Presidential Documents

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, October 6, 1997 Volume 33—Number 40 Pages 1431–1485

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Federal Agencies See also Resignations and Retirements Counternarcotics assistance to certain Latin Arkansas American and Eastern Caribbean countries, Candlelight vigil honoring the Little Rock memorandum—1469 Nine in Little Rock—1448 Delegation of authority, memorandum—1469 Hot Springs High School Ultimate Class Food safety initiative, memorandum—1479 Reunion in Hot Springs—1443 Refugee immigration, memorandum—1468 State Democratic Party reception in Little Rock—1445 Executive Orders Arts and humanities medals—1451, 1458 Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Education legislation, congressional action— Committees and Amendments to Executive 1460 Orders 13038 and 13054—1459 Food safety initiative—1476 Level V of the Executive Schedule: Removal Income and poverty report—1456 of the Executive Director, Pension Benefit President’s Advisory Board on Race—1462 Guaranty Corporation, Department of Radio address—1442 Labor—1467 Texas Democratic National Committee dinner in Interviews With the News Media Houston—1437 Exchanges with reporters San Jacinto Community College in Briefing Room—1456 Houston—1431 Rose Garden—1476 Weather forecasters—1470 South Lawn—1460 Bill Signings Letters and Messages Continuing appropriations legislation, statement—1465 National Arts and Humanities Month, Military Construction Appropriations Act, message—1456 1998, statement—1465 Rosh Hashana, message—1465 Communications to Congress Notices Iran, message transmitting notice—1467 Continuation of Iran Emergency—1467

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Correction: In the September 15 edition of the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Volume 33, number 37, we announced the availability of this publication on the Internet on the Government Printing Office Home Page. The address was incorrect. The correct address is http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.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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Proclamations Statements by the President Fire Prevention Week—1481 See also Bill Signings National Breast Cancer Awareness Month— Commission on Immigration Reform, report— 1474 1466 National Disability Employment Awareness Death of Roy Lichtenstein—1466 Month—1480 National economy—1481 National Domestic Violence Awareness Senate Finance Committee action on fast- Month—1475 track trading authority legislation—1474

Supplementary Materials Acts approved by the President—1484 Resignations and Retirements Checklist of White House press releases— Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman John M. 1484 Shalikashvili, USA Digest of other White House Citation—1465 announcements—1482 Remarks in Arlington, VA—1463 Nominations submitted to the Senate—1483

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Remarks at San Jacinto Community look at this sea of young people, I thank you College in Houston, Texas for your devotion to education, and I hope September 26, 1997 that it will always be something that brings you great satisfaction. Thank you. Well, Esmerelda may be get- Here, so near the site where Texas fought ting a degree in mathematics, but today she a battle to win its political independence, you got an A in public speaking. [Laughter] Let’s are all gaining your economic independence give her another hand. I thought she was by being in this marvelous institution. And great. [Applause] the way the community college system works Mayor and Mrs. Lanier, Mayor Isbell, and here in Texas and across America, in my Commissioner Mauro, Chancellor Horton. I view, is a model of the way America ought also see out there Mr. George Abbey, the to work. Director of the Johnson Space Center, some- You think about it. This place, first of all, thing that’s very close to my heart. I’ve tried is open to all. Nobody gets turned away be- to promote the space program as President. cause they’re too old or too young or because I think Ellen Ochoa may be here as well. of the color of their skin or because of their But I thank them for their work. And weren’t gender or anything else. If you’re willing to you proud when we landed that little vehicle work and take responsibility for yourselves on Mars, and we got to see those pictures. and your course of study, it’s open to all— I loved it. I’d like to say a special word of first thing. appreciation, too, to Congressman Ken Bent- Secondly, it very much focuses on results, sen. He has done a very, very fine job for not rhetoric, because the graduates of com- you in the United States Congress, and he munity colleges, they either succeed—that is, has steadfastly supported our efforts to bal- they get a job, or they go on further with ance the budget, to restore health to the their education—or they don’t get a job economy, but to do it in a way that kept edu- based on what they studied, and so you have cational opportunities increasing, not de- to change the curriculum. So there is not creasing, for the people of this country and much room for a lot of hot air and talk. You the people of this district. And I thank him either produce or you don’t. for that. The third thing about the community col- I’m very excited to be here today for a leges is that they’re always about change, not couple of reasons. First of all, I know we’re the status quo. Because of the way they’re actually close to the place where the battle hooked into the economy of every area in of San Jacinto occurred. Right? And Sam our country, they are—much more than edu- Houston, in addition to having an interesting cational institutions or institutions of any life which was amazing—he lived with the kind—supersensitive to what’s going on in Cherokees; he led the Texas army in the bat- people’s lives, because otherwise the stu- tle for independence; he was a president of dents wouldn’t show up after a while if the the Republic of Texas and a United States institution weren’t relevant to the future, to Senator; he also was a teacher. And if you their future, and to the community’s future. have read much about Sam Houston, you So, open to all; rhetoric, not results; may have seen that he—and I quote—he said change, not the status quo; and the last thing that his time as a classroom teacher was, that I think is very important is, it’s much quote, ‘‘the most satisfying time of my life.’’ more about partnerships than politics. No- I think that I would be remiss if I did not body asks you whether you’re a Democrat say to all the educators who are here, as I or a Republican. Nobody asks you whether

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you like or dislike some person or thing. The passed a lobby reform bill to at least disclose whole thing only works when people are what the lobbyists in Washington are doing working together to build a community. I say and to limit their ability to do certain things that because I really believe, as I have said with Members of Congress and the Govern- all over this country, that America would be ment. better if we all worked in the way the com- But one of the biggest problems we have munity colleges of our country work, in the with our political system—I just want to way San Jacinto works. change the subject just for a moment be- Almost 6 years ago, I started my candidacy cause I know it’s of concern to almost all for President with a vision for what I wanted Americans, and it should be—is that, with America to look like in the 21st century and the advent of modern communications and a commitment to prepare us for that. And the growth of our country, the costs of politi- it’s a pretty simple thing. When the century cal campaigns have soared astronomically, turns, when all of you younger people in this and with it, the burdens of raising money, audience have your own children coming up, and with it, the questions raised about how I want to know that the American dream is much money has to be raised to run for office still alive for everybody who will work for and how it’s raised. it. I want to know that our country will still And I ask you all to think about your role be leading the world for peace and freedom in this. You might say, on the one hand, and prosperity. And I want to know that we ‘‘Well, I don’t like those people raising all are coming together across all the lines that that money,’’ and then ask yourself, how divide us into one America. Opportunity for many times did you vote for a candidate who all, responsibility from all, a community of had the best television ads or the candidate all: That’s what I believe we should be doing. whose ads you saw the most. Or did you ever I knew then, and now I know even better than I did 6 years ago, that that would require vote against someone who was attacked in both new policies and a new kind of Govern- a television ad, and you never saw another ment. Policies that would be focused on the television ad responding to the attack, so you future, not the past; on unity, not division; thought, ‘‘Well, what they said might be true. on partnerships more than politics; on people I don’t want to take any chances.’’ and values, not power; on keeping America The point I want to make is, we des- leading, not following; and that we had to perately need to reform the way we finance start with a good economic policy because our campaigns, and a part of that has to be in 1991 the economy wasn’t working for most changing the cost of the campaigns. And I of the people. have worked very hard to do that. But we I also felt then, and I feel more strongly have to do both. now, that we have to change the very way Now, just today, the United States Senate our Government works. We’d have to make began debate on a very important bill, the it smaller and less bureaucratic and more campaign finance reform bill sponsored by flexible. And therefore, we would have to lib- Senator John McCain of Arizona, a Repub- erate it from the ability of very powerful in- lican, and Senator Russ Feingold of Wiscon- terests to cripple us and keep us from doing sin, a Democrat, working together to curb things. Now, we’ve made a lot of progress. special interest money in politics. I called on We passed the first balanced budget this year Congress to stay in session and not go home since President Lyndon Johnson’s last budg- until it acts on reform. And I’m delighted et, the first balanced budget in a generation. the debate has begun. But I want to say to The Federal Government is now smaller you, we have debated this before, and every than it was when Lyndon Johnson took office. time we debate it—at least since I have been It’s the smallest it’s been since John Kennedy President—every year we’ve had a good cam- was President. We’ve gotten rid of 16,000 paign finance reform bill before the Senate, pages of Federal regulations and turned over I have supported it. And every year, it has a lot more things to working with States and died under the parliamentary tactic that al- local governments and the private sector. We lows one more than 40 Senators to keep any

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bill from being voted on—called the fili- Internet by the year 2000, by expanding Pell buster—so that you never really know. grants and work study programs, even before Now, maybe this year there will be a dif- this last budget. ferent strategy. But I pledge to you, you hide By reducing trade barriers, we thought we and watch, there will be a lot of efforts to could knock down unfairly high hurdles that make it look like we’re going to do something Americans have had to leap for too long. and nothing will happen, unless we all work There’s a lot of big debates about trade in hard and demand that something happen. Washington, and out here in the country So if you’re worried about this and you’d every poll says all Americans always believe like to see a system where you felt greater we’re being treated unfairly. And we do have confidence in the way campaigns are fi- the most open markets in the world, on the nanced, you should do two things. One is, whole, but you should know that we’re now you should say to your Congressman and the biggest exporter in the world, 220 trade Senators, ‘‘Pass good campaign finance re- agreements in the last 5 years. We’re the form this year, and do it, and we want it.’’ number one exporter in the world. We’re the And secondly, you should support our efforts number one producer of automobiles again to lower the cost of campaigns by saying that in the world. And we’re number one in com- people who follow these limits and don’t puters in the world. abuse the system should be given reduced And I’m in a big struggle now to try to cost for access to you on television, on radio, get Congress to renew my authority to make in the newspapers, and other ways of com- these kind of trade agreements because we munications. We have to lower the cost if have 4 percent of the world’s population and we’re going to clean up the way it’s financed. 22 percent of the world’s income. And one And I hope you’ll support them both. more fact, every expert says that in the next I want to go back now to the economy 10 years the developing economies in Asia and talk about the role of education in it, and Latin America will grow at 3 times the and especially your role in community col- rate—now, they’re much poorer, but they’ll leges. We decided that we needed a new eco- grow at 3 times the rate of Europe, Japan, nomic strategy for the new economy that had and the United States. three components: one, reduce the deficit; Now, if we have 4 percent of the popu- two, find a way even while you’re cutting the lation and 22 percent of the income and deficit to invest more money in people, in other economies are going to grow 3 times technology, and the future; and three, ex- as fast as we are, is there any way that you pand markets for American products and can think of for us to maintain our standard services abroad. of living and improve it if we don’t sell more By removing the deficits, we could free to the other 96 percent of the people in the our people of this huge deadweight of high world? I think not. That’s my simple case, interest rates and other problems that have and I hope you will support my continuing been on us since the early 1980’s. We did to be able to make these kinds of trade agree- that in 1993 when we passed our first deficit ments to raise our incomes and give us a bet- reduction plan that had cut the deficit by 87 ter future. percent before we passed the balanced budg- You know that this strategy has worked, et amendment. And I’m very proud of all that the American people have produced 13 the Members of Congress who supported million jobs almost—just under 13 million that. jobs in the last 41⁄2 years. Unemployment is By investing in education and health, we below 5 percent. We’ve had the largest drop knew we would enable more Americans to in welfare in our history. We now have the actually win the race over the long run that smallest percentage of people living on wel- the global economy imposes on all of us. And fare in America we’ve had since 1970, after we did. We’ve expanded funding for Head two decades of immigration, bringing a lot Start, for public school programs like putting of people in from around the world. A lot more computers in the schools and trying to of our poorest communities are experiencing hook up every classroom and library to the a renewal.

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We also have seen dramatic drops in the cation, to be as universal when we start the crime rate, nationally, in no small measure new century as a high school diploma is because we adopted a strategy pioneered in today. That is a simple goal, and if we achieve Houston by Mayor Lanier of putting more it, it will explode opportunity in the United police on the streets, putting them on the States and change the future of every young streets in the areas where they are most person in this room and in this country. And needed, supporting their communities. I hope you’ll support us in achieving it. We’ve done that now for 100,000 police. We Now, let me just briefly explain how this need to do it until every American commu- budget supports that goal. We issued a report nity is safe for children to play in and walk from the Department of Education today ex- the streets in and be in school in again. plaining it, but let me just go through it. First The balanced budget adopted in July re- and foremost, this balanced budget gives flects these priorities: cut the deficit, balance nearly 6 million students a $1,500 a year the budget, expand investment in people. It HOPE scholarship. That’s a tax cut for the has, for example, enough funds—$24 bil- first 2 years of college. lion—to insure half the kids in this country Here at San Jacinto and community col- who don’t have health insurance. Almost all leges across Texas and in six other States, of them are in working families where the that means that your tuition and your fees mother or the father or both can’t get health will be completely covered by the tax cut you insurance on the job. It provides tax relief will get because of this program. But in fact, for working families, $500 tax credit a child. all across America, those who get the maxi- It’s worth about $1,000 in income to the typi- mum HOPE scholarship will find that it cov- cal family with two children. ers about 90 percent of the national average, It also has some other important programs. not only of full-time tuition but also of fee The America Reads program—we’re going costs for community colleges. It is a great to try to mobilize one million volunteers— thing. Now, the budget also gives further I hope some of them will be here at this higher education and training tax cuts after community college—organized by the first 2 years to 7 million Americans who AmeriCorps, our national service program, are juniors and seniors in college, who are which has been very active in Texas, and oth- graduate students, or who are older workers ers to get a million volunteers to make sure who went back to school to take classes to every 8-year-old can read independently in upgrade their skills, because we want to con- this country. That’s very important with all tinue education for a lifetime. the diversity we have. What my objectives are here are: number But the most important part of the budget, one, open the doors of college to all; number in my judgment, over the long run, will be two, make the first 2 years of college as uni- the work we did so that we could finally say, versal as high school is today; number three, for the first time in history, we have opened make it possible for everybody to keep on the doors of college to all Americans who learning for a lifetime, so they never have are willing to work for it. to stop. That’s what we’re trying to do. After all, the new economy is a knowledge Now, in addition to the tax cuts, because economy. In the 19th century, opportunity not everybody has enough income to pay in- came from access to a land grant, like one come tax, we also had the biggest increase that gave many of your ancestors here in in Pell grants in 20 years. The average Pell Texas a little bit of land to start their homes. grant will be about $2,000 a year for 1.4 mil- In the 21st century, instead of a land grant, lion community college students. We created people will want a Pell grant, because they another 100,000 work-study positions. We know that what they know is their key to the created 200,000 more last year. So in 2 years, future, not what they own but what they we will have gone from 700,000 to a million know and what they can learn. work-study positions. All these things are Our goal is simple. By the end of this cen- very, very important. tury, we want education in a community col- In addition to that, we have created an lege like this, the 13th and 14th years of edu- IRA, individual retirement account, that you

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can put money in every year, and then you supposed to know at an early time so if some- can withdraw from it tax-free, penalty-free, thing needs to be done they can do some- if the money is being used for education, thing about it. health care, or to buy a first-time home. So Now, the community colleges—think these are the options that are there. about how they work. You know if what So I say to you, this, I think—when people you’re doing doesn’t work—why?—because look back on this budget 30, 40, 50 years your graduates won’t get jobs. If either you from now, if they can say about it, ‘‘This is don’t give them a good education, they won’t the first time they opened the doors of col- be able to produce, that reputation will get lege to all. They made the first 2 years of out, and people won’t hire you, or if you get college as universal as a high school diploma. trained in the wrong things, then you will They created a system where people could be a mismatch so you won’t get hired. So keep on learning for a lifetime’’—that is a you have a check, right? We need a check legacy that Congressman Bentsen and every- for our children. body in the United States Congress who sup- The United States is the only major coun- port this can be proud of, because they are try in the world without a set of national aca- giving you the tools you need to make the demic standards. Now, because virtually all most of your own lives and your future. And of our teachers and principals are dedicated, I think they did a great job, and I’m very because virtually all of our parents care, a proud of them. lot of people get a good education anyway, Let me also make one other point about but it is very uneven. So I hope you will sup- education. Everyone now accepts—you can port that. go anywhere in the world and people would accept the fact that America has the finest Earlier today I learned that 43 Democratic system of higher education in the world, the Senators have signed a letter supporting my community colleges, the universities, the standards and saying that they would either graduate work, research institutions—people stop or vote to uphold a veto if there was would say that. Also, people would say their a bill passed in Congress to keep us from education, kindergarten through 12, is not as participating. But the House of Representa- good as it ought to be. Now, they would tives last week passed a bill saying the Fed- admit that we have more challenges than eral Government can’t have any funding of most people. We have more racial and ethnic these exams. I think that’s a mistake. diversity; we have more income diversity. We So I hope—most of you—you’re up on— have more challenges. But that cannot be an in community college now, a lot of you here excuse for us not to achieve high standards. are out of that. But don’t forget those kids In fact, the poorer the children are, the more coming behind. And don’t forget what a chal- they need high academic standards in the lenge it’s going to be. And having high expec- early years—the more they need that. tations of people does not put them down; And so I advocated in my State of the it lifts them up. It does not put people down; Union Address something I have been out it lifts them up. So I ask you to help. there advocating for a decade now, which is Here’s the last point I want to make—and that we ought to have national academic some of you may think I’m meddling here, standards, at least in the basic courses. What but I plead guilty. [Laughter] We need an should a fourth grader be able to know in economy that works for everybody. We need reading? What should an eighth grader be an educational system that works for all. We able to know in math? Those are two places still have to make sure our country works for to start. And I have advocated that we set everybody. Texas knows all about diversity. up these voluntary standards and have vol- This has always been a diverse place. After untary exams and give them to the students all, it was Mexico first. So we know about and not have anybody punished who doesn’t this here. And I might say, I really have ap- do well but at least give every school, every preciated the fact that attitudes toward immi- district, and every parent some idea about gration in Texas, among both Democrats and whether their children know what they’re Republicans, generally have been more con-

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structive here than in many other places in be at odds with folks who are different, from the country. them, just like there is something in the But even you may not have any idea about human heart that causes people to reach be- just how diverse this country is becoming. yond that and want to embrace people who In the Fairfax County School District, just are different once you realize that down deep across the river from Washington, DC, in one we’re all the same. So this is a huge thing. public school district there are students from I want to start with a story to get to where 182 nations whose native languages number I may be meddling. A half a century ago— more than 100. a half a century ago—Mayor Bob Lanier was Now, because of all the upheavals in the a law student at the University of Texas. The world and because of what America means, school then still denied admission to African- more than ever people seek to come here Americans. So he volunteered to go over to to redeem the promise of this country. We a tiny one-room classroom that had been set need to find a way to say we value all this up for black law students in a basement sev- diversity. In a global economy—in a global eral blocks from the law school and teach economy—two things will pay off like crazy: constitutional law to students who had been one, high levels of education and skills; and unconstitutionally barred from the university. two, being able to relate to everybody else. One of his students was a man named You know, you can go to any continent, and Heman Sweatt, who went on to become the you will find people who are eager to do busi- first African-American admitted to the Uni- ness with America and have closer ties with versity of Texas Law School, after the Su- America, for one thing because they have preme Court decision of Sweatt v. Painter. kinfolks in America. You can go to any coun- Then the Supreme Court decided Brown v. try and find that. Board of Education, which basically said that So we have to ask ourselves, are we going the schools of this country, the public to be united or divided in this? Yesterday— schools, had to be integrated. It was that case you may have seen the news—we celebrated that gave the basic power to those nine chil- the 40th anniversary of the integration of Lit- dren who walked up the steps at Little Rock tle Rock Central High School yesterday. It Central High School 40 years ago yesterday. was a wonderful day. Nine children, 40 years Well, 50 years later, Bob Lanier, who is ago, put their necks on the line to do this about to end his service as the Mayor of and really were in danger. Their parents had Houston, continues to open doors, reaches to undergo the agony of sending their chil- out to everybody in the community. Busi- dren out the door armed only with their nesses that were run by minorities and schoolbooks, and they were all threatened women that were once shut out of city hall with the loss of their jobs. It was a difficult now have an opportunity to compete for the time, but it helped to make us more one city’s business. And I just want to say that America. I’d hate to see Houston turn back the clock Look around the world today. When you on the progress of the last 50 years and the see—just pick up the paper on any given day progress that Mayor Lanier has made in the and see what kind of foreign policy problem last few years. I’m dealing with. Is it Bosnia? Is it Northern I’d also like to compliment the work of Ireland? Is it the Middle East? Is it tribal a group called Houston Together that in- slaughter in Rwanda or Burundi? You will cludes a number of citizens, but including be amazed the number of foreign policy Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Phil problems your President is called upon to Carroll of Shell and Ken Lay of Enron. By deal with because people in other parts of drawing strength and diversity, this whole the world insist upon killing each other or area is on a remarkable track to the 21st cen- hating each other because of their racial, tury. Again, the city and the county should their ethnic, or their religious differences. It work the way San Jac does. That’s what is stunning. you’ve got to do. You’ve got to have—every- There is something almost endemic to body has got to feel like they’ve got a part human nature which makes people want to in this, a voice that will be heard, an interest

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that will be taken account of, and then in ter] He’s about to get the hang of this. the end, a way of coming to a unified deci- [Laughter] I’d like to thank Tilman and Paige sion. I think that is terribly important. for having me back. I thank Ken and John Now, let me just close with this thought. Eddie and all the others who made this night A lot of you clapped when I mentioned the such a success. And I thank Alan Solomont 40th anniversary of the Little Rock Central for coming down here to be with us. Thank High School. Those little children had a sim- you, Governor Richards, for being here. And ple vision; they just wanted a decent edu- thank you, Garry Mauro and Bill White. And cation. And they literally were able to imag- thank you, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson ine that they ought to get one in spite of Lee. the fact that they were black—simple vision I had a good day in Texas, and I’ve had that required all of us to move mountains a kind of interesting 2 weeks. Someone asked and requires things of us, still. But because me when I got here if I knew what State they imagined it, it happened for millions of I was in, because I’ve been traveling around. people who otherwise it would not have hap- We took Chelsea to college in California last pened for—in all probability, including some week, and then I went back to New York people who are in this room today. for the opening of the United Nations. And Now, what you have to do, all of you who then I went to Pittsburgh to speak to the are students at this college, you’ve got to AFL–CIO. And then I came to—I went imagine what you would like your country home to Arkansas for a magnificent day yes- to look like 30 or 40 years from now. And terday. We celebrated the 40th anniversary there is a very good chance that if you have of the Little Rock Central High School crisis. the right imagination, and then you live ac- And then before I came here, I went out cording to the vision you are trying to to San Jacinto Community College, where I achieve, that you will get there. And things got to talk a little bit about the education that may seem impossible today might wind provisions of the balanced budget act, some up being much easier than you ever imagined of the issues we are dealing with in Congress just by the dint of continuous daily effort. now, and a little about the whole issue of It all begins with having the economy work affirmative action, and I understand you’ve for people, making sure everybody’s got a got a local initiative here you’re dealing with chance to get the kind of education you’re on that. getting, and never forgetting that we have And so I’ve had a very full and fascinating to go forward as one America. week. Tomorrow I’m going back home, and Thank you, and God bless you. I’m going to the town where I graduated from high school, and we’re trying to save NOTE: The President spoke at 2 p.m. in the audi- torium. In his remarks, he referred to Mayor Bob our old high school. So I’m dealing with is- Lanier of Houston and his wife, Elyse; Mayor sues big and not so big. The older I get, the Johnny Isbell of Pasadena; Garry Mauro, Texas so-called little issues seem bigger to me. I State land commissioner; Chancellor James F. want to save my high school, you know. I Horton, Jr., San Jacinto College District; astronaut think it’s important. Ellen Ochoa; and Esmerelda Hernandez, San I was here with many of you exactly one Jacinto Community College student who intro- year ago tomorrow. And I think we ought duced the President. This item was not received to make this an annual thing. I don’t know— in time for publication in the appropriate issue. [laughter]—and maybe we could have an- A portion of these remarks could not be verified because the tape was incomplete. other baby every year, too. And we could just celebrate a new birth. That ends my invita- tions coming here. [Laughter] I’m delighted Remarks at a Democratic National to be back. Committee Dinner in Houston Let me make a couple of very brief points. September 26, 1997 First of all, I said something at the community college today I’d like to reiterate. These Thank you very much. I told Tilman he community colleges work the way I think should have just made the speech. [Laugh- America ought to work. You think about it.

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We’re living in a time of dramatic change free if it’s used for education, more work- in the way we work and live and relate to study slots, the biggest increase in Pell grants each other and the rest of the world. The in 20 years. This is a huge deal that is in economy is new and emerging with all kinds the budget. And I think perhaps the most— of possibilities. And these community col- 30 years from now when people look back leges all across our country are open to peo- at this, I think two things will live out of this ple of all ages looking for a way to better budget more than anything else. One is that themselves. we balanced the budget for the first time First of all, they’re open to everybody and since President Johnson’s last budget. And you get treated the same, whether you’re a the second was that we opened the doors man or woman, without regard to your age, of college to all and gave the American peo- without regard to your racial or ethnic back- ple a chance to make 2 years of college as ground or your economic standing when you universal as a high school education is today get in. Secondly, they’re very much oriented and, therefore, that we made the country far toward change, not the status quo. Why? Be- more competitive. And I’m very proud of cause if they don’t change, then they’ll be that. educating people for jobs that don’t exist any- But in general, that is the sort of thing more, and they’ll go out of business. I have been trying to do since I went to Thirdly, they’re oriented toward results, Washington 6 years ago. I can’t believe it, not rhetoric, something I wish we could have it’s been almost 6 years since I announced even more of in Washington. I work on it for President. I don’t know where the time all the time. Why? Because if they don’t edu- went. But a lot of you spent a lot of it with cate you well, no matter how much they ex- me, and I appreciate that. And I said then hort, people won’t be functional and they I had a simple but, I believe, profound vision won’t be hired and they’ll go out of business. of what I wanted our country to look like. And third, they’re oriented toward partner- When I leave this office and we start a new ships, not political division. Why? Because century I want every American who is willing there’s no Republican or Democratic way to to work for it to be able to get the American run a machine tool operation or to under- dream. I want our country still to be leading stand how sophisticated manufacturing proc- the world for peace and freedom and pros- esses work, so people have to work together. perity. And I want us to be one America As a result, they become the kind of dynamic across all these lines that divide us. community organizations that really are tak- Now, to do that, we have to sort of be ing this country into a new century in good like the community colleges. I have said this shape. many times over the last 6 years, but I’ll say And I got to thinking about it because I it again: We need to be oriented toward the love the community colleges, and as you future, not the past; toward unity, not divi- know, one of the major parts of the budget sion; toward change, not the status quo; and that I was so proud of fulfilled my commit- we need to lead, not follow. I believe that. ment to open the doors of college to every And I hope you believe it. And that means American for the first time and to make it a lot. We also need to be oriented toward possible for us to make the 13th and 14th people, not just existing power institutions. years of education just as universal by the Let me just give you some examples. What year 2000 as a high school diploma is today, does that mean for the Democratic Party? because we give a $1,500 tax credit for the Well, we gave the country the family and first 2 years of college which will cover the medical leave law. Everyplace I go, some or- average cost of tuition and fees of 90 percent dinary person comes up and says, ‘‘If it hadn’t of the community colleges in the country. been for that law, my life would have been That’s very important. diminished considerably, because I got to And we give further tax credits for the jun- take a little time off when my baby was sick, ior and senior year, for graduate study, for when my spouse was sick, when my father older people who come back for job training, was dying,’’ or whatever, ‘‘and I didn’t lose an IRA that people can withdraw from tax- my job.’’

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We gave the country the economic plan and others who have children who needed of 1993, completely without any votes from the tax benefits, even if their income tax li- the other side. And what that meant was, by ability was very low. Number two, we got the time we got ready to pass this balanced $24 billion in there to provide health insur- budget law, the deficit had already been re- ance to 5 million—half of the children of this duced by 87 percent from the level it was country that don’t have health insurance— when I took office. $24 billion over the next 5 years. Number We gave the country the crime bill over three, we got the biggest increased invest- the bitter opposition of the Republican lead- ment for education since 1965, and all these ership in 1994. They said it was not going tax credits and IRA’s and Pell grants for col- to do any good, putting 100,000 people on lege—it’s the biggest increase in aid for ordi- the street. What’s happened? The crime rate nary Americans seeking college education has gone down in virtually every community since the GI bill 50 years ago. That’s what in America. The Brady bill kept 250,000 peo- our party contributed to that budget agree- ple with criminal or mental health histories ment. I am proud of that, and I think that from getting handguns and ended a lot of is worth supporting, and I feel very good illegal gun trafficking. And as far as I know, about it. not a single Texas hunter lost her rifle. So I just say to you, this matters. And I [Laughter] associate myself with the remarks that Mr. When I went up to New Hampshire in Solomont made. I think that our friends in ’96—it was unusual for a Democrat to carry the Republican Party can stand a fair fight, New Hampshire, and they voted for me in and I’d like to see us have a fair fight, because ’92. Then they rebelled in ’94. The NRA had I think we can in the end put people ahead them all in a lather. And I went up there of politics and have principled agreement, as and talked to a bunch of hunters and I said, long as we have both parties able to take their ‘‘Do you remember what they told you in ideas to the people and to make their case ’94 about us coming after your guns?’’ I said, to the American people and to put their posi- ‘‘I want every one of you that lost your gun to vote against me. But if you didn’t, they tions forward. You are making that possible, lied to you, and you need to get even.’’ and for that I’m grateful. [Laughter] It was an interesting experience, Now, as you look ahead, I’d just like to and we carried again. mention a couple of things. Let’s look into Why am I saying this? It makes a dif- the future, short-term and long-term. What ference. The parties have honestly different it’s going to take to make this country work views. We ought to be free to bring our views over the long-term I think is continued suc- to the table. In this last session where we cess of the economic policy, dramatically im- had the balanced budget, the system worked proving the quality and reach of our edu- as it should. Heavy majorities in both parties cational efforts, figuring out a way to rec- honestly wanted a balanced budget and real- oncile our obligation to preserve the environ- ized that the record of the eighties could not ment and still grow the economy, and con- be sustained and we had to go on and balance tinuing to expand American trade. And this the budget to keep interest rates down and is one area where I think we have got to make the economy rolling. But we had drastically a decision as Democrats where we’re going different ideas about how to do it. Thank to stand on the trade issue. goodness we were able to get it done, be- And I’d like to talk just briefly about each cause we argued and compromised in good of those and one or two other things. One, faith and on principle, in a principled way. let me just make this case. We’re having this What was the Democratic contribution to fast-track debate in Congress. Let me tell this balanced budget? I’ll give you three: you, if you don’t know what it is, fast track Number one, we made sure that we had a is simple. It sounds strange; it’s basically nor- $500 per child tax credit and that it extended mal trade authority for the President or his even to lower income working people like representative to make an agreement with rookie police officers and beginning teachers another country about tearing down trade

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barriers, which then the Congress gets to Furthermore, if we want to lead the world vote on, but they have to vote it up or down. for peace and freedom and we want to have Why? Well, if you were making a business more countries that are success stories on deal with somebody and you signed on the their own and fewer countries like Bosnia dotted line, would you sign on the dotted where we have to intervene to stop people line—and then it was contingent on its ap- from killing each other, then we need to be proval by the board of directors—you might in a position to have political influence and sign that deal. If they said, ‘‘Everybody this form political partnerships with countries person works for, every employee in the that are democracies and committed to free company can put an amendment on the deal’’ market economics. And you can’t do that, you that you just made if you wanted to, you can’t lead, if you are bringing up the rear. probably wouldn’t sign the deal. You So this is a big issue in the Congress. I wouldn’t know what it was. hope I will prevail. I do believe that when All fast track is, it’s just a power that’s been we trade with other countries in the right given to Presidents over the last 20 years, way, we help to lift their labor standards. I mostly from Democratic Congresses to Re- think that if we have to honor environmental publican Presidents, to go meet with other standards, they should, too. But the bottom countries, make an agreement and then be line is, we got 4 percent of the folks. If we able to tell the other country, ‘‘My word is want 22 percent of the income, we have to good. I’ll deliver if the Congress approves it sell to the other 96 percent. It is not com- or if the Congress does not disapprove it.’’ plicated. And I hope that you will all support That’s all it is. But if you don’t have it, the that position. other countries don’t think you’re serious, The second big issue we’ve got to face is and they’re not all that interested in doing the campaign finance reform issue. And business. there are two issues to campaign finance, not Why is it important to America? Number one. One is how much money we raise and one, as a practical matter, our markets are how it’s raised. The second is, how much more open than most other countries, so money you have to spend to get elected. nearly anybody we can make a trade agree- And I saw on one of the networks to- ment with we’d wind up ahead because when night—maybe it was CNN—a clip where I they dropped their barriers and we dropped was asking the students at San Jacinto—I ours, they’d be dropping more than we said, ‘‘Most of you probably thought at some would. time or another that it was terrible thing that In a larger sense, what is the economic politicians spent so much time raising money issue? We have 4 percent of the people in and the elections were so expensive.’’ I said, the world. You can look around this house ‘‘Let me ask you something: How many peo- tonight and tell that most of us have been ple have you voted for because you thought very fortunate, and we as a people have 22 they had the best television ads? How many percent of the world’s wealth, with 4 percent people have you voted for because you saw of the world’s people. The developing coun- more of their ads? How many people have tries, principally in Asia and Latin America, you voted against because you saw a negative but also increasingly in Africa, are going to campaign ad against them, and you didn’t see grow at 3 times the rate of the wealthy coun- them answer it on television so you thought tries, Europe, Japan, the United States and you’d better not take a chance on that, and Canada. Now, you tell me, if they grow 3 you voted for somebody else?’’ And they all times as fast as we’re going to grow in the started laughing as we rocked along, you next 10 years, and we have 4 percent of the know. world’s people and 22 percent of the income, The fundamental problem in campaigns is I do not believe we can keep 22 percent of the cost of communications has exploded the income unless we sell more of what we and, therefore, the demand for the funds to produce to them. And no one has been able raise that and to keep communicating for po- to describe to me how we can do that. It litical parties and for candidates has been se- can’t happen. vere.

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So I hope that this debate we’re having There are areas of—a curious set of oppo- on the McCain-Feingold bill will produce a sition to this, but I think that lower income bill that will, in effect, alleviate some of the kids, kids from difficult backgrounds, I think pressures that have been on some of you in they need high educational standards in their this room, but will also keep you heavily in- schools even more than the rest of us do, volved in the process and get you to involve because they have very few opportunities to other people. I personally don’t think it’s a make up for it if they don’t get it. And I bad thing for a person who has done well am determined to see this fight through. But in this country and believes in politics and I hope you’ll support me. It is not right for wants to contribute something back to be us not to have national academic standards able to do that. I think it’s a good thing you’re of excellence. here tonight, not a bad thing, and I’m proud So campaign finance, academic standards, of you for doing it. fast track. The last point I want to make is, But I do think we ought to have a system I want to encourage those of you in Houston that the American people as a whole have who are involved in trying to find a way to confidence in. Now, we can pass the bring your community together and not di- McCain-Feingold bill. I hope we do. But in vide it by race. What I said in Little Rock addition to that, I ask you also to recognize yesterday is true: This country is a lot better we have to cut the cost of the campaign. And than it was 40 years ago. It’s better in terms the only way to do that in our country is to of less discrimination. It’s better in terms of give people the benefit of free or reduced more economic opportunity. In percentage television, radio, newspaper, other commu- terms, African-American family income rose nications time in return for cutting the cost faster than white American family income did in the last 4 years. We are building a of their campaign. middle class of minorities. That’s the good So when our friends in the media say that news. we ought to do something to clean up our The bad news is that the disparities are house, I say, ‘‘You’re going to have to help still profound and access to credit and to us. You can’t say, ‘Give me your money on being able to build businesses and to being the one hand, and stop raising it on the able to be full participants in the American other.’ ’’ We have to do both these things, dream still show disparity in our country. And and I think we can together. we have got to keep working to find fair ways The second thing I want to say is, we’re not to give anything to anybody for which in a huge debate in Washington over edu- they are not qualified but to give everyone cation standards. Nearly everybody says who is qualified a chance to fully participate we’ve got the best higher education system in the American way of life and to give us in the world. Most people concede we can a chance to work together across racial lines. improve our public education, and we have I can’t tell you how important I think that to. We are the only advanced country that is. has no national education standards and, Let me just ask you, before I sit down, therefore, no way of measuring whether all you just think about this and think about this kids are meeting them. when you go home. Think about how much So I have suggested we start with a reading time I, as your President, have had to spend test for fourth graders and a math test for these last 5 years as your President working eighth graders that would be voluntary, that on your behalf dealing with countries where could not be used against the children but people could not get along because of their would tell you how every child, every class, racial, religious, or ethnic differences. every school, every school district is doing In Bosnia, you have three groups of people against national standards. It is very impor- who are ethnically, biologically indistinguish- tant that our children be able to read and able, who are in different religious and ethnic do basic math if you want them all to go to groups by accident of history. Think about college. And I believe this is a good begin- the Middle East. Think about my people, the ning. Irish, where I’m hopeful we will have some

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real progress this year, arguing over what Party. This item was not received in time for pub- happened 600 years ago in battles. Think lication in the appropriate issue. about Rwanda, where most of us might not be able to tell without being there a while The President’s Radio Address a Hutu from a Tutsi, where hundreds of thousands of people were killed. How much September 27, 1997 time I have to spend on your behalf trying Good morning. I want to talk this morning to keep people from literally killing each about a very real threat to our judicial system. other because of their differences. For more than 220 years, our Nation has re- And here we have our—the school district mained young and strong by meeting new across the river from me, that I get up and challenges in ways that renew our oldest val- look at every morning when I get up in the ues. Throughout our history, our judiciary White House, Fairfax County School Dis- has given life and meaning to those values trict, has kids from 182 nations, speaking over by upholding the laws and defending the 100 languages in one school district. We have rights they reflect, without regard for politics 5 school districts with people from over 100 or political party. countries in it. But 2 years from now we’ll That is the legacy of the judicial system have 12. People still believe in this country. our Founders established, a legacy we re- They’re still looking to come here to redeem called this Thursday on the 40th anniversary the promise of America. of the court-ordered desegregation of Little And I think that if we can figure out how Rock Central High School. to take a charitable but honest and open atti- But in the past 18 months, this vital part- tude toward working with people—which I nership has broken down as the Senate has must say I have seen more in abundance in refused to act on nomination after nomina- Texas on questions of immigration and other tion. And in Federal courthouses across things across party lines than I have in a lot America, almost 100 judges’ benches are of other States—if we can figure out how empty. In 1996, the Senate confirmed just to do that, there is no stopping this country. 17 judges. That’s the lowest election-year We have a sound economic policy, every- total in over 40 years. body gets an education, and we all work to- This year I’ve already sent 70 nominations gether, then the 21st century will be the time to Congress, but so far they’ve acted on less of America’s greatest days. And that vision than 20. The result is a vacancy crisis in our I started with 6 years ago will be protected. courts that Supreme Court Chief Justice Wil- And if we can keep working together and liam Rehnquist warned could undermine our finding principled compromises in the Con- courts’ ability to fairly administer justice. gress, if I can convince the Congress and the Meanwhile, our courts are clogged with a Senate to confirm my judges, for example— rising number of cases. An unprecedented [laughter]—if we can do the things that we number of civil cases are stalled, affecting ought to do, I believe we’re going to be fine. the lives of tens of thousands of Americans, But don’t forget that depends upon having from the family seeking life insurance pro- two parties that can fight for what they be- ceeds, to the senior citizen trying to collect lieve in within honorable bounds. And there Social Security benefits, to the small business are differences, and I gave you some of them protecting its right to compete. In our crimi- tonight. When you go home tonight, I hope nal courts, nearly 16,000 cases are caught in you will think about it and be glad you came. limbo while criminals on bail await punish- Thank you, and God bless you. ment and victims await justice. Our sitting judges are overloaded and overworked, and NOTE: The President spoke at 8:50 p.m. at a pri- our justice system is strained to the breaking vate residence. In his remarks, he referred to dinner hosts Tilman and Paige Fertitta; special hosts point. F. Kenneth Bailey and John Eddie Williams; Alan The Senate’s failure to act on my nomina- D. Solomont, national finance chair, Democratic tions, or even to give many of my nominees National Committee; former Gov. Ann Richards a hearing, represents the worst of partisan of Texas; and Bill White, chair, Texas Democratic politics. Under the pretense of preventing so-

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called judicial activism, they’ve taken aim at and I might say, always to stick up for our the very independence our Founders sought beloved State when it’s under assault. We to protect. The congressional leadership has thank you for that. actually threatened sitting judges with im- Thank you, Governor McMath, who was peachment, merely because it disagrees with a hero of my childhood, a hero of my young their judicial opinions. Under this politically manhood, and he’s still my hero. I’d like to motivated scrutiny, under ever-mounting be able to give a talk like that today. [Laugh- caseloads, our judges must struggle to enter] I was just over visiting with my 86-year- force the laws Congress passes and to do jus- old aunt who graduated a year ahead of Sid tice for us all. McMath at Hot Springs High School; she We can’t let partisan politics shut down was class of 1930. And I said, ‘‘Aunt Janet, our courts and gut our judicial system. I’ve do you want to come on over to the high worked hard to avoid that. And the people school?’’ She said, ‘‘No, I don’t get around I’ve nominated for judgeships and had con- all that well, and I’ve heard you give a lot firmed have had the highest rating of well of speeches.’’ And I said, ‘‘Well it’s not just qualified from the American Bar Association me. It’s David Pryor and Jay Dickey, and the of any President since these ratings have mayor will be there.’’ And I said ‘‘Oh, Sid been kept. McMath is going to be there.’’ And she said, So today I call upon the Senate to fulfill ‘‘My God, he’s the best-looking man and the its constitutional duty to fill these vacancies. best speaker I ever heard in my life.’’ [Laugh- The intimidation, the delay, the shrill voices ter] She said, ‘‘I’ll be there.’’ [Laughter] I must stop so the unbroken legacy of our don’t know whether she’s here or not, but strong, independent judiciary can continue she said she was coming. for generations to come. This age demands I thank Governor McMath. I grew up as that we work together in bipartisan fashion, a child here living on the stories of how the and the American people deserve no less, es- GI’s came home from World War II and took pecially when it comes to enforcing their over the city government and the county gov- rights, enforcing the law, and protecting the ernment and cleaned it up and moved it for- Constitution. ward. And I remember how Governor Thanks for listening. McMath stuck by Harry Truman when he was the first President who really advocated NOTE: The address was recorded at 6 p.m. on equal rights for all Americans, and he inte- September 26 in the Presidential Suite of the grated the military, and he said we were Westin Oaks Galleria Hotel in Houston, TX, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on September 27. going to have to get along together and go forward together. And it is in that tradition, I think, that so many of us try to serve. So Remarks at the Hot Springs High I’m glad to see him. School Ultimate Class Reunion in And I want to say a special word of thanks Hot Springs, Arkansas to Helen Selig for being willing to run for September 27, 1997 mayor and serve as mayor of our hometown, because you have been unbelievable. Thank Thank you very much. What a beautiful you so much. We thank you. day. What a beautiful setting. I want to thank I thank David and Keeley for being willing all of you for being here. I thank my dear cochair this effort. Asking people for money friend David Pryor for his introduction, for is always a thankless effort, but they’ve made continuing to play golf with me. [Laughter] it about as attractive as you could make it, And I forgive him for leaving Washington. I think, today. If you haven’t been through It is a poorer place for his absence. He’s here, I hope you will go. served us so well there, and he graced the I want to thank all the members of my United States. class who asked me to get involved in this, Thank you, Congressman Dickey, for but especially the people who were my lead- being here today and for reaching across ers so often when we were in high school: party lines, always with personal kindness, Phil Jamison, Jim French, and Carolyn

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Staley. I want to thank all the former teachers people of all ages doing all different kinds who are here. I see Mr. Spurlin and Mrs. of things. And it will make us an even better Irons and Mrs. Luebben, a lot of other peo- magnet. It will be a wonderful complement ple—I’m sure Paul Root’s here—see if I to the music festival, to the documentary film make any mistakes he can quote back to me festival, to the school of math and science. later on. [Laughter] But all the former teach- It’s something that makes, again, our town ers from Hot Springs High School, thank you special. So I thank you for all of that. for being here. And I’ll bet you we have a Let me also say, the only thing I’m not very good representation from my class. sure I like about this is, I really don’t think Who’s here from the class of ’64, raise your I’m old enough to have anything named after hands. [Applause] That’s the most timid re- me. [Laughter] I thought you had to have sponse I ever got. [Laughter] Judge Woods, at least one leg in the grave before they’d thank you for coming. name anything for you. [Laughter] But if it Ladies and gentlemen, one of the things helps raise another nickel, I accept, and I that has most bothered me as Hillary and thank you. I’m profoundly honored. I have worked in education over the last 20 Let me also say to all of you that if we years now, and as I have become President really want to recover all the resources of and had the chance to travel around the this community and you want it to go into country and go into schools of all sizes and the next century with all the things that can shapes all across America, is the dramatic de- happen here—if you go back to the 19th cen- cline in the offerings in the arts: in music, tury, there’s hardly a community anywhere in other performing arts, in the visual arts. within 500 miles that has a more unique his- We have so much evidence that children tory and that has more unique manifestations who have difficulties in their lives, that chil- of that history still around, over the last 100 dren who may come from disadvantaged years or so—but if we want it to be that way, backgrounds but may have a spark of mathe- we’re going to have to find a way to pay to matical ability, for example, do much better develop it. if they’re given access to a music program. And David and Keeley have stuck their We have so much evidence that children who necks out, and we need to support them, may have been emotionally scarred in some both individually and corporately. They need way may find a healthy and positive and help from our businesses and help from peo- wholesome way to get out of it if they’re ple who can afford to do it in accordance given a chance to be in a theater program, with their ability to pay. And I will do what or to paint, or to do something else that gives I can to help to raise the funds as well. some positive outlet to their energies and But we also need a large number of small their feelings. contributions by people who may just be able And we ought to be raising whole people. to give a modest amount. But I want this What we really want—since we know that to be the people’s house. I want you to feel over 90 percent of society’s work can be done when we get this done that it’s not my name by over 90 percent of us—what we really up there, that it’s yours, every one of you have to raise are people that are whole, that if you contribute to it, when you go through are good, that have good values, but that are these doors. And your children and your at peace with themselves, that are free to grandchildren and your parents and your make good lives for themselves and, there- grandparents may be there. That’s what fore, make a good future for our country. we’re trying to do. So I think this is important because it’s Finally, I can’t help saying after what Gov- the kind of thing that ought to be done by ernor McMath did that there are a lot of peo- people everywhere, to give our children a ple I’m sure we all wish were here today. chance to have a full life. Here, it’s even I know Governor McMath wishes the men more important because we have so many who fought in the Second World War with people with artistic gifts who come here to him who didn’t come home were here. All live. Some of them come here to retire. of us wish that our parents were here. We When I walked in all the rooms there, I saw wish our teachers who aren’t living anymore

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were here. I wish our four classmates who going to be there when I’m gone. [Laughter] died in Vietnam and the others who have And he’s still doing that poor country boy died since then were here. routine, you know. He’s just milking it for But I guess most of all, I wish Johnnie Mae all it’s worth. [Laughter] He’s a good man Mackey were here. And apparently, so does and my dear friend, and I’m proud that he’s Carol Wilson. So I would like to ask Johnnie my Congressman. Mae’s incarnation to come up here and lead And Congressman Snyder, I’m glad to be us in a little round of hullabaloo. [Laughter] the first constituent. I voted for you, and I Thank you all so much. God bless you. Let’s just have one question. How come I don’t make this a success, what do you say? ever get the newsletter? [Laughter] Cheerleaders, cheerleaders, come on. I You know, Vic Snyder is an unusual man. swear, this is living evidence of a comment He was in the Marine Corps, and sometimes that I made the other day that our cheer- I think he has more courage than is good leaders still all can fit in their uniforms. Here for him. He’s always sticking his neck out. they are. [Laughter] Come on. Now, for And he’s got a medical degree and a law de- those of us who were here when Johnnie Mae gree, and sometimes I think he knows more Mackey ran this school—[laughter]—you than anybody ought to have to carry around. know, everybody that came out of this high [Laughter] But I am very, very proud that school and went in the Marine Corps during we have sent a person of his caliber to the the period that Johnnie Mae Mackey ran the United States Congress from this district. school found that it was a step down in dis- And you should all be proud of him. So I cipline and order. [Laughter] So try to visual- thank you for that. ize those magic days, now. And, Bynum, I thank you for organizing this, and I thank all of you for being here NOTE: The President spoke at 12:17 p.m. on the for the Arkansas legislature. When we had front steps of the historic Hot Springs High School the tornadoes down here and I came down which became a junior high school in 1968. In to look at Arkadelphia and College Station his remarks, he referred to former Gov. Sidney and fly over the parts of Benton that were McMath of Arkansas; Mayor Helen Selig of Hot Springs; David French, chair, and Keeley Ardman hurt so badly, afterward I had about an hour, DeSalvo, cochair, William Jefferson Clinton Cul- and I invited the legislators to come out here tural Campus; Phil Jamison, president, Jim and see me at the airport. And there was French, vice president, and Carolyn Yeldell a whole bunch of stuff going on—I didn’t Staley, secretary, class of 1964; Virgil Spurlin, the dream anybody would come. And more than President’s high school band director; Edith Irons, half of you showed up, those of you who are Lonnie Luebben, and Paul Root, teachers at Hot legislators here. And I heard something from Springs High School; former Circuit Court Judge the Arkansas legislators I never thought I Henry Woods; and Carolyn Wilson, who led the would hear as long as I lived. About 30 of cheer following the President’s remarks. them said, ‘‘We really miss you.’’ [Laughter] I thought I would never hear it. Remarks at a Reception for the And then I made a mistake—I made the Arkansas State Democratic Party in mistake they teach you in law school 101. Little Rock, Arkansas They said, ‘‘Never ask a question you don’t September 27, 1997 know the answer to.’’ I made a mistake. I said, ‘‘Why?’’ [Laughter] And they said, ‘‘Be- The President. Thank you very much. cause we could have so much fun when you Gosh, I’m glad to see you. Thank you, Chair- were here because whenever it got going too man Gibson, Congressman Berry. You know, far you would always stop us, and now we Marion Berry had me in his home and to have to be responsible, and we have to do coon supper so many times I was practically the right thing for the State of Arkansas.’’ paying part of the property tax down there. [Laughter] [Laughter] Then I got him to come to Wash- But I think our legislators have done the ington to work, and he thought he’d gone right thing for the State. And because of the to a foreign country. [Laughter] Now he’s term limits law, all of you know that more

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than 50 of the seats will turn over. And that’s 2 years of college which covers the cost of really why we’re all here. tuition and fees at most of the community I tell you, I’ve learned a lot of things in colleges in the country, because of the tax the last 5 years, and most of them have been credits for the junior and senior year of col- utterly wonderful. Hillary and I have had a lege and graduate school and adults going magnificent experience. Our daughter, back for job training, because you can now thanks to the media and others, was per- have an IRA you can withdraw from tax-free mitted to have about as normal a childhood if you spend the money on education or a as you could have in Washington, living in health insurance policy or to buy a first the White House. And she’s off at college home, because we’ve got in the last 2 years now, and when we took her to Stanford, the 300,000 more work-study positions, and be- student speaker to the parents got up and cause we’ve got the biggest increase in Pell made the following remark—she said, ‘‘I grants in 20 years, we can now say, finally, don’t want any of you to worry, your children this country has opened the doors of college will miss you—in November’’—[laughter]— to every person in the country who is willing ‘‘for 15 minutes.’’ [Laughter] So she’s having to work for it. And I’m proud of that, and a great time. you should be proud of that. And our country is in better shape than And that was what our party put in there. it was 5 years ago when we started this odys- And it was our party that overwhelmingly sey. And I guess what I would like to say supported the family and medical leave law to you is that the country works best when and that got the minimum wage law raised there are two parties with different views that for the first time in a very long time and are both strong that are required by the dy- in so many other ways. And it was our party, namics of the situation to make principled standing united, these Members of Congress compromise. behind me, that enabled us to stop the con- You heard what Vic said, that balanced tract on America from going into effect in budget we signed is a great thing for Amer- 1995, even after the Government was shut ica. But I want you to know that the Demo- down. So it matters. There are differences crats made some critical contributions to it that are honest in these parties, and it mat- without which it never would have happened. ters what we did. Number one, in 1993, without a single Re- There is another thing that Vic Snyder said publican vote we took the tough vote on our that I don’t think we ought to dwell on too economic plan, and the deficit had been re- much, but it bears repeating. There’s a dif- duced by 87 percent before the balanced ference in the way we do our business, too. budget act was passed. That’s why we could There is a difference in the way we do our pass one with all the good stuff in it, and business, too. And I came to Washington sick you should never forget that. and tired of the politics of personal destruc- Number two, what else did the Democrats tion. And many times over the last 4 years put in? If it hadn’t been for us, there never it has broken my heart to see how people would have been $24 billion for children’s tried to put all of you on trial and our whole health to give 5 million children, almost all State on trial. And I went back in my own of them in lower income working families mind to a chilling phone call I got in 1991 whose parents don’t have health insurance from a man who was kind of a friend of mine on the job, the coverage of health insurance in the other party who said, ‘‘We can make and the dignity and security their families de- people believe anything about Arkansas. serve. We put that in there. You’re the only guy that can beat us. If you The third thing we did—which I think 30 run, we’ll take it out on them.’’ And they years from now will live, along with the fact were as good as their word. that we finally balanced the budget for the But you did not weaken, and I kept smiling first time since Lyndon Johnson was Presi- and Hillary kept smiling, and the country dent, will live as the enduring legacy—we lit- kept doing better, and the people that were erally can now say because of the HOPE doing that just got madder and madder and scholarship, the $1,500 tax credit for the first madder and madder. But on the other hand,

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and against all odds after all you’ve been we were weak on crime and weak on wel- through, you came through, and you voted fare.’’ I heard it all like a mantra, over and for me overwhelmingly again last time. And over again. I am more grateful than I can say. But I want Well, they can’t say that 5 years later, be- to tell you something else. It matters who cause our economy is the strongest it’s been holds these positions. It matters who is in in a generation; because we have advanced the legislature. the cause of peace and freedom around the You know, I was a voter. I voted against world; because we have the lowest—biggest the term limits amendment. I used to joke drop in welfare in history and the smallest with people that whenever John Miller percentage of Americans on welfare since walked in a room I was in, if there were 100 1970. After 20 years of immigration of poor people in the room, the knowledge of State people coming to America, we still have the government doubled when he walked in a smallest percentage of people on welfare room. [Laughter] I used to say to people— since 1970. And the crime rate’s dropped 5 I used to talk about the people that had been years in a row. around there a long time, and we’d fight So what is the subject? The subject is, how sometimes, but I always thought it was a good are we going to organize this country so that thing to have elected citizens with the real everybody has a chance to live up to his or power reins. her God-given capacities? How are we going And now we have to be sensitive because to organize our lives so that people can work all of our newer members are going to have and still do their most important job, which to rely more on permanent staff people, and is to raise their children properly? How are they’re going to have to listen more to the you going to balance the demands of work lobbyists because they’ll have information and family? How are we going to grow the they don’t have. And so we’re going to have economy and preserve the environment? to work hard to make adjustments. There is Those are issues that require people with our no such thing as a perfect system. kind of values and our kind of interests and But we need good, knowledgeable, hard- our kind of insight. And the future depends working, honest people to present them- upon that. selves to serve in the legislature more than I pledged when I went to Washington I ever before. And if there is any good thing would change the Federal Government. I about it, we’ll have to go to people and say, would make it more active, but smaller, and ‘‘Look, you know you don’t have to take your give more power to the States. And we have whole life doing this because we’ve got these done that. Now, if the States have more term limits now, but your State needs you power on everything from education to wel- to step forward and serve. fare and a whole range of other issues, it then And then I want to see the Democrats out becomes even more important who is in the there running positive campaigns. Vic and legislature. Marion will tell you, when I was pleading So I’m telling you—I’m glad you’re here. with all of our Democrats to vote for the bal- We need the money. [Laughter] I’m glad anced budget—because of the things that you’re here. And I should point out that this were in it, because it had integrity, it was fundraiser is completely consistent with the a good Democratic budget, and I was sick State law, and if we finally get Congress off and tired of saying that Democrats were the the dime and pass the McCain-Feingold bill, party of tax-and-spend, when we took the all the limits here would be way under that deficit down all by ourselves—I argued the bill. So this is the kind of thing that is good following: I said, ‘‘Look, when I became for America. I’m glad you’re here, but I need President, what did you hear at every elec- two more things. tion about our party? What did they say? We need, number one, we need good can- They said we were weak on national defense. didates to come forward. And secondly, we They said we didn’t really support a strong need you to work to win. And let me just foreign policy. They said we couldn’t be ask you for one more thing, and I’ll be home trusted to manage the economy. They said to help. We must not—we must not lose the

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seat now held by Senator Dale Bumpers in to these vacancies in the legislature is a part the election. And there are some really won- of it; holding Senator Bumpers’ Senate seat derful people who have either already made is a part of it. You have to see this as a part up their mind to run or who may yet decide of our life’s work. This is part of what we to run. I ask only one thing, that they have are as citizens. a good, honest, positive debate, that they Three years from now, I’m going to come bring their best ideas forward, that they not home. We’re going to have a library. We’re cut each other up, and when it’s all over— going to have a lot of fun. I’m still going to you remember how you felt and how I felt be a citizen. I’m still going to care about this. on the morning after the election when I had And I want you to care about it. won this overwhelming victory, and yet for Audience member. We all want to ham- the first time in the history of the State of mer ’em—— Arkansas a Democrat had lost a Senate seat. The President. So thank you for being I don’t want that to happen again, and we here, but hammer ’em—hammer ’em. That’s don’t need that to happen again. I cannot a good idea. be effective without a sufficient number of God bless you. Democrats in the Senate. I want you to be in a good humor about NOTE: The President spoke at 3:45 p.m. on the this. This country is in better shape. And grounds of Ray Winder Baseball Field. In his remarks, he referred to Bynum Gibson, chair, Ar- don’t worry about us. And the tougher it gets kansas State Democratic Party. up there—I always know, the better America does, the worse they will try to make it. [Laughter] It drives them nuts. [Laughter] Remarks at a Candlelight Vigil They just hate it, you know. And I don’t un- Honoring the Little Rock Nine in derstand it. I always thought we should be Little Rock happy when people had jobs. [Laughter] I September 27, 1997 always thought we should be happy when the country was at peace. I always thought we Thank you very much, Leta. Dr. and Mrs. should be happy when people were advanc- Titus, members of the board, Tianka Mitch- ing peace and freedom, and we were actually ell and students and faculty. Let me say, I marching forward and facing our problems. thought Tianka did a fine job representing But you know, there’s a lot of wonderful the students here and spoke very well. people in Washington, and then some of it Hillary and I are delighted to be joined is like another country. [Laughter] And by a number of members of our administra- they’ll be shed of me soon enough. They tion, including Secretary of Transportation ought to just relax. [Laughter] Let us do our Rodney Slater, Bob Nash, and Janis Kearney job. Let us go on. and Carroll Willis. And there may be others Remember what I said—this was not a here, but I thank them all for coming. one-shot deal, my Presidency. It was a mir- I know there are a lot of officials out there. acle, nobody thought it was going to happen. I see Senator Walker and Mayor Hays, and [Laughter] I’m sure there are others. I thank you for Audience member. I did! coming. Thank you, Daisy Bates. Reverend Audience member. We did! clergy, thank you for coming. And especially, The President. First—in the beginning, of course, to the Little Rock Nine, I’m de- only my mother and my wife thought we lighted to see all of you. We’re really getting were going to win. [Laughter] Even my to be old friends now. [Laughter] daughter and I had doubts. [Laughter] But And you just heard an address from the it’s part of something bigger. It’s got to be person I have picked to be chief of the Presi- part of something bigger. You have to under- dential speechwriting division for the re- stand, there are fundamental differences mainder of my term in office. That was a about how we view the future. So that if you terrific job, not only because he spoke so well like what we’ve done, keeping Marion and but because of what he spoke. And I want Vic in office is a part of it; electing people to come back to that in a moment.

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I love Philander Smith. I used to jog by I think it is important, very important in life, here most every morning. If it wasn’t too perhaps the most important thing of all, obvi- early, usually the students would be out walk- ously, to have a reconciled heart, to do things ing around and say hello to me. I’ve seen in the right way for the right reasons. But the physical improvements in the campus, at some point it’s also important that you do and they’re very impressive, and I congratu- the right things, that the things you are doing late you on them. You know Carroll Willis make sense and move forward in our eternal and Lottie Shackelford and my great friend, struggle to open up genuine opportunity and the late Mahlon Martin, all were graduates make genuine advances. We can do better. of Philander Smith, so I have been personally After the ceremony on Thursday, just for benefited by this school. And I thank you example, I stayed outside quite a long while. for that. And I know a lot of people had to go in, But I have to say a special word of appre- it was very hot, but there were so many peo- ciation to the choir, because the choir was ple there who had stayed there, and I wanted the first choir from an historically black col- to shake their hands and listen to them, and lege to sing at the Presidential Inaugura- there were especially a lot of young people tion—mine, in 1992. And I thank you very there. And I shook hands, I’ll bet, for an hour much for that. They’ve been back to Wash- at the ceremony. And one young man came ington quite a few times since, and it’s always up to me and said—he appeared to be a high- a better place when they’re there. school-age student—and he said, ‘‘Mr. Presi- Let me say, tonight especially we have dent,’’ he said, ‘‘I like this, and I like what come, I would hope, to do two things. Noth- you’ve said. But what are we going to do ing we can ever do, I think, will equal the about all of us who are being dragged into emotional impact that the ceremony the day these gangs, and how are we going to save before yesterday in front of Central High kids’ lives and keep them from doing that?’’ School had not only on our State but, I think, So that’s as good a place to start as any. on the entire country. I was in Texas yester- If we have the right attitude about this and day and person after person after person we know that one thing we have to do is came up to me, just overwhelmed by what to open up genuine access to educational op- they saw on the television and by the sight portunity and make sure whatever edu- of the Little Rock Nine walking through the cational opportunity any child has in this dis- front doors, unimpeded. trict, it is excellence personified, how are we As I understand it, the first thing we wish going to get all the children there in a posi- to do, and one which Dr. Roberts has already tion to take advantage of it? spoken about, is to acknowledge that there I’ve worked hard in the last 5 years to were others who may never have gotten their make our streets and our neighborhoods and names in the newspapers, who had a lot to our schools safe. But we’re still losing too do with the way these young people turned many of our kids to gangs and to guns and into successful adults and were able to carry to drugs. We are. You know, in the genera- on their courageous struggle: parents and tion where we grew up, one of the reasons family members who were threatened with they did so well is that their parents and their the loss of their jobs; neighbors who gave grandparents and their neighbors instilled in them everything from money to food to them a code of conduct which meant if they transportation; and of course, the faculty ever got the least little chance, they would here at Philander Smith, who volunteered to make the most of it. If they ever got the least tutor them, an extraordinary gift. And I little chance, they would make the most of would say to all of you who were involved it. in that, they all turned out pretty well, and How many of our children today are not I thank you for that. given that? And are all their neighbors doing The second thing that I would like to re- everything they can to make sure that if they spectfully suggest is that as we participate in get the least little chance, they’ll make the this candlelight vigil, I would like to return most of it? Are all of us who are interested to something I said at the end of my remarks. in volunteering in the schools equally willing

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to walk the neighborhoods? Are we equally comes after you a new set of problems or willing to walk on a street that is unfamiliar whether they’re dealing with the same old and walk into a home that we may not know problems.’’ He said, ‘‘Look,’’ he said, ‘‘the and do what it takes in a personal way to Bible teaches us that human nature is inher- try to rescue our children? ently flawed and that there will be problems I spent a day in Boston not very long ago, till the end of time, but if you leave your and I went up there for a particular reason. people who come after you the same old There has not been a child—not a child— problems, then you haven’t done your job. killed by a handgun in the city of Boston for Leave it up to God to figure out what the almost 2 years—2 years. Now, it’s a bigger next generation’s problems are going to be. city than Little Rock, with a lot of tough Don’t saddle them with yours.’’ neighborhoods and a lot of poor neighbor- And so I say to you, that’s what I hope hoods and a lot of problems. But the police you will think about. Think about the kids there walk the streets, and they walk with in the gangs. Think about whether they could parents groups and citizens groups. And the have made it if there hadn’t been any neigh- probation officers, they make house calls. bors to support them, if there hadn’t been And the police officers, they make house a Philander Smith to tutor them, if they had calls. Instead of waiting to bust the kids when had to worry about going home and getting they get in trouble, they go to the homes run over by somebody who just made a big and sit down and visit with the parents and drug sale, if they were estranged from people say, ‘‘Your child needs help. I’m here to who were in a violent gang. help.’’ Hillary and I have been with children in And they have a delightful group of people cities in this country, little children, who said that wear T-shirts, and they call themselves— their biggest fear in life was being shot going no offense to the pastors in the audience— to and from school. We used to have fire Streetwalkers. [Laughter] And they’re proud drills when I was in school, and then we used of the double meaning because they’ve to have drills about what we would do if there turned it on its head, because they’re walking were an alert from the Soviet Union drop- the streets to save people’s lives, not to waste ping a nuclear weapon. These kids used to people’s lives. have gun drills, and they practiced dropping I say that to make the point that what we themselves on the floor in case they heard owe the Little Rock Nine is to do our part gunshots. Now, that’s the problem of our in this time to deal with the new problems generation. We dare not give that to the next of this time and the unresolved problems of generation. their time, so that when our time is done, And I could just tell you, the reason I at least our kids have something else to worry wanted to have this dialog on race is that about. At least our kids have something else I think that our racial diversity is the biggest to worry about. advantage we’ve got going into the future if I’ll never—one of the wiser men I ever we can get our hearts right, if we can think met in public life was a former Secretary of right, but if we can do the right things. State, United States Senator, and Governor So my pledge to the Little Rock Nine, and of Maine, Edmund Muskie. And when he I hope yours will be, is that we can’t promise was still living, in 1983, Hillary and I went to leave our children with no problems, but to Maine to a Governors’ meeting. And we let’s promise them that we’ll get rid of the were having a very relaxed conversation, and ones that they’re facing today. And they’ll do I said, ‘‘Mr. Secretary,’’ I said, ‘‘of all the jobs just fine. you ever held, which one did you like the Thank you, and God bless you. best?’’ He said, ‘‘I think I liked being Gov- NOTE: The President spoke at 5:45 p.m. on the ernor the best, because I was close to people lawn of the Administration Building at Philander and their problems and their hopes and Smith College. In his remarks, he referred to Leta dreams.’’ And I said, ‘‘Well, how do you de- Anthony, president, Leadership Roundtable, and fine success for a Governor?’’ He said, ‘‘Suc- director of the candlelight vigil program; Myer L. cess is whether you leave the person who Titus, president, Philander Smith College, and his

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wife, Constance; Tianka Mitchell, student govern- for the United States in the position, thank ment president; Arkansas State Senator Bill Walk- you. er; Mayor Patrick Henry Hays of North Little This morning, we honor 20 men and Rock; Daisy Bates, publisher and founder, Arkan- women and one organization for extraor- sas State Press newspaper and advocate of the Lit- dinary achievement in arts and humanities. tle Rock Nine in 1957; the late Mahlon Martin, first minority director of the Arkansas State Fi- And in giving these awards, we also applaud nance Department; and Carroll Willis, director, the achievements of our country. We cele- communications services division, and Lottie brate our capacity for individual expression Shackelford, vice chair for women’s advocacy, and common understanding, and we rejoice Democratic National Committee. The President in our Nation’s thriving and growing diver- also referred to the Little Rock Nine: Jefferson sity. We take pride in the power of imagina- Thomas, Ernest Green, Minnijean Brown Trickey, tion that animates our democracy. Carlotta Walls LaNier, Gloria Ray Karlmark, And above all, by giving these awards we Thelma Mothershed-Wair, Elizabeth Eckford, declare to ourselves and to the world, we are, Melba Pattillo Beals, and spokesperson Terrence we always have been, and we always will be Roberts. a nation of creators and innovators. We are, we always have been, and we always will be a nation supporting our artists and scholars. Remarks on Presenting the Arts and It is our heritage. It must be a great gift we Humanities Medals give to the future. September 29, 1997 As Hillary said, as we work up to the millennium, we will be observing it in many Thank you very much. Ladies and gentle- ways over the next 4 years that both honor men, welcome to the White House. I thank our past and encourage our people to imag- the Members of Congress for coming, the ine the future. Today, I invite each of you members of the councils who stood up and to be partners in that endeavor in the White were recognized. I also want to thank the House Millennium Program, to help us to First Lady for that very nice speech and un- make sure the millennium is marked by a usual introduction. [Laughter] renewed commitment to the arts and human- The spin that was put on my going to the ities in every community in our Nation. opera at home was slightly different than the One of the most important goals for the one you heard. [Laughter] It went more like, millennium is to give every child in America ‘‘I’ve been trying to get you to do this for access to the universe of knowledge and ideas 5 years, now. I know you will like this if you by connecting every school and library in our go.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘And besides, it’s Carmen, country to the Internet by the year 2000. it’s your kind of thing.’’ [Laughter] And then, Working together with business leaders, afterward, I said, ‘‘Gosh, I just loved that, we’ve made solid progress. And as we work and I thought Denyce Graves was great, and to connect our schools and libraries we must it was fabulous.’’ And she said, ‘‘I told you. make sure that once our children can log on I told you. I told you.’’ So I was glad to have to the Internet they don’t get lost there. the sort of sanitized version presented to you. So today I’m pleased to announce that on [Laughter] But I thought, in the interest of the 27th of October the National Endow- openness, I should tell you the whole story. ment for the Humanities, in partnership with [Laughter] MCI and the Council of Great City Schools, Let me again say to all of you, you are will throw the switch on a new educational very welcome here in the White House. And website called Ed-SITE-ment—Ed-SITE- let me say a special word of thanks to two ment, not bad—[laughter]. This exciting new people: first, to Jane Alexander for her out- tool will help teachers, students, and their standing leadership of the National Endow- parents to navigate among the thousands of ment of the Arts, thank you; and second, to educational websites, and there are literally Sheldon Hackney, who recently left his job tens of thousands of them now. Most impor- as Chairman of the National Endowment for tant, it will expand our children’s horizons the Humanities, but who did a wonderful job and instill in them an early appreciation for

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the culture and values that will be with them a new partnership between professional art- throughout their lives. ists and public schools to introduce children President Kennedy once said he looked to the joys of creative expression. forward to an America that raised the stand- And I might say, that’s even more impor- ards of artistic achievement and enlarged cul- tant today. One of the things that a lot of tural opportunities for all citizens. The men us who care about our schools are concerned and women we honor today have brought us about are the dwindling opportunities too much closer to realizing that vision. More many of our children have in the arts of all than 30 years later, at the edge of the new kinds, because we know it gives these chil- millennium, we must pledge ourselves anew dren, so many of them, a chance to learn, to meet this challenge. to grow, to find positive means of self-expres- Now, it gives me great pleasure to present sion. If they never become any kind of artist, the 1997 National Medal of Arts and Na- the increase in self-understanding, self-con- tional Medal of Humanities awards. First, the trol, self-direction, and pure, old-fashioned National Medal of Arts. enjoyment in life is more than worth the ef- Like Martha Graham and Georgia fort. And so we are especially grateful to O’Keeffe, Louise Bourgeois’ name is synony- Aggie Gund. As president of the Museum mous with innovation, and her life is proof of Modern Art, she is helping to usher in that creative impulse never fails. In 1981, her the 21st century of art. retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, Ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honor to the first to be devoted to a woman artist, en- present her today. compassed 40 years of extraordinary work. The President and the First Lady presented Since then, she has created another lifetime [ the medal and congratulated Ms. Gund. of enduring art, and I have no doubt she has ] more to teach us. From the National Mall to the National Ladies and gentlemen, Jean-Louis Bour- Gallery, Dan Kiley has helped to redefine geois, the artist’s son, will accept the award the American landscape. He’s one of those on her behalf. Louise Bourgeois. rare artists who join the beauty and variety of nature with the joy and form of design. At this point, the President and the First [ In his thought-provoking, memorable de- Lady presented the medal to Mr. Bourgeois. ] signs, building and site come together as one, Don’t worry, I’ll report this on my gift proving that great landscapes and great form. Thank you. [Laughter] buildings are part of the same vision. When Betty Carter sings ‘‘Baby, It’s Cold Ladies and gentlemen, Dan Kiley. Outside,’’ it makes you want to curl up in The President and the First Lady presented front of a fire, even in the summertime. Per- [ the medal and congratulated Mr. Kiley. forming with the likes of Ray Charles, Dizzy ] Gillespie, Charlie Parker, and Lionel Hamp- It is no mystery—[laughter]—why Angela ton, she is truly a goddess in the pantheon Lansbury deserves this award. From the of jazz. Her greatness comes not only from Royal Shakespeare Theatre to Broadway to her unforgettable voice but from her passion- television, she has created vivid characters ate commitment to helping young artists de- we can’t forget. For that work, she has velop their own careers. earned three Academy Award nominations, Ladies and gentlemen, the incomparable four Tony Awards, and 16 Emmy Awards. Betty Carter. To that wall of honors we add this one, for she is her own unforgettable character. The President and the First Lady presented [ Ladies and gentlemen, Angela Lansbury. the medal and congratulated Ms. Carter.] The President and the First Lady presented We can’t celebrate art today without cele- [ the medal and congratulated Ms. Lansbury. brating the people who help us to experience ] it. Aggie Gund has spent a lifetime bringing A hush falls in the Metropolitan Opera as art into the lives of the American people. the great chandelier rises and James Levine With the ‘‘Studio in a School,’’ she forged raises his baton. For 25 years and 1,600 per-

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formances of 70 different operas, countless and Jerome Robbins. And as artistic director opera goers, television watchers, and radio of the Miami City Ballet, he is attracting the listeners have shared that experience and ballet audience of the 21st century. shared in the great gift of his talent. His work Ladies and gentlemen, the remarkable Ed- has renewed the grand tradition of opera and ward Villella. infused it with new life for the next genera- The President and the First Lady presented tion of opera lovers. [ the medal and congratulated Mr. Villella. Ladies and gentlemen, James Levine. ] There may not be a serious, committed The President and the First Lady presented [ baby boomer alive who didn’t at some point the medal and congratulated Mr. Levine. ] in his or her youth try to spend a few minutes I really admire him. He was up here look- at least trying to learn to pick a guitar like ing for his mother. He says, ‘‘I know she’s Doc Watson. A guitar virtuoso whose unique out here somewhere.’’ [Laughter] Where is style merges many musical traditions, he she? Good for you. Thank you. started his remarkable career at age 13, Just hearing Tito Puente’s name makes armed with a $12 guitar and a deep love of you want to get up and dance. With his finger mountain music. Five Grammy Awards and on the pulse of the Latin American musical a lifetime of achievement later, he still lives tradition and his hands on the timbales, he in the land his great-great grandaddy home- has probably gotten more people out of their steaded, and he’s still making that old-time seats and onto the dance floor than any other mountain music. living artist. For 50 years now, the irrepress- Ladies and gentlemen, Doc Watson. ible joy of his irreplaceable music has won The President and the First Lady presented him four Grammy Awards, countless honors, [ the medal and congratulated Mr. Watson. and a wide world of fans. ] Ladies and gentlemen, Tito Puente. For our artists to create the kind of works we’re here to celebrate, they have to have The President and the First Lady presented [ three things: time, space, and inspiration. For the medal and congratulated Mr. Puente. ] nearly half a century, that is what more than If anyone has actually given a voice to 4,500 artists have found at the MacDowell American dramatic arts, it is Jason Robards. Colony. On this 450-acre farm in rural New In the great works of our greatest play- Hampshire, Thornton Wilder wrote ‘‘Our wrights, Eugene O’Neill, Lillian Hellman, Town;’’ Leonard Bernstein finished his great Clifford Odets, Arthur Miller, and in Acad- ‘‘Mass.’’ Today, a new generation of artists emy Award performances in great movies thrives in the atmosphere created by com- like ‘‘All The President’s Men,’’ he has poser Edward MacDowell and his wife, Mar- brought the American experience to life with ian. characters that animate history and illu- Ladies and gentlemen, the award to the minate the human condition. And every one MacDowell Colony will be accepted by the of us who has ever had to give a significant chairman of the MacDowell Colony, a man number of public speeches has wished at we all know in other guises, Robert MacNeil. some moment in his life that he had a voice The President and the First Lady presented like Jason Robards. [Laughter] [ the medal and congratulated Mr. MacNeil.] The President and the First Lady presented [ Now, I have the honor of introducing the the medal and congratulated Mr. Robards. ] recipients of the National Humanities Medal, Edward Villella, quite literally, leapt onto men and women who keep the American the world stage of ballet and changed it for- memory alive and infuse the future with new ever with the stunning grace and muscular ideas. athleticism that are his signature style. As First, Nina Archabal. To those who know principal dancer with the New York City Bal- and work with her, she is a fireball who lets let, he collaborated with the men who de- no one stand in the way of her mission to fined 20th century ballet, George Balanchine preserve Minnesota’s history. To the State of

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Minnesota, she’s a bridge-builder between Ladies and gentlemen, Sir Richard native peoples and other Minnesotans, help- Franke. ing them share their stories. To America, she [The President and the First Lady presented exemplifies how tradition informs everyday the medal and congratulated Mr. Franke.] life and shapes history. And just this morning she told the President that it was high time I doubt that there is a more revered force he high-tailed it out to Minnesota to see ex- in American education today than Bill Fri- actly what she was doing. [Laughter] day. As president of the University of North Ladies and gentlemen, Miss Nina Carolina, he devoted himself to improving Archabal. education for all Americans. There is hardly an important educational task force he has [The President and the First Lady presented not been a member of. He helped to found the medal and congratulated Ms. Archabal.] the National Humanities Center. He sat on David Berry and I share a goal: to the Carnegie Commission on Higher Edu- strengthen our Nation’s 2-year community cation and the President’s Task Force on colleges so that more Americans can get the Education. As executive director of the education they need to succeed in life, no Kenan Charitable Trust, he continues his life of achievement. matter how old they are or where they come I can tell you that in all the years that I from. As professor of history at Essex County served as Governor and Hillary and I worked College in Newark, New Jersey, he’s broad- to improve education for our children from ened the horizons and expanded the dreams kindergarten through higher education and of his students. As director of the Community to change the horizons of the South in ways College Humanities Association, he’s helping that would bring people together and elevate 2-year colleges all over the country to do the their conditions, no one was more respected same. or had more influence on how we all thought Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know how and what we tried to do than the remarkable many of you have ever spent any time in Bill Friday. these 2-year institutions, but they are exhila- Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Friday. rating in the opportunities they offer to people who not so long ago would never have [The President and the First Lady presented been able to dream of them. And the fact the medal and congratulated Mr. Friday.] that we are bringing the humanities into I think I should say that our next awardee, them and putting them front and center is Don Henley, is not in the wrong category. a very important part of inspiring the Ameri- [Laughter] He has already won so many cans of the 21st century, because more and awards for his wonderful, wonderful music, more of them will find their way to these he may think that he doesn’t need another. remarkable institutions. But today we honor him not for another hit Ladies and gentlemen, David Berry. record but instead for 7 years of relentless effort to protect a vital part of America’s his- [The President and the First Lady presented tory, the woods that inspired Henry David the medal and congratulated Mr. Berry.] Thoreau to write his greatest work, ‘‘Wal- After a very, very successful career as den.’’ Through his support of the Thoreau chairman and CEO of an investment banking Institute, Don is also keeping Thoreau’s great firm, Richard Franke could well have rested legacy alive for the 21st century. on his achievements. Instead, he made it his I’ve known Don for many years, and I told mission to advance the cause of the human- him today right before we came out here that ities in everyday life. Through the Chicago if I had a nickel for every time he has hit Humanities Festival he founded in 1989, he’s on me to preserve the woods around Walden bringing the pleasures of art and ideas to the Pond, I would indeed be a wealthy man. people of the great city of Chicago. And his [Laughter] He has done his job to preserve commitment to the humanities extends to the a profoundly significant part of our legacy entire Nation. as a larger part of his passionate commitment

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to preserving our environment and our natu- Ladies and gentlemen, Martin Marty. ral heritage. The President and the First Lady presented Ladies and gentlemen, Don Henley. [ the medal and congratulated Mr. Marty.] The President and the First Lady presented [ Paul Mellon has elevated the great tradi- the medal and congratulated Mr. Henley. ] tion of American philanthropy to an art form. Great writers reveal a world we’ve never His gifts have immeasurably strengthened seen but instantly recognize a authentic. the cultural institutions that are at the very Maxine Hong Kingston is such a writer. In heart of our civil society, including, of course, her groundbreaking book, ‘‘The Woman the National Gallery here in Washington. Warrior: Memoirs of Girlhood Among With his sister, he established the Andrew Ghosts,’’ she brought the Asian-American ex- W. Mellon Foundation, the Nation’s largest perience to life for millions of readers and private funder of the humanities. And inspired a new generation of writers to make through his exceptional generosity, he has their own unique voices and experiences enriched the libraries of our Nation with pre- heard. cious collections of the world’s greatest Ladies and gentlemen, Maxine Hong works. Kingston. Ladies and gentlemen, Robert Smith of the National Gallery of Art will accept the The President and the First Lady presented [ award on behalf of Paul Mellon. the medal and congratulated Ms. Hong Kingston.] [The President and the First Lady presented the medal to Mr. Smith. The great chorus of American voices has ] also been immeasurably enlarged by the No one has done more to expand the work of Luis Leal. For 50 years he has told American library of voices than Studs Terkel. the story of the Chicano people, here in He has quite literally defined the art of the America and all over the Latin world. In 16 oral history, bringing the stories of ordinary books he has revealed the unique voice of people to life in his unique style, and letting Latin literature. In 1995, in recognition of the everyday experiences that deepen our his great contributions, the University of history speak for themselves. That is why I California created the Luis Leal Endowed am very pleased he has agreed to advise the Chair in Chicano Studies, the only one of White House Millennium Program on the its kind in our Nation. best way to collect family and community his- Ladies and gentlemen, Luis Leal. tories, a project we will launch with the NEH this spring. The President and the First Lady presented [ Ladies and gentlemen, a true American the medal and congratulated Mr. Leal. ] original, Mr. Studs Terkel. As we approach the millennium, many The President and the First Lady presented Americans are examining their own and our [ the medal and congratulated Mr. Terkel. Nation’s spirituality, faith, and the role of re- ] ligion in our Nation’s life. No one has He just thanked me for coordinating the thought more deeply about these questions medal with his trademark shirt, tie, and than Martin Marty, a renowned scholar of socks. [Laughter] The rest of our honorees religious history, the author of 50 books, the will just have to abide it. We were trying to director of the Public Religion Project at the get the wardrobe right. University of Chicago which finds common Let me again thank all of you for coming ground in our diverse communities of faith. and say a special word of thanks to Senator Among many things to which he is faithful, Pell and to Congressman and Mrs. Capps, he is faithful to his teaching, and he told me to Congressman Horn, Congresswoman he is missing class today, one of the very few Maloney, Congresswoman Pelosi, Congress- times in a very long career of teaching. We man Serrano, and Congressman Burr. And have all been enriched by his work, and we I thank them. We have talked a lot about thank him for it. all the fights that exist between the President

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and Congress over the NEH and the NEA. achievements excel in other areas of learning, It’s important to recognize we’ve got some developing the skills and the confidence to good supporters there, too. create better lives and brighter futures. Let me invite you to enjoy the Marine Or- As we observe National Arts and Human- chestra, to enjoy each other, to enjoy this ities Month this year, let us reflect on the beautiful day and the rich gifts our honorees role of these vital pursuits in our individual have given us. lives and in the life of our democracy. Today, Thank you very much for coming. on the threshold of a new millennium, they are more essential than ever to the endur- NOTE: The President spoke at 9:45 a.m. in the ance of our values of tolerance, pluralism, Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, and freedom; to our understanding of where he referred to Lois Capps, wife of Representative Walter Capps. we are and where we need to go. Let us remember that the arts and humanities are a necessity, not a luxury, and that every Amer- Message on the Observance of ican deserves to have access to them. And National Arts and Humanities let us resolve to sustain America’s national Month, October 1997 commitment to the arts and humanities so September 29, 1997 that we may preserve for the generations to come the great artistic and intellectual life America celebrates October as National of our nation. Arts and Humanities Month to recognize the Bill Clinton unique role that the arts and humanities play in the lives of our families, our communities, NOTE: This message was released by the Office and our country. of the Press Secretary on September 29. For more than 200 years, the arts and humanities have distinguished us as individuals and united us as a nation. The arts empower Remarks on the Income and Poverty us to express ourselves and to understand Report and an Exchange With and appreciate the expressions of others. Reporters Through the study of literature, history, and September 29, 1997 philosophy, we learn to build on the riches of our past to create a firm foundation for The President. I don’t know if I can go a better future. Together, the arts and hu- on. [Laughter] manities teach us to celebrate the cultural Good morning. This Friday will mark the diversity unique to America, while transcend- sixth anniversary of the day I announced my ing differences in race, ethnicity, age, or intention to run for President of the United creed. States. On that day, I challenged America to Each day our world evolves further from embrace an urgent mission for the 21st cen- our notion of the familiar, and we must adapt tury, to preserve the American dream, re- to its changing nature. In this challenging store the hopes of the forgotten middle class, time, we look to our artists and scholars to and reclaim the future for our children. inform our decisions and our actions. Musi- As President, I have worked hard to set cians, actors, philosophers, playwrights, America on that track, to fulfill that mission, painters, writers, sculptors, dancers, and his- putting in place a bold strategy to shrink the torians share with us their talent and training, deficit, invest in our people, and expand the inspiring our finest achievements and giving sales of America’s products and services voice to our deepest aspirations. abroad. I am pleased to announce today that Because we discover our greatest possibili- we have more evidence that our economic ties through the exploration of the human strategy is succeeding. spirit, we must encourage our young people This morning, the Census Bureau released to build on this cultural legacy and seek their its annual Survey of Income and Poverty in highest potential in the arts and humanities. America. It shows that last year the typical Children inspired by their own creative family benefited from a significant increase

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in income for the third year in a row. Since $24 billion child health initiative, which takes we launched our economic plan in 1993, the effect this week. typical family’s annual income has risen by Two years ago we were fighting hard to nearly $2,200 a year. That’s an extra $2,200 save Medicaid’s guarantee to 4 million chil- that hard-working families can put toward dren. Now we’re looking forward to extend- their children’s education, a downpayment ing child health insurance to another 5 mil- on a home, or even a much needed vacation. lion children. We have to work together to After years and years of stagnant family in- encourage the States to take full advantage comes, today’s report proves that America’s of this opportunity and to make sure that the middle class, no longer forgotten, is rising funds are spent actually insuring children fast. who do not have health insurance today. It should be noted that these figures do To ensure that all our people benefit from not reflect several other dividends of pros- the growing economy, we also have to make perity we have delivered for the American sure that our people have access to the people. They don’t reflect the $500 per child world’s best education, with high standards tax credit, the $1,500 HOPE scholarship, the in the basics. And we have to address the education IRA’s, the real benefits of lower pressing issue of child care. That is another interest rates and mortgage costs worth thing that would help to alleviate pressures $1,000 a year or more to millions of home- on middle and lower income working fami- owners. lies’ households. The first ever White House Conference And rising incomes are also lifting families on Child Care will be held later this fall. It out of poverty. The report shows that while will focus on how we can help parents to there is clearly much more to be done, the succeed at home and work through quality, African-American poverty rate has fallen to affordable child care. In all these ways we its lowest level ever. The income of the typi- can continue to fulfill what I started out to cal Hispanic household grew more last year do 6 years ago, preserving the American than in any single year on record. The child dream, restoring the middle class, reclaiming poverty rate has dropped, in the past 3 years, the future for our children. But this is good more than in any 3-year period since the news. And now, Janet Yellen and Gene 1960’s. And the earned-income tax credit, Sperling will be able to answer questions which we have dramatically expanded and about the details of the proposals. then fought hard to preserve, has raised more Thank you. than 4 million people out of poverty last year. The report also shows we have more to Campaign Finance Legislation do to extend opportunity to all Americans. Q. What do you think is the chance of get- Starting in the 1970’s, income inequality rose ting campaign finance reform through this sharply. Now it has stabilized. Since 1993, session this year? every income group has seen its income rise, The President. Well, I hope it’s good. It’s with those in the lowest 20 percent showing certainly better than it was a month ago. Ob- the fastest gains, thanks, in part, to the mini- viously, there is still strong opposition to it mum wage, to more jobs, and to the earned- in the leadership of the Republican Party, income tax credit, which is not measured in and they’re in the majority in Congress. But the statistics. But we still have to do more I’ve seen some encouraging signs in the Sen- to grow together in the 21st century. ate, and frankly, I’ve seen some encouraging Let me say that this report also under- signs in the House with some Republican scores another important challenge, one that members willing to speak up and say that I have been concerned about for a long time. we ought to do something. So I’m quite Last year, there were 800,000 more children hopeful that we will get something. without health insurance than the year be- I know this—if we just—the way these fore. However, thank goodness, many of things work, if we can succeed in keeping these children will now be eligible for cov- the public spotlight on the debate, then the erage under the balanced budget’s historic pressure will build to come out with some-

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thing positive. And I have done what I could, viously I want to consult with our people at and I’m very proud of our caucus in the Sen- HHS and others to do what is best. But I ate for doing what it has done. The Demo- think most States really are working hard and crats have clearly come out unanimously for in good faith to try to do this. I think that some—for campaign finance reform. And they know that’s what the voters want and we’ve just got to keep the public spotlight most importantly, that’s what the people on on this and keep going until we get legisla- welfare want. So we don’t want to just forget tion. about our high standards, especially when we’ve proven we can hire a lot more people Welfare Reform than we ever thought we could. Q. Mr. President, many States, California, Texas, Florida, acknowledge that they’re Campaign Finance Legislation going to fail the first real test of the new Q. You mentioned Republicans in the welfare law, the requirement that they have House. This weekend, Speaker Gingrich was 75 percent of two-parent welfare families in unusually caustic, accusing your staff and jobs and job training by this week. Will HHS your lawyers of blocking pursuit of the truth impose fines that—[inaudible]—allowed to in law. Have you looked back at your records do, on the States? And what—does it shake and the phone calls that you have made and your confidence, this failure—shake your come to any new conclusion about your own confidence in the new welfare law? involvement? The President. No, because, first of all— The President. First of all, I think—no, let me answer the second question first. It I have not come to any new conclusion. But doesn’t shake my confidence in the law, be- I think the remarks this weekend were an cause we have succeeded, I think, beyond attempt to divert the public attention from anybody’s expectations, partly from the grow- the fact that the leadership of the Republican ing economy and partly from welfare reform Party in the House opposes campaign finance efforts, in reducing the welfare rolls more reform, and has consistently, and continues than they have ever been reduced in a com- to do so. parable time period, ever. But I am encouraged that along with our We’ve had 20 years of immigration in our Democrats who are supporting it, there are country at high levels, many of the immi- an increasingly vocal band of brave Repub- grants coming here come without many re- licans willing to stick up and be for it. And sources, and they want to work their way into again, this is our chance to pass this bill, and the American dream. So we’ve had a lot of I think we’d all be making a mistake to be people coming in here, and yet we’ve been diverted. I don’t intend to be. successful in having the smallest percentage Thank you. of our people on welfare since 1970. So my answer to you is, I want to keep NOTE: The President spoke at 11:03 a.m. in the high standards, and I want them enforced, Briefing Room at the White House. because we block-granted the money to the States they asked for. After all, they supported the law. They said we could keep the Remarks at the Arts and Humanities Federal guarantee for health care and food Medal Awards Dinner stamps, nutrition, which I insisted on, but September 29, 1997 they pointed out that they already had the freedom to set different welfare reimburse- Ladies and gentlemen, I want to begin the ment levels every month, so they wanted dinner by saying a special word of welcome control of that pot of money so they would to all of you. have more flexibility to move people from Frequently in this room, it is my privilege welfare to work. And in return, they agreed on behalf of the people of the United States to these targets. to offer a toast to a visiting leader of another So I think we just need to keep pushing nation or to showcase our culture to the ahead. In terms of what should be done, ob- world. Tonight it is my privilege to honor

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the leaders of that culture, our artists and Executive Order 13062— scholars and those who support their work. Continuance of Certain Federal Our economy is measured in numbers and Advisory Committees and statistics, and we got some more good num- Amendments to Executive Orders bers today, and for that I’m very grateful. 13038 and 13054 But nonetheless, in our childhood, at the end September 29, 1997 of our lives, and in the most important moments in between, we know that our own By the authority vested in me as President enduring worth and the enduring worth of by the Constitution and the laws of the Unit- our Nation lies in our shared values and our ed States of America, and in accordance with soaring spirit. the provisions of the Federal Advisory Com- Lewis Mumford once wrote, ‘‘Love, po- mittee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), it etry, disinterested thought, the free use of is hereby ordered as follows: the imagination—here are the sustaining val- Section 1. Each advisory committee listed ues of a living culture.’’ Through the work below is continued until September 30, 1999. you do and the lives you lead, you are sustain- (a) Committee for the Preservation of the ing our living culture and swelling the chorus White House; Executive Order 11145, as of American voices. amended (Department of the Interior). I have to note, sadly, as many of you must (b) Federal Advisory Council on Occupa- doubtless know now, that we lost one of those tional Safety and Health; Executive Order great voices today when Roy Lichtenstein 12196, as amended (Department of Labor). passed away. Two years ago I had the great (c) National Partnership Council; Execu- privilege of giving him the award that I was tive Order 12871, as amended (Office of Per- able to bestow on several of you today. He sonnel Management). was especially valuable and treasured by us (d) President’s Advisory Commission on here in the White House because of his sup- Education Excellence for Hispanic Ameri- port for our arts and embassies program. cans; Executive Order 12900 (Department of The point I think he would like me to Education). (e) President’s Board of Advisors on His- make tonight is that everyone of us, each in torically Black Colleges and Universities; Ex- our own time, has just a little time, whether ecutive Order 12876 (Department of Edu- we live a short or a long life by conventional cation). standards. Therefore, it falls to everyone of (f) President’s Commission on White us to make sure that there is a next genera- House Fellowships; Executive Order 11183, tion of artists and scholars who have the op- as amended (Office of Personnel Manage- portunity to learn and to create, so that the ment). next generation of ideas can take root and (g) President’s Committee of Advisors on grow. Science and Technology; Executive Order So, tonight, as we celebrate the remark- 12882 (Office of Science and Technology able accomplishments of the men and Policy). women we honor here, let us also rededicate (h) President’s Committee of the Arts and ourselves to that future mission. the Humanities; Executive Order 12367, as Now, I ask you all to join me in raising amended (National Endowment for the our glasses in a toast to the 1997 National Arts). Medal of Arts and National Humanities (i) President’s Committee on the Inter- Medal recipients. national Labor Organization; Executive Thank you. Order 12216 (Department of Labor). (j) President’s Committee on the National NOTE: The President spoke at 8:43 p.m. on the Medal of Science; Executive Order 11287, State Floor at the White House. In his remarks, as amended (National Science Foundation). he referred to artist/painter Roy Lichtenstein, (k) President’s Committee on Mental Re- awarded the National Medal of Arts on Oct. 5, tardation; Executive Order 12994 (Depart- 1995. ment of Health and Human Services).

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(l) President’s Council on Physical Fitness Sec. 6. Executive Order 13054 is amended and Sports; Executive Order 12345, as by revising section 1 to read as follows: ‘‘A amended (Department of Health and United States citizen who is a family member Human Services). of a Federal civilian employee who has sepa- (m) President’s Export Council; Executive rated from Federal service to accept employ- Order 12131, as amended (Department of ment with the American Institute in Taiwan Commerce). pursuant to section 11 of Public Law 96–8 (n) President’s National Security Tele- (22 U.S.C. 3310(a)) may be appointed non- communications Advisory Committee; Exec- competitively in a manner similar to non- utive Order 12832, as amended (Department competitive appointments under Executive of Defense). Order 12721 and implementing regulations (o) Trade and Environment Policy Advi- of the Office of Personnel Management to sory Committee; Executive Order 12905 (Of- a competitive service position in the execu- fice of the United States Trade Representa- tive branch, provided such family member tive). meets the qualifications and other require- Sec. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of ments established by the Director of the Of- any other Executive order, the functions of fice of Personnel Management, including an the President under the Federal Advisory appropriate period of satisfactory overseas Committee Act that are applicable to the employment with the American Institute in committees listed in section 1 of this order, Taiwan.’’ except that of reporting annually to the Con- Sec. 7. This order shall be effective Sep- gress, shall be performed by the head of the tember 30, 1997. department or agency designated after each William J. Clinton committee, in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Adminis- The White House, September 29, 1997. trator of General Services. Sec. 3. The following Executive orders [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, which established committees that have ter- 8:45 a.m., October 1, 1997] minated and whose work is completed, are revoked: NOTE: This Executive order was released by the (a) Executive Order 12891, establishing Office of the Press Secretary on September 30, and it was published in the Federal Register on the Advisory Committee on Human Radi- October 2. ation Experiments; (b) Executive Order 12964, as amended by Executive Orders 12987 and 13032, estab- Remarks on Congressional Action on lishing the Commission on United States-Pa- Education Legislation and an cific Trade and Investment Policy; Exchange With Reporters (c) Executive Order 12946, establishing September 30, 1997 the President’s Advisory Board on Arms Pro- liferation Policy; The President. I have said that I had no (d) Executive Order 12864, as amended higher priority than getting our children the by Executive Orders 12890, 12921, and best education in the world in the 21st cen- 12970, establishing the United States Advi- tury and that to achieve that politics must sory Council on the National Information In- stop at the schoolhouse door. I’m committed frastructure; and to making sure every 8-year-old can read, (e) Executive Order 13015, establishing every 12-year-old can log on to the Internet, the White House Commission on Aviation every 18-year-old can go on to college, every Safety and Security. adult can continue to learn through a life- Sec. 4. Executive Order 12974 is super- time. And we have made significant progress seded. in our efforts to strengthen, improve, and Sec. 5 In Executive Order 13038, the sec- hold more accountable public education. ond sentence of section 1 is amended by de- As Congress continues to debate the edu- leting ‘‘15’’ and inserting ‘‘22’’ in lieu thereof. cation bill this fall, it’s become clear that

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there are some who are waging an effort to schools, raising the standards so that we can undermine our commitment to public edu- hold teachers and principals, schools, and cation and our public schools. First, the Sen- students accountable. ate has passed an amendment that would vir- Public schools are the cornerstone of our tually close the Department of Education democracy. We have always recognized our and abolish some of its most successful ef- common responsibility for preparing all our forts to expand school choice and charter young children for the challenges of the fu- schools, to bring computers to every class- ture. I call upon Congress to challenge our room, to create more safe and drug-free public schools, to change our public schools, schools. but not to walk away from them. Second, the House of Representatives has Thank you. actually voted to prevent our country from setting high standards of academic excellence Internal Revenue Service with voluntary national tests to ensure that Q. Mr. President, what are your concerns every child masters the basics in reading and about a credibility or confidence crisis for the math. I will veto any legislation that damages IRS, and what do you think about this Re- our commitment to public education and to publican idea for an independent board for high national standards. I am pleased that oversight? our effort on standards has received strong The President. Well, first of all, I think bipartisan support in the Senate, and I intend some very important things came out of those to continue this fight for as long as it takes. hearings to which the IRS has to respond. Third, in a vote to occur today, some in There has been some response already. But Congress would diminish our country’s com- let me back up a little bit and say we have mitment to public education by siphoning been working to professionalize, not to politi- badly needed funds away from our public cize, the IRS for the last several years. I schools into a voucher program that would signed the Taxpayer Bill of Rights about a support private academies for a very limited year and a half ago. We established an IRS number of students. modernization board to improve technology Ninety percent of our children in America and customer service. attend public schools. Our public schools do One of the things that I asked my staff face a host of challenges. Every city espe- to find out for me after the hearings were cially faces problems with large numbers of held is, how many of the abuses that were poor children and often old facilities and reported occurred before the Taxpayer Bill other difficult challenges. But the answer, of Rights was passed? How many, if they oc- the answer is to put competition, change, ex- curred after the Taxpayer Bill of Rights was cellence, accountability back into the public passed, were a violation of those law’s re- school system, not to take limited funds away quirements? And then, where are we going from it. to go from here? That’s the most important The District of Columbia has some very thing. good public schools, and others that are not For quite a long while now, the Vice Presi- performing as well as they should. We can dent and Secretary Rubin have been working have more competition there and more op- on a project, part of the Vice President’s Na- tions for parents and children without aban- tional Performance Review, to change and doning the schools through public school improve the IRS, and Secretary Rubin will choice and greater use of charter schools. I have some more to say about that later. But have worked very hard on these things for we believe that we have to respond to what the last several years and will continue to was said. support them. There were some difficult issues posed, But instead of abandoning our schools, we and you have pointed out some of them in should continue to support proven reform ef- your reporting. But I think that we should forts, including getting more parents in- continue to press ahead with change. But I volved, improving teaching, getting drugs out think it’s very important that all the American of the schools, getting more discipline in the people have confidence that they’re going to

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be treated fairly and that taxes will be col- the students and the young people who were lected in a fair, nondiscriminatory, and non- there. And all they talked to me about was burdensome manner, and that we will not how we were going to go forward. And I just have any kind of abuse there. And so we in- listened to them. tend to push ahead. I think you made a very important begin- Q. But are you concerned that the Govern- ning by urging that we focus on education ment’s tax collecting agency faces credibility and economic opportunity, things which cut and confidence problems because of the across racial lines but are necessary to bring specter of those hearings? us together. The President. Well, I think they raise One of the young men in the audience said some legitimate points that ought to be re- to me that—he said, ‘‘I don’t think they had sponded to. I believe the IRS is functioning these gang problems 40 years ago, and I’m better today than it was 5 years ago. I think worried about that now.’’ It was very touch- it has to improve more. And I think we ing, you know. So I think it’s very important should not try to sweep any of these prob- that we throw this into the future now, we lems under the rugs. I followed the hearings begin to focus on it, and I agree that we with great interest, and I am glad to see that should begin with education and economic there has been some action based on the evi- opportunity. dence that was adduced at the hearings al- But if I could go back to the original mis- ready, and there will be more. But I think sion of the board, I also think it’s important it’s also important to know that we have done that we have the facts. So this afternoon, I a lot of things to try to make the IRS more know you’re going to hear from noted sci- accountable, more professional. We can do entists and demographers who will share more. We should not politicize it, and we their research on our changing population should not do anything that will in any way patterns and attitudes on race, and I think call into question whether it’s being even- that’s an important thing. handed or fair in the future. Secondly, I think it’s important that we Thank you. continue this dialog. I got as much out of the hour or so I spent after the ceremony NOTE: The President spoke at 10 a.m. on the in Little Rock just listening to the young peo- South Lawn at the White House. ple talking as I worked my way down the lines of people who were there as anything Remarks Prior to a Meeting With the else. I’m going to have a town hall meeting President’s Advisory Board on Race on this subject on December the 2d, and I September 30, 1997 will continue to do what I can to support you in reaching out to Americans of all back- Thank you very much, Dr. Franklin, mem- grounds and actually discussing this so that bers of the board, ladies and gentlemen. First we build bridges of mutual understanding let me, again, thank the board for its willing- and reconciliation. ness to serve. And to those of you who came But, finally and in the end, we have got to Little Rock last week for the 40th anniver- to decide what it is we are going to do. This sary of the integration of Central High, I summer I announced the first of what I hope thank you for coming there. It was a very will be a long series of actions consistent with important occasion, I believe, and one that the work we are doing here with the board all of us who were there felt was immensely when I said that we would have an initiative rewarding. to send our most talented teachers to our I want to talk today about how we go for- most needy school districts by offering them ward from here. When I was at Little Rock scholarships for their own education of they Central High School, after we had this mag- would, in turn, teach in those districts for nificent ceremony celebrating the 40th anni- a number of years. I think that will be very versary of the event and the original nine stu- helpful. dents went into the school, I went back out- Later today, our Housing and Urban De- side and spent quite a long while talking to velopment Secretary, Andrew Cuomo, will

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announce new efforts to end housing dis- bers of our Armed Forces; to all the friends crimination in America. First, HUD will of General Shalikashvili who are here today, issue $15 million in grants to 67 private, non- including former Secretary Perry, former profit housing groups, State and local govern- Chairmen and members of the Joint Chiefs, ments to combat housing discrimination and former officials of the Department of De- to promote fair housing practices. And then fense. We all come together in grateful trib- Secretary Cuomo will double the number of ute to John and Joan Shalikashvili. housing discrimination enforcement actions This is, frankly, a bittersweet day for me. over the next 4 years. I am full of pride but also some regret. For It’s clear to me now that there is more the last 4 years, I have counted on Shali for housing discrimination in America than I had his wisdom, his counsel, his leadership. He thought there was when I became President, has become an exceptional adviser and a and that that has been kept alive too long good friend, someone I knew I could always in too many neighborhoods, keeping, among depend upon when the lives of our troops other things, too many families from sending or the interests of America were on the line. their children to the schools of their choice. And I will miss him very much. So I applaud what Secretary Cuomo is doing, General Shali is a great American with a and I will strongly support him. great American story. A childhood seared by Let me say again, I look forward to today’s war, he has given his life to the cause of discussion. I think it’s important that we peace. From an immigrant learning English, build on that—where I thought we were at he has become the shining symbol of what the end of the ceremony in Little Rock, America is all about. He’s never forgotten where there was a great sense among the what his country gave him, nor has he ever people there and I felt around the country stopped giving back to it. His service to our who were watching it, a great sense that now Nation, spanning 39 years, rises from the we have to do things, and that every individ- ranks of Army private to the highest military ual American just about is interested in this office in the land. issue and understands how important it is Of course, the road even for him has not and understands that we’ll all have to do our always been smooth. I am told that after a part if we expect to come out where we want grueling first day at officer candidate school, to be. Private John Shali sneaked out of his barracks So, Dr. Franklin, I look forward to going looking for a place to resign. Our Nation can on with the discussion. And I think maybe be very grateful that, probably for the only the Vice President might like to say a word time in his entire career, he failed in his mis- or two, and then we could go forward. sion. I am convinced that when future students NOTE: The President spoke at 10:16 a.m. in the East Room at the Mayflower Hotel. In his re- look upon this time, they will rank John marks, he referred to John Hope Franklin, Chair, Shalikashvili as among the greatest Chairmen President’s Advisory Board on Race. of the Joint Chiefs of Staff America ever had. Greatness is something that cannot be be- stowed like a medal, a ribbon, a star. It can- Remarks at a Farewell Ceremony not be taught or bought. It comes in the end Honoring Joint Chiefs of Staff only from within. General Shali has said that Chairman John M. Shalikashvili in the three indispensable traits of a great lead- Arlington, Virginia er are competence, care, and character. He September 30, 1997 ought to know; he embodies them. His competence shines in the sterling Mr. Vice President, Secretary Cohen, Sec- record of innovation and achievement, man- retary Albright, Secretary Gober, National aging the downsizing of our forces while up- Security Adviser Berger, Director Tenet, grading their capability and readiness; up- General McCaffrey; to the Service Secretar- holding the most rigorous standards for the ies, the Joint Chiefs, the Unified Command- use of those forces in the world, where ers in Chief, Members of Congress, mem- threats to our survival have faded but threats

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to our interests and values have not; dramati- dom and brighten hopes and bring toys to cally improving joint doctrine and training the children at Christmas. That story also re- and taking joint planning far into the future vealed something about his character, a clear for the very first time; and of course, helping sense of what is right and wrong, a man bring Europe together at last in liberty, de- whose conscience is always his guide. mocracy, and peace. I’ll miss a lot of things about Shali, but One of the proudest moments of my Presi- perhaps most of all I’ll miss the integrity he dency was standing with Shali in Warsaw as always displayed in being my closest military we celebrated NATO’s enlargement and wel- adviser. In every conversation we ever had, comed the people of his original homeland he never minced words; he never postured back home to the family of freedom. or pulled punches; he never shied away from And if the baseline measure of a Chair- tough issues or tough calls; and most impor- man’s competence is successful military op- tant, he never shied away from doing what erations, Shali has filled a re´sume´ that would he believed was the right thing. On more turn others olive drab with envy. In the last than one occasion—many more than one oc- 4 years, our troops have been tested in more casion—he looked at me, and I could see than 40 operations. From Bosnia to Haiti, the pain in his eyes that he couldn’t tell me the Taiwan Straits, Iraq, Rwanda, Liberia, what I wanted to hear and what he wished and more, our Armed Forces have per- he could say, but with a clear and firm voice formed superbly with Shali at the helm. Our and a direct, piercing gaze, he always told troops trust him because they know how me exactly what he thought the truth was. much he cares for them. They have seen that No President could ever ask for more. caring in his constant contact with our service Shali has had the support of a proud and men and women, in the way he warms their dedicated family: his son Brant, his brother, hearts with his pride in them, in the humility, himself a distinguished Green Beret veteran, the honesty, the graciousness, the respect he his sister, and, of course, there are his dogs. always shows to others, in the wonderful way I understand they are the only living crea- he listens, even to bearers of bad news. tures who have never obeyed his orders. Our troops know that he never expects [Laughter] their gratitude or applause, but he does want And most importantly, there is Joan. Joan, to sharpen their capabilities, improve their you have been a terrific support for our men welfare, and lift their morale, and in his most and women in uniform. They know you are important duty, to make sure that whenever always looking out for them and their fami- they go into danger, the planning is superb, lies. From around the corner to around the the risks are minimized, and every reasonable world, you were the Chairman’s personal in- measure is taken to ensure their success and spector general when it came to how families safe return. are cared for. No one had more commitment, For Shali, caring transcends our obliga- a better eye, or a bigger heart. And we thank tions even to one another. He believes in you. America’s unique ability to help others General, very soon now you and Joan will around the world, sheltering freedom, de- be settling into your new home in Washing- fending democracy, relieving fear and de- ton State. You can tuck your uniform into spair. He knows that what sets our troops a drawer. You can carry an umbrella. [Laugh- apart is not just their courage, strength, and ter] You can even grow a beard. Maybe you’ll skills, but also the ideals they serve, the hope actually even open that hardware store you they inspire, the spirit they represent. have been talking about. I don’t know if you As some may recall, during the crisis in know the first thing about power tools and Haiti, Shali visited with refugees in the mixing paint, but the brand you have to offer camps, observing and listening with quiet un- is the top of the line. derstanding, the quiet understanding of one Our Nation is safer, our Armed Forces are who had also been in that position. And he stronger, and our world is a better place be- ordered improvements to make those camps cause of your service. Thank you for all you as comfortable as possible, to alleviate bore- have done. God bless you, and Godspeed.

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NOTE: The President spoke at 12:06 p.m. at Fort year will be blessed with great abundance, Myer. true peace, and lasting joy. Bill Clinton Citation for General John M. Shalikashvili, USA NOTE: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on September 30. September 30, 1997 Throughout a remarkable 39-year military Statement on Signing the Military career, General Shalikashvili has worked tire- Construction Appropriations Act, lessly to improve our Nation’s security and 1998 promote world peace. A steward of freedom, his landmark endeavors include Joint Vision September 30, 1997 2010; initiation of NATO’s Partnership for I have today signed into law H.R. 2016, Peace; NATO enlargement—which includes the ‘‘Military Construction Appropriations his native Poland; ratification of the Chemi- Act, 1998,’’ which provides funding for mili- cal Weapons Convention; and successful tary construction and family housing pro- military operations in Bosnia, Haiti, and else- grams of the Department of Defense. where in the world. A strong and thoughtful The Act funds the vast majority of my re- leader, his sound judgment and strategic vi- quest for military construction projects, the sion have been instrumental in preparing our military family housing program, other qual- Armed Forces for the challenges of today and ity-of-life projects for our military personnel the 21st century. For a lifetime of dedicated and their families, and the base closure and service, our Nation gratefully honors General realignment program. John Shalikashvili. I am concerned, however, that the Con- William J. Clinton gress has chosen to add funds for projects that the Department has not identified as pri- NOTE: An original was not available for verifica- orities. tion of this citation. I urge the Congress to complete action on the remaining FY 1998 appropriations bills Message on the Observance of Rosh as quickly as possible, and to send them to Hashana, 1997 me in an acceptable form. September 30, 1997 William J. Clinton Warmest greetings to everyone celebrating The White House, Rosh Hashana. September 30, 1997. Throughout the centuries, the shofar has NOTE: H.R. 2016, approved September 30, was sounded on this day to herald the beginning assigned Public Law No. 105–45. of the High Holy Days and the start of a new year. It is a time for both joy and reflection—joy in the promise of another year in Statement on Signing Continuing which to live and work, reflection on how Appropriations Legislation to grow closer to God and family. It is also September 30, 1997 an opportunity to look back on our failures and shortcomings during the past year; not I am pleased to have signed into law today to dwell on them with bitterness and regret, House Joint Resolution 94, a short-term con- but to learn from our mistakes so that the tinuing resolution for fiscal 1998. new year will be sweetened by the gifts of The Act provides 1998 appropriations for wisdom and hope. continuing projects and activities of the Fed- As Jews across America and around the eral Government through October 23, 1997, world gather to reaffirm their faith in God except those funded by the Military Con- and their love of family and community, Hil- struction Appropriations Act, 1998, which I lary and I extend best wishes that the coming signed into law earlier today.

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On May 2, 1997, I reached agreement with tion, he was especially valued and treasured the congressional leadership on an historic by us here in the White House because of Bipartisan Budget Agreement that balances his generous support for our Arts in Embas- the budget while honoring our values. Over sies program. the next few months, my Administration Hillary and I will miss him. Our thoughts worked closely with the leadership to trans- and prayers are with his friends and family late the agreement into law. On August 5, in this sad time. I was proud to sign two key elements of the agreement—the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the Taxpayers Relief Act of 1997. Statement on the Report of the As the current fiscal year comes to a close, Commission on Immigration Reform we must work together to enact the third element of the agreement, the appropriations September 30, 1997 bills for fiscal 1998. But to date, in a number of important in- The Commission on Immigration Reform, stances, the Congress has failed to address chaired by the Honorable Shirley Hufstedler matters specifically called for under the and the late Barbara Jordan, issued its final agreement. In certain other instances, the report today. This report, which reiterates Congress has addressed policy issues in ways many of the excellent recommendations con- that make the pending appropriations bills tained in the Commission’s interim reports, unacceptable. I urge the Congress to approve further contributes to our country’s under- 1998 spending bills that include the items standing of the role of immigration in the contained in the agreement and to provide United States. I commend the Commission’s funding for other priority programs. work and its contribution to the national dia- To give the Congress time to adopt such log on immigration policy. bills, I have approved this continuing resolu- America has always been a nation of immi- tion. grants, and I am proud of the significant William J. Clinton progress my administration has made toward improving America’s immigration system. The White House, My administration has curtailed illegal immi- September 30, 1997. gration through tougher border control, strengthened worksite enforcement, and the NOTE: H.J. Res. 94, approved September 30, was removal of record numbers of criminal and assigned Public Law No. 105–46. other illegal aliens. We have also worked to improve and tighten the naturalization proc- Statement on the Death of Roy ess and have made needed reforms to our Lichtenstein asylum system for refugees fleeing persecu- September 30, 1997 tion. One of the Commission’s recommenda- Hillary and I were deeply saddened to tions is to restructure the immigration system learn of the death of Roy Lichtenstein. He by reallocating the main functions of the Im- will long be remembered as a defining force migration and Naturalization Service to other in the pop art movement. agencies. This proposal raises difficult and We grew to love his trademark Benday complex issues which need further consider- dots and striking primary colors, which dis- ation. I have asked the Domestic Policy tinguished his unique art form and altered Council to coordinate with the affected Fed- the landscape of American art. He had a tal- eral agencies to evaluate carefully the Com- ent for presenting everyday cultural symbols mission’s proposal and other reform options in ways that attracted our attention and gave designed to improve the executive branch’s these images a new meaning. Two years ago, administration of the Nation’s immigration I had the honor of presenting to Roy the Na- laws. tional Medal of Arts Award in recognition With this report, the Commission com- of his contribution to American art. In addi- pletes its work. I want to thank all of its mem-

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bers and staff for their service and contribu- January 19, 1981, agreements with Iran is still tion on these important issues. underway, the national emergency declared on November 14, 1979, must continue in effect beyond November 14, 1997. Therefore, Executive Order 13063—Level V of in accordance with section 202(d) of the Na- the Executive Schedule: Removal of tional Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), the Executive Director, Pension I am continuing the national emergency with Benefit Guaranty Corporation, respect to Iran. This notice shall be pub- Department of Labor lished in the Federal Register and transmit- September 30, 1997 ted to the Congress. William J. Clinton By the authority vested in me as President The White House, by the Constitution and the laws of the Unit- September 30, 1997. ed States of America, including section 5317 of title 5, United States Code, and in order to remove a position from Level V of the Message to the Congress Executive Schedule, it is hereby ordered that Transmitting the Notice on Iran section 1–102 of Executive Order 12154, as September 30, 1997 amended, is further amended by removing the following subsection from section 1–102: To the Congress of the United States: ‘‘(b) Executive Director, Pension Benefit Section 202(d) of the National Emer- Guaranty Corporation, Department of gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for Labor’’; and relettering subsections (c) the automatic termination of a national emer- through (f) as subsections (b) through (e), gency unless, prior to the anniversary date respectively. of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the William J. Clinton Congress a notice stating that the emergency The White House, is to continue beyond the anniversary date. September 30, 1997. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that the Iran [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, emergency declared in 1979 is to continue 8:45 a.m., October 1, 1997] in effect beyond November 14, 1997, to the NOTE: This Executive order was published in the Federal Register for publication. Similar no- Federal Register on October 2. tices have been sent annually to the Congress and the Federal Register since November 12, 1980. The most recent notice appeared in Notice—Continuation of Iran the Federal Register on October 31, 1996. Emergency This emergency is separate from that de- September 30, 1997 clared with respect to Iran on March 15, 1995, in Executive Order 12957. On November 14, 1979, by Executive The crisis between the United States and Order 12170, the President declared a na- Iran that began in 1979 has not been fully tional emergency to deal with the threat to resolved. The international tribunal estab- the national security, foreign policy, and lished to adjudicate claims of the United economy of the United States constituted by States and U.S. nationals against Iran and of the situation in Iran. Notices of the continu- the Iranian government and Iranian nationals ation of this national emergency have been against the United States continues to func- transmitted annually by the President to the tion, and normalization of commercial and Congress and the Federal Register. The most diplomatic relations between the United recent notice appeared in the Federal Reg- States and Iran has not been achieved. In ister on October 31, 1996. Because our rela- these circumstances, I have determined that tions with Iran have not yet returned to nor- it is necessary to maintain in force the broad mal, and the process of implementing the authorities that are in place by virtue of the

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November 14, 1979, declaration of emer- 202 (Amerasian immigrants and their family gency and that are needed in the process of members); provided further that the number implementing the January 1981 agreements allocated to the former Soviet Union shall with Iran. include persons admitted who were nationals William J. Clinton of the former Soviet Union, or in the case of persons having no nationality, who were The White House, habitual residents of the former Soviet September 30, 1997. Union, prior to September 2, 1991: Africa ...... 7,000 Memorandum on Refugee East Asia ...... 14,000 Immigration Europe ...... 51,000 Latin America/Caribbean ...... 4,000 September 30, 1997 Near East/South Asia ...... 4,000 Presidential Determination No. 97–37 Unallocated ...... 3,000 Within the Europe ceiling are 5,000 un- Memorandum for the Secretary of State funded reserve numbers allocated to the Subject: Presidential Determination on FY former Soviet Union for use as needed pro- 1998 Refugee Admissions Numbers and vided that resources within existing appro- Authorizations of In-Country Refugee Status priations are available to fund the cost of Pursuant to Sections 207 and 101(a)(42), their admission. The 3,000 unfunded Respectively, of the Immigration and unallocated numbers shall be allocated as Nationality Act, and Determination Pursuant needed if resources within existing appro- to Section 2(b)(2) of the Migration and priations are available to fund the cost of Refugee Assistance Act, as Amended their admission. Unused admissions numbers In accordance with section 207 of the Im- allocated to a particular region within the migration and Nationality Act (‘‘the Act’’) (8 75,000 federally funded ceiling may be trans- U.S.C. 1157), as amended, and after appro- ferred to one or more other regions if there priate consultation with the Congress, I here- is an overriding need for greater numbers by make the following determinations and for the region or regions to which the num- authorize the following actions: bers are being transferred. You are hereby The admission of up to 83,000 refugees authorized and directed to consult with the to the United States during FY 1998 is justi- Judiciary Committees of the Congress prior fied by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise to any such use of the unallocated numbers in the national interest; provided, however, or reallocation of numbers from one region that this number shall be understood as in- to another. cluding persons admitted to the United Pursuant to section 2(b)(2) of the Migra- States during FY 1998 with Federal refugee tion and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as resettlement assistance under the Amerasian amended, 22 U.S.C. 2601(b)(2), I hereby de- immigrant admissions program, as provided termine that assistance to or on behalf of per- below. sons applying for admission to the United The 83,000 funded admissions shall be al- States as part of the overseas refugee admis- located among refugees of special humani- sions program will contribute to the foreign tarian concern to the United States in accord- policy interests of the United States and des- ance with the following regional allocations; ignate such persons for this purpose. provided, however, that the number allo- An additional 10,000 refugee admissions cated to the East Asia region shall include numbers shall be made available during FY persons admitted to the United States during 1998 for the adjustment to permanent resi- FY 1998 with Federal refugee resettlement dent status under section 209(b) of the Immi- assistance under section 584 of the Foreign gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Operations, Export Financing, and Related 1159(b)) of aliens who have been granted Programs Appropriations Act of 1988, as con- asylum in the United States under section tained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100– 208 of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1158), as this is justi-

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fied by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise portation for the purpose of providing inter- in the national interest. national narcotics assistance to Colombia, In accordance with section 101(a)(42)(B) Venezuela, Peru, and the countries of the of the Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(42)) and after Eastern Caribbean Regional Security System appropriate consultation with the Congress, (RSS), including: Antigua and Barbuda, Bar- I also specify that, for FY 1998, the following bados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and persons may, if otherwise qualified, be con- Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the sidered refugees for the purpose of admis- Grenadines. sion to the United States within their coun- Therefore, I direct the drawdown of up tries of nationality or habitual residence: to $20 million of articles and services from a. Persons in Vietnam the inventory and resources of the Depart- b. Persons in Cuba ments of Defense and Transportation, and c. Persons in the former Soviet Union military education and training from the De- You are authorized and directed to report partment of Defense, for the Governments this determination to the Congress imme- of Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and the coun- diately and to publish it in the Federal Reg- tries of the RSS, for the purposes and under ister. the authorities of chapter 8 of part I of the William J. Clinton Act. The Secretary of State is authorized and cc: The Attorney General directed to report this determination to the The Secretary of Health and Human Congress immediately and to arrange for its Services publication in the Federal Register.

NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- William J. Clinton fice of the Press Secretary on October 1. NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- fice of the Press Secretary on October 1. Memorandum on Counternarcotics Assistance to Certain Latin American Memorandum on Delegation of and Eastern Caribbean Countries Authority September 30, 1997 September 30, 1997

Presidential Determination No. 97–38 Presidential Determination No. 97–39

Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Subject: Delegation of Authority Under Transportation Section 1322(c) of the National Defense Subject: Drawdown Under Section 506(a)(2) Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 of the Foreign Assistance Act to Provide (Public Law 104–106) Counternarcotics Assistance to Colombia, By the authority vested in me by the Con- Venezuela, Peru, and the Countries of the stitution and laws of the United States of Eastern Caribbean America, I hereby delegate to the Secretary Pursuant to the authority vested in me by of Defense the duties and responsibilities section 506(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance vested in the President by section 1322(c) Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. of the National Defense Authorization Act 2318(a)(2) (‘‘the Act’’), I hereby determine for Fiscal Year 1996 (‘‘the Act’’) (Public Law that it is in the national interest of the United 104–106, 110 Stat. 478–479 (1996)). States to draw down articles and services The reporting requirement delegated by from the inventory and resources of the De- this memorandum may be redelegated no partment of Defense, military education and lower than the Under Secretary level. The training from the Department of Defense, Department of Defense shall obtain concur- and articles and services from the inventory rence on the report from the following agen- and resources of the Department of Trans- cies: the Department of Commerce, the De-

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partment of State, the Department of the are just two of the ways that our people here, Treasury, and the Director of Central Intel- with NOAA and the National Weather Serv- ligence on behalf of the intelligence commu- ice and their research and technology, have nity prior to submission to the Congress. improved our Nation’s safety and planning. Any reference in this memorandum to the You know, I spent most of my time over provisions of any Act shall be deemed to be the last 41⁄2 years telling the American people a reference to such Act or its provisions as that we had to prepare for the 21st century, may be amended from time to time. with all of its new opportunities and all of The Secretary of Defense is authorized its new challenges, if we want to keep the and directed to publish this memorandum in American dream alive for everyone who will the Federal Register. work for it and maintain our leadership for William J. Clinton peace and freedom and keep our country coming together with all of its diversity and NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- clash of interests, whether it’s racial and eth- fice of the Press Secretary on October 1. nic or religious or whatever. And we have really focused on trying to just get the coun- Remarks to Weather Forecasters try to think about how we have to build these bridges to the future, how the future will be October 1, 1997 as we want it to be. Thank you very much, Mr. Vice President. Clearly, to me, this climate change issue Welcome to the White House on a cool, is one of the principal challenges that we overcast day, about 60 degrees. [Laughter] face, a challenge that, if we meet it, will en- How am I doing? I’m auditioning. [Laughter] sure the continued vitality of our small planet You know, I have to leave this job after 3 and the continued success of the United years, and I don’t know what I am going to States throughout another 100 years; a chal- do. I am too young to retire, and I’m used lenge that should we fail to meet it, could to delivering bad news. [Laughter] imperil the lives of our children and, if not Let me say, we are delighted to have you our children, our grandchildren on this plan- here in the White House. I thank you for et, how they live, how they relate to others, coming and for devoting this much of your and whether they are able to continue to pur- time to the briefings and to giving us a sue their dreams in the way that our genera- chance to meet with you on what is a pro- tion has. foundly important issue and one, frankly, that In trying to come to grips with this climate you, just in the way you comment on the change issue and then talk to the American events that you cover, may have a real effect people about it, there are four principles that on the American people. have guided me, and I’d like to go over them People look to you to figure out what very briefly. they’re going to wear in the morning and First, I am convinced that the science is whether something really bad is going to hap- solid, saying that the climate is warming at pen. If so, they expect a timely warning and a more rapid rate, that this is due in large advice. So you not only get watched more measure to a dramatic increase in the volume than anyone else on the television news proof greenhouse gases going into the atmos- grams to find out about the weather, some- phere, and that nobody knows exactly what times you are actually saving lives and always the consequences are going to be or when performing a public service. And we thank they’re going to be manifest, but on balance, you for that. it won’t be all that long, and they won’t be I’d also like to thank your outstanding part- good. That is sort of a summary of what the ners at NOAA and the National Weather prevailing scientific opinion is. Service. I’m very proud of them and what I know there are those in a distinct minor- they have done. In the past decade alone, ity who have a different view, but I am per- they have doubled the amount of warning suaded, having carefully looked at all this, time we have to prepare for tornadoes, quad- that the vast majority opinion is, in fact, in rupled the time for flash floods. And those all probability, accurate. And that, therefore,

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we would be irresponsible not to try to come own children. We have worked too hard here to grips with the results of these findings. from the first day to revitalize the American Now, unlike a lot of weather forecasts, economy to jeopardize our progress now. there is something we can do about this And furthermore, we cannot make changes weather forecast because we’ve got enough that will leave whole chunks of that economy lead time; at least we believe we do. So I out in the cold without having a response think that’s very important. to them. Now, the second thing I want to say is that So the question is: Can we emphasize flexi- if we know that the majority of our scientists ble, market-based approaches? Can we em- have this view and they say we don’t know brace technology to make energy production precisely what the bad effects of global cli- more efficient and put fewer greenhouse mate change are or exactly how fast the cli- gases into the atmosphere? Is there, in short, mate will change, that means we don’t know a way out of astronomical taxes or heavy- how severe the droughts and the floods of handed governmental regulation that will the future will be in a particular region, but permit us to gradually bring down our green- we know that it won’t be long and the con- house gas production and still grow the econ- sequences won’t be good. If we know that, omy and enjoy what we’ve been enjoying then it seems to me it is incumbent on the here for the last 41⁄2 years? I believe the an- United States, when the nations of the world swer is, yes. meet in December in Kyoto, Japan, to dis- Now, let me just give you one example. cuss climate change, that we be prepared to Typically, about two-thirds of the energy pro- commit ourselves to realistic and binding duced by powerplants is absolutely lost in the limits on our own emissions of greenhouse form of wasted heat, billowing out in clouds gases. of steam, or pumped out into rivers. A com- With 4 percent of the world’s population, pany called Trigen has doubled the efficiency we enjoy over 20 percent of the world’s of powerplants in Philadelphia, Chicago, and wealth. That also explains why we produce Tulsa, simply by capturing the waste heat and over 20 percent of the world’s greenhouse turning it into steam to warm office buildings gases. Those two things are related. Now, I and fuel factories, and in the process, by defi- believe that we have a responsibility to cut nition, dramatically cutting the volume of back. First, because the world is looking to greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere us for leadership, and secondly, because we to do the same amount of work in all those won’t have any influence in getting anybody places. That is just one small example. else to cut back if we don’t. The Vice President and I have been work- To give you an example of how significant ing with the Big Three automakers, our en- that is, we’ve got all these other countries ergy labs, and the UAW for years now on that are growing that have far larger popu- a new generation of vehicles that we hope lations than we do. We estimate that the de- will get triple the gas mileage of a typical veloping countries of Asia and Latin America car. Perhaps the design will even include a will grow at roughly 3 times the rate of the blend of gasoline and electricity in a way that United States, Japan, Europe, and Canada avoids the worst problems of electric cars— in the next 20 years. If that is true, we’ll have that is, they don’t go very fast, and you have to work very hard to maintain our 20 percent to charge them up too often—but gets the share of wealth. But even if we do maintain benefit of the energy conservation elements our standard of living and grow our economy, of the cars. we won’t be for long the world’s largest pro- All these things are out there, and we ducer of greenhouse gases. So if we expect found over time—how many times have you others to show restraint, we must do the seen America rise to a challenge? We didn’t same, and we must lead the way. know how we were going to get to the Moon The third principle is that we must em- when President Kennedy said we were going brace solutions that allow us to continue to there, but we got there because we put our grow the economy while we honor our global resources behind it, and we started with what responsibilities and our responsibilities to our we knew and then, in the process of exploring

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the outer limits of what we knew, we found ment in a way that continues to grow the a lot of things we didn’t know, and we were economy in a different way but still maintains able to put them to work toward a common our robust entrepreneurial economy. And I mission. This is a scientific mission even want to find a fair way for the developing more important in its implications than our countries to participate. Those are my four race to the Moon in the 1960’s. And yet we objectives. know a very great deal about how to do it On Monday, we’re going to try to take an- without crippling the American economy. other step toward putting these principles Finally, because of what I said earlier, be- into effect. We’ve invited noted economists cause we represent only 4 percent of the and industrial leaders, State and local govern- world’s population, and because the develop- mental leaders, and leaders from the envi- ing countries of Asia, Latin America, and Af- ronmental and scientific communities here rica increasingly are going to grow at 3 times to the White House conference—for a White the rate of the developed countries, I believe House Conference on Climate Change. Our we have to ask all nations, both industrialized goals are simple. We want the American peo- and developing, to be a part of this process. ple to understand the importance of the chal- I’m happy that other countries are devel- lenge and to allow outside experts to help oping. It’s actually good for our economy inform the policy process so we’ll make the when countries move from the ranks of the best decisions. very poor countries into middle income Now, I’d like to ask you to think about countries, because then they can do more this in terms of the work you do. When we business with us. So it helps us when other had the terrible floods in the Dakotas and people lift their children out of poverty and Minnesota not very long ago, a young Con- have a brighter future. It also means that gressman from South Dakota was in my of- they, too, however, become bigger energy fice—happened to be a member of the other users, and it imposes on us even heavier re- party. I don’t believe there’s a partisan aspect sponsibilities, all of us, to change our patterns to the weather—[laughter]—although some of energy use so that all of us can grow our days it seems stormier than others around economies without contributing to this here. [Laughter] And this young man said— greenhouse gas problem. I was talking about climate change, and he But because of the growth rates in the fu- said, ‘‘Mr. President, we’ve had 300 year ture, both the population and economic floods in the last 9 years.’’ He said, ‘‘Does growth and the associated energy use, we that mean I get to go 500 years without one?’’ could have a great deal of effort by Europe, [Laughter] And you’d be amazed how many by the United States, by Canada, by Japan people just sort of, from their anecdotal, per- and still be in very difficult straits on this sonal experiences, have this sense that there climate issue within 40 years, unless we get is more instability in the climate than there real solid support from the developing coun- used to be and understand that it has some- tries. Should we make allowances for their thing to do with the changes in the relation- growth? Of course, we should. But in some ship of where we live and whatever little way, in a fair and appropriate way, they patch of land we occupy and this larger globe should also participate in this agreement. and the atmosphere which envelopes it. Now, if that doesn’t happen, then their emis- So what I hope will happen at the climate sions, the emissions of the developing world, change conference I also hope has happened will exceed the emissions of the developed a little here today. What I want to do is to world by about 2035. deal with the central political problem here. Now, those are the things I want to do. And I don’t mean political in terms of party I want to try to get America to accept the politics; I mean political in terms of how the fact that the majority scientific opinion, the body politic, how our society responds to this. overwhelming majority scientific opinion is If we have a problem that is a clear and accurate. I want us to make a commitment, present danger that we can see and feel, we therefore, to go to Kyoto with binding target right on it. How did we get to the Moon? gets. I want us to implement our commit- Because the Russians beat us into space, so

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we knew how to keep score, we would beat said, ‘‘Here are the things we want,’’ and we them to the Moon. And if we didn’t, since found out a way to reconcile them and still there was a cold war and nuclear weapons, do the most important thing, which was to goodness knows what the consequences balance the budget, and we did it. would be. That’s how we have to deal with this cli- Now, it is much harder when you have no mate change issue. We have to say, ‘‘There’s manifestation of this problem unless you hap- a challenge out there. We have to respond pen to live in a place which has experienced to it. Here’s the principles we want in our an unusual number of or intensity of weather response.’’ And then we have to get after it. aberrations. And, even so, they go away, and But we can’t do it until we build the aware- then you can start thinking about something ness of the American people. else. It is difficult when you are not quite So I hope you will think about how your sure how to keep score, and you don’t know work has been affected by what we believe who the enemy is. is going on in the climate. And again, I don’t All of you live with the weather as a fact ask for you to advocate or do anything outside of life and a precondition for life on our plan- whatever you own convictions or parameters et in a way that nearly no one else in the of permissible speech are, but I do think it’s world does. The men and women of America very important, since you have more influ- who tune in and listen to you talk about the ence than anybody does on how the Amer- weather and rely upon you are either enlight- ican people think about this, that at least you ened or entertained or disappointed by what- know what you believe and how you think ever it is you say and however you say it. we should proceed. Most of them are sort of like Sergeant Joe Thank you for being here, and thank you Friday: They just want the facts. for your leadership. This is a case where people need the facts The first time I ever really thought about and the context. Where if all you do is just this issue in this way was when I was reading try to get people to start thinking about Al Gore’s book—[laughter]—which pre- this—you may not even know how you feel ceded our partnership. Sometimes he thinks about it, or exactly what you think should all the great things he did preceded our part- be done—that’s okay, but I would ask you nership. [Laughter] I think most of the great- to think about whether you should ask people est things he’s done occurred after our part- to think about this, because our country al- nership started. [Laughter] I remember so ways gets it right. We always get it right once we focus on well—one of the first times—we have lunch it. But right now, while the scientists see the once a week, and I remember one week we train coming through the tunnel, most Amer- were having lunch very early in this term— icans haven’t heard the whistle blowing. They this is over 4 years ago—and he said, ‘‘Just don’t sense that it’s out there as a big issue. in case you missed it in my book, here’s the laughter And I really believe, as President, one of my chart’’—[ ]—‘‘of how much we are most important jobs is to tell the American increasing the emission of greenhouse gases people what the big issues are that we have into the atmosphere, and here’s 10,000 years, to deal with. If we understand what the issues and here’s the last 50,’’ like that. are, if we start with a certain set of principles, So I can now pass Al Gore’s climate test— we nearly always come to the right place. [laughter]—and I’m very proud of that. I That’s what we did—we passed the first think we should be proud that we have a balanced budget in a generation earlier this Vice President who not only cares about this year, partly because we had already gotten issue but knows enough about it to have an the deficit down by over 85 percent, but part- opinion worthy of the respect of any scientist ly because we got people in both parties to in the world. agree that there’s a goal: We’re going to bal- Ladies and gentlemen, the Vice President. ance the budget. And then the Republicans said, ‘‘Here are the things we want in the NOTE: The President spoke at 2:10 p.m. in the balanced budget plan,’’ and the Democrats East Room at the White House.

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Statement on the Senate Finance The Department of Health and Human Committee Action on Fast-Track Services is taking the lead in this national Trading Authority Legislation effort, through education and research at the National Cancer Institute and the Agency for October 1, 1997 Health Care Policy and Research; through I am pleased that the Senate Finance nationwide screening and detection pro- Committee, with overwhelming bipartisan grams at the Centers for Disease Control and support, has reported out legislation that re- Prevention; through certification of mam- news the partnership between the President mography facilities by the Food and Drug and the Congress in reaching trade agree- Administration; through prevention services ments, a negotiating authority every Presi- and treatment by health benefit programs dent has had since 1974. To keep the Amer- such as Medicare and Medicaid; and through ican economy strong, we must continue to increased access to clinical treatment trials break down unfair foreign trade barriers to for cancer patients who are beneficiaries in our goods and services. This legislation will Department of Defense and Department of allow us to tear down those barriers and help Veterans Affairs programs. The Department American businesses and workers compete of Defense has also initiated a breast cancer and win in the global marketplace. I look for- research program to reduce the incidence of ward to working with the congressional lead- breast cancer, increase survival rates, and im- ership to build on the bipartisan spirit we prove the quality of life for women diagnosed saw in the Senate Finance Committee today with the disease. and to secure passage of this important legis- We can be proud of the progress we have lation this year. made. One of the most promising recent research achievements is our increased understanding of the role of genetics in the cancer Proclamation 7029—National Breast process. We have learned that cancer is a disease of altered genes and altered gene Cancer Awareness Month, 1997 function, and research into the relationship October 1, 1997 between breast cancer and genes is helping us to better understand the basis of the dis- By the President of the United States ease. However, we must ensure that progress of America in genetic information is used only to advance and to improve the Nation’s health— A Proclamation not as a basis for discrimination. That is why Every year we dedicate the month of Octo- this year I have urged the Congress to pass ber to focus on breast cancer and to reaffirm a law that prevents health insurance plans our national commitment to eradicate it. But from discriminating against individuals on for thousands of American women and their the basis of genetic information. families and friends, breast cancer is a dev- High-quality mammography has also astating reality that casts a shadow over their proved to be a powerfully effective tool in lives every day. In this decade alone, nearly the effort to detect breast cancer in its earli- half a million women will die of breast can- est, most treatable stage. The National Can- cer, and more than 1.5 million new cases of cer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the disease will be diagnosed. and many other professional organizations Our greatest weapon in the crusade against agree that women in their forties benefit breast cancer is knowledge; knowledge of its from mammography screening, and earlier causes and knowledge about prevention and this year I was pleased to sign legislation that treatment. My Administration has estab- will help Medicare beneficiaries with cost- lished a National Action Plan on Breast Can- sharing for annual screening mammograms. cer to unite organizations across the country The First Lady has also launched an annual in a collaborative effort to find out more campaign to encourage older women to use about the disease and how best to respond the Medicare mammography screening ben- to it. efits.

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We have real cause for celebration during Proclamation 7030—National National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness this year: recent data show that the breast Month, 1997 cancer rate for American women is declining. October 1, 1997 Heartened by this knowledge, let us reaffirm our commitment to the crusade against By the President of the United States breast cancer. Let us ensure that all women of America know about the dangers of breast cancer, are informed about the lifesaving potential of A Proclamation early detection, receive recommended In observing the month of October as Na- screening services, and have access to health tional Domestic Violence Awareness Month, care services and information. Let us con- the American people reaffirm our commit- tinue to move research forward to improve ment to prevent and eliminate violence treatments and find a cure for this disease. against women. Domestic violence is not sim- Working together, we can look forward to ply a private family matter—it is a matter the day when our mothers, wives, daughters, affecting the entire community. sisters, and friends can live long, healthy Too many of America’s homes have be- lives, free from the specter of breast cancer. come places where women, children, and Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, seniors suffer physical abuse and emotional President of the United States of America, trauma. Domestic violence is a leading cause by virtue of the authority vested in me by of injury to women in our country, and it the Constitution and laws of the United occurs among all racial, ethnic, religious, and States, do hereby proclaim October 1997 as economic groups. It is a particularly devastat- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I ing form of abuse because it wears a familiar call upon government officials, businesses, face: the face of a spouse, parent, or partner. This violence too often extends beyond the communities, health care professionals, edu- home and into the workplace. cators, volunteers, and all the people of the My Administration is committed to ending United States to reflect on the progress we this violence and to protecting women in all have made in advancing our knowledge aspects of their lives, whether in the home, about breast cancer and to publicly reaffirm in the community, or in the workplace. In our national commitment to controlling and 1994, I fought for passage of the Violence curing this disease. Against Women Act, which combined tough In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set new penalties for offenders with funding for my hand this first day of October, in the year much-needed shelters, counseling services, of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- public education, and research to help the seven, and of the Independence of the Unit- victims of violence. The Federal penalties ed States of America the two hundred and and prevention efforts included in this legis- twenty-second. lation have improved our ability to deter crimes of domestic violence. William J. Clinton Early in my Administration, as outlined in the landmark Crime Bill, I established the [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, Office of Violence Against Women in the 8:45 a.m., October 3, 1997] Department of Justice to lead our comprehensive national effort to combine tough Federal laws with assistance to States and lo- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the calities to fight domestic violence and other Federal Register on October 6. crimes against women. In February 1996, the

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Department of Health and Human Services I encourage the private sector to expand launched the 24-hour-a-day, toll-free Na- its role in preventing and eliminating domes- tional Domestic Violence Hotline, 1–800– tic violence. We must also strengthen coordi- 797–SAFE, so that those in trouble can find nated efforts between the public and private out how to get emergency help, find shelter, sectors to combat domestic violence in the or report abuse. To date, the hotline has re- home, the community, and the workplace. ceived more than 118,000 calls from all 50 These efforts must ensure that no survivor States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, of domestic violence lives in isolation and and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We also initiated that the families of victims also have our sup- an Advisory Council on Violence Against port. No child should have to live in an abu- Women to bring together experts in the field, sive home. No woman should live in fear in including representatives from law enforce- her home, on the streets, or on the job. Only ment, business, health and human services, through a national commitment to this effort and advocates, to focus national attention on can we stop domestic violence and ensure successful, multifaceted solutions to combat- that its survivors are safe. ing violence and sexual assault. Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, We cannot simply rest on past efforts. My President of the United States of America, Administration is continuing its work to pre- by virtue of the authority vested in me by vent domestic violence and to care for survi- the Constitution and laws of the United vors in their communities and workplaces. States, do hereby proclaim October 1997 as We are committed to strengthening the National Domestic Violence Awareness health care system’s ability to screen, treat, Month. I call upon government officials, law prevent, and eliminate family violence by enforcement agencies, health professionals, supporting training of health care providers educators, community leaders, and the and projects to assist those in the substance American people to join together to end the abuse field to address domestic violence. We domestic violence that threatens so many of are working to improve collaboration be- our people. tween human services providers, advocates, In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set and the criminal justice community to en- my hand this first day of October, in the year hance responses to domestic violence. The of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety- Department of Health and Human Services seven, and of the Independence of the Unit- is sponsoring projects and programs to co- ed States of America the two hundred and ordinate community responses to domestic twenty-second. violence, to focus on youth and children who William J. Clinton witness violence, and to link child protection services with community providers who work [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, with abused women and their children. 8:45 a.m., October 3, 1997] Finally, as a further enhancement of my NOTE: This proclamation was published in the 1995 directive to all Federal departments Federal Register on October 6. and agencies to conduct employee awareness campaigns on domestic violence, the Office of Personnel Management is producing a Remarks Announcing a Food Safety guide to help agency representatives develop Initiative and an Exchange With programs to prevent and respond to all types Reporters of workplace violence against Federal em- October 2, 1997 ployees, including domestic violence. This guide, drafted by experts in the areas of men- The President. Thank you Mr. Vice Presi- tal health, investigations, law enforcement, dent, Secretary Shalala, Deputy Secretary threat assessment, and employee relations, Rominger, Cathie Woteki, Dr. Friedman, all will serve as a useful tool in providing step- the representatives of the groups that have by-step information to identify, prevent, and helped us come to this day. respond to violence so that we can protect Our Government made a fundamental those in the Federal work force. promise to the American people of a bounti-

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ful and safe food supply way back at the be- This new law would be similar to a law that ginning of this century. It is a promise that already requires the United States Depart- we have had to renew our commitment to ment of Agriculture to keep meat and poultry periodically over the years and a promise that from countries with inferior food safety sys- needed a lot of work when I became Presi- tems out of our stores. dent. From the day I took office, I worked In my next budget, I will provide enough very hard to honor that commitment, to funds to ensure that the FDA can fully im- make our food supply the world’s safest, even plement this new legislation by dramatically safer. expanding its international food inspection In 1993, the Vice President’s National Per- force. With these efforts, we can make sure formance Review recommended an overhaul that no fruits and vegetables cross our bor- of our food safety procedures so that we ders, enter our ports, or reach our dinner could use the best scientific technology avail- tables without meeting the same strict stand- able in inspection methods to make sure that ards as those grown here in America. Our we had put in the best preventive controls food safety system is the strongest in the to keep our food supply the world’s safest. Since then, we have taken major steps. We world, and that’s how it’s going to stay. first put in place rigorous new safety stand- I’m also directing the Secretary of Health ards for seafood, meat, and poultry products, and Human Services and the Secretary of throwing out archaic and ineffective methods Agriculture to work together in close co- of inspection that had not been updated for operation with the agricultural community to nearly a century. We’ve required slaughter- develop the first-ever specific safety stand- houses to test for deadly E. coli and sal- ards for the growing, processing, shipping, monella bacteria. We’ve begun developing and selling of fruits and vegetables. These new safety standards for fruit and vegetable standards will address potential food safety juices. We’ve strengthened our system of problems throughout the production and dis- guaranteeing that our drinking water will re- tribution system, and they’ll improve the main safe and improved public health protec- sanitation and safety practices of all those tions for pesticide uses on food. And we seeking to sell produce in the United States brought a host of Federal agencies together market. to boost food safety research, education, and I’m asking Secretary Shalala and Glickman surveillance efforts around our Nation. In so to report back to me within 90 days with a doing, we’re using the world’s best science complete schedule for developing these to help prevent food contamination tragedies standards within a year. I’ll also ask them to before they happen, to make sure our supply submit a comprehensive plan to improve the of food is as safe as it can be. monitoring of food safety programs abroad, Today, our food supply remains the to help foreign countries upgrade their safety world’s safest, but we can’t rest on those ac- precautions and toughen food inspections at complishments. We have to do more. At the the border. time when Americans are eating more and Being a parent is perhaps the toughest job more food from around the globe, we must in the world. Our parents deserve the peace spare no effort to ensure the safety of our of mind that comes from knowing the food food supply from whatever source. they set before their children is safe. With Today, I want to tell you the new steps today’s new actions, we can help make their we’re taking to ensure that our fruits and vegetables, including those imported from jobs much easier. other countries, meet the highest health and And, again, let me thank all of those who safety standards. First, I’m asking Congress were involved in this effort as I sign this to give the Food and Drug Administration order. Thank you very much. the power and the obligation to ban the im- [At this point, the President signed the memo- portation of fruits, vegetables, and other randum.] foods from countries whose safety precautions do not meet American standards. The President. Thanks.

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Appropriations Legislation that’s going to complicate the trade environ- Q. Mr. President, will you be using the ment. line item veto—— The President. Well, I hope it doesn’t The President. Excuse me? complicate the trade environment. But you Q. Will you be using the line item veto know, it seems to me that we have no higher on any of the appropriations bills that you’ve responsibility than to protect the health and just passed—that you’ve just signed? safety of our citizens, and everyone who has The President. Well, let me say, I have been following all of your reporting over the received only—I’ve received one memoran- last 4 or 5 years knows that we have had con- dum from my staff on one bill. And that came tinuing challenges in food safety. We have in late last night, so I haven’t read it. But millions of people who get sick every year. I will consider it—as the bills come in, I will And we’re not trying to unfairly target foreign ask for a review of the potential uses by spe- producers of food into our market. We don’t cific bill and make judgments as we go along. ask them to meet any standards we don’t I have nothing to report at this time, because meet. And indeed, if you look at the actions I have received only one memorandum, and of this administration over the last 4 years, I haven’t read it. when we started, I think you can make a compelling case that we started working on 2000 Decennial Census things that were problems coming out of the Q. What about the census, sir? Do you American market first. So I just don’t think have any concerns concerning the Com- that’s right. merce bill and the particular ways that the I don’t want it to complicate the trade en- money will be used for the census? vironment, but I’m not interested in trade The President. Well, my feeling is that in things that will make the American people we ought to do the census as well as we can. sick. I don’t think this is a complicated issue. The National Science Foundation has rec- 1996 Campaign Financing ommended this statistical sampling method. Q. Mr. President, did the Democratic Na- The man who did President Bush’s census tional Committee send money to the States says that it’s the only way to get the most in order to get around the Federal spending accurate count. I just want to do whatever limits that went along with accepting Federal the Census Bureau believes, the full-time money for the national campaign, sir? professionals believe is the most accurate The President. It’s my understanding that thing to do. everything the Democratic National Com- I think that’s a heavy constitutional respon- mittee did had the prior approval of the law- sibility we have, to conduct a census that is yers. If they cleared it all in advance, then as accurate as possible based on what the it was perfectly legal. And when this issue professionals say. This ought to be a profes- was raised about a year ago, the exact issue, sional, not a political judgment. And that’s I believe that that was clarified at that time. the position I will take throughout. I’m sure that they had legal advice that they Q. Mr. President, did the Democratic followed, and I believe the Republicans said Party send money to the States because of that they did some of the same things and Federal election law restrictions? also had prior legal clearance. Q. Mr. President, there are fresh fruit and Q. Mr. Clinton, do you feel that Mrs. vegetable producers that are saying—— Reno—she’s been advised to go forward with The President. Well, wait a minute. I’ll the 90-day investigation into the fundraising take both of them. Go ahead first. calls of the Vice President—and perhaps Mr. Gore would like to comment, too—— Food Safety The President. I think that—— Q. There are fresh fruit and vegetable pro- Q. ——do you feel that the 90-day inves- ducers that are saying that you’re acting with tigation would be helpful? this action as the world food police and that The President. Well, if you read the stat- your actions here today are unwarranted and ute, she can consider certain things in the

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90-day period that are not permitted in the To help accomplish this task, I plan to send 30-day period. But I think this is a legal ques- to the Congress proposed legislation that will tion, and it should be done based on an inde- require the Food and Drug Administration pendent legal review with no pressure from (FDA) to halt imports of fruits, vegetables, the outside, from me or from anyone else. or other food from any foreign country whose And that’s the way I intend to keep it, at food safety systems and standards are not on least on my part. par with those of the United States. This leg- Thank you. islation, which will be similar to existing law requiring the USDA to halt the importation NOTE: The President spoke at 10:59 a.m. in the of meat and poultry from such countries, will Rose Garden at the White House. enable the FDA to prevent the importation of potentially unsafe foreign produce. My Fiscal Year 1999 budget will provide the nec- Memorandum on the Food Safety essary funds to enable the FDA to expand Initiative dramatically its international food inspection force. With this greatly increased ability to October 2, 1997 inspect food safety conditions abroad and at Memorandum for the Secretary of Health points of entry, the FDA will be able to de- and Human Services, the Secretary of termine when to halt the importation of fruits Agriculture and vegetables from foreign countries. Today, I hereby direct two administrative Subject: Initiative to Ensure the Safety of actions that will better ensure the safety of Imported and Domestic Fruits and fruits and vegetables coming from abroad, Vegetables while continuing to improve the safety of do- American consumers today enjoy the mestic produce. safest food supply in the world, and I am First, I direct the Secretary of Health and proud of my Administration’s record in this Human Services, in partnership with the Sec- area. We have taken significant steps to en- retary of Agriculture and in close cooperation sure that we maintain the safest food pos- with the agricultural community, to issue sible. We have put in place improved safety within 1 year from the date of this memoran- standards for meat, poultry, and seafood dum, guidance on good agricultural practices products, and we have begun the process of and good manufacturing practices for fruits developing enhanced safety standards for and vegetables. This guidance should address fruit and vegetable juices. We have also ex- ways to prevent potential sources of contami- panded research, education, and surveillance nation, should take into account differences activities through coordinated efforts of all in both crops and regions, and should address agencies involved in food safety issues. To- food safety issues throughout the food pro- gether, these measures will greatly improve duction and distribution system. By provid- the safety of the Nation’s food supply. ing the first-ever specific safety standards for We need to build on these efforts, and fruits and vegetables, the guidance will im- today I ask you to do so by focusing on the prove the agricultural and manufacturing safety of fruits and vegetables. Although the practices of all those seeking to sell produce produce Americans eat is very safe, we can in the U.S. market. To ensure that this guid- and must do even better, especially at a time ance has the widest possible effect, I also di- when Americans are eating more fruits and rect the development of coordinated out- vegetables from all over the world. Last year, reach and educational activities. 38 percent of the fruit and 12 percent of the Second, I direct the Secretary of Health vegetables consumed by Americans came and Human Services and the Secretary of from overseas. We must ensure that fruits Agriculture, to report back to me within 90 and vegetables coming from abroad are as days from the date of this memorandum with safe as those produced in the United States, a status report and complete schedule for the especially as we upgrade our own domestic good agricultural and manufacturing prac- standards. tices, and a plan on how to improve the mon-

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itoring of agricultural and manufacturing progress in eliminating workplace discrimi- practices abroad, to assist foreign countries nation and ensuring equal job opportunities to improve those practices where necessary, for people with disabilities. This landmark and to prevent the importation of unsafe civil rights legislation, enacted 7 years ago produce, including by detecting unsafe food with bipartisan support, has opened doors at the dock or border. I especially urge you and brought down barriers across our coun- to consider the best ways to target inspection try for people with disabilities. It has empow- and testing toward those areas where prob- ered them with the opportunity to become lems are most likely to occur. employees, taxpayers, and active participants In addition to taking these actions, you in the life of their communities. should accelerate whatever food safety re- To build on this progress, government at search is necessary to support them. You every level must work in partnership with should also call upon the Environmental Pro- business, labor, and community organizations tection Agency, the Department of Labor, to ensure that all Americans, regardless of and other agencies as necessary, to provide disability, can live and learn and work along- you with assistance in achieving this goal. side their fellow citizens. Only when we guar- These steps, taken together and in coordina- antee the inclusion, empowerment, and inde- tion with the proposed legislation I will send pendence of all our people will America ful- to the Congress, will improve the safety of fill its great promise of freedom and oppor- fruits and vegetables for all Americans. tunity. William J. Clinton To recognize the full potential of individuals with disabilities and to encourage all Americans to work toward their full integra- Proclamation 7031—National tion into the work force, the Congress, by Disability Employment Awareness joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, Month, 1997 as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has designated October 2, 1997 October of each year as ‘‘National Disability Employment Awareness Month.’’ By the President of the United States Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, of America President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1997 as National A Proclamation Disability Employment Awareness Month. I America has always been blessed with call upon government officials, educators, abundant natural resources; but we some- labor leaders, employers, and the people of times fail to recognize that we have been the United States to observe this month with blessed with rich human resources as well. appropriate programs and activities that reaf- Millions of people in thousands of profes- firm our determination to achieve the full in- sions have built this great country with their tegration into the work force of people with labor and made a reality of the American disabilities. Dream for themselves and their families. But In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set for 20 percent of our population, that dream my hand this second day of October, in the has too often been deferred or denied. Amer- year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- icans with disabilities have had to overcome ty-seven, and of the Independence of the barriers in communication, transportation, United States of America the two hundred architecture, and attitude to take their right- and twenty-second. ful place in our Nation’s work force. If America is to continue to grow and pros- William J. Clinton per, if we are to lead the challenging global economy of the 21st century, we cannot af- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ford to ignore the talents, energy, and cre- 10:53 a.m., October 3, 1997] ativity of the 54 million Americans with disabilities. Thanks to the Americans with Dis- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the abilities Act, we are making significant Federal Register on October 6.

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Statement on the National Economy Many people do not understand the speed October 3, 1997 at which fire can spread, the intensity of its heat, or the toxic power of its smoke. Because Today the Labor Department announced a quick, decisive response often means the more good news for America’s workers and difference between life and death, it is im- their families. Real wages are rising, the portant to learn about fire, to recognize how American economy has created 13.2 million deadly a threat it is, and to react to it imme- new jobs since the beginning of my adminis- diately. The National Fire Protection Asso- tration, and for the first time in 24 years, ciation, in partnership with the Federal the unemployment rate has remained at or Emergency Management Agency and our below 5 percent for 6 consecutive months. Nation’s fire services, has selected ‘‘Know We have the most solid American economy When to Go! React Fast To Fire!’’ as the in a generation, with strong investment, low theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week. unemployment, and low inflation. This theme reinforces a simple but essential While the economy is strong, we still have element of fire safety: escape planning. more to do to keep the American jobs ma- Because approximately 80 percent of last chine on the move and ensure that all Ameri- year’s fatal fires occurred in the home, every cans have the opportunity to benefit from our family should develop a home escape plan. growing economy. We must continue our If a smoke or fire alarm sounds, everyone three-part economic strategy that is helping must react quickly. When away from home, move America forward. We must ensure fis- we need to make it a habit to locate the near- cal responsibility for future generations. We est exit in any building we occupy. Most im- must continue to invest and expect the most portant, we must never reenter a burning of our people through initiatives such as na- building. tional education test standards. And Con- By following these basic safety rules, we gress must provide traditional trade negotiat- can save lives and reduce the risks to our ing authority so we can reach fair trade Nation’s firefighters. Every 16 seconds, a fire agreements with other countries, breaking department responds to a fire somewhere in down trade barriers to American goods, and the United States. Last year, thousands of creating high-paying jobs for American work- firefighters were injured, and 92 made the ers. ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Our Na- tion will acknowledge the extraordinary dedi- cation of these valiant men and women by Proclamation 7032—Fire Prevention paying tribute to America’s career and volun- Week, 1997 teer firefighters on Sunday, October 5, 1997, October 3, 1997 at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland. By the President of the United States Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, of America President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by A Proclamation the Constitution and laws of the United Of all the disasters that confront Ameri- States, do hereby proclaim October 5 cans every year, few cause more loss of life through October 11, 1997, as Fire Prevention and property than fire. Across the country Week. I encourage the people of the United each day, fire threatens our communities, our States to take an active role in fire prevention livelihoods, and our lives. Last year alone, al- not only during this week, but throughout most 5,000 men, women, and children per- the year. I also call upon all Americans to ished in fires, and nearly 80 percent of these honor the courageous members of our Na- deaths occurred in homes. This tragic statis- tion’s fire and emergency services by learning tic is a call to action for all of us, not only about the dangers posed by fire and by pre- to remain vigilant in our efforts to prevent paring their friends and family members to fires, but also to learn how to react quickly react immediately and safely to fires when and sensibly when fires occur. they occur.

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In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set The President announced the nomination my hand this third day of October, in the of Alphonso Maldon, Jr., to be Deputy Sec- year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- retary at the Department of Veterans Affairs. ty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred September 30 and twenty-second. In the morning, the President traveled to William J. Clinton Arlington, VA, and he returned to Washing- ton, DC, in the afternoon. [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 7, 1997] October 1 NOTE: This proclamation will be published in the In the morning, the President met with Federal Register on October 8. Crown Prince Hassan of Jordan in the Oval Office. Later, he met with Members of Con- gress in the Diplomatic Reception Room to discuss tobacco issues. The President announced his intention to Digest of Other nominate Phyllis Elliott Oakley to be Assist- White House Announcements ant Secretary for Intelligence and Research at the State Department. The following list includes the President’s public The President announced the appoint- schedule and other items of general interest an- ment of Virginia M. Apuzzo as Assistant to nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and the President for Management and Adminis- not included elsewhere in this issue. tration at the White House.

September 26 1 October 2 The President announced his intention to In the evening, the President met with nominate William H. Twaddell to be Ambas- automobile industry executives in the Cabi- sador to Nigeria. net Room. The President announced the appoint- The White House announced that the ment of Susan Blumenthal, M.D., as Senior President will participate in the White House Adviser to the President for Women’s Conference on Climate Change on October Health, effective November 1. 6. The President announced his intention to September 27 nominate Joan Dempsey to be Deputy Di- In the morning, the President and Hillary rector for Community Management at the Clinton traveled from Little Rock, AR, to Central Intelligence Agency. Hot Springs, AR. In the afternoon, they re- The President announced his intention to turned to Little Rock. nominate Janice R. Lachance to serve as Di- In the evening, the President and Hillary rector of the Office of Personnel Manage- Clinton attended a University of Arkansas ment. football game at War Memorial Stadium. The President announced his intention to September 28 nominate Joseph Thompson to be Under In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Clinton returned to Washington, DC. Veterans Affairs. The President announced his intention to September 29 nominate Harriet C. Babbitt to be Deputy The President announced his intention to Administrator at the Agency for International nominate Kathryn Linda Haydock Proffitt to Development. be Ambassador to Malta. The President announced his intention to nominate Thomas J. Miller for the rank of 1 These releases were not received in time for Ambassador during his tenure as Special Co- inclusion in the appropriate issue. ordinator for Cyprus.

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The President announced his intention to James E. Hall, nominate Stanley Louis McLelland to be of Tennessee, to be a member of the Na- Ambassador to Jamaica. tional Transportation Safety Board for a term The President announced his intention to expiring December 31, 2002 (reappoint- nominate Daniel Charles Kurtzer to be Am- ment). bassador to Egypt. The President announced the nomination Alphonso Maldon, Jr., of Steven Karl Pifer to be Ambassador to of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Veter- Ukraine. ans Affairs, vice Hershel Wayne Gober. The President announced the nomination Submitted September 30 of Steven J. Green to be Ambassador to Singapore. Kathryn Linda Haydock Proffitt, October 3 of Arizona, to be Ambassador Extraordinary In the morning, the President had his an- and Plenipotentiary of the United States of nual physical examination at the National America to the Republic of Malta. Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. William H. Twaddell, The President announced his intention to of Rhode Island, a career member of the nominate Ambassador Timothy Michael Car- Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister- ney to be Ambassador to Haiti. Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary The President announced his intention to and Plenipotentiary of the United States of nominate Cameron R. Hume to be Ambas- America to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. sador to Algeria. The President announced his intention to Submitted October 1 nominate Amy L. Bondurant to be U.S. Rep- resentative to the Organization for Economic Steven J. Green, Cooperation and Development. of Florida, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Singapore. Daniel Charles Kurtzer, Nominations of Maryland, a career member of the Senior Submitted to the Senate Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America The following list does not include promotions of to the Arab Republic of Egypt. members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- Duncan T. Moore, eign Service officers. of New York, to be an Associate Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Submitted September 26 1 vice Lionel Skipwith Johns, resigned. Arthur Bienenstock, Steven Karl Pifer, of California, to be an Associate Director of of California, a career member of the Senior the Office of Science and Technology Policy, Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to be vice Ernest J. Moniz. Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America Joseph B. Dial, to Ukraine. of Texas, to be a Commissioner of the Com- modity Futures Trading Commission for the Submitted October 3 term expiring June 19, 2001 (reappoint- ment). Timothy Michael Carney, of Washington, a career member of the Sen- 1 These nominations were not received in time ior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Coun- for inclusion in the appropriate issue. selor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and

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Plenipotentiary of the United States of cil of Economic Advisers Chair Janet Yellen America to the Republic of Haiti. on the 1996 income and poverty statistics Cameron R. Hume, Released September 30 of New York, a career member of the Senior Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Foreign Service, class of Counselor, to be retary Mike McCurry Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of the United States of America Released October 1 to the Democratic and Popular Republic of Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Algeria. retary Mike McCurry Stanley Louis McLelland, List of Members of Congress attending the of Texas, to be Ambassador Extraordinary tobacco meeting and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Jamaica. Released October 2 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- F. Whitten Peters, retary Mike McCurry of the District of Columbia, to be Under Sec- retary of the Air Force, vice Rudy de Leon. Released October 3 Joseph Thomas, Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of New York, to be Under Secretary for Ben- retary Mike McCurry and Staff Secretary efits of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Todd Stern vice Raymond John Vogel, resigned. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry and Dr. Connie Mariano on the President’s annual physical examination Checklist Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry of White House Press Releases on the President’s annual physical examination The following list contains releases of the Office Announcement on the White House Con- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as ference on Climate Change items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Other White House Announcements.

1 Released September 26 Acts Approved Announcement of nomination for U.S. Dis- by the President trict Judge for the Eastern District of Michi- gan Approved September 30 Announcement of nomination for U.S. Dis- trict Judge for the Eastern District of Michi- H.R. 63 / Public Law 105–44 gan To designate the reservoir created by Trinity Dam in the Central Valley project, Califor- Released September 29 nia, as ‘‘Trinity Lake’’ Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- H.R. 2016 / Public Law 105–45 retary Mike McCurry Military Construction Appropriations Act, Transcript of a press briefing by National 1998 Economic Adviser Gene Sperling and Coun- H.J. Res. 94 / Public Law 105–46 1 These releases were not received in time for Making continuing appropriations for the fis- inclusion in the appropriate issue. cal year 1998, and for other purposes

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Approved October 1 1977 for fiscal years 1998 and 1999, and for other purposes S. 910 / Public Law 105–47 S. 1211 / Public Law 105–48 To authorize appropriations for carrying out To provide permanent authority for the ad- the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of ministration of au pair programs

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OFFICIAL BUSINESS Penalty for private use, $300

1431

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