international standards for intellectual prop- building a better future for our children. erty protection in the digital environment And let me just make one last point that’s and protect U.S. copyrighted works, musical very much on my mind today. I’m sure that performances, and sound recordings from most of you saw in the press that the young international piracy. man who was beaten so badly in Wyoming American copyright-based industries that passed away today. We don’t know the facts produce and promote creative and high-tech- of the case, and none of us should comment nology products contribute more than $60 on them or prejudge anyone. But the indica- billion annually to the balance of U.S. trade. tions are that he was beaten so badly because This bill will extend intellectual protection he was gay, by people who were either full into the digital era while preserving fair use of hatred or full of fear or both. And yet if and limiting infringement liability for provid- you think about it, the thing that’s special ers of basic communication services. I look about America is that we’re supposed to cre- forward to signing this legislation into law, ate a place for every law-abiding citizen in and I urge the Senate to ratify these treaties

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so that America can continue to lead the and I want to thank her for the wonderful world in the information age. job she’s done for New York. Now, I told Chuck Schumer when he de- cided to take on this Herculean task that if Remarks at a Reception Honoring he ever needed anybody to fill in for him, Senatorial Candidate Charles just to call me, and I’d try to do it. [Laughter] Schumer in New York City So here I am. I want to say I’ve been a little bit amused October 12, 1998 by some of the things that have been said in this Senate race, including, apparently, the Thank you very much. What a gift. Thank contention that Mr. Schumer doesn’t have you. Now you all have us in the right frame a good voting record in the Congress. And of mind. Let me say to all of you, I thank I don’t see how any Republican could criti- you for the warm welcome. I thank Iris and cize any Democrat for not voting in Congress Jessica and Alison and all of Chuck’s and Iris’ this year. I mean, this Congress has worked family for being here. And I thank you for fewer days than any Congress I can remem- being part of Chuck’s family at this important ber. It’s the first Congress in 24 years not time. to pass a budget resolution. And the reason I’m delighted to have the chance to be they’re still there so close to the election is here with a number of distinguished New they blew the 9 months before. So nobody Yorkers, and I just want to mention a few. in the Republican party should be blaming First I’d like to thank Gerry Ferraro and any of the Democrats for what they didn’t Mark Green for being here and showing their do. And I hope you’ll remember that when support. It means a great deal to me to see you see that ad. them put the profoundly important issue of Let me just say, they’re showing some real this Senate seat first and their concern for progress now, and we’re working with them the people of New York first. I’ll never forget in good faith. But if it weren’t for these nego- it, and I hope none of you do as well. tiations, now 11 days after the beginning of I’d like to welcome City Councilman Tony the new budget year, if it weren’t for the Weiner, the successor to Chuck Schumer in fact that we’re still there, finally looking at the United States Congress, for being here. education and some of the other serious And I don’t want any of you to forget how issues before us, this Congress would be terribly important it is to reelect our wonder- known as the one that killed campaign fi- ful State comptroller, Carl McCall, who is nance reform, that killed the tobacco legisla- also here. Thank you very much, Carl. Our tion designed to protect our children from candidate for attorney general, Eliot Spitzer, the dangers of tobacco, that killed the Pa- who’s here; thank you, Eliot, for being here. tients’ Bill of Rights, that killed the minimum I told Eliot earlier tonight that’s the best wage, that continued the assault on the envi- job I ever had. [Laughter] When I was attor- ronment, that attempted to divert the surplus ney general, I didn’t have to hire people or before we could save Social Security first, fire them, appoint people or disappoint and had taken no action to date on either them, raise taxes or cut spending, and if I education or the imperative nature of invest- did the first thing unpopular, I could always ing in the International Monetary Fund so blame it on the Constitution. [Laughter] But that our country can continue to lead the it really matters who has the job, and I hope world in this time of financial turmoil. you’ll help him. Thank you for being here, Now, if I were a part of their caucus, I Eliot. don’t believe I would be criticizing someone I’d like to welcome Manhattan Borough like Chuck Schumer for not showing up for President Virginia Fields, Assemblyman duty. Let me tell you some of the things he Robert Ramirez, and City Councilmen Wal- did vote for. In 1993, when a single vote ter McCaffrey and Ken Fisher—all of them. would have turned the tide the other way, Thank you all for being here. And I know Chuck Schumer voted for my economic plan our State party chair, Judith Hope, is here, that reduced the deficit 92 percent, before

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the Balanced Budget Act—the bipartisan whether they vote—because, normally, when Balanced Budget Act of 1997 passed—92 times are good—and to be sure, compared percent of the work done. If he had not voted to 6 years ago, times are good, and I’m grate- that way, the whole thing would have failed ful for that and very grateful that the people because we didn’t have a vote to spare. That’s of New York twice voted to give Al Gore and just one of the many issues on which he dif- me a chance to serve our country and to im- fered from his opponent, and I think Chuck plement our ideas and to work for you. But Schumer was right. And I think you do, too. if you think about this, the lowest crime rate We now have the first balanced budget in 25 years—no person in America, I might and surplus in 29 years as a direct result of add, more responsible, no Congressman in that courageous vote. Then, in 1994 Chuck the country more responsible than Chuck Schumer authored the Brady bill, now the Schumer—the lowest crime rate in 25 years, Brady law. Now a quarter of a million felons the lowest unemployment rate in 28 years, and fugitives have been denied the ability to the smallest percentage of people on welfare buy handguns—a quarter of a million—sav- in 29 years, the first balanced budget and ing goodness only knows how many lives. He surplus in 29 years, the highest homeowner- voted yes; his opponent voted no. So when ship in history, the lowest African-American there really was a vote that mattered, I be- poverty rate recorded, the biggest drop in lieve Chuck Schumer was right, and I think Hispanic poverty in 30 years, the biggest rise the people of New York do, too. in wages among average citizens in over 20 When the vote in 1994 on the crime bill years—these are good things. But what are came up, and in the United States Senate we going to do with them? What are we going there was this incredible effort—that I never to do with them? shall forget as long as I live—by the leader- I believe, notwithstanding the arguments ship of the other party, then in the minority that are being made in the television wars in the Senate, to prevent us from getting a here that don’t really have any underlying vote to put 100,000 police officers on the merit about the voting record of a Congress- street, to put the Violence Against Women man, or even the contrast in their voting Act into motion, to ban 19 kinds of assault record that I just gave you, which is meaning- weapons designed only to kill people, and in ful, the most important thing is who’s going the Senate they were doing everything they to do the most to make the most of this mo- could to keep it from even coming to a vote— ment for our tomorrows. That overshadows the assault weapons ban, the 100,000 police, everything else, because the thing that con- the programs to keep our children out of cerns me is so often when times are good, trouble in the first place, the Violence people say, ‘‘Well, things are going fine and, Against Women Act—Chuck Schumer was therefore, we don’t want to rock the boat, where he always is, out there leading the and maybe we don’t even need to vote.’’ But fight for public safety and civility and de- here in New York, the financial capital of our cency on our streets and in our neighbor- country and indeed the world, I think you hoods and in our schools. And his opponent know enough from seeing what all is going was on the other side. around in the world in terms of financial tur- So, if I had that kind of record, I don’t moil to know that in a dynamic world, the believe I’d be criticizing Chuck Schumer for fact that things are good does not mean you his voting record. Every time it counts, just can sit still. And I would argue that New York like today, Chuck Schumer is there to vote needs a visionary, an activist, a doer, some- for you, for New York, for your children, and one who understands what needs to be done for the future. And I hope you’ll give him and has the courage to do it. And I would a bigger vote in the United States Senate. argue that our people—every one of them, You know, I have been increasingly con- without regard to party across this country— cerned in the last few weeks about what the need to consider this a profoundly important American people were going to say in this election in which they want their voices to election about our future, about what they be heard, so that we send a clear message would say by not only how they voted but that we don’t think this is just a time when

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we can fiddle around and not pay attention That’s what this bill of rights does. These to the big issues. things are important to America’s future. And what are they? Number one, if we And I’d like to say just one other thing. want to keep America’s economic growth I know a lot of you were profoundly moved going, America must have the tools to lead and saddened, as I was, with the news this the world away from the financial instability morning that that young man from Wyoming, that has gripped so many other countries. who was so badly beaten, passed away. It is That means funding the International Mone- inappropriate to speculate about the specifics tary Fund instead of running away from our of the case, but it does seem clear that he obligations there. was beaten horribly because he was gay. Number two, if we want to be a symbol Now, New York is a place where we have of stability in the world, it means not squan- gotten a lot of advantages as a country out dering this surplus until we have fixed Social of our remarkable diversity—our racial, our Security for the 21st century. That is pro- ethnic, our cultural diversity, our diverse foundly important. skills, our language skills, our different con- Number three, it means not stopping until nections with the rest of the world—and the we know we have done everything we can idea that if you come here, no matter where to give all our kids, without regard to their you come from, if you’re good at whatever income, their race, their background, access it is you want to do, you’ll have a chance to a world-class education. The education to live out your dreams. All over the world, program I sent to Congress in January that I see people held back because they can’t only now they are beginning to debate is a find a way to look beyond the differences very simple, straightforward, but profoundly in people to what they share in common. important one: 100,000 teachers to lower Today my Special Envoy for Kosovo, Dick class size to an average of 18 in the early Holbrooke, was working with our NATO al- grades; funds to build or rehabilitate 5,000 lies in a feverish attempt to try to bring peace schools; hooking up all the classrooms in the there without further violence. Today I country to the Internet by the year 2000; talked to the Prime Minister of Israel and after-school and summer school programs for to Chairman Arafat about their coming to the children so that we can end social promotion, United States in a few days in a determined but we don’t dub the kids a failure if the effort to resolve this next big step on the road system fails them; mentors for kids in their to peace in the Middle East. All over the middle school years so that they can know world, I see people held back and heart- they can go on to college if they stay in school broken and lives crushed because there are and study and do well. those who are so animated by fear and their It is a good program. It is a matter of ur- compulsive need to look down on others that gent national concern. And it should be be- whole nations are kept from becoming what yond partisan politics, for every American— they ought to be. And I say to you, in memory every American—has a vested interest in the of that young man and his family, America success of our children. cannot do good in the world unless America Now, these are the big issues before us. is good at home. To be sure, there are others. We should stay And another reason I would like to see a on the path of improving the environment person like Chuck Schumer elevated to the as we grow the economy and not abandon Senate is that I believe that he and our party that. We should, next year, pass this HMO in this time have taken clear and unambig- Patients’ Bill of Rights to guarantee people uous stands for the proposition that every- the right to see a specialist, the right to keep body who is a law-abiding citizen ought to their medical records private, the right to have a home in America, ought to be treated keep a doctor during the course of treatment with dignity and honor, that we do not coun- even if the employer changes plans, the right tenance hate and discrimination and bigotry. to go to the nearest emergency room, not If you think about the way the world is one halfway across town just because the changing, you could seriously argue that, as nearest one is not covered by your plan. you look ahead, in terms of building a global

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society, we have three big challenges. One terests of the people of New York—and not is to develop a financial system that doesn’t just here 3 or 4 weeks before the election go through a boom/bust cycle in the world but every year, for 6 years, the entire term. in the way that we experienced, and others And the other is being able to visualize the experienced here, many years ago. That’s the future we are tying to build, being able to threat—or the fear some people have out represent and bring together this incredible there. Two is to deal with global environ- diversity of New York and America, and giv- mental challenges and still keep growing the ing voice to the tomorrow that is just over economy. But, three is to go to the heart in the horizon. country after country after country of this So I say to you—I started this speech by dark compulsion people have to hate and answering an ad against Chuck Schumer, and fight and kill each other because of their reli- I think I did a pretty good job. [Laughter] gious, their racial, their cultural, or their I pointed out what I think is very important other differences. in his vote for the economic plan of ’93 and And I have done my best as President to the crime bill of ’94 and his essential leader- try to get the American people to move be- ship. But the most important thing to me of yond that. Today I asked the Congress once all is New York deserves a Senator who is again to pass my anti-hate crimes legislation. both tied to the specific, concrete needs of And as my staff never tires of telling me, I’m individuals and their communities, and a doing a better job of getting America to get Senator who will vote in the interest of the over it than I am of getting the people in State and the Nation over the long run and Washington to get over it. finally give voice to what makes America a But I ask you to think about that. Say a great nation. prayer when you go home tonight for that This is a time when we need people who young man’s family in Wyoming, and think are both practical and visionary, a time when about what kind of Senator New York ought we have business to attend to that is right to have. New York has been an integral part before our eyes and dreams to dream and of America from the beginning. It has always realize. And I am here proudly tonight be- been central to our conception of who we cause I believe Chuck Schumer can be that are as a country and where we’re going. kind of Senator. Senator D’Amato has gotten some criti- Thank you, and God bless you all. cism that I never thought was fair, actually, NOTE: The President spoke at 7:40 p.m. in the for being called ‘‘Senator Pothole’’ and all Grand Ballroom at the New York Hilton and Tow- that—you know that people make these ers. In his remarks, he referred to Mr. Schumer’s funny little jokes. It’s not funny if you’ve got wife, Iris, and daughters Jessica and Alison; Geral- a pothole in front of your house. [Laughter] dine Ferraro and New York City Public Advocate It’s not funny; it’s important. It’s hard to Mark Green, who both challenged Mr. Schumer think about the higher things if you get a in the Democratic primary; New York State As- flat every morning. [Laughter] semblyman Roberto Ramirez; Special Envoy So what I want to say to you, though, is— Richard Holbrooke, the President’s nominee to now, I want you to think about this—there be Ambassador to the U.N.; Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel; and Chairman Yas- is not a person here who would dispute what ser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority. I am about to say. If Chuck Schumer is a Senator, given his level of energy, his inten- sity, his aggressiveness, he will make Senator Remarks in New York City on the D’Amato look laid back when it comes to fill- Situation in Kosovo ing potholes. [Laughter] Or solving whatever October 12, 1998 other problems there are. But I don’t think he should be criticized for that. That’s an im- Good evening. In recent weeks, faced with portant part of this job. a deepening and dangerous crisis in Kosovo, But there are two other things that are very the United States has worked to stop the vio- important. One is voting right, voting for the lence and repression and put the people of future, voting for the profound, deepest in- Kosovo on the path to peace.

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Last month the United Nations Security for itself whether they are met, they could Council, through Resolution 1199, de- provide the basis for peace and progress. manded that President Milosevic implement All along our objectives have been clear: a cease-fire, withdraw the forces he has re- to end the violence in Kosovo which threat- cently sent to Kosovo and garrison the rest, ens to spill over into neighboring countries allow refugees to return to their villages, give and to spark instability in the heart of Eu- immediate access to humanitarian relief rope; to reverse a humanitarian catastrophe agencies, and agree to a timetable for auton- in the making as tens of thousands of home- omy negotiations with the Kosovar Albanians. less refugees risk freezing or starving to death President Milosevic has not yet complied in the winter; and to seek a negotiated peace. with the international community’s demands. But let me be very clear: Commitments Given his intransigence, the 16 members of are not compliance. Balkan graveyards are NATO have just voted to give our military filled with President Milosevic’s broken commanders the authority to carry out air- promises. In the days ahead, we will focus strikes against Serbia. This is only the second not only on what President Milosevic says, time in NATO’s history that it has authorized but on what we see that he does through the use of force—and the first time in the a robust on-the-ground and in-the-air ver- case of a country brutally repressing its own ification system. people. I hope that the commitments President The international community is now pre- Milosevic has made can create a peaceful way pared to act. But as I have said from the forward. That has been our preference all beginning, we would prefer to resolve this along. But together with our NATO partners, crisis peacefully, rather than through military we will determine whether President action. That is why I sent Ambassador Rich- Milosevic follows words with deeds. And we ard Holbrooke on a mission to make it clear will remain ready to take military action if to President Milosevic what the world ex- Mr. Milosevic fails to make good on his com- pects him to do to avert the NATO airstrikes. mitments this time. Ambassador Holbrooke has reported to As we approach the next century, we must me, and in the past few hours to NATO, that, never forget one of the most indelible lessons faced with a solid international front, Presi- of this one we’re about to leave, that America dent Milosevic has made a series of commit- has a direct stake in keeping the peace in ments. If fully implemented—and that is a Europe before isolated acts of violence turn critical and very big ‘‘if’’—these commit- into large-scale wars. Today determined di- ments could achieve the international com- plomacy backed by force is creating the path munity’s objectives as stated in the United to peace. Nations resolution. I want to thank Mr. Holbrooke; I want to In light of President Milosevic’s pledges thank Secretary General Solana and our and the independent verification system that NATO allies for all the contributions they will be established, NATO has agreed to have made. Now we must and we will do delay action for 96 hours. what is necessary to see that that path to President Milosevic has agreed, first, to peace is followed. fully comply with U.N. Security Council Res- Thank you very much. olution 1199. Second, he has accepted an in- trusive international inspection to verify com- NOTE: The President spoke at 8:50 p.m. at the pliance. Third, he has agreed to a timetable New York Hilton and Towers. In his remarks, he referred to President Slobodan Milosevic of the for completing interim autonomy arrange- Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Mon- ments with the Kosovar Albanians. tenegro); Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, the If these commitments are met, and the President’s nominee to be Ambassador to the international community will be able to see U.N.; and NATO Secretary General Javier Solana.

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Remarks at a G&P Charitable cancer will have about as much meaning to Foundation for Cancer Research schoolchildren as the War of 1812. Twenty- Dinner in New York City five years from now I hope schoolchildren October 12, 1998 don’t even know what the word ‘‘chemo- therapy’’ means. The President. Thank you. Well, when I The progress now being made against can- told Denise I would do this for her and the cer is stunning. We are closing in on the ge- memory of her daughter, I didn’t know that netic causes of breast cancer, colon cancer, an added bonus was I would be introduced and prostate cancer; testing medicines actu- by Bill Cosby, a man who—I mean, his net ally to prevent these cancers. New tools for worth was 500 times mine before I met all screening and diagnosis are returning to those lawyers in Washington. [Laughter] But many patients the promise of a long and I thank you, Bill. I thank you and Camille healthy life. From 1991 to 1995 cancer death for your friendship, the letters you sent me, rates actually dropped for the first time in the words of wisdom in the last several history. months, and for being here tonight. For the last 6 years, we have worked hard I want to thank my wonderful friend to fight this dreaded disease, helping cancer Denise Rich for so many things but for re- patients to keep their health coverage when membering her daughter in this magnificent they change jobs, accelerating the approval and farsighted and humane way. Hillary of cancer drugs while maintaining safe stand- would like to have been here with me to- ards, continually every year increasing fund- night, but she is in Prague on a trip for our ing for cancer research. country. But we love you, Denise, and we In the last few weeks, four critical steps thank you for what you’re doing. have been taken. First of all, in spite of all I want to thank Les Moonves for his work the fights we’ve been having in Washington, in making this evening a success. And I want we did succeed in getting from Congress on to say I am delighted that you’re honoring a bipartisan basis the largest single increase Milton Berle. Thank you. [Applause] Thank in funding for cancer and other medical re- you. search in history, as part of our gift to the You know, when you’re President, you can 21st century. Second, I directed the National speak off the cuff a little bit, but you have Cancer Institute to expedite a new computer all these wonderful people who work for you, system to give tens of thousands of cancer and they dig up interesting facts. Now, here patients across our country access to clinical are the facts they dug up for me to say about trials on the kinds of new cancer treatments Milton Berle. [Laughter] that can save their lives. Third, I have taken steps to ensure that by next year cancer pa- [At this point, Mr. Berle stood up and pre- tients and advocates will have a seat at the tended to depart.] table when we set the medical research agen- The President. Oh, no, it gets better; sit da in Government, because those who suffer down. He’s been in show business for 85 from cancer know truths about these diseases years. He’s performed in drag more than any that even the experts do not understand. And other entertainer except the roadshow cast fourth, we’ve made $15 million available to of ‘‘La Cage Aux Folles.’’ [Laughter] And study the long-term effects of cancer treat- most important, he holds the Guinness Book ment and how to prevent cancer recurrence. of World Records for the most charity bene- And I know, Denise, these grants have fit performances of any entertainer in history. special significance to you because Gabrielle Thank you, Milton Berle. herself succumbed as a result of the treat- I’d like to ask you to take just a couple ment she received from Hodgkin’s Disease. of minutes to seriously consider the purpose So we give these grants with you and your for which you have come tonight. Twenty- family in mind. five years ago America declared war on can- Oh, we’ve still got a lot to do, all right, cer. Twenty-five years from now I hope we in this battle for victory over cancer. We have will have won the war. I hope the war on to convince the next Congress to finish the

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unfinished agenda of this one: to pass a Pa- violates every sense of how we think life tients’ Bill of Rights to ensure cancer patients ought to be. high-quality care; to help Medicare bene- So I say to you tonight, when you go home ficiaries with cancer be a part of these clinical and you ask yourselves what happened to- trials; to convince the next Congress to con- night—besides the fact that you all look firm the first oncologist ever nominated to beautiful, and you saw a lot of interesting be head of the FDA, Dr. Jane Henney; and people, and you had to put up with a speech finally, to take strong action to protect our from the President, and you marveled at Mil- children against America’s number one can- ton Berle, and Bill Cosby made you laugh— cer threat, the sales of tobacco products ille- you can say, ‘‘I stood for life; not my life but gally to our children. someone else’s; not someone I know but But I came here to say to you two things. someone I don’t; not someone whose life I First of all, our country is moving in the right will share but someone whose life I hope will direction. And with all the partisanship in be wonderful.’’ Washington, this is one area where we have And it is the recognition of how we are pretty much moved together, hand in hand all bound together across all the lines that across party lines. superficially divide us that make this a very Secondly, I want you to know that there great country. When we violate that, we di- is so much to be done that in spite of increas- minish our own lives. When we honor it, we ing and unprecedented Government efforts, lift our lives. And I thank you for how you have honored it tonight. it’s not enough. We need the kind of effort God bless you. that you’re making here tonight. You never know how many lives you’ll save, how many NOTE: The President spoke at 9:15 p.m. in the children you’ll give a future to, and it’s really Imperial Ballroom at the Sheraton New York worth doing. Hotel and Towers. In his remarks, he referred Let me just say one final thing. The fight to Denise Rich, president, G&P Charitable Foun- against cancer is really a fight for life, a fight dation for Cancer Research; entertainer Bill for the elemental proposition that all of us Cosby and his wife, Camille; and Leslie Moonves, president, CBS Entertainment. are bound to seek not just for ourselves but for all others, the chance to live out our dreams for as long and as well as we can. Remarks at a Dessert Honoring And whenever that change is cut short, we Senatorial Candidate Charles are all diminished. I’m thinking about it in Schumer in New York City another context today because, like so many October 12, 1998 of you, I was heartbroken this morning to learn that young Matthew Shepard, who was First of all, I want to thank Harvey for beaten so viciously in Wyoming, succumbed his wonderful words and for being a real to his injuries. friend to me and to Hillary and to our causes. And I say that to remind you, when we And I want to thank Steve and Maureen for come here tonight you feel good about it, having us here tonight in their modest little you feel good about yourselves. You’re con- home. [Laughter] I love this place. [Laugh- tributing money to help people you’ll never ter] And you might be relieved to know that know live lives you’ll never be a part of. And while Chuck Schumer was in here giving his that is in the best tradition of humanity. You speech to you, I was next door signing the do it because you know in some profound budget bill so the Government won’t shut and almost indescribable way we share a down tomorrow morning. So they have—I common mission in these brief lives we live was giving the Congress 4 more days to do on Earth. And when someone else takes a right. life—as this young man was apparently beat- Let me say, first of all, I just talked to Hil- en to death and apparently only because he lary this morning. She’s in Prague tonight, was gay—and that taking is done out of blind but she would like to be here. And when hatred and maybe even fear, like cancer it I tell her about it, she will be sorry that she

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wasn’t. But she wanted me to say a special are enjoying the first surplus in 29 years in thank you to all of you. New York has been no small measure because in 1993, without especially wonderful to our family, to our ad- a single Republican vote and without a vote ministration, and especially supportive in to spare, Congressman Schumer, Congress- these last several months, and I might say, man Nadler, and the Democratic caucus no one more than Congressman Schumer. voted for an economic program that reduced I also see Congressman Nadler over there, the deficit by 92 percent, before we had the who was reminding people about the Con- bipartisan balanced budget agreement of last stitution last week in a truly stunning way. year. Thank you, Congressman, for your great And then in 1994, if you want to really work. see the issues that divide these two can- And let me say, I went to a big fundraiser didates when they’re a good ways away from for Chuck Schumer earlier tonight at a hotel. an election, we had two issues that I can’t There were hundreds of people there. And help mentioning. One was the Brady bill, he wasn’t there because he had been down which Chuck Schumer wrote, which has now voting, notwithstanding Mr. D’Amato’s ads kept a quarter of a million felons and fugi- saying that he didn’t show up. He was down tives from getting handguns and saved Lord there voting. So I told Chuck when he started knows how many lives. Congressman Schu- running that I wasn’t up this year, and if I mer was the sponsor of the bill; his opponent could ever fill in for him I’d be happy to. voted against it. And so that’s what I did earlier tonight. Then there was the crime bill. I remember [Laughter] well the crime bill of 1994, when the Demo- And I’d like to just tell you a couple of crats were in the majority in the Senate and the things that I said, because I—Harvey the Republicans were in the minority, but talked about standing by me. If you want to they were trying to filibuster to keep us from stand by me, the best thing you could do actually even getting a vote on the crime is stand up for him, for Congressman Schu- bill—even bringing it to a vote. And there- mer, and for the people who are basically fore, Congressman Schumer was for putting supporting the vision we’ve all shared for 100,000 police on the street, for community moving this country forward. policing, everybody that lives in New York I was amused to see this television ad say- City knows the crime rate has gone down ing that in this last year, the Congressman because of community policing, people walk- had only voted—whatever—70-something ing the streets. We have made that contribu- percent of the time. You know, we don’t, we tion all over the country, and we’ve got crime the Democrats, we don’t set the agenda for at a 25-year low. And Congressman Schumer Congress, and we don’t even determine how was on one side, and his opponent was on many days a week they work. But I think another. The same thing with the assault if you’ll check, they worked fewer days this weapons ban, same thing with the Violence year than in any year in the last umpty-dump Against Women Act; all those things were zillion; nobody can remember a time. And in that bill. if I were a member of the Republican major- So if you’re just going to look at this from ity, I would not be criticizing Chuck Schumer a traditional point of view, the attacks and for what he did in this Congress, because the parries and then the counterattacks, I what they’ve done is to kill campaign finance think Schumer wins hands down. reform, to kill the tobacco reform legislation, There is another way to look at this. I prob- to kill the minimum wage increase, to kill ably shouldn’t say this because Chuck’s got the Patients’ Bill of Rights, to try to stop us an ad on this, but a lot of people, a lot of from saving the surplus for Social Security the Democrats, they make fun of Senator reform. So I don’t believe I would be criticiz- D’Amato for being called ‘‘Senator Pothole.’’ ing someone else. And I’m kind of sympathetic with that. You I also, if I were this particular Republican can only make fun of that if you don’t have from New York, I wouldn’t be talking about a pothole in front of your house. If you have Chuck Schumer’s voting record, because we a pothole in front of your house, you would

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like it if someone filled it. And if you get nation, to have a moment like this? And it a flat every time you get in your car, it’s hard gives us the freedom to look beyond our nose to think about the higher things. So there’s and the daily concerns of life at the larger something to be said for that. problems around us. That’s what I hope and But what I always say about Chuck Schu- pray to goodness we’ll do. mer is, having dealt with him now for years Now, everybody that lives in New York and years, he is the most intensely meticu- knows that in spite of the good times we’re lous, detailed, constructively aggressive poli- enjoying, this is a very turbulent time in the tician I ever dealt with. Therefore, no one world. All of you know that because this is will hold a candle to him when it comes to the home of the stock market, because you filling a pothole that needs to be filled. know what goes on in Asia and Russia and [Laughter] these other places. But there are lots of ex- But being a Senator is about more. So let amples of that. And just because we’re doing me just take 2 minutes to ask you to think well doesn’t mean that things are static and about what I think is really important. I they’re going to be that way a long time. mean, if you want to have people decide The real reason that I would like to see whether to vote on these ads, or whatever, Chuck Schumer go to the Senate is that I I can give you all those answers. But what think he has the unique capability of being really matters is this. It’s how people think both a practical, day-to-day person who will we ought to be using our time today, and serve the immediate interests of the people what that will mean tomorrow and next year of New York and of being a visionary who and 5 and 10 years from now. That’s what can make a contribution to the Nation’s fu- really matters. ture. I mean, if I told all of you that helped And the thing that I have tried so hard me in 1992, if I had told you—I said, okay, to do since I became President is to get the we’ll meet in 6 years at Steve and Maureen’s people of this country to look down the road, apartment, and when we meet we’ll have beyond today, and to get the people to come nearly 17 million new jobs and the lowest together across the lines that divide them. unemployment rate in 28 years, and the first Looking down he road, we’ve got to do some- balanced budget in 29 years, and the smallest thing with the international financial systems. percentage of people on welfare in 29 years, We’ve got to do something with Social Secu- and the lowest African-American poverty rity and Medicare before all the baby rate in history, and the highest homeowner- boomers retire and bankrupt our kids. We’ve ship in history, and the biggest real wage got to do something; we’ve got to keep doing gains in 20 years, and finally, after 25 years, things until we prove that we can have the a reversal of wage inequality—and, oh, by best education system in the world for all the way, we’ll be making progress in making of our children, who are increasingly minor- peace from Northern Ireland to the Middle ity, increasingly lower income, increasingly East to Bosnia—tonight, thank God, to the children of single parents. We’ve got to Kosovo—and you’d have said, ‘‘Well, it prove we can grow the economy and improve sounds good, but I don’t believe you. It won’t the environment. And we have to prove that happen.’’ we can come together across the lines that But it has happened. And I’m very grateful divide us, and in so doing, we can lead the for having had the chance to serve. But what world to a better place. really matters in this Senate race, what really It’s amazing, isn’t it, how much of your matters in all these Congress races, what time I’ve had to spend as President dealing really matters is, what in the world are we with people’s primitive hatreds? You think up to now? What are we about? What are about it. Rwanda, my people in Ireland— we going to do with all this that we have? although we’re doing real well right now; if Are we going to just sort of sit back, relax, the wheel doesn’t run off, we’re actually and enjoy it? Are we going to be preoccupied going to stay on the good path. In the Middle and distracted? Or are we going to recognize East, I talked to Prime Minister Netanyahu that it is a precious gift for a nation, a free and Chairman Arafat today; they’re coming

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on Thursday. We’re going to work and try cause once people get in, particularly if real hard to make that next big leap toward they’re in the other party, they normally out- peace. But people have harbored ancient spend us three or four to one. We now have hatreds there. a genuine debate going on here between two Bosnia, Kosovo—today in Kosovo, NATO people who are, thanks to you, both going voted to give notice that we’re prepared to to be adequately funded, who will be able conduct airstrikes to stop the slaughter of the to discuss what the future ought to be like, innocents in Kosovo. And Mr. Milosevic said and who have voting records which are indic- that he would fully comply with the U.N. res- ative of how they will be in the future. olutions and let us bring in an international And I really believe that Chuck Schumer set of observers to monitor it. So the NATO is an extraordinary human being. I believe people said, ‘‘Okay, we’ll take 4 days and he has the capacity to have a lot of the things watch and see.’’ This is good news. that make Senator D’Amato popular with But this is amazing. This is the 21st cen- many New Yorkers: he’ll be aggressive; he’ll tury. We’re talking about putting computers be persistent; and he’ll fill the potholes. But in every kid’s classroom, and we’re dealing he will vote a progressive tradition all 6 years with centuries-old ethnic, religious, and ra- of his term, not just as we get nearer to elec- cial hatreds. And today, what was America’s tion. But far more important, he’ll be think- greatest sadness, that in Wyoming, a young ing about these big issues. man who was brutally beaten, died. And he So when you go home tonight, I want you was beaten up because he was gay. to think about this. The outcome of these So that’s the last thing I’d like to say to midterm elections will rest on whether peo- you. I have tried to make our party and, ple of a progressive bent, many of whom hopefully, our country stand more for the could never afford to come to an event like proposition that we should not define our- this, will take the trouble on election day to selves in terms of what we aren’t and who go and vote. If we were having a Presidential we can look down on, but we should instead election, Mr. Schumer would be winning this define ourselves in terms of what we have race in a walk. You wouldn’t have to worry in common and what we can together build. about it. Why? Because there would be this And I think it’s fair to say that I’ve had huge turnout. more success out in the country and maybe But normally, in the off years in the United out in the world than I have in Washington, States, a lot of people just don’t go. And a DC, where old habits die hard. But I can lot of them are our people, the people that tell you, if you want your country to do good work and wear the uniforms at those three in the rest of the world, we must be good hotels I visited in New York before I got at home. And the sort of typical daily politics here. They’re a lot of the people we’re work- of give and take and cut a little here off of ing for, and their children and the promise your opponent’s hide and hit a little there, of their children. If they decide that they it’s not worthy of a great country doing what ought to show up, if they go through the has- we’re doing now. We’re doing very well in sle of figuring out how to vote while they’re a world with a world of trouble. And a lot dealing with a job and the child care and of the people in trouble helped us get rich everything else, then we have a chance to the last 6 years. And we have higher obliga- do something that has not been accom- tions. We have responsibilities that no one plished in 150 years in American politics. else can fulfill. And unless we fulfill them, But that’s what your being here tonight the rest of the world won’t do well and even- will make possible. So, I want you to think tually it will come back to haunt us and our about it. I think it’s a very exciting time. It’s children. not free from danger; this is not an easy time. I can tell you now after 6 years as Presi- This international financial situation is very, dent, every single Senate seat—every one— very important, and we have got to convince is a matter of great import to the United our allies to join with us, in my judgment, States and to its future. New York—it’s very in taking strong action here, just like they hard to have a competitive Senate seat be- did in taking strong action on Kosovo today.

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But we can do these things. And again I bring help to the hundreds of thousands of want to say, New York has been a special displaced persons. And fifth, serious auton- part of this country from its inception. It is omy negotiations with the Kosovars must still a special part of our country. It carries begin to go forward. all—when I got off the helicopter tonight As I said last night, we will not rely on down in lower Manhattan, and I was fixing what President Milosevic says, but on what to get in my car, and it was kind of a warm he does for the whole world to see. To that fall night, and I looked out and I saw the end, a key component of the commitments Statue of Liberty down there, it just lit- he has made is an intrusive, on-the-ground erally—still, after all these years—took my and in-the-air verification system. It will in- breath away. clude about 2,000 international inspectors in This is a place that ought to be represented Kosovo who will serve as watchdog to ensure by a Senator who can make a major contribu- that the cease-fire holds and the Serb forces tion to what America should become in the withdraw, while building confidence among 21st century. That, more than anything else, Kosovars to return to their homes. And it is my case for Congressman Schumer. will involve unrestricted NATO aerial sur- Thank you very much. veillance to monitor compliance and quickly detect violations. NOTE: The President spoke at 10:05 p.m. at a pri- vate residence. In his remarks, he referred to des- The international community prefers com- sert cohosts Harvey Weinstein, Steve Rattner, and pliance to conflict. But in voting to give our Maureen White. military commanders the authority to carry out airstrikes against Serbia, NATO sent a clear message to President Milosevic: NATO Remarks on Departure for Silver is ready to act. It is up now to the President Spring, Maryland, and an Exchange of Serbia to follow through on his commit- With Reporters ments. October 13, 1998 Thank you. Q. Mr. President, given your expressed Kosovo distrust of Milosevic, how optimistic are you The President. Before I leave to visit a that he’s going to be able to fulfill this long school in Maryland and talk more about our list of conditions by the deadline? ongoing budget struggle to secure funding The President. Well, I’m neither optimis- for education, I would like to say a few words tic, nor pessimistic because I have something about Kosovo. better now. We have now a verification sys- Over the past few days, NATO has re- tem, so we’re not dependent upon our hopes. solved to move President Milosevic from the We have a verification system. There will be battlefield to the bargaining table. The com- facts—facts on the ground which will tell us mitments he has made could lead—and I whether or not the compliance is there. And emphasize the word ‘‘could’’—to the peace- I certainly would hope that this NATO posi- ful resolution of a crisis that threatens stabil- tion will, in effect, be maintained until all ity in the Balkans and the lives of tens of the conditions are fully met. And I expect thousands of refugees, many of them home- that it will be. less. But for that to happen, we must now So I cannot—I would like to say again what see progress as President Milosevic turns his I said last night—I’m very appreciative to Mr. commitments into concrete realities. Holbrooke, but also to Secretary General First, the cessation of hostilities must con- Solana and General Clark and all of our tinue. Second, the troops President Milosevic NATO allies, as well as to the Secretary of recently sent to Kosovo must begin to move State and Mr. Berger and our people who out, and those already there must begin to have worked for the better part of 3 months come to garrison. Third, the international to try to bring about these developments. So monitors must be allowed to enter and be I’m very pleased about where we are today, given full freedom of movement. Fourth, hu- because we’re not dependent on hope. We manitarian relief agencies must be able to can just look at the facts and see what he

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does. It is a very good agreement. It is com- Exchange With Reporters at Forest pletely in accord with the United Nations Knolls Elementary School in Silver resolution, and it gives us the chance to save Spring an awful lot of innocent people from starva- October 13, 1998 tion or freezing this winter and to remove yet another very dangerous source of instabil- Classroom Space ity in Europe. Q. Mr. President, Ashley Lewis was telling Q. Sir, if he doesn’t comply, will he escape us before you came in that she actually likes paying any price for what has happened so this classroom, that it’s one of the biggest far? in the school—— The President. Well, I think he is going The President. It is big. to pay the price of a defeat here for contin- Q. Why should—can you explain to her, ued aggression by his government and he’s maybe, why you feel the need to spend $1.1 not going to succeed in his designs. I think billion to build new classrooms when the stu- the most important thing now is for us to dent population may not always be this size? save lives, return people to their homes, get The President. Well, maybe I should let them the humanitarian aid they need, and Secretary Riley answer that one, because it’s to remove completely and irrevocably the going to be this size and bigger for a long threat of aggression by the Serb military and time. other forces in Kosovo. [At this point, Secretary of Education Rich- We’ve got to put first things first here. The ard Riley made brief remarks explaining the most important thing is to right this situation, need to replace temporary classrooms that as we were able to do in Bosnia. And I think are unsuitable for various reasons.] that today I’d say we have a pretty good chance of doing that. Again, we prefer com- The President. Accessibility. pliance over conflict, and we hope that will Secretary Riley. Heat, cool, it’s different be the case. But whether it is or not is en- kinds of problems in all the different tem- tirely up to him now, and we have the ver- porary facilities. Some are better than others, ification system in place and so we’ll know. as the Governor pointed out, but they’re tem- And I’m very, very pleased with the work porary and it’s not a permanent solution. The President. Even if it is bigger. that all the people involved have done in [Laughter] these last several days. This is where the international community ought to be, what NOTE: The President spoke at 1:05 p.m. in a port- we ought to be doing, the position we ought able trailer classroom. A reporter referred to sixth to be taking. And I’m looking forward to grade student Ashley Lewis, and Secretary Riley events as they unfold. referred to Gov. Parris N. Glendening of Mary- Thank you. land. A tape was not available for verification of the content of this exchange.

NOTE: The President spoke at 11:22 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to President Slobodan Milosevic of Remarks at Forest Knolls the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Elementary School in Silver Spring Montenegro); Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke, October 13, 1998 the President’s nominee to be Ambassador to the U.N.; NATO Secretary General Javier Solana; and Thank you very, very much. Well, first of Gen. Wesley K. Clark, Supreme Allied Com- all, I’d like to thank Carolyne Starek for that mander, Europe. marvelous statement. Didn’t she do a good

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job? [Applause] And she talked about teach- ship and their passion and their commitment ers using visual aids, and then pointed the have made it possible. press, helpfully, to the visual aid back here. A President—if the Congress is in the [Laughter] I’m glad you’re here, but if you’d hands of the other party, and they passion- ever like a job in communications at the ately and genuinely, I think, disagree with White House, I think we might be able to us on whether we should put 100,000 teach- arrange that. [Laughter] ers out there, or help build or repair thou- Let me say to all of you how delighted sands of schools—none of this would be pos- I am to be here. I want to thank Nancy King sible if it weren’t for their leadership. And for her devotion to education and her re- I want you to understand that. I can give marks and Dr. Paul Vance, the other local speeches until the cows come home, but until officials who are here, Mr. Leggett and the the majority party wanted to go home for delegates and the school board members. If the election, and our guys said no, my ‘‘no’’ I come out here to this school district one was not enough. And so I thank them and more time, I think you ought to devise a spe- all of their colleagues who are here today. cial assessment for me so I can contribute to the building fund of the schools—I have I want to introduce them just to show you been here so much. the depth and the national sweep of our feel- My great partner in our efforts to improve ing about this. Senator Daschle is from South education is the Secretary of Education, Dick Dakota. He is joined by our leader in the Riley, I believe, the best Secretary of Edu- Senate on education issues, Senator Ted cation America ever had, and I’d like to thank Kennedy of Massachusetts, and Senator him for being here. Byron Dorgan from North Dakota. You know I want to thank Governor Parris Mr. Gephardt is from St. Louis; he said that. Glendening and Lieutenant Governor Kath- He’s joined by David Bonior, from Michigan; leen Kennedy Townsend for their extraor- Charles Rangel, from New York; Ted Strick- dinary work and leadership. This is one of land, from Ohio; Nita Lowey, from New the most innovative State governments in York; Rube´n Hinojosa, from South Texas; America. Maryland is always at the forefront and two Congress Members from Maryland, of whatever is happening in education and Steny Hoyer and Albert Wynn. the environment and economic incentives. I’d also like to acknowledge a longtime And as a person who served as Governor for friend of mine who is a candidate for Con- 12 years, I believe I know a little something gress and, as Ted Kennedy reminded me be- about that, and one of the things that I always fore I came up here, back in the great days love to do is to steal ideas from other Gov- when America was fighting for equal rights ernors. You know, that’s not a very delicate for all of these children, without regard to way of saying what the framers of our Con- their race, Ralph Neas was known as the stitution had in mind when they called the ‘‘101st United States Senator’’ for civil rights. States the laboratories of democracy. That’s And we’re glad to have him here. Thank you. what a laboratory is—you find a discovery, When I ran for President 6 years ago I then no one else has to discover it; they can just borrow it. If I were a Governor today, had an absolute conviction—and a lot of peo- I would be paying a lot of attention to what ple thought I was dead wrong—but I had goes on in Maryland. And I thank them for an absolute conviction that we could reduce what they have done. the deficit and eventually balance the budget I would also like to thank Senator Daschle and still invest more in our children and in and Congressman Gephardt. I think you our future. And we have been working to could see the intensity, the passion they feel do that. The strategy has worked. We’ve got for our determination after nearly a year of the strongest economy in a generation, the trying to get education on the agenda of this first balanced budget and surplus in 29 years, Congress before it goes home. We cannot the lowest crime rate in 25 years, and the allow a budget to pass without a serious con- doors of college are more open than ever be- sideration of these issues. And their leader- fore.

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I think it is literally possible to say now are physically challenged or completely able- that because of the Pell grants, and the de- bodied; whether they’re rich or poor; wheth- ductibility of student loan interest, and the er they live in an inner city or a rural area fact that young people can pay back their col- or a nice suburban community like this one— lege loans as a percentage of their incomes, until all of our children have access to a and because of the widespread tax credits for world-class elementary and secondary edu- $1,500 a year for the 2 years of college, and cation. We owe that to them. And that is what then tax credits for other years of college— this is all about. that you—literally possible to say now that Eight months ago in my State of the Union any young person that works for it will find Address, I asked Congress to use this mo- the doors of college open to them and not ment of confidence and prosperity and the barred by money. And I am very proud of money—that the fact that you’ve paid into that. I think we have done the right thing. the Treasury because more of you are work- But we now have to decide as a people— ing than ever before—to make a critical not just because it’s 3 weeks from an election, down payment on American excellence in but because it’s a very momentous time in education. I asked them to do a number of our country’s history—what we are going to things, but I want to emphasize two. do with this moment of prosperity, and First, I asked them to help local commu- whether we’re going to fritter it away or build nities reduce class size in the early grades on it. Whether we’re going to be divided and by hiring 100,000 new teachers. Study after distracted, or focused on our children and study after study confirms what every parent our future. and teachers know: smaller classes and better This country still has a lot of challenges. trained teachers make a huge, huge dif- If you’ve been following the news, you know ference, especially in the early grades. They there’s a lot of turmoil in the international lead to permanent benefits from improved economy. And the United States has to take test scores to improved discipline. the lead in settling that down, because a lot Let me just tell you one story, just one. of our growth comes from selling what we A few years ago when I was Governor, I used make here overseas. And eventually, if every- to spend a lot of time in classrooms—unfor- body else is in trouble, we’ll be in trouble, tunately, more time than I can now spend. too. And I enjoyed going into the classroom and If you’ve been following the debates, you meeting your students who were over there know that when the baby boomers retire, So- a few moments ago, but I can’t do what Gov- cial Security will be in trouble unless we ernor Glendening still does—go in and tutor move now to save it—which is why I don’t and actually spend a lot of time and talk and want to spend this surplus until we save So- listen. But there was a very poor, rural school cial Security. If you’ve been following the na- district in my State that had a visionary lead- tional news, you know we still have big de- er. And they came to me and said, ‘‘You bates in Washington and in Congress over know, Governor, we don’t have much money, the environment. And I passionately believe but if you could get the Federal Government that we can grow the economy and improve to let us take our Title I money and some the environment. You know we’ve had big other money we’re getting, some special edu- debates over whether the 160 million Ameri- cation money, and put it all together, we’d cans in HMO’s should be protected by a Pa- like to try for a year or two to put all of our tients’ Bill of Rights. first graders in the same class.’’ And the per But there is no bigger issue affecting our capita income of this school district was way, long-term security than education. And we way, way below even our State average, not cannot stop until this record number of chil- to mention the national average. dren—whether or not they live in Maryland, Well anyway, to make a long story short, or Utah, or someplace in between; whether we were able to give permission to do that. they’re rich or poor; whether they’re African- We pooled all the money. We created four Americans, Hispanic, Asian-Americans, elementary school first grade classes of 15 Irish-Americans, or you have it; whether they kids each. Here’s what happened. The overall

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performance of the children on the measured seen old school buildings that are fine and test increased by 60 percent. The perform- strong—buildings, frankly, we couldn’t afford ance in one year—the performance of the to build today with the materials and the di- Title I kids doubled. Four children had been mensions they have. But they have peeling held back because they hadn’t learned any- paint and broken windows, bad wiring. They thing the first year. Their performance quad- can’t be hooked up to the Internet and the rupled. lights are too dim. And I have seen today, And when Hillary and I were promoting and in many other places, trailers that we education reform in Arkansas, one of the call ‘‘temporary,’’ but unless we do something things we worked the hardest for was to bring about it, they are anything but temporary. average class size down to 20. If this 100,000 Now, we see stories of teachers holding teachers proposal goes through, we can bring classes in trailers and hallways and gyms. I it down to an average of 18 in the early don’t believe a country that says it’s okay for grades. It will make a huge difference—a a huge number of its children to stay in trail- huge difference. ers indefinitely is serious about preparing In the wake of all the terrible school vio- them all for the 21st century. And I believe lence our country sustained in the last we can do better. I believe you believe we years—particularly in the last year or so— can do better. I asked Secretary Riley and Attorney General Now, this proposal, which has been cham- Reno to prepare a booklet that could be sent pioned in the Senate, especially by Senator to every school in the country about how to Carol Moseley-Braun from Illinois, and by identify kids that might be in trouble, how Congressman Charles Rangel from New to stop bad things from happening in the first York, and others in the House—Nita place. And so they went out across the coun- Lowey—I want to say to you, we want to try to listen to educators, and they came back come clean here; this has never been done and said, in place after place after place they before. And the members of the Republican were told, ‘‘Give us smaller classes in the majority are philosophically opposed to it. early grades; we’ll find the kids that are trou- They say somehow it’s an intrusion into local bled, and we’ll have a chance to help them control—I, frankly, don’t see, if we help the lead good, productive lives.’’ State provide more classrooms for this I just want to echo what Mr. Gephardt school. From what I just saw of her, I think said. Every time you see a State legislature your principal would still be in control. I do having to build another prison—because the not believe that we would be running this court will order you to build prisons that school. [Laughter] aren’t overcrowded, but not schools that We want these classrooms to be more ac- aren’t overcrowded—every time you see that, cessible to people with disabilities. We want you can bet your bottom dollar that 90 per- these classrooms to be more accessible so cent of the people going into that prison, if they’ll all be able to be hooked up to the they had a little different childhood, could Internet. We want them to be physically con- have been somewhere else. And we should nected. You know, Senator Daschle and I never forget that. were talking on the way out here. If you live The second thing I asked Congress to do in the Dakotas in the wintertime and you’ve was to give us the tools to help local commu- got to walk just this far, you may be walking nities modernize crowded and crumbling in 30-degree-below-zero temperatures. And schools. We had a record number of school- we believe that this proposal is good. It tar- children start school this year—52.7 million, gets the investments where they’re needed a half-million more than last year, more than the most. It maintains our balanced budget. at the height of the baby boom generation. And it works in this way: There are targeted In a recent study from the General Account- school construction tax cuts that are fully ing Office, it concluded that as many as a paid for; we don’t take any money from the third of our classrooms—a third—are in need surplus. Yesterday, since Congress has not of serious modernization or repair; one-third acted on this in 8 months, my budget team of our kids in substandard classrooms. I have brought to Capitol Hill a detailed proposal

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to pay for these badly needed cuts, dollar they’re talking about. You’re really trying to for dollar, by closing various corporate loop- run their business.’’ holes. And anyway, we prevailed. And today, Right here in Maryland, our plan would we’ve paid for 88,000 of those 100,000 police, mean tax credits on more than $300 million and we have the lowest crime rate in 25 of the bonds to build or modernize schools. years. Wouldn’t it be nice if we had 100,000 That would save a ton of money for Maryland more teachers and we had the highest edu- in building or modernizing schools. In Flor- cational attainment in 25 years, or the highest ida, where in the small community of Jupiter, educational attainment in history? [Applause] I visited a school like this one and saw 12 Now, school is almost out of session on facilities like this outside one small build- Capitol Hill. The Members are eager to re- ing—12—the Vice President is visiting today. turn home for the election holiday. But we There, our proposal would help to build or haven’t finished our coursework yet, and the modernize more than 300 schools. final exam has not been passed. And so I As I said, there are a lot of other important say to you—and let me say once again, I don’t elements in our plan: funds for after-school really relish education as a partisan debate programs, before-school programs, summer because over the long run, that’s not good school programs, money to connect all our for America. I don’t have a clue whether classrooms to the Internet, money to pro- these kids’ parents are Democrats or Repub- mote the development of voluntary national licans or independents, and frankly, I could standards into basics, and a nonpartisan, su- care less. I want them to have the best. I pervised exam to measure fourth grade read- want America’s future to be the best. ing and eighth grade math. But if you think We are here fighting this fight because we about the most pressing big issues, the num- have no other way, no other recourse to pre- bers of teachers and the conditions in crowd- vail on this important issue. We have worked ed classrooms demand immediate national quietly and earnestly for 8 months with no attention. result. So now, for a few days, we are shout- I wish I had time to win the philosophical ing loudly to the heavens; we have a moment debate with our friends on the other side, of prosperity and a heavy responsibility to who somehow see helping more teachers build these children the brightest possible fu- teach and providing more school buildings ture we can. as an intrusion into local affairs. It is not. Thank you, and God bless you. Secretary Riley has dramatically reduced the NOTE: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. in the regulations on local school districts in States’ schoolyard. In his remarks, he referred to departments of education that were in place Carolyne Starek, principal, Forest Knolls Elemen- when we arrived here. What we are trying tary School; Nancy J. King, president, Montgom- to do is to make sure people like you can ery County School Board; Paul L. Vance, super- give children like this the future they de- intendent, Montgomery County Schools; Isiah serve. I think it’s worth fighting for, and I Leggett, president, Montgomery County Council; don’t think we should go home and pass a Gov. Parris N. Glendening and Lt. Gov. Kathleen budget that doesn’t take account of the edu- Kennedy Townsend of Maryland; and Ralph G. Neas, candidate for Maryland’s 8th Congressional cational needs of our children and the future District. of our country. Let me remind you that in 1993 and ’94, when I said we ought to put 100,000 more Message to the Congress police officers on the street, I was told the Transmitting the Estonia- same thing by the same people. They said, United States Fishery Agreement ‘‘Oh, this won’t work; it won’t help anything; October 14, 1998 it’s an unwarranted intrusion into local gov- ernment.’’ It was weird—I had police depart- To the Congress of the United States: ments begging me for the police, and I had In accordance with the Magnuson Fishery Congressmen on the other side telling me, Conservation and Management Act of 1976 ‘‘Oh, these police chiefs don’t know what (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), I transmit herewith

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an Agreement between the Government of Remarks Following Discussions With the United States of America and the Gov- Israeli and Palestinian Leaders and ernment of the Republic of Estonia extend- an Exchange With Reporters ing the Agreement of June 1, 1992, Concern- October 15, 1998 ing Fisheries Off the Coasts of the United States, with annex, as extended (‘‘the 1992 Middle East Peace Process Agreement’’). The present Agreement, which was effected by an exchange of notes in The President. Good morning. I am Tallinn on March 10 and June 11, 1998, ex- pleased to welcome Prime Minister tends the 1992 Agreement to June 30, 2000. Netanyahu, Chairman Arafat, and their dele- In light of the importance of our fisheries gations. relationship with the Republic of Estonia, I For 17 months, the Middle East peace process has been stalled, placing in jeopardy urge that the Congress give favorable consid- all that Israelis and Palestinians have eration to this Agreement at an early date. achieved together since the Oslo accords. This week’s talk at Wye River offer the William J. Clinton chance for the parties to break the logjam The White House, and finally take the next essential steps for peace in the Middle East. We must remem- October 14, 1998. ber as we come together again that in the end, peace is more than a process. It is, in the end, a destination. These two leaders Message to the Congress have the power to lead their people to peace. Transmitting the Lithuania- As I said to Prime Minister Netanyahu and United States Fishery Agreement Chairman Arafat only a few moments ago, I believe there are certain realities that un- October 14, 1998 derlie these negotiations. First, Israelis and Palestinians are neighbors, and what they To the Congress of the United States: must do, they must do together, or it will In accordance with the Magnuson Fishery not be done at all. Second, mutual respect Conservation and Management Act of 1976 and understanding is required for any mean- (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), I transmit herewith ingful and enduring agreement. Otherwise, an Agreement between the Government of there can be no honorable, principled com- the United States of America and the Gov- promise. ernment of the Republic of Lithuania ex- As in any difficult problem, neither side tending the Agreement of November 12, can expect to win a hundred percent of every 1992, Concerning Fisheries Off the Coasts point. But concessions that seem hard now of the United States, with annex, as extended will seem far less important in the light of (‘‘the 1992 Agreement’’). The present Agree- an accord that moves Israelis and Palestinians ment, which was effected by an exchange of closer to lasting peace, closer to a day when notes in Washington on April 20, September the people of Israel can have the safety and 16 and September 17, 1998, extends the 1992 security they have been denied for too long, Agreement to December 31, 2001. closer to the day when Palestinian people can In light of the importance of our fisheries realize their aspirations to be free and secure relationship with the Republic of Lithuania, and able to shape their own political and eco- I urge that the Congress give favorable con- nomic destiny. sideration to this Agreement at an early date. There remain enemies of this peace, ex- tremists on both sides who feel threatened by the peace and will be tempted once again William J. Clinton to kill it with violence. We can defeat that The White House, kind of threat by building a genuine Israeli- Palestinian partnership that will stand the October 14, 1998. test of time.

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Too much time has already been lost. The across America who are joining us, thanks issues on the table at Wye River are very to the technological revolution. important, and more difficult issues lie ahead I thank the Members of Congress who are in the implementation of any agreement the here. And Governor, thank you for coming, parties may reach and in the permanent sta- and the mayors and the other members of tus talks for a just and lasting peace in the the administration, and all the distinguished region. citizens who are here. Our good friend Ed- Secretary Albright and the Vice President ward James Olmos, thank you for being here. and I and our entire team will do everything I saw a survey, a public opinion survey, we can to make peace possible, at Wye River a few months ago that asked the American and beyond. But in the end, it is up to the people what they thought the most important leaders standing with me today, to their cour- story of the first 6 months of 1998 was, and age, their vision, their determination, and a dwarfing everything else was the concern our shared understanding that the future has to people had for the children who were killed be a shared in peace. in their schools. And I think that your pres- I hope you and my fellow Americans and ence here and the number of people who the world will wish them, and all of us, well are involved all across America, the quality in these next few days. of the panelists and, indeed, the courage of Thank you very much. many of them—the mother of one of the Q. Mr. President, can a Palestinian state children killed at Jonesboro, Arkansas, in my be achieved by 1999? home State, was on the morning panel with The President. Let me say—I know there Hillary—this is truly a moving thing. And it’s are many questions—we have discussed this. a very important thing for our country. There is so much work to be done, and all You know, when I leave here—and I hope three of us have determined that we should I don’t have to leave before this panel is over, not at this moment take questions but that but I think all of you know that we have been we should get about the business at hand. able to put together a conference for several And as we make progress and if we’ve got days, a meeting between the Prime Minister something really good to say to you, then of Israel and the Chairman of the PLO in there’ll be plenty of time for a lot of questions our attempts to make the next big step to- and answers. But for right now, we think it’s ward peace in the Middle East. And I got time to go to work. to thinking about it on the way over here Thank you very much. today, as I was walking over from the Oval Office, and all the things I’m trying to get NOTE: The President spoke at 11:16 a.m. in the these people to lay down and get over and Rose Garden at the White House, following dis- give up, so they can go on with their chil- cussions with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and Chairman Yasser Arafat dren’s future, so that we can stop innocent of the Palestinian Authority. children from being killed in the place in the world that is the home of the world’s three great monotheistic religions. Remarks at the White House It’s all a part of our attempt not to give Conference on School Safety up on anybody and not to permit hatred or October 15, 1998 anger to destroy even one child’s life any- where. And if we’re going to do that else- The President. Thank you. Your kindness where in the world, to try to be a force for is interfering with my determination to stay good, then we have to be as good as we can on schedule. [Laughter] But thank you very here at home. And all of you are trying to much. I want to thank Secretary Riley and help us achieve that, and I’m very, very grate- Attorney General Reno for their devotion ful to you. and consistent work on this matter. I thank Because this is the only chance I’ll have the Vice President. He and Hillary and I are to do it today, and because all of you care delighted to have all of you here at the White so much about education, I’d like to just take House today, and the many, many people all a moment to talk about where these budget

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negotiations are on Capitol Hill. They’re ocably changed.’’ So this is a very, very good about to conclude, I hope. They’ve certainly day for the United States. gone on long enough. But we’re not quite There were some other very important there yet. However, even though there are educational initiatives that will be fully sup- still points outstanding, I believe we’ll suc- ported: our child literacy drive, to make sure ceed. And as the Vice President said, one every child can read independently by the thing we know already, we know that now end of the third grade; our college mentoring this budget will reflect a major commitment drive, to help lower-income students prepare to education and to the future of our chil- for college and to be able to tell every one dren. of them what kind of financial aid they’ll get I am very pleased it will make the first if they stay in school and learn their lessons installment on our plan to hire 100,000 new and stay out of trouble. It increases support teachers. You heard the Vice President’s for Head Start, expands the number of inno- catalog of the class size issue, but the Sec- vative charter schools. There are now a thou- retary of Education tells me that we haven’t sand of those schools in America; there was fully grasped it because, unlike the baby one when I became President, and there will boom, we think that this increase in our chil- be 3,000 before we’re done in 2000. We will dren will go on more or less indefinitely, and provide for half a million summer jobs for we’ve got a lot of very fine teachers in the our young people, a program that many had classroom who will be retiring in the next sought to eliminate. It will provide for after- few years. So this is a huge challenge for us. school programs for a quarter million young The United States has never before done people. And I think we all know how impor- anything like this. And there were a lot of tant that is. people who honestly thought I was wrong I’m very, very grateful for the strong sup- to fight for this or they disagreed with me, port I have received from the members of but it seems to me that we had enough expe- my party in the Congress to turn away at- rience when we put 100,000 police on the tempts to actually cut funds from our public street. I was told the United States had never schools and instead to renew our historic done anything like that before. We didn’t commitment to them, to more and better- have anything to do with telling the cities trained teachers, to smaller classes, to hook- where the police should go, but the results ing up all those classrooms to the Internet have been pretty satisfactory. And every- by the year 2000, for extra support for chil- where I go, someone mentions it to me. dren who need it, for accountability and If it worked there and we have crime at choice. This is what I mean by putting par- a 25-year low, how much more important is tisanship behind progress, by putting people it to put the children in the classroom? And ahead of politics. And I am grateful to all this will make a major downpayment toward those in both parties who are responsible for our goal of an average class size of 18 in the pulling this agreement together. early grades, very different from what has There’s still a lot to be done. A lot of these been reported. teachers we’ll hire will have to hold class in And I should also say that when the Attor- trailers or hallways or crowded or crumbling ney General and the Secretary of Education classrooms. I proposed in the State of the went out across the country in the wake of Union a targeted tax cut for school mod- all of these school shootings and they met ernization that was fully paid for, wouldn’t with educators and they met with people take a dime from the surplus, won’t create talking about how we can prevent these a single new Federal bureaucracy, but it will things from happening in the first place, one lower the cost of building these buildings. of the things that they were told was, ‘‘Get It could mean as much as 300 new schools us small classes in the early grades so that in Florida alone next year. we can get to know these children, find out If our children are learning in trailers and the ones who obviously have got some serious schools with broken windows and where the problems, and try to get them the help they wiring won’t even permit them to be hooked need before their lives and others’ are irrev- up to computers, then we’re not getting them

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ready for the 21st century. So I do want to and kept them a little longer, everything say, while I am profoundly grateful for the would be all right.’’ Now, the truth is that 100,000 teachers, I am determined to see some people are so far gone and what they that we finish the job next year in the next have done is so heinous that that is the appro- Congress. priate thing to do. But I have never met a Now, I also want to thank the First Lady police officer in my life who believed that for her role in this conference. We’ve been we could punish our way out of our social at this a long time. In 1983, when I was Gov- problems without other appropriate ac- ernor of our State, I asked Hillary to chair tions—not one time. And I think we’re all a commission on school standards, and one here because we believe in a good society of the things that we fought hardest for, that we would stop more bad things from happen- was very controversial at the time, was to ing in the first place. have a class size limit of 20 in the early The report that’s being released today tells grades. And 15 years ago, it was a hard fight, us that the vast majority of our schools are and we got it. And I haven’t checked the safe, that the majority of our children are numbers yet, but I bet, given the growth in learning in peace and security. But it also population in our schools, they’re being tells us that in too many schools students feel swamped and hard-pressed to meet it. And unsafe. Even if they’re not, if they feel un- we really believe that making this a national safe, it’s going to have a huge detrimental goal and sticking with it will pay major, major impact on their ability to learn and grow and benefits to our children all across the coun- relate to their fellow students in an appro- try. priate way. Let me also say what I’ve already said a In too many schools, there is still too much little bit of. The American people—if I had disrespect for authority and still too much been polled, I would have been right there intolerance of other students from different with them. I think that all of us were shocked backgrounds. Our schools, all of them, must by the violence we saw in Springfield and be sanctuaries of safety and civility and re- Paducah and Jonesboro and Edinboro and spect. Now, here are some things that I think Pearl. I think we’re still disturbed when we we can do to help you meet the challenge. see the sights of metal detectors in school First, in the schools with the biggest vio- doorways or see gangs of young people who lence problems, security has to be the top are on the streets when they ought to be in priority. Today, I am pleased to announce the halls of their schools. a new $65-million initiative to help schools We know that there are still some schools hire and train 2,000 new community police where children are afraid to go to school. And and school resource officers to work closely doing something about school violence, with principals and teachers and parents and therefore, is very important, but also we have the students themselves to develop to understand the nature, the magnitude of antiviolence and antidrug plans, based on the the problem. Why do some teenagers from actual needs of individual schools. Commu- some troubled backgrounds pick up guns and nity policing has helped to make our streets open fire on their classmates? Why do some safe. It can work for our schools, too. teenagers who don’t appear to have trouble I’m also very pleased that Congressman at home do the same thing? What is at the Jim Maloney of Connecticut has sponsored bottom of this, and what can we really do? a bill to help schools use the funds available You know, I have to say this—and I’m not for hiring the community police officers to blaming anybody because I’ve done it myself, hire officers to work with the schools. This so I will say I will posit the fact that I have bill was passed by the House and Senate and done this—but when people are in elected it will get up here to me in a day or two office and they hear about a problem like and I’ll look forward to signing it into law. this and they know the people they’re doing Second, we have to help schools recognize their best to represent are afraid, the first the early warning signs of violence and to impulse is always to say, ‘‘Well, if we just respond to violence when it does strike. punish them a little harder and a little faster Today I want to tell you that soon I will be

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sending to Congress a plan to create a School I’m also pleased to announce that in re- Emergency Response to Violence, the SERV sponse to constructive criticism and sugges- program, that will work just as FEMA does tions from many Members of Congress and when it responds to natural disasters. Project educators and community leaders across this SERV will travel to where the trouble is and country, we’re going to overhaul our safe and help communities respond quickly to school drug-free schools program, which we have violence, from helping schools to meet in- dramatically increased in the last few years, creased security needs, to providing emer- to require schools who get the funds to estab- gency and longer-term mental health crisis lish tough, but fair discipline rules; to put counseling for students, faculty, and their in place proven drug prevention strategies; families. to issue yearly school safety and drug use re- Now, let me just say a word here of appre- port cards to measure their own progress. ciation to somebody who is not here, to Tip- These methods have worked so well in cities per Gore, who, once she became 50, fell vic- like Boston; they can work around the coun- tim to the Vice President and my propensity try, and it will guarantee that the money for leg injuries—[laughter]—but, you know, that’s being spent will actually achieve the more than any other person in America, since results that it’s been appropriated to achieve. we’ve been here in the White House, she Fourth, we have to expect more from has tried to elevate the importance of proper young people themselves. Given the facts, mental health care and the fundamental dig- the resources, the encouragement, almost all nity of it. And I think that we have got to, of them will do the right thing. This year all of us, keep working until we remove any we launched a huge media campaign to tell last vestige of stigma that attaches to getting young people that drugs are wrong, illegal, and can kill you. Now we have to tell them treatment for children who have troubling they, too, have responsibilities to prevent mental problems. We know that most of youth violence, to help their fellow students them, the vast majority of them, can be treat- who are violence prone, to report trouble ed successfully. And we know that it is not signs they see, and try to help kids get the a cause for shame or denial among families. help they need. And we have to keep working on that. And I am pleased that MTV is going to work all of you, I ask you to join Tipper Gore and with us to launch a new campaign to encour- others who understand this and try to make age people to become mentors—young peo- that a part of our approach to this issue as ple—to help their peers resolve their con- well. flicts peacefully. And again, I’m very grateful, Third, we can’t stop the prevention efforts and I’d like for all of you to join me in thank- at the schoolhouse door. As I said, the budget ing MTV for their willingness to invest in this agreement we reached today will double or important endeavor. [Applause] more the after-school programs that keep Lastly—I’ve spoken a little longer than I young people safe after the bell rings. But meant to because I want to really hear the if young people leave the safe school and panelists, but I return to the theme on which enter an unsafe community, they’re in trou- I began and what I will do when I leave here ble. in working for the peace process in the Mid- Today we want to announce two new steps dle East. We have got to do more to teach to help them met that challenge. Our safe our young people to have tolerance and re- schools/safe communities initiative will help spect for one another, to understand the rich 10 targeted communities develop plans to re- and only superficial dichotomy that the more duce youth violence and drug use in and out we appreciate each other’s diversity, the of school—not only more police but after- more we reaffirm the fundamental core val- school programs, mentoring, counseling, ues and existence we have in common. conflict resolution, mental health services, The recent death of young Matthew and more. We wanted to put together, in at Shepard in Wyoming makes it all too clear least 10 places that don’t have it now, a truly to us that violence still can be motivated by comprehensive approach. prejudice and hatred. Yes, we do need a new

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hate crimes law. And I have directed the We now have a national policy of zero tol- Education Department Civil Rights Office to erance for guns in schools. Last year I believe step up its enforcement to stop discrimina- the number of—the Secretary of Education tion and harassment against students. But can correct me if I make a mistake—last year again, ultimately, we have to be reconciled I believe there were 6,000 children who were to one another. We have to believe in one found—students who were found with guns. another’s fundamental humanity and equal Guns were taken, and they were sent home. right to be here and to become whatever they This actually happened in Oregon to this can become. young man right before he came back the And I hope that all of us—the young peo- next day and killed the kids. ple of this country, because our school popu- So the question is, what is—we have to lation is more diverse than ever before, and find a constitutional fix here, and then the because to some extent they are unburdened schools have to have the resources so that by some of the problems that their parents you don’t just take a gun and expel somebody and grandparents grew up with, can go either because there’s obviously something going way with this issue. If they become the vic- on inside the child that is just as important tims of a kind of a current climate of preju- as the physical manifestation of having the dice and bigotry and a sense of opposition gun. So that was the one thing that they’ve and isolation because of our increasing diver- really done in Springfield, is to sort of spark sity, it could wreak total havoc in this country a nationwide reassessment of what we ought in a way that we can’t even imagine and even to do with the children besides just send couldn’t have imagined in the old days of the them home. civil rights years. But if they do what they And they’ve proposed a period of 72 hours will do, left to their own better selves, then or some sort of period of evaluation, and the increasing diversity of America is some- we’re trying to work out the details of it. But thing that will guarantee us renewed if any of you have any thoughts about this, I would ask you to give it to us, because that’s strength, unparalleled opportunities in the a very clear issue that was raised in the 21st century world. So I don’t think we Springfield case, that I must confess, until should forget that, either. In the end, the I went and talked to them, had never oc- human heart still counts for quite a great curred to me before. deal, and we ought to bring out the best in I’d like to now call on Commissioner Paul all the ones we can. Evans, the police commissioner from Boston, Now, I would like to start the program, who led Boston’s innovative operation cease- and I’m going to sit down to do it. And I’d fire. I spent a half a day up there with the like to begin with Mr. Kent, Jamon Kent, mayor and the commissioner and others sev- who is the superintendent of the Springfield, eral months ago. Any many of you know that Oregon, public schools, that I had the honor Boston went for over 2 years without having to visit after the terrible incident there. And a single child under 18 killed by a gun. That’s because we’re running a little late, I’m going an astonishing thing. to do something a little bit unconventional. And so I would like for Commissioner I’m going to call on all the panelists to make Evans to make whatever remarks he’d like their remarks and then open for questions, to make on this subject. starting with Mr. Kent. [The panel discussion continued.] [At this point, the panel discussion began.] The President. I would like to make one The President. I don’t want to violate my brief observation about what the commis- own rule, so I won’t ask a question, but I sioner said, because I have spent a great deal do want to highlight one thing he said, be- of time in Boston, and I don’t want to single cause if it resonates with your experience, them out in derogation of the astonishing ef- then we need your feedback to the Attorney forts that have been made elsewhere, many General and to the Secretary of Education, of which have already been featured. But the ultimately, to the Congress. thing that strikes me—it struck me when I

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spent a day up there and I met with—the that we desperately—that we need so much mayor’s got a nun who represents him, who in Congress—Congress works better when has this youth council for the city. The city there are people in the Congress who have has its own youth council, like others have all kinds of different experiences that are rel- the city council. But the thing that struck me evant. It’s an incredible gift that we have a about Boston is they do things that seem ob- Member of the House of Representatives vious when you hear about them, but a lot that was actually a State superintendent of of people don’t do it. The systematic contact public instruction. And the influence he can that they have in a personal, one-to-one way, have on other Members and the role he can with a huge percentage of the young people play in the years ahead I think is virtually in their cities is quite astonishing. limitless just because of the life he lived be- And if somebody asked me, in a sentence, fore he came there. And I’m very grateful why have they been so successful, I would for what he said today and for what he’s say they mobilize in a systematic way a con- done. sistent contact with a huge percentage of the I would also like to thank Mayor Corradini young people. The idea of, you know, ‘‘Well, for the report, for the recommendations, and we hear we’re going to have a gang problem for the ‘‘Best Practices’’ booklet. I think that in middle school. Why don’t we go interview we need—every single challenge we’ve got the customers.’’ You know, if you were run- in this country, we’d be a lot better off if ning a business that’s exactly what you’d do. everybody who was working on it issued a But I think they deserve a lot of appreciation, ‘‘Best Practices’’ book, because one of my pet but also a lot of modeling for that. theories is that everybody solved every prob- lem somewhere, but we’re not very good at The panel discussion continued. [ ] playing copycat when we ought to. So I thank The President. I have two brief things to her for that. say. First of all, don’t you feel better knowing The only other thing I want to say, and that there are people like her in the class- then I want to turn it over to the Vice Presi- rooms of America? [Applause] dent and let him ask a question, is that the And second, I want to thank you for what mayors recommended new youth counselors, you said about school uniforms. When Sec- and Bob talked about other kinds of support retary Riley and I set out to promote school personnel on security issues. One of the uniforms around the country, there were things that we had to fight hardest for in some here in Washington who derided this 1983, that Hillary convinced me we ought as one of those ‘‘little ideas’’ that we were to do 15 years ago, was to require every ele- constantly harping on. It may be a little idea, mentary school to have a counselor. But 15 but I have never been to a school that had years later, it looks like a pretty good deci- them that didn’t think it made a huge dif- sion. ference in the lives of the children there. And And I think we have to—with people who so I thank you for giving a boost to that en- have to pay for these things, with the tax- deavor. payers and others who may not deal with it, we need to let them know that a well-trained The panel discussion continued. [ ] counselor dealing with the kind of challenges The President. Thank you very much. these children face is a terrific investment. First of all, I want to apologize to all of you, And I appreciate the recommendation of the and in particular to Mayor Corradini, who mayors, and I look forward to following up made a terrific presentation, according to the on them. First Lady. I got a call. We just completed The panel discussion continued. our agreement on the budget and the nego- [ ] tiations. In a half hour or so, for the members The President. Well, it would depend on of the press, we’ll have a statement about whether it was an elementary school or high- that. er grades. If you start with an elementary But let me say, first, I think about Con- school, I would have an elementary school gressman Etheridge, it is—one of the things that would have classes of between 15 and

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20 in the early grades. I would have a maxi- the arts programs, the music programs, the mum number of kids in the school of about physical education programs, not the kids 300. I would have—and about 1,000 for the that are on the athletic teams, the other high school. I would have the support per- things. I have seen school after school after sonnel. I’d have all the teachers trained, and school all across this country, because of the I’d have a parent coordinator that had huge financial burdens on the schools, have to numbers of the parents coming in and out abandon these programs. And I think it is of the schools all the time. terrible. And then I’d try to figure out how to make I think that—basically, all of these people young people like Liberty the rule rather are saying you’ve got to treat the whole child than the exception. That is—I was sitting here, deal with the whole child, deal with here when she was telling her story—I was the family situation, deal with the community thinking about—she got to the Boys and situation. And I just wanted to put in a little Girls Club, and that’s a good thing, but plug for that. I think that there are a lot of there’s a whole bunch of kids that live in the ways to learn in this life, a lot of ways to place where she does that didn’t get there, communicate in this life, and a lot of ways and that’s not a good thing. And so I think for people to find greater peace and connec- that would mean you’d either have com- tion. And I think it’s been a terrible setback prehensive before- and after-school pro- grams and summer school programs for the to American education that so many schools kids on site, or there would be some system have had to abandon their art programs, their by which the school, in effect, connected music programs and their physical education every child to responsible adult community programs for the nonteam athletes. Anything groups of some kind that Professor Earls says we can do to advance that I think would also works so well. be positive. I think those are the things that I would— [The panel discussion continued.] I basically believe you’ve got to have prob- lemsolving mechanisms, but I think the pre- The President. Let me say, I wish we vention approach is by far the best approach. could stay here another hour, but we have And I think almost all—so that’s what I another panel. We don’t want to deprive would do. them of the opportunity to make their con- In the high schools, it’s more complicated. tributions and to be heard. Perhaps at the I’d also have a uniform policy. I think they’re end of that, you could have a more free-flow- very important. I’d be in a community that ing question and answer session. had a strong antitruancy policy. If I had a But again, let me thank all of you. And violence problem, I’d have a curfew. I’d be let me ask you to join me in thanking all of interconnected with all of the churches and our remarkable panelists for their contribu- synagogues and other faith institutions. I tions. would have the school bringing people in in Thank you. a systematic way, and I would be connected with the police department that would do what the commissioner explained that they NOTE: The President spoke at 1:28 p.m. in the try to do in Boston. East Room at the White House. In his remarks, But I think—in the high schools, I think he referred to actor Edward James Olmos; and that, as I said, I’d make sure that we had Paul E. Patton of Kentucky. Participants in the conference were Jamon Kent, public schools su- programs that would keep every child who perintendent, Springfield, OR; Paul Evans, police needed it, give them all an opportunity to commissioner, Boston, MA; Liberty Franklin, be in the school. Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year; Joanna Let me just say one other thing that I think Quintana Barraso, teacher, Coral Way Elementary is worth saying. It may have been put on the School, Miami, FL; Felton J. (Tony) Earls, profes- table while I was out briefly. But twice—if sor, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA; Mayor you read what the mayors say here, twice, Deedee Corradini of Salt Lake City, UT; and Rep- they say, they talk about the importance of resentative Bob Etheridge.

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Remarks on the Budget Agreement to an average of 18. Over here at this school and an Exchange With Reporters violence conference that we sponsored all October 15, 1998. day, one of the things they kept hammering home, all these educators, was we can find The President. Thank you very much. the troubled children; we can prevent a lot First of all, I would like to echo much of of these problems if we can have them in what has been said. I want to thank the mem- small enough classes in the early grades. bers of our negotiating team. Erskine Bowles’ We achieved full funding for other impor- swan song turned out to be quite a show, tant educational initiatives, from child lit- and I thank him for everything he’s done, eracy to college mentoring, from after-school for me and for our country, but especially programs to summer jobs. We did meet our for these last 8 days. I thank John Podesta obligations to the International Monetary and Maria Echaveste, Jack Lew, Sylvia Mat- Fund. And we honored our obligations to the thews, the entire economic team that are next generation by strongly protecting the back here. environment, and I’d just like to mention I also want to make it clear that none of three things: One, we got rid of the most this could have been done, in my view, not objectionable environmental riders; two, we a bit of it, if we hadn’t had a strong, united had a full funding of our clean water initia- front from the members of our party in both tive, which is very important—remember, 40 Houses, led by Tom Daschle and Dick Gep- percent of our lakes and rivers are still not hardt, who believe passionately in what we clean enough for our people to swim in were fighting for for the American people. them—and three, as the Vice President said, And finally, let me say I would like to thank we received a substantial increase to meet the leaders of the Republican Party who our responsibilities in the area of global cli- made these agreements with us. And I ask mate change. So that’s very important. you, as I make my remarks about what I think But let me say that in many ways I am was most important about them, just think— most proud of the decision that this budget we didn’t even start this work until after the reflects not to squander the surplus until we whole budget year was over. Just think what meet our responsibilities to reform Social Se- we could do for America if we had these pri- curity for the 21st century. orities all year long instead of just for 8 days. Yes, there were some disappointments. I And I just can’t tell you how grateful I am wished that we had passed the school reha- for these achievements. bilitation and construction proposal. We have Let me give you my perspective. First of to have school facilities so that we can have all, in terms of the priorities I set forth in those smaller classes. And yes, I wish we’d the State of the Union Address last January, passed the Patients Bills of Rights and cam- we did save the surplus for the hard work paign finance reform and the tobacco reform of Social Security reform early next year. Sec- legislation and the minimum wage. But we ondly, we made major strides in renewing can now go out and have a great national our public schools, especially with the truly debate about that. The important thing that historic commitment of 100,000 new teach- we have to recognize is that these hard- ers to reduce class size in the early grades. fought battles and major accomplishments And thirdly, we made a profound commit- represent, finally, in 8 days what we did not ment to strengthening our own economy have for 8 months. here by assuming our responsibility to sta- We were able to put the progress of the bilize the global economy on which so much country ahead of partisanship. We were able of our prosperity depends. Now without the to put people ahead of politics. And today perseverance of the people behind me and every American can take a great deal of pride those whom they represent, none of that in knowing that we are going to save Social could have happened. Security, that we are going to have 100,000 Let’s look at the education issues. One teachers, that we are going to continue to hundred thousand new teachers will enable move forward on the environment, and that us to reduce class size in the early grades now we are free here in this administration

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to keep our economy going by meeting our on that. And I believe in the empowerment responsibilities to deal with the global eco- educational opportunity zones to reward nomic challenges. schools that end social promotion and fund This is a very, very good day for America. more after-school and summer school pro- And I thank all the people behind me for grams. everything they did to bring it about. Now, those are three things that I would Thank you. like to have. But we can debate those and work for those in the election. We have dif- Legislative Agenda for Education ferences of opinions, and they have more Q. Mr. President, you rattled off a list of Members than we do. They’re against the Pa- many of your priorities which this Congress tients’ Bill of Rights, and we’re for it. They did not give you, priorities from your State were against reforming—passing the tobacco of the Union Address. Why did you—and all reform legislation and against the campaign of you, perhaps—specifically decide to hold finance reform. But when you compare the line on the education issue, on the idea where we were for 8 months with where we of more funding for education, et cetera? Did are today, and how good this is for America, you think that would have the most reso- that the things that I talked about in the State nance with the voters? of the Union in education, in the environ- The President. Well, no, it’s what we be- ment, in the international economy, and sav- lieved in. We got the entire education pro- ing Social Security, these are huge victories gram except for three things. First of all, the for the American people. huge funding increases for education. But We did the best we could, and I think the they were properly targeted. This 100,000 best we did by staying together was very teachers—this is truly historic. The United good, indeed. And I think the American peo- States—this is the educational equivalent of ple will believe so, too. what we did when we put 100,000 police on Thank you. the street. And I will remind you that we NOTE: The President spoke at 3:30 p.m. in the now have the lowest crime rate in 25 years. South Lawn at the White House. We have never done that before. And we had the same partisan argument then. We were told that it wouldn’t work, that it was inter- Remarks at the Plenary Session of ference in local government, even though all the Wye River Conference on the the police chiefs of the country were scream- Middle East at Wye Mills, Maryland ing, ‘‘Give it to us.’’ Now we were told the October 15, 1998 same thing here. This is an historic commitment by the I wish to welcome Prime Minister United States to put 100,000 teachers out Netanyahu, Chairman Arafat, and the mem- there for smaller classes in the early grades. bers of the Israeli and Palestinian delegations That, plus the historic commitment we made here. As I said earlier today at the White to after-school and summer school programs, House, there is hard work ahead if we are plus the continued funding to hook up all to reach an agreement here and get the the classrooms to the Internet by the year peace process moving again. Secretary 2000—these things are truly historic. Albright and I and our entire team are ready Now, I wish we had been able to persuade to do whatever we can. the Republican majority to give us the school As the press contingent prepares to leave, construction and rehabilitation proposal be- let me say that all of us are determined to cause we need modern facilities, and that keep our energies focused on the talks them- proposal is a paid-for-tax cut in the balanced selves. Therefore, we have agreed to confine budget that would enable us to build or reha- our dealings with the media on this subject bilitate 5,000 schools. I think that’s impor- to periodic briefings to be conducted by tant. I still think we ought to be a nation spokespersons. We have a lot of work to do, which says we should have high standards, a limited amount of time to do it in, but we’re and I wish we had had an explicit proposal ready to get to work.

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Thank you very much. We still have a long way to go, however, before we achieve the full inclusion, em- NOTE: The President spoke at 5:07 p.m. in the powerment, and independence of all Ameri- Main Conference Room at the Wye River Con- cans with disabilities. The public and private ference Center. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and sectors must work in partnership to raise Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Author- awareness of the rights protected by the ity. ADA and other laws, as well as the respon- sibilities and obligations these laws mandate. It is crucial that we pursue a comprehensive Proclamation 7140—White Cane strategy to enable people with all types of Safety Day, 1998 disabilities to obtain and sustain competitive October 15, 1998 employment in our Nation’s thriving econ- omy. Men and women with disabilities have By the President of the United States much to offer, and their energy, creativity, of America and hard work can greatly strengthen our Na- A Proclamation tion and our economy. As we observe White The white cane is both a simple tool and Cane Safety Day and acknowledge the im- a powerful symbol. For people who are blind portance of the white cane as an instrument or visually impaired, it can be the key to of personal freedom, let us reaffirm our de- greater mobility, giving them information termination to ensure equal opportunity for about their surroundings and allowing them every American, including people who are to travel safely whether crossing the street blind or visually impaired. or crossing the country. For those who are To honor the many achievements of blind sighted, the white cane shows that blind or and visually impaired citizens and to recog- visually impaired people have the ability, the nize the white cane’s significance in advanc- desire, and the right to participate in every ing independence, the Congress, by joint res- aspect of our national life. It is also a re- olution approved October 6, 1964, has des- minder that, whether as pedestrians or driv- ignated October 15 of each year as ‘‘White ers, we should respond with care and cour- Cane Safety Day.’’ tesy to people using a white cane. And for Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, all of us, the white cane symbolizes the inde- President of the United States of America, pendence every citizen needs and deserves do hereby proclaim October 15, 1998, as if he or she is to contribute fully to society. White Cane Safety Day. I call upon the peo- Our annual observance of White Cane ple of the United States, government offi- Safety Day gives us the opportunity not only cials, educators, and business leaders to ob- to celebrate the accomplishments of those serve this day with appropriate programs, who use the white cane, but also to renew ceremonies, and activities. our commitment to removing those barriers, In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set both physical and attitudinal, that prevent my hand this fifteenth day of October, in the people with disabilities from reaching their year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- full potential. Since passage of the Rehabili- ty-eight, and of the Independence of the tation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities United States of America the two hundred Education Act, the Fair Housing Amend- and twenty-third. ments Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Telecommunications William J. Clinton Act, we have made great progress in our ef- forts to ensure that all people with disabilities enjoy equal access to employment opportuni- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ties, education, public accommodations, 8:45 a.m., October 19, 1998] housing, transportation, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and other aspects of NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the our society. Federal Register on October 20.

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Remarks on the Budget Agreement in the future. By standing together, we were October 16, 1998 able to achieve historic victories for the American people. Good morning. Please be seated. I am de- We fought for and won vital new invest- lighted to be here with the Vice President ments, especially for our children. By hiring and Senator Daschle, Congressman Gep- 100,000 new teachers, we will reduce class hardt, Mr. Bowles, who’s got a great closing size in the early grades to an average of 18. act here—[laughter]—the terrific represen- We will enhance individual attention, in- tation from Congress and the administration, crease student learning and, as we learned especially our economic team, and all of you. yesterday at the school violence conference, find more kids who are in trouble and need Northern Ireland Recipients of Nobel help early, and prevent more bad things from Peace Prize happening while more good things happen. Before I make some remarks on the budg- We’re also making very important invest- et, I’d like to first say how very pleased I ments in child literacy, college mentoring, was, personally and as President, that the after-school programs, and summer jobs, all Nobel Prize Committee has awarded the of them at risk until the people behind me courage and the people of Northern Ireland stood firm and united. We fought for and by giving the Nobel Peace Prize to John won emergency relief for our hard-pressed Hume and to David Trimble today. I am very farmers and ranchers who are suffering not grateful for that. only from the collapse of world markets but For 30 years, John Hume has been com- from crop diseases and drought and floods. mitted to achieving peace through negotia- And we fought for and won an impressive tions, not confrontation and violence. He has package to deal with this emergency only be- been an inspiration to the nationalist commu- cause the people behind me were willing to nity, to all the people of Northern Ireland sustain my veto of the first bill, and I thank and, indeed, all around the world. David them for that very much. Trimble, as Unionist leader, took up the chal- We fought for and won a substantial in- lenge of peace with rare courage, negotiating crease in funding for our clean water initia- and beginning to implement the Good Friday tive to help restore the 40 percent of our accord. Both have earned this award. lakes and rivers still too polluted for fishing But I believe there are others, too, who and swimming. We won substantial increases deserve credit for their indispensable roles, in funding to head off the threat of global beginning with Gerry Adams, the Sinn Fein climate change which disrupted weather pat- leader, without whom there would have been terns in America—have warned us about in no peace. Prime Minister Ahern, Prime Min- the last couple of years. We fought for and ister Blair, Mo Mowlam, their predecessors, won the ability to protect precious lands in without whom there would have been no America, and we struck down the worst of peace. Other Irish leaders, like Seamus the anti-environmental provisions the Re- Mallon, and I would like to say a special word publicans had put into the budget bill be- of thanks to Senator George Mitchell for his cause of the people who are standing behind role in the peace talks. The American people me. appreciate the recognition the Nobel com- And we worked and worked and worked mittee gave our Nation in the citation, and for 8 long months until, finally, we were able we thank all these people for their continuing to persuade the Republican majority to join work for peace. with us in funding America’s responsibility to the International Monetary Fund so that Budget Agreement we can protect the American economy and Yesterday our administration and the fulfill our responsibility to stabilize the global Democrats in Congress reached agreement economy. It is a critically important thing to with the Republican leadership on a fiscally our future; it could not have happened if the responsible balanced budget that seizes this people behind us hadn’t stood strong and moment of prosperity and wisely invests it united for months and months.

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Let me say, I am especially proud of the ments against the minimum wage were way we fought and won the right to reserve wrong the last time we did it. We kept on every penny of the surplus until we save So- growing, and unemployment now and infla- cial Security first. Despite the efforts of the tion now are lower than they were the last majority, particularly in the House of Rep- time we raised it. Only partisanship killed it. resentatives, to squander the surplus on elec- I hope we can take that to the American peo- tion-year tax plans, we are still now well posi- ple and come back here in January and raise tioned to save Social Security. Although we the minimum wage. can take justifiable pride in these accom- And partisanship killed our best chance at plishments, let’s not make any mistakes here. bipartisan campaign finance reform. We had Eight days of progress cannot totally erase a handful of Republicans who did agree with 8 months of partisanship. us on this, but the majority was able to defeat We all know that in those 8 months of par- us. Senator Daschle produced a unanimous tisanship, too many dreams of too many fami- vote from the Senate Democratic caucus— lies were deferred. The Republican majority absolutely unanimous—but partisanship de- is now leaving town to campaign, but they’re feated us. It said yes to soft money, yes to also leaving a lot of America’s business unfin- the status quo, no to reform. The next Con- ished. Partisanship killed the Patients’ Bill of gress must strengthen our democracy and fi- Rights. Rest assured, as my first legislative nally reform these outdated campaign fi- priority, I will ask the next Congress to guar- nance laws, and people will do it who are antee your right to see a specialist, to receive here with me. the nearest emergency care, to keep your And finally, let me say that partisanship doctor throughout your course of treatment, killed the comprehensive anti-tobacco legis- to keep your medical records private, to have lation which would have saved millions of medical decisions made by doctors, not in- surance company accountants. That’s unfin- young Americans from painful and pre- ished business because of partisanship. mature death. I still can’t believe—I think Partisanship killed our efforts to help stu- about it every day—I still can’t believe that dents stuck in crumbled and overcrowded the tobacco interests were able to persuade schoolrooms. We fought and fought and the Congress, with the majority in Congress, fought and won the right for the 100,000 to walk away from this. It didn’t have any- teachers. Now we’ve got to fight to give the thing to do with the tobacco farmers; Senator teachers someplace to teach and to give those Ford back there took care of that. [Laughter] smaller classes someplace to meet. This is This was about whether we were going to a battle our children cannot afford to lose. take appropriate action to save our children, You know, I must say, of all the things that and pure, old-fashioned partisanship killed it. we disagreed with the Republicans on this The people behind me will save more of our year, this one mystified me the most. I would children’s lives when the voters give them have thought they would like this program, a chance to do so next January. We’re going not a Government spending program but a to do that. targeted tax cut, fully paid for in the balanced So let me say again, by way of thanks to budget, that wouldn’t take a dime from the all of them and to all of you who worked surplus, wouldn’t add an inch of redtape to on this, we can be justifiably proud of the the Government’s rules, but would build or hard work and hard-won gains that this budg- repair 5,000 schools. We were right to fight et represents, of the 100,000 teachers, of the for it, and we ought to take it to the American after-school programs, the saving the surplus people and ask them to put progress over for Social Security, of protecting the environ- partisanship. ment and advancing the cause of clean water, Republican partisanship killed an increase and a safer global environment, of keeping in the minimum wage. You can’t really raise our economy going strong. But 8 days of a family on $5.15 an hour anymore. If we progress cannot replace or make up for 8 value work and family, we ought to raise the months of partisanship, to protect our pa- minimum wage. You know, all those argu- tients, to modernize our schools, to raise the

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minimum wage, to look out for the 21st cen- If we have accomplished nothing else here tury and reform Social Security and Medi- today, even when our voices reach those who care in the right way. We need a Congress disagree with us, who think we’re making a that will put people before politics, progress mistake to put 100,000 teachers in the class- ahead of partisanship. room, who think we’re making a mistake to I will always remember these last 8 days. fight for a Patients’ Bill of Rights or a rise I will always remember what our caucus, in the minimum wage or better school facili- united, was able to achieve. And I will always ties, if we have done nothing else, I hope be grateful to them for what they did for the we have reminded the American people that, American people. Thank you very much. in the end, every one of us gets to raise our Now, I want to introduce the Vice Presi- voice, to cast our vote, to wield our sign-or- dent and the other leaders. Thank you very veto pen because of their judgments. And much. in 18 days, they will be given a chance to render another judgment. At this point, Vice President Al Gore, Sen- [ Between now and then, they will have to ator Thomas A. Daschle, and Representative sort their way through all the conflicting Richard A. Gephardt made brief remarks. ] claims and the blizzard of advertisement. But The President. Let me say, as we close, I think that, in the end, many will agree that how very grateful I am to all those who have it is worth going to vote to ratify those who spoken and those who have not spoken, those fought for 100,000 teachers and a clean envi- who are here and those who stood with us ronment and a strong American economy who are not here, for giving us a chance to, and an America playing a responsible role in the last 8 days, have some very important in the world economy. And perhaps most im- victories for the American people and, today, portant of all, people who voted to save the for giving us a chance to make it absolutely surplus until we save Social Security and clear what is at stake in the next 2 years. honor the compact with generations and When we leave here, I am going to take keep our country strong when the baby a brief trip to Chicago to stand with Senator boomers retire. Carol Moseley-Braun. And I think it is worth In 18 days they’ll have a chance not only pointing out today that she is the very first to support those people but to say, ‘‘With member of our caucus who stood up for the my vote, I choose to go back and build world- idea that the National Government had an class school facilities. I choose to say, ‘yes, opportunity and an obligation to do some- we’re going to have managed care, but even thing to promote the building and the repair people in managed care deserve the right to of school facilities for our children’s future. have medical decisions made by medical doc- I say that to make this point: Every one of tors, not accountants,’ to choose to give peo- us here, standing here, except Mr. Bowles, ple the minimum wage, to choose to save and he may be about to take the plunge— Social Security in the right way, to choose [laughter]—every one of us here is here be- these things.’’ cause of the judgment of the American peo- That’s the message. I hope the American ple. The jobs we hold are not our jobs in people know that the people standing behind any fundamental sense; they belong to the me earned their pay the last 8 or 9 days. American people. They were worth every penny of tax dollars And in 18 days, after a blizzard of adver- they got. And they did it the last 8 months tisements—probably 2 or 3 times as much because they fought and waited and stood from the Republican side as from ours, in storm after storm until the time came maybe even more when you count the third when they could stand up and do something party committees and all that—they will right for America. And in 18 days I hope the make a decision. The first decision they’ll voters of this country, the citizens, will exer- have to make is whether to go and vote in cise their power to say, ‘‘This is the path I a midterm election, which always, always choose.’’ Staying home is not a very good op- seems to have lower turnout than the presi- tion when so much is riding on a trip to the dential elections. ballot box.

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Thank you, and God bless you. Proclamation 7142—National Forest Products Week, 1998 NOTE: The President spoke at 10:36 a.m. in the October 16, 1998 Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to John Hume, leader, Social Demo- By the President of the United States cratic and Labor Party, and David Trimble, First of America Minister, Northern Ireland Assembly, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates; Sinn Fein leader and Northern Ireland Assembly member Gerry A Proclamation Adams; Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland; Our Nation has been blessed with abun- Prime Minister Tony Blair and Secretary of State dant natural resources, and among the most for Northern Ireland Marjorie Mowlam of the precious of these are our forests. Because United Kingdom; Deputy First Minister Seamus forests cover about one-third of the land area Mallon of the Northern Ireland Assembly; and of the United States, their splendor is not former Senator George J. Mitchell, who chaired limited to one region, but is shared by our the multiparty peace talks in Northern Ireland. entire country. All Americans can experience the variety and beauty of our forests, parks, and woodlands and share the joys of hiking, Statement Announcing the Award of camping, bird watching, and other rec- the Presidential Medal of Freedom reational activities. Likewise, all Americans to Chancellor Helmut Kohl of benefit from the essentials for life that forests Germany provide: clean water, clean air, soil stability, pollution reduction, and a rich habitat for October 16, 1998 plants and animals. Forests also supply us with products vital to our society and econ- I am very pleased to announce my inten- omy, from building materials to paper prod- tion to award the Presidential Medal of Free- ucts to medicines. dom to Helmut Kohl, Chancellor of the Fed- Maintaining the health of our Nation’s for- eral Republic of Germany. The Medal of ests is an important and delicate task. As we Freedom is this Nation’s highest civilian continue to grow, both in terms of population honor, and it is a fitting tribute to the extraor- and in land developed, we put increased dinary accomplishments of Chancellor Kohl. pressure on our forests and woodland areas. Throughout his 16-year tenure as leader In the past, such growth occurred without of Germany, Chancellor Kohl has made his- regard to its impact and often threatened the toric contributions to the cause of peace and very existence of our forests and the diverse freedom in Europe and around the world. wildlife they support. Learning from our mis- With uncommon vision and unstinting cour- takes, today we use wise forest management age, he led the reunification of Germany strategies and careful stewardship to ensure while pushing deeper European integration, that our forests will remain both healthy and bolstered transatlantic solidarity, and pro- productive. moted the cause of democracy everywhere. Such management requires strong co- Americans are grateful for the untiring ef- operation among private citizens, govern- forts of this inspiring leader, who will rank ment agencies, and the forestry industry. among those who changed the course of his- Half of our Nation’s forestlands belong to private landowners, the Federal Government tory. and State governments own 40 percent, and Helmut Kohl has been a lifelong friend the forest products industry owns the re- of the United States and has personally com- maining 10 percent. All three groups have mitted himself to the enduring partnership been working together to ensure the sustain- of our two countries. On behalf of all Ameri- able development of our forests and wood- cans, it is my profound pleasure to honor him lands. State Foresters and Cooperative State with this symbol of our Nation’s high esteem Extension Agents, with assistance from the and deep appreciation. U.S. Department of Agriculture, play a vital

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role in this endeavor, helping private land- October 13 owners properly manage their forestlands In the afternoon, the President traveled to through technical assistance, educational Silver Spring, MD, and later, he returned to programs, and voluntary incentives. Working Washington, DC. in partnership, government, industry, and private citizens are making progress in the October 14 vital task of preserving the health of Ameri- The President announced his intention to ca’s forests and woodlands while providing nominate John C. Truesdale to be a member essential products to the American people. of the National Labor Relations Board. To recognize the importance of our forests The President declared a major disaster in in ensuring the long-term welfare of our Na- Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supple- tion, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 ment State and local recovery efforts in the (36 U.S.C. 163), has designated the week be- area struck by severe storms and flooding on ginning on the third Sunday in October of October 4–11. each year as ‘‘National Forest Products The President declared a major disaster in Week’’ and has authorized and requested the Kansas and ordered Federal aid to supple- President to issue a proclamation in observ- ment State and local recovery efforts in the ance of this week. area struck by severe storms, flooding, and Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, tornadoes on October 1–8. President of the United States of America, October 15 do hereby proclaim October 18 through Oc- In the afternoon, the President traveled to tober 24, 1998, as National Forest Products Wye Mills, MD. In the evening, he held sep- Week. I call upon all Americans to observe arate meetings with Chairman Yasser Arafat this week with appropriate ceremonies and of the Palestinian Authority and Prime Min- activities. ister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel in the In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set Commons Room at the Wye River Con- my hand this sixteenth day of October, in ference Center. the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and Later, the President hosted a dinner for ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the the leaders and their delegation in the Car- United States of America the two hundred michael House at the conference center. In and twenty-third. the late evening, the President returned to William J. Clinton Washington, DC. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, October 16 12:05 p.m., October 19, 1998] In the morning, the President traveled to NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the Chicago, IL, and in the evening, he returned Federal Register in October 20. to Washington, DC. The President declared a major disaster in Washington State and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery ef- Digest of Other forts in the area struck by a landslide in Kelso White House Announcements on March 6 and continuing.

The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest an- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and Nominations not included elsewhere in this issue. Submitted to the Senate

October 12 The following list does not include promotions of In the afternoon, the President traveled to members of the Uniformed Services, nominations New York City, and in the evening, he re- to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- turned to Washington, DC, arriving after eign Service officers. midnight.

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Submitted October 14 Transcript of a press briefing by Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, Deputy Chief of Staff John C. Truesdale, John Podesta, Office of Management and of Maryland, to be a member of the National Budget Director Jack Lew, and National Labor Relations Board for the term of 5 years Economic Council Director Gene Sperling expiring August 27, 2003, vice William B. on the budget agreement Gould IV, resigned.

Acts Approved Checklist by the President of White House Press Releases

The following list contains releases of the Office Approved October 12 of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of H.J. Res. 131 / Public Law 105–253 Other White House Announcements. Waiving certain enrollment requirements for the remainder of the One Hundred Fifth Congress with respect to any bill or joint res- Released October 10 olution making general or continuing appro- Transcript of remarks by Chief of Staff Er- priations for fiscal year 1999 skine Bowles on the budget H.J. Res. 134 / Public Law 105–254 Released October 13 Making further continuing appropriations for Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- the fiscal year 1999, and for other purposes retary Joe Lockhart Approved October 14 Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- curity Adviser Samuel Berger on the situa- H.R. 3007 / Public Law 105–255 tion in Kosovo Commission on the Advancement of Women Released October 14 and Minorities in Science, Engineering, and Technology Development Act Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Joe Lockhart H.R. 4068 / Public Law 105–256 Transcript of a press briefing by Education To make certain technical corrections in laws Secretary Richard Riley and Associate Attor- relating to Native Americans, and for other ney General Ray Fisher on the White House purposes Conference on School Safety: Causes and Prevention of Youth Violence H.J. Res. 135 / Public Law 105–257 Making further continuing appropriations for Released October 15 the fiscal year 1999, and for other purposes Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Joe Lockhart and State Department S. 414 / Public Law 105–258 Spokesman James Rubin on the Wye River Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 Conference on the Middle East Approved October 15 Transcript of remarks by Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel H.R. 4658 / Public Law 105–259 Transcript of remarks by Chairman Yasser To extend the date by which an automated Arafat of the Palestinian Authority entry-exit control system must be developed

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