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Joint Session of Congress, 2/9/89 [1]
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1
2
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
February 9, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
The Capitol
Washington, D.C.
9:07 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, and
distinguished members of the House and Senate, honored guests, and
fellow citizens. Less than three weeks ago, I joined you on the West
Front of this very building -- and looking over the monuments to our
proud past -- offered you my hand in filling the next page of
American history with a story of extended prosperity and continued
peace. And tonight, I'm back to offer you my plans, as well. The
hand remains extended, the sleeves are rolled up, America is waiting,
and now we must produce. Together, we can build a better America.
It is comforting to return to this historic Chamber.
Here, 22 years ago, I first raised my hand to be sworn into public
life. So tonight, I feel as if I'm returning home to friends and I
intend -- (applause.) And I intend, in the months and years to come,
to give you what friends deserve: frankness, respect, and my best
judgment about ways to improve America's future.
In return, I ask for an honest commitment to our common
mission of progress. If we seize the opportunities on the road
before us, there'll be praise enough for all. The people didn't send
us here to bicker. And it's time to govern.
And many presidents have come to this Chamber in times of
great crisis. War and depression, loss of national spirit. And
eight years ago, I sat in that very chair as President Reagan spoke
of punishing inflation and devastatingly high interest rates and
people out of work, American confidence on the wane. And our
challenge is different.
We're fortunate -- a much changed landscape lies before
us tonight. So I don't propose to reverse direction. We're headed
the right way. But we cannot rest. We're a people whose energy and
drive have fueled our rise to greatness. And we're a forward-looking
nation -- generous, yes, but ambitious, as well -- not for ourselves,
but for the world. Complacency is not in our character -- not
before, not now, not ever. (Applause.)
And so tonight, we must take a strong America and make it
even better. We must address some very real problems. We must
establish some very clear priorities. And we must make a very
substantial cut in the federal budget deficit. (Applause.)
Some people find that agenda impossible. But I'm
presenting to you tonight a realistic plan for tackling it. My plan
has four broad features: attention to urgent priorities, investment
in the future, an attack on the deficit, and no new taxes.
(Applause.)
This budget represents my best judgment of how we can
address our priorities. There are many areas in which we would all
like to spend more than I propose; I understand that. But we cannot
until we get our fiscal house in order.
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Next year alone, thanks to economic growth, without any
change in the law, the federal government will take in over $80
billion dollars more than it does this year. That's right -- over
$80 billion in new revenues, with no increases in taxes. And our job
is to allocate those new resources wisely.
We can afford to increase spending by a modest amount,
but enough to invest in key priorities and still cut the deficit by
almost 40 percent in one year. And that will allow us to meet the
targets set forth in the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings law. But to do that,
we must recognize that growth above inflation in federal programs is
not preordained; that not all spending initiatives were designed to
be immortal. (Applause.)
I make this pledge tonight: My team and I are ready to
work with the Congress, to form a special leadership group, to
negotiate in good faith, to work day and night -- if that's what it
takes -- to meet the budget targets, and to produce a budget on time.
We cannot settle for business as usual. Government by
continuing resolution -- or government by crisis -- will not do. And
I ask the Congress tonight to approve several measures which will
make budgeting more sensible. We could save time and improve
efficiency by enacting two-year budgets. (Applause.) Forty-three
governors have the line-item veto. President's should have it, too.
(Applause.) And the very least -- at the very least, when a
President proposes to rescind federal spending, the Congress should
be required to vote on that proposal -- instead of killing it by
inaction. (Applause.)
And I ask the Congress to honor the public's wishes by
passing a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget.
(Applause.) Such an amendment, once phased in, will discipline both
the Congress and the Executive Branch.
Several principles describe the kind of America I hope to
build with your help in the years ahead. We will not have the luxury
of taking the easy, spendthrift approach to solving problems --
because higher spending and higher taxes put economic growth at risk.
Economic growth provides jobs and hope. Economic growth enables us
to pay for social programs. Economic growth enhances the security of
the nation. And low tax rates create economic growth.
I believe in giving Americans greater freedom and greater
choice -- and I will work for choice for American families, whether
in the housing in which they live, the schools to which they send
their children, or the child care they select for their young.
(Applause.)
You see, I believe that we have an obligation to those in
need, but that government should not be the provider of first resort
for things that the private sector can produce better. I believe in
a society that is free from discrimination and bigotry of any kind.
(Applause.) And I will work to knock down the barriers left by past
discrimination -- (applause) -- and to build a more tolerant society
that will stop such barriers from ever being built again.
I believe that family and faith represent the moral
compass of the nation -- and I'll work to make them strong, for as
Benjamin Franklin said, "If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground
without His notice, can a great nation rise without his aid?"
And I believe in giving people the power to make their
own lives better through growth and opportunity. And together, let's
put power in the hands of people. (Applause.)
Three weeks ago, we celebrated the Bicentennial
Inaugural, the 200th anniversary of the first presidency. And if you
look back, one thing is so striking about the way the Founding
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- 3 -
Fathers looked at America. They didn't talk about themselves. They
talked about posterity. They talked about the future.
And we, too, must think in terms bigger than ourselves.
We must take actions today that will ensure a better tomorrow.
(Applause.) We must extend American leadership in technology,
increase long-term investment, improve our educational system, and
boost productivity. These are the keys to building a better future.
And here are some of my recommendations:
I propose almost $2.2 billion for the National Science
Foundation to promote basic research and keep us on track to double
its budget by 1993. (Applause.)
I propose to make permanent the tax credit for research
and development. (Applause.)
I've asked Vice President Quayle to chair a new Task
Force on Competitiveness. (Applause.)
And I request funding for NASA and a strong space program
-- an increase of almost $2.4 billion over the current fiscal year.
We must have a manned space station; a vigorous, safe space shuttle
program; and more commercial development in space. The space program
should always go "full throttle up" -- and that's not just our
ambition; it's our destiny. (Applause.)
I propose that we cut the maximum tax rate on capital
gains to increase long-term investment. (Applause.) History is
clear -- history on this is clear; this will increase revenues, help
savings, and create new jobs. (Applause.) We won't be competitive
if we leave whole sectors of America behind. This is the year we
should finally enact urban enterprise zones and bring hope to the
inner cities. (Applause.)
But the most important competitiveness program of all is
one which improves education in America. When some of our students
actually have trouble locating America on a map of the world, it is
time for us to map a new approach to education. (Applause.)
We must reward excellence and cut through bureaucracy.
We must help schools that need help the most. We must give choice to
parents, students, teachers, and principals; and we must hold all
concerned (Applause.) accountable. In education, we cannot tolerate mediocrity.
I want to cut that dropout rate and make America a more
literate nation. (Applause.) Because what it really comes down to
is this: the longer our graduation lines are today, the shorter our
unemployment lines will be tomorrow.
So tonight I'm proposing the following intitiatives:
The beginning of a $500-million program to reward
America's best schools -- "merit schools."
The creation of special presidential awards for the best
teachers in every state -- because excellence should be rewarded. --
(Applause.)
The establishment of a new program of National Science
Scholars, one each year for every Member of the House and Senate, to
give this generation of students a special incentive to excel in
science and mathematics. (Applause.)
The expanded use of magnet schools, which give families
and students greater choice; and a new program -- to encourage
"alternative certification" which will let talented people from all
fields teach in our classrooms. (Applause.)
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I've said I'd like to be the "Education President." And
tonight, I've asked you to join me by becoming the "Education
Congress." (Applause.)
Just last week, as I settled into this new office, I
received a letter from a mother in Pennsylvania who had been struck
by my message in the Inaugural Address. "Not 12 hours before, " she
wrote, "my husband and I received word that our son was addicted to
cocaine. He had the world at his feet. Bright, gifted, personable.
He cocaine." could have done anything with his life. And now he has chosen
"And please,' she wrote, "find a way to curb the supply
of (Applause.) cocaine. Get tough with the pushers. Our son needs your help.
My friends, that voice crying out for help could be the
voice of your own neighbor, your own friend, your own son. Over 23
million Americans used illegal drugs last year -- at a staggering
cost to our nation's well-being.
Let this be recorded as the time when America rose up and
said "no" to drugs. The scourge of drugs must be stopped. And I am
asking tonight for an increase of almost a billion dollars in budget
outlays to escalate the war against drugs. (Applause.) The war must
be waged on all fronts. Our new drug czar, Bill Bennett, and I will
be shoulder-to-shoulder in the Executive Branch leading the charge.
Some money will be used to expand treatment to the poor
and to young mothers. This will offer the helping hand to the many
innocent victims of drugs -- like the thousands of babies born
addicted, or with AIDS because of the mother's addiction.
Some will be used to cut the waiting time for treatment.
Some money will be devoted to those urban schools where the emergency
is now the worst. And much of it will be used to protect our
borders, with help from the Coast Guard, and the Customs Service, the
Departments (Applause.) of State and Justice, and yes, the U.S. military.
I mean to get tough on the drug criminals. And let me be
clear: this President will back up those who put their lives on the
line every single day -- our local police officers. (Applause.)
My budget asks for beefed-up prosecution, for a new
attack on organized crime, and for enforcement of tough sentences --
and for the worst kingpins, that means the death penalty.
(Applause.) I also want to make sure that when a drug dealer is
because prisons are too full.
convicted, there's a cell waiting for him. And he should not go free
convicted, you will do time.
And so let the word go out: If you're caught and
But for all we do in law enforcement, in interdiction and
treatment, we will never win this war on drugs unless we stop the
demand for drugs. So some of this increase will be used to educate
the young about the dangers of drugs. We must involve the parents.
We must involve the teachers. We must involve the communities. And
my friends, we must involve ourselves -- each and every one of us in
this concern. (Applause.)
One problem related to drug use demands our urgent
attention and our continuing compassion. And that is the terrible
tragedy of AIDS. I'm asking for $1.6 billion for education to
prevent the disease -- and for research to find a cure.
If we're to protect our future, we need a new attitude
about the environment. We must protect the air we breathe. I will
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send to you shortly legislation for a new, more effective, Clean Air
Act. It will include a plan to reduce, by date certain, the
emissions which cause acid rain -- (applause) -- because the time for
study alone has passed, and the time for action is now. (Applause.)
We must make use of clean coal. My budget contains full
funding, on schedule, for the clean coal technology agreement that
we've made with Canada. (Applause.) We've made that agreement with
Canada and we intend to honor that agreement.
We must not neglect our parks. So I'm asking to fund new
acquisitions under the Land and Water Conservation Fund. We must
protect our oceans. And I support new penalties against those who
would dump medical waste and other trash into our oceans.
(Applause.) The age of the needle on the beaches must end.
(Applause.)
And in some cases, the gulfs and oceans off our shores
hold the promise of oil and gas reserves which can make our nation
more secure and less dependent on foreign oil. And when those with
the most promise can be tapped safely, as with much of the Alaska
National Wildlife Refuge, we should proceed. (Applause.) But we
must use caution. We must respect the environment.
And so tonight I'm calling for the indefinite
postponement of three lease sales which have raised troubling
questions -- two off the coast of California, and one which could
threaten the Everglades in Florida. (Applause.) Action on these
three lease sales will await the conclusion of a special task force
set up to measure the potential for environmental damage.
I'm directing the Attorney General and the Administrator
of the Environmental Protection Agency to use every tool at their
disposal to speed and toughen the enforcement of our laws against
toxic waste dumpers. (Applause.) I want faster cleanups and tougher
enforcement of penalties against polluters.
In addition to caring for our future, we must care for
those around us. A decent society shows compassion for the young,
the elderly, the vulnerable, and the poor.
Our first obligation is to the most vulnerable --
infants, poor mothers, children living in poverty -- and my proposed
budget recognizes this. I ask for full funding of Medicaid -- an
increase of over $3 billion -- and an expansion of the program to
include (Applause.) coverage of pregnant women who are near the poverty line.
I believe we should help working families cope with the
burden of child care. Our help should be aimed at those who need it
most -- low-income families with young children. I support a new
child care tax credit that will aim our efforts at exactly those
at home. (Applause.)
families -- without discriminating against mothers who choose to stay
Now, I know there are competing proposals. But remember
this -- the overwhelming majority of all preschool child care is now
provided by relatives and neighbors and churches and community
help. Parents should have choice. (Applause.)
groups. Families who choose these options should remain eligible for
And for those children who are unwanted or abused or
whose parents are deceased, we should encourage adoption. I propose
to reenact the tax deduction for adoption expenses, and to double it
to $3,000. (Applause.) Let's make it easier for these kids to have
parents who love them.
We have a moral contract with our senior citizens. And
in this budget, Social Security is fully funded, including a full
cost-of-living adjustment. We must honor our contract.
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We must care about those in the shadow of life, and I,
like many Americans, am deeply troubled by the plight of the
homeless. The causes of homelessness are many, the history is long.
But the moral imperative to act is clear.
Thanks to the deep well of generosity in this great land,
many organizations already contribute. But we in government cannot
stand on the sidelines. In my budget, I ask for greater support for
emergency food and shelter, for health services and measures to
prevent substance abuse, and for clinics for the mentally ill.
(Applause.) And I propose a new initiative involving the full range
of government agencies. We must confront this national shame.
There's another issue that I've decided to mention here
tonight. I've long believed that the people of Puerto Rico should
have the right to determine their own political future. Personally,
I strongly favor statehood. But I urge the Congress to take the
necessary steps to allow the people to decide in a referendum.
Certain problems, the result of decades of unwise
practices, threaten the health and security of our people. Left
unattended, they will only get worse -- but we can act now to put
them behind us.
Earlier this week, I announced my support for a plan to
restore the financial and moral integrity of our savings system. I
ask Congress to enact our reform proposals within 45 days. We must
not let this situation fester. (Applause.) We owe it to the savers
in this country to solve this problem. (Applause.)
Certainly, the savings of Americans must remain secure.
Let me be clear. Insured depositors will continue to be fully
protected. But any plan to refinance the system must be accompanied
by major reform. Our proposals will prevent such a crisis from
recurring. The best answer is to make sure that a mess like this
will never happen again.
The majority of thrifts in communities across the nation
have been honest. They've played a major role in helping families
achieve the dream of home ownership. But make no mistake -- those
who are corrupt, those who break the law, must be kicked out of the
business and they should go to jail. (Applause.)
We face a massive task in cleaning up the waste left from
decades of environmental neglect at our America's nuclear weapons
plants. Clearly, we must modernize these plants and operate them
safely. That's not at issue -- our national security depends on it.
But beyond that, we must clean up the old mess that's been left
behind -- and I propose in this budget to more than double our
current effort to do SO. This will allow us to identify the exact
nature of the various problems so we can clean them up -- and clean
them up we will. (Applause.)
We've been fortunate during these past eight years.
America is a stronger nation than it was in 1980. Morale in our
Armed Forces has been restored. Our resolve has been shown. Our
readiness has been improved. And we are at peace. There can no
longer be any doubt that peace has been made more secure through
strength. And when America is stronger, the world is safer.
(Applause.)
Most people don't realize that after the successful
restoration of our strength, the Pentagon budget has actually been
reduced in real terms for each of the last four years. We cannot
tolerate continued real reduction in defense. In light of the
compelling need to reduce the deficit, however, I support a one-year
freeze in the military budget -- something I proposed last fall in my
flexible freeze plan.
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And this freeze will apply for only one year, and after
that, increases above inflation will be required. I will not
sacrifice American preparedness, and I will not compromise American
strength. (Applause.)
I should be clear on the conditions attached to my
recommendation for the coming year:
The savings must be allocated to those priorities for
investing in our future that I've spoken about tonight.
This defense freeze must be a part of a comprehensive
budget agreement which meets the targets spelled out in
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings law without raising taxes, and which
incorporates reforms in the budget process.
I have directed the National Security Council to review
our national security and defense policies and report back to me
within 90 days to ensure that our capabilities and resources meet our
commitments and strategies.
I'm also charging the Department of Defense with the task
of developing a plan to improve the defense procurement process and
management of the Pentagon -- one which will fully implement the
Packard Commission report. (Applause.) Many of these changes can
only be made with the participation of the Congress -- and so I ask
for your help.
We need fewer regulations. We need less bureaucracy. We
need multiyear procurement and two-year budgeting. And frankly, --
and don't take this wrong -- we need less congressional
micromanagement of our nation's military policy. (Applause.) I
detect a slight division on that question, but nevertheless --
(laughter.)
Securing a more peaceful world is perhaps the most
important priority I'd like to address tonight. You know we meet at
a time of extraordinary hope. Never before in this century have our
values of freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity been such a
powerful and intellectual force around the globe.
Never before has our leadership been so crucial, because
while America. America has its eyes on the future, the world has its eyes on
And it's time of great change in the world -- and
especially in the Soviet Union. Prudence and common sense dictate
that we try to understand the full meaning of the change going on
there, review our policies and then proceed with caution. But I've
personally assured General Secretary Gorbachev that at the conclusion
of such a review we will be ready to move forward. We will not miss
any opportunity to work for peace.
The fundamental facts remain that the Soviets retain a
very powerful military machine, in the service of objectives which
are still too often in conflict with ours. So let us take the new
openness seriously. But let's also be realistic. And let's always
be strong. (Applause.)
There are some pressing issues we must address: I will
vigorously pursue the Strategic Defense Initiative. (Applause.) The
spread and even use of sophisticated weaponry threatens global
security as never before.
Chemical weapons must be banned from the face of the
Earth, never to be used again. (Applause.) And, look, this won't be
easy. Verification -- extraordinarily difficult. But civilization
and human decency demand that we try.
And the spread of nuclear weapons must be stopped. And
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I'll work to strengthen the hand of the International Atomic Energy
Agency. Our diplomacy must work every day against the proliferation
of nuclear weapons.
And around the globe, we must continue to be freedom's
best friend. And we must stand firm for self-determination and
democracy in Central America -- including in Nicaragua. (Applause.)
It is my strongly held conviction that when people are given the
chance, they inevitably will choose a free press, freedom of worship,
and certifiably free and fair elections.
We must strengthen the alliance of the industrial
democracies -- as solid a force for peace as the world has ever
known. And this is an alliance forged by the power of our ideals,
not the pettiness of our differences. so let's lift our sights -- to
rise above fighting about beef hormones to building a better future,
to move from protectionism to progress.
I've asked the Secretary of State to visit Europe next
week and to consult with our allies on the wide range of challenges
and opportunities we face together -- including East-West relations.
And I look forward to meeting with our NATO partners in the near
future.
And I, too, shall begin a trip shortly -- to the far
reaches of the Pacific Basin, where the winds of democracy are
creating new hope, and the power of free markets is unleashing a new
force.
When I served as our representative in China 14 or 15
years ago, few would have predicted the scope of the changes we've
witnessed since then. But in preparing for this trip, I was struck
by something I came across from a Chinese writer. He was speaking of
his country, decades ago, but his words speak to each of us, in
America, tonight.
"Today," he said, "we're afraid of the simple words like
goodness and mercy and kindness."
My friends, if we're to succeed as a nation, we must
rediscover those words.
In just three days, we mark the birthday of Abraham
Lincoln -- the man who saved our Union, and gave new meaning to the
word opportunity. Lincoln once said: "I hold that while man exists,
it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist
in ameliorating that of mankind.'
It is this broader mission to which I call all Americans.
others. Because the definition of a successful life must include serving
(Applause.)
And to the young people of America, who sometimes feel
left out -- I ask you tonight to give us the benefit of your talent
and energy through a new program called "YES," for Youth Entering
Service to America.
To those men and women in business -- remember the
ultimate end of your work -- to make a better product, to create
better lives. I ask you to plan for the longer-term and avoid that
temptation of quick and easy paper profits.
To the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the
United States of America -- thank you. Your calling is a high one --
(appplause.) To be the defenders of freedom and the guarantors of
liberty. And I want you to know that this nation is grateful for
your service.
To the farmers of America, we appreciate the bounty you
provide. We will work with you to open foreign markets to American
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agricultural products. (Applause.)
And to the parents of America, I ask you to get involved
in your child's schooling. Check on the homework. Go to the school,
meet the teachers, care about what is happening there. It's not only
your child's future on the line, it's America's.
To kids in our cities -- don't give up hope. Say no to
drugs. Stay in school. And yes, "Keep hope alive."
To those 37 million Americans with some form of
disability -- you belong in the economic mainstream. We need your
talents in America's workforce. Disabled Americans must become full
partners in America's opportunity society. (Applause.)
To the families of America watching tonight in your
living rooms: Hold fast to your dreams, because ultimately America's
future rests in your hands.
And to my friends in this Chamber, I ask your cooperation
to keep America growing while cutting the deficit. That's only fair
to those who now have no vote -- the generations to come.
Let them look back and say that we had the foresight to
understand that a time of peace and prosperity is not the time to
rest, but a time to press forward -- a time to invest in the future.
And let all Americans remember that no problem of
human-making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human
energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit. I believe this.
I would not have asked to be your President if I didn't.
And tomorrow, the debate on the plan I've put forward
begins, and I ask the Congress to come forward with your own
proposals. Let's not question each other's motives. Let's debate.
Let's negotiate. But let us solve the problem. (Applause.)
Recalling anniversaries may not be my specialty in
speeches -- (laughter and applause.) -- but tonight is one of some
note. On February 9, 1941, just 48 years ago tonight, Sir Winston
Churchill took to the airwaves during Britain's hour of peril. He'd
received from President Roosevelt a hand-carried letter quoting
Longfellow's famous poem: "Sail on, oh Ship of State! Sail on, Oh
Union, strong and great! Humanity with all its fears, with all the
hopes of future years, is hanging breathless on thy fate!"
And Churchill responded on this night by radio broadcast
to a nation at war, but he directd his words to Franklin Roosevelt.
"We shall not fail or falter," he said. "We shall not weaken or
tire. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job."
Tonight, almost half a century later, our peril may be
less immediate, but the need for perseverance and clear-sighted
fortitude is just as great.
Now, as then, there are those who say it can't be done.
There are voices who say that America's best days have passed; that
we're bound by constraints, threatened by problems, surrounded by
troubles which limit our ability to hope. Well, tonight, I remain
full of hope. We Americans have only begun on our mission of
goodness and greatness. And to those timid souls, I repeat the plea
-- give us the tools, and we will do the job.
Thank you. God bless you and God bless America.
(Applause.)
END
9:56 P.M. EST
1
( (Grady; 2/9/89, 6am))
MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH
TO A
JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
FEBRUARY 9, 1989
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Distinguished Members of
the House and Senate, honored guests, fellow citizens:
Less than three weeks ago, I joined you on the West
Front of this very building and -- looking over the
monuments to our proud past -- offered you my hand in
filling the next page of American history with a story of
extended prosperity and continued peace. Tonight, I am
#
back, to offer you my plans as well. The hand remains
extended, the sleeves are rolled up, America is waiting, and
now we must produce.
Together, we can build a better America.
It is comforting to return to this historic chamber.
Here, twenty-two years ago, I first raised my hand to be
sworn into public life. So tonight, I feel as if I am
returning home to friends. And I intend, in the months and
years to come, to give you that to which friends are
entitled: frankness, respect, and my best judgment about
ways to improve America's future.
In return, I ask for an honest commitment to our common
mission of progress. If we seize the opportunities on the
road before us, there will be praise enough for all.
The people didn't send us here to bicker. It's time to
produce. It's time to govern.
2
Many Presidents have come to this Chamber in times of
great crisis. War. Depression. Loss of national spirit.
Eight years ago, I sat in that chair as President
Reagan spoke of punishing inflation and devastatingly high
interest rates, people out of work, American confidence on
the wane.
Our challenge is different.
We are fortunate -- a much changed landscape lies
before us tonight.
So I don't propose to reverse direction. We are headed
the right way.
But we cannot rest. We are a people whose energy and
drive has fueled our rise to greatness. We are a
forward-looking nation -- generous, yes, but ambitious as
well -- not for ourselves, but for the world.
Complacency is not in our character -- not before, not
now, not ever.
So tonight, we must take a strong America -- and make
it even better.
We must address some very real problems. We must
establish some very clear priorities. And we must make a
very substantial cut in the Federal budget deficit.
Some people find that agenda impossible.
But I am presenting to you tonight a realistic plan for
tackling it. My plan has four broad features: attention to
urgent priorities, investment in the future, an attack on
the deficit, and no new taxes.
3
I have made my position clear to the American people ---
we don't need to raise taxes; and the people don't want us
to.
This budget represents my best judgement of how we can
address our priorities, consistent with the people's view.
There are many areas in which we would all like to spend
more than I propose, but we cannot until we get our fiscal
house in order.
Next year alone, thanks to economic growth, without any
change in the law 1 the Federal government will take in over
$80 billion dollars more than it does this year. That's
right -- over $80 billion in new revenues, with no increase
in taxes. Our job is to allocate those new resources
wisely.
We can afford to increase spending -- by a modest
amount, but enough to invest in key priorities without
raising taxes -- and still cut the deficit by almost 40
percent in one year.
That will allow us to meet the targets set forth in the
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings law.
But to do that, we must recognize that growth above
inflation in Federal programs is not preordained, that not
all spending initiatives were designed to be immortal.
I make this pledge tonight: I am prepared to
participate in a special process with the Congressional
leadership; and my team and I are ready to work with the
Congress, to negotiate in good faith, to work day and night
4
-- if that's what it takes -- to meet the budget targets,
and to produce a budget on time.
We cannot settle for business as usual.
Government by continuing resolution -- or government by
crisis -- won't do.
I ask the Congress tonight to approve several measures
which will make budgeting more sensible. We could save time
and improve efficiency by enacting two-year budgets.
43 Governors have the line item veto. Presidents
should have it, too.
At the very least, when a President proposes to rescind
Federal spending, the Congress should be required to vote on
the proposal -- instead of killing it by inaction.
And I ask for Congress to honor the public's wishes by
passing a constitutional amendment to require a balanced
budget. Such an amendment, once phased in, will discipline
both Congress and the Executive branch.
Several principles describe the kind of America I hope
to build with your help in the years ahead.
We will not have the luxury of taking the easy,
spendthrift approach to solving problems -- because higher
spending and higher taxes put economic growth at risk.
Economic growth provides jobs and hope. Economic
growth enables us to pay for social programs. Economic
growth enhances the security of the nation. And low tax
rates create economic growth.
5
I believe in giving Americans greater freedom and
greater choice -- and I will work for choice for American
families, whether in the housing in which they live, the
schools to which they send their children, or the child care
they select for their young.
I believe that we have an obligation to those in need,
but that government should not be the provider of first
resort for things that the private sector can produce
better.
I believe in a society that is free from discrimination
and bigotry of any kind. I will work to knock down the
barriers left by past discrimination, to build a more
tolerant society that will stop such barriers from ever
being built again.
I believe that family and faith represent the moral
compass of the nation -- and I will work to make them
strong, for as Benjamin Franklin said: "If a sparrow cannot
fall to the ground without His notice, [can] a great
[nation] rise without His aid?"
And I believe in giving people the power to make their
own lives better through growth and opportunity. Together,
let's put power in the hands of people.
Three weeks ago, we celebrated the bicentennial
Inaugural, the 200th anniversary of the first Presidency.
And if you look back, one thing is so striking about
the way the founding fathers looked at America. They didn't
6
talk about themselves. They talked about posterity. They
talked about the future.
We, too, must think in terms bigger than ourselves.
We must take actions today that will ensure a better
tomorrow. We must extend American leadership in technology,
increase long-term investment, improve our educational
system, and boost productivity. These are the keys to
building a better future.
Here are some of my recommendations:
- I propose almost $2.2 billion for the National
Science Foundation to promote basic research and keep us on
track to double its budget by 1993;
- I propose to make permanent the tax credit for
research and development;
- I have asked Vice President Quayle to chair a new
Task Force on Competitiveness;
- I request funding for NASA and a strong space
program -- an increase of almost $2.4 billion over the
current fiscal year. We must have a manned space station; a
vigorous, safe space shuttle program; and more commercial
development in space. The space program should always go
"full throttle up" -- that's not just our ambition, it's our
destiny.
- I propose that we cut the maximum tax rate on capital
gains to increase long term investment. History is clear:
this will increase revenues, help savings, and create new
jobs.
7
We won't be competitive if we leave whole sectors of
America behind. This is the year we should finally enact
urban enterprise zones, and bring hope to our inner cities.
But the most important competitiveness program of all
is one which improves education in America.
When some of our students actually have trouble
locating America on a map of the world, it is time for us to
map a new approach to education.
We must reward excellence, and cut through bureaucracy.
We must help those schools that need help most. We must
give choice to parents, students, teachers, and principals.
And we must hold all concerned accountable. In education,
we cannot tolerate mediocrity.
I want to cut the dropout rate, and make America a more
literate nation. Because what it really comes down to is
this: the longer our graduation lines are today, the
shorter our unemployment lines will be tomorrow.
So tonight I am proposing the following initiatives:
- the beginning of a $500-million program to reward
America's best schools -- "merit schools";
- the creation of special Presidential awards for the
best teachers in every state -- because excellence should be
rewarded;
- the establishment of a new program of National
Science Scholars, one each year for every member of the
House and Senate, to give this generation of students a
special incentive to excel in science and mathematics;
8
- the expanded use of magnet schools which give
families and students greater choice;
- and a new program to encourage "alternative
certification" -- which will let talented people from all
fields teach in the classroom.
I have said I'd like to be "the Education President." "
Tonight, I ask you to join me by becoming "the Education
Congress."
Just last week, as I settled into this new office, I
received a letter from a mother in Pennsylvania, who had
been struck by my message in the Inaugural address. "Not 12
hours before, she wrote, "my husband and I received word
that our son was addicted to cocaine. He had the world at
his feet. Bright, gifted, personable, he could have done
anything with his life. Now he has chosen cocaine."
"Please," she wrote, "find a way to curb the supply of
cocaine. Get tough with the pushers. Our son needs your
help."
My friends, that voice crying for help could be the
voice of your own neighbor. Your own friend. Your own
relative. Over 23 million Americans used illegal drugs last
year -- at a staggering cost to our nation's well-being.
Let this be recorded as the time when America rose up
and said "no" to drugs. The scourge of drugs must stop.
I am asking tonight for an increase of almost a billion
dollars in budget outlays to escalate the war against drugs.
The war will be waged on all fronts.
9
Some money will be used to expand treatment to the
poor, and to young mothers. This will offer the helping
hand e
to the many innocent victims of drugs -- like the thousands
of babies born addicted, or with AIDS, because of the
mother's addiction.
Some will be used to cut the waiting time for
treatment.
Some money will be devoted to those urban schools where
the emergency is now the worst. And much of it will be used
to protect our borders, with help from the Coast Guard, the
Customs Service, the Departments of State and Justice, and
yes, the U.S. military.
I mean to get tough on the drug criminals. Let me be
clear: this President will back up those who put their
lives on the line every day -- our local police officers.
My budget asks for beefed up prosecution, for a new
attack on organized crime, and for enforcement of tough
sentences -- and for the worst kingpins, that means the
death penalty.
I also want to make sure that when a drug dealer is
convicted, there is a cell waiting for him. He should not
go free because prisons are too full.
Let the word go out: if you are caught and convicted,
you must do time.
10
But for all we do in law enforcement, in interdiction
and treatment, we will never win this war on drugs unless we
stop demand for drugs.
So some of this increase will be used to educate the
young about the dangers of drugs. We must involve parents.
We must involve teachers. We must involve communities. And
my friends, we must involve ourselves.
One problem related to drug use demands our urgent
attention and our continuing compassion. That is the
terrible tragedy of AIDS.
I am asking for $1.6 billion for education to prevent
the disease -- and for research to find a cure.
If we're to protect our future, we need a new attitude
about the environment.
We must protect the air we breathe.
I will send to you shortly legislation for a new, more
effective Clean Air Act. It will include a plan to reduce,
by date certain, the emissions which cause acid rain --
because the time for study alone has passed, and the time
for action is now.
We must make use of clean coal. My budget contains
full funding, on schedule, for the clean coal technology
agreement we have made with Canada. We intend to honor that
agreement.
I believe we should expand our parks. So I am asking
to fund new acquisitions under the land and water
conservation fund.
11
We must protect our oceans. I support new penalties
against those who would dump medical waste and other trash
in the oceans. The age of the needle on the beach must end.
In some cases, the gulfs and oceans off our shores hold
the promise of reserves of oil and gas which can make our
nation more secure and less dependent on foreign oil. When
those with the most promise can be tapped safely, as with
much of the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, we should
proceed. But we must use caution and we must respect the
environment.
So tonight I am calling for the indefinite postponement
of three lease sales which have raised troubling questions
-- two off the coast of California, and one which could
threaten the Everglades in Florida.
Action on these three lease sales will await the
conclusions of a special task force set up to measure the
potential for environmental damage.
I am directing the Attorney General and the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to use
every tool at their disposal to speed and toughen the
enforcement of our laws against toxic waste dumpers. I want
faster cleanups and tougher enforcement of penalties against
polluters.
In addition to caring for our future, we must care for
those around us. A decent society shows compassion for the
young, the elderly, the vulnerable, and the poor.
12
Our first obligation is to the most vulnerable --
infants, poor mothers, children living in poverty -- and my
proposed budget recognizes this. I ask for full funding of
Medicaid -- an increase of over $3 billion -- and an
expansion of the program to include coverage of pregnant
women who are near the poverty line.
I believe we should help working families cope with the
burden of child care.
Our help should be aimed at those who need it most --
low income families with young children. I support a new
child care tax credit that will aim our efforts at exactly
those families -- without discriminating against mothers who
choose to stay at home.
Now, I know there are competing proposals. But
preschool
remember this: the overwhelming majority of all child care
is now provided by relatives and neighbors, churches and
community groups. Families who choose these options should
remain eligible for help. Parents should have choice.
And for those children who cannot live with their
parents, I believe we should encourage adoption. I propose
to re-enact the tax deduction for adoption expenses, and to
double it to $3,000.
We have a moral contract with our senior citizens. In
this budget, Social Security is fully funded including
a
full cost-of-living adjustment. We must honor our contract.
We must care about those in "the shadows of life," and
I, like many Americans, am deeply troubled by the plight of
13
the homeless. The causes of homelessness are many, the
history is long, but the moral imperative to act is clear.
Thanks to the deep well of generosity in this great
land, many organizations already contribute. But we in
government cannot stand on the sidelines. In my budget, I
ask for greater support for emergency food and shelter, for
health services and measures to prevent substance abuse, and
for clinics for the mentally ill -- and I propose a new
initiative involving the full range of government agencies.
We must confront this national shame.
Tragedy has been brought to this very chamber by the
long-debated issue of the future of Puerto Rico. I wanted
to mention tonight that I favor a referendum for the people
of this commonwealth. Personally, I favor statehood. But
let's let the people decide.
Certain problems, the result of decades of unwise
practices, threaten the health and security of our people.
Left unattended, they will only get worse -- but we can act
now to put them behind us.
Earlier this week, I announced my support for a plan to
restore the financial and moral integrity of our savings
system. I ask Congress to enact our reform proposals within
45 days. We must not let this situation fester.
Certainly, the savings of Americans must remain secure
-- insured depositors will continue to be fully protected.
But any plan to refinance the system must be accompanied by
major reform. Our proposals will prevent such a crisis from
14
re-occurring. Because the best answer is to make sure that
a mess like this will never happen again.
The majority of thrifts in communities across this
nation have been honest; they have played a major role in
helping families achieve the American dream of home
ownership. But make no mistake: those who are corrupt,
those who break the law, must be kicked out of the business;
and they should go to jail.
We face a massive task in cleaning up the waste left
from decades of environmental neglect at America's nuclear
weapons plants.
Clearly, we must modernize these plants and operate
them safely. That is not at issue -- our national security
depends on it.
But beyond that, we must clean up the old mess that's
been left behind -- and I propose in this budget to more
than double our current effort to do so. This will allow us
to identify the exact nature of the various problems so we
can clean them up -- and clean them up we will.
We have been fortunate during these past eight years.
America is a stronger nation today than it was in 1980.
Morale in our armed forces is restored. Our resolve
has been shown. Our readiness has been improved. And we
are at peace.
There can no longer be any doubt that peace has been
made more secure through strength. When America is
stronger, the world is safer.
15
Most people don't realize that, after the successful
restoration of our strength, the Pentagon budget has
actually been reduced in real terms for each of the last
four years.
In light of the compelling need to reduce the deficit,
I propose a one-year freeze in the military budget --
something I proposed last fall in my flexible freeze plan.
This freeze will apply for only one year -- after that
increases above inflation will be required. I will not
sacrifice American preparedness; and I will not compromise
American strength.
I should be clear on the conditions attached to my
recommendation for the coming year:
- the savings must be allocated to those priorities for
investing in our future that I have spoken about tonight;
- this defense freeze must be part of a comprehensive
budget agreement which meets the targets spelled out in the
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings law without raising taxes, and which
incorporates reforms in the budget process.
I have directed the National Security Council to review
our national security and defense policies and report back
to me within 90 days to ensure that our capabilities and
resources meet our commitments and strategies.
I am also charging the Department of Defense with the
task of developing a plan to improve the defense procurement
process and management of the Pentagon -- one which will
fully implement the Packard Commission report. Many of the
16
changes can only be made with the participation of the
Congress -- so I ask for your help.
We need fewer regulations. We need less bureaucracy.
We need multi-year procurement and two-year budgeting. And
frankly, we need less Congressional micromanagement of our
nation's military policy.
Securing a more peaceful world is perhaps the most
important priority I'd like to address tonight.
We meet tonight at a time of extraordinary hope. Never
before in this century have our values of freedom,
democracy, and economic opportunity been such a powerful
political and intellectual force around the globe.
Never before has our leadership been so crucial,
because while America has its eyes on the future, the world
has its eyes on America.
It is a time of great change in the world -- and
especially in the Soviet Union. Prudence and common sense
dictate that we try to understand the full meaning of the
change, review our policies carefully, and proceed with
caution. But I have personally assured General Secretary
Gorbachev that at the conclusion of such a review, we will
be ready to move forward. We will not miss any opportunity
to work for peace.
The fundamental fact remains that the Soviets retain a
very powerful military machine, in the service of objectives
which are still too often in conflict with ours. So let us
17
take the new openness seriously. But let us be realistic.
And let us negotiate from strength.
There are some pressing issues we must address:
I will vigorously pursue the Strategic Defense
Initiative.
The spread and even use of sophisticated weaponry
threatens global stability as never before.
Chemical weapons must be banned from the face of the
earth, never to be used again. This won't be easy.
Verification will be difficult. But civilization and human
decency demand that we try.
And the spread of nuclear weapons must be stopped. I
will work to strengthen the hand of the International Atomic
Energy Agency. Our diplomacy must work every day against
the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
An
around the globe, we must continue to be freedom's
best friend.
We must stand firm for self-determination and democracy
in Central America -- including in Nicaragua.
For when people are given their own choice, they
inevitably will choose a free press; freedom of worship; and
certifiably free and fair elections.
We must strengthen the alliance of industrial
democracies -- as solid a force for peace as the world has
ever known. This is an alliance forged by the power of our
ideals, not the pettiness of our differences. So let us
18
lift our sights -- from beef hormones to a better future,
from protectionism to progress.
I have asked the Secretary of State to visit Europe
next week -- to forge a New Compact with our allies -- and
to consult with them on the wide range of challenges and
opportunities we face together -- including East-West
relations. And I look forward to meeting myself with our
NATO partners in the near future.
I, too, shall begin a trip shortly -- to the far
reaches of the Pacific Basin, where the winds of democracy
are creating new hope, and the power of free markets is
unleashing a new force.
When I served as our representative in China just 13
years ago, few would have predicted the scope of the changes
we've witnessed since then.
But in preparing for this trip, I was struck by
something I came across from a Chinese writer, Lin Yutang
( (you-TANG) ) He was speaking of his country, decades ago
-- but his words speak to each of us, in America, tonight.
"Today," he said, "we are afraid of the simple words
like goodness and mercy and kindness. "
My friends, if we're to succeed as a nation, we must
N
rediscover those words.
In just three days, we mark the birthday of Abraham
Lincoln -- the man who saved our union, and gave new meaning
to the word opportunity. Lincoln once said:
19
"I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to
improve not only his own condition, but to assist in
ameliorating ((that of)) mankind."
It is that broader mission to which I call all
Americans. Because the definition of a successful life
should include serving others.
To the young and the old, who sometimes feel left out
-- I ask you tonight to give us the benefit if your talent
and energy through a new program called YES, for Youth
Entering Service to America.
To those men and women in business - remember the
ultimate end of your work -- to make a better product, to
create better lives. I ask you to plan for the longer term
and avoid the temptation of quick and easy paper profits.
To the brave men and women who wear the uniform of the
United States of America -- thank you. Your calling is a
high one -- to be the defenders of freedom and the
the
guarantors of liberty. And I want you to know that a nation
is grateful for your service.
To the parents of America, I ask you to get involved in
your child's schooling. Check on their homework. Go to the
school, meet the teachers, care about what is happening
there. It is not only your child's future on the line, it
is America's.
To kids in our cities -- don't give up hope. Say no to
drugs. Stay in school. And yes, "keep hope alive."
20
To those 37 million Americans with some form of
disability -- you belong in the economic mainstream. We
need your talents in America's workforce. Disabled
Americans must become full partners in America's opportunity
society.
To the families of America, watching tonight in your
living rooms. Hold fast to your dreams, because ultimately
America's future rests in your hands.
And to my friends in this chamber, I ask for your
X
to
cooperation in keeping America growing while cutting the
deficit. That is only fair to those who now have no vote
--- the generations to come.
Let them look back and say that we had the foresight to
understand that a time of peace and prosperity is not a time
to rest, but a time to push forward. A time to invest in
the future.
And let all Americans remember that no problem of human
making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human
energy, and the untiring hope of the human spirit. I
believe this. I would not have asked to be your leader if I
didn't.
Tomorrow, the debate on the plan I have put forward
begins. I ask you to come forward with your proposals, if
they are different. But let us not question each other's
motives. Let us debate. Let us negotiate. And in the end,
let us produce.
21
Recalling anniversaries may not be my specialty in
speeches
but tonight is one of some note. # On February
9
Xx
1941, just 48 years ago tonight, Sir Winston Churchill took
to the airwaves during Britain's hour of peril.
He had received from President Roosevelt a hand carried
letter quoting Longfellow's famous poem: "Sail on, oh ship
of state. Sail on, oh union, strong and great! Humanity
with all its fears, with all the hopes of future years Is
hanging breathless on thy fate!"
Churchill responded on this night by radio broadcast to
a nation at war, but he directed his words to Roosevelt.
Stat
"We shall not fail or falter,' " he said. "We shall not
weaken or tire. Give us the tools, and we will finish the
job."
Tonight, almost a half century later, our peril may be
less immediate, but the need for perseverance and
clear-sighted fortitude is just as great.
Now, as then, there are those who say it can't be done.
There are voices who say that America's best days have past.
That we are bound by constraints, threatened by problems,
surrounded by troubles which limit our ability to hope.
Well, tonight I remain full of hope. We Americans have
only begun on our mission of goodness and greatness. And to
those timid souls, I repeat the plea -- give us the tools;
and we will do the job.
Thank you, and God bless you.
########
ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1989
MR. SPEAKER, MR. PRESIDENT, DISTINGUISHED
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, HONORED GUESTS,
FELLOW CITIZENS:
LESS THAN 3 WEEKS AGO, I JOINED YOU ON THE
WEST FRONT OF THIS VERY BUILDING AND -- LOOKING
OVER THE MONUMENTS TO OUR PROUD PAST -- OFFERED
YOU MY HAND IN FILLING THE NEXT PAGE OF AMERICAN
HISTORY WITH A STORY OF EXTENDED PROSPERITY AND
CONTINUED PEACE. TONIGHT, I AM BACK, TO OFFER YOU
MY PLANS AS WELL. THE HAND REMAINS EXTENDED, THE
SLEEVES ARE ROLLED UP, AMERICA IS WAITING, AND NOW
WE MUST PRODUCE.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A BETTER AMERICA.
IT IS COMFORTING TO RETURN TO THIS HISTORIC
CHAMBER. HERE, 22 YEARS AGO, I FIRST RAISED MY
HAND TO BE SWORN INTO PUBLIC LIFE. SO TONIGHT, I
FEEL AS IF I AM RETURNING HOME TO FRIENDS. AND I
INTEND, IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME, TO GIVE
YOU WHAT FRIENDS DESERVE: FRANKNESS, RESPECT, AND
MY BEST JUDGMENT OUT WAYS TO IMPROVE AMERICA'S
FUTURE.
- 2 -
IN RETURN, I ASK FOR AN HONEST COMMITMENT TO
OUR COMMON MISSION OF PROGRESS. IF WE SEIZE THE
OPPORTUNITIES ON THE ROAD BEFORE US, THERE WILL BE
PRAISE ENOUGH FOR ALL.
2
THE PEOPLE DIDN'T SEND US HERE TO BICKER.
IT'S TIME TO GOVERN.
MANY PRESIDENTS HAVE COME TO THIS CHAMBER IN
TIMES OF GREAT CRISIS. WAR. DEPRESSION. LOSS OF
NATIONAL SPIRIT.
i
EIGHT YEARS AGO, I SAT IN THAT CHAIR AS
PRESIDENT REAGAN SPOKE OF PUNISHING INFLATION AND
DEVASTATINGLY HIGH INTEREST RATES, PEOPLE OUT OF
WORK, AMERICAN CONFIDENCE ON THE WANE.
OUR CHALLENGE IS DIFFERENT.
WE ARE FORTUNATE -- A MUCH CHANGED LANDSCAPE
LIES BEFORE US TONIGHT.
SO I DON'T PROPOSE TO REVERSE DIRECTION. WE
ARE HEADED THE RIGHT WAY.
- 3 -
BUT WE CANNOT REST. WE ARE A PEOPLE WHOSE
ENERGY AND DRIVE HAVE FUELED OUR RISE TO
3
GREATNESS. WE ARE A FORWARD-LOOKING NATION --
GENEROUS, YES, BUT AMBITIOUS AS WELL -- NOT FOR
OURSELVES, BUT FOR THE WORLD.
COMPLACENCY IS NOT IN OUR CHARACTER -- NOT
BEFORE, NOT NOW, NOT EVER.
so TONIGHT, WE MUST TAKE A STRONG AMERICA --
AND MAKE IT EVEN BETTER.
i WE MUST ADDRESS SOME VERY REAL PROBLEMS. WE
MUST ESTABLISH SOME VERY CLEAR PRIORITIES. AND WE
MUST MAKE A VERY SUBSTANTIAL CUT IN THE FEDERAL
BUDGET DEFICIT.
SOME PEOPLE FIND THAT AGENDA IMPOSSIBLE.
BUT I AM PRESENTING TO YOU TONIGHT A
REALISTIC PLAN FOR TACKLING IT. MY PLAN HAS FOUR
BROAD FEATURES: ATTENTION TO URGENT PRIORITIES,
INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE, AN ATTACK ON THE
DEFICIT, AND NO NEW TAXES.
- 4 -
THIS BUDGET REPRESENTS MY BEST JUDGMENT OF
HOW WE CAN ADDRESS OUR PRIORITIES. THERE ARE MANY
4
AREAS IN WHICH WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SPEND MORE
THAN I PROPOSE, BUT WE CANNOT UNTIL WE GET OUR
FISCAL HOUSE IN ORDER.
NEXT YEAR ALONE, THANKS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH,
WITHOUT ANY CHANGE IN THE LAW, THE FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE IN OVER $80 BILLION DOLLARS
MORE THAN IT DOES THIS YEAR. THAT'S RIGHT -- OVER
$80 BILLION IN NEW REVENUES, WITH NO INCREASE IN
TAXE$. OUR JOB IS TO ALLOCATE THOSE NEW RESOURCES
WISELY.
WE CAN AFFORD TO INCREASE SPENDING -- BY A
MODEST AMOUNT, BUT ENOUGH TO INVEST IN KEY
PRIORITIES AND STILL CUT THE DEFICIT BY ALMOST
40 PERCENT IN ONE YEAR.
THAT WILL ALLOW US TO MEET THE TARGETS SET
FORTH IN THE GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS LAW.
BUT TO DO THAT, WE MUST RECOGNIZE THAT GROWTH
ABOVE INFLATION IN FEDERAL PROGRAMS IS NOT
PREORDAINED, THAT NOT ALL SPENDING INITIATIVES
WERE DESIGNED TO BE IMMORTAL.
- 5 -
I MAKE THIS PLEDGE TONIGHT: MY TEAM AND I
ARE READY TO WORK WITH THE CONGRESS, TO FORM A
SPECIAL LEADERSHIP GROUP, TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD
FAITH, TO WORK DAY AND NIGHT -- IF THAT'S WHAT IT
5
TAKES -- TO MEET THE BUDGET TARGETS, AND TO
PRODUCE A BUDGET ON TIME.
WE CANNOT SETTLE FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL.
GOVERNMENT BY CONTINUING RESOLUTION -- OR
GOVERNMENT BY CRISIS -- WILL NOT DO.
i I ASK THE CONGRESS TONIGHT TO APPROVE SEVERAL
MEASURES WHICH WILL MAKE BUDGETING MORE SENSIBLE.
WE COULD SAVE TIME AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCY BY
ENACTING 2-YEAR BUDGETS.
FORTY-THREE GOVERNORS HAVE THE LINE-ITEM
VETO. PRESIDENTS SHOULD HAVE IT, TOO.
AT THE VERY LEAST, WHEN A PRESIDENT PROPOSES
TO RESCIND FEDERAL SPENDING, THE CONGRESS SHOULD
BE REQUIRED TO VOTE ON THAT PROPOSAL -- INSTEAD OF
KILLING IT BY INACTION.
- 6 -
AND I ASK FOR CONGRESS TO HONOR THE PUBLIC'S
WISHES BY PASSING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO
REQUIRE A BALANCED BUDGET. SUCH AN AMENDMENT,
ONCE PHASED IN, WILL DISCIPLINE BOTH CONGRESS AND
6
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
SEVERAL PRINCIPLES DESCRIBE THE KIND OF
AMERICA I HOPE TO BUILD WITH YOUR HELP IN THE
YEARS AHEAD.
WE WILL NOT HAVE THE LUXURY OF TAKING THE
EASY, SPENDTHRIFT APPROACH TO SOLVING PROBLEMS --
BECAUSE HIGHER SPENDING AND HIGHER TAXES PUT
ECONOMIC GROWTH AT RISK.
ECONOMIC GROWTH PROVIDES JOBS AND HOPE.
ECONOMIC GROWTH ENABLES US TO PAY FOR SOCIAL
PROGRAMS. ECONOMIC GROWTH ENHANCES THE SECURITY
OF THE NATION. AND LOW TAX RATES CREATE ECONOMIC
GROWTH.
I BELIEVE IN GIVING AMERICANS GREATER FREEDOM
AND GREATER CHOICE -- AND I WILL WORK FOR CHOICE
FOR AMERICAN FAMILIES, WHETHER IN THE HOUSING IN
WHICH THEY LIVE, THE SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY SEND
THEIR CHILDREN, OR THE CHILD CARE THEY SELECT FOR
THEIR YOUNG.
- 7 -
I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO THOSE
IN NEED, BUT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE THE
PROVIDER OF FIRST RESORT FOR THINGS THAT THE
PRIVATE SECTOR CAN PRODUCE BETTER.
&
I BELIEVE IN A SOCIETY THAT IS FREE FROM
DISCRIMINATION AND BIGOTRY OF ANY KIND. I WILL
WORK TO KNOCK DOWN THE BARRIERS LEFT BY PAST
DISCRIMINATION AND TO BUILD A MORE TOLERANT
SOCIETY THAT WILL STOP SUCH BARRIERS FROM EVER
BEING BUILT AGAIN.
I BELIEVE THAT FAMILY AND FAITH REPRESENT THE
MORAL COMPASS OF THE NATION -- AND I WILL WORK TO
MAKE THEM STRONG, FOR AS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAID:
"IF A SPARROW CANNOT FALL TO THE GROUND WITHOUT
HIS NOTICE, [CAN] A [GREAT NATION] RISE WITHOUT
HIS AID?"
AND I BELIEVE IN GIVING PEOPLE THE POWER TO
MAKE THEIR OWN LIVES BETTER THROUGH GROWTH AND
OPPORTUNITY. TOGETHER, LET'S PUT POWER IN THE
HANDS OF PEOPLE.
((PAUSE))
. 8 -
THREE WEEKS AGO, WE CELEBRATED THE
BICENTENNIAL INAUGURAL, THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE FIRST PRESIDENCY.
AND IF YOU LOOK BACK, ONE THING IS so
8
STRIKING ABOUT THE WAY THE FOUNDING FATHERS LOOKED
AT AMERICA. THEY DIDN'T TALK ABOUT THEMSELVES.
THEY TALKED ABOUT POSTERITY. THEY TALKED ABOUT
THE FUTURE.
WE, Too, MUST THINK IN TERMS BIGGER THAN
OURSELVES.
WE MUST TAKE ACTIONS TODAY THAT WILL ENSURE A
BETTER TOMORROW. WE MUST EXTEND AMERICAN
LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY, INCREASE LONG-TERM
INVESTMENT, IMPROVE OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, AND
BOOST PRODUCTIVITY. THESE ARE THE KEYS TO
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE.
HERE ARE SOME OF MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- I PROPOSE ALMOST $2.2 BILLION FOR THE
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION TO PROMOTE BASIC
RESEARCH AND KEEP US ON TRACK TO DOUBLE ITS BUDGET
BY 1993;
- 9 -
- I PROPOSE TO MAKE PERMANENT THE TAX CREDIT
FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT;
- I HAVE ASKED VICE PRESIDENT QUAYLE TO
9
CHAIR A NEW TASK FORCE ON COMPETITIVENESS;
- I REQUEST FUNDING FOR NASA AND A STRONG
SPACE PROGRAM -- AN INCREASE OF ALMOST
$2.4 BILLION OVER THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR. WE
MUST HAVE A MANNED SPACE STATION; A VIGOROUS, SAFE
SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM; AND MORE COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT IN SPACE. THE SPACE PROGRAM SHOULD
ALWAYS GO "FULL THROTTLE UP" -- THAT'S NOT JUST
OUR AMBITION; IT'S OUR DESTINY.
- I PROPOSE THAT WE CUT THE MAXIMUM TAX RATE
ON CAPITAL GAINS TO INCREASE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT.
HISTORY IS CLEAR: THIS WILL INCREASE REVENUES,
HELP SAVINGS, AND CREATE NEW JOBS.
WE WON'T BE COMPETITIVE IF WE LEAVE WHOLE
SECTORS OF AMERICA BEHIND. THIS IS THE YEAR WE
SHOULD FINALLY ENACT URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONES, AND
BRING HOPE TO OUR INNER CITIES.
BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT COMPETITIVENESS
PROGRAM OF ALL IS ONE WHICH IMPROVES EDUCATION IN
AMERICA.
- 10 -
WHEN SOME OF OUR STUDENTS ACTUALLY HAVE
TROUBLE LOCATING AMERICA ON A MAP OF THE WORLD, IT
IS TIME FOR US TO MAP A NEW APPROACH TO EDUCATION.
O
WE MUST REWARD EXCELLENCE, AND CUT THROUGH
BUREAUCRACY. WE MUST HELP THOSE SCHOOLS THAT NEED
HELP MOST. WE MUST GIVE CHOICE TO PARENTS,
STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND PRINCIPALS. AND WE MUST
HOLD ALL CONCERNED ACCOUNTABLE. IN EDUCATION, WE
CANNOT TOLERATE MEDIOCRITY.
I WANT TO CUT THE DROP-OUT RATE, AND MAKE
AMERICA A MORE LITERATE NATION. BECAUSE WHAT IT
REALLY COMES DOWN TO IS THIS: THE LONGER OUR
GRADUATION LINES ARE TODAY, THE SHORTER OUR
UNEMPLOYMENT LINES WILL BE TOMORROW.
so TONIGHT I AM PROPOSING THE FOLLOWING
INITIATIVES:
- THE BEGINNING OF A $500-MILLION PROGRAM TO
REWARD AMERICA'S BEST SCHOOLS -- "MERIT SCHOOLS";
- THE CREATION OF SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL
AWARDS FOR THE BEST TEACHERS IN EVERY STATE --
BECAUSE EXCELLENCE SHOULD BE REWARDED;
- 11 -
- THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW PROGRAM OF
NATIONAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS, ONE EACH YEAR FOR EVERY
MEMBER OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE, TO GIVE THIS
GENERATION OF STUDENTS A SPECIAL INCENTIVE TO
11
EXCEL IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS;
- THE EXPANDED USE OF MAGNET SCHOOLS WHICH
GIVE FAMILIES AND STUDENTS GREATER CHOICE;
- AND A NEW PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE
"ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION" -- WHICH WILL LET
TALENTED PEOPLE FROM ALL FIELDS TEACH IN THE
CLASSROOM.
I HAVE SAID I'D LIKE TO BE "THE EDUCATION
PRESIDENT." TONIGHT, I ASK YOU TO JOIN ME BY
BECOMING
I
"THE EDUCATION CONGRESS."
JUST LAST WEEK, AS I SETTLED INTO THIS NEW
OFFICE, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A MOTHER IN
PENNSYLVANIA, WHO HAD BEEN STRUCK BY MY MESSAGE IN
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. "NOT 12 HOURS BEFORE," SHE
WROTE, "MY HUSBAND AND I RECEIVED WORD THAT [OUR]
SON WAS ADDICTED TO COCAINE. [HE] HAD THE WORLD
AT HIS FEET. BRIGHT, GIFTED, PERSONABLE.., HE
COULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING WITH HIS LIFE. [NOW] HE
HAS CHOSEN COCAINE."
- 12 -
"PLEASE," SHE WROTE, "FIND A WAY TO CURB THE
SUPPLY OF COCAINE. GET TOUGH WITH THE PUSHERS.
[OUR SON] NEEDS YOUR HELP."
MY FRIENDS, THAT VOICE CRYING OUT FOR HELP
COULD BE THE VOICE OF YOUR OWN NEIGHBOR. YOUR OWN
FRIEND. YOUR OWN SON. OVER 23 MILLION AMERICANS
USED ILLEGAL DRUGS LAST YEAR -- AT A STAGGERING
COST TO OUR NATION'S WELL-BEING.
LET THIS BE RECORDED AS THE TIME WHEN AMERICA
ROSE UP AND SAID "NO" TO DRUGS. THE SCOURGE OF
DRUGS MUST BE STOPPED.
I AM ASKING TONIGHT FOR AN INCREASE OF ALMOST
A BILLION DOLLARS IN BUDGET OUTLAYS TO ESCALATE
THE WAR AGAINST DRUGS. THE WAR WILL BE WAGED ON
ALL FRONTS.
OUR NEW "DRUG CZAR" BILL BENNETT AND I WILL
BE SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER, LEADING THE CHARGE.
SOME MONEY WILL BE USED TO EXPAND TREATMENT
TO THE POOR, AND TO YOUNG MOTHERS. THIS WILL
OFFER THE HELPING HAND TO THE MANY INNOCENT
VICTIMS OF DRUGS -- LIKE THE THOUSANDS OF BABIES
BORN ADDICTED, OR WITH AIDS, BECAUSE OF THE
MOTHER'S ADDICTION.
- 13 -
SOME WILL BE USED TO CUT THE WAITING TIME FOR
TREATMENT.
SOME MONEY WILL BE DEVOTED TO THOSE URBAN
SCHOOLS WHERE THE EMERGENCY IS NOW THE WORST. AND
3
MUCH OF IT WILL BE USED TO PROTECT OUR BORDERS,
WITH HELP FROM THE COAST GUARD, THE CUSTOMS
SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENTS OF STATE AND JUSTICE, AND
YES, THE U.S. MILITARY.
I MEAN TO GET TOUGH ON THE DRUG CRIMINALS.
LET ME BE CLEAR: THIS PRESIDENT WILL BACK UP
THOSE WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY --
OUR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS.
MY BUDGET ASKS FOR BEEFED-UP PROSECUTION, FOR
A NEW ATTACK ON ORGANIZED CRIME, AND FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF TOUGH SENTENCES -- AND FOR THE
WORST KINGPINS, THAT MEANS THE DEATH PENALTY.
I ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN A DRUG
DEALER IS CONVICTED, THERE IS A CELL WAITING FOR
HIM. HE SHOULD NOT GO FREE BECAUSE PRISONS ARE
TOO FULL.
LET THE WORD GO OUT: IF YOU ARE CAUGHT AND
CONVICTED, YOU WILL DO TIME.
- 14 -
BUT FOR ALL WE DO IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, IN
INTERDICTION AND TREATMENT, WE WILL NEVER WIN THIS
WAR ON DRUGS UNLESS WE STOP DEMAND FOR DRUGS.
so SOME OF THIS INCREASE WILL BE USED TO
EDUCATE THE YOUNG ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS. WE
MUST INVOLVE PARENTS. WE MUST INVOLVE TEACHERS.
WE MUST INVOLVE COMMUNITIES. AND MY FRIENDS, WE
MUST INVOLVE OURSELVES.
ONE PROBLEM RELATED TO DRUG USE DEMANDS OUR
URGENT ATTENTION AND OUR CONTINUING COMPASSION.
THAT, IS THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF AIDS.
I AM ASKING FOR $1.6 BILLION FOR EDUCATION TO
PREVENT THE DISEASE -- AND FOR RESEARCH TO FIND A
CURE.
((PAUSE))
IF WE'RE TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE, WE NEED A NEW
ATTITUDE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT.
WE MUST PROTECT THE AIR WE BREATHE.
- 15 -
I WILL SEND TO YOU SHORTLY LEGISLATION FOR A
NEW, MORE EFFECTIVE CLEAN AIR ACT. IT WILL
INCLUDE A PLAN TO REDUCE, BY DATE CERTAIN, THE
15
EMISSIONS WHICH CAUSE ACID RAIN -- BECAUSE THE
TIME FOR STUDY ALONE HAS PASSED, AND THE TIME FOR
ACTION IS NOW.
WE MUST MAKE USE OF CLEAN COAL. MY BUDGET
CONTAINS FULL FUNDING, ON SCHEDULE, FOR THE CLEAN
COAL TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT WE HAVE MADE WITH
CANADA. WE INTEND TO HONOR THAT AGREEMENT.
I
WE MUST NOT NEGLECT OUR PARKS. so I AM
ASKING TO FUND NEW ACQUISITIONS UNDER THE LAND AND
WATER CONSERVATION FUND.
WE MUST PROTECT OUR OCEANS. I SUPPORT NEW
PENALTIES AGAINST THOSE WHO WOULD DUMP MEDICAL
WASTE AND OTHER TRASH IN THE OCEANS. THE AGE OF
THE NEEDLE ON THE BEACH MUST END.
- 16 -
IN SOME CASES, THE GULFS AND OCEANS OFF OUR
SHORES HOLD THE PROMISE OF OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES
WHICH CAN MAKE OUR NATION MORE SECURE AND LESS
DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN OIL. WHEN THOSE WITH THE
6
MOST PROMISE CAN BE TAPPED SAFELY, AS WITH MUCH OF
THE ALASKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, WE SHOULD
PROCEED. BUT WE MUST USE CAUTION AND WE MUST
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
so TONIGHT I AM CALLING FOR THE INDEFINITE
POSTPONEMENT OF THREE LEASE SALES WHICH HAVE
RAISED TROUBLING QUESTIONS -- TWO OFF THE COAST OF
CALIFORNIA, AND ONE WHICH COULD THREATEN THE
EVERGLADES IN FLORIDA.
ACTION ON THESE THREE LEASE SALES WILL AWAIT
THE CONCLUSIONS OF A SPECIAL TASK FORCE SET UP TO
MEASURE THE POTENTIAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE.
I AM DIRECTING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND THE
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY TO USE EVERY TOOL AT THEIR DISPOSAL TO
SPEED AND TOUGHEN THE ENFORCEMENT OF OUR LAWS
AGAINST TOXIC WASTE DUMPERS. I WANT FASTER
CLEANUPS AND TOUGHER ENFORCEMENT OF PENALTIES
AGAINST POLLUTERS.
((PAUSE))
- 17 -
IN ADDITION TO CARING FOR OUR FUTURE, WE MUST
CARE FOR THOSE AROUND US. A DECENT SOCIETY SHOWS
COMPASSION FOR THE YOUNG, THE ELDERLY, THE
VULNERABLE, AND THE POOR.
7
OUR FIRST OBLIGATION IS TO THE MOST
VULNERABLE -- INFANTS, POOR MOTHERS, CHILDREN
LIVING IN POVERTY -- AND MY PROPOSED BUDGET
RECOGNIZES THIS. I ASK FOR FULL FUNDING OF
MEDICAID -- AN INCREASE OF OVER $3 BILLION -- AND
AN EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAM TO INCLUDE COVERAGE OF
PREGNANT WOMEN WHO ARE NEAR THE POVERTY LINE.
I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HELP WORKING FAMILIES
COPE WITH THE BURDEN OF CHILD CARE.
OUR HELP SHOULD BE AIMED AT THOSE WHO NEED IT
MOST -- LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN.
I SUPPORT A NEW CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT THAT WILL
AIM OUR EFFORTS AT EXACTLY THOSE FAMILIES --
WITHOUT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MOTHERS WHO CHOOSE
TO STAY AT HOME.
- 18 -
NOW, I KNOW THERE ARE COMPETING PROPOSALS.
BUT REMEMBER THIS: THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF
ALL PRESCHOOL CHILD CARE IS NOW PROVIDED BY
RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS, CHURCHES AND COMMUNITY
GROUPS. FAMILIES WHO CHOOSE THESE OPTIONS SHOULD
18
REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR HELP. PARENTS SHOULD HAVE
CHOICE.
AND FOR THOSE CHILDREN WHO ARE UNWANTED OR
ABUSED, OR WHOSE PARENTS ARE DECEASED, WE SHOULD
ENCOURAGE ADOPTION. I PROPOSE TO RE-ENACT THE TAX
DEDUCTION FOR ADOPTION EXPENSES, AND TO DOUBLE IT
TO $3,000. LET'S MAKE IT EASIER FOR THESE KIDS TO
HAVE PARENTS WHO LOVE THEM.
WE HAVE A MORAL CONTRACT WITH OUR SENIOR
CITIZENS. IN THIS BUDGET, SOCIAL SECURITY IS
FULLY FUNDED, INCLUDING A FULL COST-OF-LIVING
ADJUSTMENT. WE MUST HONOR OUR CONTRACT.
WE MUST CARE ABOUT THOSE IN "THE SHADOWS OF
LIFE," AND I, LIKE MANY AMERICANS, AM DEEPLY
TROUBLED BY THE PLIGHT OF THE HOMELESS. THE
CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS ARE MANY, THE HISTORY IS
LONG, BUT THE MORAL IMPERATIVE TO ACT IS CLEAR.
- 19 -
THANKS TO THE DEEP WELL OF GENEROSITY IN THIS
GREAT LAND, MANY ORGANIZATIONS ALREADY CONTRIBUTE.
BUT WE IN GOVERNMENT CANNOT STAND ON THE
SIDELINES. IN MY BUDGET, I ASK FOR GREATER
SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER, FOR HEALTH
SERVICES AND MEASURES TO PREVENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE,
AND FOR CLINICS FOR THE MENTALLY ILL -- AND I
19
PROPOSE A NEW INITIATIVE INVOLVING THE FULL RANGE
OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. WE MUST CONFRONT THIS
NATIONAL SHAME.
THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE I HAVE DECIDED TO
MENTION HERE TONIGHT. I HAVE LONG BELIEVED THAT
THE PEOPLE OF PUERTO RICO SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO
DETERMINE THEIR OWN POLITICAL FUTURE. PERSONALLY,
I FAVOR STATEHOOD. BUT I ASK THE CONGRESS TO TAKE
THE NECESSARY STEPS TO LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE IN A
REFERENDUM.
CERTAIN PROBLEMS, THE RESULT OF DECADES OF
UNWISE PRACTICES, THREATEN THE HEALTH AND SECURITY
OF OUR PEOPLE. LEFT UNATTENDED, THEY WILL ONLY
GET WORSE -- BUT WE CAN ACT NOW TO PUT THEM BEHIND
US.
- 20 -
EARLIER THIS WEEK, I ANNOUNCED MY SUPPORT FOR
A PLAN TO RESTORE THE FINANCIAL AND MORAL
INTEGRITY OF OUR SAVINGS SYSTEM. I ASK CONGRESS
TO ENACT OUR REFORM PROPOSALS WITHIN 45 DAYS. WE
MUST NOT LET THIS SITUATION FESTER.
20
CERTAINLY, THE SAVINGS OF AMERICANS MUST
REMAIN SECURE -- INSURED DEPOSITORS WILL CONTINUE
TO BE FULLY PROTECTED. BUT ANY PLAN TO REFINANCE
THE SYSTEM MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY MAJOR REFORM.
OUR PROPOSALS WILL PREVENT SUCH A CRISIS FROM
REOCCURRING. THE BEST ANSWER IS TO MAKE SURE THAT
A MESS LIKE THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN.
THE MAJORITY OF THRIFTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS
THIS NATION HAVE BEEN HONEST; THEY HAVE PLAYED A
MAJOR ROLE IN HELPING FAMILIES ACHIEVE THE
AMERICAN DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP. BUT MAKE NO
MISTAKE: THOSE WHO ARE CORRUPT, THOSE WHO BREAK
THE LAW, MUST BE KICKED OUT OF THE BUSINESS; AND
THEY SHOULD GO TO JAIL.
WE FACE A MASSIVE TASK IN CLEANING UP THE
WASTE LEFT FROM DECADES OF ENVIRONMENTAL NEGLECT
AT AMERICA'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PLANTS.
- 21 -
CLEARLY, WE MUST MODERNIZE THESE PLANTS AND
OPERATE THEM SAFELY. THAT IS NOT AT ISSUE -- OUR
NATIONAL SECURITY DEPENDS ON IT.
BUT BEYOND THAT, WE MUST CLEAN UP THE OLD
21
MESS THAT'S BEEN LEFT BEHIND -- AND I PROPOSE IN
THIS BUDGET TO MORE THAN DOUBLE OUR CURRENT EFFORT
TO DO SO. THIS WILL ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY THE
EXACT NATURE OF THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS SO WE CAN
CLEAN THEM UP -- AND CLEAN THEM UP WE WILL.
WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE DURING THESE PAST
8 YEARS. AMERICA IS A STRONGER NATION TODAY THAN
IT WAS IN 1980.
MORALE IN OUR ARMED FORCES IS RESTORED. OUR
RESOLVE HAS BEEN SHOWN. OUR READINESS HAS BEEN
IMPROVED. AND WE ARE AT PEACE.
THERE CAN NO LONGER BE ANY DOUBT THAT PEACE
HAS BEEN MADE MORE SECURE THROUGH STRENGTH. WHEN
AMERICA IS STRONGER, THE WORLD IS SAFER.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, THAT AFTER THE
SUCCESSFUL RESTORATION OF OUR STRENGTH, THE
PENTAGON BUDGET HAS ACTUALLY BEEN REDUCED IN REAL
TERMS FOR EACH OF THE LAST 4 YEARS. WE CANNOT
TOLERATE CONTINUED REAL REDUCTIONS IN DEFENSE.
- 22 -
IN LIGHT OF THE COMPELLING NEED TO REDUCE THE
DEFICIT, HOWEVER, I SUPPORT A 1-YEAR FREEZE IN THE
MILITARY BUDGET -- SOMETHING I PROPOSED LAST FALL
IN MY FLEXIBLE FREEZE PLAN.
THIS FREEZE WILL APPLY FOR ONLY 1 YEAR --
22
AFTER THAT INCREASES ABOVE INFLATION WILL BE
REQUIRED. I WILL NOT SACRIFICE AMERICAN
PREPAREDNESS; AND I WILL NOT COMPROMISE AMERICAN
STRENGTH.
I SHOULD BE CLEAR ON THE CONDITIONS ATTACHED
TO MY RECOMMENDATION FOR THE COMING YEAR:
- THE SAVINGS MUST BE ALLOCATED TO THOSE
PRIORITIES FOR INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE THAT I HAVE
SPOKEN ABOUT TONIGHT;
- THIS DEFENSE FREEZE MUST BE PART OF A
COMPREHENSIVE BUDGET AGREEMENT WHICH MEETS THE
TARGETS SPELLED OUT IN THE GRAMM-RUDMAN-HOLLINGS
LAW WITHOUT RAISING TAXES, AND WHICH INCORPORATES
REFORMS IN THE BUDGET PROCESS.
- 23 -
I HAVE DIRECTED THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
TO REVIEW OUR NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE
POLICIES AND REPORT BACK TO ME WITHIN 90 DAYS TO
ENSURE THAT OUR CAPABILITIES AND RESOURCES MEET
OUR COMMITMENTS AND STRATEGIES.
23
I AM ALSO CHARGING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
WITH THE TASK OF DEVELOPING A PLAN TO IMPROVE THE
DEFENSE PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
PENTAGON -- ONE WHICH WILL FULLY IMPLEMENT THE
PACKARD COMMISSION REPORT. MANY OF THE CHANGES
CAN ONLY BE MADE WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE
CONGRESS -- so I ASK FOR YOUR HELP.
WE NEED FEWER REGULATIONS. WE NEED LESS
BUREAUCRACY. WE NEED MULTI-YEAR PROCUREMENT AND
2-YEAR BUDGETING. AND FRANKLY, WE NEED LESS
CONGRESSIONAL MICROMANAGEMENT OF OUR NATION'S
MILITARY POLICY.
SECURING A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD IS PERHAPS THE
MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITY I'D LIKE TO ADDRESS
TONIGHT.
- 24 -
WE MEET AT A TIME OF EXTRAORDINARY HOPE.
NEVER BEFORE IN THIS CENTURY HAVE OUR VALUES OF
FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY BEEN
SUCH A POWERFUL POLITICAL AND INTELLECTUAL FORCE
tl
AROUND THE GLOBE.
NEVER BEFORE HAS OUR LEADERSHIP BEEN SO
CRUCIAL, BECAUSE WHILE AMERICA HAS ITS EYES ON THE
FUTURE, THE WORLD HAS ITS EYES ON AMERICA.
IT IS A TIME OF GREAT CHANGE IN THE WORLD --
AND ESPECIALLY IN THE SOVIET UNION. PRUDENCE AND
COMMON SENSE DICTATE THAT WE TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE
FULL MEANING OF THE CHANGE GOING ON THERE, REVIEW
OUR POLICIES CAREFULLY, AND PROCEED WITH CAUTION.
BUT I HAVE PERSONALLY ASSURED GENERAL SECRETARY
GORBACHEV THAT, AT THE CONCLUSION OF SUCH A
REVIEW, WE WILL BE READY TO MOVE FORWARD. WE WILL
NOT MISS ANY OPPORTUNITY TO WORK FOR PEACE.
THE FUNDAMENTAL FACT REMAINS THAT THE SOVIETS
RETAIN A VERY POWERFUL MILITARY MACHINE, IN THE
SERVICE OF OBJECTIVES WHICH ARE STILL TOO OFTEN IN
CONFLICT WITH OURS. SO LET US TAKE THE NEW
OPENNESS SERIOUSLY. BUT LET US ALSO BE REALISTIC.
AND LET US ALWAYS BE STRONG.
- 25 -
THERE ARE SOME PRESSING ISSUES WE MUST
ADDRESS:
I WILL VIGOROUSLY PURSUE THE STRATEGIC
25
DEFENSE INITIATIVE.
THE SPREAD AND EVEN USE OF SOPHISTICATED
WEAPONRY THREATENS GLOBAL STABILITY AS NEVER
BEFORE.
CHEMICAL WEAPONS MUST BE BANNED FROM THE FACE
OF THE EARTH, NEVER TO BE USED AGAIN. THIS WON'T
BE EASY. VERIFICATION WILL BE DIFFICULT. BUT
CIVILIZATION AND HUMAN DECENCY DEMAND THAT WE TRY.
AND THE SPREAD OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS MUST BE
STOPPED. I WILL WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE HAND OF
THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY. OUR
DIPLOMACY MUST WORK EVERY DAY AGAINST THE
PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
AND, AROUND THE GLOBE, WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE
FREEDOM'S BEST FRIEND.
WE MUST STAND FIRM FOR SELF-DETERMINATION AND
DEMOCRACY IN CENTRAL AMERICA -- INCLUDING IN
NICARAGUA.
- 26 -
FOR WHEN PEOPLE ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE, THEY
INEVITABLY WILL CHOOSE A FREE PRESS, FREEDOM OF
WORSHIP, AND CERTIFIABLY FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS.
WE MUST STRENGTHEN THE ALLIANCE OF INDUSTRIAL
26
DEMOCRACIES -- AS SOLID A FORCE FOR PEACE AS THE
WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN. THIS IS AN ALLIANCE FORGED
BY THE POWER OF OUR IDEALS, NOT THE PETTINESS OF
OUR DIFFERENCES. so LET US LIFT OUR SIGHTS -- TO
RISE ABOVE FIGHTING ABOUT BEEF HORMONES TO
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE; TO MOVE FROM
PROTECTIONISM TO PROGRESS.
I HAVE ASKED THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO VISIT
EUROPE NEXT WEEK AND TO CONSULT WITH THEM ON THE
WIDE RANGE OF CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES WE FACE
TOGETHER -- INCLUDING EAST-WEST RELATIONS. AND I
LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING WITH OUR NATO PARTNERS IN
THE NEAR FUTURE.
I, Too, SHALL BEGIN A TRIP SHORTLY -- TO THE
FAR REACHES OF THE PACIFIC BASIN, WHERE THE WINDS
OF DEMOCRACY ARE CREATING NEW HOPE, AND THE POWER
OF FREE MARKETS IS UNLEASHING A NEW FORCE.
WHEN I SERVED AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE IN CHINA
JUST 14 YEARS AGO, FEW WOULD HAVE PREDICTED THE
SCOPE OF THE CHANGES WE'VE WITNESSED SINCE THEN.
- 27 -
BUT IN PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP, I WAS STRUCK
BY SOMETHING I CAME ACROSS FROM A CHINESE WRITER.
HE WAS SPEAKING OF HIS COUNTRY, DECADES AGO -- BUT
HIS WORDS SPEAK TO EACH OF US, IN AMERICA,
TONIGHT.
"TODAY," HE SAID, "WE ARE AFRAID OF THE
27
SIMPLE WORDS LIKE GOODNESS AND MERCY AND
KINDNESS."
MY FRIENDS, IF WE'RE TO SUCCEED AS A NATION,
WE MUST REDISCOVER THOSE WORDS.
IN JUST 3 DAYS, WE MARK THE BIRTHDAY OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN -- THE MAN WHO SAVED OUR UNION,
AND GAVE NEW MEANING TO THE WORD OPPORTUNITY.
LINCOLN ONCE SAID:
"I HOLD THAT WHILE MAN EXISTS, IT IS HIS DUTY
TO IMPROVE NOT ONLY HIS OWN CONDITION, BUT TO
ASSIST IN AMELIORATING [THAT OF] MANKIND."
IT IS THIS BROADER MISSION TO WHICH I CALL
ALL AMERICANS. BECAUSE THE DEFINITION OF A
SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVING OTHERS.
- 28 -
TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF AMERICA, WHO SOMETIMES
FEEL LEFT OUT -- I ASK YOU TONIGHT TO GIVE US THE
BENEFIT OF YOUR TALENT AND ENERGY THROUGH A NEW
PROGRAM CALLED "YES," FOR YOUTH ENTERING SERVICE
TO AMERICA.
28
TO THOSE MEN AND WOMEN IN BUSINESS --
REMEMBER THE ULTIMATE END OF YOUR WORK -- TO MAKE
A BETTER PRODUCT, TO CREATE BETTER LIVES. I ASK
YOU TO PLAN FOR THE LONGER-TERM AND AVOID THE
TEMPTATION OF QUICK AND EASY PAPER PROFITS.
TO THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WEAR THE
UNIFORM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -- THANK
YOU. YOUR CALLING IS A HIGH ONE -- TO BE THE
DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM AND THE GUARANTORS OF
LIBERTY. AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT THIS NATION
IS GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SERVICE.
TO THE FARMERS OF AMERICA -- WE APPRECIATE
THE BOUNTY YOU PROVIDE. WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO
OPEN FOREIGN MARKETS TO AMERICAN AGRICULTURAL
PRODUCTS.
- 29 -
TO THE PARENTS OF AMERICA, I ASK YOU TO GET
INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOLING. CHECK ON
THEIR HOMEWORK. GO TO THE SCHOOL, MEET THE
TEACHERS, CARE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE. IT
29
IS NOT ONLY YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE ON THE LINE, IT IS
AMERICA'S.
TO KIDS IN OUR CITIES -- DON'T GIVE UP HOPE.
SAY NO TO DRUGS. STAY IN SCHOOL. AND YES, "KEEP
HOPE ALIVE."
TO THOSE 37 MILLION AMERICANS WITH SOME FORM
OF DISABILITY -- YOU BELONG IN THE ECONOMIC
MAINSTREAM. WE NEED YOUR TALENTS IN AMERICA'S
WORKFORCE. DISABLED AMERICANS MUST BECOME FULL
PARTNERS IN AMERICA'S OPPORTUNITY SOCIETY.
TO THE FAMILIES OF AMERICA WATCHING TONIGHT
IN YOUR LIVING ROOMS: HOLD FAST TO YOUR DREAMS,
BECAUSE ULTIMATELY AMERICA'S FUTURE RESTS IN YOUR
HANDS.
AND TO MY FRIENDS IN THIS CHAMBER, I ASK FOR
YOUR COOPERATION TO KEEP AMERICA GROWING WHILE
CUTTING THE DEFICIT. THAT IS ONLY FAIR TO THOSE
WHO NOW HAVE NO VOTE -- THE GENERATIONS TO COME.
- 30 -
LET THEM LOOK BACK AND SAY THAT WE HAD THE
FORESIGHT TO UNDERSTAND THAT A TIME OF PEACE AND
PROSPERITY IS NOT A TIME TO REST, BUT A TIME TO
PUSH FORWARD. A TIME TO INVEST IN THE FUTURE.
30
AND LET ALL AMERICANS REMEMBER THAT NO
PROBLEM OF HUMAN MAKING IS TOO GREAT TO BE
OVERCOME BY HUMAN INGENUITY, HUMAN ENERGY, AND THE
UNTIRING HOPE OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT. I BELIEVE
THIS. I WOULD NOT HAVE ASKED TO BE YOUR PRESIDENT
IF I DIDN'T.
TOMORROW, THE DEBATE ON THE PLAN I HAVE PUT
i
FORWARD BEGINS. I ASK THE CONGRESS TO COME
FORWARD WITH YOUR PROPOSALS. BUT LET US NOT
QUESTION EACH OTHER'S MOTIVES. LET US DEBATE.
LET US NEGOTIATE. BUT LET US SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
((PAUSE AND SMILE))
RECALLING ANNIVERSARIES MAY NOT BE MY
SPECIALTY IN SPEECHES... BUT TONIGHT IS ONE OF
SOME NOTE. ON FEBRUARY 9, 1941, JUST 48 YEARS AGO
TONIGHT, SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL TOOK TO THE
AIRWAVES DURING BRITAIN'S HOUR OF PERIL.
- 31 -
HE HAD RECEIVED FROM PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT A
HAND-CARRIED LETTER QUOTING LONGFELLOW'S FAMOUS
POEM: "SAIL ON, OH SHIP OF STATE! SAIL ON, OH
UNION, STRONG AND GREAT! HUMANITY WITH ALL ITS
FEARS, WITH ALL THE HOPES OF FUTURE YEARS, IS
HANGING BREATHLESS ON THY FATE!"
31
CHURCHILL RESPONDED ON THIS NIGHT BY RADIO
BROADCAST TO A NATION AT WAR, BUT HE DIRECTED HIS
WORDS TO ROOSEVELT. "WE SHALL NOT FAIL OR
FALTER," HE SAID. "WE SHALL NOT WEAKEN OR TIRE.
GIVE US THE TOOLS, AND WE WILL FINISH THE JOB."
TONIGHT, ALMOST A HALF CENTURY LATER, OUR
PERIL MAY BE LESS IMMEDIATE, BUT THE NEED FOR
PERSEVERANCE AND CLEAR-SIGHTED FORTITUDE IS JUST
AS GREAT.
NOW, AS THEN, THERE ARE THOSE WHO SAY IT
CAN'T BE DONE. THERE ARE VOICES WHO SAY THAT
AMERICA'S BEST DAYS HAVE PAST. THAT WE ARE BOUND
BY CONSTRAINTS, THREATENED BY PROBLEMS, SURROUNDED
BY TROUBLES WHICH LIMIT OUR ABILITY TO HOPE.
- 32 -
WELL, TONIGHT I REMAIN FULL OF HOPE. WE
32
AMERICANS HAVE ONLY BEGUN ON OUR MISSION OF
GOODNESS AND GREATNESS. AND TO THOSE TIMID SOULS,
I REPEAT THE PLEA -- GIVE US THE TOOLS; AND WE
WILL DO THE JOB.
THANK YOU, GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS
AMERICA.
###
PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS
TO PROVIDE SUPPORT
CHILD CARE
1.
INTERNAL PEOPLE
--
Richard Breeden
:
Elizabeth Dole
:
Debbie Steelman
2.
PEOPLE TO TALK TO PRE-2/9
--
Phyllis Schafly
--
Heritage Foundation:
Ed Feulner
Rob Rector
:
Free Congress:
Mike Schwarz
Eric Licht
:
Senator Domenici
--
Congressmen Schulze, Holloway, and Gingrich
--
Joe Flader (w/Rep. Petri)
--
Gary Bauer
:
Columnists:
Warren T. Brooks
Irving Kristol
Joseph Sobran
Norman Podhoretz
--
Membership of the National Children's Commission,
especially President Reagan's appointees -- see
attachment.
3.
AFTER 2/9
--
Children's Defense Fund (?)
#
Draft
2/7/89 a.m.
THEMES AND ISSUES
FOR TALKING POINTS
CHILD CARE
A. The President has proposed a bold new approach to empower
parents to choose the child care that is best for them. He will
look to his Secretary of Labor, Elizabeth Dole, to take the lead
on implementing his plan of broadening choices for families.
B.
The strategy is four-fold:
1. A new Child Tax Credit of up to $1,000 per child under
age four in low-income families.
2.
A refundable Dependent Care Tax Credit.
3.
A $250 million expansion in Head Start
4. A study of liability insurance by the Department of
Labor.
C.
Five principles of the Bush Child Care Proposal:
1.
PARENTS CHOOSE, NOT THE GOVERNMENT:
George Bush believes that we should leave it up to parents, not
the government, to decide how they should care for their
children: whether at home, or with grandmother, or with a
neighbor, or at church, or at a child care center.
2.
NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST FAMILIES WITH A SPOUSE AT HOME:
The Bush tax credit does not discriminate between families where
both parents work and families where one parent stays at home to
care for children.
(more)
2-2-2
3.
BROADENS CHOICES WITHOUT INFLEXIBLE REGULATION:
The President believes that a family's choices for their children
should be broadened with a tax credit and enhanced Head Start --
not constricted by Federal licensing or standards that raise
child care costs and prevent options like reliance on
grandmothers or other relatives, or neighbors. The Child Care
Tax Credit means money back to families, not to bureaucrats.
4.
NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST RELIGIOUS CHILD CARE PROGRAMS:
Broadening Child Care choices also means permitting families to
continue relying on churches and synagogues for child care.
President Bush believes that families should continue to be able
to use child care programs that encourage religious values if
that is the parents' choice.
5.
EXPANDABLE SCOPE OF THE CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT:
The Child Care Tax Credit initially applies to low-income
families. As deficit pressures reduce, however, the credit will
be expanded to other income groups as well.
#
Draft
February 7, 1989
ENVIRONMENT
President George Bush believes we have to do more to protect
and preserve our environment. Toward this end the President has
fashioned a nine-part agenda.
1.
Clean Air: The Nation needs a new Clean Air Act.
The Administration will propose legislation to Reauthorize
the Clean Air Act, ensuring progress on achieving
significant reductions on SO2 and NOx emissions through
flexible compliance strategies.
The President also requests full funding for the
commitment to the Canadians on the Clean Coal Technology
Program; for 1990, the President proposes $710 million, an
increase of 274 percent over 1989.
2. Open Spaces: America's parks and open spaces are national
treasures.
The President proposes funding to buy land for parks and
protected areas; his request is for the FY89 level of $206
million, beginning in 1990 and continuing through the
outyears.
3. Developing Offshore Oil and Gas While Protecting the
Environment: The President believes that oil and gas
development of America's offshore areas is necessary,
however, drilling will be permitted only in an
environmentally sound manner.
The President will direct that an interagency task force
be established to review environmental concerns over
adverse impacts of sales in three environmentally
sensitive areas. By January 1, 1990, the task force will
report its recommendations concerning:
-- sale area #91 off northern California;
-- sale area #116 off southern Florida; and
-- sale area #95 off southern California.
Until that time all sales will be postponed.
4. Speeding Hazardous Waste Cleanup: The President will
reinvigorate the Superfund hazardous waste program by
directing EPA to take a number of actions.
Use its judicial enforcement authorities to collect triple
damages from polluters unwilling to clean up their wastes.
Pursue more cost recovery cases sooner.
Use its emergency cleanup authority more often.
Environment - Page 2
5. Fighting Ocean Pollution: The President is committed to
clean oceans.
The President will direct EPA to negotiate quickly
compliance agreements with existing dumpers to end ocean
dumping by the end of 1991. EPA will issue no new permits
for ocean dumping of sewage sludge or industrial waste.
The FBI and EPA will be instructed to pursue criminal
actions against illegal dumpers of medical wastes and EPA
will be directed to issue major fines against ocean
discharge permit violators.
6. Preserving Our Wetlands: America must better protect its
wetlands, which are now recognized as being among the most
productive ecological systems.
The President will immediately establish a wetlands task
force under the Domestic Policy Council. The task force
will recommend ways to strengthen the current Presidential
executive order on wetlands protection. This will include
establishment of no net loss as a national goal.
7. Pure Water: Our water -- especially our groundwater -- must
be protected.
The President proposes an increase in funding of $64
million for coordinated Federal water quality programs.
Building on an interagency base of $226 million, the 1990
programs will address critical needs in water quality
assessment, research, and public education.
8. Reducing the Growing Volume of Waste: This country must make
every effort to stem the rising tide of garbage and
industrial waste.
Additional EPA research funds will be used to expand the
demonstration of promising pollution prevention and waste
minimization technologies. EPA will vigorously enforce
environmental laws restricting waste disposal.
9.
Fostering International Cooperation on the Environment: The
President will ensure that U.S. will take a leadership role
in seeking increased international involvement in addressing
environmental issues.
The President will convene an international conference on
the environment and will direct the Treasury Department to
promote environmental considerations as a factor in
lending decisions of multilateral development banks.
EPA Administrator Bill Reilly and Interior Secretary Manuel
Lujan will work with the President to make sure that America is
always beautiful.
#
DRAFT
February 7, 1989
Talking Points on Drugs
1. The President is committed to ending drug abuse in America.
The policy of this Administration is "zero tolerance." No
amount of drug use is acceptable.
2. The Administration proposes nearly $1 billion in new outlays
for anti-drug efforts -- a 21% increase over FY 89, and a 50%
increase over FY 88.
3. The President's anti-drug program is based on four
strategies:
a.
Education: Fundamentally, the problem is demand, and
the demand must be stopped. Education of our children
about the dangers of drugs must begin early and continue
through college. An increase of 16% in Federal support
for anti-drug education is proposed.
b.
Treatment: The President's goal is to reclaim lives,
not abandon them. The Administration proposes an
increase of 18% VS. FY 1989 for treatment programs.
C.
Interdiction and Enforcement: The President is
committed to stopping drugs at the source --
internationally, at U.S. borders, and among drug cartels
and drug runners. Funding for interdiction and
enforcement measures is increased VS. FY 89 by 10%.
This effort includes a strengthened Coast Guard, Drug
Enforcement Administration, and more prison space to
keep drug criminals off the street.
d.
Stronger Drug Penalties: The President is committed to
strict enforcement of tough penalties for drug users and
traffickers -- the death penalty for those who commit
drug-related murders, and longer prison sentences.
4. The Administration's crack-down on drugs is part of an
aggressive commitment to law enforcement. The Administration
is requesting an 11% increase in the budget authority for law
enforcement, above and beyond the increases for combatting
drug-related crime.
5. The President will work with his designated Director of
National Drug Control Policy, Bill Bennett, who upon
confirmation will develop a national anti-drug strategy, and
help assure that the President's programs are successfully
implemented.
#
DRAFT
February 7, 1989
Talking Points on Homelessness
1.
The President is committed to addressing forcefully -- through
public and private action -- the tragedy of men, women, and
children living without homes. The President's budget request
fulfills his pledge to fully fund the McKinney Act.
2.
The programs supported through the McKinney Act address four
critical components of the problem:
the mentally ill
alcohol and drug abusers
unemployed individuals
families
3.
Beyond McKinney, an incremental $50 million is requested for a
new matching program, in partnership with state and local
agencies and not-for-profit and volunteer organizations. The
program will address the many facets of the homelessness
problem, responding to the best proposed local solutions for
local problems.
4.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Jack Kemp will --
working with states, localities, non-profit organizations, and
volunteers -- develop new ideas and new approaches and lead an
energetic effort to combat homelessness.
#
DRAFT
February 7, 1989
Education Talking Points
The President's initiatives in education are built upon four key
principles, which represent his determination to follow through on
his mandate to be the "Education President."
1.
Excellence and success in education should be recognized and
rewarded. Five of the President's initiatives are specifically
based on this principle:
a.
Merit Schools: This initiative provides recognition of
schools making significant improvements over time. For FY
90, $250 million is requested, with growth projected to
$500 million in FY 93.
b.
Teachers' Awards: The President's Award for Excellence in
Education ($5,000 cash) will be presented to top teachers
in every state.
C.
National Science Scholars: Outstanding high school
students in mathematics and sciences -- each selected by a
Congressman, Senator, or the President -- will receive up
to $10,000 annually for four years in scholarship awards.
d.
Experiments for Educational Achievement: The pursuit of
excellence requires experimentation and innovation;
competitive awards will be provided to the best innovators
with the best ideas.
e.
Improving Accountability in Education: The Secretary of
Education will undertake a review of the Federal
investment in education to determine if improvements in
Federal accountability systems are needed. The Federal
government should be a model in assuring that its programs
are successful.
2.
Federal funding should be targeted to those who need it most.
Two of the President's initiatives are specifically based on
this principle:
a.
Merit Schools: This initiative provides recognition of
schools making significant improvements over time.
Special emphasis will be placed on schools enrolling
substantial numbers of disadvantaged students who show
significant educational progress.
b.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities: A special
fund of $60 million -- over four years -- will be developed
to build, through matching grants, the endowments of
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
3.
Choice and flexibility -- for educators, parents and students --
are important to educational reform and to achieving excellence.
Three of the President's initiatives are specifically based on
this principle:
a.
Magnet Schools: An increase of $100 million is requested
to assist in the creation and development of magnet schools
which offer students and parents enriched educational
choices.
b.
Alternative Certification for Teachers and Principals:
This initiative will assist those states interested in
developing or enhancing programs to bring individuals with
excellent subject area knowledge into the classroom, and
proven managers into school management.
C.
Experiments for Educational Achievement: Increased funds
for experimentation can assist efforts to bring greater
choice and flexibility into the educational system.
4.
Greater accountability is needed in the education system to
assure that students are actually receiving the highest quality
education. Success should be rewarded; programs which do not
work should be changed. Four of the President's initiatives are
specifically based on this principle:
a.
Accountability Study: The Secretary of Education will
undertake a review of the Federal investment in education
to determine if improvements in Federal accountability
systems are needed.
b.
Merit Schools: This initiative provides recognition of
schools making significant improvements over time.
C.
Teacher's Awards: The President's Award for Excellence in
Education ($5,000 cash) will be presented to top teachers
in every state.
d.
National Science Scholars: Outstanding high school
students in mathematics and sciences -- each selected by a
Congressman, Senator, or the President -- will receive up
to $10,000 annually for four years in scholarship awards.
Secretary of Education Lauro Cavazos will be working with the
President to implement these initiatives.
#
Jim Pin kindon
1/20/89
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CHILDREN
Appointed by the President
Mrs. Dodie Borup
A. Louise Oliver
>
Commissioner
3105 Woodley Road, N. W.
Administration for Children,
Washington, DC 20008
Youth and Families
Department of Health and
Human Services
P. O. Box 1182, Room 5030
Washington, DC 20013
Allen Carlson
Gerald P. Regier
The Rockford Institute
Family Research Council of
934 North Main Street
America, Inc.
Rockford, IL 61103
139 Dalton Road
Belmont, MA 02178
Honorable Daniel Coats
Nancy J. Risque
United States Senate
1600 North Oak Street
524 Hart Senate Office
Apartment 1509
Building
Arlington, VA 22209
Washington, DC 20510
Rep. Theresa H. Esposito
Robert Woodson
North Carolina House of
National Center for
Representatives
Neighborhood Enterprise
207 Stanaford Road
1367 Connecticut Ave., N.W.
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Washington, DC 20036
Mai Bell Hurley
David Zwiebel
1650 Hillcrest Road
Agudath Israel of America
Chattanooga, TN 37405
84 William Street
New York, NY 10038
Kay C. James
National Right to Life
Committee
419 Seventh Street, N.W.
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20004
Appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate
The Honorable Bill Clinton
Bill Honig
Governor
Superintendent of Public
Arkansas State Capitol
Instruction
Room 250
721 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AK 72201
P. O. Box 944272
Sacramento, CA 94244-2720
Dr. William Cosby
Dr. James D. Northway
P. O. Box 4049
President and CEO
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Valley Children's Hospital
3151 North Millbrook
Fresno, CA 93703
Marian Wright Edelman
Hon. John D. Rockefeller IV
President
United States Senate
Children's Defense Fund
724 Hart Senate Office
122 'C' Street, N.W.
Building
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20510
Washington, DC 20001
Mrs. Donald J. Hall (Adele)
Hon. Lowell P. Weicker
Board of Directors
Capitol Associates, Inc.
Children's Mercy Hospital
426 'C' Street, N.E.
6320 Aberdeen Road
Washington, DC 20002
Shawnee Mission, KS 66208
Irving B. Harris
David P. Weikart, Ph.D.
President and Director
President
Standard Shares, Inc.
High/Scope Educational
2 North LaSalle Street
Research Foundation
Chicago, IL 60602-3703
600 North River
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Mrs. Jess Hay (Betty Jo)
Barry S. Zuckerman, M. D.
Mental Health Association of
Director, Division of
Texas
Development & Behavioral
7236 Lupton Circle
Pediatrics
Dallas, TX 75225
Boston City Hospital
818 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118
Appointed by Speaker of the House
Dr. T. Berry Brazelton
A. Sidney Johnson III
23 Hawthorn Street
Executive Director
Cambridge, MA 02138
American Public Welfare
Association
6517 Bradley Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817
Dr. Donald J. Cohen
Ruth Massinga, Secretary
Child Study Center
Maryland Department of Human
School of Medicine
Resources
Yale University
311 West Saratoga Street
P. O. Box 3333
Baltimore, Maryland 20201
New Haven, CT 06510
Mrs. Nancy Daly
Gerald W. McEntee, President
256 Copa- de Oro
American Federation of
Los Angeles, CA 90077
State, County and Municipal
Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 'L' Street, N. W.
Washington, DC 20036
Hon. Raymond L. Flynn
Hon. George Miller
Mayor, City of Boston
U. S. House of
One City Hall Square
Representatives
Boston, MA 02201
2228 Rayburn House Office
Building
Washington, DC 20515
Mary Hatwood Futrell
Sarah Cardwell Shuptrine
President, National
Shuptrine and Associates
Education Association
1517 Gregg Street
1201 - 16th Street, N.W.
Columbia, SC 29201
Washington, DC 20036
Hon. Martha W. Griffiths
Bernice Weissbourd
Lieutenant Governor
President
State of Michigan
Family Focus, Inc.
State Capitol Building
2300 Green Bay Road
Lansing, MI 48913
Evanston, IL 60201
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 7, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR GOVERNOR JOHN SUNUNU
FROM:
MARLIN FITZWATER
Marlin
SUBJECT:
UPDATED BUDGET SPEECH MEDIA PLAN
Tuesday, February 7
-- Open photo/writing pool coverage of the President meeting
with his budget team (Sununu, Darman, Brady, Boskin). This
demonstrates the President's direct involvement in the decision
process. If coverage allowed of meeting, allows the President to
answer a question or two on the budget.
Wednesday, February 8
-- White House photo released of the President working on a
draft of his speech. This, along with the briefing, demonstrates
the President's direct involvement in the speech and decisions
regarding the budget.
Thursday, February 9 (SPEECH DAY)
-- 2:30 p.m. Roosevelt Room Briefing for White House Staff.
Attendees: Secretary Brady, Governor Sununu, Dick Darman,
Michael Boskin, Dave Demarest, Jim Cicconi, Steve Studdert, Alixe
Glen, B. Jay Cooper, Steve Hart, Andy Card, Ed Rogers, Tom
Scully, Fred McClure, and Barbara Clay.
-- 7:00 p.m. Darman Backgrounder for Print Reporters.
-- Speech texts are given out at 7:30 p.m., embargoed to
delivery. No quotes are given out for use by the nightly news.
-- Fact sheets, prepared by OMB in coordination with
Demarest's shop, are distributed at same time as embargoed texts.
-- 9:00 p.m. The President delivers his speech to a Joint
Session of Congress.
-- Recommendations for people to appear on TV with anchors
analyzing speech: Drew Lewis, Bob Dole, Alan Simpson.
- 2 -
Friday, February 10 (The President goes to Canada)
-- Morning Shows:
Friday
ABC "Good Morning America": Jeff Greenfield and George
Will; David Stockman. Tentatively Boskin.
CBS "This Morning": Governor Sununu
NBC "Today": Dick Darman; Senator Bentson and
Congressman Rostenkowski
PBS McNeil-Lehrer: Dick Darman
-- The President, on his way to Canada, visits with the Air
Force One pool to follow-up on his speech, providing reaction to
the reaction that likely came from Congress and others.
-- Gov. Sununu holds background sessions with the weekly
magazines for "tick-tock" on budget decisions.
-- Administration officials appear on shows (live or taped)
such as McNeil/Lehrer, "Moneyline", "Nightly Business Report,"
and "Financial News Network."
Saturday, February 12
CNN Evans and Novak: Michael Boskin
CNN Newsmakers: To be determined
Sunday, February 12
-- Administration officials appear on the Sunday shows:
NBC "Meet the Press": To be determined
CBS "Face the Nation": Dick Darman; Senator Sasser
ABC "This Week with David Brinkley": Secretary Brady
or Michael Boskin.
Monday, February 13
-- The President has an interview with The Wall Street
Journal to follow up on his speech. This is already on the
schedule.
- 3 -
Thursday, February 16
-- The President holds a 2 p.m. press conference in Room
450.
CC: Dick Darman
Michael Boskin
Dave Demarest
Jim Cicconi
Steve Studdert
Andy Card
Ed Rogers
Tom Scully
Fred McClure
Barbara Clay
Ede Holiday