Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, July 13, 1998 Volume 34—Number 28 Pages 1311–1361

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Addresses and Remarks Interviews With the News Media China, business community in the Hong Kong Exchange with reporters in the Rose Special Administrative Region—1312 Garden—1328 Compliance with the Health Insurance News conference in the Hong Kong Special Portability and Accountability Act, Administrative Region, China, July 3 (No. memorandum signing—1331 162)—1317 Congressional Medal of Honor, presentation—1354 Joint Statements Florida, firefighters and relief workers in Daytona Beach—1351 Joint Statement on South Asia—1311 Georgia Joint Statement on U.S.-Polish Relations— Democratic Senatorial Campaign 1356 Committee luncheon in Atlanta—1347 National youth antidrug media campaign in Meetings With Foreign Leaders Atlanta—1344 China, President Jiang—1311 Gun safety and responsibility—1334 Poland, Prime Minister Buzek—1356 Medicare and the legislative agenda—1328 ‘‘Presidential Dialogue on Race’’ on PBS— Statements by the President 1336 Radio address—1327 Death of M.K.O. Abiola of Nigeria—1334 Senate action Communications to Congress Higher education reauthorization Emigration policies of certain former Eastern legislation—1356 bloc states, letter transmitting report—1354 India-Pakistan sanctions legislation—1354 Libya, continuation of national emergency, Internal Revenue Service reform letter reporting—1330 legislation—1354 Communications to Federal Agencies Supplementary Materials Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Acts approved by the President—1361 memorandum—1333 Checklist of White House press releases— Joint Institute for Food Safety Research, 1360 memorandum—1326 Digest of other White House National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal announcements—1358 Year 1998, memorandum—1344 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1359

Editor’s Note: The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also available on the Inter- net on the GPO Access service at http://www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html.

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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Joint Statement on South Asia national cooperation on nuclear non- June 27, 1998 proliferation, with the Treaty on the Non- Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as Introduction its cornerstone. We will continue to bolster Recent nuclear tests by India and Pakistan, global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, and and the resulting increase in tension between reiterate that our goal is adherence of all them, are a source of deep and lasting con- countries, including India and Pakistan, to cern to both of us. Our shared interests in the NPT as it stands, without any modifica- a peaceful and stable South Asia and in a tion. States that do not adhere to the Treaty strong global nonproliferation regime have cannot expect to be accorded the same bene- been put at risk by these tests, which we have fits and international standing as are ac- joined in condemning. We have agreed to corded to NPT parties. Notwithstanding continue to work closely together, within the their recent nuclear tests, India and Pakistan P–5, the Security Council and with others, do not have the status of nuclear weapons to prevent an accelerating nuclear and mis- states in accordance with the NPT. sile arms race in South Asia, strengthen inter- We reaffirm our determination to fulfill national nonproliferation efforts, and pro- our commitments relating to nuclear disar- mote reconciliation and the peaceful resolu- mament under Article VI of the NPT. To tion of differences between India and Paki- this end, both countries have signed the stan. Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and do not intend to resume nuclear testing. Preventing a Nuclear and Missile Race in We call for the prompt initiation and con- South Asia clusion of negotiations in the Conference on The P–5 Joint Communique of June 4, Disarmament, on the basis of the 1995 which was endorsed by UN Security Council agreed mandate, for a multilateral treaty ban- Resolution 1172, sets out clear and com- ning the production of fissile material for nu- prehensive objectives and a plan for action clear weapons or other nuclear explosive de- to address the threat of South Asian nuclear vices. We urge India and Pakistan to partici- and missile arms race. We pledge our full pate, in a positive spirit, in such negotiations support for the steps outlined in the Joint with other states in the Conference on Disar- Communique, and again call on India and mament with a view to reaching early agree- Pakistan to stop all further nuclear tests and ment. adhere immediately and unconditionally to We both actively support the Strength- the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty ened Safeguards System now being imple- (CTBT), to refrain from weaponization or de- mented by the IAEA, and will promptly take ployment of nuclear weapons and from the steps to implement it in our countries. testing or deployment of missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, and to enter into Reducing Tensions and Encouraging the firm commitments not to weaponize or de- Peaceful Resolution of Differences ploy nuclear weapons or missiles capable of Between India and Pakistan delivering them. We are committed to assist where possible India and Pakistan to resolve peacefully the Strengthening Global Nonproliferation difficult and long-standing differences be- Cooperation tween them, including the issue of Kashmir. The United States and China remain firm- We welcome the resumption of dialogue be- ly committed to strong and effective inter- tween the two countries and encourage them

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to continue such dialogue, and we stand Remarks to the Business Community ready to assist in the implementation of con- in Hong Kong Special Administrative fidence-building measures between them, Region, China and encourage the consideration of addi- tional measures of this type. July 3, 1998 Thank you very much. To Jeff Muir, and Responsibilities of the United States and Victor Fong, thank you both for your fine China remarks and for hosting me. I thank all the The United States and China have long members of the Hong Kong Trade Develop- sought friendly relations with both India and ment Council and the American Chamber of Pakistan. We reaffirm this goal and our hope Commerce for making this forum available, that we can jointly and individually contrib- and so many of you for coming out on this ute to the achievement of a peaceful, pros- morning for what will be my last public perous, and secure South Asia. As P–5 mem- speech, except for my press conference, bers, and as states with important relation- which the members of the press won’t permit ships with the countries of the region, we to become a speech, before I go home. recognize our responsibility to contribute ac- It has been a remarkable trip for my wife tively to the maintenance of peace, stability and family and for the Senate delegation and and security in the region, and to do all we members of our Cabinet and White House. can to address the root causes of tension. And we are pleased to be ending it here. We reaffirm that our respective policies I want to say a special word of appreciation are to prevent the export of equipment, ma- to Secretary Albright and Secretary Daley, terials or technology that could in any way to Senator Rockefeller, Senator Baucus, Sen- assist programs in India or Pakistan for nu- ator Akaka, Congressman Dingell, Congress- clear weapons or for ballistic missiles capable man Hamilton, Congressman Markey, and of delivering such weapons, and that to this the other members of the administration and end, we will strengthen our national export citizens who have accompanied me on this control systems. very long and sometimes exhausting but ulti- mately, I believe, very productive trip for the Next Steps people of the United States and the people of China. Close coordination between the United I’m glad to be back in Hong Kong. As I States and China is essential to building told Chief Executive Tung and the members strong international support behind the goals of the dinner party last night, I actually— to which we are committed in response to I may be the first sitting President to come nuclear testing by India and Pakistan. We to Hong Kong, but this is my fourth trip here. will stay closely in touch on this issue, and I was able to come three times before, once will work with other members of the P–5 and with Hillary, in the period which we now the Security Council, with other Asian and refer to as back when we had a life—[laugh- Pacific countries, and with the broader inter- ter]—before I became President. And I look national community to forestall further insta- forward to coming again in the future. bility in South Asia, achieve a peaceful and I think it’s quite appropriate for our trip mutually acceptable resolution of differences to end in Hong Kong, because, for us Ameri- between India and Pakistan, and strengthen cans, Hong Kong is China’s window on the the global nonproliferation regime. world. I have seen remarkable changes taking place in China, and since the possibilities of NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- its future—much of which clearly is and for tion of the content of this joint statement. This some time has been visible here in Hong item was not received in time for publication in Kong, with its free and open markets and the appropriate issue. its vibrant entrepreneurial atmosphere.

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Devoid of natural resources, Hong Kong The cornerstone of our security in Asia re- always has had to fall back on the most im- mains our relationship of longstanding with portant resource of all, its people. The entre- five key democratic allies: Japan, South preneurs, the artists, the visionaries, the Korea, Australia, Thailand, the Philippines. hardworking, everyday people have accom- Our military presence in Asia is essential to plished things that have made the whole that stability, in no small measure because world marvel. Hong Kong people have everyone knows we have no territorial ambi- dreamed, designed, and built some of the tions of any kind. world’s tallest buildings and longest bridges. Nowhere is this more evident than on the When Hong Kong ran out of land, the people Korean Peninsula, where still every day, after simply went to the sea and got more. To the 40 years, 40,000 American troops patrol a average person from a landlocked place, that border that has known war and could know seems quite stunning. war again. We clearly have an interest in try- I thank you for giving me a chance to come ing to get a peace on the Korean Peninsula. here today to talk about the relationship be- We will continue to work with China to ad- tween the United States and all of Asia. I vance our efforts in the four-party talks, to have had a great deal of time to emphasize encourage direct and open dialog between the importance of our future ties with China, North and South Korea, to faithfully imple- and I would like to reiterate them today and ment the agreement with North Korea to end mention some of the points that the two pre- their nuclear weapons program, and to insist vious speakers made. But I would like to put that North Korea do the same. it in the context of the entire region. And I am encouraged by the openness and the after all, it is the entire region that has been energy of South Korea’s new leader, Kim critical to the success of Hong Kong. Dae-jung. Last month, in an address to our We have a fundamental interest in pro- Congress, he said, ‘‘It is easier to get a pass- moting stability and prosperity in Asia. Our erby to take off his coat with sunshine than future is tied to Asia’s. A large and growing with a strong wind.’’ percentage of our exports, our imports, and Of course, our security is also enormously our investments involve Asian nations. As enhanced by a positive partnership with a President, besides this trip to China, I have prosperous, stable, increasingly open China, been to Japan, Korea, Indonesia, the Phil- working with us, as we are, on the challenges ippines, Australia, and Thailand, with more of South Asian nuclear issues, the financial to come. I have worked with the region’s crisis in the region, the Korean peace effort, leaders on economic, political, and security and others. issues. The recent events in South Asia, in Our oldest ties to Asia are those of trade Indonesia, in financial markets all across the and commerce, and now they’ve evolved into region remind the American people just how some of our strongest. The fur pelts and cot- very closely our future is tied to Asia’s. tons our first traders bought here more than Over the course of two centuries, the 200 years ago have given way to software and United States and Asian nations have built medical instruments. Hong Kong is now a vast, rich, complex, dynamic relationship— America’s top consumer for cell phones. forged in the beginning by trade, strained on Today, roughly a third of our exports and 4 occasion by misunderstanding, tempered by million jobs depend on our trade to Asia. As three wars in living memory, enriched by the was earlier said, over 1,000 American compa- free flow of ideas, ideals, and culture. Now, nies have operations in Hong Kong alone. clearly, at the dawn of the 21st century, our And as we’ve seen in recent months, when futures are inextricably bound together— markets tremble in Tokyo or Hong Kong, bound by a mutual interest in seeking to free they cause tremors around the world. future generations from the specter of war. That is why I have not only sought to ease As I said, Americans can remember three the Asian economic difficulties but to institu- wars we have fought in Asia. We must make tionalize a regional economic partnership it our mission to avoid another. through the Asian Pacific Economic Council

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leaders meetings that we started in Seattle, to consider in making sure that when the Washington, in 1993, and which in every year whole process is over that the terms are fair since has advanced the cause of economic and open and further the objectives of more integration and growth in the region. That open trade and investment across the world. is why I’m also working to broaden and deep- I also would say in that connection, I am en our economic partnership with China and strongly supporting the extension of normal China’s integration into the world economic trading status, or MFN, to China. I was en- framework. couraged by the vote in the House Ways and It clearly is evident to anyone who knows Means Committee shortly before we left. I about our relationship that the United States hope we will be successful there. I think any- supports China’s economic growth through thing any of you can do to support the integ- trade. We, after all, purchase 30 percent of rity of the existing obligations that all of us the exports of China, far more than any other have including and especially in the area of country in the world, far more than our per- intellectual property, will be very helpful in centage of the world’s GDP. that regard in helping us to move forward. We very much want China to be a member In addition to trade and security ties, the of the World Trade Organization. We under- United States and Asia are bound by family stand the enormous challenges that the Chi- ties, perhaps our most vital ones. Seven mil- nese Government faces in privatizing the lion Americans today trace their roots to Asia, state industries and doing so at a rate and and the percentage of our citizens who are in a way which will permit people who lose Asian-Americans is growing quite rapidly. their jobs in the state industries to be re- These roots are roots they are eager to renew integrated into a changing economy and have or rebuild or to keep. Just last year 3.4 million jobs and be able to educate their children, Americans traveled to Asia; 7.8 million Asians find a place to live, and succeed in a stable traveled to the United States. Thousands of society. young people are crossing the Pacific to So the real question with this WTO acces- study, and in so doing, building friendships sion is not whether the United States wants that will form the foundations of cooperation China in the WTO. Of course, we do. And and peace for the 21st century. All across the real question, in fairness to China, is not the region we see evidence that the values whether China is willing to be a responsible of freedom and democracy are also burning international partner in the international fi- in the hearts of the people in the East as nancial system. I believe they are. The ques- well as the West. From Japan to the Phil- tion is, how do you resolve the tension be- ippines, South Korea to Mongolia, democ- tween the openness requirements for invest- racy has found a permanent home in Asia. ment and for trade through market access As the world becomes smaller, the ties be- of the WTO with the strains that are going tween Asia and the United States—the politi- to be imposed on China anyway as it under- cal ties, the family ties, the trade ties, the takes to speed up the economic transition security ties—they will only become strong- and the change of employment base within er. Consider this one little statistic: In 1975 its own country? there were 33 million minutes of telephone We are trying to work these things out. traffic between the U.S. and Asia; in 1996 We believe that there must be an end agree- there were 4.2 billion minutes of such traffic, ment that contains strong terms that are a 127-fold increase. That doesn’t count the commercially reasonable. We understand Internet growth that is about to occur that that China has to have some transitional con- will be truly staggering. sideration because of the challenges at home. Now, the result of all this is that you and I think we’ll work this out. But I want you I in our time have been given a remarkable to understand that we in the United States opportunity to expand and share the store- very much want China to be a member of house of human knowledge, to share the the WTO. We would like it to happen sooner, building of wealth, to share the fights against rather than later, but we understand that we disease and poverty, to share efforts to pro- have not only American but global interests tect the environment, and bridge age-old

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gaps of history and culture that have caused We have worked hard with China and too much friction and misunderstanding. other leading nations to forge an inter- This may be the greatest moment of actual national consensus to prevent an intensifying possibility in human history. At the same arms race on the Indian subcontinent. We time, the greater openness, the pace of don’t seek to isolate India and Pakistan, but change, the nature of the global economy, we do seek to divert them from a self-defeat- all these things have brought with them dis- ing, dangerous, and costly course. We en- ruption. They create the risk of greater gaps courage both nations to stop testing, to sign between rich and poor, between those the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, to settle equipped for the information age and those their differences through peaceful dialog. who aren’t. It means that problems, whether The second lesson that we should take into they are economic problems or environ- the future is that nations will only enjoy true mental problems, that begin in one country and lasting prosperity when governments are can quickly spread beyond that country’s bor- open, honest, and fair in their practices, and ders. It means that we’re all more vulnerable when they regulate and supervise financial in a more open atmosphere to security markets rather than direct them. threats that cross national borders, to terror- Too many booming economies, too many ism, to drug smuggling, to organized crime, new skyscrapers now vacant and in default to people who would use weapons of mass were built on shaky foundations of cronyism, destruction. corruption, and overextended credit, under- mining the confidence of investors with sud- Now, how are we going to deepen this re- den, swift, and severe consequences. The fi- lationship between the U.S. and Asia, since nancial crisis, as all of you know far better all of us recognize that it is in our interest than I, has touched nearly all the nations and and it will further our values? I believe there households of Asia. Restoring economic sta- are three basic lessons that we can learn from bility and growth will not be easy. The steps the immediate past that should guide our required will be politically unpopular and will path to the future. take courage. But the United States will do First, building economies and people, not all we can to help any Asian government will- weapons of mass destruction, is every na- ing to work itself back to financial health. tion’s best path to greatness. The vast major- We have a big interest in the restoration of ity of nations are moving away from not to- growth, starting the flows of investment back ward nuclear weapons, and away from the into Asia. notion that their influence in the future will There is a very limited time period in be defined by the size of their military rather which we can absorb all the exports to try than the size of their GDP and the percent- to do our part to keep the Asian economy age of their citizens who know a great deal going. And while we may enjoy a brief period about the world. of surging extra investment, over the long India and Pakistan’s recent nuclear test, run, stable growth everywhere in the world therefore, buck the tide of history. This is is the best prescription for stable growth in all the more regrettable because of the enor- America. mous potential of both countries. The United We are seeing some positive steps. Yester- States has been deeply enriched by citizens day Japan announced the details of its new from both India and Pakistan who have done and potentially quite significant banking re- so very well in America. They and their rel- form proposals. We welcome them. Thailand atives could be doing very well at home, and and Korea are taking decisive action to im- therefore, could be advancing their nations’ plement the IMF-supported economic re- cause around the world. Both these countries form programs of their countries. Indonesia could achieve real, different, fundamental has a fresh opportunity to deepen democratic greatness in the 21st century, but it will never roots and to address the economic challenges happen if they divert precious resources from before it. Thanks to the leadership of Presi- their people to develop nuclear and huge dent Jiang and Premier Zhu, China has fol- military arsenals. lowed a disciplined, wise policy of resisting

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competitive devaluations that could threaten growth and opportunity, not only for individ- the Chinese economy, the region’s, and the uals and firms, but for nations. As I saw again world’s. in Shanghai when I met with a dozen incred- Even as your own economy, so closely tied ibly impressive Chinese entrepreneurs, ideas to those of Asia, inevitably feels the impact are creating wealth in this economy. of these times, Hong Kong continues to serve Now, it seems to me, therefore, inevitable as a force for stability. With strong policies that societies with the freest flow of ideas to address the crisis, a healthy respect for are most likely to be both successful and sta- the rule of law, a strong system of financial ble in the new century. When difficulties regulation and supervision, a commitment to come, as they do to every country and in all working with all nations, Hong Kong can ages—there is never a time that is free of help to lead Asia out of turbulent times as difficulties—it seems to me that open debate it contributes to China’s astonishing trans- and unconventional views are most likely to formation by providing investment capital help countries most quickly overcome the and expertise in privatizing state enterprises difficulties of unforeseen developments. and sharing legal and regulatory experience. Let me ask you this: A year ago, when you The final lesson I believe is this: Political celebrated the turnover from Great Britain freedom, respect for human rights, and sup- to China of Hong Kong, what was everybody port for representative governments are both buzzing about after the speeches were over? morally right and ultimately the best guaran- Will this really work? Will this two-system tors of stability in the world of the 21st cen- thing work? Will we be able to keep elec- tury. This spring the whole world looked on tions? Will this work? How many people with deep interest as courageous citizens in were off in a corner saying, you know, this Indonesia raised their voices in protest is a pretty tough time to be doing this, be- against corruption and government practices cause a year from now the whole Asian econ- that have brought their nation’s economy to omy is going to be in collapse, and how in its knees. They demonstrated for change, for the world will we deal with this? When you the right to elect leaders fully accountable cannot foresee the future and when prob- to them. And in just 2 weeks the universal lems coming on you have to bring forth to- longing for democratic, responsive, account- tally new thinking, the more open the envi- able government succeeded in altering their ronment, the quicker countries will respond. political future. I believe this is profoundly important. America will stand by the people of Indo- I also believe that by providing a construc- nesia and others as they strive to become part tive outlet for the discontent that will always of the rising tide of freedom around the exist in every society—because there is no world. Some worry that widespread political perfect place, and because people have dif- participation and loud voices of dissent can ferent views and experience reality dif- pull a nation apart. Some nations have a right ferently—and by finding a way to give every- to worry about instability because of the pain body some sense of empowerment and role of their own past. But nonetheless, I fun- in a society, that freedom breeds the respon- damentally disagree, especially given the dy- sibility without which the open, highly chang- namics of the 21st century global society. ing societies of the 21st century simply can- Why? Democracy is rooted in the propo- not succeed. sitions that all people are entitled to equal For all these reasons, I think the forces treatment and an equal voice in choosing of history will move all visionary people, in- their leaders and that no individual or group cluding Asians, with their legendary assets of is so wise or so all-knowing to make all the hard work, intelligence, and education, to- decisions that involve unfettered power over ward freer, more democratic societies and other people. The information age has ways of ordering their affairs. brought us yet another argument for democ- For me, these lessons we must carry for- racy. It has given us a global economy that ward into the new century. And in this time is based on, more than anything else, ideas. of transition and change, as we deepen A torrent of new ideas are generating untold America’s partnership with Asia, success will

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come to those who invest in the positive po- Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; Victor tential of their people, not weapons to de- Fong, chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development stroy others. Open governments and the rule Council; Chief Executive C.H. Tung of Hong of law are essential to lasting prosperity. Kong; and President Jiang Zemin and Premier Freedom and democracy are the birthrights Zhu Rongji of China. of all people and the best guarantors of na- tional stability and progress. Now, as I said, a little over a year ago, The President’s News Conference in no one could have predicted what you would Hong Kong have to endure today in the form of this cri- July 3, 1998 sis. But I am confident Hong Kong will get through this and will help to lead the region The President. Good afternoon. I know out of it, because of the lessons that I have most of the American journalists here are just mentioned, and because they have been looking forward, as I am, to returning home a part of the fabric of your life here for a for the Fourth of July. But I didn’t want to very long time. leave China without first reflecting on the For years, Hong Kong people have en- trip and giving you a chance to ask some joyed the right to organize public demonstra- questions. tions, due process under law, 43 newspapers Let me begin, however, by thanking the and 700 periodicals, giving life to the prin- people who came with me, who worked so ciple of government accountability, debate, hard on this trip: Secretary Albright, Sec- free and open. All this must continue. The retary Rubin, Charlene Barshefsky, Secretary world was impressed by the record turnout Daley, Secretary Glickman, Janet Yellen, for your May elections. The results were a Mark Gearan. I’d like to say a special word mandate for more democracy, not less, and of thanks to all the members of the White faster, not slower strides toward political House staff who worked so hard to prepare freedom. I look forward to the day when all me for this trip, along with the Cabinet Sec- of the people of Hong Kong realize the rights retaries. I want to thank the congressional and responsibilities of full democracy. delegation: Senator Akaka, Senator Rocke- I think we should all pledge, each in our feller, Senator Baucus, Congressman Hamil- own way, to build that kind of future, a future ton, Congressman Dingell, and Congressman where we build people up, not tear our Markey, and also the staff of the Embassy neighbors down; a future where we order our and the consulates. affairs in a legal, predictable, open way; a Over the past week, we have seen the glory future where we try to tap the potential and of China’s past in Xi’an, the vibrancy of its recognize the authority of each individual. present in Beijing, the promise of its future I’m told that this magnificent convention in Shanghai and Hong Kong. I don’t think center was built in the shape of a soaring anyone who was on this trip could fail to ap- bird on a patch of land reclaimed from the preciate the remarkable transformation that sea. It’s an inspiring symbol of the possibili- is underway in China as well as the distance ties of Hong Kong, of all of Asia, and of our still to be traveled. relationship with Asia. Just a couple of days I visited a village that chooses its own lead- ago, Hong Kong celebrated its first anniver- ers in free elections. I saw cell phones and sary of reversion to China. I am going home computers carrying ideas, information, and for America’s 222d anniversary tomorrow. images around the world. I had the oppor- May the future of this special place, of tunity to talk directly to the Chinese people China, of the relationship between the through national television about why we United States and China and Asia, soar like value human rights and individual freedom the bird that gave life to this building. so highly. I joined more than 2,000 people Thank you very much. in worship in a Beijing church. I spoke to NOTE: The President spoke at 10:42 a.m. in the the next generation of China’s leaders at Bei- Hong Kong Convention Center. In his remarks, jing University, to people working for change he referred to Jeff Muir, chairman, American in law, academia, business, and the arts, to

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average Chinese during a radio call-in show. President’s Trip to China I saw the explosion of skyscrapers and one Q. Mr. President, from your staff to Presi- of the world’s most modern stock exchanges dent Jiang Zemin, this trip has been hailed in Shanghai. I met with environmentalists in as a success. But we are leaving here with Guilin to talk about the challenge China faces one symbolic agreement. I wonder if you in developing its economy while improving could explain to us what exactly or how ex- its environment. And here in Hong Kong we actly you will show your critics back in Con- end the trip where I hope China’s future be- gress that you did meet your expectations on gins, a place where free expression and free this trip. Thank you. markets flourish under the rule of law. The President. Well, on the substance, I Clearly, China is changing, but there re- think we have reinforced our common com- main powerful forces resisting change, as evi- mitment to regional security, which is terribly denced by continuing governmental restric- important given the progress I believe can tions on free speech, assembly, and freedom be made in the next several months, in the of worship. One of the questions I have tried next couple of years in Korea, and the job to frame on this trip for the future is how we have to do in South Asia with India and do we deal with these issues in a way most Pakistan. We made substantial progress in likely to promote progress? The answer I nonproliferation, not only in detargeting but think is clear: dealing directly, forcefully, but in other areas as well. We got a significant respectfully with the Chinese about our val- commitment from the Chinese to take an- ues. other step toward full participation in the Over the past week, I have engaged not Missile Technology Control Regime. We had only the leadership but the Chinese people an agreement on the rule of law which I be- about our experience and about the fact that lieve practically—these rule of law issues I democracy is a universal aspiration, about my think will practically do an enormous amount conviction that in the 21st century democracy to change the lives of ordinary Chinese citi- also will be the right course practically as well zens, not only in regularizing commercial as morally, yielding more stability and more dealings but in helping them with other daily progress. problems that impinge on freedom if they’re At the same time, expanding our areas of not fairly and fully resolved. cooperation with China advances our inter- I’m pleased by the science and technology ests: stability in Asia, nonproliferation, the initiative that we signed, which has already rule of law, science and technology, fighting produced significant benefits for both our international crime and drugs, and protecting people. I’m very pleased that we now have the environment. The relationship between a Peace Corps agreement with China. And our two countries is terribly important. The I think we have really broken some ground hard work we’ve accomplished has put that in cooperation on the environment. And relationship on a much more positive and again I say that I think China and the United productive footing. That is good for America, States will both have heavy responsibilities good for China, good for Asia, good for the to our own people and to the rest of the world. world in this area. Now I look forward to returning home and I believe that the fact that we debated pressing for progress on a number of fronts: openly these matters at the press conference passing a balanced budget that makes the in- of our disagreements is quite important, as vestments in education and research we need well. And I might say that a lot of the democ- for the 21st century; expanding health care racy activists from Hong Kong said that they and providing a Patients’ Bill of Rights; pur- felt that in some ways the fact that we had suing campaign finance reform; protecting this public discussion, the President of China our children from the dangers of tobacco. and I, in the press conference might have Now I’d be happy to take your questions, a bigger impact over the long run on the and I’d like to begin with Mr. Bazinet. [Ken- human rights picture than anything else that neth Bazinet, United Press International] happened here.

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I have acknowledged in candor that we lenges we face as examples of that. So I think have not made as much progress on some that our interests are clear, and I think we’re of the trade issues as I had hoped, but I also well on the way toward expanding areas of now have a much clearer understanding of cooperation and defining and honestly and the Chinese perspective. I think they want openly dealing with areas of differences that to be in the WTO; I think they want to as- are the essential elements of that kind of sume the responsibilities of opening their partnership. markets and taking down barriers and allow- Mr. McQuillan. [Larry McQuillan, Reu- ing more investment. But I think, under- ters] standably, since they are also committed to privatizing state-owned industries, they have 1996 Campaign Fundraising and China big chunks of unemployment for which they Q. Mr. President, during your news con- have to create big chunks of employment. ference with President Jiang, he mentioned And they want to have a timing for WTO that you raised campaign fundraising with membership that will permit them to con- him. And I wonder if you could share with tinue to absorb into the workforce people us just what ideas you expressed to him. And that are displaced from the state industries. also, since he said that the Chinese con- So I have an idea now about how we may ducted an investigation and that they found be able to go back home, put our heads to- the charges were totally absurd, did you sug- gether, and come up with another proposal gest that he might want to cooperate with or two that will enable us to push forward Justice Department and also congressional our trade agenda with the Chinese. So in all investigations? those areas, I think that we made substantial, The President. Let me say, he is inter- substantive progress. ested in a very—in what I might call a narrow Mr. Hunt. [Terence Hunt, Associated question here, but a very important one, and Press] in my mind, the most important one of all. The question here—the question that was Strategic Partnership With China raised that was most troubling was whether Q. Mr. President, have you and President people at high levels in the Government of Jiang Zemin achieved the constructive strate- China had either sanctioned or participated gic partnership that you’ve talked about? in the channeling of funds in violation of What do you mean by that term, and how American law not only into the Presidential can you have that kind of a relationship with campaign but into a number of congressional a country that you say unfairly restricts Amer- campaigns. That charge has been made. He ican businesses? said they looked into that, and he was, obvi- The President. For one thing, I don’t ously, certain, and I do believe him, that he think it’s the only country in the world where had not ordered or authorized or approved we don’t have complete fair access to the such a thing, and that he could find no evi- markets. We still have trade differences with dence that anybody in governmental author- Japan, which is a very close ally of ours, and ity had done that. a number of other countries. So we don’t He said that he could not speak to whether have—we can have a strategic partnership any people pursuing their own business in- with a country with whom we do not have terests had done that. He didn’t say that it a perfect relationship. happened or he knew that it happened. I I think that—first of all, let me remind you want to make it clear. He just said that his about what our interests are. We have pro- concern was on the governmental side. found interest in a stable Asia that is pro- And I told him that that was the thing that gressing. We have a profound interest in a we had to have an answer to, and that I ap- partnership with the world’s largest country preciated that, and that if he were—if the in areas where we can’t solve problems with- Government of China were contacted by any out than kind of partnership, and I cite people doing their appropriate work, I would Korea, the Indian subcontinent, the Asian fi- appreciate their telling them whatever they nancial crisis, and the environmental chal- could tell them to help them to resolve that

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to their satisfaction, because I do think that Forced Abortions in China is the really important issue. Q. Mr. President, in the days leading up Mr. Pelley. [Scott Pelley, CBS News] to your visit there was very dramatic testi- mony in the U.S. Congress about forced Human Rights and Democracy in China abortions—allegations, reports that there were forced abortions still continuing in Q. Thank you, Mr. President. Many de- China. Did you specifically raise the issue of mocracy advocates were encouraged by your forced abortions with President Jiang Zemin? trip to China and, in fact, Bao Tong granted And if you did, what did he say to you about an interview to test the limits of Chinese tol- this allegation? erance. But sir, why did you find it impos- The President. Well, they all say the same sible to meet with the democracy advocates thing. They say that is not Chinese policy, in Beijing, where it would have had the most that it violates Chinese policy. My view is impact? And would you feel compelled to that if these reports are accurate, there may intervene personally if Bao Tong is arrested be insufficient monitoring of what’s being after you leave? done beyond the Capital and beyond the The President. Well, I have continued— place where the orders are being handed out first, let me answer the second question first. to the place where the policy is being imple- I have continued to raise individual cases and mented. will continue to do so with the Chinese Gov- And so I hope by our presence here and ernment and with the President. I would very our concern about this, which, I might add much like to see China reassess its position was—this issue was first raised most force- on categories of arrestees as well. And let fully, a couple of years ago by the First Lady me just mention, for example, they’re prob- when she came to Beijing to speak at the ably 150 people who are still incarcerated as Women’s Conference. I’m very hopeful that a result of the events in Tiananmen Square we will see some progress on this and that who were convicted of nonviolent offenses. those who are making such reports will be There are also several people still incarcer- able to tell us over the coming weeks and ated for a crime that is no longer a crime, months that there has been some real that the Chinese themselves have said, ‘‘We progress. no longer want to, in effect, pursue people Q. But did you raise it with President who have committed certain offenses against Jiang? the state under—which were basically a ru- The President. We talked about it briefly. bric for political dissidents.’’ I suggested that But they all say the same thing, Mr. Blitzer. they look at that. So in all that, I will continue They all say that this is not policy, that they’ve to be active. tried to make it clear. And I have tried to make it clear that it’s something that we feel On your first question, I did my best to very, very strongly about. But as I said, I be- meet with people who represented all ele- lieve that if, in fact, the policy is being imple- ments of Chinese society and to do whatever mented in a way that is different from what I could to encourage democratic change. The is the stated policy in Beijing, we may get decisions I made on this trip—as I remind some reports of improvements in the weeks you, the first trip by an American President and months ahead, and I hope we will. in a decade—about with whom to meet and Mr. Donaldson. [Sam Donaldson, ABC how to handle it were basically designed— News] were based on my best judgment about what would be most effective in expanding human Kosovo rights. And we’ll have to—I think, at this mo- Q. Mr. President, while you’ve been in ment, it looks like the decisions I made were China, the ethnic cleansing in Kosovo ap- correct, and we’ll have to see over the course pears to be continuing. You and the Secretary of time whether that is accurate or not. of State have both talked very firmly to Presi- Mr. Blitzer. [Wolf Blitzer, Cable News dent Milosevic about stopping, and it is not Network] stopping. Is there a point at which you’re

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going to move, or is, in fact, this a bluff which do I believe there can be, I believe there he’s successfully calling? will be. The President. No, I don’t think that’s ac- Now, I believe that, again—on your first curate. But the situation—let me say, first question, I think I have to do what I think of all, I still believe the situation is serious. is most effective. And obviously, I hope there I still believe, as a practical matter, the only will be further releases. As I said, I would way it will ultimately be resolved is if the like to see not only targeted, selected high- parties get together and resolve it through profile individual releases, which are very im- some negotiation and dialog. I think that the portant, but I think that the next big step Serb—excuse me, the—I think that Belgrade would be for China to look at whether there is primarily responsible here. But I think that could be some expedited process to review others, when they’re having a good day or the sentences of whole categories of people, a good week on the military front, may also because that would tend to show a change be reluctant to actually engage in dialog. So in policy rather than just the product of nego- I think this is something that all parties are tiation with the Americans. going to have to deal with. In all fairness, while I very much value the Now, I have, since I have been on this role that I and our country have been able trip, checked in almost daily on the Kosovo to play here, the best thing for China will situation and continue to support strongly be when no outside country is needed to ad- with our allies continuing NATO planning vance the cause of human rights and democ- and a clear and unambiguous statement that racy. we have not, nor should we, rule out any Go ahead, Mr.—[inaudible]. options. And I hope that is still the position of our European allies. Taiwan and President’s Previous Views Q. While NATO is planning, people are on China dying every day. Q. Mr. President, the U.S. policy pushed The President. They are, Mr. Donaldson, for a negotiated reconciliation between the but there is—the conflict is going on; both People’s Republic and Taiwan. But some in sides are involved in it. There is some uncer- Taiwan believe that by endorsing the ‘‘three tainty about who is willing and who is not no’s,’’ your administration has taken away willing to even negotiate about it. And we’re some of the bargaining power that they working on it as best we can. would need in a negotiation. Did that con- Mr. Bloom. [David Bloom, NBC News] cern you? And can you tell us why you thought it was important to publicly articu- Human Rights and Democracy in China late the ‘‘three no’s’’ policy, when people in Q. Mr. President, if this trip is followed Taiwan were saying this would make it more in the days or weeks to come by the piece- difficult? meal release of a few Chinese dissidents, And also, if you’ll forgive me, just a quick would you consider that a success? And why two-parter—as you look back at the ups and not set a deadline for China to release all downs of your China policy over the past 6 of its political prisoners? And, if I may, sir, years, have you ever had occasion to regret you spoke a minute ago about the powerful the very tough and sometimes personal forces resisting change in China. Do you be- words you had on the subject for George lieve there could ever be democracy here? Bush in 1992? The President. Oh, yes. The answer to The President. Let me answer the Taiwan the second question is yes. I believe there question first. First, I think there may be dif- can be, and I believe there will be. And what ference of opinion in Taiwan. Yesterday the I would like to see is the present Govern- Taiwanese leader, Mr. Li, said that the ment, headed by this President and this Pre- United States had kept its commitments not mier, who are clearly committed to reform, to damage Taiwan or its interests in any way ride the wave of change and take China fully here. I publicly stated that, because I was into the 21st century and basically dismantle asked questions in public about Taiwan, and the resistance to it. I believe there—not only I thought it was an appropriate thing to do

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under the circumstances. But I did not an- Mr. Maer. nounce any change in policy. In fact, the question of independence for Taiwan, for ex- Human Rights in China ample, has been American policy for a very long time and has been a policy that has been Q. Mr. President, during your trip, at least embraced by the Government in Taiwan, in the first cities you visited, we saw a sort itself. of ‘‘catch and release’’ program of human So I believe that I did the right thing there rights dissidents. And of course, thousands to simply clarify to both sides that there had of others are still in prison in labor camps. been no change in our policy. The substance Since you did not meet with them, sir, what of the policy is obviously something that the would your message be to those who wanted Chinese Government agrees with. I think to meet with you? And to follow up on your what the Taiwan Government wants to hear response to an earlier question, why is it that is that we favor the cross-strait dialog, and you feel that it would not help their cause we think it has to be done peacefully and to have sat down and met with some of them? in orderly fashion. That is, I believe, still the The President. Because I believe over the intention and the commitment of the Chi- long run what you want is a change in the nese Government. policy and the attitude of the Chinese Gov- So I didn’t intend, and I don’t believe I ernment on whole, not just on this, that, or did, change the substance of our position in the other specific imprisoned dissident or any way by anything that I said. I certainly threatened dissident, although those things didn’t try to do that. are very important. I don’t want to minimize Mr. Maer. [Peter Maer, NBC Mutual that. I’m glad Wei Jingsheng is out of jail. Radio] I’m glad the bishop is out of jail. I’m glad Q. And about what you said—— Wang Dan is out of jail. I think these things The President. Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot. are important. Well, let me go back and try to retrace the But what I am trying to do is to argue steps there. I think that at the time—you may to the Chinese Government that not because have a better record of exactly what was said we’re pressuring them publicly, but because and what wasn’t—I felt very strongly that the it is the right thing to do—the right thing United States should be clear and unambig- to do—that the whole policy should be uous in our condemnation about what hap- changed. And after all, our relationships have pened 9 years ago, at the time. And that then been characterized, I think, by significant we needed to have a clear road going forward misunderstanding, including the misunder- which would attempt to—not to isolate the standing of the Chinese of our motive in rais- Chinese but would attempt to be very strong ing these issues. about how we felt about what happened and And so I felt that by going directly to en- would, in essence, broaden the nature of our gage the Chinese, starting with the President, policy. and especially taking advantage of the oppor- What I felt was that in a genuine concern tunity to have this free and open debate be- to maintain a constructive relationship with fore all the Chinese people, I could be more China, for security reasons and for economic in the short and in the long run to advance reasons, that we didn’t have high enough visi- the cause of human rights. bility for the human rights issue. I believed Q. The other part of the question is, is that then; I still believe that. I think any there some message to these individuals that President would say that once you’ve served you’d like to send them? in this job you understand a little bit more The President. My message is that the the nuances of all policies than you did be- United States is on your side, and we did fore you get it. But I believe, on balance, our best. We’re on the side of free speech. that we have a stronger human rights compo- We’re on the side of not putting people who nent to our engagement strategy than was dissent in prison. We’re on the side of letting the case before, and I think that is quite im- people who only dissented and exercised portant. their free speech out of prison, and that we

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believe that this new, heretofore unprece- I think it would be tragic indeed if either dented open debate about this matter will side felt so aggrieved by the ultimate resolu- lead to advances. We think that it’s going to tion of the marching issue, that they lost the take a lot of discipline and a lot of effort, bigger picture in the moment. I think that but we believe that this strategy is the one is something that must not happen. most likely to advance the cause of free Obviously, I feel personally horrible about speech and free association and free expres- what has happened to the churches. In our sion of religious conviction, as well. country we had this round of church burn- ings in the last few years. And during the Northern Ireland Peace Process civil rights days, we had a number of bomb- Q. A question from the Irish Times. I un- ings of black churches, which really reflected derstand, Mr. President, that you have been the darkest impulses of some of our people following events in Northern Ireland very at their worst moments. And I would just closely during your trip and that you tele- plead to whoever was responsible for this for phoned party leaders from Air Force One whatever reason, you need to take the yesterday, and you spoke to them about the churches off the list, and you need to take prospect of serious violence this weekend— violence off the list. [inaudible]. Could I ask you, what would you say to those on the opposite side of the dis- Japanese Economy pute at this time, and also about the burning Q. Mr. President, this morning you men- of 10 Catholic churches in Northern Ireland? tioned the new package of Japanese banking And could I ask you, too, is there any pros- reforms and said you welcomed them. Do pect of you visiting Ireland this year, now you believe that those reforms and other do- that the Northern Ireland elections are be- mestic financial measures will be sufficient hind us? to stem the slide of the yen and prevent the The President. Well, yes, I did call Mr. Japanese economy from going deeper into Trimble and Mr. Hume to congratulate them recession, perhaps spreading fear in China on the respective performances of their par- and elsewhere in the region and to the ties, and the leadership position that—this United States? was right before the elections—I mean, the The President. Well, the Japanese econ- election for leadership—but that we had as- omy has been at a period of slow to no growth sumed Mr. Trimble would be elected and for a period of years now. And if you look that either Mr. Hume or the nominee of his at the dislocation here in Hong Kong, for party, which turned out to be Mr. Mallon, example, you see what regional ramifications would be selected as the First Deputy. And that has as Japan slows down; then you have I wanted to talk to them about what the the problems in Indonesia and Korea and United States could do to continue to sup- Thailand and elsewhere. port this process and, in particular, whether I will reiterate: I think that the Chinese there was anything that could be done to dif- have done a good thing by maintaining the fuse the tension surrounding the marching stability of their currency and not engaging season and, especially, the Drumcree march. in competitive devaluations. I hope they will And we had very good, long talks. They continue to do that. But I don’t think anyone said they needed to get the leadership elec- seriously believes that the financial situation tions out of the way. They wanted to consult in Asia can get better and that, therefore, with Prime Minister Blair, who’s been up we can resume global growth in a way that there, and with Prime Minister Ahern, and won’t have a destructive impact on the that we would agree to be in, more or less, United States and other countries unless daily contact in the days running up to the Japan can grow again. We all have a vested marching date in the hope that that could interest in that, as well as our best wishes be done. for the people of Japan. I think it’s very important that the people Now, I’m encouraged by the fact that the of Ireland give this new Assembly a chance Prime Minister announced this program and to work—people of Northern Ireland. And announced it several days before he had

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originally intended to. And I think what the you could give us your assessment of him markets are waiting for now is some action not only as a strategic partner but as a leader and a sense that if it turns out that the imple- and as an agent for change in China. mentation of this program is not enough, that The President. Well, first of all, I have more will be done. a very high regard for his abilities. I remem- It is not rational, in my view, to believe ber not so many years ago, there was a— that the Japanese economy is meant to con- the conventional wisdom was that he might tract further. This is an enormously powerful, be a transitional figure. And after I met with free country, full of brilliant people and suc- him the first time, I felt very strongly that cessful businesses and staggering potential. his chances of becoming the leader of China And this is almost like a historical anomaly. for a sustained period were quite good, be- Now, we know generally what the elements cause he’s a man of extraordinary intellect, of the program are. But what I hope very very high energy, a lot of vigor for his age much is that as soon as these elections are or indeed for any age. And I think he has over, there will be a strong sense of deter- a quality that is profoundly important at this mination and confidence not only on the part moment in our history when there’s so much of the Japanese Government but the Japa- change going on. He has a good imagination. nese people, and that the rest of us will do He has vision; he can visualize; he can imag- whatever it is we have to do to support their ine a future that is different from the present. doing whatever they have to do to get this And he has, I think, a very able partner turned around. But we have a huge stake in in Premier Zhu Rongji, who has enormous getting Japanese growth going, and I think technical competence and almost legendary that it can be done because of the fundamen- distaste for stalling and bureaucracy and just tal strengths of the Japanese people and their staying in the same path the way—even if economy. But I think that it’s going to take it’s not working. So my view is that the poten- some real concerted action. And if the first tial we have for a strategic partnership is steps don’t work, then you just have to keep quite strong. doing more. You just have to keep working However, I think that like everyone else, through this until it’s turned around. he has constituencies with which he must It’s not a situation like the Depression in work. And I hope that more of them are now the United States in the thirties, which took, more convinced that we can build a good, literally, years and years and years to work positive partnership as a result of this trip. out of, because we had fallen so much below I hope more of them understand that Amer- anything that they’re facing now. And we ica wishes China well, that we are not bent didn’t have anything like the sophisticated on containing China, and that our human understanding or the sophisticated economy rights policy is not an excuse for some larger or capacity in the thirties that they have now. strategic motive. It’s what we really believe. So I think we can get through this in a We believe it’s morally right, and we believe reasonable amount of time, but the rest of it’s best for them, as a practical matter, over us, including the United States and China, the long run. need to have both good wishes and deter- So I believe that there’s a very good chance mination for Japan and just understand that, that China has the right leadership at the however, there’s a limit to what we can do right time, and that they understand the until they do the things that they have to daunting, massive nature of the challenges do. But I think after this election, you may they face. They want us to understand that see a little more moment there. there is much more personal freedom now, Mr. Walsh. [Ken Walsh, U.S. News & in a practical sense, for most Chinese than World Report] there was when President Nixon came here or 10 years ago. But I think they understand President Jiang Zemin of China that this is an unfolding process, and they Q. Mr. President, you spent considerable have to keep going. And I hope that we can time with President Jiang Zemin this week be a positive force there. both in public and in private. I wonder if Yes, go ahead.

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Q. Following up on that, do you consider tung was alive and you were letting a thou- that the three televised appearances were in sand flowers bloom, and all of a sudden there part a personal expression of gratitude from was a reaction—you know—and there was President Jiang to you? the Cultural Revolution and then there was The President. I don’t know about that. the reaction, and we liked the reaction of I think that it might have been—I think it that. Then there was Tiananmen Square. was a personal expression of confidence in If you want to avoid these wild swings the good will that we have established to where society is like a pressure cooker that build the right kind of relationship. But more blows the top off, then there has to be some importantly, I think it was a personal expres- institutional way in which people who have sion of confidence that he could stand there honest grievances—even if they’re not and answer questions before the people of right—not all the critics will always be right China that might come not only from Chi- all the time, just like the government, the nese press but from ours as well. officials won’t always be right all the time— So I wouldn’t say gratitude; I think con- but if there is a normalized way in which fidence is the right answer. But I can tell you, every place I went after that—you know, people can express their dissent, that gives when I came down to Shanghai or when I you a process that then has the integrity to flew over to Hong Kong, lots and lots of peo- carry you on more of a straight line to the ple I met with mentioned it to me, that it future, instead of swinging back and forth all really meant something, that it changed the the time. It is—the very ability to speak your whole texture of what had happened. And mind, even if you think you can’t prevail, is I think that we did the right thing. And I’m in itself empowering. certain that he did the right thing. And so, one of the things that I hope is Go ahead. that—the Chinese leaders, I’ve always been impressed, have an enormous sense of his- Democracy in China tory, and they’re always looking for parallels Q. Ambassador Sasser said earlier this and for differences. It’s a wise thing. Our week that he believe that communism in people need to understand more of our own China will end. You just said now that de- history and how it may or may not relate to mocracy will come to China. What is the time the moment and to the future. And if you frame for that? Will it happen in your life- think about—one of the things that, if I were time? trying to manage this huge transition—and The President. I certainly hope so. I’ll just give you, parenthetically, one thing,— [Laughter] That’s like saying—I don’t mean the Mayor of Shanghai told me that in just to trivialize the question, but let me give the last couple of years 1.2 million people you—do I believe a woman will be elected had been displaced from state industries in President of the United States? I do. Do I Shanghai, and over one million had already think it will be a good thing? I do. Do I know found other jobs. That’s just in one area of when it will happen? I don’t. Who will make the country. If you’re trying to manage that the decision? The American people. sort of transition, one of the things that I As I said, I believe that leaders of vision would be looking for is how I could keep and imagination and courage will find a way to put China on the right side of history and this thing going down the track in the right keep it there. And I believe that even as— direction and not have wild swings and not when people are going through changes, they be confronted with a situation which would may not believe that this is as morally right then be unmanageable. as we do. But I think they will also be able So that’s what I hope has happened and to see that it is in their interest to do this, where I hope we’ll go. that their country will be stronger, that when Mr. Knoller [Mark Knoller, CBS Radio], people have—if you look at just the last 50 I’ll take your question and then I’ll go. You years of history in China, and if you look at guys may want to shop some more. [Laugh- the swings back and forth, when Mao Tse- ter]

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Policy of Constructive Engagement would like the see—nothing would please me Q. Mr. President, if constructive engage- more than to see some rapprochement be- ment is the right policy in your view for deal- tween the people of our two countries, espe- ing with China, why isn’t it an appropriate cially because of the strong Cuban-American policy for dealing with other countries, say, population in our Nation. Cuba? Thank you very much. The President. That’s not the question I NOTE: The President’s 162d news conference thought you were going to ask—[laughter]— began at 5:23 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the I mean, the example I thought you were Grand Hyatt Hotel. In his remarks, he referred going to give. I think each of these has to to Premier Zhu Rongji of China; President Li be taken on its own facts. In the case of Cuba, Teng-hui of Taiwan; freed Chinese dissidents Wei we actually have tried—I would remind Jingsheng, Bishop Zeng Jingmu, and Wang Dan; you—we have tried in good faith on more David Trimble of the Ulster Unionist Party and than one occasion to engage Cuba in a way John Hume and Seamus Mallon of the Social that would develop the kind of reciprocal Democratic and Labor Party of Ireland; Prime movement that we see in China. Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom; Under the Cuban Democracy Act, which Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland; Prime was passed by the Congress in 1992 and Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of Japan; and Mayor Xu Kuangdi of Shanghai, China. signed by President Bush, but which I strongly supported during the election sea- son, we were given a clear roadmap of bal- Memorandum on the Joint Institute anced actions that we could take and that for Food Safety Research Cuba could take. And we were, I thought, July 3, 1998 making progress with that map until the— people, including American citizens, were Memorandum for the Secretary of Health unlawfully shot out of the sky and killed. That and Human Services and the Secretary of led to the passage of the Helms-Burton law. Agriculture And even after that, after the Pope went to Cuba, I took some further actions, just Subject: Joint Institute for Food Safety about everything I’m empowered to take Research under the Helms-Burton law, to again in- Americans enjoy the most bountiful and crease people-to-people contacts in Cuba, to safe food supply in the world. My Adminis- empower the church more with our support tration has made substantial improvements as an instrument of civil society, and to send in the food safety system, from modernizing a signal that I did not want the United States meat, seafood, and poultry inspections to cre- to be estranged from the people of Cuba for- ating a high-tech early warning system to de- ever. tect and control outbreaks of foodborne ill- I do believe that we have some more op- ness. tions, and I think Cuba is a case where, be- Our success has been built on two guiding cause it’s close to home and because of the principles: (1) engaging all concerned parties position we occupy in the region, our policy including consumers, farmers, industry, and has a greater chance of success. But even academia, in an open and far-ranging dia- there, you see, whatever policy you pursue, logue about improving food safety; and (2) you have to be prepared to have a little pa- grounding our efforts in the best science tience and work with it and hope that it will available. We have made progress, but more work out in the long run. can be done to prevent the many foodborne But nothing would please me more than illnesses that still occur in our country. to get some clear signal that Cuba was willing As we look to the future of food safety, to be more open and more free and more science and technology will play an increas- democratic and work toward a common fu- ingly central role. An expanded food safety ture and join the whole rest of the hemi- research agenda is essential to continued im- sphere. You know, in our hemisphere every provements in the safety of America’s food. country but Cuba is a democracy, and I We need new tools to detect more quickly

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dangerous pathogens, like E. coli O157:H7 lic health, and on consumers, producers, in- and campylobacter, and we need better dustry, and academia. The Institute should interventions that reduce the risk of contami- make special efforts to build on efforts of the nation during food production. private sector, through the use of public-pri- Food safety research is a critical piece of vate partnerships or other appropriate mech- my Fiscal Year 1999 food safety initiative; anisms. and I have urged the Congress to revise the These steps, taken together and in coordi- appropriations bills it currently is considering nation with our pending legislation, will en- to provide full funding for this initiative. I sure to the fullest extent possible the safety also have urged the Congress to pass two crit- of food for all of America’s families. ical pieces of legislation to bring our food William J. Clinton safety system into the 21st century: (1) legis- lation ensuring that the Food and Drug Ad- NOTE: This memorandum was made available by ministration halts imports of fruits, vegeta- the Office of the Press Secretary on July 3 but bles, and other food products that come from was embargoed for release until 10:06 a.m., countries that do not meet U.S. food safety July 4. requirements or that do not provide the same level of protection as is required for U.S. The President’s Radio Address products; and (2) legislation giving the De- July 4, 1998 partment of Agriculture the authority to im- pose civil penalties for violations of meat and Good morning, I’ve just returned from my poultry regulations and to issue mandatory trip to China, a great and ancient nation that recalls to remove unsafe meat and poultry is undergoing historic change—change I from the marketplace. could see in new private businesses that are At the same time, we need to make every helping China’s economy to grow, in people effort to maximize our current resources and free for the first time to work in jobs of their authorities. One very important way to own choosing, and in Chinese villages in the achieve this objective is to improve and co- first free elections of local leaders. ordinate food safety research activities across I was able to speak directly, not only to the Federal Government, with State and President Jiang and the leaders of the Chi- local governments, and the private sector. nese Government but to the Chinese people Solid research can and will help us to identify themselves about the partnership we hope foodborne hazards more rapidly and accu- to build with China for peace and prosperity rately, and to develop more effective inter- and about the importance of freedom and vention mechanisms to prevent food con- what it means to us in America. At this par- tamination. ticular moment in history, when for the first I therefore direct you to report back to time a majority of the world’s people live me within 90 days on the creation of a Joint under governments of their own choosing, Institute for Food Safety Research that will: and when in China the positive impacts of (1) develop a strategic plan for conducting greater openness and personal liberties are food safety research activities consistent with already apparent, I’m especially glad to be my Food Safety Initiative; and (2) efficiently home for Independence Day—the day we coordinate all Federal food safety research, celebrate the freedom our Founders de- including with the private sector and aca- clared 222 years ago this Fourth of July. demia. This Institute, which will operate And this Fourth of July, even as we cele- under your joint leadership, should cooper- brate, we should be not only grateful for the ate and consult with all interested parties, freedom we enjoy; we should rededicate our- including other Federal agencies and of- selves to the work of responsible citizenship. fices—particularly, the Environmental Pro- For example, on the Fourth of July, families tection Agency, the National Partnership for and friends come together all over America Reinventing Government, and the Office of at backyard barbecues and parks for picnics. Science and Technology Policy—State and As they enjoy their meals, I want to report local agencies focusing on research and pub- to you about what I’m doing to make sure

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the food and drinks we serve our families million food safety initiative. Among other this Independence Day and every day are important programs, this initiative will pay safe. for 225 new food and drug administrators, Our food supply is the most bountiful and inspectors, and employees—people who can the safest in the world, but we know we can keep unsafe food away from our borders, out do better. For nearly 6 years I’ve worked of our stores, and off our dining room tables. hard to put in place a modern food safety Congress should also give the FDA greater system for the 21st century. I signed into law authority to halt imports of fruits, vegetables, legislation to keep harmful pesticides off our and other food products that are produced fruits and vegetables. We put in place strong under safety conditions that simply do not protections to ensure that seafood is safe, and match our own strict standards. It should give we’re modernizing our meat and poultry the U.S. Department of Agriculture new au- safety system. thority to impose tough fines on businesses Last year we launched a nationwide early who violate those standards and to issue man- warning system to catch outbreaks of food- datory recalls of unsafe meat and poultry be- borne illnesses sooner and prevent them fore they reach our table; and it should con- from happening in the first place. But as firm a respected, experienced scientist, Dr. much as we’ve done, we know we have to Jane Henney, to lead our food safety efforts do more to keep our families safe and strong. as Commissioner of FDA. We know older people and children are espe- Food can never be made entirely safe; cially vulnerable to contaminated food. That therefore, every parent also has a responsibil- lesson was driven home tragically last year, ity—a responsibility to handle food carefully, when apple juice contaminated with a deadly especially during the summer. Meanwhile, strain of E. coli caused the death of a 16- we must do everything we can to protect the month-old child in Washington State and led food Americans eat and to give our families to the hospitalization of more than a dozen the peace of mind they deserve. That’s one other children. important way on this Fourth of July we can Today we’re taking two important steps to resolve to keep our Nation strong as we move ensure that our food supply is as safe as we into the 21st century. can make it. First, I am pleased to announce Happy Independence Day, Americans, a new rule that requires warning labels on and thanks for listening. all packaged juice that has not been pasteur- ized or processed to kill harmful bacteria. NOTE: The address was recorded at 7:18 a.m. on These warnings will help families make bet- July 3 in the Grand Hyatt Hotel Hong Kong SAR, ter decisions about the juice they buy, and China for broadcast at 10:06 a.m., e.d.t., on July they will help us to prevent thousands of 4. This transcript was made available by the Office of the Press Secretary on July 3 but was embar- Americans from becoming ill every year. goed for release until the broadcast. In his ad- Second, I’m directing the Department of dress, the President referred to President Jiang Health and Human Services and the Depart- Zemin of China, and Jane E. Henney, Food and ment of Agriculture to report back to me Drug Administration Commissioner-designate. within 90 days with a plan to create a new national institute for food safety research. This institute will join the resources of the Remarks on Medicare and the public and private sectors and bring together Legislative Agenda and an Exchange the talents of the most esteemed scientists With Reporters in the government, in universities, and in July 6, 1998 businesses to develop cutting edge tech- niques to keep our food safe. Good morning. I’m delighted to be here I’m doing what I can to protect our fami- with Secretary Shalala, Mr. Apfel, and Ron lies from contaminated food. Congress must Pollack to make an announcement today. Let also do its part to ensure the safety of Ameri- me first, by way of introduction, say, as all ca’s food supply. First and most important, of you know, the First Lady and I just re- it should fully fund my comprehensive $101 turned this weekend from our trip to China.

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It was a trip that advanced America’s inter- writing this chapter of our history. It can ests and values in a secure, stable, and in- choose partisanship, or it can choose creasingly open China by achieving solid progress. Congress must decide. progress in a number of areas and an honest, I stand ready to work with lawmakers of unprecedentedly open discussion with both good faith in both parties, as I have for 51⁄2 Chinese leaders and the Chinese people. years, to move our Nation forward. And I We’ve come back to America at a critical have a continuing obligation to act, to use time. We’re exactly halfway through the the authority of the presidency and the per- Major League Baseball season, but we’re al- suasive power of the podium to advance ready in the ninth inning of this congressional America’s interest at home and abroad. No- session. We have to use wisely the remaining where is that need greater than our mission 38 working days to make a season of progress. to provide quality health care for every With an economy the strongest in a gen- American, especially the elderly. eration and our social fabric strengthening, Last year’s bipartisan balanced budget it is, as I have said repeatedly, extremely tempting for all of us to kick back and soak agreement gave seniors and people with dis- in the good times. But that would be wrong. abilities new help to pay their Medicare pre- There are still enormous challenges and op- miums. This was the right thing to do. Yet portunities facing the United States on the a new study released today by Mr. Pollack’s edge of the 21st century. We must make this Families USA shows that over 3 million of a moment of opportunity, not missed oppor- the hardest-pressed Medicare beneficiaries tunity. still do not receive the help to which they First, we have to advance the economic are due. strategy that has brought so much oppor- I want to thank Ron Pollack for his con- tunity to so many Americans. In the coming tinuing excellent work for accessible and weeks, I will insist that the House join me quality care for all Americans, and for con- and the Senate in reserving the surplus until tinuing to point out the problems in achiev- we save Social Security first. We should fulfill ing that goal. our obligation to American’s children, with Today I am launching a national effort to smaller class sizes, modernized schools, high- educate every single Medicare recipient er standards, more Head Start opportunities, about this opportunity, using the mail, Medi- more reading help for third graders, more care and Social Security notices, case work- access to college. ers, field offices, working with State govern- We should strengthen the International ments, and using the Internet. Through this Monetary Fund because our prosperity de- effort, hundreds of thousands of older and pends upon the stability of our trading part- disabled low-income Americans will receive ners in Asia and around the world. We should more affordable health care without any new press forward with our reform of Govern- congressional action. This is a duty we owe ment by passing IRS reform to guard against our parents and our fellow citizens, and we abuses and extend taxpayers’ rights, and should honor it. It’s the right thing to do. through bipartisan campaign finance reform. And we must further strengthen families I want to thank Secretary Shalala and Mr. and communities across our country with a Apfel for working out the details of this out- juvenile crime bill that uses prosecutors and reach. We look forward to signing up people probation officers to crack down on gangs, and getting them on the Medicare rolls as guns, and drugs, and bars violent juveniles quickly as possible. from buying guns for life; with comprehen- This is a moment of opportunity. We have sive tobacco legislation; and with the Pa- to use it decisively. We can do so, and if we tients’ Bill of Rights that says critical medical do we will strengthen our Nation. Again I decisions can only be made by doctors, not say, we have to choose progress over par- insurance company accountants. tisanship. There is much to do in these remaining Thank you. 38 days. Congress has a choice to make in

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Fast-Track Trading Authority And my thoughts are with his family and Q. Speaker Gingrich said that he may his many friends, but today there will be a bring up fast-track legislation again this fall. lot of sad and grateful Americans, especially Are you planning an aggressive push for fast of my generation, because of his career. track this year? Thank you. The President. Well, I don’t know that NOTE: The President spoke at 10:45 a.m. in the anything has changed in terms of the votes. Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, I would like to see the Africa trade bill, which he referred to Ronald F. Pollack, vice president did pass the House, and the Caribbean Basin and executive director, Families USA; Roy Rog- Initiative, which I understand has been ers’ wife, actress Dale Evans; and actor George modified in the Senate, so it may pass, pass. (Gabby) Hayes. You know I’m strongly for fast track, but if there is no reason to believe we can pass it, it would be a mistake to keep the other initia- Letter to Congressional Leaders tives from passing which would do a great Reporting on the National deal of good for the United States and for Emergency With Respect to Libya the countries in our neighborhood and in Af- July 6, 1998 rica. Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) Health Maintenance Organizations I hereby report to the Congress on the de- Q. Mr. President, in 12 States big HMO’s velopments since my last report of January have dropped Medicaid coverage altogether. 13, 1998, concerning the national emergency In at least 12 states, major HMO’s have with respect to Libya that was declared in dropped Medicaid—— Executive Order 12543 of January 7, 1986. President Clinton. Yes, I read that story This report is submitted pursuant to section in the morning paper, and I was very con- 401(c) of the National Emergencies Act, 50 cerned about it. And before I came out here, U.S.C. 1641(c); section 204(c) of the Inter- I talked to Secretary Shalala about it. She national Emergency Economic Powers Act says that in some States, there is contrary (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. 1703(c); and section evidence, so I have asked her to look at all 505(c) of the International Security and De- 50 States, get all the facts, report back to velopment Cooperation Act of 1985, 22 me as soon as possible, and then we’ll let U.S.C. 2349aa–9(c). you know what we find out as quickly as we 1. On January 2, 1998, I renewed for an- can. It was a very disturbing story, but we other year the national emergency with re- want to get all the facts, and then we’ll make spect to Libya pursuant to IEEPA. This re- them available to you. newal extended the current comprehensive Thank you. financial and trade embargo against Libya in effect since 1986. Under these sanctions, vir- Death of Roy Rogers tually all trade with Libya is prohibited, and Q. Your thoughts on Roy Rogers? all assets owned or controlled by the Libyan President Clinton. I would like to say government in the United States or in the something about Roy Rogers because he was, possession or control of U.S. persons are as you know, most prominent in my child- blocked. hood. I think it was from the midforties to 2. There have been no amendments to the the midfifties when he was the number one Libyan Sanctions Regulations, 31 C.F.R. Part Western star. And like most people my age, 550 (the ‘‘Regulations’’), administered by the I grew up on Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of Trigger, and Gabby Hayes. I really appre- the Department of the Treasury, since my ciate what he stood for, the movies he made, last report of January 13, 1998. and the kind of values they embodied, and 3. During the reporting period, OFAC re- the good-natured spirit that he exhibited all viewed numerous applications for licenses to the way up until his last interviews, not so authorize transactions under the Regulations. very long ago. Consistent with OFAC’s ongoing scrutiny of

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banking transactions, the largest category of 7. The policies and actions of the Govern- license approvals (34) concerned requests by ment of Libya continue to pose an unusual non-Libyan persons or entities to unblock and extraordinary threat to the national secu- certain interdicted funds transfers. Three li- rity and foreign policy of the United States. censes authorized receipt of payment for the In adopting UNSCR 883 in November 1993, provision of legal services to the Government the United Nations Security Council deter- of Libya in connection with actions in U.S. mined that the continued failure of the Gov- courts in which the Government of Libya was ernment of Libya to demonstrate by concrete named as defendant and for other legal serv- actions its renunciation of terrorism, and in ices. One license authorizing certain travel particular its continued failure to respond transactions was issued. A total of 38 licenses fully and effectively to the requests and deci- were issued during the reporting period. sions of the Security Council in Resolutions 4. During the current 6-month period, 731 and 748, concerning the bombing of the OFAC continued to emphasize to the inter- Pan Am 103 and UTA 772 flights, constituted national banking community in the United a threat to international peace and security. States the importance of identifying and The United States will continue to coordinate blocking payments made by or on behalf of its comprehensive sanctions enforcement ef- Libya. OFAC worked closely with the banks forts with those of other U.N. member states. to assure the effectiveness of interdiction We remain determined to ensure that the software systems used to identify such pay- perpetrators of the terrorist acts against Pan ments. During the reporting period, more Am 103 and UTA 772 are brought to justice. than 140 transactions potentially involving The families of the victims in the murderous Libya, totaling more than $8.9 million, were Lockerbie bombing and other acts of Libyan terrorism deserve nothing less. I shall con- interdicted. tinue to exercise the powers at my disposal 5. Since my last report, OFAC has col- to apply economic sanctions against Libya lected 15 civil monetary penalties totaling fully and effectively, so long as those meas- nearly $280,000 for violations of the U.S. ures are appropriate, and will continue to re- sanctions against Libya. Fourteen of the vio- port periodically to the Congress on signifi- lations involved the failure of banks and U.S. cant developments as required by law. corporations to block payments or letters of Sincerely, credit transactions relating to Libyan-owned or -controlled financial institutions. One U.S. William J. Clinton individual paid an OFAC penalty for com- mercial exports to Libya. NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Various enforcement actions carried over and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. This from previous reporting periods have contin- letter was released by the Office of the Press Sec- ued to be pursued aggressively. Numerous retary on July 7. investigations are ongoing and new reports of violations are being scrutinized. 6. The expenses incurred by the Federal Remarks on Signing the Government in the 6-month period from Jan- Memorandum on Ensuring uary 7 through July 6, 1998, that are directly Compliance With the Health attributable to the exercise of powers and au- Insurance Portability and thorities conferred by the declaration of the Accountability Act Libyan national emergency are estimated at July 7, 1998 approximately $960,000. Personnel costs were largely centered in the Department of Thank you. Mr. Pomeroy, we’re delighted the Treasury (particularly in the Office of to have you here, along with your colleagues, Foreign Assets Control, the Office of the and we appreciate the work you do every day. General Counsel, and the U.S. Customs I want to thank all of those who are here Service), the Department of State, and the with me on this platform who are responsible Department of Commerce. for the action we’re taking today and the

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work we’ve done on health care. And, like tions that undermine these vital health care the Vice President, I’d like to say a special protections. If you violate the letter or the word of appreciation to Senator Kennedy. spirit of the Kassebaum-Kennedy law, we I honestly believe that when the history will, if necessary, terminate your contract to of the United States Congress in the 20th provide health insurance to Federal employ- century is written, there will be very few peo- ees. If you say no to people with pre-existing ple who have exercised as much positive in- conditions, the Federal Government will say fluence to benefit the American people, no to you. whether they were in the majority or the mi- I am very pleased that the National Asso- nority, as Senator Kennedy. And this is one ciation of Insurance Commissioners will join of the crowning achievements of his career, the Department of Health and Human Serv- and I’m very grateful to him for what he’s ices and the Office of Personnel Manage- done. ment in these efforts. As the primary enforc- I have done everything I knew to do to ers of the Kassebaum-Kennedy law, the State help our country move forward to expand commissioners play a crucial role, and I thank health care access and improve health care quality. Yesterday I announced an important them for their help. initiative to help more than 3 million senior Now it’s Congress’ turn also to get in- citizens get assistance in paying their Medi- volved. We must work together in the same care bills. I have called upon Congress to rise spirit of bipartisanship that produced the above partisanship and join me in ensuring Kassebaum-Kennedy law to enact an en- that the well-being of the patient will always forceable Patients’ Bill of Rights. All Ameri- be our health care system’s bottom line, cans deserve to know that the medical deci- whether or not the patient is in a managed sions they depend upon are being made by care plan or in traditional fee-for-service medical doctors and not insurance company medicine. And in a few moments, I intend accountants. All Americans have the right to to take action to strengthen the vital health know all their medical options and not just care protections of the Kennedy-Kassebaum the cheapest. All Americans should have the law. right to choose the specialists they want for It was nearly 2 years ago that I stood with the care they need. All Americans should many of the people in this room on the South have the right to emergency room care when- Lawn to proudly sign that bill into law. It ever and wherever they need it. Traditional was a remarkable achievement, the product care or managed care, all Americans deserve of extraordinary dedication by Senators quality care. Kassebaum Baker and Senator Kennedy and In February I took executive action to ex- others. It’s given millions of Americans the tend this Patients’ Bill of Rights to all the chance to change jobs without losing health 85 million Americans who get their health insurance even if they or someone in their insurance through the Federal Government. family has a so-called pre-existing condition. Now Congress must do so for every Amer- Unfortunately, reports have shown that ican. some health plans are paying no more than lip service to the requirements of the law, Today there are only 37 working days left delaying or denying coverage to eligible in this session of Congress, but that’s no ex- Americans. That is unacceptable. It is wrong. cuse for failing to act, and millions of Ameri- I will sign an Executive order at the con- cans are looking to us for the right kind of clusion of this event to give new teeth to the action. They want us to pass a strong, biparti- Kassebaum-Kennedy law and new peace of san Patients’ Bill of Rights. They want us to mind to Americans with pre-existing condi- put progress over partisanship. They want us tions. As the single largest buyer of private to leave our country stronger for the century health insurance, the Federal Government just ahead. I believe this action today helps speaks with a very loud voice. With that to achieve that goal, and I thank all of you voice, we now put health plans on notice. for your role in it. This administration has zero tolerance for ac- Thank you very much.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in the ance. The OPM oversees the Federal Em- Grand Foyer at the White House. In his remarks, ployees Health Benefit Program (FEHBP), he referred to Glenn Pomeroy, president, Na- the Nation’s largest employer-sponsored tional Association of Insurance Commissioners. health benefits program with 9 million en- The President also referred to Public Law 104– 191, the Health Insurance Portability and Ac- rollees and 350 participating health plans. countability Act of 1996, approved Aug. 21, 1996. Specifically, I direct the OPM to take all appropriate action—up to and including ter- mination of a participating health plan from Memorandum on Ensuring the FEHBP—if the OPM determines, con- Compliance With the Health sistent with HIPAA and implementing regu- Insurance Portability and lations, that a plan is engaging in insurance Accountability Act practices that are inconsistent with the letter July 7, 1998 and spirit of HIPAA. In order to be eligible to participate in the FEHBP, carriers subject Memorandum for the Secretary of Labor, the to HIPAA will have to certify to the OPM Secretary of Health and Human Services, the that they are providing access to health insur- Director of the Office of Personnel ance in compliance with HIPAA. Such action Management by the OPM will provide another enforce- Subject: Ensuring Compliance with the ment tool to the Federal Government with- Health Insurance Portability and out in any way altering or hindering any other Accountability Act of 1996 enforcement action by the HCFA or State insurance commissioners. Earlier this year, my Administration re- To help ensure that the OPM can take ceived a number of troubling reports that these important enforcement actions, I direct health insurers were circumventing insur- ance protections under the Health Insurance the HCFA to immediately send to the OPM Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 reports of violations by insurers or their rep- (HIPAA) by giving financial incentives to resentatives that preclude or inhibit access agents to avoid enrolling Americans with pre- to the insurance protections provided under existing conditions. In addition, we learned HIPAA. Any such referral to the OPM would that some agents were delaying the process- not alter the responsibility of States or the ing of applications submitted by qualified in- HCFA to utilize any and all enforcement dividuals in order to ensure that the applicant tools at their disposal to ensure HIPAA com- had a sufficient break in coverage to lose eli- pliance. gibility for HIPAA protections. Such actions Finally, I direct that the HHS and the De- clearly were and are inconsistent with the let- partment of Labor report to me, through the ter and spirit of HIPAA. Vice President, within 6 months on the suc- In February, I directed the Department cesses and shortcomings of HIPAA. This re- of Health and Human Services (HHS) to port should be produced after consultation take appropriate actions to encourage health with the States and the National Association insurers and their agents to stop all such of Insurance Commissioners and should in- harmful practices. The Health Care Financ- clude specific legislative or regulatory rec- ing Administration (HCFA) responded by ommendations to further strengthen this law. immediately releasing a strong guidance bul- My Administration has zero tolerance for letin on March 18 to every insurance com- any actions that hinder vulnerable Americans missioner in the Nation, advising them of our from accessing insurance, consistent with strong commitment to ensure compliance HIPAA’s protections. This directive is in- with HIPAA. tended to ensure that health plans come into Today, I am taking additional actions to compliance with this important statute so ensure that health plans comply with this law. that Americans are assured these insurance I direct the Office of Personnel Management protections. (OPM) to use its contractual relationship with health plans to improve HIPAA compli- William J. Clinton

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Statement on the Death of M.K.O. the Treasury Department is doing. Thank Abiola of Nigeria you, Secretary Riley, for the work you’ve July 7, 1998 done to have zero tolerance for guns in schools. Thank you, Attorney General Reno, I was deeply saddened to learn of the sud- for the steady work now we have done for den and untimely death of M.K.O. Abiola, 6 years to try to bring this issue to the Amer- a distinguished citizen and patriot of Nigeria. ican people. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his fam- I thank Senator Durbin, Senator Chafee, ily and to all of the people of Nigeria. and Senator Kohl, and a special word of Members of a U.S. delegation, led by thanks to Representative Carolyn McCarthy. Under Secretary of State Thomas Pickering, And to all the advocates out here, I welcome and Nigerian officials were with Chief Abiola you here, and I thank you, and especially to when he fell ill. They accompanied him to the law enforcement officers. the hospital with a physician and Govern- I think that this recent series of killings ment officials and witnessed physicians at the in our schools has seared the heart of Amer- State House clinic work to try to save Chief ica about as much as anything I can remem- Abiola. ber in a long, long time. I will always person- I have been encouraged by the efforts of ally remember receiving the news from the new head of state, General Abdulsalam Jonesboro because it’s a town I know well. Abubakar, to restore public confidence in the I know the local officials; I know the school Government of Nigeria and to take crucial officials. I’ve spent large numbers of days initial steps to embark on a credible transi- there. I’ve been in all the schools and an- tion to civilian democratic rule. I urge the swered the children’s questions. And once Government of Nigeria to continue and to you know a place like that, you can’t possibly expedite this transition and call upon all the imagine something like this occurring. people of Nigeria to contribute peacefully But it’s happened all over the country. I and constructively to build a brighter future was in Springfield, Oregon, as you know, in for their country. the last couple of weeks, meeting with the In this time of tragedy, I wish to reaffirm families there. I think every American has the longstanding friendship of the people of sent out prayers to Suzann and the other par- the United States for the people of Nigeria. ents and the other spouses and people who were so wounded by this. But in a fundamen- tal way, our entire Nation has been wounded Remarks on Efforts to Promote Gun by these troubled children with their guns. Safety and Responsibility As has already been said, these events have July 8, 1998 been even more difficult for us to understand because they’re occurring at a time when I would like to begin by thanking Suzann we’ve had the lowest crime rate in America Wilson for making the long trip up here from in 25 years and for the first time in a decade, Arkansas with her sister to be with us today, a steady drop in the juvenile crime rate. So so soon after that terrible tragedy. Most peo- we struggle for answers. We say, ‘‘Well, does ple wouldn’t feel like going out of the house, the popular culture have anything to do with much less coming all the way to Washington, this? Does good parenting have anything to and I think it is a real credit to her and to do with this?’’ And we know that probably her devotion to her daughter that she is here everything we consider has something to do today. with this. But no matter how you analyze this, I want to thank Colonel Mitchell and Lieu- it is clear that the combination of children tenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Town- and firearms is deadly. As parents, public of- send and, in his absence, Governor ficials, citizens, we simply cannot allow easy Glendening, for the pathbreaking work being access to weapons that kill. done in Maryland on this important issue. For 5 years now, our administration has I thank Secretary Rubin and Mr. Johnson worked to protect our children, and we are and Mr. Magaw for being here and the work making progress, as has been said. A great

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deal of the credit goes to farsighted leaders over there. The sign makes it plain for all at the city level and at the State level, people to see in simple, direct language, that it’s ille- like Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy gal to sell, deliver, or transfer a handgun to Townsend and Superintendent Mitchell and a minor, period. From now on, no customer Governor Glendening. or employee can avoid personal responsibility We’re well on our way toward putting by pleading ignorance of the law. 100,000 police on the street. About a quarter Responsibility at gun shops, of course, of a million people have not been able to must be matched by responsibility at home. buy guns in the first place because of the Suzanne talked movingly about that. Guns Brady law, because of their criminal back- are kept in the home for many purposes, ground or their mental health history. We from hunting to self-defense. That is every have banned several types of assault weapons family’s right, and as she said more elo- and have struggled to preserve the integrity quently than I, that is not in question. The of that law against a commercial assault from real question is every parent’s responsibility, importers. every adult’s responsibility to make sure that School security is tighter; antigang preven- unsupervised children cannot get a hold of tion is better; penalties are stronger. We pro- the guns. When guns are stored carelessly, moted discipline in schools with antitruancy children can find them, pick them up, court and curfew and school uniform policies, and danger. Most will put them back where they in various ways, they have worked mar- found them. Others, as we know now from velously in many communities. And we have hard experience, will touch the trigger by ac- a national policy now in all our schools of cident. A troubled few will take guns to zero tolerance for guns in schools. Over 6,000 school with violence in mind. students with guns were disarmed and sent Too many guns wielded in rage by trou- home last year, doubtless preventing even bled adolescents can be traced back to an more terrible acts of violence. irresponsible adult. As has been previously But it is not enough if children have access said, in Maryland now, and now in 14 other to guns. In Springfield, Oregon, the young States, parents have a legal responsibility to man in custody was sent home the day before keep guns locked and out of reach of young because he had a gun in the school. hands. That should be the law in all 50 States. So, yes, our laws must be strong, our en- There are 35 more that ought to follow Mary- forcement resolute. At home, parents must land’s lead. It should be the practice in every teach their children the difference between home. right and wrong and lead them away from There is also a proper Federal role in pre- violence. But recent events remind us that venting children’s access to firearms, and even if all this is done, it is still too easy for Congress should pass a tough, targeted child deadly weapons to wind up in the hands of access prevention law with new penalties to children—by intent or by accident—and punish the most egregious offenders. then to lead to tragedy by intent or by acci- I applaud Senators Chafee and Durbin for dent. their legislation starting us down the road to- We can’t shrug our shoulders and say, ward making this the law of the land. I thank ‘‘Well, accidents will happen,’’ or ‘‘Some kids Senator Kohl and Representative McCarthy are just beyond hope.’’ That is a copout. In- for their strong support. They are doing the stead, every one of us must step up to our right thing. And during the last days of this responsibility. That certainly includes gun legislative session, this is how we should owners, gun purchasers, and gun dealers. move forward, again I say, with progress, not Today we say to them, protecting children partisanship. is your responsibility too, and there are pen- There is much we must do in public life alties for the failure to fulfill it. to fulfill our obligation to our children. More In response to the directive I issued to than a year ago, we directed all Federal law Secretary Rubin in June of last year, all Fed- enforcement agencies to issue child safety eral gun dealers will now be required to issue locks to Federal officers so that their guns written warnings and post signs like that one could not be misused. A majority of our gun

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manufacturers have joined us voluntarily in versity’s School of Government; Elaine Chao, this effort, and that has been successful. I former head of United Way of America, now hope all other gun manufacturers will follow at the Heritage Foundation; and Sherman suit. Alexie, novelist, poet, and screenwriter. The real work, of course, must still be done Keep in mind, please, that whatever their in our homes, beyond law and policy to the affiliation and most importantly, their race, most basic values of respect, right and wrong, each is here as an individual speaking only conscience and community, and violence re- for him or herself. jected in favor of nonviolence and commu- Richard Rodriguez, what do you think is nication. Only parents can remedy what ails the single most important thing the President children in their heart of hearts. But the rest could do to improve race relations in this of us must do our part to help and must do country? our part to contain the potential for destruc- Mr. Rodriguez asserted his belief that race tive violence when things fail at home. [ issues in the country have become more com- So I say again, this is an issue that has plicated and that the national discussion ini- wounded every American in one way or the tiated under ‘‘One America: The President’s other. Of the four women standing to my Initiative on Race’’ and its Chair, John Hope right, three have lost members of their im- Franklin, has not kept pace with that com- mediate family because of gun violence. All plexity. of us have grieved with them. We can do ] better. This is one big first step. The President. Well, I basically agree Thank you very much. with you about that. As a Southerner, like Dr. Franklin, I think that there are unique NOTE: The President spoke at 12:03 p.m. in Room and still unresolved issues between black and 450 of the Old Executive Office Building. In his white Americans, and there are some condi- remarks, he referred to Suzann Wilson, mother tions in America which disproportionately in- of Britthney Varner who was killed in the volve African-Americans. Some of them are Westside Middle School shooting in Jonesboro, AR; Maryland Superintendent of Police Col. not old. Today there was just this Journal of David B. Mitchell; and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Ken- American Medical Association story saying nedy Townsend and Gov. Parris N. Glendening that African-Americans metabolize nicotine of Maryland. in a different way than other races, as far as we know, and therefore, even though blacks smoke fewer cigarettes, they’re more Remarks in the ‘‘Presidential likely to get lung cancer—interesting thing. Dialogue on Race’’ on PBS But to get back to your main point, I have July 8, 1998 tried to emphasize that America is becoming a multiracial, multiethnic, multireligious soci- Moderator Jim Lehrer. Good evening. ety, and therefore it would be more impor- I’m Jim Lehrer. Welcome to an hour of con- tant both to understand the differences and versation with President Clinton about race to identify the common values that hold us in America. together as a country. And welcome to you, Mr. President. And I often cite, since we’re in northern The President. Thank you, Jim. Virginia where this program is being filmed, Mr. Lehrer. The President’s conversation I often cite the Fairfax County School Dis- will be with eight Americans—four trict, which is now the most diverse school NewsHour regulars: essayist Richard district in the country, with people from over Rodriguez of the Pacific News Service, Roger 100 different racial and ethnic groups with Rosenblatt and Clarence Page of the Chicago over 100 different languages, actually, in this Tribune, and regional commentator Cynthia school district. And I think that’s a pattern Tucker of the Atlanta Constitution; plus, four of where we’re going. I’ve got a friend who others: Roberto Suro of The Washington is a Southern Baptist minister here; he used Post, author of a recent book on Hispanic to be a minister in Arkansas. He’s got a Ko- Americans; Kay James, dean of Regent Uni- rean ministry in his church. That’s just one

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tiny example of the kind of things you’re into winners. And at the very least, turn their going to see more and more of in the country. children into winners. Mr. Lehrer. Cynthia, is the unfinished Mr. Lehrer. Kay James, class or race? business still black and white? [Ms. James answered that no matter how [Ms. Tucker suggested that what many think middle class a person becomes, if that person are racial differences are actually class dif- is black, he or she will still experience dis- ferences, that disproportionately poor blacks crimination. She suggested that issues of pov- resent whites, and that working class whites erty and class are worthy topics, but they with stagnant or declining incomes blame should not take precedence over discussion blacks and immigrants. She blamed the of racism in America.] wealth gap, in part, for the continuing racial The President. Well, obviously, I agree problems. ] with that, or I wouldn’t have set up this initia- The President. There’s no doubt about tive. I think that the point I wanted to make that. And I think that whenever possible, if is to whatever extent you can have an eco- you think that there is a class-related or in- nomic approach that embraces people of all come-related element in the difficulties we races, if it elevates disproportionately—racial have with race, we ought to have income- groups that have been disproportionately de- based solutions to it. pressed, you’ll help to deal with the race A lot of things that I’ve asked the Congress problem. to do over the last 51⁄2 years, a lot of things But there is—no one could look around that are in this budget now are designed to the world—if you forget about America, just address that, with grater incentives for peo- look at the rest of the world—no one could ple to invest in inner cities and Native Amer- doubt the absence of a deep, inbred, pre- ican reservations and other poor areas; tax disposition of people to fear, look down on, systems, which would disproportionately separate themselves from, and when pos- benefit working people on the lower income sible, discriminate against people who are of of the scale. I think those things are very im- different racial and ethnic groups than them- portant because—and there is, by the way, selves. I mean, this is the primary factor in some evidence that in the last couple of the world’s politics today at the end of the years, the income inequality has begun to cold war. abate some. Mr. Lehrer. Sherman, does a poor Native But I think it’s very important not to con- American starting out face more hurdles than fuse the two. I mean, I believe the primary a poor white American starting out? reason for income inequality—increasing in- Mr. Alexie. A poor Native American faces equality in America is that we have changed more hurdles than a poor anybody. the nature of the economy. That is, if you Mr. Lehrer. Anybody? go back to 100 years ago, and you see when Mr. Alexie described conditions in Native we moved from an agricultural to an indus- [ American reservations and noted the lack of trial economy, we also had a big influx of role models. immigrants. There was a hug increase in in- ] equality, not so much because of the immi- The President. Let me ask you some- grants, but because the way people made thing. I’d like to start, because I think this money changed. The whole basis of wealth will help us to get to the race issue you talked changed. That’s what’s happened in this com- about. Let’s just talk about the Native Amer- puter-based information economy, and the ican population. When I was running for premium on education these days is so much President in 1992, I didn’t know much about greater than it’s ever been, that there’s a lot the American Indian condition, except that of stagnant incomes out there from people we had a significant but very small population who have worked hard all of their lives but of Indians in my home State and that my aren’t part of the modern economy. And I grandmother was one-quarter Cherokee; think that we need strategies to identify the that’s all I knew. And I spent a lot of time people that aren’t winning and turn them going around to the reservations and to meet

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with leaders and to learn about the sort of people interact and dispel preconceived no- nation-to-nation legal relationship that’s sup- tions, prejudices, and stereotypes.] posed to exist between the U.S. Government The President. Do you think young peo- and the Native American tribes. ple—and you’re a dean of a school of govern- I concluded that the American Indians had ment—do you think young people are less gotten the worst of both worlds, that they racially prejudiced than their parents on the had not been given enough empowerment whole? or responsibility or tools to make the most of their own lives, and the sort of paternalistic [Ms. James related her own experience as a relationship the U.S. Government had kept youth and part of a group that integrated them in was pathetic and inadequate. So they schools in the South and how over time, rela- literally got the worst of both worlds. They tionships were established that broke the bar- weren’t given enough help, and they certainly rier of race and friendships flourished.] didn’t have enough responsibility and power in my view to build the future. Mr. Lehrer. Roger Rosenblatt, how would So what do you think the most important you answer the President’s question? Where thing is for Americans to know about Amer- do we get our attitudes about race? Where ican Indians? And what do you think the do they come from? most important thing American Indians [Mr. Rosenblatt suggested that racial atti- should be doing for themselves or should ask tudes stem from fear, ignorance, and a sense us to do to change the future? of ‘‘otherness,’’ a perceived difference that [Mr. Alexie answered that people should un- causes hatred in some and a ‘‘shy retreat’’ derstand that Native Americans are separate, in others. He noted that the focus is too often as sovereign nations, politically and economi- placed on blame rather than solutions and cally. He suggested that Native Americans suggested reaffirming the goal of integration.] themselves have to recognize the value of The President. What about what Elaine education.] said, though? Let me give you a little back- Mr. Lehrer. Elaine Chao, where do the ground, although I don’t know about the Asian-Americans—what kinds of obstacles do facts of this case. California, I give them a they start out with compared to white Ameri- lot of credit—California is trying to have cans or Native Americans or black Ameri- within the public school system a much high- cans, whatever? er performing school by, among other things, going to charter schools, which are—which [Ms. Chao noted the increased strain in rela- seek to have the benefits of public education tions between races due to feelings of unequal with the strengths of private, standard- treatment and the Asian-American commu- spaced education. And San Francisco has a nity’s underrepresentation in the minority number of schools—this is probably a part figures.] of their school choice program—where they The President. Give us an example. basically create schools. They get out from under the rules and regulations of central ad- [Ms. Chao related the story of an Asian- ministration, and they hold the kids to high American single mother in San Francisco standards. whose son was denied admission into a But apparently, they’ve made a decision school, despite high test scores, because it al- also that they think they ought to have some ready had ‘‘too many Chinese-Americans.’’] diversity within their student body. And so, The President. Let’s go back to what Kay is it fair for a Chinese student who may be said. What do you think the roots of racism the fifth best Chinese student, but also the are? fifth best overall student who has to get in a class, to be deprived of the chance to get [Ms. James suggested the root of racism is in the class? And if it’s not fair, if this child a character and integrity problem and as- was unfairly treated, what do you do with serted that it would only be overcome once the kids who didn’t do very well, and what

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school should they go to, and how can you situation? That’s one of the hardest questions guarantee them the same standards? we face. Mr. Lehrer. How would you answer that, But I still think the more we are to- Roberto? gether—I was quite impressed, for example, when our daughter was trying to select a col- [Mr. Suro remarked on the expansion of the lege. And one of the things that she did, she racism problem from the long-established went around and actually got the composition black/white paradigm and the lack of lan- and makeup of every school to which she ap- guage and mechanisms to deal with the in- plied, because she wanted—and then she ac- creasing diversity of racism. He asked the tually went there to see whether those people President how he applied his own experiences were actually—[laughter]—not just admitted to a more complicated Nation.] but actually really getting—relating to each other. The President. Well, the short answer is But a lot of the young people in her gen- that I try to do now what I tried to do when eration that I spend time talking to under- I was a kid, when I realized what was going stand that this is something they need to do. on, because I had an unusual background for I mean, they figured out that their life is a lower middle-class white guy in the South going to be real different from ours, and they because I had grandparents who believed in better figure out how to live together. integration, and my grandfather ran a little Mr. Lehrer. Clarence, does that make store and most of his customers were black. sense to you? So I had an atypical background. But I was sort of hungering for contact with people [Mr. Page explained that people need to real- who were different from me. And my theory, ize if they want diversity, they will have to going back to what Kay said, is that basically accept sacrifice. He noted that establishing if you would ask me, what’s the most impor- diversity and maintaining it necessitates tant thing we could do, I think it is the more curbing equal opportunity to some extent, people work, and learn, and worship, if they and achieving dialog and desegregation re- have faith, and serve together, the more like- quires work.] ly you are to strike the right balance between Mr. Lehrer. Somebody has to get hurt in celebrating our differences instead of being order for other people to be helped? afraid of them and still identifying common values. [Mr. Page noted the difficulties of affirmative Now, you still have—you have a separate action, and suggested the President was re- problem for Native Americans, who literally, luctant to deal with that issue, a subject Mr. many of whom still live on reservations. But Page described as the most divisive in race there has to be a way—you cannot overcome relations. He posed the question of defining, what you do not know. And if I could just as a nation, affirmative action and suggested say one other thing. One of the complicat- that until it is dealt with effectively, it will ing—believe me, there are lots of hard ques- continue to be a political tool.] tions. I don’t think—one of the hard ques- The President. See, I believe—I frank- tions is the education question, whether it’s ly—I believe that the real reason it’s a prob- affirmative action in college admissions or lem—it’s more a problem in education now what Elaine said, for the simple reason that than in economics because the unemploy- I believe there is an independent value to ment rate is so low and because the jobs are having young people have—learn in an envi- opening up, so most gifted people feel that ronment where they’re with people of many if they’re willing to work hard, they can find different racial and ethnic backgrounds. And a job. We don’t have the anxiety about affirm- the question is, how can you balance that ative action we used to have when the police with our devotion to merit and then not dis- departments and the fire departments were criminating against people because of their being integrated and promotions were being race, in effect, when they would otherwise, given. Every now and then you hear some- on grounds of academic merit, get a certain thing about that, but most of the controversy

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now is about education. Why? Because peo- that, because we’re in the business of defin- ple know education is really important and ing stereotypes tonight, so that’s good. I think if parents and children make a decision about all of us who have worked hard to get where where they want to go to school—in the case we are are sort of proud of that. I mean, of Elaine, a public school—that they believe when I was a young man, I was the only per- is good, or a college, they’re afraid if they son on my law school faculty that voted don’t get in where they want to get in, they’ll against our tenure policy because I never get a substandard education. wanted anybody to guarantee me a job. I told I have a different view. The reason I’ve them they could tell me to leave tomorrow, supported affirmative action, as long as you and I’d go. I mean, I really identify with what don’t just let people in who are blatantly un- you’ve done. I’m proud of that. qualified to anything, is that I think, number But suppose you’re the president of the one, test scores and all these so-called objec- university. Would you like, other things being tive measures are somewhat ambiguous and equal, to have a faculty that were not—that they’re not perfect measures of people’s ca- were reasonably racially diverse? And even pacity to grow. But secondly and even more more importantly, would you like, other importantly, I think our society has a vested things being equal, to have a student body interest in having people from diverse back- that reflected the America these young peo- grounds. ple are going to live in once they’ve grad- When I went to college in the ‘‘Dark uated? And if you believe that, and you didn’t Ages,’’ one of the reasons I applied to want to infuriate people like you’ve been in- Georgetown was they had foreign students furiated and make them feel like you’ve felt, there, and they had a policy of having a kid how would you go about achieving that? from every State there. Maybe I got in be- cause there weren’t so many people from Ar- I think this is tough stuff. I don’t pretend kansas who applied, for all I know. I think that my position is easy or totally defensible. that there are independent educational vir- How would you do it? tues to a diverse student body, and young [Mr. Rodriguez answered that matters should people learn different things in different be addressed early on, in the first grade as ways. And I don’t think objective measure- opposed to graduate school. Mr. Rosenblatt ments are perfect. So I don’t have a problem agreed and suggested that goals are better with it. than quotas.] But I think the most important thing is that we have to understand that this is one The President. Let’s go back to this. I of the hard questions. And it is best worked want to ask you, too, to come in, because out, in my view, by people sitting around a I want you to go in here. [Laughter] What table trying to work out the specifics, like exactly was it did you resent? Did you resent in San Francisco. And when people feel like the fact they were going to guarantee you they have no voice, then they feel robbed. a job whether you were any good or not? But there will never be a perfect resolution Or did you resent the fact that they were of this. looking for Hispanic faculty members? Mr. Lehrer. Richard, do you agree? No perfect resolutions to this? [Mr. Rodriguez said he resented being enti- tled to an opportunity because he was a need- [Mr. Rodriguez agreed and related his experi- ed minority in a quota system and getting ences with affirmative action in college and opportunity because his skin was darker than the job market and how he was offered op- another’s. Mr. Suro related his experiences, portunities solely because of his Hispanic recalling that there were times when he con- heritage rather than personal merit. He sug- sciously did not want to be regarded as a gested race discussions will be troubled if ‘‘Hispanic journalist.’’ He remarked on the basic understandings do not exist.] diversity of groups that do not share common The President. Let me ask you—let me histories, yet they are lumped together in one ask everybody—first of all, I’m glad you said group.]

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Mr. Lehrer. Cynthia, the differences—in they feel there is unfair preferential treatment other words, dealing with people differently. bestowed on some to achieve it. She suggested [Ms. Tucker stated that the black experience focusing on the income-based programs and in America is distinct. She recounted her own preferential treatment for various reasons as experience living under Jim Crow laws in opposed to solely based on race.] southern Alabama, and she said she believes The President. Let me go back to some- affirmative action is useful and that it is not thing Clarence said at the beginning. You synonymous with unqualified. Ms. Chao stat- pointed out—we talked about prejudice, dis- ed that the history of race relations in Amer- crimination, then we started talking about di- ica has been very tragic, that it is still not versity and all that. I think you need—if I a perfect world, but it is incumbent on people could go back to the very first thing that all to remember that the ideal of equal oppor- of you started talking about—we need a vo- tunity for everyone be maintained. She cabulary that embraces America’s future, and stressed the importance of equal standards we need a vocabulary that embraces Ameri- for all.] ca’s present and past on this race issue. And we need to know when we’re making distinc- Mr. Page. Well, how do you define merit? tions. And then we need to fess up to the Does—should there be an equal opportunity fact at least when it comes to Native Ameri- to get into Berkeley and UCLA? But how cans that if we don’t do something fairly dra- do you define merit? Is it SAT’s or ACT’s matic, the future is going to be like the past or other criteria? for too many people. Ms. Chao. No, I think clearly, merit. For example, I think most Americans, Mr. Lehrer. Let me ask Sherman, where whether they’re conservatives or liberals or do Native Americans fit into the affirmative Republicans or Democrats, would support, action debate? for example, my budget proposal to give [Mr. Alexie asserted the illusionary nature of more resources to the EEOC to get rid of the debate over affirmative action and stated the backlog. Because all of the surveys show that national policy is being made based on that 85 percent of the American people, or isolated and anecdotal examples. Ms. Chao 90 percent, or something, believe that actual remarked on the reality of differential stand- discrimination against an individual person in ards for different groups.] the workplace is wrong, based on race. Now, the real problem is that affirmative The President. Do you want to answer action, I think now, since there are a lot of Clarence? middle-class blacks, middle-class Hispanics, [Ms. Chao stressed the importance of edu- that it’s almost—people are not so sure in cation and suggested that the real goal for the workplace and the schoolplace whether the country is eliminating crime and creating it is furthering the goal of getting rid of the economic opportunity for all.] lingering effects of discrimination, which is Cynthia’s experience, and mine as a South- The President. What are you going to say erner—ours—you know, or whether it is now about this? being used to create a more diverse environ- Ms. James. I was just going to say, Mr. ment which people feel is a good thing, but President, I think the operative phrase was, not a good thing if it is sticking it to this in your question, ‘‘all things being equal,’’ hard-working Chinese mother in San Fran- wouldn’t we like a diverse community, par- cisco and her children, who is raising her kids ticularly in the academic arena?’’ And I was under adverse circumstances. looking around the table and thinking, gee And I guess one of the things that bothers whiz, I bet I’m the only one here at the table me is that a lot—we need to make these that has to make admissions decisions. kinds of discussions practical and institution- The President. You’ve got to make these or community-based, because, I’ll say again, decisions. [Laughter] I think that we want our children to grow [Ms. James stated that most Americans have up to learn to live in the world that they will a high esteem for the idea of diversity, but in fact live in. Therefore, if you forget about

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discrimination for a minute—you can’t ever American and mother was Mexican. The do that, but let’s just assume there is no dis- woman described herself as a ‘‘Blaxican.’’ Mr. crimination—America has a wonderful sys- Rodriguez said youth will redefine the look tem of higher education. There are hundreds of America.] of schools I think you can get a world-class The President. That’s good. undergraduate education in. And I believe Mr. Lehrer. Cynthia, and then to Roger— that, therefore, it’s worth having some policy on this question that the President raised, to try to diversify the student body. the new dialog, and to Richard, what are the It’s interesting to see what Texas did when new words we use? What do we talk about the Hopwood decision came down. They in this new world? said, ‘‘Well, we don’t want to have a totally segregated set of colleges and universities in [Ms. Tucker suggested the importance of ac- Texas, so we’ll just say the top 10 percent knowledging how much the world has of every high school can automatically go to changed and the need for a stronger sense any Texas institution of higher education.’’ of history. Mr. Rosenblatt questioned the sim- That looks like a merit-based decision, but, ilarity of racism today and when he was of course, it’s not any more merit-based than growing up. He questioned the importance the other decision, because there are seg- of affirmative action as an issue for debate.] regated high schools, and there are dif- Mr. Lehrer. Roberto, how would you de- ferences in test scores, and all that. fine the new vocabulary? So we need to kind of—we need 10 hours Mr. Suro. We’ve talked a lot about how to discuss this, and I’d like to listen to you. trying to describe the population and how But the only thing I want to point out is, it’s changed. Roger touches on an important the American people have got to decide. Do point. We have to have a new vocabulary to they want a housing project in Chicago—in describe our attitudes. Discrimination is a this case, only the people from Chicago have different thing in this country than it was 20 to decide—that’s integrated? If so, the peo- years ago. ple who don’t get in there, do they have rea- Mr. Lehrer. In what way? sonable alternatives? That’s one realistic [Mr. Suro explained that discrimination is thing. If a child doesn’t get into a good school based on more factors than solely race, and that he or she wants to get into, do they have more complicated remedies and vocabulary an equivalent alternative? If they don’t, you are required to describe attitudes. Mr. Page maybe have hurt them for life. Is it worth noted, even in suburban neighborhoods, it to get—the discrimination? some groups tend to be as widely discrimi- Or in the case—look at Kay’s problem. She nated against as their counterparts in inner- runs a government department, makes these city neighborhoods.] admission decisions in a school that has a cer- tain religious and value-based approach to Mr. Lehrer. What do you tell your son? life. So if a child gets deprived of going into What do you tell your son about why this there, even if the kid goes to Harvard, it may is happening? not be the cultural environment—— [Mr. Page responded that he answers any Ms. James. They couldn’t get near the questions his son might pose and that the education they get at Regent. [Laughter] child is aware of racial difference but does The President. But let’s assume it’s equiv- not consider any race better than others. He alent. The child may lose something nonedu- noted that there is still segregation. Mr. cational. So all these things are—I just want Rodriguez recalled being stopped by black the American people to start talking about police officers while jogging before dawn and this in a way that’s real here. remarked that this society is a very com- [Mr. Rodriguez remarked on the increasing plicated one.] numbers of young people who do not want Mr. Page. Who said blacks couldn’t be to be defined as belonging to a particular prejudiced? Of course. race. He recalled an encounter with a woman The President. I agree with that. You in San Francisco whose father was African- know, I’m very sympathetic with what you

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say. And I want it to be as you say. And I race problem in this country, especially for agreed that we have all kinds of overlapping African-Americans. stereotypes that we haven’t even talked Mr. Lehrer. Clarence raised the point, about. One of the things that came up after Sherman, about race talk in his family, and Los Angeles riots, you know, the attitudes the President—Mr. President, you have said of the African-Americans to the Korean gro- you had trouble getting people to talk bluntly cers and the Arab grocers and the Hispanic and honestly about race. customers and all of that—it’s a lot more The President. Yes. We’re all too polite complicated than it used to be. about it. But as a factual matter, if you just look Mr. Lehrer. How do you get people to at the prison population—you wanted to talk about race? bring that up—if you look at all the unem- Mr. Alexie remarked that people are always ployment rate among young, single African- [ talking about race, though the language may American males without an education, if you be coded. look at the physical isolation of people in ] these inner-city neighborhoods—we have the Mr. Lehrer. But do Indians talk about lowest unemployment rate in 28 years; there race? are still New York City neighborhoods where Mr. Alexie. Oh, yeah, we’re actually prob- the unemployment rate is 15 percent—if you ably a lot more conservative and racist than look at these things, if I could just come back any other single group of people. We’re to sort of what I think is practical here, I much more reactionary. It’s funny—politi- think it is imperative that we somehow de- cally, we give our money to Democrats, but velop a bipartisan consensus in this country we vote for Republicans. [Laughter] that we will do those things which we know I’m going to leave that one alone. [Laugh- will stop another generation of these kids ter] from getting in that kind of trouble. Mr. Lehrer. How do you get honest talk? My best model now, I guess, is what Do you think there is honest talk about race? they’re trying to do in Chicago in the school Ms. James suggested that people are very system and what they’ve done in Boston with [ willing to talk about race by relating personal the juvenile justice system. In Boston, they experiences. went for 2 years without one kid under 18 ] being killed with a gun. Unheard of in a city Ms. Chao. I think the bottom line is, I that size. And if you look at what they did think there has to be not allocation of pro- in Houston, we need to at least adopt those grams based on preferential treatment—but strategies that will invest money in keeping that there is equal opportunity. And going these kids out of trouble in the first place back to Clarence’s issue about merit—— and try to keep them out of jail and give Mr. Lehrer. We talking about talking them the chance to have a good life. And bluntly about race. if there’s disproportionate manifestation of Ms. Chao. Right. I think this is part of race, then so be it. Then we ought to have it. And I think the President wanted me to an affirmative action program, if you will, answer Clarence’s comments. Clarence’s that invests in those kids’ futures and gives question about merit. them a chance to stay out of trouble. Mr. Lehrer. Okay, but we have to—I have To me, it’s the kids that are being lost alto- to interrupt you all now to say, thank you, gether and the disproportionate presence of Mr. President, and thanks to all the rest racial minorities among those kids that is still of—— the most disturbing thing in the world. Be- The President. We’re just getting warmed cause if you get these kids up there, 18 or up. 19, heck, they’ll figure out things. Our kids Mr. Lehrer. I know, I know, I know. will figure out things we weren’t smart Ms. Chao. It’s got to be the same stand- enough to figure out. That’s how society goes ards for everybody, however merit is defined. on. That’s what progress is all about. But I Mr. Lehrer. Okay. But from Washington think we have to recognize that’s still a big this has been a conversation with President

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Clinton about race. I’m Jim Lehrer. Thank has done more to save the children of this you, and good night. And as you see, may country from the horror of drug abuse than the conversation continue. Jim Burke. And we all owe him a very great debt of gratitude. Thank you. NOTE: The program was recorded at 2 p.m. in I’d also like to thank the Ad Council, the the WETA–TV PBS studios in Arlington, VA, for Community Anti-Drug Coalition, the athletic broadcast at 8 p.m., July 9, on PBS. teams and sports figures that are represented here today, the business groups, the Georgia Memorandum on the National attorney general and agriculture commis- Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal sioner, and the other State and municipal and Year 1998 county officials. And Congressman Peter July 8, 1998 Deutsch from Florida is here with us today. I thank all of them for being here. And there Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense are many others who aren’t here who are supporting what we are doing together as Subject: Delegation of Authority Under Americans. Section 1406(b) of the National Defense I was interested when we just watched the Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 ads to see what the young people’s reaction By the authority vested in me by the Con- was to the various ads. I was wondering to stitution and the laws of the United States myself whether the ads that were most effec- of America, including section 301 of title 3 tive with me were also the ones that were of the United States Code, I hereby delegate most effective to you, or whether they were to the Secretary of Defense the functions different. I say that to make the point that conferred upon the President by section the Speaker made so eloquently. In the end, 1406(b) of the National Defense Authoriza- this is about you, what touches you, what you tion Act for Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law believe, what your convictions are. 105–85). We know from the stories that we just The authority delegated by this memoran- heard from James and from Kim, we know dum may be redelegated not lower than the from all the available scientific research, that Under Secretary level. what Governor Miller said is right: Attitudes You are authorized and directed to publish drive actions. There are lots of other factors. this memorandum in the Federal Register. There are some places where kids are subject William J. Clinton to more temptation than others; there are some blocks where there are more drug deal- ers than others. All of us have to deal with Remarks on Launching the National that. But we know that the more young peo- Youth Antidrug Media Campaign in ple fear drugs, the more they disapprove of Atlanta, Georgia them, the less likely they are to use them. July 9, 1998 Therefore, kicking America’s drug habit re- quires a dramatic change in attitudes, accom- Thank you very much. Thank you. First panied and reinforced by a dramatic increase of all, let’s begin by giving Kim and James in personal responsibility by all Americans. another hand. Didn’t they do a good job? Parents have the greatest power. That’s [Applause] They spoke well for you. what one of the ads showed us. The ads we Mr. Speaker, Governor Miller, Mr. Mayor, saw today are not meant to replace parents’ General McCaffrey, General Reno, Secretary voices but to reinforce them. Ultimately, the Shalala, I thank you all for your superb ef- best drug enforcement program, the best forts in this endeavor. I’d like to say a special drug prevention program is an effective, car- word of appreciation to Jim Burke, the presi- ing, loving parent sitting down with a child dent of the Partnership for a Drug-Free and talking seriously about drugs early. America. He’s not as well-known to most Parents have already told us that these ads American children as the President or the help to break the ice with their children. So Speaker or the Governor, but no American I ask the parents of America today, don’t wait

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until your children are using drugs to talk middle school students think the ads could to them about drugs. Watch the ads together ‘‘scare kids out of using drugs,’’ to quote one and discuss them, beginning tonight. of them. In Washington, DC, young people Every one of the rest of us can, and must, say, to quote one, ‘‘the ads make them stop help parents to teach their children to turn and think about what illegal drugs can do.’’ away from drugs. The entertainment industry Tonight, when these ads run on every na- can shape attitudes, as anyone who has a tional television network, they will reach teenager can tell you. The media should more than 40 million Americans, including never glamorize drugs. I’m pleased that millions and millions of children. That is just across the entertainment industry, a real ef- the beginning. Over the next 5 years, we’ll fort is now being made to help, with the anti- help to make sure that when young people drug messages on the Wonderful World of turn on the television, listen to the radio, read Disney, antidrug chat groups on America the newspaper, or surf the Web, they get the OnLine, even training sessions about youth powerful message that drugs are wrong, ille- drug use for screenwriters and producers at gal, and can kill. Fox—something I hope we will see for all I’m proud to say, as has already been said people who prepare television programs on by General McCaffrey, that this national all networks. media campaign was a part of the historic Professional athletes can shape attitudes. bipartisan balanced budget agreement I thank Major League Soccer, the Florida reached last year with Speaker Gingrich and Marlins, the New York Mets, Atlanta’s own the other leaders of Congress. And I thank Braves for agreeing to air the ads during their you, Mr. Speaker, for including this in our home games. And while one of government’s budget agreement. It shows what we can ac- primary responsibilities is to enforce the complish when we put progress ahead of par- law—and we should—we can also support tisanship. I will work with the Congress to this change in attitudes. fund other important programs in our drug As General McCaffrey said, with the help control strategy. of the Speaker and people from across the All of us—parents, the media, athletes, political spectrum, we have aggressively pur- business, government—have an opportunity sued a comprehensive antidrug strategy. and an obligation to make a real difference We’ve put more police on our streets. We’ve in the fight against drugs. But nothing we strengthened our border patrols. We’ve do will succeed, as the Speaker said, unless toughened penalties. We do more drug test- young people also take responsibility for ing of prisoners and parolees to break the themselves. link between crime and drugs. We work We’ve heard some personal stories; I’d like more with countries where drugs are grown to close with two: one from my family and and processed to try to stop the drugs from one from the job the American people have coming into the United States in the first so generously given me these 6 years. Let place. me begin with the job. But with this ad campaign, in which the I spent a lot of time haranguing, cajoling, public’s investment is matched dollar for dol- trying to persuade, sometimes putting brutal lar by private partners, America is mounting pressure on countries where drugs are grown a new and sweeping effort to change the atti- or processed, or through which drugs pass, tude of an entire generation of young people. trying to get people to stop doing things that Already, we’ve seen an impact in the 12 send drugs to us. And we’ve had some suc- cities where the ads have run as a pilot cess. We supported remarkable efforts by the project. Calls—listen to this—in just those Coast Guard, for example, to cut off drugs 12 cities, calls to local antidrug coalition hot- before they get to this country. But we can lines have increased by up to 500 percent. never cut off the whole flow. And every time Calls to our national antidrug helpline have I’d do this, some leader of a country where nearly tripled. Young people here in Atlanta drugs are grown will say, ‘‘You know, Mr. say that the ads make them realize the seri- President, you’re right. We have a lot of poor ous consequences of using drugs. In Denver, farmers in our country, and I wish they’d

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grow something else. But America has 4 per- abusing them, walking away, weakening the cent of the world’s people, and you’re buying family. Everybody gets hurt. Nobody in almost 50 percent of the world’s drugs. No- America is free of this. Not the President; body is making you buy those drugs. So you not any community, any school, any church, can say whatever you want to us. If you just any neighborhood. said tomorrow—everybody in America said, So the hardest thing in the world to do we’re not going to buy any more drugs, all is to get people to change their habits, espe- our farmers would immediately start to grow cially if what you’re doing feels good in the something legal and good.’’ And that’s true. moment. But it’s very important. Nothing is Now, that doesn’t let them off the hook; so important—not the laws, not the invest- it doesn’t excuse the inexcusable behavior of ments, not anything. Nothing is so important the Colombian drug cartels or any other as what the American people get up and do groups in any part of the world. But it is true. every day just because they think it’s the right It is true. It doesn’t mean we should stop thing to do. Nothing comes close to it. trying to kill the drugs at the border and stop So we’re here today because we took a lit- the imports and break the drug gangs. But tle bit of the money the American people it’s true. If every American young person to- gave the National Government—a billion morrow said, ‘‘No, thank you,’’ they would dollars over the next 5 years—put it with at grow something else. The laboratories would least that much and maybe more coming make other chemicals that are legal and not from private sources, to send a message to harmful. all these kids. I look at all these little girls I’ll tell you another story that’s fairly well- out here in their Girl Scouts or their Brownie known, but I want you to think about what uniforms; the message seems simple today. it means for families. This young man was When they’re 14 or 15 or 16 or 17 or 18, brave enough to say that his mother used drugs and talk about what—the pain it and life gets more complicated, it’s real im- caused the family. My brother nearly died portant that they carry with them the mes- from a cocaine habit. And I’ve asked myself sage that they have today deep in their heart. a thousand times, what kind of fool was I I look at all these kids with these Ameri- that I did not know this was going on? You can’s Pride T-shirts on, and what I want them know, I got myself elected President; I’m to do is to go back and somehow reach all supposed to know what people are thinking, those kids that are in their schools that don’t what’s going on in their minds. How did this wear those T-shirts. There’s somebody like happen that I didn’t see this coming and my brother back at your school who is a good didn’t stop it? kid, just a little lost. Somebody told him And when it all happened he said—I said, something is all right that wasn’t. And the ‘‘When did this start?’’ He said, ‘‘Well, in family members were just a little out of it high school; I started using marijuana and and couldn’t believe it was going on. You can drinking beer.’’ I said, ‘‘How often?’’ He said, save them. That’s what these ads are all ‘‘Everyday.’’ And I thought to myself, what about. kind of family member was I? These ads are designed to knock America And these things make you do really bad upside the head and get America’s attention things. They make you abuse other people. and to empower all of you who are trying Most of the people selling drugs on the street to do the right thing. Please do it. are out there supporting their own habits. Thank you, and God bless you. So you take other people, people who are basically good people, and you turn them into NOTE: The President spoke at 10:40 a.m. in the animals, because they don’t care what they Sidney Marcus Auditorium in the Georgia World do to anybody else because they’ve got to Congress Center. In his remarks, he referred to get the money if they have to destroy some- student antidrug organization leaders Kim Willis body else, so they can keep feeding their own of Erie, PA, and James Miller III, of Portland, habits. They destroy families. Mothers who OR; Gov. Zell Miller, Attorney General Thurbert love their sons wind up neglecting them, E. Baker, and Agriculture Commissioner Tommy

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Irvin of Georgia; James E. Burke, chairman, Part- tively, than the work of any other Governor nership for a Drug-Free America; and Mayor Bill with whom I have worked in the last 20 years. Campbell of Atlanta. I also want to say, when I’m a very old man, if the Lord lets me live that long, and I’m thinking about—over the high points of Remarks at a Democratic Senatorial my wonderful career for which I’m very Campaign Committee Luncheon in grateful, in the late of the night, one of the Atlanta things I will always remember is Zell Miller’s July 9, 1998 voice at the New York convention in 1992. I can give that speech about the house his Thank you very much, and welcome. Mi- mama built better than he can. [Laughter] chael, I would say, with family like this and But it captured the heart of America and the support like this, you have an excellent heart of what we’re all about. chance to win. When we were sitting here at lunch, I went around the table before I came up, and I I want to thank all of you for coming today said, ‘‘Can you folks—how are we going to in support of Michael Coles and his wonder- win this race? What do you want me to say? ful family. I want to especially thank the How is this going to work?’’ And they all gave mayor and the Governor and all of the State me their ideas. And I don’t know if I can and local officials who are here, and my good add anything to what’s already been said. friends, the mayor’s predecessors, Maynard Very often, since I became President, I al- Jackson and Andrew Young, for coming. ways get to speak last. That’s a great honor. I feel a great deal of gratitude to Georgia But very often, it’s that sort of situation for many things. In 1992, when I started run- where everything that needs to be said has ning for President, Zell Miller was about the only person besides my mother and my wife already been said, but not everyone said it. who thought I could win. [Laughter] And I think maybe there is something I can then, I didn’t win in New Hampshire, where say. What do you need to win a race like I had one or two minor obstacles—[laugh- this? To convince voters in what is clearly ter]—and an opponent who lived 5 miles an American battleground State for the fu- from the State line, and they said, ‘‘You ture, where Atlanta now is home to more for- know, if Bill Clinton doesn’t get 40 percent eign companies than any other city in Amer- in Georgia, he’ll have to withdraw; he’s toast; ica, where you have in this city really every- he’s history.’’ And I said, ‘‘Now, Zell, I don’t thing that you can imagine the future being want to put any pressure on you.’’ [Laughter] about in America, but where in the State the So we got 57 percent in the Georgia primary parties are pretty evenly divided and the phi- in 1992. And there have been a lot of won- losophies are pretty evenly divided, and the derful experiences since, and I am very grate- races have a way of being agonizingly close, ful for this State. as I have found in my joy and disappoint- I’m grateful for people like Maynard and ment. What can I say? Andy, who have been friends of mine and Well, you have a good candidate who has my wife’s for many, many years. I’m grateful demonstrated his character. Through over- for Bill Campbell’s leadership. I can honestly coming adversity, he’s demonstrated that he say that I know quite a bit about being a understands the American economic system Governor. I was a Governor for 12 years. One through triumphing in it. He has built a great of the great honors of my life was when my family, which is the most important thing for colleagues once voted me the most effective anyone to have in life. He has the guts to Governor in the country. I’m saying that not challenge incumbents who are going to have to brag on myself but to establish my bona tons of money, which is evidence of courage fide for what I am about to say. in public life. In my experience, I believe that what Zell But what I would like to say to you is that Miller has done as Governor of Georgia has we have to convince moderate Republicans affected more people more personally, posi- and independent voters that what happened

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in America in the last 6 years and what hap- trade and still care about preserving the envi- pened in Georgia in Zell Miller’s tenure was ronment and the standards of our working not an accident and was directly related— people. not that I am responsible for every good We believe it’s possible to be tough on thing that’s happened in this country or not crime but to be smart, too, and to find ways that he’s responsible for every good thing to keep more kids out of trouble in the first that’s happened in Georgia—but there is a place. We believe it is possible to move peo- connection between the ideas that leaders ple from welfare to work but not to ask them have and the policies that are pursued and to hurt their children; to empower people the consequences in the lives of people. to move from welfare to work by saying, ‘‘Yes, It’s not just that Zell Miller is a good man if you’re able-bodied, you have to do it. But with a lot of energy and a lot of courage, by the way, there’s got to be a job there and and he was brave in the Marine Corps, and there ought to be child care and you ought he gives a great speech; the HOPE scholar- not to have to neglect your role as a parent ship was, in fact, the right thing to do. It to do your role as a worker in this society.’’ was the right thing to do. And what I can We believed that America could be a force tell you from my experience is, I was a South- for good in the world and still help the eco- ern Governor; I listened to the Republicans nomic interests of our country. We believed bad-mouth the Democratic Party from can we could have a smaller Government that till can’t, from dawn until dark, year-in and was more effective, that worked on empow- year-out, forever and a day. And that time ering people to make the most of their own I ran for President, I had ump-de-dump peo- lives. And we believed that we could build ple in Arkansas who had voted for me repeat- one America, across all the lines that divide edly for Governor who never thought they us, because what unites us is more important would vote for a Democrat for President. than what divides us. And if we could ever Some of them didn’t vote for a Democrat learn to appreciate our differences instead even when it was me—[laughter]—after vot- of be afraid of them, we would be a very ing for me repeatedly, because Republicans great country, indeed. had done a great job of sort of doing reverse Now, that’s what we believe. Now, after plastic surgery on the Democrats. You know, 6 years—and again, I say I do not believe they’d say, ‘‘You can’t vote for them; they that I, my party, or Washington, DC, is re- can’t handle the budget; they can’t handle sponsible for every good thing that’s hap- this; they’re weak on foreign policy.’’ You pened in America; most of the good things know that whole litany. ‘‘They want to take that happen in a free country happen by the your money and give it to people on welfare; billions and billions and billions of decisions don’t believe in work.’’ I can give that speech that ordinary people make every day on their better than they can give it, too. I’ve heard own. But what the President does and the it so many times. [Laughter] policies that are pursued are not unrelated And they still milk that old cow every to what happens in the country. They have chance they get. And when 1992—I wanted an impact. to take the Democratic Party in a new direc- And I am profoundly grateful that you gave tion based on its oldest values. I believed that me the chance to do this job, and I am very we could unite the country and move it for- grateful that after 6 years, we have the lowest ward, that we could build that bridge to the crime rate in 25 years, the lowest unemploy- 21st century based on opportunity and re- ment rate in 28 years, the lowest inflation sponsibility and a sense of community. And rate in 29 years, the lowest welfare rolls in we set about doing things that really were 29 years, the first balanced budget and sur- different. We had new ideas on the economy. plus in 29 years, and the highest rate of We said we believe it’s possible to cut the homeownership in the history of the country. deficit and balance the budget and still have I’m proud of that, and you should be, too. money to invest in education and in science Now, that’s not a reason to let Michael and technology and building the future. We Coles—and I can’t run for reelection. And believe it’s possible to expand American if I could, it wouldn’t be a reason to reelect

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me. I remember once I was about to run The genius of the American Constitution for reelection after I had been in 10 years, is the limits it places on all of us in power. and I asked a guy at the State Fair once— And whenever we forget that, we do so at we were having Governor’s Day—and this our peril. That is the problem with managed guy came up in overalls and said, ‘‘Are you care today. People still ought to be able to going to run for reelection?’’ And I said, ‘‘Yes, get an emergency room when they need to I might. Will you vote for me if I do?’’ He go. They need to be able to see a specialist said, ‘‘I will; I always have.’’ And I said, when they need to see a specialist. They need ‘‘Well, aren’t you sick of me after 10 years?’’ to be able to appeal these decisions when He said, ‘‘No, but most of my friends are.’’ they need to be able to appeal them. And [Laughter] And I said, ‘‘Well,’’ I said, ‘‘Don’t that’s what the Patients’ Bill of Rights is all they think I’ve done a good job?’’ He said, about. So that’s an important issue. ‘‘Yes, but you drew a check every two weeks, We have all these exciting ideas about how didn’t you?’’ [Laughter] He said, ‘‘That’s we can grow the economy while doing a bet- what we hired you to do.’’ ter job at preserving the environment. Look So what’s that got to do with this race, at these wildfires that your neighbor down where we are now? I’ll tell you what it’s got in Florida has been suffering. I’m going down to do with it. Number one, it’s some indica- to Daytona when I leave you to thank the tion that, if the ideas we had in the past were firefighters down there. Florida had the wet- right, that the ideas we’re advocating for the test few months in history in the fall and win- future may be right as well, and what we ter; then they had the driest few months they are trying to do in education with smaller had ever had; then June was the hottest classes and modernized schools and comput- month they had ever had; hotter than any ers in all the schools and higher standards, July or August they had ever had. that these things are important. Because no The 5 hottest years on record since 1400 one in the world believes we have the best have all occurred in the 1990’s. And 1998 system of public education in the world. And is going to be the hottest of all if trends con- everyone knows we have the best system of tinue. Now, we have two choices. We can college education in the world. And we will do what my—as my leaders of the other party never be what we ought to be for every do in Washington, which is to deny that this American child until our elementary and sec- climate change is going on, deny this is a ondary education system is also the best in problem, and say we’re going to go right on the world. and do everything just like we’ve been doing You take health care. We’re having this big it. If it rips the sheet, we’re going to do it, debate over the Patients’ Bill of Rights. I and everybody else is just, you know, like pleaded with the Congress to pass it, and I Chicken Little. Or, we can face the evidence thought for sure they would. Now, the health and say: Do we have to give up economic insurance companies, a lot of them are growth to change our energy use patterns, against it—but not all of them, I might add. try to cool the climate, try to be more respon- Most people are in managed care plans sible? And when you look at the evidence, today. I have never been one of those that the evidence is plainly, no, you can grow the attacked managed care. economy at least as rapidly as we’ve been When I became President, health care growing with a different energy strategy and costs were inflating at 3 times the rate of without having the heavy hand of govern- inflation. It was unsustainable. It was going ment regulation do it if you just give business to break every business in the country that and citizens the incentive to do what is plain- tried to provide health insurance for their ly there before them to do. kids. It was going to consume the whole These are huge decisions. What I want to economy. We had to do something to slow tell you is, if you like those statistics I just down the rate of inflation. On the other hand, read off, the ideas we’ve had in the past are any system taken to extremes is subject to an indication that the ideas we have in the abuse. I don’t care what system it is. future may be right.

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The third point I want to make is this: I who don’t follow politics as closely as you do not expect this man, if he gets elected do, and say, look, there are consequences to to Senate, to vote with me on every issue. these ideas. This is not just about whether I want him to only do so when it is consistent the President can give a good speech or Mi- with his conscience and when he believes it’s chael Coles made a lot of money or—even the right thing for the people of Georgia. But though I admire him enormously, it’s not I believe he thinks enough, like all of you even about whether he overcame all that ad- do and like we do, to know that we will be versity from his terrible accident. It’s also building a future based on progress not par- about whether we’re doing the right thing tisanship. And that’s the last point I want to for America’s future. make. Look at the record of the alternative. And you know, when times are good like I am grateful that the Republicans worked this, most people tend to relax, and you want with me to sign the Balanced Budget Act last to say, ‘‘Gosh, I just want to go out and sit year. But don’t you ever forget that 93 per- in the Sun. I went through the seventies; I cent of that deficit was reduced—it was 93 went through the eighties; I lived through percent gone on the day I signed the Bal- all this tumult; I’m making money; the stock anced Budget Act because of a bill that every market’s up; leave me alone; I don’t want single one of them voted against in 1993 to to have to think about this. [Laughter] I’m get it started. Don’t forget that. going to vote for the person that looks nicest They said we were going to wreck the on television, makes me feel good—[laugh- economy. When we said, ‘‘You know, it ter]—promises me to keep taxes down and seems to me that if somebody’s got a criminal just don’t bother me.’’ [Laughter] record or a serious mental health history, I had a great uncle one time, who just died they ought not just to be able to walk in and at 91, who had about a fourth grade edu- buy a handgun.’’ Even in Arkansas, where cation. He said, ‘‘All I want you to do is keep nearly everybody’s got a gun, why, they ac- the brooks clean so I can fish and make sure cused me of the awfulest things you ever there’s plenty of birds in the air and animals heard. They said, ‘‘Oh, the world was going in the woods in hunting season. And other- to come to an end.’’ And one of the reasons wise, just leave me alone.’’ [Laughter] they won the Congress in 1994 is because There’s a lot of people who feel that way. I disagreed with the NRA over the Brady But let me tell you, any person living in At- bill and the assault weapons ban. And it lanta knows that this is a very dynamic world. wasn’t just in the South; they took out a Con- You see what they’re going through in Asia gressman in New Hampshire, too. In 1996 now economically. You know about all the I went back to New Hampshire where I start- ethnic and racial and religious tensions all ed, and I got a bunch of those hunters to- over the world. gether. And I said, ‘‘Do you remember what If you’ve looked at the demographics and they told you in ’94?’’ I said, ‘‘Well, as of you know what happens when the baby today, there have been 80,000 felons, fugi- boomers—and I’m the oldest of the baby tives, and stalkers who couldn’t buy hand- boomers—when we retire, what we’re going guns because of the Brady law.’’ I said, ‘‘Now, to do, the pressures we’re going to put on if there’s a single one of you who lost your the Social Security system and the Medicare hunting rifle because of what I did, I want system, we have big, long-term challenges in you to vote against me for reelection. But this country that we have to face. It is easier if you didn’t, then they lied to you, and you to take the long-term challenges on when need to get even.’’ [Laughter] And in Repub- you’re doing well. We have the confidence lican New Hampshire, they got even, and I’m in this country to do well. And Georgia ought grateful. [Laughter] to have the confidence to vote for somebody I say that because we actually view the like Michael Coles for the Senate. We ought world in different ways. You’ve got to under- to say, look, we’ve got the confidence to do stand. Somehow—I talked to Zell on the way that. in here—those of you who are in this room, Here’s a guy who has done all these other we have to be able to reach out to the voters things right in his life, and he’s a doer. You

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know, get out and do things, and it will be is open for tourists. People all over America for progress, not partisanship. I think I’ll take are calling the White House on the comment a chance and do it, because this is a time line. They want to know, what can we do when we have the opportunity to deal with to help the people of Florida? Well, one these long-term challenges. thing you can do is, if you haven’t taken your And I want you to go out and tell people vacation yet and you were trying to decide that. I’m telling you, I’ve been in Washington whether to come, give these people an eco- 6 years, and I only have 21⁄2 years to go, then nomic boost down here. They’ve got the fires I can go be a real person again just like the under control, and they need some help and rest of you. But what we need is progress support. It would be a good thing to do. over partisanship. What we need is people I want to thank the Members of Congress who are willing to take a chance to deal with who are here—Corrine Brown, Peter the long-term challenges of the country. Deutsch, and Allen Boyd—for representing What we need is people who understand that you well and for supporting strongly the we cannot lead the world to a better place emergency appropriations that make it pos- unless we are becoming a better country at sible for FEMA and the other agencies to home, that we can always do better. do its work. I thank our Agriculture Sec- Our Founders left us a charge that is a retary, Dan Glickman, and our wonderful permanent mission. It’s never finished: to FEMA Director, James Lee Witt, for the form a more perfect Union. I think that any work they have done. one of the Founding Fathers, here today, I want to thank all the firefighters who are could read about this man, his family, his here. I know we have people from Palm work, his values, and say, ‘‘that’s the kind of Coast Fire Department, from the National person we had in mind.’’ Guard, from the U.S. Forest Service, from Thank you very much. the Division of Florida Forestry, the Florida NOTE: The President spoke at 1:10 p.m. in the Emergency Management Division, and a lot Marquis Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. of State and local emergency workers; Mr. In his remarks, he referred to Georgia Senatorial Myers, your emergency management direc- candidate Michael J. Coles; Mayor Bill Campbell tor here; and I’m glad to see Mr. Barbera and former mayors Maynard Jackson and Andrew from the International Association of Fire Young of Atlanta; and Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia. Fighters here. There’s so many people I want to thank, Remarks to Firefighters and Relief but I’d like to say a special word of thanks, Workers in Daytona Beach, Florida too, to Bill Franz for making Daytona avail- able as a headquarters for the firefighters and July 9, 1998 for the effort here. I really appreciate that. Thank you so much. Well, ladies and gen- They had to postpone the race this year tlemen, first of all, I’d like to thank Karen because there was a more important race Terry and Randy Holmes for their remarks going on, and you just heard them talk about and the introduction and for giving me and it, a race that was fought house by house and all of you and all of America, thanks to the family by family. There are 150,000 fans that media folks who are here, one vivid picture normally show up here, and even though the of what these last couple of weeks have been race was delayed, I hope they’ll show up later all about. to show their loyalty and support not only I want to thank my good friend Governor to Daytona but to all of you for what you Chiles for the work that he has done. I thank did here. Lieutenant Governor MacKay and all the I’m here because I think it’s important that other State officials who are here. I thank every American knows that this summer, not- Mayor Asher and Mr. Rosevear, the chair of withstanding the great movies, the real the county council. The mayor asked me to American heroes are not up in space fighting say in front of national television what asteroids, they’re in Florida fighting fires. Lawton has already said, that Daytona Beach And I thank you for it.

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You might be interested to know, those something I will never forget, and I hope all of you who are firefighters, that on the sev- of you can help the rest of the people of eral occasions when I would call—and I want Florida and the United States remember it to thank our great Vice President, Al Gore, in good times and rainy times. for coming down here on my behalf, because There were children who gave up their I was in China when much of this occurred, Fourth of July picnics and trips to Disney and I would call back and get my daily re- World. I met a couple of them earlier—Katie ports, and every day, people said, ‘‘You would and Megan Hendren—to help out and do- not believe what the firefighters are doing. nate food and money. Hotel managers giving The only real worry we have is, none of them free rooms, churches helping people cook will sleep; none of them will rest.’’ food for all the empty pots, laundromat own- As you know, there are almost 100 injuries ers cleaning soot and ash from uniforms, I and no telling how much exhaustion here. even heard about the truckload of bananas And I guess I’m cutting into your rest time that were mistakenly donated to Volusia now, so I’ve now become part of the prob- County when you put out the word that ban- lem. [Laughter] But I think it’s important dannas were needed for the firefighters. that America know that, too. Every single re- [Laughter] Well, the older I get and the port I got on the progress of these fires, more muscle cramps I get doing my exer- someone said, our real concern is the people cises, the more I appreciate bananas. So the who are fighting the fires will not sleep; they firefighters may need the bananas as well as will not rest; they are obsessed with saving the bandannas. And I thank all the people every home. And I thank you for that. who made them available. I’d also like to thank the people who came Our Government has tried to be a good from all corners of our country and from partner. I just met with several people who Canada and even some came from as far away as Russia to help, showing that this was have been victimized by this fire, and I want a human challenge that touched the hearts to thank the families that took the time to of people the world over. When I was in talk to me. A lot of them are still hurting. China, and we were in the midst of tough Some of them don’t have their children living discussions and arguing over things that are with the parents yet; they’re all spread out profoundly important over the long run, my all over. And a lot of them are still uncertain Chinese host asked me how the people of about what their future living conditions are Florida were doing with the fires. You really going to be. And a couple of them gave me reached the hearts of people throughout the some very specific suggestions about what we world. still might do to serve people here better. I also want to thank the people with the And I thank them for that. public works departments across the State Today I want to say that there are some for the work they did in cutting fire lines new things we’re going to do, and I’d like and clearing the fields. And I want to thank to mention them just briefly. First of all, I’ve again—no telling how many of you did things directed our Agriculture Secretary, who is that I don’t know about, but I want to echo here with me, Dan Glickman, to declare all something Governor Chiles said. Maybe it of our Florida counties eligible for farmers shouldn’t require a disaster like this, but you emergency loans if they’ve been affected by did show our country at its best. You showed the drought, which is directly connected to people at its best. You showed people what this fire. Second, the Labor Department will the meaning of community is and why we pay for hundreds of jobs to expedite the re- all really do depend on each other. And as covery process, which is important. Third, we go back to our daily lives and, I hope, FEMA will develop a long-term recovery a much more ordinary routine, I hope it’s plan with the State and work with our eco- something we never forget, that we are all nomic development administration to ana- in this together; we need each other; and lyze the economic impact of the fires and we’re all at our best when we’re giving not see what else we can do to help. And finally, only to our families but to our neighbors. It’s FEMA will be giving individual assistance to

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29 more counties, providing temporary hous- places at once? What do you do when you ing, crisis counseling, repairing homes, re- have to make choices about what you’re placing essential items. We’re going to do ev- going to do? Is there any way to avoid making erything we can until the full recovery is those kind of choices? What else can we do? completed. Because we have to believe, based on the Let me just say one other thing. You all evidence of the last decade, that if we get probably know this, but this fire was made hotter and hotter, and we have periods of worse because you had, first, the wettest few more extreme wet, followed by periods of months you’d ever had, followed by the driest more extreme drought, we’re going to have few months you’d ever had, and then June more things like this happen. You can help was the hottest month ever recorded—even America to deal with this. hotter than any July or August ever recorded And so, when you get some sleep, when in Florida. you get some rest, when you’re absolutely No one entirely understands what is bring- confident this crisis is past, if you’ve got some ing about this extreme weather. But I can ideas, get them to the State, or get them to tell you this—and I’ve got it on my mind our FEMA people, because we want to build since I just got back from China, and they’ve on what you’ve done. This has been heroic, been keeping weather records there for 500 but if we can do anything to prevent these years and more. Since the 1400’s, the 5 hot- things or to be better prepared the next time test years ever recorded all occurred in the because of your experience and your knowl- 1990’s; 1997 was the hottest year ever re- edge, I implore you to share it with us, be- corded. If present temperature trends con- cause we have to believe we’re facing things tinue, 1998 will be warmer than 1997 was. like this in the near future. Now, you’ll hear a lot of political debate, Finally, let me say, I found, with the help and the Vice President and I believe that the of some of our people who know I’m inter- climate is warming and that we ought to take ested in Scripture, a verse from Isaiah that steps to cool it off and that we can do it with- out hurting economic growth. Others may I think captures what you’ve all been disagree. The point I want to make today is, through. And I’d like to read it to you in I’m going to go back to Washington deter- closing. Isaiah 57:10: ‘‘You were wearied with mined to try to do whatever I can to make the length of your way, but you did not say sure that you and people like you all over it is hopeless. You find new life for your America can be even better prepared, be- strength.’’ cause if we are going to have hotter and hot- And because you did, our country is ter, and drier and drier years—and even if stronger. Thank you, and God bless you. we move aggressively to try to combat this climate change, we’ll have that for a while— NOTE: The President spoke at 4:15 p.m. at Day- then when you or other people like you have tona International Speedway. In his remarks, he to face this again, we need to learn from what referred to Karen Terry, a Palm Coast, FL, resi- you’ve gone through; we need your best ad- dent whose house was saved by firefighters of the vice. Palm Coast Fire Department, one of whom was So that’s the last thing I want to ask you. Randy Holmes, who introduced the President; I want to ask you for one last shred of citizen Gov. Lawton Chiles and Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay service. When this is all over, you need to of Florida; Mayor Baron H. Asher of Daytona get together with the groups of people that Beach; R. Stanley Rosevear, chairman, Volusia County Council; Joseph F. Myers, director, Flor- fought this fire; you need to put your heads ida Division of Emergency Management; together; you need to ask yourself, what spe- Dominick F. Barbera, vice president, 12th Dis- cific things could have been done to provide trict, International Association of Fire Fighters; even better preparedness? What do you do and Bill Franz, owner, Daytona International when you’re fighting three fires in three Speedway.

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Statement on Senate Action on continuation of most-favored-nation (MFN) Internal Revenue Service Reform status for these countries and certain other Legislation activities without the requirement of an an- nual waiver. July 9, 1998 As required by law, I am submitting an I am pleased that the Senate has finally updated report to the Congress concerning passed bipartisan legislation to reform the the emigration laws and policies of Armenia, IRS and strengthen taxpayer rights. This re- Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, form will help my effort to create an IRS Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, that respects American taxpayers and re- Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan. The spects their values. I look forward to signing report indicates continued compliance of it into law. these countries with international standards concerning freedom of emigration. Sincerely, Statement on Senate Action on India- William J. Clinton Pakistan Sanctions Legislation July 9, 1998 NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am pleased that the Senate has passed and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. legislation today that is consistent with my view that U.S. food exports should not be- come an unintended victim of an important Remarks on Presenting the nonproliferation law. Food should not be Congressional Medal of Honor to used as a weapon, and I will resist any action Hospital Corpsman Third Class that would lead to a de facto grain embargo. Robert R. Ingram, USN I look forward to working with Congress July 10, 1998 to make sure this legislation or separate legis- lation gives us the broadest possible flexibility Welcome. Thank you, Admiral, for your to further our nonproliferation policy without invocation. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome putting American businesses and farmers at to the White House. I thank Secretary Cohen an unfair disadvantage. and Secretary West, Secretary Gober, Dep- uty Secretary Hamre, Secretary Dalton, Sec- retary Caldera, Acting Air Force Secretary Letter to Congressional Leaders Peters, General Shelton, and other members Transmitting a Report on Emigration of the Joint Chiefs, and general officers here Policies of Certain Former Eastern present today. I thank the Members of the Bloc States Congress from the Florida delegation who July 9, 1998 are here, and other Members of Congress, including Senator Thurmond, Senator Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) Graham, Senator Mack, Senator Glenn, Sen- On September 21, 1994, I determined and ator Cleland, Representative Brown, Rep- reported to the Congress that the Russian resentative McHale, and all those in Con- Federation was in ‘‘full compliance’’ with the gress whose action helped to make this day freedom of emigration criteria of sections possible. 402 and 409 of the Trade Act of 1974. On Today we present the Medal of Honor, our June 3, 1997, I determined and reported to Nation’s highest military honor, to Robert R. the Congress that Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ingram for extraordinary heroism above and Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine were in ‘‘full beyond the call of duty on March 28, 1966, compliance’’ with these same criteria, and I in Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam. made an identical determination on Decem- Today, more than 30 years later, Bob ber 5, 1997, with respect to Kazakhstan, Ingram is manager of a medical service prac- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and tice in Jacksonville, a registered nurse, a man Uzbekistan. These actions allowed for the who loves to work on cars. His wife, Doris,

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his children and his close friends are here Harvey Kappeler, a corporal in the lead with us today, and we welcome them. platoon, wrote last year, ‘‘I observed Robert His story spans decades and continents, Ingram perform acts of heroism I have never but across these divides, friendship and loy- seen before, during, or after my tour of Viet- alty have endured and have brought us to nam.’’ Mr. Ingram later recalled, ‘‘I was just this moment. Mr. Ingram enlisted in the doing my job; my job was to take care of Navy in 1963 and joined the Hospital Corps. the men.’’ He went to Vietnam with Company C, 1st Three weeks after the attack, he wrote his Battalion, 7th Marines, in July, 1965. platoon from his hospital bed: ‘‘I’ve got a One day in February of 1966, the company tube in my throat, leg elevated, arm elevated, came under heavy fire and Petty Officer can’t move, but I wanted you all to know Ingram rushed forward to treat the wounded. I’m still alive.’’ After 8 months recovering, Enemy bullets punctured both his canteens. he went back to sea on another deployment. When the unit’s machine gunner was hit, he Other members of the company were hon- manned the gun. And for his bravery on that ored for their bravery on that day in March day, he received the Silver Star. of 1966, but no one doubted that Robert On March 28, 1966, Petty Officer Ingram Ingram deserved the highest honor. We don’t accompanied the point platoon of his com- know how his citation got lost all those years pany as it was suddenly attacked by 100 ago, but we do know why he is here today, North Vietnamese in a hail of automatic rifle because his friends never forgot what he did fire. In moments, the platoon was decimated. for them. Oblivious to the danger, he crawled across Jim Fulkerson commanded the 3d Platoon the terrain to reach a wounded marine. of Charlie Company. In 1995 he organized While administering aid, a bullet went a reunion of members of the battalion, in- through his hand. After administering aid cluding Bob Ingram. They remembered the there, he heard more calls for a corpsman. war, the endless cold soaking rains, the ter- Still bleeding, he edged across the fire-swept rible firefights. And Ingram’s friends re- landscape, collecting ammunition from the solved to do everything possible to ensure dead and attending to the wounded, receiv- that America finally gave him appropriate ing two additional wounds from rifle fire. recognition. Though severely wounded, he continued Charlie Company’s commander, Ben administering aid to the wounded and the Goodwyn, wrote to General Krulak, ‘‘I saw dying marines while gathering ammunition my fair share of combat in Vietnam. Of all and encouraging others capable of doing so the men I brought with me, Doc Ingram was to return fire. While dressing the head undoubtedly the most courageous.’’ wound of another corpsman, he sustained his Mr. Ingram is the 22d Navy corpsman to fourth wound. Enduring extreme pain from receive the Medal of Honor, and his reward his own wounds and disregarding the prob- comes appropriately as we celebrate the ability of this own death, Petty Officer 100th anniversary of the Navy Hospital Ingram pushed, pulled, cajoled, and doc- Corps. Through all our conflicts, they have tored his marines for hours more. Losing been there on ships at sea, on the front lines, strength and almost unrecognizable from his performing foxhole surgery, saving thousands injuries, finally he was pulled to safety, where of lives while risking and sometimes sacrific- he tried to refuse evacuation, saying that oth- ing their own. I salute their courageous serv- ers should go first. His vital signs dropped ice to our Nation. to the point that he was tagged ‘‘killed in The last troops left Vietnam almost 25 action’’ and placed in a dead pile. years ago now. But we do not, and we must But, as you can see, he did not die. Eleven not forget their sacrifices and bravery. As Mr. members of Charlie Company, however, Kappeler recently wrote of the firefight in were killed that day, and 53 more were Quang Ngai that day, ‘‘As I grow old, I look wounded. Some are alive today because of back to that day and the heroism of the ma- the extraordinary selflessness and bravery of rines and our Navy corpsman, and I under- Robert Ingram. stand what is meant by the highest traditions

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of service. I am extremely proud to call Rob- Joint Statement on United States- ert Ingram a friend.’’ Polish Relations On that battlefield so many years ago, Rob- ert Ingram performed truly heroic deeds, July 10, 1998 and asked for nothing in return. At long last, it is time to honor him. President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Mr. Ingram, on behalf of all Americans, Jerzy Buzek of Poland met today at the we thank you for your service, for your cour- White House to discuss Poland’s anticipated age, for your determination, for your loyalty entry into NATO, common efforts to advance to comrades and country. We are all proud regional cooperation in Central and Eastern to call you an American. Hillary and I are Europe and steps to deepen the close bilat- proud that you are in the White House with eral relations between the United States and us today, and I am very proud to award you Poland. Vice President Gore met separately the Medal of Honor. with the Prime Minister earlier today and Major Everhart, read the citation. hosted a luncheon for the Prime Minister, his delegation and members of the Polish- [At this point, Maj. Carlton Everhart, USAF, American community. Air Force Aide to the President, read the cita- tion, and Lt. Comdr. Wes Huey, USN, Naval The President and Prime Minister Buzek Aide to the President, assisted the President stressed the paramount importance of the in presenting the medal.] U.S. Senate vote on NATO enlargement. They welcomed Poland’s entry into the Alli- NOTE: The President spoke at 3:18 p.m. in the ance. Prime Minister Buzek declared that State Dining Room at the White House. In his this step will fulfill the aspirations of the Pol- remarks, he referred to Rear Adm. A. Byron ish people to belong to the Transatlantic Holderby, USN, Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Navy, community, guaranteeing the security of a who offered the invocation. sovereign and democratic Poland. President Clinton responded that Poland’s member- Statement on Senate Action on ship in the Atlantic Alliance will advance the Higher Education Reauthorization interests of the American people in a secure, Legislation undivided Europe. Both leaders agreed that NATO is the essential foundation of trans- July 10, 1998 atlantic security and reaffirmed their support The bill passed last night by the Senate for NATO’s ‘‘open door’’ policy for aspiring will help my effort to usher more Americans new members, as an indispensable instru- through the doors of higher education, doors ment to strengthening stability and eliminat- we have opened wide since 1993. There are ing the old dividing lines in Europe. still serious fiscal and policy issues that need President Clinton expressed strong sup- to be resolved, and I am committed to work- port for Poland’s strides in building ties with ing with Congress to do that. But I am its neighbors and efforts to promote stability, pleased that the Senate bill endorses the democracy, and free market economics new, low interest rate for student loans that throughout Central and Eastern Europe. I proposed, to save students $11 billion; im- The two leaders discussed efforts already proves teacher recruitment and training pro- under way to establish trilateral economic co- vided by our colleges; takes important steps operation among the United States, Poland in response to my call for colleges to help and Ukraine, as well as Poland’s efforts to children at high-poverty schools prepare for establish peacekeeping battalions with and attend college; expands access to quality Ukraine and Lithuania. They resolved that, distance learning technologies; and creates as allies, they should expand such common what would be the Government’s first per- efforts to strengthen democracy and regional formance-based organization, an innovation stability. recommended by our reinventing Govern- ment effort.

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The President applauded Poland’s active leading foreign investor in Poland. The U.S. role as Chairman-in-Office of the Organiza- Under Secretary of State for Economic, Busi- tion for Security and Cooperation in Europe ness and Agricultural Affairs will visit War- (OSCE) and thanked Prime Minister Buzek saw soon to develop this bilateral consultative for Poland’s strong contribution to the inter- mechanism on economic issues in Polish- national effort to create stability in the American relations. Former Yugoslavia. He particularly praised Poland and the United States welcomed Poland’s participation in both IFOR and their intense and regular bilateral dialogue SFOR in Bosnia-Herzegovina. in other areas as well. They noted the accom- President Clinton praised Poland for the plishments of our Bilateral Working Group bold, free-market reforms it has pioneered on Defense Matters and agreed to continue since 1989 as proof that the legacies of com- to use this as a key mechanism to prepare munism can be overcome. Prime Minister Poland for full integration into NATO’s mili- Buzek expressed profound gratitude for the tary structures. They also agreed to hold reg- American assistance provided during the dif- ular consultations on regional and global ficult early years of its free market trans- formation. The leaders noted that Polish ef- issues. fort and sacrifice combined with United Both governments will work to increase States assistance has produced several impor- cooperation on law enforcement. As part of tant successes in the transformation of the this effort, the United States will work with Polish economy. They noted particularly that: Poland to conduct cooperative prosecutor Poland’s progress in banking reform en- and police training in Poland and regionally abled the 10 contributing governments to au- to strengthen our ability to combat thorize release to Poland in April of the $450 transnational crime. The United States ap- million ($221 million U.S.) they had contrib- plauds Poland’s efforts to develop a Polish uted to the Polish Bank Privatization Fund, International Training Center for Specialist set up in 1992. Police Forces which will serve an important The Polish-American Enterprise Fund role in regional efforts to combat crime. (PAEF) has used $257 million provided by The United States and Poland welcome the U.S. government for capital and technical the enlargement of the European Union as assistance to great effect in supporting the an essential step in completing construction emergence of Poland’s vibrant, free market of a Europe that is truly whole and free. The economy. The two leaders discussed the fu- United States supports timely accession of ture of the PAEF. They agreed that final dis- Poland to the EU and looks forward to Po- position of the PAEF’s assets can be achieved land’s early and active participation in the in ways that further enhance Polish-Amer- Transatlantic Dialogues. Both governments ican relations and advance our mutual inter- pledge their support for the further develop- ests in building a prosperous and democratic ment of transatlantic cooperation beneficial Europe. for all countries involved. The remaining U.S. government assistance The President also recognized Poland’s is now being used to help the Polish govern- ment to continue this transformation in a considerable contributions to multilateral number of critical areas, including local gov- peacekeeping efforts around the world and ernment and pension reform. announced the U.S. Government’s readiness Given Poland’s remarkable progress and to use the Enhanced International Peace- integration into the competitive global econ- keeping Capabilities Initiative (EIPC) to fur- omy, both governments took note of the new ther develop Poland’s already strong capabili- phase in our economic relationship based on ties in this area. The President expressed ap- investment, trade and other forms of co- preciation for Poland’s participation in the operation, with private sectors in the lead. international coalition which pressed the Both governments pledged to take steps to Iraqi government to comply with UNSC res- help bolster mutually beneficial trade and in- olutions, as well as day-to-day representation vestment, noting that the U.S. is already the of U.S. interests in Baghdad. The two leaders

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expressed their determination to work to- to be Ambassador to the Republic of gether with other interested parties to pro- Kazakhstan. mote diplomatic resolution to this continuing The President announced that he has ac- challenge to stability in the Persian Gulf. cepted an invitation from President Boris Yeltsin of Russia to meet in Russia in early NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- September. tion of the content of this joint statement. July 7 The President declared a major disaster in New York and ordered Federal aid to supple- Digest of Other ment State and local recovery efforts in the White House Announcements area struck by severe storms and flooding be- ginning June 25 and continuing. The President announced his intention to The following list includes the President’s public appoint Linda Chavez-Thompson as a mem- schedule and other items of general interest an- ber of the President’s Committee on Em- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and ployment of People with Disabilities. not included elsewhere in this issue. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas K. Thomas to serve as a July 3 member of the Board of Trustees of the In the late evening, the President and Hil- Christopher Columbus Fellowship Founda- lary and Chelsea Clinton traveled to Elmen- tion. dorf Air Force Base, AK, and Washington, The President announced his intention to DC, arriving early the next morning. nominate D. Bambi Kraus to serve as a mem- ber of the Board of Trustees of the Institute July 6 of American Indian and Alaska Native Cul- The President announced his intention to ture and Arts Development. nominate Kathryn Dee Robinson to be Am- bassador to the Republic of Ghana. July 8 The President announced his intention to In the afternoon, the President traveled to nominate Ruby Butler DeMesme as Assist- Arlington, VA. Later, he returned to Wash- ant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower, ington, DC. Reserve Affairs, Installations and Environ- The President announced his intention to ment. nominate Simon Ferro to be Ambassador to The President announced his intention to the Republic of Panama. nominate Patrick T. Henry to be Assistant The President announced the nomination Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Re- of David Gordon Carpenter to be Assistant serve Affairs. Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security The President announced his intention to and Director of the Office of Foreign Mis- nominate Carolyn H. Becraft as Assistant sions, with the Rank of Ambassador. Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Re- The President announced his intention to serve Affairs. nominate Eugene A. Conti, Jr., to serve as The President announced his intention to Assistant Secretary for Domestic Transpor- nominate Charles F. Kartman for the rank tation Policy at the Department of Transpor- of Ambassador during his tenure of service tation. as Special Envoy for the Korean Peace Talks. The President announced his intention to July 9 appoint Philip Condit, Lodewijk J.R. de Vink, In the morning, the President traveled to Gary DiCamillo, John P. Manning, Ernest Atlanta, GA. In the afternoon, he traveled Micek, and Jonathan Tisch to be members to Daytona, FL. of the President’s Export Council. In the evening, the President traveled to The President announced his intention to Miami, FL, and later, he returned to Wash- nominate Ambassador Richard Henry Jones ington, DC, arriving after midnight.

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The President announced his intention to Patrick T. Henry, nominate William B. Milam to be Ambas- of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of sador to Pakistan. the Army, vice Sara E. Lister, resigned. The White House announced that the President has invited President Julio Maria Joseph H. Melrose, Jr., Sanguinetti of Uruguay for a working visit of Pennsylvania, a career member of the Sen- on July 23. ior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Coun- selor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and July 10 Plenipotentiary of the United States of In the afternoon, the President had a tele- America to the Republic of Sierra Leone. phone conversation with President Boris Yeltsin of Russia and then met with Prime John Shattuck, Minister Jerzy Buzek of Poland in the Oval of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador Extraor- Office. Later, the President and Hillary Clin- dinary and Plenipotentiary of the United ton were interviewed by Stars and Stripes in States of America to the Czech Republic. the Map Room at the White House and later participated in a celebration for the 200th David G. Carpenter, anniversary of the Marine Band on the South of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Lawn. State, vice Eric James Boswell, resigned. The President announced his intention to appoint John Silberman, Jeff Valdez, and David G. Carpenter, Ruth Whetstone Wagner as members to the of Virginia, to be Director of the Office of Advisory Committee on the Arts of the John Foreign Missions, and to have the rank of F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Ambassador during his tenure of service, vice Eric James Boswell.

Robert Patrick Finn, of New York, a career member of the Senior Nominations Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to be Submitted to the Senate Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Tajikistan. The following list does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations Richard Henry Jones, to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- of Nebraska, a career member of the Senior eign Service officers. Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Submitted July 7 potentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Carolyn H. Becraft, Charles F. Kartman, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of of Virginia, a career member of the Senior the Navy, vice Bernard Daniel Rostker. Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure Ruby Butler DeMesme, of service as Special Envoy for the Korean of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Peace Talks. the Air Force, vice Rodney A. Coleman, re- signed. Kathryn Dee Robinson, of Tennessee, a career member of the Senior Bert T. Edwards, Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, of Maryland, to be Chief Financial Officer, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Department of State, vice Richard L. potentiary of the United States of America Greene, resigned. to the Republic of Ghana.

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Submitted July 9 Checklist of White House Press Releases Simon Ferro, of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of The following list contains releases of the Office America to the Republic of Panama. of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as items nor covered by entries in the Digest of D. Bambi Kraus, Other White House Announcements. of the District of Columbia, to be a member of the board of Trustees of the Institute of Released July 3 American Indian and Alaska Native Culture Transcript of remarks to the pool by Press and Arts Development for a term expiring Secretary Mike McCurry and National Secu- May 19, 2004, vice Marion G. Chambers. rity Adviser Samuel Berger William B. Milam, Released July 6 of California, a career member of the Senior Statement by the Press Secretary: President Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, Clinton Announces Summit Meeting With to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Russian Federation President Boris Yeltsin potentiary of the United States of America to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Transcript of a press briefing by NSC Assist- ant Press Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Withdrawn July 9 Director of Public Affairs P.J. Crowley, Dep- uty Press Secretary Joe Lockhart, and Dep- Carlos Pascual, uty Assistant to the President for Health Pol- of the District of Columbia, to be an Assist- icy Chris Jennings on Medicare and the ant Administrator of the Agency for Inter- President’s upcoming visit to Russia national Development, vice Thomas A. Dine, Released July 7 resigned, which was sent to the Senate on June 11, 1998. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry and Deputy Assistant Submitted July 10 to the President for Health Policy Chris Jen- nings on compliance with the Health Insur- William B. Traxler, Jr., ance Portability and Accountability Act of South Carolina, to be United States Cir- cuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice Don- Released July 8 ald Stuart Russell, deceased. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry Mary Beth West, Transcript of a press briefing by Assistant to of the District of Columbia, a career member the President for Domestic Policy Planning of the Senior Executive Service, for the rank Bruce Reed on efforts to promote gun safety of Ambassador during her tenure of service and responsibility as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans, Fisheries, and Space. Released July 9

Withdrawn July 10 Statement by the Press Secretary: Working Visit With President Sanguinetti of Uruguay Mary Beth West, Transcript of a press briefing by Office of of the District of Columbia, a career member National Drug Control Policy Director Barry of the Senior Executive Service, for the rank McCaffrey, Chairman of the Partnership for of Ambassador during her tenure of service a Drug Free America James Burke, and as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for President of the Advertising Council Ruth Oceans and Space, which was sent to the Wooden of the national youth antidrug cam- Senate on February 24, 1998. paign

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Released July 10 Acts Approved Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- by the President retary Mike McCurry Statement by the Press Secretary on the ap- pointment of Carlos E. Pascual as Special As- Approved July 7 sistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian, Ukranian, and Eurasian Affairs S. 2069 / Public Law 105–188 at NSC To permit the mineral leasing of Indian land Announcement of nomination for a U.S. located within the Fort Berthold Indian Res- Court of Appeals judge for the Fourth Cir- ervation in any case in which there is consent cuit from a majority interest in the parcel of land Text of the citation read on the award of the under consideration for lease Congressional Medal of Honor to Robert R. Ingram

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