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Home , Arleigh Burke

Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, January 8, 1996 Volume 32—Number 1 Pages 1–19

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Addresses and Remarks Communications to Federal Agencies Palestine Liberation Organization, Adm. Arleigh A. Burke, funeral service—10 memorandum—14 Budget negotiations—3, 6 Radio address—2 Interviews With the News Media St. Monica’s Episcopal Church—14 Exchanges with reporters Briefing Room—6 Bill Signings Cabinet Room—3, 4 Oval Office—6 District of Columbia appropriations Notices legislation, statement—13 Continuation of Libyan emergency—8 ICC Termination Act of 1995, statement—1 Proclamations Communications to Congress Death of Arleigh A. Burke—6

Cyprus, letter transmitting report—13 Statements by the President Iraq, letter reporting—11 See also Bill Signings Israeli loan guarantees, message transmitting Death of Adm. Arleigh A. Burke—5 report—5 Supplementary Materials Libyan emergency, message on continuation— Acts approved by the President—19 8 Checklist of press releases—18 Netherlands-U.S. tax protocol and report, Digest of other White House message transmitting—9 announcements—17 Romania, message on trade—9 Nominations submitted to the Senate—18

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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Statement on Signing the ICC bill falls short of my Administration’s much Termination Act of 1995 bolder proposal for extensive deregulation of December 29, 1995 transportation industries. Regulatory reform of the Nation’s trans- I have today signed into law H.R. 2539, portation industries has been an outstanding the ‘‘ICC Termination Act of 1995.’’ In my success. Beginning with air cargo deregula- State of the Union address this year, I called tion in 1977 and continuing with sweeping upon the Congress to terminate the Inter- rail and trucking reforms over the past 15 state Commerce Commission (ICC). I also years, much of the stranglehold of govern- called for further reductions in unnecessary ment regulation has been broken. Today, regulations. This legislation is consistent with only about 20 percent of all domestic freight those goals, but it does not go far enough. transportation is regulated, compared with The bill eliminates the ICC, transferring 75 percent 20 years ago. These reforms have many of its functions to a new Surface Trans- reduced the cost of transporting everything portation Board (STB) located within the we buy and use. They have also enabled U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The producers and retailers to employ ‘‘just in bill reduces some ICC functions, including time’’ manufacturing and inventory systems those that overlap with DOT with regard to to save many billions of dollars in overseeing safety and insurance require- warehousing and distribution costs. ments in the trucking industry. With the sun- The Congress had an opportunity to build set of the ICC and the consolidation of motor on this success but, instead, provided for only carrier functions at DOT, the bill will very modest reform. While this legislation produce moderate budget savings. eliminates a number of obsolete and unnec- The bill will also help provide a smooth essary functions of the ICC, it still exempts transition now that appropriations for the transportation industries from many of the ICC have been terminated. And the bill em- disciplines of competition. These exemptions powers the new STB to promote deregula- are no longer justified in today’s strong and tion administratively on a case-by-case basis. competitive market economy. I call upon the Board to use this authority For example, the Nation’s trucking indus- to the fullest extent to benefit consumers and try has enjoyed antitrust immunity for collec- facilitate economic growth. tive ratemaking for the last 47 years. Con- I am also satisfied that the Congress ad- tinuation of this immunity reduces potential dressed my Administration’s strong objec- benefits to consumers and protects ineffi- tions to earlier versions of this legislation, cient carriers. This bill also maintains special which would have severely curtailed labor merger standards for railroads. The railroad protection for railroad employees adversely industry should be subject to the same merg- affected by certain railroad transactions, in- er standards as other transportation indus- cluding mergers. And I note that the final tries. version of the bill continues intact the impor- The bill vests the Chairman of the Surface tant rail reforms of 1980, which have helped Transportation Board with the authority to improve rail service and bring the railroad appoint ‘‘officers and employees of the industry back to profitability. Board.’’ The Appointments Clause of the Nevertheless, I am disappointed in this Constitution, Art. II, sec. 2, cl. 2, permits bill. While it eliminates the ICC, it creates the Congress to vest the appointment of infe- a new independent agency, the STB, within rior officers in the head of a department. Be- the Transportation Department. Overall, the cause the Board is ‘‘established within the

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Department of Transportation,’’ it is a bu- achievement. The key to our strength is eco- reau or component of a department, and can- nomic opportunity for every American. In not be a department unto itself for purposes 1995, the ingenuity and hard work of our of the Appointments Clause. Accordingly, it people has kept the economy growing, steady would be unconstitutional for the Chairman and strong. In the past 12 months the econ- to appoint persons to serve as ‘‘officers’’ in omy created 13⁄4 million new private sector the constitutional sense. Therefore, I am jobs. In every month the unemployment rate signing this bill with the understanding that has been below 6 percent. All told, since it does not authorize the Chairman to ap- 1993, we Americans have created nearly 8 point ‘‘officers’’ in the constitutional sense. million new jobs. The stock market has bro- The bill provides for the authorization of ken every record. The deficit dropped for the appropriations for the Board to expire after third year in a row, for the first time since 3 years. During this period, my Administra- Mr. Truman was President. Long-term inter- tion will monitor the regulatory activities of est rates continue to fall, bringing lower the Board to determine whether it should mortgage payments for working families and continue and whether further reforms would more affordable credit for small businesses be beneficial. My Administration remains and consumers. committed to continued deregulation of the A growing economy and lower interest transportation industry. rates are why a million new Americans be- William J. Clinton came homeowners for the very first time in The White House, 1995. There were more new businesses in- December 29, 1995. corporated this year than in any previous year. And here in Washington, in spite of all NOTE: H.R. 2539, approved December 29, was of our differences, we made some real assigned Public Law No. 104–88. This statement progress on an important issue, political re- was released by the Office of the Press Secretary form. At long last, Congress passed a law on December 30. which applies to themselves the same laws they impose on the private sector. And at The President’s Radio Address long last, after 3 years of effort, the Congress passed lobby reform legislation, banning gifts December 30, 1995 to Congressmen and requiring extensive dis- Good morning. Tomorrow is New Year’s closure about the activities of lobbyists. Eve, a time for celebration, friendship, and Most important, our communities all over hope. Nineteen ninety-five has been a good America are coming together around our val- year for our country, and the coming year ues again. In city after city, in State after can be even better. State, violent crime is down; the welfare and In Washington, we all know this has been food stamp rolls are down; the poverty rate a year of serious differences and profound is down; even the divorce rate is down; and debate over our Nation’s future direction. for 2 years in a row now, the teen pregnancy But if we remain true to our values, we will rate has dropped. prove once again that in America we can have It hasn’t always been an easy year for serious differences without leaving deep divi- America. There have been moments that sions. We know our Nation is strongest when tested our national community. In the wake we’re true to our fundamental values, giving of the terrible bombing in Oklahoma City, every American the opportunity to make the which took the lives of 169 people, our Na- most of their lives, remembering the duty we tion reached out and recognized the bonds owe to our parents and our children, preserv- that hold us together. Out of the ashes of ing our families and our communities, keep- that tragedy a new sense of national spirit ing America the strongest force for peace and took hold. We affirmed once again that all freedom in the world. Americans are in it together. We recognized In our effort to advance these values, 1995 once again that we can’t love our country and has been a time of real progress and concrete hate our Government.

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And a strong America has been the world’s met well into the evening with Speaker Ging- strongest force for freedom, peace, and de- rich and Majority Leader Dole. And in just mocracy in 1995. Our brave men and women a few moments I will sit down with them today are in the snows of Bosnia, helping to again, along with the Democratic congres- uphold the peace agreement to end the worst sional leaders. bloodshed in Europe since World War II. We are making real progress. We know And from the cobblestone streets of North- that our work is not done. We know we have ern Ireland to the sands of the Middle East, much to do, so that the American dream will a strong America has helped to bring peace remain alive for every citizen and so that we to regions long torn by strife. can come together as a people and so that Yes, 1995 has been a good year for Amer- America can remain the strongest force for ica. Our people have accomplished a lot. And peace the world has ever seen. it goes without saying, we still have one major So on this New Year’s, let’s resolve that task to finish to top off the accomplishment we will balance the budget, but that we’ll of this year. We have to finish the job of bal- do it in a way that will keep our country grow- ancing the budget and to do it in the right ing and that will be true to our basic values. way. That is, we’ll balance the budget without gut- As you know, for the last 2 weeks the Con- ting Medicare and Medicaid, without deeply gress has refused to pass legislation that cutting education or the environment, with- would keep the Federal Government open out raising taxes on working families. Let’s to serve the American people. This has never resolve to reopen the Government and do happened before for this length of time in it now. And let’s resolve to act without rancor the whole history of the Republic. And it’s or partisan bitterness in the spirit of the new been very hard on three-quarter of a million year and in the interests of the American public servants who have to pay rent and util- people. ities and mortgage payments and buy food. Nineteen ninety-five has been a year when And they’re losing pay at holiday time. And we’ve been true to the best of America. If it’s also cut off services for millions of Ameri- we’ll just work hard and work together and cans who depend upon them. follow our values, 1996 can be even better. This Tuesday, if the Government is not Hillary and I want to wish you and your fami- open, cleanup efforts will be stopped cold lies a happy and healthy New Year. at 32 toxic waste sites in neighborhoods Thank you for listening. around our country. Next week, Federal funds for unemployment insurance will begin NOTE: The address was recorded at 9:44 a.m. in to run out, forcing States to scramble to find the Oval Office at the White House for broadcast ways to keep helping workers who have lost at 10:06 a.m. their jobs. And the Meals on Wheels program to our senior citizens won’t go forward. Every day, 9 of 10 workplace safety complaints go unanswered. And every day 2,500 people Remarks Prior to a Meeting With can’t get guaranteed home mortgages. Every Congressional Leaders and an day, thousands of young people looking for Exchange With Reporters college loans can’t apply for them. If ever December 30, 1995 we needed a reminder that our Government is not our enemy, this is it. Let me be clear: I am committed to bal- Budget Negotiations ancing the budget. Our administration al- The President. I want to be brief today ready has cut the deficit nearly in half, and because we’re getting off to a little late start. I am determined to finish the job. For weeks We’ve got a lot to do. I have three things I’ve been working in good faith with Repub- to say: I think we made a good start yester- licans and Democrats in Congress to find day; we’re making progress; and I believe we common ground, to balance the budget in need to open the Government. I hope we a way that reflects our values. Yesterday I can agree to do all that.

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Bosnia order to do that, I think we’ve got to get Q. Sir, do you know any more information this whole thing worked out. But I thought on the soldier who was wounded in Bosnia? we had a great start last night. And with you The President. Our reports are sketchy, all’s permission, I think we can get a lot more and I have tried to get an update, but what done in the next few hours. I do know is that there were apparently two Q. Mr. President, is the message from the vehicles and four soldiers involved. Only one Democrats basically that they don’t trust was seriously hurt, and he has been you? medevaced to Croatia, in a hospital there, The President. We’ve got to go to work. and we understand he’s in stable condition. Thank you very much. But mines have always been our biggest NOTE: The President spoke at 11:35 a.m. in the concern, and we’re working very hard on it, Cabinet Room at the White House. In his re- but that’s what happened. And we’ll continue marks, he referred to Spec. Martin J. Begosh, to monitor it and do the best we can. The USA, wounded when his vehicle hit a land mine mission itself is going very well. The people in Bosnia on December 30. A tape was not avail- have received our soldiers very well, and I’m able for verification of the content of these re- very well satisfied with the progress. And I’m marks. obviously very sorry this happened, but they’re making good progress on the mine problem, but it’s going to be difficult to get Exchange With Reporters Prior to a rid of them all. Meeting With Congressional Leaders December 31, 1995 Budget Negotiations Q. [Inaudible]—the measure to get the Budget Negotiations workers back that’s going to get through Con- Q. Mr. President, are you close to a deal gress? today? Senator Dole. Well, it passed the House. The President. Let me tell you where we We hope we can pass it in the Senate today, are today. We had a very long discussion yes- so make some progress. terday. We discussed almost all the issues Senator Daschle. We tried to pass a clean where we had differences on our plans finan- CR, one without any conditions. And that cially, in terms of the dollars. And this morn- was objected to, but I hope we can work ing we’re going to have an extensive discus- something out. sion of the Medicare policy. And then we’re Q. But isn’t the fact now that the Demo- going to give our staffs some instruction. crats are holding things up? We’re going to meet again on Tuesday, and Senator Daschle. Not at all. As a matter we’re going to do our best to work through of fact, as I said, we passed a continuing reso- this and come to an accord. lution—we had no conditions. It sent people My New Year’s wish is that we’ll get this back to work, and that was objected to. So balanced budget plan, and we’ll do it in a we’re not trying to hold anything up here. way that protects the things that we care We hope we can get some sort of an agree- about, the Medicare, the Medicaid, the edu- ment as early as today. cation and environment, the other issues. Q. Well, what’s it going to take to get a And we’ve been working at it. I’ve been very deal? well pleased, and I think we’ve been some- Speaker Gingrich. Well, let me just say what successful because we haven’t said very something. I think the President had a much about it. We’ve just got to keep work- right—we’re glad to have you all in. We have ing until we reach an accord. a lot of work to do. We made, I thought, Q. Mr. President, will you touch on—[in- real progress last night. It is not easy. We audible]—negotiations—— have very significant areas we have to work Q. Will you leave town today without re- on, but I thought the spirit was very positive. opening the Government, of the three—— We don’t just want to get the Federal work- Speaker Gingrich. I’m sure we’ll be talk- ers back, we want to get them paid. And in ing about that, that’s one of the things we

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want to get done and get agreed to. So we’re courage, legendary reputation, and selfless trying to work out how to get the Federal service. employees back to work. We’d also like to Last summer, as I prepared for the 50th get them paid. I think that’s an integral part anniversary of the commemoration of V-J of getting them back to work. But as the Day and the end of the war in the Pacific, President said, I think, frankly, most of our I had the honor and privilege of having din- success so far has been that we’ve been in ner with Admiral Burke. I benefited then this room talking with each other and not from his wise counsel, as had previous Presi- getting involved in negotiating in public, and dents before me. Courageous and gallant, he I think we’ve made a lot of progress. was renowned for his heroism and leadership Q. To follow on that, sir, is it healthy to during the Pacific battles of World War II, have the House Speaker talking on CNN yes- from Cape St. George and the Solomon Sea terday on the—— to Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. During his 6- Speaker Gingrich. Oh, that is nonsense. year tenure as Chief of Naval Operations in I told the President on Friday that I was so the pivotal years of the , Admiral favorable about him in answering their big Burke’s vision ensured a balanced and versa- question on ‘‘Evans & Novak’’ that I thought tile Navy to help deter world war and re- he’d want to see it. The fact is we’re working spond to whatever crises might come. The very well together. I was asked a question U.S. Navy, in naming one of its most power- about the campaign next year, and I suspect ful class of surface ships after ‘‘31-Knot if you ask Mr. Gephardt or Vice President Burke,’’ has ensured that his name will ride Gore about how they’ll campaign next year, the seas as a reminder in the coming century they’ll give you similar answers. We’re nego- of an indomitable destroyerman and naval tiating very well from a Government stand- leader who stood for freedom and the excel- point in here, and I think we have a lot to lence needed to defend it. be proud of. Our New Year’s wish ought to To Admiral Burke’s wife of 72 years, Ro- be that we get this done and give the Amer- berta, his family and friends, and to the Navy ican people a balanced budget and the Gov- community, I extend my heartfelt condo- ernment paid for and back to work. lences. We will remember him as one of Senator Dole. The Senate is going to America’s finest sailors and most capable meet at noon; we’ll try to pass something to military leaders. help the Federal employees. Q. Are you closer? Senator Dole. Oh, we’re about 6 feet Message to the Congress apart. [Laughter] Transmitting a Report on Loan Senator Daschle. We’ll be a lot closer in Guarantees to Israel a couple of hours. [Laughter] December 30, 1995 The President. We’re working at it steady. Happy New Year everybody. To the Congress of the : Enclosed is an unclassified report on the NOTE: The exchange began at 9:50 a.m. in the Loan Guarantees to Israel Program and on Cabinet Room at the White House. A tape was economic conditions in Israel, as required by not available for verification of the content of this section 226(k) of the Foreign Assistance Act exchange. of 1961, as amended (Public Law 87–195), and section 1205 of the International Secu- Statement on the Death of Admiral rity and Development Cooperation Act of Arleigh A. Burke 1985 (Public Law 99–983). January 1, 1996 William J. Clinton The White House, We mourn the passing today of Adm. December 30, 1995. Arleigh A. Burke, U.S. Navy (Retired), whose dedicated and exceptional career is cherished NOTE: This message was released by the Office by everyone who knew of his extraordinary of the Press Secretary on January 2, 1996.

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Exchange With Reporters Prior to a title 36 of the United States Code, that the Meeting With Congressional Leaders flag of the United States shall be flown at January 2, 1996 half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval sta- Budget Negotiations tions, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Q. Mr. President, is this the meeting at Government in the District of Columbia and which you’re going to start making some throughout the United States and its Terri- compromises on the most contentious issues? tories and possessions until interment. I also The President. Well, I’m looking forward direct that the flag shall be flown at half- to it, and I hope we can reach an agreement. staff for the same period at all United States I want to compliment the Senate on voting embassies, legations, consular offices, and to reopen the Government today for the next other facilities abroad, including all military several days while we attempt to finalize this, facilities and naval vessels and stations. and I hope the House will follow suit. That’s In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set a very good sign, and I’m looking forward my hand this second day of January, in the to the meeting tonight. year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nine- Q. Will the House follow suit, Mr. Speak- ty-six, and of the Independence of the United er? States of America the two hundred and twen- Speaker Gingrich. Well, our Members tieth. will be back by noon tomorrow, and we hope William J. Clinton to meet with all of them and brief them on tonight’s meeting and whatever happens to- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, morrow morning and maybe get something 8:45 a.m., January 4, 1996] done during the day tomorrow. I think if we can both get movement on the balanced NOTE: This proclamation was published in the budget and get the Government back to Federal Register on January 5. work, and paid for, that really would be a good step in the right direction. Q. Will you encourage them to take the Remarks on the Impact of the Senate bill? Budget Impasse and an Exchange Speaker Gingrich. We’re going to have With Reporters a good meeting tonight, and we’ll report to January 3, 1996 the Members what happened when they get back tomorrow. The President. Good afternoon. I have just finished meeting with my Cabinet to re- NOTE: The exchange began at 6:15 p.m. in the ceive an update on the consequences of the Oval Office at the White House. A tape was not Government shutdown that Congress has im- available for verification of the content of this ex- posed on the American people and on the change. hardworking public employees who are now working without pay and the many who want Proclamation 6860—Death of to work but are not permitted to return to Admiral Arleigh A. Burke work. Each day this shutdown continues, the consequences grow worse. January 2, 1996 Before I get into some of the specific By the President of the United States things that came out of the Cabinet meeting, of America let me remind the American people that this shutdown is not caused by the fact that the A Proclamation congressional leaders and I have not yet As a mark of respect for the memory of reached agreement on a balanced budget Admiral Arleigh Burke, one of our Nation’s plan or on all the appropriations for this year. foremost naval heroes, I hereby order, by the In fact, it is part of an explicit strategy by authority vested in me as President of the Republicans to shut the Government down United States of America by section 175 of to get their way on budget and tax issues.

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This has never been done before. It is not tigations into 3,500 potential cases of pension a natural disaster. It is an unnatural disaster fraud have ground to a halt. borne of a cynical political strategy. Two weeks ago when a mill burned down It is long past time to reopen the Govern- in Massachusetts, workers received imme- ment. I am pleased that after 2 weeks of this diate assistance for child care, transportation, shutdown, the Senate Republicans have and job training. Last week when 2,000 work- voted to reopen the Government, putting the ers lost their jobs from a Rhode Island fac- interest of our country ahead of politics. Our tory, the Labor Department could not re- budget talks are proceeding seriously and in spond at all. good faith. I have been impressed by the ef- Medicaid funding that goes to pay for forts made on all sides, including those by nursing home care, pregnant women, the dis- Senator Dole and by Speaker Gingrich and abled, and poor children will be exhausted Leader Armey and Senator Daschle and Mr. by the end of this month. Every day we are Gephardt. We are working together in good unable to process 2,500 applications for faith. This shutdown is not speeding our mortgage insurance. That means now a back- talks. It is only casting a shadow over them. log of 20,000 people who are losing their Let me report to you some of the specific home loans, many of them losing their examples of harm already caused by the shut- chance to buy their new homes. Funds to down. This week, the Meals on Wheels pro- pay for drugs, food, and supplies at veterans gram for senior citizens will run out of hospitals run out today. And 170,000 veter- money. Half the Head Start programs in the ans did not receive their December edu- country will run out of money within the cational benefits. month. The Centers for Disease Control At FEMA, an agency that has been univer- tracking system cannot accurately keep up sally praised by Republicans and Democrats with the flu outbreak in the Midwest. On alike, the emergency food and shelter pro- an average day, 260 small businesses are gram for people facing disasters has run out being denied $40 million in capital, loans that of funds. And according to Director James would create new jobs for Americans. We Lee Witt, some State emergency manage- are not able to enforce our trade laws to pro- ment agencies have actually had to shut their tect our workers and our products. We’re not operations. We can only hope that they will able to weatherize homes in this winter to not suffer a disaster while this occurs. protect the elderly from the cold. The Secretary of State reports that this Yesterday, the Environmental Protection shutdown is adversely affecting the national Agency shut down toxic waste cleanups at 32 security of the country. We are running the sites across America. Every day, 240 calls to risk of not being able to maintain our diplo- the Drinking Water Contamination Hotline macy abroad. And this shutdown, frankly, is now go unanswered. The EPA’s efforts to injuring the reputation of the United States prevent cryptosporidium from contaminating around the world. People wonder what is city water supplies, something that proved a going on. deadly threat in the city of Milwaukee, have The shutdown has been especially dev- been badly delayed. EPA enforcement ef- astating to hundreds of thousands of dedi- forts have completely stopped. cated public servants who work for the Amer- Medicare contractors who serve our elder- ican people through the Federal Govern- ly are not being paid. Many of them now ment. Some of them have actually had their are dipping into their own pockets to keep phones cut off or can no longer pay for child health care coming, but they won’t be able care because they are working without pay to do it for long. Ten States have run out or because they are not permitted to work. of the funding they use to run our unemploy- Some of those are so dedicated to their mis- ment insurance program, and 15 more will sion that they’ve actually tried to go to work soon do so. and had to be run off. Ninety-five percent of all workplace safety It’s time to stop holding the Federal work- activities have been shut down. All sweatshop ers hostage in this process. As the Secretary enforcement has been stopped. And inves- of State says, this is not how a great country

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behaves. And as I have said for months and tional emergency to deal with the unusual months and every day since this shutdown and extraordinary threat to the national secu- occurred, this is not how to balance the budg- rity and foreign policy of the United States et; it is not influencing our talks; we ought constituted by the actions and policies of the to reopen the Government. Government of Libya. On January 8, 1986, Again, let me say I’m convinced both sides by Executive Order No. 12544, the President want to balance the budget. We have dif- took additional measures to block Libyan as- ferent philosophies about how to do so. sets in the United States. The President has Based on the hours and hours we’ve spent transmitted a notice continuing this emer- working together, I’m convinced we can do gency to the Congress and the Federal Reg- it. But it is wrong—it is deeply wrong to shut ister every year since 1986. the Government down while we negotiate The crisis between the United States and under the illusion that somehow that will af- Libya that led to the declaration of a national fect the decisions that I would make on spe- emergency on January 7, 1986, has not been cific issues. As I said, this is only casting a resolved. The Government of Libya has con- shadow over our talks. I will continue to do tinued its actions and policies in support of everything I can in good faith to reach an terrorism, despite the calls by the United Na- agreement. But it is wrong to shut the Gov- tions Security Council, in Resolutions 731 ernment down. (1992), 748 (1992), and 883 (1993) that it Again, let me compliment the Senate on demonstrate by concrete actions its renunci- abandoning that process and voting to open ation of such terrorism. Such Libyan actions the Government while we continue to work, and policies pose a continuing unusual and and ask the House to follow suit. extraordinary threat to the national security Thank you very much. and vital foreign policy interests of the Unit- Q. Mr. President, House leaders—— ed States. For these reasons, the national Q. What about your role in this, Mr. Presi- emergency declared on January 7, 1986, and dent? the measures adopted on January 7 and Janu- Q. Is there anything you can do to bring ary 8, 1986, to deal with that emergency, the workers, some workers back? must continue in effect beyond January 7, The President. Well, I have worked with 1996. Therefore, in accordance with section our people, obviously, at OMB to explore 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 every conceivable option to bring them back. U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national And I will continue to do that. I have done emergency with respect to Libya. This notice everything that I have been told I can legally shall be published in the Federal Register do, and we are exploring some other options. and transmitted to the Congress. As other options come up, I will do whatever William J. Clinton I can. I think this is very wrong. But they also deserve to be paid. And the The White House, American people need to know that those January 3, 1996. who are not working are not out there idle [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, of their own choice. They want to be here. 8:45 a.m., January 4, 1996] They want to be working, and we ought to give them a chance to do it. NOTE: This notice was published in the Federal Register on January 5. NOTE: The President spoke at 3:19 p.m. in the Briefing Room at the White House. Message to the Congress on the Continuation of the Libyan Notice—Continuation of Libyan Emergency Emergency January 3, 1996 January 3, 1996 To the Congress of the United States: On January 7, 1986, by Executive Order Section 202(d) of the National Emer- No. 12543, President Reagan declared a na- gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for

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the automatic termination of a national emer- activities without the requirement of an an- gency unless, prior to the anniversary date nual waiver. of its declaration, the President publishes in As required by law, I am submitting an the Federal Register and transmits to the updated report to the Congress concerning Congress a notice stating that the emergency emigration laws and policies of Romania. You is to continue in effect beyond the anniver- will find that the report indicates continued sary date. In accordance with this provision, Romanian compliance with U.S. and inter- I have sent the enclosed notice, stating that national standards in the area of emigration the Libyan emergency is to continue in effect policy. beyond January 7, 1996, to the Federal Reg- ister for publication. William J. Clinton The crisis between the United States and Libya that led to the declaration of a national The White House, emergency on January 7, 1986, has not been January 3, 1996. resolved. The Government of Libya has con- tinued its actions and policies in support of terrorism, despite the calls by the United Na- tions Security Council, in Resolutions 731 Message to the Congress (1992), 748 (1992), and 883 (1993) that it Transmitting the Netherlands- demonstrate by concrete actions its renunci- United States Tax Protocol ation of such terrorism. Such Libyan actions January 3, 1996 and policies pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security To the Senate of the United States: and vital foreign policy interests of the Unit- I transmit herewith for Senate advice and ed States. For these reasons, the national consent to ratification, the Protocol between emergency declared on January 7, 1986, and the Government of the United States of the measures adopted on January 7 and Janu- America and the Government of the King- ary 8, 1986, to deal with that emergency, dom of the Netherlands in Respect of the must continue in effect beyond January 7, Netherlands Antilles Amending Article VIII 1996. I have determined that it is necessary of the 1948 Convention with Respect to to maintain in force the broad authorities Taxes on Income and Certain Other Taxes necessary to apply economic pressure to the as Applicable to the Netherlands Antilles, Government of Libya to reduce its ability to signed at Washington on October 10, 1995. support international terrorism. Also transmitted for the information of the William J. Clinton Senate is the report of the Department of State with respect to the Protocol. The White House, The Protocol amends Article VIII (1) of January 3, 1996. the Convention to limit the exemption from U.S. taxation of interest on debt instruments to interest paid on instruments issued on or Message to the Congress on Trade before October 15, 1984, by a U.S. person With Romania to a related controlled foreign corporation January 3, 1996 that was in existence before October 15, 1984. To the Congress of the United States: I recommend that the Senate give early On May 19, 1995, I determined and re- and favorable consideration to the Protocol, ported to the Congress that Romania is in and give its advice and consent to ratification. full compliance with the freedom of emigra- tion criteria of sections 402 and 409 of the William J. Clinton Trade Act of 1974. This action allowed for the continuation of most-favored-nation The White House, (MFN) status for Romania and certain other January 3, 1996.

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Remarks at the Funeral Service for tacks and helped plan the war’s concluding Admiral Arleigh A. Burke in battles at Philippine Sea, Leyte, Iwo Jima, Annapolis, Maryland and Okinawa. For that extraordinary heroism January 4, 1996 and grand vision, he earned the Navy Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Vice Admiral Metcalf, we thank you for Star, and the . your remarks and for your service. Admiral Like all good sailors, Admiral Burke had Owens, Admiral Boorda, Admiral Larson, the ability to see over the horizon. He taught Secretary Dalton, Deputy Secretary White, the Navy how to fight at night, attacking with Senator Lugar, Senator Chafee, Mr. Perot, torpedoes as well as guns. As Chief of Naval Mr. Justice White, to the members of the Operations for those unprecedented three diplomatic corps who are here, representa- terms, he created the most balanced, versa- tives of the four services, all those who served tile fleet in history, one that enabled us to with Arleigh Burke, Dr. Ward, and most es- preserve the peace and safeguard our free- pecially Mrs. Burke. dom throughout all of the hard days of the We gather today to honor the life of one cold war. He built nuclear so that of the Navy’s finest sailors and greatest lead- our Navy would be as strong below the ers. Every life is a lesson, but his life particu- ocean’s surface as it was above it. He armed larly so, for in 94 years on this Earth, at sea them with Polaris missiles so we could better and on land, Arleigh Burke gave nothing less deter Soviet attacks. He took from blueprint than everything he had for his cherished to shipyard the idea of a fleet propelled by Navy and his beloved country. the power of the atom. Born at the dawn of this century, on a The Navy all Americans are so proud of, hardscrabble farm at the foot of the Colorado the Navy that stood up to fascism and stared Rockies, educated at this great Academy, down communism and advances our values wed to his wife 72 years ago here in this very and freedom even today, that Navy is Arleigh chapel, Arleigh Burke stood watch over our Burke’s Navy. freedom for more than four decades. Today we mourn the passing of a great Late this summer, just before I traveled American. But his spirit is all around us. We to Pearl Harbor to commemorate the end see it in a promise of the young midshipmen of the Second World War, I had the honor who will take on the challenge of living up of spending an evening with Admiral Burke to his magnificent example. We see it in the at the Pentagon. This hero of long nights and fine men of the ship that bears Admiral long days of the gave me his wise Burke’s name and who will soon man the counsel. And like so many of my prede- rails on the road to his gravesite. We see it cessors, I came away far richer for it in an in all the Arleigh Burke class that evening I will never forget. are protecting peace and helping democracy As a Navy captain in 1943, it was Arleigh take root from the Persian Gulf to Haiti, to Burke who understood the full potential of the former Yugoslavia. the Navy’s destroyers, its ‘‘Tin Cans.’’ In so These destroyers, each named for a naval doing, he helped turn the tide in freedom’s hero, a naval leader such as John Paul Jones, favor—at Empress Augusta Bay off Cape St. John Berry, and just recently, Winston George and across vast stretches of the South Churchill, are a special class of ships, the Pacific. During one campaign that spanned class of Arleigh Burke. Admiral Burke was 22 separate engagements, Burke and his the inspiration for these ships. They were squadron of Little Beavers, some of whom meant to be feared and fast, the very at- are here with us today, accomplished aston- tributes that earned their nickname—their ishingly big feats. They demolished an enemy namesake the nickname ‘‘31-Knot Burke.’’ , 9 destroyers, a , 9 smaller And they are both feared and fast. Today, ships, and downed some 30 aircraft. in memory of this destroyerman, I have or- Later, while serving under Admiral Marc dered all the Burke class and Little Beaver Mitscher, Arleigh Burke pulled shipmates squadron ships currently underway to steam from the flaming aftermath of at- at 31 knots for 5 minutes beginning at noon.

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Arleigh Burke’s life spanned what has Letter to Congressional Leaders on come to be called the American century, one Iraq in which the American people understood January 4, 1996 our Nation’s special place in the world as a force for freedom and hope and peace. As Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) the new century approaches, it is fair to say Consistent with the Authorization for Use that no American did more to act upon that of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution responsibility than Arleigh Burke. The free- (Public Law 102–1), and as part of my effort doms we cherish, the peace we enjoy were to keep the Congress fully informed, I am sustained by his vision and his labors. Those reporting on the status of efforts to obtain freedoms and that peace are his greatest leg- Iraq’s compliance with the resolutions adopt- acy. As long as we remain devoted to them, ed by the U.N. Security Council. we will stay faithful to him and to the remark- On December 17, 1995, the Executive able generation of Americans he helped to Chairman of the U.N. Special Commission lead. on Iraq (UNSCOM), responsible for disman- My fellow Americans, the challenges we tling Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, released his latest report face today are new. The foes who oppose us to the Security Council. The report makes have changed. But the values and the inter- clear that Iraq remains far from compliance ests we must stand for are the same ones with its WMD obligations. The regime’s Arleigh Burke dedicated his 18-hour days to promises of new openness and honesty in its preserve, the same freedom and peace and relationship with UNSCOM have proven democracy and human dignity. worthless. Not only is Iraq continuing to hide With Arleigh Burke’s passing, we change information on its past weapons programs, the watch. A new generation takes the helm. UNSCOM has discovered that it has contin- May it find guidance and inspiration in the ued work on prohibited missile programs up lessons of his long life so well lived. And may to the present day. This was evidenced by it stay true to the course Admiral Burke set the recent interception by the Jordanian gov- of peace through strength, of freedom ernment of a shipment of missile compo- through sacrifice, of success through tireless nents destined for Iraq. In addition, the Iraqi devotion to duty. government only recently turned over other Mrs. Burke, you were the Admiral’s part- prohibited missile parts. ner throughout his long and rich life. You Further, Iraq continues to drag its feet on blessed him greatly with your love, as his its obligations to account for hundreds of Ku- powerful quote on the front of our program waitis and third country nationals missing so clearly says. In turn, he blessed America since the invasion. Iraq has not returned the with his service. millions of dollars worth of Kuwaiti property May God now bless Arleigh Burke in the looted during the occupation. The Iraqi Re- warm embrace of his eternal love, in the publican Guards still use a large quantity of timeless words of the sailor, ‘‘Fair winds and stolen Kuwaiti military equipment. Iraq con- following seas.’’ tinues to provide safe haven for terrorist groups. Given this Iraqi track record of dis- respect for its international obligations, the NOTE: The President spoke at 12:42 p.m. in the Security Council maintained the sanctions Chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy. In his re- regime without change at the November 8, marks, he referred to Vice Adm. Joseph Metcalf 1995, review. The U.N. Security Council has III, USN (Ret.); Adm. William A. Owens, USN, Vice Chairman, ; Adm. J.M. authorized Iraq, pursuant to Resolution 986, Boorda, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; Adm. to export a limited quantity of oil in order Charles Larson, USN, Superintendent, U.S. Naval to purchase humanitarian goods. However, Academy; former Presidential candidate Ross the Government of Iraq continues to reject Perot; Supreme Court Justice Byron White; and this Resolution. Roberta Burke, wife of Admiral Burke, and her Saddam Hussein’s unwillingness to comply Godson, Dr. Patrick C. Ward. with the norms of international behavior ex-

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tends to his regime’s continuing threat to contributed to the deterrent effect of MIF Iraqi citizens throughout the country. We sanctions enforcement operations and has and our allies continue to enforce the no- also freed enforcement vessels escorting the fly zones over northern and southern Iraq diverted vessels to return to patrol oper- as part of our efforts to deter Iraq’s use of ations. aircraft against its population. Iraq’s repres- We continue to achieve a significant for- sion of its southern Shi’a population contin- eign policy objective in ensuring multi- ues, with policies aimed at destroying the national participation in the MIF. Ships from Marsh Arabs’ way of life and important envi- Belgium, New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and ronmental resources. Along with inter- the United Kingdom have served with the national and local relief organizations, we MIF since September, effectively refuting continue to provide humanitarian assistance Iraqi assertions that the MIF is a ‘‘U.S.-only to the people of northern Iraq. We have fa- operation.’’ cilitated talks between the two major Kurdish Other countries have made different but groups in an effort to help them resolve their important contributions toward enforcing the differences and increase stability in northern U.N. sanctions against Iraq. Since MIF oper- Iraq. ations began, Panama and St. Vincent and The human rights situation throughout the Grenadines have deflagged four vessels, Iraq remains unchanged. Saddam Hussein and Honduras has enacted stricter sanctions shows no signs of complying with U.N. Secu- enforcement measures and has continued to rity Council Resolution 688, which demands pursue deflagging proceedings against sev- that Iraq cease the repression of its own peo- eral vessels involved in sanctions violations. ple. The international community and human The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and rights observers joined us in dismissing Saudi Arabia have assumed responsibility for Saddam’s October 15, 1995, referendum to disposition of the approximately 30,000 met- extend his rule as a farce. ric tons of Iraqi gas and oil cargo seized by In October 1994 the U.N. Security Coun- the MIF and valued at about $6 million. The cil adopted Resolution 949, which demanded United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have sold that Iraq not utilize its forces to threaten its a portion of this cargo and are expected to neighbors or U.N. operations and that it not turn over the proceeds to the United Na- redeploy or enhance its military capacity in tions. Saudi Arabia is preparing to sell a por- southern Iraq. The defections last August of tion of the seized oil as well. The Iraqi dates Saddam Hussein’s family members increased seized by the MIF are subject to disposal the uncertainty of the Iraqi situation. In view in order to deny any benefit to Iraq. of Saddam Hussein’s proven record of Security Council Resolution 687 affirmed unreliability, we felt it prudent to improve that Iraq is liable under international law for the deterrence and warfighting capability of compensating the victims of its unlawful in- U.S. forces within the U.S. Central Com- vasion and occupation of Kuwait. Although mand area of responsibility. Among the steps the U.N. Compensation Commission taken to accomplish this end were the move- (UNCC) has approved some 790,000 individ- ment of prepositioning ships into the Gulf ual awards against Iraq, worth about $3.0 bil- and the deployment of an air expeditionary lion, it has been able to authorize the pay- force to Bahrain. ment of only the fixed awards for serious per- The Multinational Interception Force sonal injury or death (aggregating approxi- (MIF) conducting the maritime enforcement mately $13.5 million). The remainder of the of sanctions against Iraq continues to serve awards cannot be paid because the U.N. magnificently. Since my last report, the MIF Compensation Fund lacks sufficient funding. has encountered the busiest sanctions en- The awards are supposed to be financed by forcement period since 1991, diverting 20 a deduction from the proceeds of future Iraqi dhow vessels carrying Iraqi dates worth an oil sales, once such sales are permitted to estimated $3.45 million. The expeditious ac- resume. However, Iraq’s refusal to meet the ceptance of these vessels by the United Arab Security Council’s terms for a resumption of Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait has greatly oil sales has left the UNCC without adequate

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financial resources to pay the awards. Iraq’s European officials and others, my represent- intransigence means that the victims of its atives continued to urge that the EU engage aggression remain uncompensated for their both communities regularly to explain what losses over 4 years after the end of the Gulf EU membership would mean for a federal War. Cyprus state. Such dialogue would encourage To conclude, Iraq remains a serious threat the parties to use the period before accession to regional peace and stability. I remain de- negotiations to establish a bizonal, termined that Iraq comply fully with all its bicommunal federation that could ultimately obligations under the U.N. Security Council enter the EU. Resolutions. My Administration will continue Sincerely, to oppose any relaxation of sanctions until William J. Clinton Iraq demonstrates peaceful intentions through its overall compliance with the rel- NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- evant resolutions. rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives, I appreciate the support of the Congress and Jesse Helms, chairman, Senate Committee on for our efforts and shall continue to keep the Foreign Relations. Congress informed about this important issue. Statement on Signing District of Sincerely, Columbia Appropriations Legislation William J. Clinton January 4, 1996 NOTE: Identical letters were sent to Newt Ging- Today I have signed into law House Joint rich, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Resolution 153, which provides authority for and Strom Thurmond, President pro tempore of the Senate. the District of Columbia to continue full op- erations. This measure continues the authority pro- Letter to Congressional Leaders vided by the Fourth Continuing Resolution Transmitting the Report on Cyprus for FY 1996, which I signed December 22, January 4, 1996 and will enable the District to continue to operate, using District funds, through Janu- Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Chairman:) ary 25. In accordance with Public Law 95–384 (22 Because H.J. Res. 153 allows the District U.S.C. 2373(c)), I submit to you this report government to continue to operate without on progress toward a negotiated settlement disruption, it is a step in the right direction. of the Cyprus question. The previous submis- Nevertheless, it is only a step. It does not sion covered progress through September 30, end the partial shutdown of the Federal Gov- 1995. The current submission covers the pe- ernment that continues to affect the Depart- riod October 1, 1995, through November 30, ments of Commerce, Education, Health and 1995. Human Services, Housing and Urban Devel- The focus of my Administration’s activity opment, Interior, Justice, Labor, State, and during this reporting period was preparations Veterans Affairs; the Environmental Protec- for the December trip to Cyprus of my Spe- tion Agency; the National Aeronautics and cial Emissary, Richard Beattie. Mr. Beattie’s Space Administration; the Small Business travel reflects my interest in intensifying Administration; and nearly three dozen United States Government efforts to achieve smaller agencies. progress towards an intercommunal settle- This shutdown is hurting millions of inno- ment. His ongoing work supports the U.N.- cent Americans—such as the 600,000 senior led effort to attain lasting peace on the island. citizens who may not get services under the Consultations with the parties confirmed that ‘‘Meals on Wheels’’ program, or the 2,500 security has not diminished as a key concern moderate- and low-income working families for both sides. per day who cannot get their Federal Hous- With respect to Cyprus’ European Union ing Administration (FHA) mortgage loans (EU) accession process, in discussions with processed. The longer the shutdown contin-

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ues, the more Americans across the country Public Law 103–236, as amended (‘‘the will feel its impact. Act’’), I hereby: The shutdown has forced the Administra- (1) certify that it is in the national interest tion to furlough 280,000 workers in these de- to suspend application of the following provi- partments and agencies. And while the Ad- sions of law until March 31, 1996: ministration has kept 480,000 others on the (A) Section 307 of the Foreign Assistance job because they perform emergency serv- Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. ices, we cannot pay them until the shutdown 2227), as it applies with respect to the ends. Thus, by not ending the shutdown, the Palestine Liberation Organization or Congress is disrupting the lives of three- entities associated with it; quarters of a million Federal workers, most (B) Section 114 of the Department of of whom live paycheck to paycheck and are State Authorization Act, Fiscal Years having severe problems paying their mort- 1984 and 1985 (22 U.S.C. 287e note), gages or rent, buying food, and protecting as it applies with respect to the Pal- their families. estine Liberation Organization or en- I am concerned that this bill contains an tities associated with it; objectionable provision that would single out (C) Section 1003 of the Foreign Relations poor women by prohibiting the use of Dis- Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1988 trict funds for providing abortion services. I and 1989 (22 U.S.C. 2502); and oppose including this provision in the regular (D) Section 37, Bretton Woods Agree- fiscal year 1996 District of Columbia Appro- ment Act (22 U.S.C. 286w), as it ap- priations Bill, and I urge the Congress to plies to the granting to the Palestine send that bill to me—in a form I can sign— Liberation Organization of observer as expeditiously as possible. status or other official status at any Once again, I urge the Congress to end meeting sponsored by or associated this shutdown immediately by sending me an with the International Monetary acceptable continuing resolution to fund Fund. these departments and agencies, or accept- (2) certify that the Palestine Liberation able fiscal 1996 appropriations bills for them. Organization continues to abide by the com- William J. Clinton mitments described in section 583(b)(4) of The White House, the Act. January 4, 1996. You are authorized and directed to trans- mit this determination to the Congress and NOTE: H.J. Res. 153, approved January 4, was as- to publish it in the Federal Register. signed Public Law No. 104–90. This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary William J. Clinton on January 5. NOTE: This memorandum was released by the Of- fice of the Press Secretary on January 5. Memorandum on Relations With the Palestine Liberation Organization Remarks to Senior Citizens at St. January 4, 1996 Monica’s Episcopal Church Presidential Determination No. 96–8 January 5, 1996

Memorandum for the Secretary of State Well, let me first thank Father Darko for his comments and for the work being done Subject: Suspending Restrictions on U.S. here at St. Monica’s Church. I was hoping Relations with the Palestine Liberation he’d say something—I’ve never seen a Organization preacher pass up a podium. [Laughter] And Pursuant to the authority vested in me by I’m glad he didn’t. [Laughter] the Middle East Peace Facilitation Act of I want to thank the Friendship House for 1994, part E of title V, Foreign Relations Au- the leadership shown in being a true friend thorization Act, Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995, to our seniors. I want to thank all of you espe-

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cially for working for this Meals on Wheels that. And I understand that there are others program. And I want to thank all of you for in the House among the Republicans who making me feel so welcome—me and, of may want to abandon it or change it. course, the members of our administration: But unless we do something within days, the Secretary of Agriculture, Mr. Glickman; the regular Federal funds for the senior the Secretary of Health and Human Services, meals program, including the Meals on Secretary Shalala; Assistant Secretary Fer- Wheels, could dry up. State and local char- nando Torres-Gil. And of course, we’re ities all across America are stepping in to help joined here by Senator Leahy and by Con- in some cases, but the future of these meals gress—from Vermont, he came all the way programs could be at risk, and that would from Vermont. And those that—he brought literally be a disaster for the lives of a lot his wife with him, and she’s a nurse. So if of senior citizens in America. And we cannot I get sick she can help me get out of here. allow that. [Laughter] Where I can, as all of you know, I have I’m delighted that Mayor Barry joined us, acted in this crisis to keep services going to and it’s good to see you in good health, the American people. And today I am going Mayor. And I want to say a special word of to take some action that will keep providing thanks to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes food to these senior centers even if the Con- Norton for the brilliant job she’s done in gress doesn’t correct the problem today. I sticking up for these programs. I want to agree with Father Darko; this is not a politi- thank this fine couple that run this program cally sensitive program. This is a people pro- here for the work they have done. gram. It shouldn’t have anything to do with And I want to say a word of thanks espe- politics. This has been a program that people cially to the folks who sat at my table and in both parties have supported, and it ought talked to me about this program and about to be again. Medicare and about what all is going on. I But in the event that Congress does not got a pretty good education. [Laughter] And fix this problem, I am instructing the Sec- I think most of what they said to me is true. retary of Agriculture to provide temporary Now—but the lady sitting next to me, she funding to help these centers continue to swears that she is 93 years old. [Laughter] serve meals. And they have—Secretary You know, usually when somebody doesn’t Glickman can explain to the press later—they tell the truth about their age, they’re kind have some money that can be put into this of turning it low. [Laughter] But I’m not sure meals program to keep it going for quite she didn’t exaggerate a little bit. [Laughter] some time, to make sure that you don’t get She looks awful young to me. And I thank caught up in this, and we intend to do it. you so much. We’ve been able to do some other things I know all of you know this, but all across like this. We got some money through the this great country of ours, there are seniors low-income heating assistance programs to like you and others who depend upon meals some of the States that are having such a like this that are federally funded. In one year cold winter where there are a lot of seniors alone, more than 230 million of these meals and some younger people who are living in are served to seniors all across America. And homes that are poorly heated and, without for a lot of seniors, this is the only really good, a little extra help, would have a hard time warm, nutritious meal they get every day. dealing with this cold winter. Now, these meals are one of the things that But I want to make it clear that even if are threatened by the shutdown that was we can solve this problem for an extended forced by the Republicans in the House of period of time, there are some problems that Representatives. cannot be solved unless the Government is This strategy has been abandoned, I want just opened back up. All the furloughed em- to say, by the Senate Republicans led by Sen- ployees—we have one furloughed Federal ator Dole, and was never supported by the employee here—they ought to be brought Democrats in the Senate and the House. And back to work, and those that are working I want to thank all of them for not supporting ought to be paid. The services that they are

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instructed to provide that we all agree are et. I have pledged to the Republicans—I going to be provided when we get a final gave my word, and I was raised in an old- budget agreement ought to be provided. This fashioned home in an old-fashioned time, has never been done before in the history maybe, but I still think when you tell some- of the country. And we shouldn’t continue body you’re going to do something, you to do it now. ought to do everything you can to do it. This shutdown is hurting people in every That’s the way I was raised. I gave them my State in America. And as I said before, there word I would work with them to pass a plan are some things that I can do to help, like which would bring our Federal budget into the heating assistance program or like keep- balance in 7 years, according to the estimates ing this Meals on Wheels program going. But of the Congress. I gave them my word I some of these things require action by Con- would do that; I have been doing that. gress. Now, today they said, as Father Darko The last time there was a crisis like this said, that they might bring the Federal em- the Government didn’t shut down, but there ployees back, and they might pay them but was a budget crisis about 5 years ago and not let them do very much. And they might the President at that time was involved in continue some of the so-called politically sen- those negotiations for about a half an hour. sitive programs. I don’t want to minimize I have spent days and days and days working that. That is a step in the right direction. Bet- with the leaders of Congress, and I will do ter to have this than not. That is a step in it some more. I was ready yesterday. We the right direction. missed a day yesterday. But you should also know that there are But this threat of the shutdown—as much now 20,000 young people who have applica- as I hate to see people furloughed, as much tions for home mortgages in to the Federal as I hate to see people working and not get- Government who can’t close those mortgages ting paid, as much as I hate to see these because of this shutdown. And they may lose young people not getting their homes and those homes, their chance to buy a home. these businesses not being funded—we’ve There are I think now $40 million—$40 mil- even got businesses that have jobs that de- lion in small business loans held up, because pend on their getting permission from the the Small Business Administration guaran- Government to sell their products overseas. tees those loans, that would prevent people And they can’t get permission. They may from starting their businesses and hiring peo- have to lay people off when they could be ple. And we need more small businesses hiring people. being started. We need to create jobs for our I hate to see all that. But that cannot affect people. a single, solitary decision I make on what There are any number of toxic waste kind of a balanced budget plan we’re going dumps that large numbers of American chil- to have. Because that’s this year and now, dren live near that ought to be cleaned up. but if we’re going to make plans for 7 years And all the cleanup work has just been I have to know that if we’re going to balance stopped in neighborhoods all across America. the budget, we are going to protect the Medi- Now, this is wrong. It’s wrong. And it care program, the Medicaid program, the amounts to cruel and unusual punishment, education of our children, the environment not only for all the people who need these that we all share, and that we’re not going services but for all the rest of the people in to raise taxes on the hardest pressed working this country who pay the taxes for them. They families. are not getting what they paid for, and the Now, we can balance the budget and pro- people are not getting the services that have tect all that. And that’s what I’m trying to been authorized. do. And I am behaving in these negotiations I want to say again this—this is one of the exactly as I would be behaving if the Govern- things that came up at our lunch when one ment was running and if you didn’t have to of the folks at the table said, ‘‘I thank you think about the Meals on Wheels program, for standing firm’’—this shutdown does not and if nobody was being furloughed. But I have anything to do with balancing the budg- want you to know, as much as I hate to see

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these problems, I cannot change a single, sol- We can do this. This is a very great coun- itary decision I would make because you try. This is hardly the biggest problem we don’t want me to make a bad decision for ever faced. We can do it, and do it right if the long run because of a problem we’ve got we’ll do it in the kind of spirit that I have in the short run. felt in this room today. So the time has come to stop playing poli- Thank you, and God bless you all. tics with this. Let’s do what our country has always done: Let the Government go on and NOTE: The President spoke at 12:34 p.m. in the perform its basic services, and let’s get back Rectory Hall. In his remarks, he referred to Rev. to work. Every day we miss in these negotia- Daniel Darko, pastor, St. Monica’s Episcopal Church, and Mayor Marion Barry of Washington, tions is a day we’re putting off balancing the DC. A tape was not available for verification of budget. Let’s just go back to work, roll up the content of these remarks. our sleeves, balance a budget, but do it in a way that protects the fundamental interests of the American people. That’s what I’m try- ing to do. And I hope by coming here today—and Digest of Other I not only got a very good meal—[Laugh- White House Announcements ter]—and had a lot of conversations. Lots of days I just eat lunch alone at my desk. I had much more fun today than I normally do. The following list includes the President’s public schedule and other items of general interest an- [Laughter] But I hope we will send a mes- nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and sage across this country that this is a good not included elsewhere in this issue. and worthy program. And if the House of Representatives votes to put it back into funding today, we will applaud them and give December 31 them a pat on the back. But we want to go In the afternoon, the President and Hillary all the way. We shouldn’t have any of the Clinton traveled to Hilton Head, SC, where essential functions of Government shut they attended the 1995 Renaissance Week- down. end. You know, those young people ought to be able to get loans to start their businesses. January 1 Those folks ought to be able to get permis- In the afternoon, the President and Hillary sion from the Government to sell our prod- Clinton returned to Washington, DC. ucts to foreign countries. We’re all buying January 2 things from other countries here every day. The President announced his intention to We ought to be selling our things overseas. appoint Guy R. McMinds as the U.S. Com- And those young families that are having a missioner of the North Pacific Anadromous chance because interest rates are low to Fish Commission. move into homes for the first time, they ought to be able to do it. We should not leave January 3 this work undone. The President announced his intention to So again I say thank you. If you need it, nominate Martin A. Kamarck to be President we’re going to provide the money to keep of the Export-Import Bank of the United the Meals on Wheels program going. And States. we will be there. But I think what we all want is for our country to stop—stop all this January 4 political squabbling in Washington, put all In the morning, the President traveled to the partisanship aside, and get back to the Annapolis, MD, where he met with the fam- work of balancing the budget in a way that ily of Adm. Arleigh A. Burke before Admiral protects our obligations to our parents and Burke’s memorial service, and in the after- our children and to the future of this country. noon he returned to Washington, DC.

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The President announced his intention to Checklist nominate Shirley W. Ryan to the National of White House Press Releases Council on Disability. The President announced his intention to appoint Jody L. Williams as a member of the The following list contains releases of the Office Utah Reclamation Mitigation and Conserva- of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as tion Commission. items nor covered by entries in the Digest of The President announced his intention to Other White House Announcements. nominate Gerald N. Tirozzi to be Assistant Secretary of Education for Elementary and Secondary Education. Released December 29 1 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- January 5 retary Mike McCurry In the afternoon, the President met with congressional leaders to discuss the budget Released December 31 negotiations. The President named John L. Hilley as As- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- sistant to the President and Director of Leg- retary Mike McCurry islative Affairs. The President declared a major disaster in Released January 2 the State of South Dakota and ordered Fed- Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- eral aid to supplement local recovery efforts retary Mike McCurry in the area struck by a severe winter storm October 22–24, 1995. Released January 3 The President declared a major disaster in the State of Minnesota and ordered Federal Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- aid to supplement local recovery efforts in retary Mike McCurry the area struck by a severe ice storm October 23–24, 1995. Released January 4 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- retary Mike McCurry Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry Nominations announcing that Assistant to the President Submitted to the Senate and Director of Legislative Affairs Patrick J. Griffin has informed the President of his in- tent to resign The following list does not include promotions of Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry members of the Uniformed Services, nominations on the budget impasse to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- eign Service officers. Released January 5 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- Submitted January 4 retary Mike McCurry Statement by Press Secretary Mike McCurry Stuart E. Eizenstat, on the resignation of Prime Minister of Maryland, to be Under Secretary of Com- Tomiichi Murayama of Japan merce for International Trade, vice Jeffrey 1 E. Garten, resigned. This release was not received in time for inclu- sion in the appropriate issue.

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Acts Approved by the President

Approved January 4

H.R. 2808 / Public Law 104–89 H.J. Res. 153 / Public Law 104–90 To extend authorities under the Middle East Making further continuing appropriations for Peace Facilitation Act of 1994 until March the fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes 31, 1996, and for other purposes

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