Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, January 10, 2000 Volume 36—Number 1 Pages 1–25 Contents

Addresses and Remarks Communications to Federal Agencies See also Appointments and Nominations Delegation of authority for reporting functions Christmas II: Holy Eucharist Services—10 on technology transfer, memorandums—19, George Washington Carver National 20 Recognition Day, videotaped remarks—18 Legislative agenda—16 Interviews With the News Media Millennium festivities Exchanges with reporters ‘‘America’s Millennium’’ celebration—2, 7 Chappaqua, NY—20 ‘‘Millennium Around the World’’ Oval Office—13 celebration—3 South Grounds—1, 16 Millennium celebration, creators dinner—6 South Lawn—23 National Plan for Information System Letters and Messages Protection—23 New York, departure for Chappaqua—16 Id al-Fitr, message—22 Radio address—9 Notices Russia, resignation of President Yeltsin—1 West Virginia, departure for Shepherdstown— Continuation of Libyan Emergency—12 23 Statements by the President Appointments and Nominations Deaths Federal Reserve Board, Chairman, remarks— Elliot Richardson—6 13 Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.—11 Russia, resignation of President Yeltsin—2 Communications to Congress Cyprus, letter transmitting report—13 Supplementary Materials Libya, letter transmitting report on national Acts approved by the President—25 emergency—13 Checklist of White House press releases—25 National Security Strategy, letter transmitting Digest of other White House report—20 announcements—24 Peacekeeping, letter transmitting report—12 Nominations submitted to the Senate—25

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

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments. Week Ending Friday, January 7, 2000

Remarks on Departure for making the transition from one democrat- Millennium Ceremonies and ically elected President to another. an Exchange With Reporters To President Yeltsin, let me convey my ap- preciation again for the work we have done December 31, 1999 together. Hillary and I extend our warmest wishes to him, Naina, and their family. Resignation of President Boris Yeltsin Thank you very much. of Russia Q. Mr. President, are you going to Mos- The President. Good morning. Not long cow in February, at the invitation of the ago, I had about a 20-minute phone con- Prime Minister, Acting President? versation with President Boris Yeltsin, who The President. I have made no plans to today ends his historic tenure as Russia’s do that yet. democratically elected President. Under his Q. Mr. President, can you share some of leadership, since 1991, the Russian people your personal recollections of Boris Yeltsin? have faced the unprecedented challenge of You seemed to have a warm personal rela- building a new democracy and a new life tionship with him. What did you admire? after decades of corrosive Communist rule. What are your thoughts about him as a per- His lasting achievement has been disman- son now? tling the Communist system and creating a The President. Well, I liked him because vital democratic process within a constitu- he was always very forthright with me. He tional framework. The fact that Prime Min- always did exactly what he said he would do, ister Putin assumes responsibility today as and he was willing to take chances to try to Acting President, in accordance with the improve our relationship, to try to improve Constitution, is the latest example of Presi- democracy in Russia. He took the Russian dent Yeltsin’s achievement. troops out of the Balkans. He recently agreed The relationship between the United to take them out of Moldova and Georgia. States and Russia under President Yeltsin has We got rid of all those nuclear weapons in produced genuine progress for both our peo- the other states of the former Soviet Union. ple. Five thousand strategic nuclear weapons We got rid of thousands of nuclear weapons. have been dismantled. Our nuclear weapons He’s committed to START II, and I hope are no longer targeted at each other. We have it will be ratified by the Russian Duma so worked together to eliminate nuclear weap- we can quickly move to START III and re- ons from the other states of the former Soviet duce our nuclear arsenals even further. Union. Russia has withdrawn its troops from I liked him because I think he genuinely the Baltic nations, and now its troops are deplored communism. He lived with it; he serving alongside Americans to maintain saw it; and he believed that democracy was peace in the Balkans. In fact, Russia was in- the best system. I think it was in every fiber strumental in achieving the peace agreement of his being. And we had our arguments; we in Kosovo. had our fights; we had our genuine disagree- Of course, we have also had our dif- ment about our national interests from time ferences, but the starting point for our rela- to time. But I think that the Russian people tionship has always been how Russia and are well-served to have a leader who honestly America can work together to advance our believed that their votes ought to determine common interests. In that spirit, I look for- who was running the show in Russia and ward to working with Acting President Putin, what the future direction of the country as the Russian people begin the process of should be. 1 2 Dec. 31 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999

I have to go. I’m sorry. To President Yeltsin, let me convey my ap- Thank you. preciation for the work we have done to- gether. Hillary and I extend our warmest NOTE: The President spoke at 11 a.m. on the wishes to you and your family. South Grounds at the White House. In his re- marks, he referred to Prime Minister Vladimir NOTE: In his statement, the President referred Putin, who became Acting President on President to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who became Yeltsin’s resignation; and Mr. Yeltsin’s wife, Naina. Acting President on President Yeltsin’s resigna- This item was not received in time for publication tion. This item was not received in time for publi- in the appropriate issue. cation in the appropriate issue.

Statement on the Resignation of Remarks at Opening Ceremonies President Boris Yeltsin of Russia of the ‘‘America’s Millennium’’ December 31, 1999 Celebration December 31, 1999 Today President Yeltsin ends his historic tenure as Russia’s first democratically elected Thank you very much. Thank you, good President. morning, Happy New Year. Thank you, Sen- Under his leadership since 1991, the Rus- ator Daschle, to other Members of the Con- sian people have faced the unprecedented gress who are here. Thank you, Mayor challenge of creating new institutions and Williams, for your kind comments to Hillary building a new life after decades of corrosive and to me and your outstanding leadership Communist rule. His lasting achievement has in this city. Thank you, Robert Pinsky, for been dismantling that Communist system being here today, and for opening the ears and building new political institutions under and eyes and hearts of so many young chil- democratically elected leaders within a con- dren to the wonders of poetry. Thank you, stitutional framework. The fact that Prime Dean Baxter. I want to thank the Children’s Minister Putin assumes responsibility today Choir and the Military Band—they were as acting President in accordance with the wonderful today and the singing sergeants constitution is but the latest example of this who have left. I want to thank Ellen Lovell achievement. and the members of our Millennial Council, The relationship between the United and Terry McAuliffe and all those who made States and Russia under President Yeltsin has it possible for us to have all these wonderful produced genuine progress for both our peo- events today. I also want to thank the Lord ple. Five thousand strategic nuclear weapons for this wonderful weather, so we all feel have been dismantled, and our nuclear weap- good being out here. ons no longer are targeted at each other. We The New Millennium Choir sang ‘‘Rising have worked together to eliminate nuclear Like the Sun.’’ Their vitality and their voices weapons from the other states of the former are living proof that the light may be fading Soviet Union. Russia has withdrawn its on the 20th century, but the Sun is still rising troops from the Baltic nations. Now its troops on America. Even though this is an opening are serving alongside Americans to maintain ceremony, what we celebrate did not begin the peace in the Balkans, and Russia was in- today, and it won’t end tomorrow. Two years strumental in achieving peace in Kosovo. We ago Hillary and I created the White House have also had our differences, such as on Millennium Council to bring Americans to- Chechnya. But President Yeltsin, and my gether, in her words, ‘‘to honor our past and starting point, has always been how Russia imagine our future.’’ Since then, she has and America can work together to advance hosted Millennium Evenings at the White our common interests. In this spirit, I look House with some of our Nation’s most gifted forward to working with Acting President scholars and artists. And people all over the Putin as the Russian people begin the proc- world have participated on the Internet. She ess of making the transition from one demo- has crisscrossed America to save our histor- cratically elected President to another. ical treasures, from Harriet Tubman’s home Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 / Dec. 31 3 to Thomas Edison’s factory to Native Amer- I have to add. I want to thank all of you for ican pueblos. This morning we kick off not being here. I thank the First Lady for her only a weekend of celebrations but a whole conception of this millennium celebration series of events throughout the coming year and for all those who helped to make it pos- that will further mark our new millennium. sible. I thank Secretary Albright for her work This is more than a unique moment for for world peace. Governor Gutierrez and the our calendar. It is also a unique moment for people of Guam, we thank you for sponsoring our country. Our economy is strong; our so- this event. And we welcome Congressman cial fabric is on the mend. We’re moving for- and Mrs. Underwood, Mrs. Gutierrez and ward on America’s remarkable journey of members of your family, Governor. Guam is creating a more unified nation, a more just where America’s day begins, you know, and society, a more perfect Union. today it’s where our millennium begins. I’d There is no better moment to reflect on also like to thank the Environmental Protec- our hopes and dreams and the gifts we want tion Agency and its Administrator, Carol to leave our children; no better opportunity Browner; the GSA and its Administrator, to open a new chapter of progress and possi- Dave Barram, who is here with his family; bility for all people; no better time to join and all others who helped to make this day hands and build the one America of our possible. I’d like to ask you to express our dreams; no better time to be a truly good appreciation to the World Children’s Choir neighbor to the people of the world who and the United States Army Brass Quintet. share this smaller and smaller planet of ours. We thank them. So as we honor the past, let us truly imag- We wanted to spend a part of this day with ine the future. I hope every single one of diplomatic representatives from around the you, sometime today, and everyone within world and with children from around the the sound of my voice, will take just a little world to signal the importance of strength- time to dream about what you want for your ening our global community in the new mil- grandchildren and their grandchildren and lennium. what you would like the story of the 21st cen- On this day 200 years ago, in 1799, our tury to be. second President welcomed the 19th cen- Now it is my privilege to present the per- tury. It then took 6 weeks by boat to get news son who has done more than anyone else in from Europe. On this day 100 years ago, America to help us appreciate and properly when President William McKinley marked celebrate the dawn of the new millennium. the start of the 20th century, it took 6 sec- Ladies and gentlemen, the First Lady of the onds to send a text by telegraph. Today, sat- United States. ellites and the Internet carry our voices and NOTE: The President spoke at 11:51 a.m. at 12th images instantaneously all around the world. St. and Constitution Ave., NW. In his remarks, Never before have we known as much about he referred to Mayor Anthony A. Williams of each other. Never before have we depended Washington, DC; Robert Pinsky, poet laureate; so much on each other. Never before have Rev. Nathan D. Baxter, dean, Washington Na- we had such an opportunity to move toward tional Cathedral, who delivered the invocation; what the generations have prayed for, peace and Terence McAuliffe, millennium celebration on Earth and a better life for all. We must fundraiser. The transcript released by the Office both imagine a brighter future and dedicate of the Press Secretary also included the remarks ourselves to building it. And I ask you all of the First Lady. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate issue. here today to reaffirm the clear under- standing that we must do it together. Two thousand years ago the calendar that Remarks at the ‘‘Millennium Around turns at midnight began with the birth of a the World’’ Celebration child on straw in a stable, with a single, shin- December 31, 1999 ing star in the sky. It attracted no notice at the time. Today, as we meet in this inter- Good afternoon. I must say after listening national center, though all the world is now to them, I don’t know that there’s anything a part of this millennial calendar change, we 4 Dec. 31 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 must recognize that for more than half the time in history, more than half the world’s world, because they are not Christians, the people live under governments of their own number 2000 has less significance: for Mus- choosing. Sixty years ago many people lims, this is the year 1420; for Hindus, it is thought that nothing could stop dictators 1921; for Buddhists, it is 2543. Mayans honor from imposing their will on the world the year 5119; and the Hebrew calendar through violence. But since then, democratic marks this year as 5760. countries have risen, not just once but time So what we celebrate here today is not so and time again, to defeat fascism, to help na- much a common calendar of history or faith tions free themselves from totalitarianism, to but a common future for all people of good help stop racial apartheid and ethnic cleans- will, a future of peace and harmony, a future ing, to uphold and advance human rights. In rooted in the forces of freedom and enter- freedom’s century, we have learned that prise and globalization and science and tech- open societies are more just, more resilient, nology that have powered so much of the more enduring. 20th century, but a future which now— Even today, we see our newest discoveries now—may reflect timeless lessons as well, bringing us closer to goals humanity has the lessons of all religious faiths: Love your shared for centuries, to eradicate disease, neighbor as yourself; do unto others as you educate all our children, clean our environ- would have done to you; do not turn aside ment, provide economic support for families, the stranger; see the spark of divine inspira- and lift up nations. The forces of science, tion in every person. As long as we have had technology, and globalization have shattered philosophers and prophets on this Earth, this the boundaries of possibility. And in the new lesson has been taught; yet, it still seems the century, our achievements will be bounded hardest for us to learn. mostly by the limits on our own imagination, The past 100 years have seen the victory understanding, and wisdom. of freedom over totalitarianism. For that, we There are, to be sure, tremendous chal- can all be grateful. They have seen us coming lenges ahead. The old problems are there: together more and more so that it is possible leaders all too willing to exploit human dif- to have a stage with this beautiful, brilliant ference to preserve their own power; places array of children, and for that, we can all where freedom still is silenced and basic be grateful. rights denied; outdated, unnecessary indus- But still, all around us, we see the failure trial practices endangering our global envi- to use our freedom wisely, as too many peo- ronment; abject poverty, with more than a ple still give in to primitive hatreds, and we billion people living on less than a dollar a still face the oldest problem of human soci- day. And then there are the new problems: ety—the fear of those who are different from the organized forces of crime, us. History shows that people do tend to be narcotrafficking, terror; governments too afraid of those who don’t look the same or weak to handle the sweeping forces of practice religion the same way or come from globalization and their impact on their peo- different tribes or have different lifestyles. ple; ordinary people across the world who Those fears, when ignited and organized by have yet to see the benefits of democracy unscrupulous leaders, have led to terrible vi- and free enterprise but have borne the bur- olence in the modern world. Even in the den of the economic and social changes some most open societies, including our own, chil- can delay but none can avoid. dren who learn to look down and dehuman- Still, I say again, we must be hopeful. It ize those who are different, and perhaps to is a good thing that we are more and more blame them for their own problems, continue free and more and more interdependent. It to grow up to commit awful hate crimes. is possible to have prosperity while pre- Still, we must begin a new century with serving the environment. And it is possible great hope. Think of this: 100 years ago not to share prosperity more broadly with those a single country in the world recognized the who have been too long denied. It is possible right of all its citizens to choose their leaders to thwart the organized forces of destruction. and shape their destinies. Now, for the first In short, it is possible to listen to the children Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 / Dec. 31 5 in this room, who come from over 100 na- more part of the same community, not by tions of the world, and give them a chance giving up their national, tribal, racial, ethnic, to live their dreams. and religious differences but by honoring When we see threats to peace and dignity them and by affirming our common human- abroad, we can choose not to speak; we can ity and our shared destiny. It is happening choose not to act. But no longer can we already. I say again, you see it in our response choose not to know. That is why there was to an earthquake in Turkey or a hurricane such a similarity in the vision these children in the Caribbean. from all over the globe shared with us today. Earlier this year, the last time so many na- The explosion in information and the tech- tions were represented in this room, it was nology for getting it to people everywhere on the 50th anniversary of NATO when the at the same time has enabled us to build a Allies gathered there to stand against ethnic common sense of community that is already cleansing in Kosovo. Today, from south- taking shape in ways large and small. When eastern Europe to the Middle East to South there’s a flood in Venezuela that kills thou- Africa to Northern Ireland to East Timor, sands and thousands of innocent people, the century is ending with a clear message when we see the plight of young war victims that there is no place in the 21st century for in Sierra Leone who have lost their limbs, power rooted in hatred and dehumanization. when we see hundreds of thousands of peo- People everywhere want peace and harmony ple displaced by ethnic cleansing from their and the chance to live with their dreams not homeland in Kosovo, we can choose to do at their neighbor’s expense, but instead, with nothing, but we can’t pretend we don’t know. their neighbor’s help. And we can no longer shield our conscience We owe it to the children here to begin or our interest from their impact. So now this new millennium ready to take on our we care about one another in ways we never problems together, an unrelenting battle did before. On our ever smaller planet, one way or another, sooner or later, what happens against poverty, sharing the promise of the anywhere may be felt everywhere. new economy, leaving no one behind, deep- So I’d like to make a few new year’s pre- ening our democracies, preserving our dictions. In the new century we may not be shared earthly home. Today we celebrate able to eliminate hateful intolerance, but we more than the changing of the calendar. We will see the rise of healthy intolerance of big- celebrate the opportunity we have to make otry, oppression, and abject poverty in our this a true changing of the times, a gateway own communities and across the world. to greater peace and freedom, for prosperity We may not be able to eliminate all the and harmony. If we listen to our children, harsh consequences of globalization. But still, they will tell us the future we should build. we will trade more and travel more and com- Last week I received a letter from a sixth- municate more and learn to do it in ways grade class in northeastern Connecticut, who that advance the lives of ordinary people and knew I would be speaking to you here today. lift the quality of the environment. Here’s what they said: ‘‘Never forget, God We may not be able to eliminate all the didn’t put us here to fight, but to live in har- inadequacies of government and our global mony. If we can help our children, our future institutions, but we will see more and more leaders, to find their way to love for all man- governments able to protect their people kind and to teach them there is no future from the harshest side effects of globalization in racism, then we can find that the success and able to prepare their children—all their and glory of world peace will grow and blos- children, boys and girls—for the 21st century som into a never-dying flower.’’ world. And we will see more—much, much I said at the opening of my remarks that more—cooperations among nations to meet 2000 years ago those of us who are Christians common challenges and seize common op- believe the new era began with a bright light portunities. in the sky. You should all know that when In short, the children you see on this stage darkness falls tonight for the very last time in the new century will become more and in this millennium, the brightest light in the 6 Dec. 31 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 sky will be the constellation Orion. From De- released by the Office of the Press Secretary also cember to April, it is the only star system included the remarks of the First Lady. This item visible from every inhabited point on Earth. was not received in time for publication in the Scientists tell us that the light from one of appropriate issue. those stars began its journey almost exactly 1000 years ago. In the time it took the light from Orion Statement on the Death to reach Earth, Leif Erikson sailed; of Elliot Richardson Gutenberg printed; Galileo dared; December 31, 1999 Shakespeare wrote; Elizabeth ruled; Mozart composed; Jefferson drafted; Bolivar liber- Hillary and I were saddened to learn that ated; Lincoln preserved; Einstein dreamed; Elliot Richardson died today in Boston. Elliot Ataturk built; Roosevelt led; Gandhi Richardson was a man of uncommon integ- preached; Mother Teresa healed; Mandela rity, who put the Nation’s interests first even triumphed. A pretty good space of traveling when the personal cost was very high. He light. was an unparalleled public servant—a law- Now that light shines upon all of us. For yer, a diplomat, a soldier, and a prosecutor. all the billions of people who came before, America was honored by his service, and we it has been left to this generation to lead the will miss him. world into a new millennium, to use our free- dom wisely, to walk away from war and ha- tred toward love and peace. When people Remarks at a Dinner Honoring the look back on this day a hundred years from Millennium Celebration Creators now, may they say that is exactly what we December 31, 1999 did, that in the 21st century our children went further, reached higher, dreamed big- Thank you so much. Good evening. It’s a ger, and accomplished more because love real honor for Hillary and Chelsea and me and peace proved more powerful than hatred to welcome all of you to the White House. and war. Tonight I rise to offer three toasts. The first One of America’s most popular authors of is to all of you. It is an honor to turn this children’s books is Theodor Geisel, who page in history with you because so many wrote under the name of Dr. Seuss. One of of you, each in your own way, have contrib- the very last books he wrote was called, ‘‘Oh, uted so indelibly to the narrative of this The Places You’ll Go.’’ I want to end today American century. with words he wrote in that book, looking The second toast I offer is to my wife, for ahead at the world our children should in- it was she who inspired us all to welcome herit. Listen to this and help to make it so. the new millennium by honoring our past ‘‘And will you succeed? Yes, you will, in- and imagining our future. Over the past 2 deed, ninety-eight and three-quarters per- years leading up to this wonderful night, no cent guaranteed. Kid, you’ll move mountains. one has done more to infuse this milestone So be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray with national purpose. And I am very grateful or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to her and to all those who have helped. to great places. Today is your day. Your The third toast is, in a way, the most mountain is waiting, so get on your way.’’ daunting, because I’m supposed to say some- Good luck to the children here, and God- thing profound to a thousand years of history speed in the new millennium. in 2 or 3 minutes. In the State of the Union Thank you very much. I get a whole hour—[laughter]—to talk about a single year, and usually I run over. [Laugh- NOTE: The President spoke at 2:20 p.m. in the Atrium at the Ronald W. Reagan International ter] Tonight we rise to the mountaintop of Trade Center. In his remarks, he referred to Gov. a new millennium. Behind us we see a great Carl T.C. Gutierrez of Guam and his wife, expanse of American experience and, before Geraldine; and Delegate Robert A. Underwood us, vast frontiers of possibility still to be ex- of Guam, and his wife, Lorraine. The transcript plored. Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999 / Dec. 31 7

I think we would all agree that we are most opening the storehouse of human knowledge fortunate to be alive at this moment in his- for people across the globe and offering the tory. We end this century and the millen- promise of alleviating the poverty that still nium with soaring optimism. Never before haunts so many millions of our children. We has our Nation enjoyed, at once, so much see scientists rapidly approaching the day prosperity, social progress, and national self- when newborns can expect to live well past confidence, with so little internal crisis or ex- 100 years, and children will know cancer only ternal threat. Never before have we had such as a constellation of stars. But by far, my most a blessed opportunity and, therefore, such a solemn prayer for this new millennium is that profound responsibility to build the more we will find, somehow, the strength and wis- perfect Union of our Founders’ dreams. dom in our hearts to keep growing together, When our children’s children look back on first, as one America and then as one people this century, they will see that this hopeful on this ever smaller planet we all call home. and promising time was earned by the brav- If you look at the glowing diversity of race ery and hard work of men and women who, and background that illuminates America’s in the words of our great poet laureate, house on this evening, a vivid illustration, we Robert Pinsky, did not merely celebrate our see that human capacity is distributed equally oldest ideals like trophies under glass but across the human landscape, I cannot help kept them bright with use. They will see this but think how different America is, how dif- moment was earned through the hard-won ferent history is, and how much better, be- fight for freedom, from the beachheads of cause those of you in this room and those Normandy to the buses of Montgomery to you represent were able to imagine, to in- the villages of Kosovo. At home and abroad, vent, to inspire. And by the same token, I it has been our great privilege to advance cannot help but dream of how much dif- the light of human liberty. ferent and how much better our future can They will see this moment was earned be if we can give every child the same chance through the drive for discovery. At the outset to live up to his or her God-given potential of the century, not even the most farsighted and to live together as brothers and sisters, of our forebears could have predicted all the celebrating our common humanity and our miracles of science that have emerged from shared destiny. our labs: antibiotics and vaccines, silicon This is the future I hope every American chips and the Internet, microscopes that en- will take a moment to imagine on this millen- vision the infinitesimal, and telescopes that nial evening. This is the future I pray we can elucidate the infinite, soon-to-be complete all join together to build. So I ask you to blueprint for human life itself. join me in a toast—to yourselves, to the First And they will see that this moment was Lady, and to our shared future. earned through a passion for creativity. Na- Thank you very much. tional power may spring from economic and military might, but the greatness of a nation NOTE: The President spoke at 8:02 p.m. on the emanates from the life of the mind and the State Floor at the White House. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- stirrings of the soul. So many of you have priate issue. contributed to that greatness, and we are all grateful. In this century, American artists of the Remarks at the ‘‘America’s page and the canvas, the stage and screen, Millennium’’ Celebration have drawn from our diverse palate of cul- December 31, 1999 tural traditions and given the world a great gift of uniquely American creations with uni- Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we cele- versal and timeless appeal. brate. The change of centuries, the dawning The new century and the new millennium of a new millennium are now just minutes will bring a cascade of new triumphs. We away. We celebrate the past. We have hon- see new hope for peace in lands bedeviled ored America’s remarkable achievements, by ancient hatreds, new technologies both struggles, and triumphs in the 20th century. 8 Dec. 31 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1999

We celebrate the future, imagining an even share with our fellow Americans and, increas- more remarkable 21st century. ingly, with our fellow citizens of the world, As we marvel at the changes of the last the economic benefits of globalization, the hundred years, we dream of what changes political benefits of democracy and human the next hundred and the next thousand will rights, the educational and health benefits of bring. And as powerful as our memories are, all things modern, from the Internet to the our dreams must be even stronger. For when genetic encyclopedia to the mysteries beyond our memories outweigh our dreams, we be- our solar system. come old, and it is the eternal destiny of Now, we may not be able to eliminate all America to remain forever young, always hateful intolerance, but we can develop a reaching beyond, always becoming, as our healthy intolerance of bigotry, oppression, Founders pledged, ‘‘a more perfect Union.’’ and abject poverty. We may not be able to So we Americans must not fear change. In- eliminate all the harsh consequences of stead, let us welcome it, embrace it, and cre- globalization, but we can communicate more ate it. and travel more and trade more, in a way The great story of the 20th century is the triumph of freedom and free people, a story that lifts the lives of ordinary working families told in the drama of new immigrants, the everywhere, and the quality of our global en- struggles for equal rights, the victories over vironment. totalitarianism, the stunning advances in eco- We may not be able to eliminate all the nomic well-being, in culture, in health, in failures of government and international in- space and telecommunications, and in build- stitutions, but we can certainly strengthen ing a world in which more than half the peo- democracy so all children are prepared for ple live under governments of their own the 21st century world and protected from choosing for the first time in all history. We its harshest side effects. And we can do so must never forget the meaning of the 20th much more to work together, to cooperate century or the gifts of those who worked and among ourselves, to seize the problems and marched, who fought and died for the tri- the opportunities of this ever small planet umph of freedom. we all call home. In short, if we want the So as we ring in this new year, in a new story of the 21st century to be the triumph century, in a new millennium, we must, now of peace and harmony, we must embrace our and always, echo Dr. King in the words of common humanity and our shared destiny. the old American hymn, ‘‘Let freedom ring.’’ Now, we’re just moments from that new If the story of the 20th century is the tri- millennium. Two centuries ago, as the fram- umph of freedom, what will the story of the ers where crafting our Constitution, 21st century be? Let it be the triumph of Benjamin Franklin was often seen in Inde- freedom wisely used, to bring peace to a pendence Hall looking at a painting of the world in which we honor our differences, and Sun low on the horizon. When, at long last, even more, our common humanity. Such a the Constitution finally was signed, Mr. triumph will require great efforts from us all. Franklin, said, ‘‘I have often wondered It will require us to stand against the forces whether that Sun was rising or setting. Today of hatred and bigotry, terror and destruction. It will require us to continue to prosper, to I have the happiness to know it is a rising alleviate poverty, to better balance the de- Sun.’’ Well, two centuries later, we know the mands of work and family, and to serve each Sun will always rise on America, as long as of us in our communities. It will require us each new generation lights the fire of free- to take better care of our environment. It dom. Our children are ready. So, again, the will require us to make further break- torch is passed to a new century of young throughs in science and technology, to cure Americans. dread diseases, heal broken bodies, lengthen life, and unlock secrets from global warming NOTE: The President spoke at 11:53 p.m. at the to the black holes in the universe. And per- Lincoln Memorial. This item was not received in haps most important, it will require us to time for publication in the appropriate issue. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 1 9

The President’s Radio Address than just a mark of how far we’ve come. It’s January 1, 2000 the key to understanding where we’re going and what we must do in the new millennium. The President. Good morning, and It’s clear that our fate in America increas- Happy New Year—or, we should say, happy ingly will be tied to the fate of other nations new millennium. Last night Hillary and I and other people around the world. We must joined thousands of Americans on the Na- have prosperous partners to trade with, se- tional Mall to bid farewell to the remarkable cure democracies to share the burdens of century just past and to welcome the new peacekeeping, and mutual effort to combat millennium. The feelings of good will and challenges that know no borders, from ter- hope that overcame us all will be among our rorism to environmental destruction. To ad- most treasured moments, and we’re deeply vance our interests and protect our values grateful that the celebrations were both jubi- in this new, interconnected world, America lant and peaceful here, and all around the clearly must remain engaged. We must help world. to shape events and not be shaped by them. The First Lady. But our celebration The First Lady. Yet, it is not just by our didn’t just begin at the stroke of midnight, exertions abroad but by the example we set nor will it end today. Two years ago the Presi- here at home that we can influence the world dent and I launched the White House Mil- for the better. For in the new millennium, lennium Project to inspire all Americans to the world will be looking to America for lead- reflect on where we have been as a nation, ership in meeting our great common chal- who we are, and what we want to be, a lenges. project ‘‘to honor the past and imagine the If we in America can extend prosperity to future.’’ people and places in this country that have I’ve traveled all across our country, en- not yet felt it, then perhaps the global econ- couraging citizens and communities to think omy can bring a better life to the 1.4 billion of the gifts that America can give to the fu- people who live on less than one dollar a day. ture, whether it’s saving our historic treasures If we in America can provide all of our chil- such as the Declaration of Independence or dren with a world-class education, then per- Thomas Edison’s invention factory or the haps it will be possible, in the not-too-distant pueblos of the American Southwest, opening future, for every child in the world to have trails and planting millions of trees for future a good education. And if we can build one generations to enjoy, or teaching our school- America and make our diversity our greatest children to value their own families’ and strength, then perhaps other nations will see America’s immigrant past. The President and the advantage of working to overcome their I invite you to join these and so many other own ethnic and religious tensions. efforts to extend our celebration far into the The President. We begin the 21st century new year and the new century. well poised to be that guiding light. Seldom The President. What is perhaps most re- in our history and never in my lifetime has markable about last night’s celebration is the our Nation enjoyed such a combination of way it was shared all around the world. Mil- widespread economic success, social soli- lions of Americans, and billions of others darity, and national self-confidence, without across the globe, watched on television as an internal crisis or an overarching external midnight broke first in Asia, then in Europe, threat. Never has the openness and dyna- then Africa, South America, finally, here in mism of our society been more emulated by North America. other countries. Never have our values of That people all over the planet could expe- freedom, democracy, and opportunity been rience the same events at the same time more ascendant in the world. would have been impossible for anyone to Nearly 55 years ago, President Franklin imagine a thousand years ago, even a hun- Roosevelt said that ‘‘we cannot live alone at dred. Yet, the growing interconnectedness of peace . . . our own well-being is dependent the world today—thanks to a global economy on the well-being of other nations far away,’’ and technologies like the Internet—is more and, therefore, that we must be ‘‘citizens of 10 Jan. 1 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 the world, members of the human commu- those who strive and work for peace, that nity.’’ I believe his words will prove even all swords may be turned into plowshares and truer in the 21st century. With America ful- none may hurt or destroy. filling our ideals and responsibilities, we can Audience members. We thank You and make this new century a time of unprece- praise You, O God. dented peace, freedom, and prosperity for The President. We give You thanks, O our people and for all the citizens of the God, for creating all humanity in Your image, world. for the wonderful diversity of Your children, Thank you, Happy New Year, and God of Your races and creeds, cultures and bless America. tongues. Enrich our lives by ever-widening NOTE: The President spoke at 10:06 a.m. from circles of fellowship, and show us Your pres- the Oval Office at the White House. ence in those who differ most from us. Audience members. We thank You and praise You, O God. Prayer at Christmas II: Holy The First Lady. In offering You thanks, Eucharist Services O God, we become aware of our failings and January 2, 2000 shortcomings. Time after time, we fail to The President. Gathered in the spirit of strive for the vision and world You hold out truth and hope, in unity and peace, at the to us. We do not honor one another. We beginning of the new year, the dawn of a abuse Your creation. We take for granted our new century, and at the turn of the third mil- resources, and we fail to recognize Your gra- lennium, let us offer before God our prayers cious hand in the harvests of land and sea. and thanksgivings. Grant us a respect for your whole world. We give You thanks, O God, for the good- Audience members. Forgive us, heal us, ness and love You have made known to us and restore us, O God. in creation. You fill the world with beauty. The President. Time after time, O God, Open our eyes to see Your handiwork in all we fail to follow Your ways and to live up creation and in one another. to the hopes of our Founding Fathers and Audience members. We thank You and Mothers. We turn from the path of justice praise You, O God. and peace to follow the way of hatred and The First Lady. We give You thanks, O anger. So move our hearts that barriers which God, for Your church throughout the world, divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and for religious faith and freedom in this and hatreds cease, and that, in Your wisdom country. Grant that all who seek You by many and love, we may live with our world family names may be united in Your truth, live to- in true justice and peace. gether in Your love, and reveal Your glory Audience members. Forgive us, heal us, in the world. and restore us, O God. Audience members. We thank You and The First Lady. Time after time, O God, praise You, O God. we hoard the bounty of Your goodness. We The President. We give You thanks, O God, for our Nation; for the gifts of liberty, store up goods for ourselves and ignore the freedom, and peace; for the women and men cry of the poor and hungry. We store up lib- who have made this country strong. Give us, erty and justice for ourselves and ignore the like them, a zeal for justice and truth, and cry of the oppressed. Look with favor upon grant that we and all the people of this land the people of this and every land who live may, by Your grace, be strengthened to main- with injustice, terror, poverty, disease, and tain our liberties and righteousness and death, and grant that we who are so richly peace. blessed may, with Your help, respond with Audience members. We thank You and costly love and compassion. praise You, O God. Audience members. Forgive us, heal us, The First Lady. We pray, also, for the and restore us, O God. world, for the leaders of the nations and for The President. Let us pray. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 2 11

Dear Lord, as we awaken to this second now to accept at long last the enduring truth morning of a new millennium, help us to re- that the most important fact of life is not member that all we are and all we do begins wealth or power or beauty or scientific ad- with You, for whom a thousand years are but vance but our kinship as brothers and sisters as yesterday, when it is passed and as a watch and our oneness as children of God. in the night. This, Holy Father, is our prayer for the So we begin this jubilee year in humility, new millennium. with profound thanks for the divine light first Audience members. Amen. revealed 2,000 years ago that has brought us now to this sacred place today. Each in our own way, we thank You for the blessings of NOTE: The President spoke at 11:44 a.m. at Wash- this life. For me and my family, I give You ington National Cathedral. thanks for good health, good fortune, and the opportunity to serve the American people. We thank You for the amazing grace You Statement on the Death have shown in getting us through and beyond of Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr. our individual and collective sins and trials. Through the darkest hours of the 20th cen- January 2, 2000 tury, the shameful trauma of racial oppres- Hillary and I were deeply saddened to sion, the pain and sacrifice of war, the fear learn of the death of Admiral Elmo R. and deprivation of depression, when all we Zumwalt, Jr., today. could do was walk by faith, it was Your guid- In both wartime and peacetime, Admiral ing light that saw us through. Zumwalt exemplified the ideal of service to We thank You for the promise of the new our Nation. He was a genuine patriot with century and ask Your guidance and grace in helping us to make the most of it; to free an astonishing life story. A distinguished vet- our children of hunger, neglect, and war; to eran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, ease the burdens of the less fortunate; to he rose to become the Chief of Naval Oper- strengthen the bonds of family; to preserve ations, the Navy’s top post. As CNO, he and protect our earthly home; to use new worked vigorously to improve our sailor’s advances in science and technology to lift all quality of life and devoted himself to elimi- the human family and draw us all closer to- nating discrimination in the Navy. gether. But more than most Americans who have Finally, we thank You for the rich and served our country with distinction, Admiral wonderful diversity of human life with which Zumwalt paid a deeply personal price for his You have graced this planet and ask You to dedication when his son died of an ailment give us the strength and wisdom to give up related to service in Vietnam. Admiral our fear, distrust, and hatred of those who Zumwalt became a great champion of vet- are different. Teach us instead to learn from erans with war-related health problems. He each other and celebrate our differences, se- established the first national bone marrow cure in the knowledge that we are all Your donor program to help cancer patients in children. need. He never stopped fighting for the in- Our Constitution tells us You created us terests, the rights, and the dignity of soldiers, all equal. Jesus told us to love our neighbors sailors, airmen, and marines and their fami- as ourselves. The Koran says we must do unto lies. all men as you wished to have done to you Admiral Zumwalt was one of the greatest and reject for others what you would reject models of integrity, leadership, and genuine for yourself. The Talmud instructs us, should humanity our Nation has ever produced. I anyone turn aside the right of the stranger, was proud to award him the Medal of Free- it is as though he were to turn aside the right dom in 1998 for his lifetime of dedicated of the most high God. public service. By Your grace, we have survived in spite At this time of sorrow, our prayers and of our blindness to this, Your truth. Help us sympathies go out to his family and friends. 12 Jan. 3 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Letter to Congressional Leaders Notice—Continuation of Libyan Transmitting a Report on Emergency Peacekeeping December 29, 1999 December 28, 1999 On January 7, 1986, by Executive Order Dear Mr. Chairman: 12543, former President Reagan declared a I am pleased to transmit herewith the 1998 national emergency to deal with the unusual Annual Report to the Congress on Peace- and extraordinary threat to the national secu- keeping. The report is required by section rity and foreign policy of the United States 4(d) of the United Nations Participation Act constituted by the actions and policies of the (Public Law 79–264), as amended, and the Government of Libya. On January 8, 1986, Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal by Executive Order 12544, the President Years 1994 and 1995 (Public Law 103–236). took additional measures to block Libyan as- The report provides an account of how the sets in the United States. The President has United States used peacekeeping last year to transmitted a notice continuing this emer- promote regional stability and to advance gency to the Congress and the Federal Reg- U.S. interests. ister every year since 1986. United Nations and other peacekeeping The crisis between the United States and operations also helped us protect our inter- Libya that led to the declaration of a national ests before they were directly threatened, emergency on January 7, 1986, has not been and ensured that other nations shared with resolved. Despite the United Nations Secu- us the risks and costs of maintaining inter- rity Council’s suspension of U.N. sanctions national stability. against Libya upon the Libyan government’s We continued to promote greater dis- hand over of the Pan Am 103 bombing sus- cipline in decision-making regarding multi- pects, there are still concerns about the Liby- lateral peace operations in national capitals an government’s support for terrorist activi- and at the United Nations. This includes in- ties and its noncompliance with United Na- creased focus on key questions about the tions Security Council Resolutions 731 mandate, size, costs, duration, and exit strat- (1992), 748 (1992), and 883 (1993). egy for peacekeeping operations before they Therefore, in accordance with section are approved. 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 I look forward to working with you to en- U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national sure that peacekeeping remains a viable op- emergency with respect to Libya. This notice tion for dealing with international conflicts. shall be published in the Federal Register Sincerely, and transmitted to the Congress. William J. Clinton William J. Clinton NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Floyd Spence, chairman, House Committee on Armed The White House, Services; C.W. Bill Young, chairman, House Com- December 29, 1999. mittee on Appropriations; Benjamin A. Gilman, chairman, House Committee on International Re- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, lations; John Warner, chairman, Senate Com- 2:08 p.m., December 30, 1999] mittee on Armed Services; Ted Stevens, chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations; and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign NOTE: This notice was released by the Office of Relations. This letter was released by the Office the Press Secretary on January 3, 2000, and it was of the Press Secretary on January 3, 2000. published in the Federal Register on January 3. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 4 13

Letter to Congressional Leaders on Letter to Congressional Leaders Continuation of the National Transmitting a Report on Cyprus Emergency With Respect to Libya December 31, 1999 December 29, 1999 Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Chairman:) In accordance with Public Law 95–384 (22 Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) U.S.C. 2373(c)), I submit to you this report Section 202(d) of the National Emer- on progress toward a negotiated settlement gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for of the Cyprus question covering the period the automatic termination of a national emer- October 1 to November 30, 1999. The pre- gency unless, prior to the anniversary date vious submission covered events during Au- of its declaration, the President publishes in gust and September 1999. the Federal Register and transmits to the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Congress a notice stating that the emergency Annan announced on November 13 the start is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- of proximity talks in New York on December sary date. In accordance with this provision, 3 to work towards a resolution to the long- I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that standing Cyprus dispute. The goal of these the Libyan emergency declared in 1986 is talks is to prepare the ground for meaningful to continue in effect beyond January 7, 2000, negotiations leading to a comprehensive set- to the Federal Register for publication. Simi- tlement of the Cyprus problem. lar notices have been sent annually to the This welcome news was highlighted during Congress and published in the Federal Reg- my trip to Turkey and Greece from Novem- ister. The most recent notice was signed on ber 15–20 as a positive step toward bringing December 30, 1998, and appeared in the about a just and lasting solution for all Cyp- Federal Register on January 4, 1999. riots and improving Greek-Turkish relations for a more secure southern Europe. The crisis between the United States and Sincerely, Libya that led to the declaration of a national emergency on January 7, 1986, has not been William J. Clinton resolved. Despite the United Nations Secu- rity Council’s suspension of U.N. sanctions NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, against Libya upon the Libyan government’s and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on hand over of the Pan Am 103 bombing sus- Foreign Relations. This letter was released by the pects, there are still concerns about the Liby- Office of the Press Secretary on January 3, 2000. an government’s support for terrorist activi- ties and its noncompliance with United Na- tions Security Council Resolutions 731 Remarks on the Renomination of (1992), 748 (1992), and 883 (1993). For these Alan Greenspan as Chairman of the reasons, I have determined that it is nec- Federal Reserve Board and an essary to maintain in force the broad authori- Exchange With Reporters ties necessary to apply economic pressure to January 4, 2000 the Government of Libya to reduce its ability to support international terrorism. The President. You’re supposed to stand Sincerely, over here today. Chairman Greenspan. Over there? William J. Clinton The President. This is the only time I’m interfering with the independence of the Fed. [Laughter] You have to come over here. NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Good morning. Ladies and gentlemen, the Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, United States is enjoying an extraordinary and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. This amount of economic success, for which we letter was released by the Office of the Press Sec- are all grateful. It seems clear that it is the retary on January 3, 2000. result of the convergence of a number of 14 Jan. 4 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 forces: a great entrepreneurial spirit; Asian financial crisis and many of the other stunning technological innovations; well- things that we have faced over the last 7 managed businesses; hard-working and pro- years. ductive men and women in our work force; Chairman Greenspan’s leadership has al- expanding markets for our goods and serv- ways been crucial to these successes. With ices; a complete commitment to fiscal dis- his help, we were able, also, last year to enact cipline; and of course, a Federal Reserve that historic financial reform legislation, repealing has made independent, professional, and Glass-Steagall and modernizing our financial provably wise judgments about our monetary systems for the 21st century. He was also, policy. I think it’s worth noting, one of the very first Since I took office 7 years ago, one of the in his profession to recognize the power and hallmarks of our economic strategy has been impact of new technologies on the new econ- a respect for the independence and the integ- omy, how they changed all the rules and all rity of the Federal Reserve. I have always the possibilities. In fact, his devotion to new believed the best way for the executive technologies has been so significant, I’ve branch to work with the Fed is to let the been thinking of taking Alan.com public; Chairman and the members do their jobs then, we can pay the debt off even before independently, while we do our job to pro- 2015. mote fiscal discipline, to open markets, to in- On a more serious note, let me say again, vest in people and technologies. That has this Chairman’s leadership has been good not given us strong economic growth with low just for the American economy and the inflation and low unemployment. mavens of finance on Wall Street; it has been Thanks to the hard work of the American good for ordinary Americans. Even though people, we now enjoy the longest peacetime my staff makes sure that I never give Chair- expansion in our history. In February it will man Greenspan advice, they have not been become the longest economic expansion able to stop me from asking him for his ad- ever. With productivity high, inflation low, vice. So I would also like to thank him for and real wages rising, it is more than the the many conversations we’ve had over the stock markets, which have boomed. This has last 7 years in our ongoing attempt to under- helped ordinary people all over America. stand this amazing and ever-changing We have a 30-year low in unemployment, economy. a 32-year low in welfare, a 20-year low in Finally, I would like to thank him for his poverty rates, the lowest African-American willingness to serve another term. After these and Hispanic unemployment rates ever re- years of distinguished public service and at corded, the lowest female unemployment a pinnacle of success, he could be forgiven rate in 40 years, the lowest single-parent if he were willing to walk away to a more household poverty in 46 years. leisurely and, doubtless, more financially lu- Clearly, wise leadership from the Fed has crative life. His continued devotion to public played a very large role in our strong econ- service should be a cause of celebration in omy. That is why today I am pleased to an- this country and around the world, and it’s nounce my decision to renominate Alan something for which I am very grateful. Greenspan as Chairman of the Federal Re- Mr. Chairman. serve Board. For the past 12 years, Chairman [At this point, Chairman Greenspan made Greenspan has guided the Federal Reserve brief remarks.] with a rare combination of technical exper- tise, sophisticated analysis, and old-fashioned The President. Thank you. common sense. His wise and steady leader- ship has inspired confidence, not only here Stock Market in America but all around the world. Q. Is the market irrational? I believe the productive but appropriate Chairman Greenspan. Helen [Helen relationship that our administration has en- Thomas, United Press International]. I—— joyed with the Fed has helped America play Q. Do you stick by your previous state- a critical and leading role in dealing with the ments on the stock market? Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 4 15

Chairman Greenspan. You surely don’t Israel-Syria Peace Talks want me to answer that. Q. Mr. President, how are the talks going Q. Yes, I do. in the Middle East—on the Middle East, Chairman Greenspan. You do? Well, I Syria-Israel? don’t think I will. [Laughter] Helen, you’ve The President. Well, we just started, but been asking me questions now for all the issues are on the table. And it’s a pret- decades—— ty full table, as you might imagine. Q. Since you reformed the Social Security Q. Are they going to get together? system. The President. We’re working at it. I’m Chairman Greenspan. ——and I usually going back up today, and I’m hopeful. answer them. So my record’s not bad. Q. Are you disappointed at all with the pace of yesterday’s talks and that the trilat Renomination did not take place? Q. Mr. President, did it take any per- The President. No. No, that was partly suading to get Mr. Greenspan to agree to my decision. We just had a lot of other work serve another term if he’s confirmed? to do. And I’m going back today, and I think The President. No, I asked him and he they’re both very serious, I think they both said yes. I wish—you know, when we finish want an agreement. I think there are difficult here, I have to go back to Shepherdstown. issues, and we’ll just have to hope that we I wish I could have so much success in the work it out. Middle East peace talks—I just ask them, Press Secretary Joe Lockhart. Thank and they say yes, the way Mr. Greenspan did. you everyone. Thank you. [Laughter] It would be quite a joy. Q. How about the reports that the Israelis Q. Are you going today? need $17 billion, sir? Q. Mr. Greenspan, what factors played in The President. What? your decision to stay? After a decade there, Q. The reports the Israelis need $17 one might expect you might want to retire billion—— or move on. The President. I don’t—excuse me, I lost Chairman Greenspan. There is a certain, my cufflink—I think there will be some cost really quite unimaginable intellectual interest associated with the security rearrangements. that one gets from working in the context And then obviously, over the long run, as I where you have to put broad theoretical and have made clear, we need to make a con- fairly complex conceptual issues to a test in tribution, as do our friends in Europe and the marketplace. Unlike a straight academic hopefully some in Asia, to the long-term eco- career, you end up fully recognizing that nomic development of a regional Middle hypotheses matter, that actions matter, the East economy. So there will be some costs ideas that you come up with matter. That, involved there—over a period of years, not as I indicated, is really quite an unusual thing just in one year. for an economist to deal with, and as I think We’re trying to determine exactly what Larry Summers probably knows as well, if that should be. And of course, before I can not better than I, it’s a type of activity which make any commitments, I will have to con- forces economists like ourselves to be acutely sult with the congressional leadership in both aware of the fact that our actions have con- Houses and in both parties, and some of the sequences. And it’s crucially important for us committee leaders as well. And I have made to try to determine in advance what those that clear. So we’re attempting to ascertain consequences are. And that is a challenge, what the general outlines of the costs would which I must say to you, is, as I said to the be, over how many years those costs can be President before, it’s like eating peanuts. You spread, and then I will have to do some seri- keep doing it, keep doing it, and you never ous consultation with the congressional lead- get tired, because the future is always ulti- ership before I can do more than say I would mately unknowable. support this. 16 Jan. 4 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

We want to have a high probability of suc- Remarks on Departure for cess, and I believe that in America, Ameri- Chappaqua, New York, and an cans of all political parties and all stripes des- Exchange With Reporters perately want us to see a comprehensive January 5, 2000 peace in the Middle East and understand that in the next 3 to 4 months we have an Legislative Agenda unparalleled opportunity that we have to The President. Good afternoon. I just had seize. So I’m quite hopeful about that. a very good meeting with Senator Daschle Press Secretary Lockhart. Thank you. and Congressman Gephardt about our legis- lative priorities for the coming year and the Move to Chappaqua unparalleled opportunity we now have to Q. [Inaudible]—help Mrs. Clinton move take actions that could benefit America for to New York? the rest of the new century. The President. I have been helping. This is truly a remarkable moment. Who We’ve been working at it. We’ve been boxing would have thought 7 years ago, when we things up and figuring out what to leave here, had record budget deficits and high unem- what to move there. It’s been a rather inter- ployment, that we would begin the new cen- tury with record surpluses, the lowest unem- esting challenge over the holidays. But I’ve ployment in 30 years, and next month the enjoyed it very much. longest economic expansion in the history of Thank you. the United States? Never before have we enjoyed at once so Israel-Syria Peace Talks much prosperity, social progress, and na- Q. Is $17 million, $17 billion the right tional self-confidence with so little internal figure? crisis or external threat. Never have we had The President. I don’t know yet. What such an opportunity and, therefore, such a we’re working on now up in West Virginia responsibility to address our long-term chal- is sort of figuring out what the process for lenges, keeping our prosperity going by the next few days is going to be. And then maintaining fiscal discipline and making America debt-free for the first time since we have to start working on that and figuring 1835, the challenge of spreading our pros- out what the specific jobs are that we would perity to people in places still left behind, be asked to help finance, whether we could helping parents to succeed at home and at get any others to help, and over how many work, preparing for the retirement of the years it would have to be done. Then I’ll have baby boom generation, and most of all, meet- to go talk to the Congress. And I’m just not ing the challenge of giving all our children in a position yet to say what dollar amount a world-class education. I would ask our Congress for. President Kennedy once said the time to fix the roof is when the Sun is shining. Well, Occupational Safety and Health today the Sun is shining on America, and the Administration Regulations roofs that need most fixing in America are Q. Were you aware of these OSHA regula- the roofs of our Nation’s schools. Anyone who visits schools regularly, as I have, will tions, sir, about people having to have OSHA not be surprised to learn that a third of all regulations when they work at home? Did our schools need extensive repairs or replace- you hear anything about that? ment. I’ve been to schools not only with leaky The President. No, not until I read about roofs but with window frames so old that if them. you try to powerwash the windows, the glass would pop out, with electrical service so in- NOTE: The President spoke at 11:40 a.m. in the adequate that if you plug a new computer Oval Office at the White House. into the wall, the circuit breaker cuts out. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 5 17

We can’t expect our students to meet high [At this point, Senator Thomas A. Daschle academic standards if their schools don’t and Representative Richard A. Gephardt even meet high building standards. We know made brief remarks.] that antiquated classrooms do get in the way Q. Mr. President—on that point, Mr. of learning. One study found that students President, how convinced are you—— in high quality school buildings did better on achievement tests than those in low quality Elian Gonzalez school buildings, even when both sets of stu- Q. Can I ask you about the decision of dents were from similar economic and social the INS to return Elian Gonzalez to his fa- backgrounds. ther in Cuba? That’s why I’m pleased to announce today The President. Well, the INS followed that in the budget my administration is pre- the law and the procedures and made the paring, I will call for a new initiative to repair, decision that they made after an exhaustive renovate, and renew our Nation’s school review of the facts. And I told you when we buildings. First, my budget will offer a new started this that I would do my best to keep program, funded at $1.3 billion in the first this decision out of politics. We have done year, of grants and interest-free loans to help that. We have not been involved in it. And the Nation’s neediest school districts make they, I’m convinced, followed the law and the facts, did the best they could with the urgent repairs on their schools. If we con- decision. tinue this over 5 years, we could renovate 41,000 schools. Legislative Agenda and 2000 Campaign Second, the budget will include, as it has Q. Mr. President, are you concerned that in the past, a tax credit to help build or mod- there may not be as much support within ernize 6,000 schools nationwide so we can the Democratic caucus as you’d like for your take our children out of trailers and put them program? Since every issue that is passed is in modern classrooms. one less issue that can be used in an election Senator Daschle, Congressman Gephardt, to retake Congress. and I agree on the need to repair older class- The President. Well, the short answer to rooms and build new ones. We know it your question is, no, because I think if you should be a top priority this year, and we look at the progress we have made in the intend to make it so. We also agree on other last 3 or 4 years, it has not weakened the priorities as well—a strong, enforceable Pa- Democrats. The people hire us to come to tients’ Bill of Rights, sensible gun safety legis- work here every day. We all draw a paycheck lation, the ‘‘Hate Crimes Prevention Act,’’ paid for by the taxpayers. And we came to strengthening Social Security, modernizing Washington because we wanted to do things Medicare with a voluntary prescription drug for America. I think that it does not hurt the benefit and strengthening it, and raising the cause of the Democratic Party to pass these minimum wage. reforms. I think there will always be things that we We’ve seen bipartisan support for all these disagree on that we won’t be able to resolve; programs in Congress. We know that outside there will always be differences of opinion Washington, none of these are partisan that will shape the coming election; and that issues. In the first days of the new millen- is in the very nature of democracy. So I don’t nium, there is a new sense of hope and re- believe that it in any ways weakens the posi- newal across our country. We can build on tion of my party in the coming elections to that spirit not just to make this a changing do things that are good for America now. of the calendar but to make it a changing Q. With Social Security and Medicare, are of the times. Our New Year’s resolution is you prepared in either your State of the to reach across party lines to help our chil- Union or your budget to propose structural dren reach for the sky. reforms or, as you’ve indicated in the past, Now I’d like to ask Senator Daschle and because of the political realities, the political Congressman Gephardt to say a few words. danger of these issues, do you have to wait, 18 Jan. 5 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 get behind closed doors and walk out with Videotape Remarks for Dr. George Trent Lott and Hastert to announce it? Washington Carver National The President. Well, first of all, I think Recognition Day there is a process that has been established January 5, 2000 that will start in the Senate for dealing with Medicare next year. And I am very hopeful It’s an honor for me to send my greetings that it will produce an agreement there. to all of you in Santa Clara. I thank you for On Social Security, as I have repeatedly what you’re doing to help instill the joy of pointed out, there is one thing we could do science in our children, to help close the dig- that would take Social Security beyond the ital divide, and to honor the legacy of George life of the baby boom generation, which is Washington Carver. simply to dedicate the interest savings in the Dr. Carver overcame enormous obstacles national debt from the Social Security sur- to become one of our greatest scientists and plus to the Social Security Trust Fund. If we teachers. He was born to a slave mother on just did that, a simple bill, we could take So- a Missouri farm, orphaned from an early age, cial Security out beyond the life of the baby survived great illness, and often was the vic- boom generation. tim of bigotry and hate. It wasn’t until his If we want to go to 75 years instead of late twenties that he was able to obtain a high 50, then the best way to do that is to continue school education. the work I’ve tried to do last year. You know, And even as a child, Dr. Carver was known we had a big Social Security meeting. We for talking to God through flowers and other had over 40 Members of Congress, Demo- plants. It’s no wonder that agriculture be- crats and Republicans, over here at Blair came his ministry to mankind. At Booker T. House to talk about this, and I am prepared Washington’s Tuskegee Institute, Carver ap- to meet with them and to work with them plied the almost magical possibilities of to try to work through this. And if there is chemistry to the fields and farms of the a willingness to do it, I am certainly more South. He created 300 useful products from than willing to do my part and to meet them peanuts and more than 100 from sweet pota- halfway on it. toes, spawning numerous industries. He helped save the South’s depleted soils. And no person deserves more credit for liberating Move to Chappaqua the South from its reliance on cotton. Q. How often are you going to visit your Dr. Carver was also a great humanitarian. new house? In everything he did, he was motivated by Q. Any advice for commuter couples? You a deep desire to help poor, struggling farmers are the most famous commuter couple now. lead healthier, happier, more prosperous [Laughter] It’s a fair question. lives. And as if his scientific contributions The President. I don’t think we’ve had were not great enough, he donated his entire enough experience to offer advice. But we’re life savings to help establish the Carver Re- about to go up there and start moving stuff search Foundation at Tuskegee. into our house. That’s what we’re going to Dr. Carver once said that he tried to lead do when we leave here. his life ‘‘in the spirit of a little child seeking Thank you very much. only to know the truth and follow it.’’ That is the spirit of discovery that the Healing In- stitute and the Santa Clara Alliance of Black NOTE: The President spoke at 3:40 p.m. on the South Grounds at the White House. In his re- Educators are helping to nurture in our chil- marks, he referred to Cuban youth Elian dren today. I am deeply grateful for that. Gonzalez, rescued off the coast of Florida on No- Congratulations to all the Carver Scholars, vember 25, 1999, whose custody case was pending and to all of you who are helping our children before the Immigration and Naturalization Serv- soar beyond limitations. God bless you all. ice. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also included the remarks of Sen- NOTE: The President’s remarks were videotaped ator Daschle and Representative Gephardt. at approximately 12:30 p.m. in the Roosevelt Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 5 19

Room on December 16, 1999, for transmission merce, and the Director of Central Intel- on January 5, 2000, to the Santa Clara County ligence on behalf of the Intelligence Com- Carver Scholars Program meeting at the Santa munity prior to submission to the Congress. Clara County Convention Center in Santa Clara, Any reference in this memorandum to the CA. The transcript was released by the Office of provisions of any Act shall be deemed to be the Press Secretary on January 5. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these a reference to such Act or its provisions as remarks. may be amended from time to time. You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register. Memorandum on Delegation of Authority for Reporting Functions William J. Clinton on Technology Transfer January 5, 2000 Memorandum on Delegation of Memorandum for the Secretary of Defense Authority for Reporting Functions Subject: Delegation of Authority Under on Technology Transfer Sections 1402 and 1406 of the National January 5, 2000 Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106–65) Memorandum for the Secretary of Energy By the authority vested in me by the Con- Subject: Delegation of Authority Under stitution and laws of the United States, in- Section 1406 of the National Defense cluding section 301 of title 3, United States Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretary of (Public Law 106–65) Defense the duties and responsibilities vest- By the authority vested in me by the Con- ed in the President by sections 1402 and stitution and laws of the United States, in- 1406 of the National Defense Authorization cluding section 301 of title 3, United States Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (‘‘the Act’’) (Public Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretary of Law 106–65). Energy and the Secretary of Defense the du- The Department of Defense shall prepare ties and responsibilities vested in the Presi- the report required by section 1402 of the dent by section 1406 of the National Defense Act with the assistance of the Department Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (‘‘the of State, the Department of Commerce, the Act’’) (Public Law 106–65). Department of Energy, the Department of The Departments of Energy and Defense the Treasury, the Director of Central Intel- shall jointly prepare a report with the assist- ligence, and the Federal Bureau of Investiga- ance of the Department of State, the Depart- tion. The Department of Defense shall ob- ment of Commerce, and the Director of tain concurrence on the report from the fol- Central Intelligence. The Departments of lowing agencies: the Department of State, Defense and Energy shall obtain concur- the Department of Commerce, the Director rence on the report from the following agen- of Central Intelligence on behalf of the Intel- cies: the Department of State, the Depart- ligence Community, the Department of the ment of Commerce, and the Director of Treasury, and the Federal Bureau of Inves- Central Intelligence on behalf of the Intel- tigation prior to submission to the Congress. ligence Community prior to submission to The Departments of Defense and Energy the Congress. shall jointly prepare the report required by Any reference in this memorandum to the section 1406 of the Act with the assistance provisions of any Act shall be deemed to be of the Department of State, the Department a reference to such Act or its provisions as of Commerce, and the Director of Central may be amended from time to time. Intelligence. The Departments of Defense You are authorized and directed to publish and Energy shall obtain concurrence on the this memorandum in the Federal Register. report from the following agencies: the De- partment of State, the Department of Com- William J. Clinton 20 Jan. 5 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Memorandum on Delegation of Exchange With Reporters in Authority for Reporting Functions Chappaqua, New York on Technology Transfer January 6, 2000 January 5, 2000 Memorandum for the Secretary of State Moving In Subject: Delegation of Authority Under The First Lady. Good morning! Section 1401(b) of the National Defense The President. Good morning, every- Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 body. (Public Law 106–65) Q. So are you now officially New Yorkers? The President. We’re here. Let me say By the authority vested in me by the Con- to start that we’re delighted to be here. We stitution and laws of the United States, in- like this house very much, and we, at least, cluding section 301 of title 3, United States have put up all the boxes we brought up here Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretary of so far. This is the first home we have had State the duties and responsibilities vested since January of 1983, 17 years ago, when in the President by section 1401(b) of the we moved back into the Governor’s Mansion National Defense Authorization Act for Fis- in Little Rock. So it’s exciting. We’re seeing cal Year 2000 (‘‘the Act’’) (Public Law 106– some things we haven’t seen since we moved 65). to the White House and some things we The Department of State shall obtain con- haven’t seen in 17 years. currence on the report from the following We’ve got a table in there that we bought agencies: the Department of Defense, the shortly after we got married, in 1975, that Department of Commerce, and the Director we haven’t used in a long time. So we’ve had of Central Intelligence on behalf of the Intel- a lot of fun, and I’ve enjoyed it very much. ligence Community prior to submission to The First Lady. We’re glad to have you the Congress. here this morning because this is a lot of ex- Any reference in this memorandum to the citement and hard work for us, but we’re so provisions of any Act shall be deemed to be pleased that we are finally here and moved a reference to such Act or its provisions as in and looking forward to many, many happy may be amended from time to time. days here in the days and months ahead. You are authorized and directed to publish The President. We also want to thank our this memorandum in the Federal Register. neighbors who have been long-suffering with William J. Clinton all the attention—— The First Lady. Right. The President.——that the house has re- Letter to Congressional Leaders ceived. Transmitting a Report on the The First Lady. And all of the officials National Security Strategy here in Chappaqua and New Castle and January 5, 2000 Westchester County, who have been so help- ful and cooperative with the Secret Service Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) and the other people who are a part of the As required by section 603 of the President’s official duties. Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986, I am transmit- ting a report on the National Security Strat- President’s Voter’s Registration egy of the United States. Q. Mr. President, will you be shifting your Sincerely, voter registration to New York, so you can vote for a certain Senate candidate? William J. Clinton The President. Yes, I’ve got a particular NOTE: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis interest in the election up here next year, Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, so I want to make sure my vote counts. I and Albert Gore, Jr., President of the Senate. expect to vote in the election in New York. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 6 21

Dinner hard on finishing my library and center. And Q. What did you do last night? What did I’m going to devote all my attention to being you do for dinner? Did you have friends in? President. I’ve got a big agenda this year. The First Lady. We had friends—we’ve We’re going back now, and I have to go back had a lot of friends helping us, and one of to Shepherdstown this afternoon. But I’ve my good friends here who lives nearby came had no discussions with anybody about that over with her son and brought dinner for us, kind of move. And I was amazed to see that and then her son helped Bill move some in the paper. No one’s even suggested that. things that needed to be moved. And we had Gays in the Military other friends come over who have been help- ing us. But mostly what we did was unpack Q. Mr. President, last night the Vice Presi- boxes, put things up, try to make decisions dent in the debates said that he’ll ask military about where to hang paintings or move fur- commanders about their feelings on gays niture, and make a long list of all the things serving in the military before appointing peo- we have to do that aren’t done yet that are ple to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Is this litmus going to have to be tended to. test the way it should work? Q. Are you going back to Washington The President. Well, I think the real today to do that? problem is—let me go back to what hap- The First Lady. Yes, we’re going back pened, because, as you know, my view was— today, and we’ll be packing up more things and I will restate my view. The Uniform and moving more things in the next couple Code of Military Justice prohibits homo- of weeks. So it will be a process. We’re not sexual contacts. So my view was, if someone going to be totally moved in and everything was willing to take the pledge to observe the in place for a while. But it’s a lot of fun for Uniform Code of Military Justice, they us to be able to do this again, for the first shouldn’t have to lie about being gay and time in such a long time, because we, of being in the military. Then, let me remind course, worked very hard in the White House you what happened. The Congress voted, by and spent an enormous amount of time and a veto-proof majority, against that position. effort trying to keep the White House in So that’s how we got to ‘‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’’ good shape and do some additional work that My focus has been on trying to make the needed to be done there, but it’s different policy work the way the military commanders when you’re doing it in your own home. said it would work back in 1993, which it Q. Have you thought any more about a has not been doing. No one disputes that. schedule for how often you will both be To Secretary Cohen’s credit, back in August here? we announced some new guidelines, which Q. Mrs. Clinton and also Mr. President, have now been implemented, for training the mayor, as you may have heard a couple and for implementation, which I think will of days ago, said that both of you, the significantly improve the present situation Clintons, he said, have been egregious viola- over the next few months. tors of soft money, both in how it’s collected Now the Vice President and Senator and how it’s distributed. Your reaction, both Bradley say they want to go back to the posi- of you? tion that I advocated in ’92 and ’93. In order The First Lady. We’re going to talk about to do that, the Congress will have to change our house this morning, which we are very the law, I believe. I don’t think that the mili- happy about being in and being New York- tary and the President have the authority to ers. And we’ll leave that to another time. do it. Now you could go back and look at the constitutional arguments and do some re- President’s Plans search, but I think a lot of this debate—I Q. Mr. President, are you going to—we think a lot of people have actually forgotten haven’t heard from you. [Laughter] that Congress put into the law the present The President. No. [Laughter] No, I keep policy. reading all these things. I’ve not given very And so what I’m going to do is spend the much thought to this. I’m going to work very next year trying to make sure that we do what 22 Jan. 6 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 was intended and what I announced would power or by hand crank, but you never need be done, after extensive consultation with our a plug or anything. So we listened to the commanders back in 1993. I believe that the radio last night. It was quite wonderful. next President, if he wants to change the pol- Q. [Inaudible]—what it was like being in icy, will have to get the Congress to change the house for the first time in 17 years, your the law. own house? Q. A quick followup on that. Wouldn’t lit- The First Lady. We loved it. Well, it was mus tests like that have disqualified some- a little overwhelming because there is so body like Colin Powell from serving as Joint much to be done, and we stayed up very late, Chiefs? working on getting things organized and put The President. I think that I’m going to away. And then we’re going to be back to- leave the appointment process to the next gether next week, and we’ll keep the process President. I’m not going to get involved in going until we finally get things moved in. this election right now. I think that there But it was wonderful having a chance to have been, we know, going back all the way be here. My mother is with us. We just had to the First World War, we have clear evi- a great time. dence that there have been gays in the mili- Q. How late were you up? tary who have served with great distinction. The First Lady. Oh, gosh. I think it’s quite interesting that most of the The President. Past 1 a.m. Vietnam veterans, combat veterans in the United States Congress, including Senators Robb and Senator Kerry, just to mention NOTE: The exchange began at 11:28 a.m. outside the Chappaqua residence. In this exchange, a re- two, have felt that—both Senator Kerry and porter referred to Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani of Kerrey and Senator Robb—have felt that the New York City. A tape was not available for policy ought to be changed and supported verification of the content of this exchange. my original position. So I would like to find some way for people to be honest, to obey the law, and to serve with distinction in the military. So I think Message on the Observance of that is where our focus ought to be, and the Id al-Fitr, 2000 next President will have to figure out how January 6, 2000 to do that. But I think there will have to be a change in the law. Warm greetings to Muslims across the Q. Mr. President, the polls show that your United States and around the world as the wife is trailing right now. Do you have any holy month of Ramadan comes to a close and advice for her? you celebrate the festival of Id al-Fitr. The First Lady. Thank you so much. The month of fasting that Muslims every- where are completing is not only a sacred Moving In duty; it is also a powerful teaching, a gift from Q. What was the first night like? Islam to the world. It reminds not just Mus- The President. We had a wonderful time. lims but all people of our obligation to aid We don’t have a television yet. [Laughter] those who face poverty and suffering. It re- Q. So how did you watch the debate? minds us that we must work together to build The President. We didn’t. They have a a better, more humane world. tape for me. I’m going to watch it tonight We hope and pray for a world where all when I get home. So I had a tape. So we faiths are respected; where people of dif- brought up our CD player, and I gave Hillary ferent beliefs and ethnic backgrounds can one of those South African radios that you live together in harmony, finding strength crank—have you seen them? and joy in our differences and in our com- The First Lady. Solar-powered radios. mon humanity. And we pray that the new The President. We bought them—and I moon will bring a new era of peace between got it in Washington at the Discovery store. nations—in the Middle East and all across You crank it up, and it’s run either by solar the world—so people can emerge from the Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Jan. 7 23 shadows of violence and make better lives computer security in exchange for their pub- for their children. lic service afterward. This program will cre- Bill Clinton ate a new generation of computer security specialists who will work to defend our Na- tion’s computers. Remarks on Departure for We also need to accelerate and broaden Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and our research into computer security. Today an Exchange With Reporters I am proposing to create a new institute that January 7, 2000 will fill research gaps that neither public nor private sectors are filling today. The Institute National Plan for Information System for Information Infrastructure Protection Protection will bring to bear the finest computer sci- The President. Good morning. I want to entists and engineers from the private sector, thank Secretary Daley and President Rose from universities, and from other research of James Madison University, who has facilities to find ways to close these gaps. worked with eight other institutions of higher As part of the 2001 budget, I am request- education to do information technology secu- ing $91 million for these and other reforms rity training, and Dick Clarke from the NSC as part of an overall $2 billion budget to help and all the others who worked on this project. meet our security challenges. I will work hard I want to talk just a moment about steps to get these measures passed. I will continue we are taking today to defend our citizens to work equally hard to uphold the privacy from those who would use cyberspace to do rights of the American people, as well as the us harm. There has never been a time like proprietary rights of American businesses. As this in which we have the power to create I said before, it is essential that we do not knowledge and the power to create havoc, undermine liberty in the name of liberty. and both those powers rest in the same Information technology has helped to cre- hands. ate the unprecedented prosperity we enjoy We live in an age when one person sitting at the end of the 20th century. This morning at one computer, can come up with an idea, we will announce that the unemployment travel through cyberspace, and take human- rate for all of this past year was 4.2 percent. ity to new heights. Yet, someone can sit at That’s the lowest in 30 years, the lowest an- the same computer, hack into a computer nual unemployment rate since 1969, the low- system and potentially paralyze a company, est annual minority unemployment rates for a city, or a government. African-Americans and Hispanics ever re- Thanks to the hard work of many people, corded. It is important to recognize the role our computer systems were ready for Y2K. technology has played in this remarkable eco- But that experience did underscore how real- nomic prosperity. But it is also important to ly interconnected we all are. Today, our crit- recognize the challenges that we face out ical systems, from power structures to air there in the security area. traffic control, are connected and run by I hope that this will be a completely non- computers. We must make those systems partisan issue and that we will work together more secure so that America can be more to ensure that information technology will secure. create unprecedented prosperity in the 21st Today we are releasing a national plan to century, in an atmosphere and environment defend America’s cyberspace, the product of that makes all Americans more secure. a 3-year effort. This plan is not the end of Thank you very much. the discussion, but the beginning of a dialog with Congress, with the American people, Elian Gonzalez and especially with the private sector. We Q. Mr. President—— need to do more to bring people into the The President. One each. Go ahead, John field of computer security. That’s why I am [John Roberts, CBS News]. proposing a new program that will offer col- Q. Governor Bush of Florida is appealing lege scholarships to students in the field of to you to rescind the INS order regarding 24 Jan. 7 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Elian Gonzalez. Is that something you would ralization Service decided in favor of his Cuban even consider? father. The President. I believe that they fol- lowed the law and the procedures. This is a volatile and difficult case. And those who want to challenge it will have to follow the Digest of Other law and the procedures. I think that’s the only way to do this. We need to keep this White House Announcements out of the political process as much as pos- sible, within the established legal channels. The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest an- Israel-Syria Peace Talks nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this issue. Q. Are you satisfied with the cooperation that you’ve been getting from the Israeli and Syrian negotiators in Shepherdstown? January 1 The President. Yes. This is difficult stuff. In the morning, the President had a brief This is very hard. But let me say, they’re telephone conversation with Acting Presi- working hard, and they’re trying to find ways dent Vladimir Putin of Russia to resolve their differences. And they’re try- ing to imagine the end of the road here. It’s January 3 a difficult, difficult set of negotiations, but In the morning, the President traveled to we’re working in a steady way, and I’m satis- Shepherdstown, WV. fied that everybody is working in good faith. In the afternoon, the President met sepa- Q. How long do you expect this to take? rately with Prime Minister Ehud Barak of The President. I don’t know—until we Israel and Foreign Minister Farouk al-Shara finish. of Syria in the Sun Room at the U.S. Fish Q. Mr. President, how do you see your and Wildlife Center. role in Shepherdstown to get these talks In the evening, the President met with moving? Foreign Minister al-Shara of Syria in the Se- The President. Oh, I don’t want to char- bastian Room at the Clarion Hotel. Later, acterize that. I just try to get people together the President returned to Washington, DC. and identify what they have in common and January 4 identify what their differences are, try to get In the morning, the President traveled to people to keep in mind the big picture at Shepherdstown, WV, where he met with the end, what we want the—in this case, what Prime Minister Barak of Israel and Foreign we hope and pray the Middle East will look Minister al-Shara of Syria. like in 5 years or 10 years from now. And In the evening, the President attended an then try to work these things through to the informal reception for the Israeli and Syrian end. But we’re just trying to be helpful, and delegation at the Clarion Hotel. I hope we are, and we’re working at it. Later, the President returned to Wash- I hope you’ll wish us well, and I’ve got ington, DC, arriving after midnight, where to get up there. he placed telephone calls to Sugar Bowl par- Thank you very much. ticipants in New Orleans, LA. The White House announced that the NOTE: The President spoke at 9:28 a.m. in the President transmitted the 1999 National Se- South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, curity Strategy Report to Congress. he referred to James Madison University Presi- The President announced his intention to dent Linwood Rose; National Coordinator for Se- curity, Infrastructure Protection, and Counter- nominate Nicholas P. Godici to be Assistant terrorism Richard A. Clarke, National Security Commissioner for Patents and Trademarks Council; and Cuban youth Elian Gonzalez, res- at the Department of Commerce. cued off the coast of Florida on November 25, The President announced his intention to 1999, whose custody the Immigration and Natu- nominate Alan Greenspan to be Chairman Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 25 of the Board of Governors of the Federal Released January 3 Reserve System. Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- The President announced his intention to retary Joe Lockhart appoint Cruz M. Bustamante as a member of the U.S. Census Monitoring Board. Transcripts of readouts to the traveling press pool by Press Secretary Joe Lockhart on the January 5 Israel-Syria peace talks In the evening, the President and Hillary Released January 4 Clinton traveled to Chappaqua, NY. The White House announced that the Announcement: 1999 National Security President will travel to Brooklyn, NY, and Strategy Report Manhattan, NY, on January 13. Released January 5 January 6 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- In the afternoon, the President and Hillary retary Joe Lockhart Clinton returned to Washington, DC. Later, Released January 6 the President traveled to Shepherdstown, Transcript of a readout to the traveling press WV, and in the evening, he returned to pool by Press Secretary Joe Lockhart and Washington, DC. State Department Spokesman James Rubin The President announced his intention to on the Israel-Syria peace talks appoint Joe Velasquez to the President’s Ad- visory Committee on the Arts at the John Released January 7 F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Transcripts of telephone remarks to the trav- eling press pool by Press Secretary Joe January 7 Lockhart on the Israel-Syria peace talks In the morning, the President traveled to Shepherdstown, WV, where he met with Transcript of a press briefing by Chief of Prime Minister Barak of Israel and Foreign Staff John Podesta, Secretary of Commerce Minister al-Shara of Syria. Bill Daley, James Madison University Presi- In the afternoon, the President returned dent Linwood H. Rose, and NSC National to Washington, DC. Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Pro- tection and Counter-terrorism Richard A. Clarke on the National Plan for Information System Protection Statement by the Press Secretary on the Nominations working document that the President pre- Submitted to the Senate sented to the delegations at the Israel-Syria peace talks

NOTE: No nominations were submitted to the Fact sheet: Institute for Information Infra- Senate during the period covered by this issue. structure Protection Fact sheet: Federal Cyber Services Training and Education Initiative

Checklist of White House Press Releases Acts Approved by the President The following list contains releases of the Office of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as NOTE: No acts approved by the President were items nor covered by entries in the Digest of received by the Office of the Federal Register Other White House Announcements. during the period covered by this issue.