Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, February 19, 2001 Volume 37—Number 7 Pages 279–297

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Congress See also Bill Signings Multinational organizations, U.S. intelligence Congress, meeting with Republican leaders— provision, letter transmitting report—280 294 Federal budget—294 Communications to Federal Agencies Former President ’s 90th birthday, telephone remarks—291 California powerplants, expediting Federal Georgia, troops at Fort Stewart—280 decisions relating to siting and operation, Middle East—287 memorandum—295 Radio address—279 State Department Executive Orders Employees—292 President’s Information Technology Advisory Swearing-in ceremony for foreign service Committee, Further Amendment to personnel—293 Executive Order 13035, as Amended—280 Virginia, troops at Norfolk Naval Air Station— 282 Interviews With the News Media West Virginia Departure for Charleston—287 Exchanges with reporters National Guard personnel and reservists in Air Force One—284 Charleston—289 Cabinet Room—294 Roundtable discussion with employers of National Guard personnel and reservists Supplementary Materials in Charleston—287 Acts approved by the President—297 Bill Signings Checklist of White House press releases—297 Joint resolution recognizing former President Digest of other White House Ronald Reagan’s 90th birthday, telephone announcements—296 remarks—291 Nominations submitted to the Senate—297

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

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

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The President’s Radio Address military is a place where Americans are proud to serve and proud to stay. February 10, 2001 On Tuesday I will be in Norfolk, Virginia, Good morning. This past week I have been for a tour of the Joint Forces Command and making the case for tax reductions. I’ve asked a glimpse of the next generation of military Congress to act quickly on my tax relief plan, weapons. America has some big choices to so that Americans can face these uncertain make as we prepare for the challenges and economic times with more of their own dangers of modern warfare. Battles will no money. I will continue to make that case until longer be won by size alone; stealth and relief has passed. speed will matter more. And we must make And next week I will also focus on another sure our country, itself, is protected from important issue, our national security. This attack from ballistic missiles and high-tech is the most basic commitment of America’s terrorists. Government and the greatest responsibility At week’s end I will meet in Washington of an American President. Our Nation’s with Secretary of State and our ideals inspire the world, but our Nation’s diplomats at the State Department. I ships and planes and armies must defend selected General Powell for that post, in part, these ideals and sustain our allies and friends. because he brings a soldier’s wisdom to the American influence is unquestioned, but work of diplomacy. His charge is to help me maintaining it requires work in every genera- pursue a clear, consistent, and decisive for- tion. The relative peace our Nation enjoys eign policy. today is not inevitable. Peace is earned by Whenever America acts in the world, our strength and strength begins with the men principles must be certain, our intentions be- and women who wear the uniform. New yond doubt, our strength beyond challenge. weapons and technologies are important, but This is how conflicts are avoided. This is how they are only as effective as the people who problems are dealt with before they become use them. crises. On Monday I will travel to Fort Stewart, Next week’s trips signal the priority I place in Georgia, to meet with soldiers and their on our military. The highest honor and great- families. I want to thank them for their serv- est duty of this office is to serve as Com- ice and give my full support in return. They mander in Chief. I want every man and deserve the best training, the latest and best woman in the Armed Forces to know that equipment, and long overdue improvements I respect your service and appreciate your in their pay, housing, and standard of living. sacrifice. And so, as I promised, I will announce Thank you for listening. meaningful increases in funding to improve the lives of our men and women in uniform. NOTE: The address was recorded at 11:41 a.m. There’s an old military saying: Soldiers en- on February 9 in the Oval Office at the White list, but families reenlist. We need to treat House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February families well and encourage military careers. 10. The transcript was made available by the Of- All our men and women in uniform, after fice of the Press Secretary on February 9 but was all, are volunteers. We must make sure our embargoed for release until the broadcast.

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Letter to Congressional Leaders Section 4(b) of Executive Order 13035, as Transmitting a Report on United amended, is further amended by deleting States Intelligence Provided to ‘‘February 11, 2001 and inserting ‘‘June 1, Multinational Organizations 2001,’’ in lieu thereof. February 9, 2001 George W. Bush Dear Mr. Chairman: The White House, In accordance with section 308 of the 1997 February 11, 2001. Intelligence Authorization Act, I am for- warding to the specified committees of the [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 13, 2001] Congress the eighth semiannual report on U.S. intelligence provided to the United Na- NOTE: This Executive order was released by the tions and other multinational organizations. Office of the Press Secretary on February 12, and This classified report details the types and it was published in the Federal Register on Feb- volume of the intelligence support provided ruary 14. by the United States during the 6-month pe- riod ending September 30, 2000, and the purposes for which it was provided. Remarks to the Troops at Fort Sincerely, Stewart, Georgia February 12, 2001 George W. Bush The President. Thank you. Thank you, NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Jesse Helms, General Sharp. Before I begin my remarks chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Rela- today, I want to ask for your prayers for those tions; Richard C. Shelby, chairman, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Henry J. Hyde, chair- still missing after the tragic accident involv- man, House Committee on International Rela- ing one of our naval submarines and a Japa- tions; and Porter J. Goss, chairman, House Perma- nese fishing vessel off the coast of Hawaii. nent Select Committee on Intelligence. This letter Please join me in a moment of silence for was released by the Office of the Press Secretary those missing, their families, and our friends, on February 12. the people of Japan. [At this point, a moment of silence was ob- Executive Order 13200—President’s served.] Information Technology Advisory The President. Amen. Committee, Further Amendment to Major General, thank you for your kind Executive Order 13035, as Amended introduction and your outstanding leader- February 11, 2001 ship. Secretary Rumsfeld, Senator Cleland, and Senator Miller—of the great State of By the authority vested in me as President Georgia—other Members of the United by the Constitution and the laws of the States Senate; Representative Kingston and United States of America, including the other Members of the House, thank you all High-Performance Computing Act of 1991 for traveling with me today. (Public Law 102–194), as amended by the General Hendrix, Major General Next Generation Internet Research Act of Poythress, Command Sergeant Major 1998 (Public Law 105–305), and in order to McFowler, Command Sergeant Major Ruo, extend the life of the President’s Information soldiers of the 3d Infantry Division, the 48th Technology Advisory Committee so that it Infantry Brigade—as importantly, family may continue to carry out its responsibilities, members—and all those who make up the it is hereby ordered that Executive Order Fort Stewart home. It’s a great privilege for 13035 of February 11, 1997, as amended by me to be here today. Executive Orders 13092 and 13113 (‘‘Execu- You’re among the first in the Army to hear tive Order 13035, as amended’’), is further me extend ‘‘Hooah!’’ amended as follows: Audience members. Hooah!

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The President. I proudly do so, for there You are among the most deployed units is no greater duty for the President and no in the Army. But you live on a base that has higher honor than to serve as the Com- some of the least developed infrastructure. mander in Chief. Two-thirds of your barracks need renovation. I’m especially honored to be here at Fort Some of your workshops are housed in wood Stewart with the ‘‘dog-faced soldiers’’ of the buildings built in 1941, buildings that were 3d Infantry Division. You’ve written history designed to last 10 years, which are now hav- with your courage, from the forests of the ing their 60th birthday. [Laughter] Marne to the frontlines of the cold war, from These problems, from low pay to poor Casablanca to the Balkans, from Korea to housing, reach across our military and the Kuwait. result is predictable: Frustration is up; mo- Today, you carry on this proud tradition, rale, in some places, is difficult to sustain; ready to project American power wherever recruitment is harder. This is not the way America’s interests are threatened. You’ve a great nation should reward courage and been called the most highly trained and rap- idealism. It’s ungrateful. It’s unwise, and it idly deployable mechanized force in the is unacceptable. world. That is high praise, and you have We will do better. You deserve a military earned it. that treats you and your families with respect. I deeply respect your service. I appreciate And America needs a military where our best your sacrifice. And I know what your service and brightest are proud to serve and proud and sacrifice achieve for our Nation. In a to stay. I have great goals for our military, dangerous world, our men and women in to advance its technology, to rethink its strat- uniform give America safety. In a world of egy. But as always, our strength begins with fast changing threats, you give us stability. our people. Because of you, America is secure. Because Today I’m announcing that our proposed of you, the march of freedom continues. 2002 budget will add $5.7 billion in new The freedom and security you make pos- spending on the people of our military. Our sible improve the quality of our life every budget will include $1.4 billion for military day. Our Nation can never fully repay our pay increases—pay increases on top of the debt to you. But we can give you our full increases the Congress passed the last couple support, and my administration will. of budget cycles; $400 million in funds to We owe you and your families a decent improve military housing; and $3.9 billion to quality of life. We owe you the training and improve military health benefits. equipment you need to do your jobs. And If our military is to attract the best of when we send you into harm’s way, we owe America, we owe you the best. You volun- you a clear mission with clear goals. You and teered for this job. You decided to serve a your families are the foundation of America’s cause greater than yourself. And I’m proud military readiness. But while you’re serving to lead you, and I’m committed to serve you. us well, America is not serving you well In the years ahead, I will have the oppor- enough. Many in our military have been tunity to visit with thousands of our men and overdeployed and underpaid. Many live in women in uniform. And I look forward to aging houses and work in aging buildings. each opportunity to express my thanks on be- You see some of this right here at Fort Stew- half of our Nation. art. Twenty-four thousand troops have been I’ll never forget that my first visit as Com- processed through Hunter Airfield in the last mander in Chief was here, to Fort Stewart, 12 months, deploying everywhere from Bos- home of the ‘‘dog-faced soldiers.’’ You are nia to the Bahamas. the Rock of the Marne, and America is rock- Some members of the 3d Infantry Division solid behind you. are now in Bosnia for a second or even third God bless you, and God bless America. time. In a few months, the 48th Infantry Bri- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:12 a.m. at gade of Georgia’s National Guard will also Cottrell Field. In his remarks, he referred to Maj. deploy there. Others in the 3d Infantry are Gen. Walter L. Sharp, USA, Commanding Gen- getting ready to deploy to Kosovo. eral, and Com. Sgt. Maj. George J. Ruo, Jr., USA,

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Division Command Sergeant Major, 3d Infantry; Division who were involved in a training acci- Gen. John W. Hendrix, USA, Commanding Gen- dent on Oahu this morning. eral, and Com. Sgt. Maj. Andrew McFowler, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Forces [At this point, a moment of silence was ob- Command; and Maj. Gen. David Poythress, The served.] Adjutant General of Georgia. The President. Amen. We fly 19 flags here. Together, they sym- Remarks to the Troops at Norfolk bolize one of the supreme achievements of Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia the last century. NATO is the reason history records no world war III. By preserving the February 13, 2001 stability of Europe and the transatlantic com- munity, NATO has kept the peace, and the The President. Thank you all. Thank you work goes on. very much. General, thank you for that kind When NATO was formed, the great chal- introduction, and thank you for your service lenge was to prevent conflict in Europe by to our Nation. I’m honored to be here with a system of collective defense among three the Secretary of Defense, Don Rumsfeld. I nations. In a message to Congress sent with picked a good man to be the Secretary of the NATO Treaty, President Harry Truman Defense. explained his purpose this way: ‘‘The nations General Shelton, thank you for accom- signing this treaty,’’ he said, ‘‘share a common panying us today. Admiral Perowne, Admiral heritage of democracy, individual liberty, and Mayer, members of the NATO staff. I want the rule of law. The security and welfare of to thank the NATO Ambassadors who are each member of this community depend here, or the Ambassadors representing upon the security and welfare of all. None NATO countries who are here. I’m honored of us alone can achieve economic prosperity that you took time out of your day to come or military security. None of us alone can down. I’m thankful that members of the con- assure the continuance of freedom.’’ gressional delegation from the Common- This is still true today. Our challenges have wealth of Virginia and other States around changed, and NATO is changing and growing the Nation traveled with us. I’m particularly to meet them. But the purpose of NATO re- pleased that Senator John Warner is here, mains permanent. As we have seen in the along with the former Governor of the State Balkans, together, united, we can detour the of Virginia, now-Senator George Allen. designs of aggression and spare the Con- I also want to recognize not only Members tinent from the effects of ethnic hatreds. of the United States House of Representa- I’m here today with a message for Amer- tives but also Ed Shrock, the newly elected ica’s allies. We will cooperate in the work United States Congressman from this dis- of peace. We will consult early and candidly trict. I appreciate Ed traveling with us, as with our NATO Allies. We will expect them well. to return the same. In diplomacy, in tech- Most of all, I want to thank the men and nology, in missile defense, in fighting wars, women who wear the uniform for your warm and above all, in preventing wars, we must greeting, and thank you for your service to work as one. Transatlantic security and sta- the United States of America. I also want bility is a vital American interest, and our to thank your family members who are here unity is essential for peace in the world. with you. Oftentimes, we talk about the men Nothing must ever divide us. and women who wear the uniform; it’s also A little while ago I saw an example of that important to remember the husbands and unity in action. From the command center wives of those who do, as well. here, I had a glimpse of future threats and Just this morning we’re reminded of the of the technology that will be used to meet risks of your duty and the sacrifices that you them. These new systems are impressive, and make. I ask you to join me in a moment of they’re only a beginning in the technologies silent prayer for the dead, the wounded, and we will need to deter wars in the decades missing crew members of the 25th Infantry to come. Because America, NATO, and our

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allies have made the world more secure, we ment, a task we have neglected for too long, have an opportunity today given to few na- but we will do this judiciously and selectively. tions in history to prepare for the future, to Our goal is to move beyond marginal im- think anew. provements to harness new technologies that Eleven years after the end of the cold war will support a new strategy. we are in a time of transition and testing, We do not know yet the exact shape of when it will be decided what dangers draw our future military, but we know the direc- near or pass away, what tragedies are invited tion we must begin to travel. On land, our or averted. We must use this time well. We heavy forces will be lighter; our light forces must seize this moment. will be more lethal. All will be easier to de- First, we must prepare our nations against ploy and to sustain. In the air, we will be the dangers of a new era. The grave threat able to strike across the world with pinpoint from nuclear, biological, and chemical weap- accuracy, using both aircraft and unmanned ons has not gone away with the cold war. systems. On the oceans, we will connect in- It has evolved into many separate threats, formation and weapons in new ways, maxi- some of them harder to see and harder to mizing our ability to project power over land. answer. And the adversaries seeking these In space, we’ll protect our network of sat- tools of terror are less predictable, more di- ellites essential to the flow of our commerce verse. With advanced technology, we must and the defense of our common interests. All confront the threats that come on a missile. of this will require great effort and new With shared intelligence and enforcement, spending. we must confront the threats that come in The first budget I will send to Congress a shipping container or in a suitcase. makes only a start. Before we make our full We have no higher priority than the de- investment, we must know our exact prior- fense of our people against terrorist attack. ities, and we will not know our priorities until To succeed, America knows we must work the defense review is finished. That report with our allies. We did not prevail together will mark the beginning of a new defense in the cold war only to go our separate ways, agenda and a new strategic vision and will pursuing separate plans with separate tech- be the basis for allocating our defense re- nologies. sources. The dangers ahead confront us all. The de- As I announced yesterday, my 2002 de- fenses we build must protect us all. And sec- fense budget will increase spending on the ondly, as you know firsthand, we must extend people of our military immediately with bet- our peace by advancing our technology. ter pay, better housing, and better—[ap- We’re witnessing a revolution in the tech- plause]. This need is urgent, and it’s obvious. nology of war, powers increasingly defined [Laughter] You give the best, and we owe not by size but by mobility and swiftness. Ad- you the best in return. My 2002 budget will vantage increasingly comes from information also include $2.6 billion as a downpayment such as the three-dimensional images of sim- on the research and development effort that ulated battle that I have just seen. Safety is lies ahead. gained in stealth and forces projected on the Yet, in our broader effort, we must put long arc of precision-guided weapons. The strategy first, then spending. Our defense vi- best way to keep the peace is to redefine sion will drive our defense budget, not the war on our terms. other way around. At my request, Secretary of Defense Vice President Cheney often points out Rumsfeld has begun a comprehensive review that the military itself is like a ship that can- of the United States military, the state of our not be turned around in a moment. It has strategy, the structure of our forces, the pri- a dynamic and momentum all its own, set orities of our budget. I have given him a in motion by events and decisions long ago broad mandate to challenge the status quo and turning only in a wide, long arc. Change as we design a new architecture for the de- will not come easy for America’s military and fense of America and our allies. We will mod- for our allies. But we must know our direc- ernize some existing weapons and equip- tion and make our turn. You can count on

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me to lead these changes in a spirit of respect monetary policy, fiscal policy will help ease and gratitude for the military and its tradi- whatever economic pain is on the horizon. tions. I’m obviously very pleased about those num- Some things about America’s Armed bers and hope that other numbers bear out Forces must never change. In times of trou- that piece of good news. ble and in times of peace, the men and Q. Are you going to try anything beyond women who wear the uniform are the mili- what you’ve done already to try to get Con- tary’s greatest asset. Without your hard work gress to move up? I know you oppose retro- and heroism, your discipline and personal active, but they still have to pass to pass it. courage, the finest of technologies cannot de- The President. No, we’ve got to get it fend us. through, and I understand that. It’s just, you Our NATO Allies have brought their own know, the calendar is what it is, and we’ll character and courage to the defense of lib- work with the Congress to get all our bills erty. We’re cast together in a story of shared moving as quickly as possible. They’re in struggle and shared victory. Here, where charge of the timeframe, and I believe we’re three ships from England once passed on going to get a good hearing on our pieces their way to Jamestown, we carry on the alli- of legislation as quickly as possible. But it ance that joined the old world and the new. will take a while. We’re allies, and we are friends. As long as we stand together, power will always be on U.S.S. Greenville the side of peace and freedom. Q. Are you concerned about the allega- God bless the United States military. God tions from the Japanese that the crew of the bless NATO, and God bless America. Greenville stood by and did not offer assist- ance? NOTE: The President spoke at 11:25 a.m. outside the headquarters building of the NATO Supreme The President. I called the Prime Min- Allied Commander, Atlantic. In his remarks, he ister today. That’s why I was 3 minutes late, referred to Gen. William F. Kernan, USA, NATO on the on-time administration. [Laughter] Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, Com- But I spoke to Prime Minister Mori. I as- mander in Chief, U.S. Joint Forces Command; sured him that we will do everything we can Gen Henry H. Shelton, Chairman, Joint Chiefs to try to recover and find—find or recover of Staff; Adm. Sir James F. Perowne, KBE, United the bodies. He did not bring up that allega- Kingdom Navy, NATO Deputy Supreme Com- tion to me. I have yet to hear all the facts mander, Atlantic; and Rear Adm. Martin J. Mayer, from Secretary Rumsfeld, and I look forward USN, Deputy Commander in Chief, U.S. Joint Forces Command. to what he has to say. I am—I did assure him—I apologized on behalf of the country.

Exchange With Reporters Aboard Marc Rich Pardon Air Force One Q. Are you distracted at all by the furor February 13, 2001 over the Marc Rich pardon and the former President? The President. Glad to see you all again. The President. Not at all. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to Q. Not a distraction? emerge out of the—are you doing okay? The President. Not at all. I will tell you one thing, just in terms of the former Presi- Tax Cut/Legislative Agenda dent. All the allegations that they took stuff Q. We wondered what your thoughts were off of Air Force One is simply not true, for on the retail sales jumping seven-tenths of example. But no, I’m not the—sit down; I’ll a percentage point last month, and does that come back. still speak to the need for a tax cut? Q. Thank you, Mr. President. The President. Oh, I think it’s one good At this point, the President left the press statistic amongst a sea of some pretty dismal [ area. Later, he returned. statistics. I am concerned about the econ- ] omy. I strongly believe the combination of The President. As promised. [Laughter]

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Strategic Vision Reassessment to be a part of. And sometimes the training Q. [Inaudible]—talked about modernizing exercises are not at the base in which the military a number of times. Should Mem- they’re—you know, their main base. And so bers of Congress who are trying to promote there was just a lot of time away from their their own program, like the F–22 or some homes, and that was a concern. of these older programs, should they be wor- I was touched by the ceremony when I ried at this point? reviewed the troops, to look in the eyes of The President. Well, I think they ought the men and women who wear the uniform. to wait until we have—the Secretary presents It’s a pretty powerful feeling, and it reminded a strategic vision. I said during the cam- me that we need to be very judicious and paign—as you know, Tom—I worry about careful about committing our troops. defense spending based upon politics and not And today’s incident—they called me early based upon a strategic vision. I said that again this morning about the Blackhawks that had today. I said the strategy and the spending crashed over Oahu. And it was right on the ought to follow. I don’t think Members ought heels of the visit when I got to see, stare to worry about that. I think they ought to people in the eyes, realize how precious the be pleased with that type of approach to lives are of everybody, of course—the sol- budgeting. diers are my direct responsibility as the Com- Q. Will you be shutting down some major mander in Chief. weapons programs? It was just—it was a very necessary trip, The President. Let’s wait until the review because it really personalized the job. I take is finished. the responsibilities incredibly seriously. I do want to see more of the military, meet more President’s Meetings With the Military of the troops. I want to see more of the mis- Q. Mr. President, as you’ve been talking sions. I get a much better feel for what’s hap- to the soldiers and sailors the last couple of pening in different—specialties. days, what kind of response do you feel like Q. [Inaudible]—really respect the office. you’ve gotten? What have you learned from Did you get some feedback that they appre- them? ciate you or appreciate what you are going The President. First of all, I think the to do for the military? men and women who wear the uniform re- The President. I think they’ve got high spect the office of the Presidency, for which hopes for me and my administration. I felt I’m grateful. I think they’re just honored that like yesterday’s statement, that first things the President would come and say hello. first are the people who wear the uniform I was taken aback by the—‘‘taken aback’’ and that the first public statement I made isn’t the right word. I was—there was a lot since—or the first speech I gave on a military of concern about overdeployments yesterday installation had to do with better pay and bet- at Fort Stewart. ter housing and better medical care. Q. About what? There is going to be—you know, rede- The President. Overdeployments, it was signing the strategic vision of the military is on people’s minds. I’m not surprised that going to take some time. But we must do was—talking about pay, and they were it. There are going to be some tough choices pleased to hear there were going to be some to make, but that’s why you get elected. more pay increase coming. But there was a lot of talk about extended trips overseas. It’s U.S.S. Greenville really not one trip; it’s the multiple trips; and Q. Mr. President, on the Greenville, U.S.S. it’s the time away from base, the training re- Greenville, would you support a salvage ef- quired. fort? You know, people are deployed to the Bal- The President. We’ve got an unmanned kans. They go through training to prepare sub heading out there to determine exactly for the mission in the Balkans. They go to what the status is. I need to find the facts. the Balkans. They then come back and have I think we need to do what we need to do to be retrained for the mission that they used to get the bodies out of there, if they’re there.

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Q. You said you had apologized to Prime that, himself. [Laughter] Do you think a po- Minister Mori, but you got cut off. tential solution to California’s energy crisis The President. Oh, I’m sorry. Well, I did. lies in Mexico? I said I was—I apologized on behalf of our The President. Could be. You know, Nation for the accident that took place and you’ve been reading talk about, well, Mexico the lives that are missing. needs to import natural gas. But every mcf Q. Did he ask you to do anything or did of newly discovered gas in our hemisphere he—— helps the overall supply picture throughout The President. He asked me to do every- the hemisphere. Now, that sounds obvious, thing I could—which we are doing—to find, but somehow people are writing that, ‘‘Well, to locate the missing folks. you know, the idea of maybe working with Q. As a former military man yourself, sir, Mexico to attract foreign capital, develop nat- know the absolute preeminence of safety— ural gas really won’t help in the United every operation. Were you comfortable, as States.’’ Of course it will help in the United a former military officer that—were taken? States. It means that there will be less exports The President. John, I haven’t seen the from the United States to Mexico. There’s full briefing yet. And that’s going to go up an issue evolving right now in California through the proper chain of command. I about natural gas going from California to know the Secretary of Defense has asked that the Mexican powerplant. I don’t know exactly question and, once the facts have surfaced, what the status is. It’s conceivable that that I will—I’m sure it will be brought to my at- gas will be interrupted, and it will create, ob- tention, and I’ll be able to answer that ques- viously, a problem for our neighbors to the tion better after I hear the facts. south. But gas can flow both ways. And any President’s Upcoming Visit to Mexico gas down in Mexico that improves the Mexi- can situation will help America. Q. [Inaudible] The President. Well, I’m looking forward Secondly, the idea of—I am going to dis- to be with my friend Vicente Fox to make cuss this with the President, about improving sure that he understands that when I say the powerplants to be able to help additional friends, that we’ll be friends. I mean it. There power get into the western grid. That would will be a lot of discussions, a lot of issues. obviously be farther west than where we’re Trade is a big issue, energy a big issue, immi- going to be. But yes, I think with an oppor- gration a big issue. And I look forward to tunity—potential. discussing them. Q. [Inaudible]—natural gas prices. Is It’s really a continuation of a chat we had there something the Government can do? in Dallas. He had been elected; I hadn’t Some people really need to—— been. But we had stopped off in Dallas, had The President. Yes, they are. We sup- a chance to visit with him. I’ve known him ported LIHEAP, of course. But what the nat- from before, and I’ve got a good relationship ural gas price will end up doing is attracting with him. It’s why I’m going to Mexico. I more investment, more capital, more explo- think it’s going to be a good signal to the ration, which we surely need. We’ve got a Mexicans and others in our hemisphere that shortage of gas and a growing demand. That’s the best foreign policy starts at home. We’ve why the price is where it is. The issue in got to have good relations in the hemisphere. the State of California, they didn’t increase I assured the Prime Minister of Canada the supply of energy, but the demand for en- that my vision of the hemisphere goes both ergy increased in a significant way. It turns north and south. We had a really good visit, out the Internet, while it created a brand new by the way. Chretien is a very interesting economy, also created a huge need for man, a down-to-earth fellow. power. We need more power, pure and sim- ple. That’s part of the discussions with the Mexico and California Energy Shortages President of Mexico will be, to determine Q. He’s the only politician who speaks out whether or not there is the ability to jointly of one side of his mouth, and he’s admitted work on the ability to generate more power.

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Investigation of Presidential Pardons NOTE: The President spoke at 12:15 p.m. en route Q. Sir, I just wanted to follow up on the from Norfolk, VA, to Andrews Air Force Base, MD. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Min- previous question. You had mentioned— ister Yoshiro Mori of Japan; President Vicente Fox you’ve often said, about your predecessor, of Mexico; Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Can- that you want to look forward, and not the ada; and Mayor Anthony A. Williams of the Dis- past. Do you think it’s a good idea for Con- trict of Columbia. The President also referred to gress to be investigating pardons or for the LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assist- Justice Department to do that? Or should ance Program. A tape was not available for they just let it go? verification of the content of this exchange. The President. I think it’s time to move on. And—— Remarks on Departure for Q. Will you ask Chairman—— The President. No, the Congress is going Charleston, West Virginia to what they’re going to do. They’ve already February 14, 2001 started the process. Q. What about your Attorney General? Situation in the Middle East The President. I haven’t talked to the At- Good morning. I strongly condemn the torney General about it. I read something terrible act of violence in Israel this morning. about it today, but—— I have called Prime Minister Barak to express Q. He would consider—— my condolences to the families of the people Press Secretary Ari Fleischer. The At- killed and to all the Israeli people. torney General just simply said that he would As I told the Prime Minister, the tragic look at what Congress was doing. cycle of violent action and reaction between The President. Yes, I don’t think—didn’t Israel and the Palestinians, particularly the investigate; he was responding to a congres- escalation this week, needs to stop. I’m urg- sional inquiry. You know, the Congress is ing all parties to do their utmost to end the going to do what they’re going to do. My violence. attitude is, you know, all this business about We will continue to work with all parties the transition—it’s time to move on; it is. It’s to try to restore calm to the region. time to stay looking forward, and that’s what Thank you. I’m going to do. Q. Are you concerned that there’s an— NOTE: The President spoke at 8:55 a.m. on the the appearance of a quid pro quo with all South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, of the money flowing into the Democratic he referred to Prime Minister Ehud Barak of coffers? Israel. The President. That’s up for the able journalists in America to determine. Remarks in a Roundtable Discussion Always a pleasure. Sorry we don’t get to With Employers of National Guard spend so much quality time like we used to in the campaign. Personnel and Reservists in Charleston Baseball February 14, 2001 Q. Are you warming up for opening day? The President. The Secretary and I are It’s only 6 weeks. thankful you all are here; very thankful that The President. Down in Houston? the good Senator from this great State has [Laughter] traveled with us. It’s an honor to be in his Q. Are you going to work with Tony Wil- presence. He is an eloquent spokesman on liams to bring a ball team to Washington? what’s right about America, and a pretty darn The President. You’re not going to be- good spokesman about what’s needed in lieve this. It was one of the first topics he West Virginia, I might add. [Laughter] brought up during our conversation—seri- I appreciate the newly elected Congress- ously. [Laughter] woman as well, Shelley Moore, for being

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here. I want to thank the other members of I also appreciate very much the oppor- the delegation. tunity to highlight the patriotic role not only I’m so pleased to come and talk about the the guardsmen and reservists play but the Guard and reservists. I used to be in the patriotic role that the employer plays in Guard, and one of the best things about America. It’s a two-way street, and our Na- being the Governor, Governor, is to be the tion needs to be grateful for those who un- commander in chief of the Guard in Texas, derstand the bottom line is more than just and in your case, West Virginia. It’s an honor, profit and loss; the bottom line is also service and I know you’re going to take it and do to the country. a good job. You’ve got a pretty darn good There’s all kinds of ways employers can start with a general leading the troops here do that. They can give generously of health in West Virginia. care; they can give generously of contribu- I want you to know, Colonel Raney, I tions and dollars to help in the communities would have come back whether I won or lost. in which they live. But employers also give [Laughter] I fell in love with West Virginia incredibly generously when it comes to sup- during my time here. But now is not the time porting the Guards and reservists—guards- for politics. This is a visit about public policy, men and reservists who are now fulfilling and that’s the defense of our Nation. I’m much of the mission that is now taking place going to give a more formal speech later on, overseas. but the purpose of this visit is to listen some It’s a huge honor to be the Commander but also to assure you. in Chief. I take the responsibility very seri- ously. We’re going to have a foreign policy I understand a couple things that are im- that’s strong and consistent and clear, with portant: One, the role of the Guard and re- a military that is focused and prepared to servists not only abroad is important but, as keep the peace. And the guardsmen and re- importantly, at home. Part of our job is to servists will play a major role. assess real threats to the Nation and address Now, Colonel Raney, I’m told that there those threats with corresponding defense are some other folks who may want to say policy. I’m worried that we are trying to be something, in which case I’m prepared to lis- all things to all people around the world and, ten or answer questions if you have any. If therefore, creating the tension that you accu- I don’t know it, the Secretary of Defense rately described. It’s not only a tension for Rumsfeld will. [Laughter] employer to employee; it’s tensions, often- times, between husband and wife. And over- [ At this point, the discussion continued.] deployments, constant deployments really The President. I think it’s important for create a severe issue for morale all through- the Nation to understand the critical role the out the military. And we’re going to address Guard and reservists play in today’s mix. And that by starting with redefining the mission this mission—or this trip today is to clarify or clarifying the mission of the United States the mission, to not only say thanks to the military. And that’s this: to be trained and folks of West Virginia but, hopefully, to get prepared to fight and win war and, therefore, people around the country paying attention prevent war from happening in the first to reality. And reality is, the Guard and re- place. servists carry quite a bit of the load overseas Our administration will keep our commit- and also serve—set up some of these good ments, and we’ve got a lot of commitments employers as examples for others to look at to keep. There will be no precipitous with- and to follow. drawal from the commitments we inherited, So, thank you, Governor. Good luck on but as we go forward we will be careful about your speech tonight. You’ll do great. troop deployment, judiciously use our troops. We understand that overdeployments not [The discussion continued. A participant stat- only affect those on active duty but also affect ed that letting everyone know about the op- those in the Reserves and Guard. And I ap- portunities available and having employers preciate you bringing that up so very much. encourage people to take advantage of them

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would contribute to a viable force in the fu- have not developed like we have will be able ture.] to utilize the technologies that have been de- The President. John, I appreciate that. veloped, much of which have been devel- The good news is, in your State, is you’ve oped right here in the State of West Virginia. got more folks applying for jobs than exist The energy situation in the country is very in the Guard and Reserve. So evidently, serious. Demand is greater than supply. And word-of-mouth advertising is pretty darn ef- we can affect demand, and will. We’ll work fective. on conservation measures. But we also have Q. Our general helps us with that. [Laugh- got to understand that we need to work on ter] the supply side, Senator, and coal is in abun- The President. We’ve got an overall issue dant supply here in America. of recruitment and retention throughout all And my job and the job of others will be the military. The Secretary and I will address to convince many in the country who don’t that. It starts with better pay but also requires believe we can have a clean air policy and our Nation to have a focused mission. So it’s burn coal at the same time. I believe we can, clear about what the mission of the military and many of the experts know we can. And is. we’ve got to do it; we’ve got to sell the coun- And I keep saying this over and over again, try on that. and we’ll work with our allies to help them In the meantime, we’ve also got to make understand that our Nation is a nation of sure that we’re less dependent on foreign peacemakers; we’ll help make the peace. But sources of crude oil. The lack of an energy we’re going to be reluctant to put troops on policy and national security concerns go the ground to keep people apart, warring hand-in-hand. And I’m very aware of that, parties apart. It’s a concern of me and the sir. Secretary and others. And we will work with Thank you. our allies to make sure they understand what our position is before we take any action. NOTE: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. in the Armory at the West Virginia Army National Guard [The discussion continued. A participant stat- Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred to Maj. ed that, given the energy situation, the United Gen. Allen E. Tackett, Adjutant General, and Col. States had no choice but to be involved in William R. Raney, Director of Facilities and Engi- the Middle East to ensure a continued oil neering, West Virginia Army National Guard; and supply.] Gov. Robert E. Wise of West Virginia. A tape was not available for verification of the content of The President. I appreciate you saying these remarks. that. It reminded me of what Senator Byrd told me the other day. I can’t quite put it as eloquently as he did, but he reminded me Remarks to National Guard that we need a national energy policy of Personnel and Reservists in which coal needs to be an integral part. Charleston Q. We are importing 60 percent of our February 14, 2001 oil daily—— The President. Which is a national secu- The President. Thank you all. Sit down, rity concern. please. Well, thank you very much, General. Q. ——and about 12 million barrels a day. I appreciate those kind words, and I appre- The President. It is up to all of us to re- ciate your warm welcome. I’m glad I came mind folks that we can safely mine coal, and back to West Virginia. This is a State of good we can cleanly burn it with the right tech- people, good folks, down-to-earth folks. And nology. As a matter of fact, the Senator and I’m glad to be in your midst again. I—Senator Stevens—were not only talking I particularly want to say thanks to General about the use of technology at home, clean Tackett for his leadership. He’s one of the coal technologies here at home, but also finest Guard Generals in the United States being able to have clean coal technology as of America. All you’ve got to do is look at part of an export policy, so that nations that his record.

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Secretary Rumsfeld and I, we’re looking But today when I got off the airplane, Mas- at the General’s record. It’s because of your ter Sergeant David Eshbaugh from West Vir- service that he looks good—[laughter]—be- ginia was there to greet me. He and I shared cause of his leadership that the record is the same dorm in Lackland Air Force Base, good. So Secretary Rumsfeld and I say thank Texas. And David, I want to thank you from you, General, for your leadership. It’s an the bottom of my heart for greeting me at honor for us to be here in your midst. the foot of the stairs when I got off the air- I appreciate the good Governor of this plane. And thank you for your service, too. State’s kind words. Good luck to you, Gov- There is an old saying that example is the ernor. He asked me today if he had any ad- true language of men. The example of this vice—if I had any advice to him about his State speaks of duty and honor. The people state of the State address tonight. I said I of West Virginia have always answered the did: Just keep it short. [Laughter] But I want call to military service. There are an awful to thank you for your hospitality, Governor. lot of mountaineers who have made this I’m honored to be traveling from the Na- country proud. And the men and women of tion’s Capital with one of the most eloquent the West Virginia National Guard and Re- public servants our Nation has had in a long serves continue that tradition. When it comes time, somebody who not only represents the to readiness, as the Governor mentioned, the great State of West Virginia well but cares State’s Army and international Guard units deeply about our country, its standing in the are ranked at the top of our Nation, and the world—a guardian of what is right, protector West Virginia National Guard has more peo- of the grand traditions in the United States ple than openings. It’s a darn good sign that Senate. And that’s, of course, the great things are right in the ranks here in this im- United States Senator, Senator Robert Byrd. portant State. You all sent somebody who is plenty capa- I also want to recognize the employers of ble to take the Governor’s place in the Halls the National Guardsmen and reservists, es- pecially those who are here today. Citizen of Congress, somebody who will represent soldiers have always depended on selfless West Virginia well in the House of Rep- employers. The generosity of the employers resentatives, somebody who brings a lot of in West Virginia wasn’t learned in MBA text- class to the office. And that is Shelley Moore books or in business schools. It was learned Capito. because these folks are patriotic. They care And traveling with us are two Members about their State, and they care about their of the , Senators Stevens country. You put love of country above love and Inouye, as well as Chairman Jerry Lewis. of profit, and you have the gratitude of our And I want to thank those Members for trav- Nation. eling with us. It just goes to show how power- This is the National Guard’s Year of the ful—it just goes to show how powerful Sen- Employer, and it’s a recognition that the em- ator Byrd is. [Laughter] He said, ‘‘I think you ployers of the guardsmen and the reservists fellows may need to come over and pay a justly deserve. National Guardsmen and re- visit to West Virginia.’’ All of us said, ‘‘Yes, servists are a part of a great and enduring sir, we’re on our way.’’ [Laughter] American tradition. The National Guard I also want to thank Command Master Ser- itself is the oldest part of America’s Armed geant Leonard, the senior enlisted man for Forces, with a history reaching back more the Guard and Reserves. Sergeant Leonard, than three and a half centuries. thank you for coming. During the American Revolution, volun- Finally, I don’t want to embarrass the fel- teers and minutemen earned our freedom. low, but I’m going to. In 1968, July of ’68, Today, our Guard and Reserve help preserve I was stationed in Lackland Air Force Base, it. The National Guard has a unique role. San Antonio, Texas. It serves America within our borders and be- Audience member. Hooah! [Laughter] yond our borders. You assist your neighbors The President. You don’t sound old in times of natural disaster, in flood and enough to have been there. [Laughter] storm and fire. The West Virginia National

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Guard, for example, has been activated for and they won. And we, all of us living and disaster relief 15 times in the last 6 years. yet to be born, must be forever profoundly All Americans have learned to count on the grateful.’’ National Guard in times of crisis to lend a Professor Ambrose was writing about the strong and helping hand. soldiers of World War II. But his words apply The Guard reservists also provide for the to this audience and to the men and women common defense. This has always been so, around the world who proudly wear the uni- but it has never been more important than form. Your uniform shows that you are living today. During the last few years, American your life for others, for your fellow West Vir- active forces have been reduced in size, even ginians in time of suffering and crisis, for as American commitments have increased. your fellow Americans when our safety is The Guard and Reserves have stepped up threatened, and for the values and ideals our to the challenge. country represents when our allies and More than ever, you find yourselves a part friends ask for help. of overseas missions, serving with your active All Americans benefit from your service, duty counterparts. In Bosnia and Kosovo, re- and we’ll always be grateful. Thank you for servists make up 15 to 20 percent of the coming, and God bless. force. You know firsthand. Less than 2 months ago, a number of airmen from the NOTE: The President spoke at 11:47 a.m. at 130th Airlift Wing came home from Oper- Yeager Field at the West Virginia National Guard ation Joint Force after flying missions from Headquarters. In his remarks, he referred to Maj. Germany to the Balkans. Gen. Allen E. Tackett, Adjutant General of West During my tenure as Governor of Texas, Virginia; Gov. Robert E. Wise of West Virginia; Com. Sgt. Maj. John J. Leonard, Jr., Senior En- hundreds of National Guardsmen and reserv- listed Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of De- ists were sent to Bosnia, and I was enor- fense for Reserve Affairs; and M. Sgt. David mously proud of them. They did what they (Mike) Eshbaugh, 167th Airlift Wing, West Vir- always do: They performed their duty, just ginia Air National Guard. as you performed your duty. As threats to America change, your role will continue to change. The National Guard Telephone Remarks on and reservists will be more involved in home- Former President Ronald Reagan’s land security, confronting acts of terror and 90th Birthday the disorder our enemies may try to create. February 15, 2001 I welcome the important part you will play in protecting our Nation and its people. The The President. Mrs. Reagan, hi, how are National Guard and Reserves are a vital part you today? of America’s national defense. And I want Former First Lady Nancy Reagan. [In- you to know that you not only have a former audible] guardsman in the White House; you have a The President. Good, thank you. Listen, friend. I’m honored. I’m here in the Oval Office—— Beyond the role you play in the Armed Mrs. Reagan. [Inaudible] Forces, America’s citizen soldiers display val- The President. Well, thank you. And I’m ues that are central to our Nation: character, getting ready to sign a birthday card to the courage, and sacrifice. You demonstrate the President, my first document I’ll sign as the highest form of citizenship. And while you President, which is a joint resolution from may not be full-time soldiers, you are full- the Congress—— time patriots. Mrs. Reagan. Oh, how nice. In his book ‘‘Citizen Soldier,’’ the distin- The President. ——which expresses our guished historian Stephen Ambrose wrote deep gratitude and admiration for President this: ‘‘At the core, the American citizen sol- Reagan. diers knew the difference between right and Mrs. Reagan. How nice. wrong. And they didn’t want to live in a world The President. We honor him with his in which wrong prevailed. So they fought, greatness and his goodness. And we honor

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you, as well, for your strength of character In a few moments I’ll go upstairs to witness and your service. the swearing-in of 38 new foreign service of- So I’m getting ready to sign right now—— ficers. Our hope is that they draw strength Mrs. Reagan. Oh, this is very exciting. and inspiration from your example, because The President. Well, thank you, ma’am. you all are the finest diplomats in the world. It’s exciting for me, as well. It’s an honor. The flags that surround us here represent And I look forward to sending the document every country with whom the United States and the pen that I use to you. has diplomatic relations. They are a powerful Mrs. Reagan. Oh, how nice. How nice. reminder that you are one department of our The President. At any rate, it’s great to Government that literally never sleeps. talk to you. America’s commitments and responsibilities Mrs. Reagan. Well, it’s great to talk to span the world in every time zone. Every day you, too. And I can’t thank you enough. you fulfill those responsibilities with quiet ex- The President. Well, thanks a lot. cellence. You solve problems before they be- Mrs. Reagan. It’s wonderful. Wait until come headlines. You resolve crises before a I tell Ronnie. shot is fired. And when tragedy or disaster The President. Give the President a hug strikes, you are often the first person on the and a kiss. scene. Mrs. Reagan. I will. The other markers that surround us speak The President. Thanks a lot. even more directly of your devotion to duty. Mrs. Reagan. Thank you. They memorialize your colleagues who gave The President. Bye-bye. their lives to our country. The earliest are from the 18th century, understanding your long record of service and the long march NOTE: The President spoke at 10:35 a.m. from the Oval Office at the White House. H.J. Res. to freedom. Others are all too recent, bitter 7, approved February 15, was assigned Public Law reminders of the dangerous times we live in, No. 107–1. like the ones marked Kenya. I know the ex- ample of these American heroes inspires you, just as seeing you all here today inspires me. Remarks to State Department It’s sometimes said that State is the one Employees Federal department that has no domestic February 15, 2001 constituency. Well, whoever said that is wrong. Let me assure you that between me The President. Mr. Secretary, thank you and Secretary Powell, you do have a constitu- very much. It’s an honor to be here with you, ency. and thank you all for that warm welcome. Speaking of the Secretary, I chose him to As the Secretary mentioned, I’m focusing be our Secretary of State because he is a this week on America’s national security. And leader whose dignity and integrity will add few are more important to that mission than to the strength and authority of America the people of the State Department, both around the world. He is the absolute right foreign service and civil service. Our gath- man for the job. ering here will be seen by some 10,000 State The Secretary and I are counting on you, Department personnel in the Washington on your help, as we pursue a clear and con- area. It will be seen by 37,000 committed sistent and decisive foreign policy, a foreign men and women, including many foreign policy that serves both our vital interests and service national employees in 250 posts all our highest ideals. Our goal is to turn this over the world. time of American influence into generations So to those in this room, those around the of democratic peace. This requires America town, those across the world, thank you for to remain engaged with the world and to what you do on behalf of the American peo- project our strength with purpose and with ple. You do so much to sustain America’s po- humility. sition in the world and so much to foster free- America will set its own priorities, so that dom. And for that, we are grateful. they’re not set by our adversaries or the crisis

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of the moment. We must work closely with I want to thank you all for welcoming me our democratic friends and allies in Europe here today. I’m glad the Secretary invited and Asia. We must engage Russia and China me. I’m glad I responded positively. [Laugh- with patience and principle and consistency. ter] Oftentimes, those of us who hold high We must build our trade relations across Af- offices don’t stop and say thank you as much rica and help nations that are adding to the as we should. So, today I’m doing just that. freedom and stability of their continent. On behalf of the American people, thank you And closer to home, we must work with for the service to this great country, and God our neighbors to build a Western Hemi- bless. sphere of freedom and prosperity, a hemi- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:28 p.m. in the sphere bound together by shared ideals and main lobby at the Harry S. Truman Building. In free trade, from the Arctic to the Andes to his remarks, he referred to President Vicente Fox Cape Horn. Building this hemisphere of of Mexico. freedom will be a fundamental commitment of my administration. Our future cannot be separated from the future of our neighbors Remarks at the Swearing-In in Canada and Latin America. Our bonds of Ceremony for State Department language and family and travel and trade are Foreign Service Personnel strong, and they serve us all well. February 15, 2001 Some look south and see problems; not me. I look south and see opportunities and Mr. Secretary, thank you very much. I’m potential. When I travel to Quebec in April so honored that you invite me to your place and meet with other hemispheric leaders at of business. [Laughter] Ambassador Davis, the Summit of the Americas, I look forward you remind me of my mother. [Laughter] Thank you, Director General Grossman, to doing this: I look forward to discussing as well. Family members, it is my honor to how we can build a century of the Americas. be here with you as you watch your loved And I’ll carry this message with me tomorrow ones get sworn in. And on behalf of every when the Secretary and I go to Mexico for American, congratulations. You have just be- my first foreign trip as the President. come a part of the best diplomatic corps in These are exciting times in Mexico, times the world. of change and times of possibility. Mexico In the months and years ahead, Secretary has seen a new birth of freedom, and trade Powell and I will be counting on you, and is creating hope and economic progress. The so will your fellow citizens. Throughout the door is open to a closer partnership with the decades of your career, we’ll all be counting United States. But nothing about this new on you, even as you go about your work with relationship is inevitable. Only through hard little fanfare. When you succeed, most Amer- work will we get it right. icans, most of the time, will never hear about President Fox and I will get started at his it. A crisis that is averted just doesn’t make ranch tomorrow. I’m looking forward to hear- a headline; a problem that is solved hardly ing his ideas on expanding trade throughout ever leads the evening news. I have con- the hemisphere, on safe and orderly migra- fidence—I have confidence—and so does the tion, on expanding educational opportunity Secretary, that you will hold up the legacy for all our children, and what we can do to- of excellence found in this building. gether to fight drug trafficking and other As you take up your first assignments over- types of organized crime. seas, I want you to remember that you will President Fox and I met as Governors, and be the image of America, the face and voice I look forward to renewing and deepening of her values. You will represent the strength our friendship. But I look forward even more of America, our compassion, and our humil- to forging a deeper partnership between our ity. This is a high calling and a difficult one, two great nations, a partnership character- and your country appreciates your work. ized by cooperation, creativity, and mutual It is the duty of America to support you, respect. as well. This room honors one of America’s

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greatest diplomats, Ben Franklin. Franklin The President. We’re not going to give once wrote, ‘‘Keep thy shop, and thy shop a specific number today, but we are going will keep thee.’’ Today you join America’s to argue, make the case that we can slow diplomatic shop. Our job is to support you the rate of spending down; that our spending as you support and sustain America’s inter- will be based upon priorities, the priorities ests and ideals around the world. I campaigned on; that we will meet the ob- So once again, congratulations to you all. jectives that I talked about in the campaign, God bless you, and God bless our country. which is protecting Social Security, funding public education, strengthening the military, NOTE: The President spoke at 2:25 p.m. in the paying down debt—and we’ll be paying down Benjamin Franklin Room of the Harry S. Truman Building. In his remarks, he referred to his moth- debt; but that we believe the right number er, former First Lady Barbara Bush; and Ruth A. for the tax relief package is $1.6 trillion. Davis, Director, Foreign Service Institute. Tax Cut Plan Q. Mr. President, if the Senate were to Remarks Prior to a Meeting With vote today on your tax package, the vote Republican Congressional Leaders would probably be 51–49 against you, given and an Exchange With Reporters that there are two Republicans who have said February 15, 2001 they’re not in favor of it as is. What can you say to Democrats to try to bring more of Federal Budget them on board in the Senate? The President. It’s my honor to welcome The President. I can say, wait until you Members of the United States Senate and see our budget. You’ll see that it’s well Members of the United States House up thought out, that we meet important prior- here in the Cabinet Room to discuss the ities. And I—we’ve got a lot of work to do; budget. I understand that. But this is a democracy; I’ll be submitting a budget to the Congress people have different opinions about the sub- in short order, and I wanted to brief the jects. members of the budget-writing committees The people I want to talk to, though—first, about our priorities, our intentions, and of before there is any vote—is the American course, get the feedback. I get to propose people. And I will; I’ll take my case to the a budget, and these folks get to write the American people about why I think tax relief budget. And we look forward to having a makes sense. I’ll remind Members of both good discussion on it. the Senate and the House that there is a lot Inherent in the budget, of course, is our of debt at the Federal level, but there is a desire to make sure we protect Social Secu- lot of debt at the private level. We’ve got rity—I think there is unanimity around the a lot of people struggling to pay off credit table for that—that we set clear priorities, card consumer debt. I’ll tell people that if that we fund the priorities. In our budget, you’re a family of four making $50,000, you we’re going to prove to the American people get an additional $2,000, so you can decide that we can pay down debt, fund priorities, what to do with your money. protect Social Security, and there will be So I’ve got a lot of work to do, but I’m money left over, which we strongly believe convinced that when the American people ought to be passed back to the taxpayers. hear our plan, they will support it. I think I look forward to the discussion with the we’ve got a very good chance of getting the chairman, near-chairman, and thank you all tax package through. for coming. I’ll be glad to answer a few questions. Yes, Representative Cynthia McKinney Jim. Q. Mr. President, Congresswoman Cyn- Q. Mr. President, will you be telling the thia McKinney, who serves on the Armed Members of Congress that you hope to hold Services Committee in the House, feels that spending to below 4 percent, the increase she was snubbed because she didn’t go with in spending? you during your defense tour this week.

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What do you say to her and some of the other Memorandum on Expediting members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Federal Decisions Relating to the especially after you met with them saying Siting and Operation of Power Plants that you’re into an inclusive era? in California The President. We had a very good meet- ing here and discussed a wide range of issues. February 15, 2001 I’m glad their Members came up, sat right Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense, here at this table, and expressed their opin- the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary ion. My administration certainly never at- of Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, tempts to leave anybody out. And to the ex- the Administrator of the Environmental tent that Members—any Member feels left Protection Agency out, I’m sorry that that’s the case. But we took the Members on that trip, and there Subject: Expediting Federal Decisions will be other trips. Relating to the Siting and Operation of Power Plants in California U.S.S. Greenville Governor Davis of California has directed Q. Mr. President, were you surprised to State and local agencies to expedite the re- learn that there were civilians at the helm view and licensing of new power generation of the submarine that sank the Japanese fish- facilities, and he has requested that Federal ing boat? agencies do the same. The President. Well, I think what is going The Federal Government should make to be necessary is for Secretary Rumsfeld and every effort to work with California and to the Defense Department to review all policy help its citizens. I hereby direct all relevant regarding civilian activity during military ex- Federal agencies to expedite Federal permit ercises. I look forward to the Defense De- reviews and decision procedures with respect partment review of the policies, their current to the siting and operation of power plants policies, particularly in light of the recent in California. All actions taken must be con- tragedy that took place in Hawaii. sistent with statute and ensure continued I want to reiterate what I said to the Prime protection of public health and the environ- Minister of Japan. I’m deeply sorry about the ment while preserving appropriate opportu- accident that took place. Our Nation is sorry nities for public participation. that the accident happened, and we will do everything we can to help recover the bodies. George W. Bush NOTE: The President spoke at 4:50 p.m. in the Cabinet Room at the White House. In his re- NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- marks, he referred to Prime Minister Yoshiro fice of the Press Secretary on February 16. An Mori of Japan. A tape was not available for original was not available for verification of the verification of the content of these remarks. content of this memorandum.

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Digest of Other The President announced his intention to White House Announcements nominate Gov. Paul Cellucci of Massachu- setts to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the U.S. to Canada. The following list includes the President’s public The President announced his intention to schedule and other items of general interest an- nominate Michael P. Jackson to be Deputy nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. Secretary of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate John M. Duncan to be Under Sec- retary of the Treasury for Legislative Affairs. February 11 In the afternoon, the President returned from Camp David, MD, to Washington, DC. February 14 In the morning, the President traveled to February 12 Charleston, WV, where he visited the West In the morning, the President traveled to Virginia National Guard’s emergency oper- Fort Stewart, GA, and in the afternoon, he ations center to watch a simulated emer- returned to Washington, DC. gency flood response exercise. In the after- The President announced his intention to noon, he returned to Washington, DC. nominate Richard Lee Armitage to be Dep- In an afternoon ceremony in the Oval Of- uty Secretary of State. fice, the President received diplomatic cre- The President announced his intention to dentials from Ambassadors Ivan Grdesic of nominate Dov Zakheim to be Under Sec- Croatia, Emmanuel Touaboy of the Central retary of Defense and Comptroller. African Republic, Juan Jose Bremer Martino The President announced his intention to of the United Mexican States, Milan St. nominate Thelma J. Askey to be Commis- Protic of Yugoslavia, Kanat Saudabayev of sioner of the U.S. International Trade Com- Kazakhstan, Meret Orazov of Turkmenistan, mission. and Carlos Alzamora Traverso of Peru. The President announced his intention to The President announced his intention to nominate Kenneth I. Juster to be Under Sec- nominate Larry D. Thompson to be Deputy retary of Commerce for Export Administra- Attorney General at the Department of Jus- tion. tice. The President announced his intention to The President announced his intention to nominate Faryar Shirzad to be Assistant Sec- nominate Theodore B. Olson to be Solicitor retary of Commerce for Import Administra- General of the United States. tion. The White House announced that the The President announced his intention to President will have a working visit with Presi- nominate Theodore William Kassinger to be dent Andres Pastrana of Colombia at the General Counsel of the Department of Com- White House on February 27. merce. The President announced his intention to nominate Scott Whitaker to be Assistant Sec- February 15 retary of Health and Human Services for Legislation. The President announced his intention to The President announced his intention to nominate Charles A. James to be Assistant designate Laura S. Unger as Acting Chair- Attorney General overseeing the Antitrust woman of the Securities and Exchange Com- Division of the Department of Justice. mission. The President announced his intention to nominate Daniel J. Bryant to be Assistant At- torney General for Legislative Affairs. February 13 The White House announced that the In the morning, the President traveled to President will have a working visit with Presi- Norfolk, VA, and in the afternoon, he re- dent Kim Dae-jung of South Korea at the turned to Washington, DC. White House on March 7.

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February 16 Checklist In the morning, the President traveled to of White House Press Releases San Cristobal, Mexico, where he participated in a joint press conference with President Vicente Fox of Mexico. In the evening, he The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as traveled to Crawford, TX. items nor covered by entries in the Digest of The President announced his intention to Other White House Announcements. nominate IV to be Legal Advisor to the Secretary of State. Released February 14 Statement by Press Secretary on the upcom- ing visit of President Pastrana of Colombia Released February 15 Nominations Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Submitted to the Senate retary Ari Fleischer Statement by the Press Secretary: Republic The following list does not include promotions of of Korea President To Visit Washington members of the Uniformed Services, nominations Announcement on signing the joint resolu- to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- eign Service officers. tion recognizing Ronald Reagan’s 90th birth- day Released February 16 Submitted February 13 Remarks by Press Secretary Ari Fleischer in a question and answer session with the travel Bill Frist, pool on U.S. airstrikes on Iraq of Tennessee, to be a Representative of the Transcript of a press briefing by National Se- United States of America to the Fifty-fifth curity Adviser and Mexi- Session of the General Assembly of the can Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs United Nations. Enrique Berruga on the President’s meeting with President Vicente Fox of Mexico Submitted February 15

Sean O’Keefe, Acts Approved of New York, to be Deputy Director of the by the President Office of Management and Budget, vice Sylvia M. Mathews. Approved February 15 Paul D. Wolfowitz, H.J. Res. 7 / Public Law 107–1 of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of De- Recognizing the 90th birthday of Ronald fense, vice Rudy F. de Leon. Reagan

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