Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, February 17, 1997 Volume 33—Number 7 Pages 163–193

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Addresses and Remarks Interviews With the News Media Exchanges with reporters ‘‘Adoption 2002,’’ report—189 Cabinet Room—176 Ambassador Pamela Harriman, funeral—181 Oval Office—182, 189 Campaign finance reform legislation, meeting Roosevelt Room—179 with cosponsors—176 News conference with Prime Minister Congressional leaders, meeting—178 Netanyahu of Israel, February 13 (No. Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis— 135)—183 165 Letters and Messages Radio address—163 Id al-Fı´tr, message—163 ‘‘Thomas Jefferson,’’ film screening—179 White House Commission on Aviation Safety Meetings With Foreign Leaders and Security, final report—179 Israel, Prime Minister Netanyahu—182, 183 Communications to Congress Proclamations National Child Passenger Safety Week—164 Budget rescissions and deferrals, message Statements by the President reporting—176 Canadian whaling activities, message Campaign finance reform legislation—181 Northern Ireland, killing of British soldier— reporting—175 189 Executive Orders Supplementary Materials Acts approved by the President—193 Advisory Committee on High-Performance Checklist of White House press releases—192 Computing and Communications, Digest of other White House Information Technology, and the Next announcements—191 Generation Internet—178 Nominations submitted to the Senate—192

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

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Message on the Observance of Education is about opportunity, about giv- Id al-Fı´tr ing our children the tools to make the most February 7, 1997 of their God-given potential. This is a goal every American must share for every other On behalf of all Americans, I want to ex- American. That’s why I’m calling for a new, tend greetings to all Muslims in the United nonpartisan commitment to education. Dur- States and around the world as you celebrate ing the cold war, America had a bipartisan Id al-Fı´tr. commitment to foreign policy, and politics This celebration, which marks the end of stopped at the water’s edge. Today, edu- a month of fasting and sacrifice, is an occa- cation is a critical national security issue for sion for rejoicing. It is an opportunity for our future, and our politics must stop at the Muslims to gather in joy, as well as in re- schoolhouse door. membrance of those less fortunate. My plan calls for world-class standards for It is also an opportunity for all of us to students, teachers, and schools. It calls for rededicate ourselves, not only to achieving expanding Head Start, rebuilding crumbling spiritual growth, but also to the cause of schools, opening the doors of college wider peace between all peoples of the earth. It than ever before, and ensuring that workers is our common challenge and our shared re- can learn and earn for a lifetime. sponsibility to create a better world for our- To give our children the best education, selves and our children. we must help them to harness the powerful To all who practice the faith of Islam, in forces of technology. That’s why we’ve chal- the United States and abroad, Hillary and lenged America to connect every classroom I extend our very best wishes. May peace and library to the Internet by the year 2000. be with you and your families, and may God For the first time in history, children in the grant you health and prosperity now and in most isolated rural towns, the most com- the year ahead. fortable suburbs, and the poorest inner-city Bill Clinton schools will have the same access to the same universe of knowledge. NOTE: This item was not received in time for pub- We’ve come a long way toward meeting lication in the appropriate issue. that goal, and we owe much of that progress to the leadership of the Vice President who The President’s Radio Address will now say a few words about our efforts. February 8, 1997 [At this point, the Vice President made brief remarks.] The President. Good morning. This morning the Vice President and I are going The President. Thank you, Mr. Vice to talk about the progress we’ve made to President. We are making a lot of progress. bring 21st century technology to our students Today we’re issuing a report prepared by and our schools. Secretary Riley and the Department of Edu- In my State of the Union Address Tuesday cation that shows that 65 percent of our night, I issued a call to action to all Ameri- schools are now connected to the Internet, cans to prepare our people for the 21st cen- almost double the number of schools con- tury. The very heart of this mission and my nected in 1994. But it’s not enough to con- number one priority these next 4 years is to nect every school; we must connect every give our children the best education in the classroom and every library as well. Since world. 1994, we have more than quadrupled the 163

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number of classrooms with a direct link to Proclamation 6972—National Child the Internet. But the vast majority still do Passenger Safety Week, 1997 not have access. That’s why we’re now February 8, 1997 launching an aggressive, three-part plan to finish the job. By the President of the United States First, my balanced budget plan makes an of America unprecedented commitment to education A Proclamation technology, doubling the technology literacy initiative the Vice President just mentioned Children are our Nation’s most precious and providing a total of $500 million for com- gift, and one of our most profound respon- puters, teacher training, and educational soft- sibilities is protecting their health, well- ware for our schools. being, and safety. Nowhere is this duty more critical than on America’s streets and high- Second, we’re working to ensure that every ways. school and library can afford the Internet. Automobile accidents are the leading Under the Telecommunications Act, the cause of death for America’s young people. Federal Communications Commission is It is tragic that a high proportion of these now developing a plan to give schools and deaths could be prevented, but are not. For libraries access to the Internet at a dramati- example, we know that seat belts save lives— cally discounted rate. Fees for most schools last year they prevented the deaths of almost will be cut in half. Fees for our poorest 10,000 Americans—and, yet, many still fail schools will be almost free. I urge the FCC to wear them. to act quickly. And I call upon the tele- I encourage all Americans to take a few communications industry to support this ef- simple steps to ensure that their families trav- fort. el safely. The most important rule is also the Third, this April 19th, parents, teachers, simplest: The safest place for children is the business people, and volunteers from all back seat. Also, parents and guardians must walks of life will answer our call and hold always make sure that children are secured, NetDays in all 50 States, connecting tens of either in a locked seat belt or in an appro- thousands of schools, classrooms, and librar- priate child safety seat. ies to the Internet. I commend the Department of Transpor- By doubling our investment in education tation for its ‘‘Patterns for Life’’ program, technology, by dramatically lowering the begun in 1996 to focus attention on correct Internet rates for schools and libraries by child safety seat use and the proper position- mobilizing Americans all across the country ing of children and their safety seats away to help wire our schools, we will meet our from air bags. Working through national safe- goal of connecting every classroom and li- ty organizations and State public safety and highway offices, this program offers a net- brary to the information superhighway by the work of qualified child passenger safety train- year 2000. That’s how we must prepare our ers to provide communities with the valuable children for the 21st century, with the full resources they need to reduce motor vehicle- promise of the information age at their fin- related deaths and injuries. gertips. And it’s an important way to give our Laws exist in every State and the District children the world’s best education and the of Columbia that require proper restraints chance to make the most of their own lives. for younger children. However, 40 percent Thanks for listening. of our children under five are still not prop- erly restrained. We must do better to enforce NOTE: The address was recorded at 12:38 p.m. the existing laws and protect our precious on February 7 in the Roosevelt Room at the White cargo. House for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on February The steps we take now will make our roads 8. safer and our children more secure. My Ad-

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ministration is striving to increase the use of I was in the first grade when he became seat belts throughout the Nation. We are also comptroller. [Laughter] The walking argu- working with automobile makers, car dealers, ment against term limits, you know. It’s private organizations, and insurance compa- amazing. [Laughter] nies to teach parents how to install child safe- I’d like to thank so many Members of your ty seats properly, and new technologies will very distinguished congressional delegation eventually make air bags safer for children. for joining me today: Senator Sarbanes and Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, Senator Mikulski; Representative Wayne President of the United States of America, Gilchrest, your Congressman; Representa- by virtue of the authority vested in me by tive Connie Morella; Representative Ben the Constitution and laws of the United Cardin; Representative Al Wynn and Rep- States, do hereby proclaim February 9 resentative Elijah Cummings. through February 15, 1997, as National Child Now, I know that Ben was formerly the Passenger Safety Week. I urge all Americans speaker here and that Al and Elijah and to help reduce injuries and the tragic loss Connie and Senator Sarbanes were all mem- of life on our highways by buckling up every bers of this body. It kind of makes you won- child in an approved restraint, in the vehicle’s der how Senator Mikulski and Congressman back seat. And let us all help spread these Gilchrest got elected to Congress. [Laughter] important child safety messages throughout It’s obviously a good training program here. our communities. By doing so, we can save [Laughter] many young lives. I’d like to thank the president of the Mary- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set land State Board of Education, Christopher my hand this eighth day of February, in the Cross, for being here. When he worked for year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- President Bush, he and I stayed up all night ty-seven, and of the Independence of the one night writing the national education United States of America the two hundred goals, which began the process which bring and twenty-first. us to this point today. Thank you, sir, for William J. Clinton being here. And I’d like to thank your State superintendent of education, Nancy Gras- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, mick, for being here. 8:45 a.m., February 11, 1997] Then there are two people who are not here, who are here with us in spirit, and I NOTE: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on February 12. would like to ask that we all remember them today, our good friend Congressman Steny Hoyer and his late wife, Judy, who was one Remarks to the Maryland General of the finest educators this State ever had. Assembly in Annapolis, Maryland And I know we miss them today. Steny and February 10, 1997 his family are in our prayers, and we are grateful for the dedication of Judy Hoyer’s Thank you all for that wonderful reception. life to the children and the people of Mary- Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for what you said. land. Thank you, Senator Miller, for that 10-year I would also like to say I’m very glad to walk down memory lane. [Laughter] It is true be here with two members of my Cabinet, that when I met his mother I fell in love Secretary of Education Dick Riley and the with her, even before I found out she had Secretary of Health and Human Services, 10 kids. [Laughter] It’s not often you meet Donna Shalala. They have served our admin- a person who can elect you if her family votes istration and, more importantly, the Amer- for you. [Laughter] ican people exceptionally well, and I thank Thank you, Governor Glendening, for your them for their presence here today. And leadership here on so many issues. Lieuten- when I finish talking, if you want anything ant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, else, call them. [Laughter] Attorney General Curran, Treasurer Dixon, I should also say, since Senator Miller my old friend Comptroller Louie Goldstein. mentioned it, that my college roommate, who

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lived on the Eastern Shore, Tom Kaplan, is We have perhaps had only one before. here. And he’s still my friend after all these After World War II, we dominated the world years, which is either a great tribute to his economically. We were the most powerful patience or to the roots and values of the country in the world militarily. We had some people of Maryland. So I’m glad he’s here. ability to decide our future, and thank good- I wanted to come here today to talk in ness we did the right thing with the Marshall greater detail about the issues I discussed in plan and rebuilding Europe and Japan, our the State of the Union that require us to pre- former friends and our former foes. But we pare America for the 21st century. It is im- were constrained by the cold war. portant that we gather here at this turning At the beginning of this century probably point in our history. It was, after all, in this is the time most like this one when we en- statehouse that George Washington resigned tered the industrial era as a powerful and his commission as General of the Continental wealthy country at peace. But never have we Army. In fact, it was right down the hall in been quite like this, as the world’s only super- the Lieutenant Governor’s office that Thom- power, just completing 4 years where we pro- as Jefferson wrote George Washington’s duced more new jobs than at any other 4- words of resignation. It was here that the year period in our history, looking toward a Treaty of Paris was prepared and ratified, world that is full of troubles, to be sure, but ending the Revolutionary War and beginning so full of explosive opportunities. the greatest experiment in democracy and We have an incredible responsibility—we opportunity the world has ever known. in America and you in Maryland. Thanks to Just think what began here in this building. the leadership of your Governor and the What an experiment it has been, all the tur- work that all of you have done, unemploy- moil we have survived, the Civil War, the ment’s at a 6-year low. Things are going well two World Wars, the cold war, the social up- for you here. Your family incomes have risen heaval, all the triumphs of our country in civil to fourth in the Nation. Your welfare rolls rights and women’s rights, the environmental have dropped almost 25 percent since 1995. movement, workers’ rights, bringing in all the Student achievement has risen, and more immigrants, the explosion in science and schools are meeting the high standards you technology, the political, the economic, the have set. We are well positioned. social achievements of this country. What an But it is a moment of choice. We cannot incredible experiment it has been since the afford to squander this moment in compla- events of so long ago when the treaty ending cency or division. That’s normally what hap- the Revolutionary War was signed and rati- pens to people when they sort of get happy fied here. and satisfied. They get complacent, or they At each step along the way, how did we fall out over little things. And this is not a keep growing, how did we overcome, how time for us to squander in petty bickering did we work through, how did we reach high- or small ambitions. This is a time for us to er? We always had responsible citizens. We build a new century. were always able to come together as one We have to meet all the challenges we still country. And we were always driven by a have. There are still too many poor children clear vision. in this country and too many lives of children I would argue to you that we are at another being lost on the streets of America every turning point today, and we need responsible day. There are still too many of our areas citizens, a united country, and a clear vision. in our cities and isolated rural areas that have We face a moment of peace and prosperity, not felt the uplift of the economic recovery. and it gives us an extraordinary opportunity We still have not balanced the budget. We to actually decide what kind of future we still have not finished all the unfinished busi- want for America in the 21st century and ness of the cold war. Not everybody who then go to work to build it. It is very impor- works hard is feeling the opportunities that tant that we understand that such moments are available in America. We have unfinished are extremely rare in our history. business.

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Then we have new challenges that we have people the tools to solve their problems and to face. We have to prepare for the aging make the most of their own lives. of the baby boomers. I know I’m the oldest So now we have this chance. And it’s hard one; that’s a self-interest plea here, I think. when you’re not threatened by a foreign [Laughter] We have to prepare for the aging enemy to whip people up to a fever pitch of the baby boomers. We have to make sure of common, intense, sustained, disciplined that we’re ready for this new worldwide com- endeavor. But that is what we must do, my petition. We have to meet the new security fellow Americans. That is what we must do. threats of the 21st century, in terrorism and We are strong enough to shape a future ethnic and religious and racial conflicts. We that will take advantage of all this life-en- have to meet the new environmental chal- hancing technology, of these new economic lenges of the 21st century, most of which will opportunities, of the new opportunities we be global in nature. have to build a structure of peace around So there are challenges out there. But the the world, of the new opportunities we have most important thing is, there are staggering to put the information age at the fingertips opportunities. More people will have more of the poorest as well as the wealthiest chil- chances to live out their dreams than any dren in our country. And we had better do people who ever lived in the history of the this. Our children and our grandchildren will Earth if we do the right things—if we do never forgive us if we blow this chance to the right things. make their future the best future in the his- tory of this country. We have worked for the last 4 years essen- It is obvious that to prepare our people tially to try to make sure America works for the 21st century we will need a new, more again, that we are functioning at a reasonable far-reaching, deeper partnership in America. level of proficiency so that we can have the The era of big Government is over, both be- freedom to do that, to shape our future. And cause we can’t go on running national deficits we have changed the economic course of this till the end of time and because the nature country away from supply-side economics to of our problems requires a different ap- investment economics, to move toward a bal- proach. But the era of big national challenges anced budget, to reduce the deficits, the in- is far from over. It will never be over. And terest rates, to expand our trade around the the ones we face are very big indeed. world and to invest in our people. And the National leadership can point the way. It results have been good. can move barriers out of the way that have We’ve tried to move the debate over social prevented our States, our cities, and our peo- policy in Washington away from rhetoric to ple from solving their own problems. But the reality, centered on families and commu- real responsibilities of building this future are nities. You’ve got now 5 years of declining ones we all must bear together. I will do my crime. You’ve got the biggest drop in welfare part. I will do what I can to see that the rolls in history. You’ve got real efforts being National Government does its part. But in made through the family leave law and other turn, you must work with me and with others things to help people succeed in raising their to make sure that we seize this opportunity children and in the workplace. We’re in a while we stand strong enough to do so. position now to know what works and to Today I want to talk about two critical know that we can have confidence that if we areas, giving our children the best education work together, we can make a difference in and finishing the job of welfare reform, assaulting our most profound challenges here breaking the cycle of dependency, moving at home. millions of more people from welfare to We’ve tried to define the role of Govern- work. Taken together, these issues really are ment away from the old fight that’s domi- at the core of our national mission to prepare nated America almost ever since World War America for the 21st century. II, to say Government is not the problem; Everyone must have the tools to succeed Government is not the solution. Govern- in the knowledge economy. That means edu- ment’s job is to create the conditions and give cation and training. Everyone willing to work

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hard with those tools must have a chance to 2,300 of its students to work as reading tutors do so. That means finishing the job of welfare over the next 5 years. That is a great thing. reform. Education and welfare reform are We’re going to use 35,000 of our AmeriCorps about bringing all Americans to the starting volunteers to help to try to mobilize a million line of the economy, then making sure all of these students. We think we can get at of them are ready to run the race. Our num- least 100,000 out of the new work-study stu- ber one priority must be to ensure that dents approved by Congress in the last budg- America has the best education in the world. et. Then all the schools have to make use I cannot add much to the statement we of volunteers once they are trained. But we made so long ago in the national education have to do this. goals, 7 years ago now—almost 8 years ago. You just think about it. If 40 percent of But my shorthand statement is every 8-year- our children can’t read at grade level, how old has to be able to read, every 12-year- in the wide world do we expect them to learn old should be able to log on to the Internet, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, physics, biol- every 18-year-old should be able to go to col- ogy, chemistry. It is very important. Unless lege, and every adult American should be we get this done, the rest cannot happen. able to keep on learning for an entire life- And it is going to take a national effort of time. That should be our goal. monumental proportions to do it. But we can Because our future was at stake in the cold do it, because the children can do it. The war, we had a bipartisan foreign policy. Poli- children can do it. They just need for us to tics stopped at the water’s edge. Well, now do our job, and they then will do the rest. our future is at stake, in large measure de- So I want you to help us to finish that job. pending upon whether we can give all of our We must expand public school choice. And people world-class education. Therefore, we Baltimore City has done that through its must have a nonpartisan commitment to edu- charter schools. We must rebuild crumbling cation, and politics should stop at the school- schools. And you heard the Governor say house door in the 21st century. that’s a priority for him as well. We must It is not enough for Members of Congress make it possible for all of our children to and members of the State legislatures and have access, the same access, in the same elected executives to embrace this commit- time, to the same knowledge. That’s what ment. Our businesses, our educators, our hooking up all these classrooms to the parents, all our citizens must make the same Internet is all about. And I thank Maryland commitment. I’m gratified that you have a for its commitment to that objective. number of Maryland parents and teachers In the last 4 years, we have opened the and business people committed to education doors of college wider than ever before here today. I thank them for being here, and through the direct college loan program and I thank you for inviting them. expanded Pell grants, 200,000 more work- In my State of the Union Address, I laid study positions, and the AmeriCorps pro- out a 10-point call to action for American gram. But we have to do more. And I am education, which is embodied in this booklet. very pleased, Governor, that you have pro- And I want to say just a few words about posed these State HOPE scholarships to a number of issues today and then focus on open the doors of college. one in particular. And I want to thank the I just came back from Georgia—Secretary State of Maryland for taking the lead in doing Riley and I went to Augusta—230,000 people so many of the right things. A lot of you have in the State of Georgia who maintained a B worked with me, going back long years in average have had their tuition and their the past when I was a Governor, on these schoolbooks paid for by the State HOPE educational issues, and I thank you for what scholarship program. In a representative you’ve done. crowd there, I had person after person after First, every child has to be able to read person of all ages telling me, ‘‘I was a HOPE independently by the third grade. I’m scholar; I had a chance to go to college; I pleased that the University of Maryland at never could have done it otherwise; I College Park has already pledged more than wouldn’t have made it otherwise.’’

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There is no better expenditure of our chaired a Carnegie Commission study on money. It will raise the per capita income middle school. And one of our recommenda- of this State more quickly. It will get over tions was that national service should be a inequalities in income groups more quickly, requirement for public school students. Peo- and it will bring people together for a strong- ple should learn that they are connected to er future more quickly than anything else. others in their community and make it a posi- So I applaud the proposal you have put tive, good, wholesome thing. Only Maryland before the legislature here, and I also tell has done it so far. But I certainly hope— you I will do my best to pass our national perhaps my presence here will help—I hope version of the HOPE scholarship to give a other States will follow your lead. This is an tax credit of $1,500 for 2 years—that’s the important part of building a common future typical cost of community college tuition— for America. and a tax deduction of up to $10,000 a year Let me say the most important thing we for the cost of tuition for any education after can do in education is to hold our students high school. This will make a difference. to high standards. Children will grow accord- We also propose making the IRA available ing to the expectations we have of them. to more savers and then let people withdraw They cannot be expected to know what it is from their IRA tax-free if the money is used they should know or even how high they can to pay for education—and the biggest in- soar until we give them the right set of expec- crease in Pell grant scholarships for needy tations. When 40 percent of our third graders students in 20 years. And our ‘‘GI bill’’ for are not reading as well as they should or, America’s workers would take the 70 dif- to put it in plain language, when 40 percent ferent Federal programs for job training, put of 8-year-olds cannot read a book on their them in one big block, and send a skill grant own that they ought to be able to read, we to an unemployed or an underemployed have a lot to do. worker and say, ‘‘Here, you take it to the When students in Germany or Singapore nearest institution of education and get the learn 15 to 20 math subjects in depth each training you need.’’ Nearly every American year, while our students typically race lives within driving distance of a community through 30 to 35 without learning any in college or another community-based univer- depth in a given year, we aren’t doing what sity or educational institution that can pro- we should be doing to prepare them for a vide the training today that all people know knowledge economy that demands that they they need to have a better future. So we need be able to think and reason and analyze, in to do these things together, and they will short, demands that they be able to learn for make a big difference. a lifetime of working in ways that have not I also believe we have to teach our children yet been invented, perhaps not yet even to be good citizens as well as good students. imagined. This is impossible without a good And I’d like to thank the Lieutenant Gov- foundation in the basics. ernor for supporting the statewide program Maryland is making a good start. You’ve of character education you have here, to have developed clear standards for what children a statewide code of discipline, to remove dis- should learn by the third, fifth, and eighth ruptive students from the classroom, to pro- grades, in particular, in reading and math, mote community curfews. And again, I thank and clear tests to measure them school dis- you for being the only State in America to trict by school district and school by school. require community service to graduate from You’re holding schools accountable for mak- high school. You have the first class of seniors ing the grade, rewarding excellence, inter- graduating today. That’s a good thing. That’s vening in schools that aren’t performing. Be- a good thing. cause you have set high standards, you have To give you some idea how long it takes seen 5 years of steady, sustained progress to- for some of these things to catch on, 10 years ward meeting those standards. ago, in 1987, the then-Republican Governor But Maryland and all other States must of New Jersey and now the president of do more. To compete and win in the 21st Drew University, Tom Kean, and I co- century, we must have a high standard of ex-

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cellence that all States agree on. That is why want to know. That’s the only thing that really I called, in my State of the Union Address, matters. That is why I’m presenting a plan for national standards of excellence in the ba- to help all students in all States meet these sics, not Federal Government standards but standards and to measure them. national standards representing what all our Over the next 2 years, our Department of students must know to succeed in a new cen- Education will support the development for tury. I called upon every State to test every new tests for fourth grade reading based on fourth grader in reading and every eighth the National Assessment of Education grader in math by 1999, according to the na- Progress and eighth grade math based on the tional standards, to make sure they’re being International Math and Science Survey, to met. show how every student measures up to exist- We already have widely accepted rigorous ing, widely accepted standards. These tests national standards in both reading and math will be developed by independent test ex- and widely used tests based on those stand- perts in consultation with leading math and ards. In reading, Maryland and more than reading teachers. The Federal Government 40 other States have participated in a test will not require them, but they will be avail- called the National Assessment of Education able to every State and every school district Progress or, as all of us educational junkies that chooses to administer them. I believe call it, the NAEP test. It measures a State’s every State must participate and that every overall performance against a high national parent has a right to honest, accurate infor- standard of excellence. It’s a good test. In mation about how his or her child is doing math, tens of thousands of students across based on real, meaningful national standards. our Nation have already taken the Third Now, already in the last week I have heard International Math and Science Survey, some people saying, ‘‘Sounds like a Federal called the TIMSS test, a test that reflects the world-class standards our children must meet power grab to me.’’ That’s nonsense. We will for the new era. not attempt to require them. They are not As I said in my State of the Union, last Federal Government standards. They are na- month Secretary Riley and I visited northern tional standards. But we have been hiding Illinois, where eighth grade students from 20 behind a very small fig leaf for very long, districts took the test and tied for first in the and the results are not satisfactory. Anybody world for science and second in math. We who says that a country as big and diverse know it is the world standard, and we know as ours can’t possibly have national standards the world standard is the right standard to in the basics—I say from Maryland to Michi- which we should all hold ourselves. gan to Montana, reading is reading and math Unfortunately, these current tests, both is math. No school board is in charge of alge- the Assessment of Education Progress for the bra, and no State legislature can enact the fourth grade reading test and the Third laws of physics. And it is time we started act- International Survey in Math and Science for ing the way we know we should. the eighth graders, do not provide individual There’s another thing that will be said now scores; they only measure how an entire State and that you will have to confront, because is doing. What we need are tests that will I know how much—I’ve been through a measure the performance of each and every zillon State legislative sessions; everybody’s student, each and every school, each and got a new idea and everybody wants more every district, so that parents and teachers money, and there’s never enough to go will know how every child is doing compared around. And you will be told—and it is to other students in other schools, other true—that we have lots of standardized tests. States, and other countries, not just com- That’s true, there are lots of standardized pared to them but, more importantly, com- tests, but there is no national test testing the pared against what they need to know. standards. That’s a very different thing. It is a false thing to compare all kids There is no national exam given to all of our against one another unless all children are children that says, here’s what a good fourth first held to a high standard. That’s what we grader ought to learn.

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Keep in mind, we don’t want Johnny to the country will pay the price from now on. make a better score than Mary on this test. And we’ve got to stop it. [Applause] Thank We want 100 percent of our kids to pass this you. test. And then when a lot of them don’t, we I want to give you two pieces of good news, don’t want to give them an F. We want to one of which you can be especially proud give them a hand up. We want to say, ‘‘We of. You all know that the business community haven’t done what we should, and we’re has been calling for this for a long time. Gov- going to do this.’’ ernor Glendening was recently with the It is amazing, you know, we take it for other Governors last year at an education granted we have the best military in the summit in New York with the business com- world. Think how silly it would be if every- munity, and they were saying we have to have place in America where we do basic training, standards. Today I’m proud to say that the they said, ‘‘Well, you know, Louisiana is a national Business Roundtable is endorsing long way from Georgia. We couldn’t have our call for national tests for fourth grade possibly have uniform standards for basic reading and eighth grade math. They will join training in the military. Just sort of come up our crusade to make American education the with whatever you think will be good, and best in the world. And I want to thank espe- we’ll hope it works the next time we’re in cially Norm Augustine, who is the CEO of the Persian Gulf.’’ [Laughter] You’re laugh- Lockheed Martin and the head of the Busi- ing. That’s what we do. And even if you do ness Roundtable’s education task force and the very best you can, we don’t know the who has done a lot to help you in Maryland truth. It’s wrong for these children not to with your schools. know the truth. This is not a put-down, now, Just before the speech today, your State this is a lift-up. board of education chairman, Chris Cross, We’ve got the most diverse democracy in the world. We have four school districts now told me that the State board of education where the children’s first languages comprise intends to incorporate these news tests of na- over 100 different languages, in four school tional standards into your State’s program. districts in America. Who are we kidding that And I thank you, sir, for that, and I thank we’re going to create the kind of country we you for that. want, where everybody’s got a chance to Let me say that throughout my public ca- make it, when we haven’t even taken the first reer I have been very interested in this whole elemental step to say, here’s how everyone issue of education. There are lots of other should read by the fourth grade; here’s the things I’d like to talk to you about today. I math everybody ought to know by the eighth hope you will support the work that we are grade? doing with the National Board of Certifi- There is more to do after that, but let’s cation for Master Teachers, to certify teach- start with something that really matters. ers in educational excellence. Governor Hunt We’ve never done it. This has nothing to do from North Carolina has been working on with local control of education. Secretary that for years, and we certified the last teach- Riley has done more to get rid of Federal ers—the first teachers in 1995 but only 500 rules and regulations, to give States and local since 1995. We believe we need at least one school districts more control without the master teacher in every school district, hope- rules and more flexibility than anybody has fully in every school in America, someone in a long time. But no matter how much flexi- who has been through the special, rigorous bility you have, sooner or later your children program of training and evaluation here so are going to have to face the fact that they that then that teacher can share what he or either can read or they can’t, they either can she has learned with all the other teachers do the math or they can’t, they know algebra in the school. Our budget contains enough or they don’t. And if we play around with funds—and it’s a relatively low-cost pro- all these games and hide-and-seek excuses, gram—to provide for another 100,000 master in the end the only people that are going teachers in the next 4 years. So I hope you to be hurt are those kids, and the rest of will support that as well.

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But let me say—I guess you can tell I feel You also answered my call to revoke the strongly about this, but I have spent a lot driver’s licenses of people who deliberately— of time in our schools, a lot of time listening who can and don’t pay their child support. to teachers, a lot of time listening to parents. And I think that’s a good thing. We’re going I’ve worked harder on this issue over the to do more to collect child support. We can course of my public life than anything else move 800,000 more people off welfare to- because it has a unique role in our history morrow if people just paid the child support and an even more powerful role in our fu- they owe and that they are capable of paying. ture. It is, of course, the key to individual So I thank you for that. opportunity. It is also the key to responsible Now we come to the hard part. The new citizenship. I am convinced it is the key to law, supported by the Governors and all State giving us the understanding we need to live associations, says that every able-bodied per- together as one nation in the midst of all of son on welfare must move to work within our diversity. It is also the key to maintaining 2 years, that the States can have a little cush- our world leadership for peace and freedom ion fund to support those who can’t move and prosperity. Only if every American has into the work force either because they’re the full use of his or her mind can our coun- disabled or because the economy is not so try move forward together. hot. So I hope that all of you will keep this But now, think of this challenge. In the in mind. I hope that you will push this, and last 4 years, 21⁄4 million people moved from I hope you will lead the way. I want to be welfare to work in an economy that produced able to take this crusade across the country 11.5 million jobs. That’s a record for any 4- and tell people if they don’t believe we can year administration. We have to do at least do it, call Maryland. You’ve had the courage that well in the next 4 years. That reduced to do it. Stand up. [Applause] the welfare rolls by about 20 percent, 18 to Now, let me just say a couple of words 20 percent. about welfare reform, because that’s very im- So you’ve got about 10 million people left portant. For years and years and years, all and about—maybe a little more than 10 mil- the Governors—I was one of them—said we lion—and about 41⁄2 million of them are want more control over the State’s welfare adults and about 4 million, anyway, are going system; we want to do that. We could reform to be able-bodied and able enough to phys- the welfare system. We could make it work. ically work. And then there will be some We could end the culture of poverty and de- moving in and out of the work force as there pendency. Well, you got it. [Laughter] And always is, as people retire and all. But this has got to be a focus of your efforts now, through deliberate efforts we’re going to because this is very, very important. have to create at least 2 million jobs. And We ended the old welfare system basically if we don’t do it, what will happen? in two steps. First of all, in the last 4 years, Keep in mind, this welfare reform bill has Secretary Shalala and I worked with 43 of this ringing declaration: Everybody who can the 50 States to launch welfare reform ex- work, everybody who’s able to work has to periments which, along with a growing econ- take responsibility for their own lives, no omy and a 50 percent increase in child sup- more permanent dependency full of moral port collection—something I’m very proud precepts. Well, the morality shoe is now on of—helped to reduce the welfare rolls by 21⁄4 the other foot. Those of us who supported million. That’s the biggest drop in welfare that, we now have a moral obligation to say, rolls in the history of the country, an 18 per- everybody we told, ‘‘You have to go to work’’ cent drop. You can be proud of that and actually is able to work. Because if we are proud of what you did. Here in Maryland not able to do that, then the law’s con- you did better than the national average. You sequence will not be to liberate people from used your waiver to move 51,000 people off dependency but to make people who are the welfare rolls, and you had about a 25 dying to go to work even worse off just be- percent drop. And you can be proud of that. cause they couldn’t find a job.

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This is a serious, stiff challenge. And the And if we can do it, it is better to hire challenge is primarily on you and the em- people in small groups or one-on-one, be- ployer community, which is the way you said cause you’re trying to life people out of a you wanted it. But it’s there now. You know culture of dependency into a mainstream cul- that great old country music star Chet Atkins ture of work. But this man was willing to do used to say, ‘‘You got to be careful what you that. And they have to pay about $1.75 above ask for in this life. You might get it.’’ So here the minimum wage to get the wage subsidy it is. What are we going to do? Is there a there and to give people a living income. But way out? Yes, there is. Can we do this? You still it costs them less than the minimum bet we can. You bet we can. We can to it, wage to do it. but we have to do it together. And we have Florida has just decided to follow suit. And to do it with discipline. And we need a plan. I hope other States will follow that lead. And it needs to go down to every community. You’ve got to—believe me—to meet these And we’re going to have to ask people to job targets, your employer community is help. And you need to really closely follow going to need every last option you can give your numbers and make sure you’re doing them. And somebody’s got to have a plan, what it takes to be done. I mean a game plan, that challenges every How are we going to do it? First, we have sector and every community to do what has to pass the Federal program that I rec- to be done. So I urge you to use the flexibility ommended, which will give tax credits to pri- you have been given to do that. vate employers of up to 50 percent of a salary Secondly, I urge you to make sure that the up to $10,000 to hire people, only if they money you have saved from welfare reform hire people from welfare to work. And then will be used to move even more people to work. I know Maryland has taken its consid- we have to support the provisions of the wel- erable savings from welfare reform efforts fare reform law which continue the health and put them into a special rainy-day fund care, continue the nutrition, and provide to create jobs and to move people from wel- much more money for child care than the fare to work. And that’s something other previous law. That’s the good news. States ought to copy, because if welfare re- This legislation also gives you the authority form is going to succeed in the beginning, for the first time to take money that had been all States are going to have use those savings used on welfare checks and give it to private on efforts like child care, wage subsidies, em- employers as a wage or training supplement. ployment incentives, or other ways to create Now, this can be very important in convinc- private sector jobs. ing nonprofit employers who don’t pay taxes Let me just say one other thing. I hope anyway to hire people off welfare and make as you do this you will not forget a sort of an extra effort. All the community nonprofits, a parallel population not on welfare, and every church or other religious organization those are young, single men who are unem- in the State of Maryland of any size, without ployed who are eligible for food stamps but regard to their faith, they’re all under an ad- not welfare. Keep in mind, their loss to the monition to care for the poor. Now you can work force is an enormous loss to our society. say, ‘‘We’ll give you a little money to help It leads to higher crime. It leads to fewer if you will do the rest.’’ two-parent families. It leads to robbing them Missouri had a program like this in Kansas of the potential of what they might become. City, where they gave the welfare check to And a lot of places now are beginning to try private employers for more than a year—they to—instead of talking just about the welfare could keep it for a couple years—as a wage population—[inaudible]—the young, unem- and training premium if they would hire peo- ployed population so that these young, single ple off welfare. I met a man who had a data- men can be treated in the right way, too. processing storage company with 25 employ- And in Missouri, what they did, we gave ees, and five of his employees he’d hired them a waiver, and they actually took the from the welfare rolls, and he loved it. And food stamp payments for the young, single they loved it. men and gave them to employers with the

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same sort of incentive as the welfare pay- land is considering using its own money to ments for young women going from welfare continue providing some basic benefits for to work. So I urge you to think about that. legal immigrants who have lost Federal aid Finally, let me say, what is our vision? I now that the Federal bans have taken effect. can tell you what my vision—why do we do That’s the right thing to do, but you shouldn’t all this? Here’s my vision. Here’s where I have to do it all by yourself. That’s why every hope we’ll be in a few years. I hope all over State and every Governor, Republican or America in a few years, we will have a com- Democrat, I hope will join with us to try to munity-based, employment-family support persuade the Congress to restore just the system for people who are out of work and basic health and disability benefits that used people will come into this system whether to be available until this new law passed they come off the welfare rolls or off the em- when misfortune strikes them. ployment rolls through the unemployment The argument made by the majority when rolls and we won’t make a distinction. It will they passed this was, ‘‘When an immigrant just be good people with kids or without kids, comes to America, you’ve got to sign a piece depending, who are out of work who need of paper that says you’re not going to take to get back into the work force. And we’ll public benefits.’’ Now, that’s an understand- have a system for moving them back in, and able policy. We shouldn’t be inviting people we’ll have a system of subsidies for people to come here just to get on welfare or to at the margins so that employers will be en- get on Medicaid or Medicare. But we can couraged to make that extra effort to restore solve that, and did, by simply saying that people to the dignity of work. And mean- every immigrant has a sponsor and the spon- while, we’ll always be helping people support sor’s income will be deemed the immigrant’s their children in fulfilling their first and most income until the immigrant becomes a citi- important job. zen. That’s the way to solve that. Now, that’s my vision. That’s what I hope But if you have all these immigrants com- we would get out of this welfare reform ef- ing here, and even before they can become fort. But the next 2 years are going to be citizens—suppose an Indian from New Delhi critical, because about 2 years from now, comes to Maryland to develop computer soft- people are going to start running out of their ware programs for one of your growing busi- 2-year time limit, and then the spotlight will nesses, and stays here 3 years, and has a 1- shift from all of them to all of us. And we year-old child and a 3-year-old child. What will be asked, what did we do when the wel- does that person do if he or his spouse gets fare reform bill passed? What did we do to hit by a car or is the victim of a crime or make sure that those we told, ‘‘You have to one of the children is born with cerebral go to work,’’ had the chance to go to work? palsy, and they don’t have regular health care So I urge you to think about this. that will take care of all these things? This is exciting, but it’s bracing, because What do we say? ‘‘Tough luck. You had our society has never done anything like this misfortune. Yes, you’ve worked hard; yes, before in ordinary times. And I do not be- you’ve paid your taxes; yes, you’ve been per- lieve that when the bill passed, people had fectly legal; yes, you’ve complied with every really focused on the dimensions of the chal- provision of the law; yes, you didn’t try to lenge. I had, and I was willing to make it. sneak in our country, you waited your turn I’m willing to try to—to jump off this cliff, just like everybody else, but I’m sorry. Yes, to hold up this high standard. I think we can we took the benefit of your brain; you made do this. I think we can develop a work-based us a richer, stronger country; we wanted you society that does not have people trapped in in here; you had skills we needed, but I’m permanent dependence. But it’s going to sorry’’? This is wrong, folks. This is unworthy take everybody thinking about it, working on of a great nation of immigrants, and we ought it, and doing things they had not done in to fix it. the past. And so I ask you to do that. When you get right down to it, all this busi- I just want to make one final point the ness about education reform and welfare re- Governor’s already mentioned. I know Mary- form and what do we have to do to prepare

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our country for the 21st century and will we tic on August 17. The whale in the eastern have the discipline, strength, and courage to Arctic was taken from a highly endangered take advantage of this unique moment in his- stock. The IWC has expressed particular con- tory—it really comes down to two questions: cern about whaling on this stock, which is What does America mean, and what does it not known to be recovering. mean to be an American? None of the Canadian whale hunts de- America must always be a nation becom- scribed above was authorized by the IWC. ing. We’re never there. We’re always becom- Canada withdrew from the IWC in 1982. In ing: becoming a more perfect union, full of those instances where Canada issued whaling new promise for our own people and new licenses, it did so without consulting the hopes for the world. And what does it mean IWC. In fact, Canada’s 1996 actions were di- to be an American? We’re the ones who have rectly contrary to IWC advice. At the 1996 to make that happen. Annual Meeting, the IWC passed a resolu- Thank you, and God bless you. tion encouraging Canada to refrain from issu- ing whaling licenses and to rejoin the IWC. NOTE: The President spoke at 11:20 a.m. at the However, Canada has recently advised the Maryland State House. In his remarks, he referred United States that it has no plans to rejoin to Casper R. Taylor, Jr., speaker, Maryland House the IWC and that it intends to continue of Delegates, and Thomas V. Miller, Jr., president, granting licenses for the taking of endan- Maryland State Senate; Gov. Parris N. Glendening, Attorney General J. Joseph Curran, gered bowhead whales. Jr., Treasurer Thomas N. Dixon, and Comptroller Canada’s unilateral decision to authorize Louis L. Goldstein of Maryland. whaling outside of the IWC is unacceptable. Canada’s conduct jeopardizes the inter- national effort that has allowed whale stocks Message to the Congress on to begin to recover from the devastating ef- Canadian Whaling Activities fects of historic whaling. February 10, 1997 I understand the importance of maintain- ing traditional native cultures, and I support To the Congress of the United States: aboriginal whaling that is managed through On December 12, 1996, Secretary of Com- the IWC. The Canadian hunt, however, is merce Michael Kantor certified under sec- problematic for two reasons. tion 8 of the Fishermen’s Protective Act of First, the whaling took place outside the 1967, as amended (the ‘‘Pelly Amendment’’) IWC. International law, as reflected in the (22 U.S.C. 1978), that Canada has conducted 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law whaling activities that diminish the effective- of the Sea, obligates countries to work ness of a conservation program of the Inter- through the appropriate international organi- national Whaling Commission (IWC). The zation for the conservation and management certification was based on the issuance of of whales. Second, whaling in the eastern Ca- whaling licenses by the Government of Can- nadian Arctic poses a particular conservation ada in 1996 and the subsequent killing of two risk, and the decision to take this risk should bowhead whales under those licenses. This not have been made unilaterally. message constitutes my report to the Con- I believe that Canadian whaling on endan- gress pursuant to subsection (b) of the Pelly gered whales warrants action at this time. Amendment. Accordingly, I have instructed the Depart- In 1991, Canadian natives took a bowhead ment of State to oppose Canadian efforts to whale from the western Arctic stock, under address takings of marine mammals within a Canadian permit. In 1994, Canadian na- the newly formed Arctic Council. I have fur- tives took another bowhead whale from one ther instructed the Department of State to of the eastern Arctic stocks, without a permit. oppose Canadian efforts to address trade in In 1996, under Canadian permits, one marine mammal products within the Arctic bowhead whale was taken in the western Ca- Council. These actions grow from our con- nadian Arctic on July 24 and one bowhead cern about Canada’s efforts to move whaling whale was taken in the eastern Canadian Arc- issues to fora other than the IWC and, more

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generally, about the taking of marine mam- Remarks Prior to a Meeting With mals in ways that are inconsistent with sound Congressional Cosponsors of conservation practices. Campaign Finance Reform Second, I have instructed the Department Legislation and an Exchange With of Commerce, in implementing the Marine Reporters Mammal Protection Act, to withhold consid- eration of any Canadian requests for waivers February 11, 1997 to the existing moratorium on the importa- The President. In the State of the Union tion of seals and/or seal products into the Address I asked the Congress to pass biparti- United States. san campaign finance reform by July the Finally, the United States will continue to Fourth, and I pointed out that delay would urge Canada to reconsider its unilateral deci- mean the death of reform, as it has in the sion to authorize whaling on endangered last several years. I am very pleased to wel- stocks and to authorize whaling outside the come to the White House today this biparti- IWC. san group of House Members who are now I believe the foregoing measures are more all cosponsors of the Shays-Meehan legisla- appropriate in addressing the problem of Ca- tion. They are coming together in a biparti- nadian whaling than the imposition of import san way to limit the influence of money in prohibitions at this time. our campaigns for Congress and in financing I have asked the Departments of Com- the political parties and to level the playing merce and State to keep this situation under field. close review. And I feel very, very strongly that they William J. Clinton have done a good thing for our country. I The White House, am supporting their efforts very strongly, and February 10, 1997. I want to do whatever I can to work with them to help this legislation pass. NOTE: This message was released by the Office As soon as I leave here I’m going up to of the Press Secretary on February 11. the Hill to a meeting of the bipartisan leader- ship of Congress, to which the Speaker and Senator Lott invited me after the State of Message to the Congress Reporting the Union. And this is one of the issues I Budget Rescissions and Deferrals intend to raise there. I’m very encouraged February 10, 1997 by what I’ve heard here today, and we’re de- termined to go forward. To the Congress of the United States: Mr. Vice President. In accordance with the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of [At this point, the Vice President, Representa- 1974, I herewith report nine proposed rescis- tive Chris Shays, and Representative Marty sions of budgetary resources, totaling $397 Meehan made brief remarks.] million, and one revised deferral, totaling $7 The President. Thank you all. million. Q. Isn’t this blocking the barn after the The proposed rescissions affect the De- horse has gone? partments of Agriculture, Defense-Military, The President. No. How can you say that? Energy, Housing and Urban Development, There will be a whole set of new elections and Justice, and the General Services Admin- up. There are elections in ’98; there are elec- istration. The deferral affects the Social Se- tions in 2000; there are elections in 2002. curity Administration. I hope there will be elections 200 years from William J. Clinton now. Q. The White House, Is this all a product of lessons learned February 10, 1997. from the last campaign? The President. No. Most of these people NOTE: This message was released by the Office have wanted to do this for many years. Keep of the Press Secretary on February 11. in mind, we had—in each of the last 4 years

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we had a serious campaign finance reform us to spend more time listening to each other effort that died because of the parliamentary and try to put ourselves in each other’s shoes procedures in the Senate which permit 40 and understand why we see the world in dif- plus 1 to block a vote and because we didn’t ferent ways and keep trying to overcome that. have more of this. I think this is the most I would say that even though it’s disturb- important thing. The House is staking out ing, we have succeeded so far in managing a position—these Members are—that they’re the world’s most multiethnic, diverse democ- going to try to reach not only across party racy better than a lot of countries that are lines but across philosophical lines. I mean, smaller than we are with fewer differences just look around this table here, and you’ll within them. And we just—this is a work see people who differ on a lot of substantive that’s never done—that our different atti- issues but want to change the rules by which tudes, our different viewpoints in some ways they work in the public interest. That’s really, are the great strength of America, but if to me, the most encouraging thing. they’re too—if we’re too estranged, if the di- If you look around this table you see not vide is too great, then we can’t hold the coun- only party difference, you see people from try together. And we just have to keep work- every region in our country, you see people who are in various different positions on the ing on it. And I intend to—I’ve worked on substance of most of the major issues facing it hard for 4 years; we’re talking about what us. But they are united in wanting to change else we might do. the rules. And I think that there can be an But in terms of the jury verdict, that’s the engine of bipartisan and grassroots reform system we have in America. It’s over as far here that we have not seen before. People as I’m concerned. We need to get on with have wanted to do this for a long time, but other things. But we always need to be work- I think they’ve got a chance to break through ing to try to bridge these divides between the last dam and get the job done. And I’m us. going to support them every way I can. Budget Negotiations O.J. Simpson Civil Trial Q. Mr. President, what are you hoping to Q. Mr. President, how disturbing is it to achieve in the budget talks today? What are you that black and white jurors and black and you hoping to achieve in budget talks this white Americans in general viewed the same morning? evidence in the O.J. Simpson trial but came The President. The next step of what we generally to drastically different conclusions? talked about—what I talked about at the The President. Well, first of all, as to the State of the Union. I think we have got an jury verdict, I have nothing to add to what enormous opportunity here to do great things I said after the last jury verdict. We have a system here in this country which I think together, because I think there is a consensus we should all respect. The only people who all across the country and among both parties heard all the evidence were the people who that we have a lot of great challenges, some were sitting in the jury box, in both cases. significant, indeed, unparalleled opportuni- And civil trials and criminal trials are very ties. And the whole system is kind of tending different in different ways. So I have nothing toward movement instead of paralysis again. to add to that. I respect the jury verdict. And that’s a good thing for America. And I’m And in terms of the way Americans see going to do what I can to keep it going this the world differently, generally based on morning. their race, that troubles me, and I spoke about it at some length at the University of NOTE: The President spoke at 10 a.m. in the Cabi- Texas last year when we had the million man net Room at the White House prior to a meeting march here in Washington, and I was down with bipartisan supporters of the ‘‘Campaign Re- there. I think the only answer to that is for form Act of 1997.’’

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Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Generation Internet’’ (‘‘Committee’’). The Congressional Leaders Committee shall consist of not more than 25 February 11, 1997 nonfederal members appointed by the Presi- dent, including representatives of the re- First, I want to thank Senator Lott for search, education, and library communities, hosting this. I thank the Speaker and Senator network providers, and representatives from Lott and the leadership for inviting us to critical industries. The President shall des- come down here and meet with the biparti- ignate co-chairs from among the members san leadership today. I think it’s a very impor- of the Committee. tant first step after the State of the Union Sec. 2. Functions. The Committee shall Address. It indicates we want to work to- provide the National Science and Tech- gether. nology Council (NSTC), through the Direc- We’ll discuss a lot of issues, I’m sure. I tor of the Office of Science and Technology just want to emphasize, too, I think it’s im- Policy (‘‘Director’’), with advice and informa- perative that we pass a bipartisan balanced tion on high-performance computing and budget this year. And I think it’s imperative communications, information technology, that we find a way to work together on edu- and the Next Generation Internet. The Com- cation reform, and we’ll be talking about how mittee shall provide an independent assess- we can do that. There are many other things, ment of: but I want to emphasize those two above all. (1) progress made in implementing the The reception that I received in Maryland High-Performance Computing and Commu- yesterday was a reception for the importance nications (HPCC) Program; of education standards and educational op- (2) progress in designing and implement- portunity in America as we move into this ing the Next Generation Internet initiative; new century. And so I’m optimistic, I’m (3) the need to revise the HPCC Program; hopeful, and I’m gratified to be invited to (4) balance among components of the be here. HPCC Program; (5) whether the research and development NOTE: The President spoke at 11:10 a.m. in the undertaken pursuant to the HPCC Program President’s Bill Signing Room at the Capitol. A tape was not available for verification of the con- is helping to maintain United States leader- tent of these remarks. ship in advanced computing and communica- tions technologies and their applications; and (6) other issues as specified by the Direc- Executive Order 13035—Advisory tor. Committee on High-Performance Sec. 3. Administration. To the extent per- Computing and Communications, mitted by law and subject to the availability Information Technology, and the of appropriations, the Department of De- Next Generation Internet fense shall provide the financial and adminis- February 11, 1997 trative support for the Committee. Further, the Director of the National Coordination By the authority vested in me as President Office for Computing Information, and by the Constitution and the laws of the Unit- Communications (‘‘Director of the NCO’’) ed States of America, including the High- shall provide such coordination and technical Performance Computing Act of 1991 (Public assistance to the Committee as the co-chairs Law 102–194) (‘‘Act’’), and in order to estab- of the Committee may request. lish an advisory committee on high-perform- (a) The heads of executive agencies shall, ance computing and communications, Infor- to the extent permitted by law, provide to mation Technology, and the Next Generation the Committee such information as it may Internet, it is hereby ordered as follows: require for the purpose of carrying out its Section 1. Establishment. There is estab- functions. lished the ‘‘Advisory Committee on High- (b) The co-chairs may, from time to time, Performance Computing and Communica- invite experts to submit information to the tions, Information Technology, and the Next Committee and may form subcommittees or

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working groups within the Committee to re- marvelous eulogy to John Adams and Thom- view specific issues. as Jefferson delivered in Faneuil Hall in Au- (c) Members of the Committee shall serve gust of 1826. And from time to time when without compensation but shall be allowed I feel some sense of despair, just for the heck travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of it, I take them down and open the pages of subsistence, as authorized by law for per- and start reading. sons serving intermittently in the Govern- I always thought that the fact that both ment service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707). of them died on the 50th anniversary of the Sec. 4. General. (a) Notwithstanding any Declaration of Independence was the best other Executive order, the functions of the evidence the modern world has on the ques- President under the Federal Advisory Com- tion of whether God is. It is impossible to mittee Act, as amended, except that of re- believe this happened by accident. porting to the Congress, that are applicable And so, I ask all of you to leave here to- to the Committee shall be performed by the night with a sense of gratitude to Thomas Director of the NCO in accordance with Jefferson but also with the firm conviction guidelines that have been issued by the Ad- that the thing he was most right about was ministrator of General Services. in leaving us a system that would always be (b) The Committee shall terminate 2 years in the act of becoming, that his unshakable from the date of this order unless extended belief that the future could be better than by the President prior to such date. the present extended even to himself and to his contemporaries, to their failures and to William J. Clinton their successes. The White House, And that is what we must always believe. February 11, 1997. You make a better present if you think about the future being brighter and if you really [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, believe in the potential of every single human 8:45 a.m., February 13, 1997] spirit. Thomas Jefferson did, and so should we. NOTE: This Executive order was published in the Federal Register on February 14. I hope you’ll now join us in the State Din- ing Room, and you’ll all be able to talk about what you liked most about the movie. But Remarks Following a Screening of let me say again, we’re gratified to have you the Film ‘‘Thomas Jefferson’’ all here. Hillary and I have looked forward February 11, 1997 to this evening for a long time, and we are especially grateful for all of you who had any Thank you. First of all, I know I speak for part in this magnificent gift to the people of all of us when I thank Ken Burns and all the United States. of those who made this magnificent film pos- Thank you. sible. Thank you, especially, Jack Smith, for NOTE: The President spoke at 8:45 p.m. in the your work in making it possible and sponsor- East Room at the White House. In his remarks, ing it. he referred to Ken Burns, producer of the film, If you think about what Ken Burns has and Jack Smith, president, General Motors Corp. given to America with ‘‘The Civil War,’’ ‘‘The West,’’ ‘‘Baseball,’’ and ‘‘Thomas Jefferson,’’ I think Mr. Jefferson would be very proud Remarks on Receiving the Final of you, Mr. Burns. And I know we all are, Report of the White House and we thank you so much. Commission on Aviation Safety and I think every American President has been Security and an Exchange With inspired by Jefferson’s ideals, affected by his Reporters decisions, fascinated by his character. Two February 12, 1997 of my most prized personal possessions are an original printing of the ‘‘Notes on Vir- The President. Thank you very much, Mr. ginia’’ and a printing of Daniel Webster’s Vice President. Secretary Pen˜ a, Secretary-

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designate Slater; Senator Lautenberg, thank year 2005 our air traffic control system will you for your support and involvement. And be the finest in the world. We are also taking a special thanks to all the members of this steps to improve security for all American very distinguished commission for the work travelers. that they did. I want to say a word about two of the re- This report lays out a clear plan of action port’s most important recommendations on to ensure that America’s airways and air- accident reduction and security. First, it’s im- planes will remain the safest and that our portant to note that air travel is still our safest passengers the most secure in the world well mode of transportation and America has the into the next century. lowest accident rate in the world. We have Our aviation infrastructure is just as impor- to keep it the lowest and keep working to tant to us today as the great railroads were improve. The FAA and the airline industry in the 1800’s or the interstate highway system have been partners in this effort for years. became in the second half of the 20th cen- Today I am pleased to announce that NASA tury. Just as they made us competitive in the will join them. NASA has agreed to dedicate economies of the 19th and 20th century, a up to a half a billion dollars in research and modernized national airspace system will de- development budget over the next 5 years termine our ability to compete in the 21st to help make sure we do achieve our accident century. reduction goal. It is fitting that the Vice President is lead- Second, aviation security is one of the ing this effort. One of the great legacies of major fronts of our three-part counterter- Al Gore, Sr.’s service in the United States rorism strategy. On September 9th, I accept- Senate was his leadership in building our ed the commission’s 20 initial policy rec- interstate highway system. The mission to ommendations on security. We acted quickly modernize and improve our airspace system to implement these recommendations. We for the challenges of the next century is every have begun installing 54 bomb detection ma- bit as important and historic, and I thank him chines in America’s airports. We are training for the work he has done. and deploying over 100 bomb-sniffing dog I also want to commend the members of teams. The FAA is hiring 300 new special this commission for first taking on the task agents to test airport security. And the FBI and especially the family members of the vic- is adding 644 agents and 620 support person- tims of airline disasters, those serving on the nel in 1997 to counterterrorism efforts. commission, those who wrote to us, those We are taking action to make our people who testified before us about how to improve more secure. But we cannot afford to rest. our interaction with families in the aftermath The balanced budget I submitted to Con- of disasters. Out of their personal tragedy gress last week contains $100 million for fu- they have made a valuable contribution to ture aviation security improvements, as the all of us. commission recommends. I urge the Con- The recommendations in this report are gress to provide this critical funding. This un- strong, and we will put them into action. We precedented Federal commitment reflects will use all the tools of modern science to our resolve to do everything we can to pro- make flying as safe as possible. We will bring tect our people and to prevent terrorism. our air traffic control system into the 21st Again, let me thank the Vice President and century, and we will do it by converting to the commission for this remarkable report. space age satellite technology. We will also Your work should give the American people change the way we inspect older aircraft, to confidence that air travel in the 21st century include an examination of wiring and hydrau- will be better and safer than ever before. lic systems, all to ensure that every plane car- Thank you very much. rying passengers, regardless of its age, is as The Vice President. Mr. President, I safe as it can be. think we’re going to have a chance to visit We are doing all these things so that we with each of them. I want to just note that can cut the fatal accident rate by 80 percent every single member of the commission in 5 years—in 10 years—and so that by the signed the final recommendations. And it was

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unanimous on every section, with the excep- Remarks at the Funeral of tion of one dissent in one part of the report Ambassador Pamela Harriman from one commissioner. Every member of February 13, 1997 the commission has signed it. We gather in tribute to Pamela Harriman, American Airlines Labor Dispute patriot and public servant, American Ambas- sador and citizen of the world, mother, Q. Mr. President, on aviation, if American grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Airlines and its pilots can’t come to an agree- and for so many of us here, a cherished ment by Friday, are you inclined to use your friend. She adopted our country with extraor- power to declare a national emergency and dinary devotion. Today her country bids her therefore avoid the disruption of a strike? farewell with profound gratitude. [Laughter] Hillary and I have often talked about what The President. You’re going to have an- made Pamela so remarkable. It was more other shot at me tomorrow, you know. than her elegance, as unforgettable as that [Laughter] First of all, today I want to say was. It was more than the lilt of her voice this and just this. This issue has huge implica- and her laughter, more even, than the lumi- tions for our country and, in particular, for nous presence that could light up a room, specific parts of our country. I have been fol- a convention hall, or even the City of Lights lowing it very closely. Today I want to say itself. It was more than her vibrant sense of that the time has not expired, and I want history and the wisdom that came to her from to encourage the parties to make maximum the great events she had lived and those she use of the mediation board process. That’s had helped to shape from the Battle of Brit- what ought to be done today, and that’s all ain to the peace accord in Bosnia. I think I have to say about it today. it was most of all that she was truly indomi- Thank you. table. One day the train she was on to London was bombed twice during the Blitz. She sim- NOTE: The President spoke at 1:47 p.m. in the ply brushed off the shards of glass, picked Roosevelt Room at the White House. herself up, and went to the office to do her work at the Ministry of Supply. She was 21 years old. Statement on Campaign Finance More than 40 years later, all of us who Reform Legislation knew her saw the same resolve and strength again and again, most tenderly, in the way February 12, 1997 she gave not only love but dignity and pride to Averell who, as long as he was with her, In my State of the Union Address, I said was at the summit, even to his last days. that delay would mean the death of campaign In 1991, she put her indomitability to a finance reform, and I called on the Congress new test in American politics, forming an or- to act by July 4, 1997. Passage of effective ganization with a name that made the pundits finance reform must be a priority for this chuckle because it did seem a laughable Congress, but we will succeed only if citizens oxymoron in those days: Democrats for the all across the country make clear to elected Eighties. For members of our party at that officials that change is urgent and that public low ebb, she became organizer, inspirer, sus- support is broad and deep. Project Inde- tainer, a captain of our cause in a long march pendence can help break the logjam that has back to victory. She lifted our spirits and our blocked reform for so long. By building sup- vision. port for the McCain-Feingold and Shays- I will never forget how she was there for Meehan campaign finance reform bills, Hillary and for me in 1992: wise counsel, Project Independence will give citizens a friend, a leader in our ranks who never voice as we work to reform our politics and doubted the outcome, or if she did, covered renew our democracy. it so well with her well-known bravado that

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no one could have suspected. Today I am I was so glad that Randolph read a few here in no small measure because she was moments ago from the book of Sir Winston there. Churchill’s essays that Pamela loved so well She was one of the easiest choices I made and gave to so many of us who were her for any appointment when I became Presi- friends. The passage he read not only de- dent. As she left to become our Ambassador scribes her own life, it is her valediction to to France, she told us all with a smile, ‘‘Now us, her final instruction about how we should my home in Paris will be your home. Please live our lives. And I think she would like this come and visit, but not all at once.’’ [Laugh- service to be not only grand, as it is, but to ter] It seemed she had been having us at be a final instruction from her to us about her home all at once for too many years. So what we should now do. a lot of us took her up on her invitation to Let me quote just a portion of what was come to Paris. After Hillary and I had been said a few moments ago. ‘‘Let us reconcile there the first time, I must say I wondered ourselves to the mysterious rhythm of our which one of us got the better job. [Laugh- destinies such as they must be in this time— ter] in this world of time and space. Let us treas- In many ways her whole life was a prepara- ure our joys but not bewail our sorrows. The tion for these last 4 years of singular service glory of light cannot exist without the shad- and achievement. She represented America ows. Life is a whole, and the journey has been well worth making.’’ with wisdom, grace, and dignity, earning the Throughout her glorious journey, Pamela confidence of France’s leaders, the respect Harriman lightened the shadows of our lives. of its people, the devotion of her staff. Now she is gone. In the mysterious rhythm Born a European, an American by choice, of her destiny, she left us at the pinnacle of as she liked to say, Pamela worked hard to her public service, with the promise of her build the very strongest ties between our two beloved America burning brighter because of countries and continents. She understood how she lived in her space and time. What that to make yourself heard you had to know a journey it was and well worth making. how to listen. And with the special apprecia- May God comfort her family and countless tion of one not native born, she felt to her friends, and may He keep her soul indomi- bones America’s special leadership role in table forever. the world. Today, we see her legacy in the growing NOTE: The President spoke at 10:26 a.m. at Wash- promise of a Europe undivided, secure, and ington National Cathedral. In his remarks, he re- free, a legacy that moved President Chirac ferred to Pamela Harriman’s grandson, Randolph last week to confer upon Pamela the Grand Churchill, and her late husband, W. Averell Har- riman. Cross of the Legion of Honor, France’s high- est award. He said then that seldom since Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson Remarks Prior to Discussions With had America been so well served in France. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu There is one image of Pamela Harriman of Israel and an Exchange With I will always treasure. I can see her now, Reporters standing on the windswept beaches of Nor- February 13, 1997 mandy on the 50th anniversary of D-Day. She had told many of us of the long, tense The President. Let me say two things. night in England half a century before, as First of all, I’m delighted to have the Prime they waited for news about the transports Minister back in Washington, and I applaud plowing toward the shore, filled with young the terrific effort that he and Chairman soldiers, American, British, and Free French. Arafat made to resolve the issues relating to Now, 50 years later, history had come full Hebron. And I’m looking forward to the next circle, and she was there as an active life steps. force in the greatest continuing alliance for The second thing I’d like to say is, we are freedom the world has ever known. going to have a press conference after this

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is over, and because we have a lot of things The President. Nothing. [Laughter] Wait, to discuss and a limited amount of time to wait, wait. The Prime Minister wants to make discuss them, I would prefer if we would a statement. defer all questions until the press conference. Prime Minister Netanyahu. It’s a very I will give you an extended opportunity to brief statement, but I think it says a lot. I’m ask questions related to this, and I know you very, very happy to be here with President have some other questions on other things, Clinton again. We have seen him personally but I’d rather answer them at the press con- and his staff make a tremendous contribution ference. for peace. I think their contribution for the Q. And I’ll obey you for a change. [Laugh- Hebron agreement was decisive, and it re- ter] flects and reaffirms the leadership for peace Q. Sir, I like your tie. that President Clinton has shown throughout The President. Thank you. Pamela Har- his term of office. riman gave me that the last time I was in I think we’ve taken bold steps for peace. Paris. That’s why I wore it today. Her last It’s time that we see such steps from our gift to me was this tie. That’s why I wore partners as well. And if we have this mutual- it today. ity, we will have, I think, a great future, a different future and hope for our children [At this point, one group of reporters left the and our grandchildren. room, and another group entered.] Q. Mr. President, can you take one ques- tion? The President. Let me make a brief state- The President. At the press conference. ment, if I might. First of all, I am very, very I will answer at the press conference. And pleased that the Prime Minister is back in I promise, if he doesn’t call on you, I will. Washington. I’m looking forward to our meeting. I want, once again, to congratulate NOTE: The President spoke at 1:12 p.m. in the him for the agreement that was made with Oval Office at the White House. In his remarks, Chairman Arafat over Hebron. It was a brave he referred to Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Pal- and wise thing to do. Obviously, the United estinian Authority. A tape was not available for States wants to make whatever contribution verification of the content of these remarks. we can to the continuation of a peace proc- ess. The President’s News Conference The second thing I would like to say is With Prime Minister Netanyahu of that we have a lot of things to discuss here, Israel as you might imagine, and a limited time in which to discuss them. I will be happy to February 13, 1997 take your questions, but I would like to defer The President. Good afternoon. Please be it until our press conference. And at least seated. I’m pleased to welcome Prime Min- I and I think the Prime Minister will be will- ister Netanyahu back to the White House for ing to stay for a reasonable period of time his fourth visit since taking office. He comes to get virtually all the questions out. But we at a time of great sadness in Israel, following need to get on with our meeting now. the terrible helicopter accident of 9 days ago. Q. Mr. President, are you willing to take— We know that in Israel every death is in the [inaudible]—the Hamas member, to Is- family. And on behalf of the American peo- rael—— ple, Mr. Prime Minister, once again I would The President. I’ll answer the questions like to extend our deepest sympathies to the at the press conference. loved ones of the victims and to all the people Prime Minister Netanyahu. This is the of Israel. Israeli press, Mr. President. Since our meeting in October, we have The President. No, it’s okay. traveled a very long way. Then we met in Q. What’s wrong with the Israeli press? a time of crisis; now there is a renewed sense Prime Minister Netanyahu. A very good of promise in the Middle East. I want to con- press. gratulate the Prime Minister for concluding

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the Hebron agreement last month with bring together Israelis, Arabs, and the inter- Chairman Arafat. They have reached a mile- national community to address regional is- stone on the way to a secure and lasting sues such as water resources and environ- peace. The agreement solved the immediate mental protection and to clear the way to issue of redeployment and laid out a roadmap more trade between Israel and Arab nations. for the next steps that must be taken to fulfill To make peace meaningful, reconciliation existing agreements and to move ahead to must deepen. And Arabs and Israelis must the pivotal questions of the future. both harvest more of the fruits of peace. The Beyond the specific commitments made, pursuit of peace and the practice of terror the Hebron accord is important because it are incompatible. For negotiations to suc- renewed the partnership between Israelis ceed, there must be a climate of stability and and Palestinians, a partnership that is essen- tranquility. For peace to endure, Arabs and tial to the success of the peace process. The Israelis must know the calm of a normal life. United States is proud to have helped in this Prime Minister Netanyahu and I reviewed effort. our shared efforts to combat terror, including Today the Prime Minister and I discussed the 2-year, $100 million program I an- what Israelis and Palestinians need to do next nounced last year. Those funds have allowed to strengthen this relationship that is so Israel to invest in research and development central to all our hopes for the Middle East. for new technologies, to procure state-of-the- We have an opportunity to build on the new art security equipment, to streamline the pas- momentum coming out of last month’s sage of goods and people from the West agreement. It must not be wasted. Bank and Gaza. That way Israel has more The release of Palestinian prisoners earlier security, and Palestinians have more eco- this week was an important sign of Israel’s nomic opportunity. respect for past agreements and its willing- Finally, I reaffirmed to the Prime Minister ness to take into account Palestinian needs. America’s unshakable determination to con- Both sides must show the same kind of deter- tinue helping Israel to meet its security mination as they seek to resolve on the basis needs. The delivery of F–15–I fighters begin- of reciprocity the issues that remain. The ning this year will strengthen Israel’s air de- challenges will be great, but the Prime Min- fenses against any attack. And our coopera- ister and Chairman Arafat have shown that tion on theater missile defenses through early the will is there. Just as America has been warning systems and defensive programs like by Israel’s side each step of the way, in the the Arrow is reducing the chance that Israelis journey that lies ahead we will help Israel again will fear missile attacks from distant and its partners move forward. enemies. The achievement of Hebron is a call to When Binyamin Netanyahu first visited action, and it must be heeded. The United the White House as Prime Minister, I States and Israel share a goal of a com- pledged that we would preserve and prehensive settlement and a powerful belief strengthen the bonds between our two na- that peace and security are indivisible. tions. With this meeting we have taken an- The Prime Minister and I exchanged ideas other step to fulfill that promise, to deepen on how to revive negotiations between Syria the partnership that has made it possible for and Israel. I believe both nations want to so many extraordinary changes to occur in conclude a peace agreement, and the United the Middle East since 1993—through the States will work with them to achieve that agreements last month and through other goal. We also believe it is important that Is- things that will now be done to sustain us rael and Lebanon achieve an agreement to as we move forward toward our common complete the circle of peace. dream of a comprehensive peace. We agreed on the need for increased con- Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. The floor tact and better ties between Arab States and is yours. Israel. This will be a priority in my meetings Prime Minister Netanyahu. Thank you. with other Middle East leaders over the next Mr. President, I want to thank you first for month. It’s time to reinvigorate talks that the very moving words that you expressed,

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your sharing of our grief, the sharing of the thing to say publicly, anything I comment on American people of the great sorrow of the will only undermine the chances of peace. people of Israel in our recent tragedy. I think I do feel encouraged by the discussions you’ve shown yourself to be a great champion we’ve had, that there are things worth work- of peace and an exceptional friend of Israel. ing on, working through. I’m hopeful that we And I must say that both of these attitudes can get the Syrian track going again. But I were in evidence today in our discussions, have nothing specific to say at this time. discussions between friends who wish to achieve peace and security. Middle East Peace Process We discussed the progress and the various Q. Mr. President, I believe that you had tracks of peace, both with the Palestinians a very lengthy private talk with Prime Min- and as we hope with the Syrians. And I ister Netanyahu. In your private conversation found, as always in my discussions with you, today, did he outline to you how does he Mr. President, your unshakable commitment see the future Middle East or the permanent to Israel’s security and understanding of how settlements—peace settlements in the Mid- security is intertwined with peace and a de- dle East between Israel and Syria, between sire to assist us with our Arab partners to Israel and the Palestinians or the Palestinian walk on that road of peace and security. Authority? Privately, did he say anything to I think that the strength of the American- you about it? Israel relationship is a fundamental factor in The President. You mean you want me the pursuit of peace, of a secure peace in to make the private talk not private anymore? the Middle East. And I come out of these [Laughter] No, the answer—yes, the answer meetings with renewed confidence in our is, I believe he has thought through a way ability to progress on that road. consistent with the security of the people of Thank you, Mr. President. Israel that a comprehensive peace might be The President. Now, we’ll start with Terry achieved. We all know that there are a lot [Terence Hunt, Associated Press], and we’ll of things out there that still have to be re- alternate between American and Israeli jour- solved. But I was impressed that it’s obvious nalists. And the Prime Minister will call on that he has been thinking very hard about the journalists from Israel. this and thinking about it from a security point of view and from a point of view of Syria peace and long-term harmony and prosperity Q. Mr. President, you mentioned Syria. of peoples in the region. I was encouraged What are the prospects for restarting peace by that. talks with Syria? And the Prime Minister was Helen [Helen Thomas, United Press said to be bringing a territorial compromise International]. on the Golan Heights. Did you discuss that, and what can you tell us about it? Do you Lebanon think it might work? Q. Mr. President, assuming that Ambas- The President, I would very much like sador Indyk was correctly quoted on our pol- to see the talks resume. And I think it’s an icy in Lebanon and assuming that we still important part of continuing the process, have a tradition of supporting territorial in- keeping it alive, keeping the momentum tegrity, why are you against the withdrawal going. We had an extensive discussion about of Israeli troops from Lebanon at this time? the whole issue of every aspect of the peace The President. I believe it is imperative process. But I think the only way the United that Israel maintain the security of its north- States has been able to be a constructive ern border, and therefore, I have believed force in this process for the last several years that the United States should be somewhat is not to say anything which will undermine deferential under these circumstances, which the prospects of its success. So if I—I’m are quite unusual, as we’ve seen repeatedly going to follow the rule I’ve followed since over the last few years, in the decisions that I first came to this job: Until we have some- Israel would make. So it’s up to the Prime

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Minister to announce the policy of his coun- I will get to the specifics. Obviously, any re- try, not me, on this issue. quest they would make of us we would have Q. Even to the point of occupying some- to seriously consider. But any decision that one else’s country? I make about that has to be made in a way The President. Do you want to make a that is consistent with our first commitment comment about it? which is to do nothing that will undermine Prime Minister Netanyahu. Thanks. the qualitative edge of Israeli security forces [Laughter] in the Middle East. The President. Get me off the hot seat. Now, with regard to the second question, [Laughter] we are obviously concerned about Iran from Prime Minister Netanyahu. Well, we many perspectives, not only from the build- have no desire, Helen, to be in Lebanon. up of its conventional military forces but also We’re there simply because there’s a desire from the continued determination of the gov- of some people in Lebanon to be in Israel, ernment to support terrorists in the region specifically, to launch attacks against Israel. and beyond. And we are doing what we can They’ve been doing that over the years. I’m to stem the tide of terrorism. And I will say talking about Hezbollah at this stage. And again, we will do what we can to make sure we have said that we would withdraw from that no development in any other country Lebanon if we could secure our northern that is beyond our control or influence will border. Our concern is that if we simply be permitted to erode Israel’s qualitative se- walked away to the border, the Hezbollah curity edge. That is our responsibility, and and other terrorists would just come to the we’ll do our best to fulfill it. fence and attack our towns and villages and Bill [Bill Plante, CBS News]. our citizens from that improved position. My view is that we can achieve an ultimate withdrawal from Lebanon if we could have China and Campaign Financing somebody dismantle the Hezbollah military Q. Mr. President, your Press Secretary capacity in the south of the country and take said earlier today that you were surprised and up the slack—preferably it should be the concerned by reports that there may have Lebanese army. That is something that we’re been plans made in the Chinese Embassy prepared to negotiate with the Government to funnel foreign contributions to the Demo- of Lebanon, and it’s no secret with Syria, that cratic National Committee this year. Does has more than a minor influence in Lebanon. this give you concern that there could be in- That is our position. It hasn’t changed. dustrial or economic espionage as a target of this? And do you think this tips the scales Iran and Saudi Arabia in favor of having an independent counsel Q. Mr. President, Mr. Prime Minister, on the campaign finance question? Iran is developing long-range missiles with The President. Well, first of all, the—let Russian know-how. Is that a clear and me answer—the second question has and present danger to Israel? On another— should be answered entirely by the Justice friends of the United States, the Saudis, will Department. The statute about that depends get the latest technology from United States. not on the gravity of the subject but on what Will that be a danger to Israel’s qualitative the targets are. And it’s fairly well covered. edge? Thank you. The Justice Department has spoken to that The President. Let me answer the second and will continue to speak to that and will question first, and then I’ll answer them make the decisions. I don’t want to have any both. First of all, with regard to Saudi Arabia, comment about it. we have had a long and very important de- On the first, let me say that, first of all, fense partnership which persists to this day this is a serious set of questions raised here. and which has contributed, I believe, to the And the first I knew about any of it was last security of Israel. We have not been asked evening. They obviously have to be thor- by the Saudi Government for F–16’s, which oughly investigated. And I do not want to I take it is the import of your question, so speculate or accuse anyone of anything. I do

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not—I know nothing about it other than what The President. Yes, John [John Palmer, I heard last night, which is reflected entirely NBC News]? in the article this morning in the Post. But Q. Mr. President, I wondered if you could obviously, it would be a very serious matter give us your assessment of the impact of a for the United States if any country were to possible American Airlines strike at midnight attempt to funnel funds to one of our political tomorrow night? Have you received the De- parties for any reason whatever. partment of Transportation report on that So I think we just have to let the investiga- impact and how serious would it be? And tion proceed, and we should all support it would you plan to invoke any special powers in every way we can. It has to be vigorous, and keep them on the job through an emer- and it has to be thorough. gency decree? The President. Today I want to say no Lebanon and Syria more than I did yesterday, except to reem- Q. Mr. President, it is the American view phasize that it should be obvious to everyone that it’s possible to reach a settlement in Leb- looking at this that it cannot be a good thing anon without first reaching an overall settle- for American Airlines, but more importantly, ment with Syria? And if so, will the American it cannot be a good thing for the people of Government do something to seek such a so- the United States and indeed people coming lution? to the United States from other parts of the The President. Well, let me say I would world for a significant interruption to occur support any reasonable efforts to reach a in the operations of this airline. comprehensive settlement with Lebanon that We’ve had so many problems with our air- the Government of Israel thought was fea- lines for several years. And now they’ve been sible and was willing to undertake. I think doing quite well for the last couple of years. that we all know what the facts are there, Our administration has worked very hard on and we all understand. You just heard the that. This is an important part of America Prime Minister talk about the problems being seen as a vibrant, reliable, successful along the border. I think we all understand nation. And it would be quite disruptive if it would be at least certainly a lot easier to it occurs. do if there were also an agreement with So I want to say today, I want to reiterate Syria. my call to the parties to use the mediator You know, we have a special feeling in this and think about how they can reach out to country for Lebanon, and we have a lot of one another in the best interest of the Na- the sons and daughters of Lebanon who are tion, as well of American and its employees, American citizens now. And it is a particu- all of its employees. larly grievous thing for us to see the relation- ships between Israel and Lebanon in the po- Israel-Syria Peace Talks sition they’re in. But we have to look at this Q. Mr. President, do you really think that over the long run. I think that—we have Israel and Syria can resume the peace talks talked about this frankly; we’ve had several in an atmosphere like we have today, where conversations about this. We have to do what Hezbollah keeps its terror activity and the we think is possible, and Israel has to do what Syrian and Iranian support? And what are we think is possible. If it became possible you going to do about it, if anything—if you to have a real and meaningful agreement, are going to do anything about it? would I be for that? You bet I would. Is it The President. Well, actually, we spend now? I’m not sure. quite a lot of time trying to do something And you may want to—— about terrorists everywhere. We invest a lot Prime Minister Netanyahu. I think you of our resources and our efforts in working said it very well. with our friends in Israel and throughout the world trying to prevent terrorists from con- American Airlines Labor Dispute ducting successful operations and trying to Q. Mr. President? track them down and punish them and extra-

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dite them and do what needs to be done that we’ve enjoyed and the prospects we have when they do. for stable growth with no inflation, it’s hard So I think our—I think the United States to say that it’s completely out of the question. has a clearer, more unambiguous position on More and more—keep in mind, one of the terrorism, whether it affects our people di- reasons this market has gone up is that just rectly or not, than virtually any other large a few years ago only about a third of the industrial country in the world. And I will American people owned stocks, either di- continue to do that. rectly or indirectly through their retirement However, it has been obvious for some investments and mutual funds; today over 40 time to the overwhelming majority of people percent of the American people do. in Israel—which is why the Prime Minister So, on balance, this has been a positive has done what he’s done and why his prede- thing. Obviously, you know—some people cessors did what they did—that in the long say, ‘‘Well, gosh, we don’t want another 1987 run, there had to be a comprehensive peace here.’’ But even after 1987 we had a rather in the region to end all the violence. And rapid rebound. So I think what I need to I applaud him for doing that. do is to try to work on keeping the economy When we seek to make peace, we obvi- healthy. Let’s go on and balance the budget. ously are dealing with people with whom we Let’s invest in our future, and let’s try to cre- have been angry, angry enough to take up ate a better worldwide trading system. Let’s arms, people with whom we have not had follow our strategy, and then let the market a relationship of trust. And that is what makes take care of itself, as long as there is no de- every step along the way so difficult. But I structive element in it. That’s what I think think to renounce the possibility of peace is we should do. not the right course. To stand up to terrorism Want to take one more? in every way we can is the right course. Abu Marzook National Economy Q. Mr. President and Mr. Prime Minister, Q. In your economic report of the Presi- are you considering once again the question dent, which was released this week, you said of bringing Mr. Abu Marzook to trial in Is- that the economy’s health was the strongest rael? it had been in decades. Today the stock mar- The President. The answer to that ques- ket closed at about 7,000 for the first time. tion is, we did not discuss it because it’s a Are you concerned about the speed of that matter within the American courts. And rise? Do you think it may well be justified, there is nothing I can do about, nothing the given what you see as a pretty strong fun- Prime Minister can do about it. It’s in our damental economy? courts, and we can’t discuss it until it’s re- The President. I think it was 3,200 when solved in the courts. I took office. [Laughter] And I got a call from Prime Minister Netanyahu. I can only a little town in the mountains of north Arkan- reaffirm that. But I can also tell you that, sas, from a friend of mine who was talking Mr. President, like you, I have a habit of not to his Republican stockbroker, who said, ‘‘If dealing—not commenting on our stock mar- it ever hits 4000, even I will vote for him.’’ ket, which has been going up. [Laughter] But [Laughter] I will say that when the Israeli stock market Let me say, my own view is that anything reaches 7,000 I will comment on it. [Laugh- we say about this is likely to either have no ter] effect or an adverse one. The market has pro- duced a remarkable growth, but the economy is growing. Obviously, the concern is, you Second Term Cabinet Nominees know, are the returns to stocks, returns to The President. Before I go I have to— investment greater than can be justified since I didn’t get a question on it, I have— based on the productivity and profit pros- there is one thing I want to say something pects of the companies that are being traded. about, just because I’ve heard it suggested But if you look at the stability and the growth that maybe I don’t have a great interest in

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this. I’ve just literally not been asked about deepest sympathy to the soldier’s family and it. to the British Government and people on the I have been very well-pleased with the loss of this young man. We wish the authori- treatment that my nominees for the Cabinet ties success in bringing the murderers swiftly have received who have gotten their hearings to justice. and been taken to a vote. There are still some All those who care about the future of who have not gotten a hearing yet, and let Northern Ireland must join me in condemn- me mention in particular Tony Lake. We’ve ing this cowardly crime. I remain convinced now answered all the questions that we’ve that the people of both of Northern Ireland’s been asked. We’ve sent it up to the commit- traditions want to take the path of peace and tee. And I think he ought to be given a hear- reconciliation, not hatred and violence. ing and a vote. The Belfast talks chaired by Senator And I’d like to remind everybody involved Mitchell continue to have my full support. in this that it was Tony Lake who came up I urge all those taking part, who share a com- with the strategy that we implemented to end mitment to democratic values, to move as the bloodiest war in Europe since World War rapidly as possible into substantive negotia- II. He was a terrific success as the National tion about the future of Northern Ireland. Security Adviser to the President. He has The loyalists and their leaders have shown worked in these fields for 30 years. He fully great courage and restraint in not allowing understands the intelligence operations. He themselves to be drawn into an escalating is superbly qualified. If someone has some spiral of violence. I urge them to remain reason to oppose him, let them oppose him steadfast. in a hearing and then in a vote on the floor. But in view of his service, not to me but to this country, and the positive consequences Remarks on Receiving the ‘‘Adoption of that service, whether it’s Bosnia, Haiti, the 2002’’ Report and an Exchange with agreements with Russia, you name it, he de- serves—his service to this country deserved Reporters a hearing and a vote on the floor of the Sen- February 14, 1997 ate. And I hope he will get it. Thank you very much. The President. Thank you very much, Q. [Inaudible.] Olivia. Ladies and gentlemen and boys and The President. Well, I obviously feel that girls, thank you all for being here. I also want way about that, but you know, you’ve got this to say a special word of thanks to some Mem- on the record about that. I think she’ll sail bers of Congress who are not here today but through if we ever get her to a vote. The who have done an enormous amount of work same thing about Secretary Pen˜ a. But I want- on this issue, including Senators Rockefeller, ed to—I’m on the record, I think, with Alexis. Chafee, and DeWine, and Congresswoman I just wanted to be on the record with Tony. Kennelly and Congressman Camp. Let me begin by also saying Happy Valen- NOTE: The President’s 135th news conference tine’s Day. All the kids look wonderful. The began at 4:34 p.m. in the East Room at the White rest of us look all right, too—[laughter]—but House. In his remarks, he referred to Martin S. the kids look especially wonderful. Indyk, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and Abu Marzook, alleged HAMAS terrorist. I want to thank you, Olivia, for the work you’ve done. And I want to thank the First Lady for the work she has done on this issue Statement on the Killing of a British over more than 20 years now. I’ll never forget Soldier in Northern Ireland the first conversation we had, shortly after February 13, 1997 we were married, about a case that she had involving a child in foster care who wanted I am grieved and outraged by the callous to become an adopted child. I didn’t know killing of a British soldier in Northern Ireland very much about it before then, and ever yesterday. The First Lady and I extend our since then this issue has been of consuming

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interest to me because of what I learned them the assistance they need to State agen- through her. And I thank her for that. cies, courts, and communities to devise such We know that our children’s fundamental a system. We’ll also have $10 million to estab- well-being depends upon safety and stability, lish competitive grants for States to develop that without these, children have a very hard model strategies for moving children from time in this complicated, challenging world foster care to permanent families. of ours. We know that far too many of our Third, we’ll propose legislation that gives own children are indeed now in danger in States bonuses, as Olivia said, for every child the homes in which they live. The public that is adopted over the prior year’s total, child welfare system was created to provide with even larger bonuses when the child has a temporary haven for those children but not special needs. The balanced budget will start to let them languish forever in foster care. paying for these bonuses, but we know they’ll As you heard Olivia say, we have nearly pay for themselves, since foster care costs far half a million of our children in foster care more than adoption. This isn’t just cost effec- today. Nearly 100,000 will never return to tive—of course, it’s the right thing to do. their original homes. Many of those children Fourth, to achieve our goal of moving chil- still will never know what it’s like to live in dren more quickly, we’ll work with Congress a real home until they grow up and start their to shorten from 18 to 12 months the time own families. But it does not have to be that a child waits for the first hearing. And we’re way. We can find adoptive and other perma- going to call it a permanency planning hear- nent families for waiting children like these ing, so that there’s no mistake as to its pur- fine children who have joined us today and pose. the children whose valentines you see hang- ing behind me and here in front. Fifth, to give credit for model strategies In December I asked the Department of that are working, we’ll give national awards Health and Human Services to come up with for excellence every year in November, Na- an aggressive legislative and administrative tional Adoption Month. strategy to double the number of children Finally, we’ll redouble our efforts to make we move from foster care to permanent sure no child of one race is deprived of a homes annually by the year 2002 and to move loving home when a family of another race them there much more quickly. I’m proud is prepared to give it. That is illegal and to say that the Department went to work to wrong and often hurts our very neediest chil- produce this blueprint for achieving our goal. dren. The Department of Health and Human Now we have to move quickly to put this Services will continue to ensure that States plan into action, so that no child is deprived are meeting their obligations under this law. of a safe and permanent home for even one Putting this plan into action today will day longer than necessary. Every agency of mean that we are ensuring that no child will every State, every family court, every case languish in foster care when loving families worker in the country must understand that are out there ready, willing, and able to open children’s health and safety are the para- their hearts and their homes. This is just one mount concerns of the child welfare system, part of our strategy to guarantee the well- especially when determining whether to re- being of our most vulnerable children. By move a child from his or her home or return giving States the flexibility to develop their them there. We’ll work with Congress to own strategies, we’re moving closer to make sure the law explicitly reflects this pri- achieving that goal. ority. We’ll issue guidelines to the States so I’m proud to announce that we have ap- there will be no question as to the law’s proved Ohio’s request for a waiver in dealing meaning. with their child welfare system. This is the Second, to meet the goal of moving 54,000 fifth of its kind, and there will be more to children into permanent homes in 2002, we’ll come. It gives Ohio the authority to design work with States and set yearly targets. We’ll and to test a managed care approach to im- give them, as my balanced budget does, $10 prove child welfare services and move chil- million a year for the next 3 years to give dren out of foster care more quickly.

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By working together across party lines at nance chairman Terence McAuliffe at the every level of government, in businesses, reli- Hay-Adams Hotel. gious groups, communities, and in our homes, we can make sure that every child February 9 in America grows up in a safe and nurturing In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton attended a performance of ‘‘Twilight: home. That is a goal every American should Los Angeles, 1992. On the Road: A Search be proud to support. That is a gift of love for American Character’’ at Ford’s Theatre. we can make to all of our children. and if you look at the children here today, it’s hard February 10 to think of anything more important we could In the morning, the President traveled to be doing to say, Happy Valentine’s Day. Annapolis, MD. In the afternoon, he re- Thank you. turned to Washington, DC. [At this point, the President and the First February 11 Lady greeted the children, and then the In an evening ceremony in the Oval Office, President took questions from reporters.] the President received diplomatic credentials from Ambassadors Baktybek Abdrisaev of the American Airlines Labor Dispute Kyrgyz Republic; K.M. Shehabuddin of Ban- Q. Mr. President, both sides of the Amer- gladesh; Andrew Nicolaides of Cyprus; ican Airlines dispute seem to keep putting Bernardo Vega of the Dominican Republic; the ball into your court. How do you feel Juan Carlos Esguerra of Colombia; Andrew about being put into that position? Both sides Sharp Peacock of Australia; Napolioni of the dispute seem to keep putting the ball Masirewa of Fiji; Rex Stephen Horoi of the into your court. Solomon Islands; and Madame Akosita The President. They need to go back to Fineanganofo of Tonga. work. They’ve got a few more hours of work The President announced his intention to to do. appoint Richard R. Parizek to the Nuclear Q. Let me put it this way: What’s the up- Waste Technical Review Board. side and the downside of your acting one way The White House announced that the or the other? President, while on a working visit to Capitol The President. I’m going to have a meet- Hill, had a telephone conversation with Sen- ing on this later this afternoon to get an up- ator Richard C. Shelby concerning the nomi- date, and then I think I should make myself nation of Anthony Lake to be Director of available for questions after I see where we Central Intelligence. are in a couple hours. February 12 The President announced that he ap- NOTE: The President spoke at 12:51 p.m. in the Oval Office at the White House. pointed Harold Ickes to serve as director of the 1997 summit of the world’s major indus- trialized nations, which will take place in Denver, CO, June 20–22. The President announced his intention to Digest of Other designate Ken Kennedy as Co-Chairman of White House Announcements the Advisory Committee on High-Perform- ance Computing and Communications, In- formation Technology, and the Next Genera- The following list includes the President’s public tion Internet. He also announced his inten- schedule and other items of general interest an- tion to appoint persons as members: Eric A. nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and Benhamou, Vinton Cerf, Ching-Chih Chen, not included elsewhere in this issue. David Cooper, Steven D. Dorfman, Robert Ewald, David J. Farber, Sherrilynne S. February 8 Fuller, Hector Garcia-Molina, Susan Gra- In the evening, the President attended a ham, James N. Gray, W. Daniel Hillis, David farewell reception for Clinton/Gore ’96 fi- C. Nagel, Raj Reddy, Edward H. Shortliffe,

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Larry Smarr, Leslie Vadasz, Andrew J. Patricia A. Broderick, Viterbi, and Steven J. Wallach. of the District of Columbia, to be an Associ- The President announced that he has ate Judge of the Superior Court of the Dis- given White House Director for Legislative trict of Columbia for the term of 15 years, Affairs John Hilley an expanded role as both vice Harriett Rosen Taylor, term expired. Senior Advisor to the President and Director for Legislative Affairs. Mary Ann Gooden Terrell, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associ- February 14 ate Judge of the Superior Court of the Dis- In the afternoon, the President partici- trict of Columbia for the term of 15 years, pated in a swearing-in ceremony in the Oval vice Richard Stephen Salzman, term expired. Office for Secretary of Transportation Rod- ney E. Slater. Submitted February 12 The President announced his intention to nominate Stuart E. Eizenstat to become Alan S. Gold, Under Secretary of State for Economics, of Florida, to be U.S. District Judge for the Business, and Agriculture. Southern District of Florida, vice Jose A. The President announced his intention to Gonzales, Jr., retired. nominate Thomas Pickering to become Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. Anthony W. Ishii, The President named Eric P. Goosby as of California, to be U.S. District Judge for Acting Director of the Office of National the Eastern District of California, vice Rob- AIDS Policy. ert E. Coyle, retired. The President announced his intention to appoint Gus Weill as a member of the J. Wil- Lynne Lasry, liam Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. of California, to be U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of California, vice John S. Rhodes, Sr., retired.

Nominations Ivan L.R. Lemelle, Submitted to the Senate of Louisiana, to be U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, vice Veron- ica D. Wicker, deceased. The following list does not include promotions of members of the Uniformed Services, nominations to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- eign Service officers. Checklist of White House Press Releases Submitted February 11 The following list contains releases of the Office Tracey D. Conwell, of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as of Texas, to be a member of the National items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Museum Services Board for a term expiring Other White House Announcements. December 6, 2001, vice Fay S. Howell, term expired. Released February 7 1 Joaquin L.G. Salas, Transcript of remarks by the First Lady at of Guam, to be U.S. Marshal for the District the Education Awards ceremony of Guam and concurrently U.S. Marshal for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands 1 This item was not received in time for inclu- for the term of 4 years, vice Jose R. Mariano. sion in the appropriate issue.

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Released February 10 Released February 13 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry and Deputy Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry retary Dave Johnson Transcript of remarks by Vice President Al- bert Gore at the swearing-in ceremony for Released February 11 U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Richardson retary Mike McCurry Released February 14 Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry on the President’s telephone conversation Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- with Senator Richard Shelby, chairman, Sen- retary Mike McCurry ate Select Committee on Intelligence Transcript of remarks by the First Lady to Announcement of nominations for the Supe- students at Cleveland Elementary School rior Court of the District of Columbia Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry on the release from detention of Golden Ven- Released February 12 ture detainees Transcript of a press briefing by Senior Pol- icy Adviser to the Vice President Elaine Kamarck on the aviation safety report and by Press Secretary Mike McCurry Acts Approved Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry by the President on U.S. media licensed to open bureaus in Cuba NOTE: No acts approved by the President were Announcement of nomination of four U.S. received by the Office of the Federal Register District Judges during the period covered by this issue.

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