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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
2011-2184-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection: George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13482
Folder ID Number:
13482-013
Folder Title:
Bush Accomplishments, 4/17/89 [4]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
15
6
5
Document No.
026952SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
4/14/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/17/89 c.o.b.
SUBJECT:
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than c.o.b. Monday, April 17,
1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
((Grant))
April 10, 1989
1989 APR 14 PM 5: 57
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
The new Administration is tackling the tough issues and
addressing the most urgent priorities facing the nation.
Accomplishments so far include:
1.
A comprehensive budget proposal to the Congress, and an
unprecedented bipartisan agreement on the budget
reached in negotiations with the Congress (tolower the deficit) Pink
2.
A plan to rescue the Savings and Loan industry
3.
A proposal for cutting the capital gains tax rate to
keep capital formation strong (tocreate jobs) Pink
more to
[
4.
A proposal for raising the minimum wage to $4.25
lower
coupled with a six month training wage
priority
5.
Foreign policy and defense strategy reviews
6.
Consultations with the leaders of 32 nations, including
Asia (Pink)
18 bilateral meetings held during the Tokyo trip (34 by
4/15)
(Holer 5178)
7. The signing of a bipartisan accord on Central America
the
Murr
with Congress
of
486F)
8.
Introduction of a comprehensive legislative package for
educational reform initiatives
9. Action by the Director of National Drug Control Policy,
(asastant) Pink
Newv
Bill Bennett, to target Washington, D.C. in the war on
- 4864 Since the drugs proposal to Expand Medicaid. corerage for
to bE transmitted in 4/18, if this package is
pregnant women, infants, and cheldren, released is supposed
that dayor later, it should include item. that
10.
A temporary ban on the import of certain types of
Semi
automatic military assault rifles
ELSG
11. Federal action in the Alaskan oilspill cleanup effort,
2words?
be
the banning of toxic waste exports, and a call for the
Holar 5128)
Skinld
phaseout of CFCs by the year 2000
this 12.
100 income working families
A child care proposal to give parents greater choice
in meeting their Chila care needs
HOVER
Hale
and flexibility while helping those most in need
5178
13. Whistleblower protection legislation to strengthen the
rights of those who report misdeeds and mismanagement
14. A comprehensive ethics proposal to make uniform the
standards between all three branches of government
(initiative ?) Pink
15. A Presidential proclamation and series of events
celebrating National Volunteer Week
16. A total of eleven televised press conferences by the
President
reword a press conference is not in itself
an accomplishment
President Bush has set an agenda for this country. He is
orienting us as a nation toward the future -- building a better
America -- keeping America strong and at peace. It is an agenda
that seizes this special moment in our history: leadership is the
ability to see the shape of things to come, to address tomorrow's
challenges today. George Bush is preparing the nation for the
21st Century.
THE ECONOMY
Keeping our nation's economy strong is the key to managing
change successfully. The news is good:
More Americans are at work today than ever before, and
unemployment continues at a record low. 15 year low.
Expansian Continues w/ inflation under control
The economy is sound without resurging inflation.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Presenting a detailed budget: The President has put forth a
detailed budget which addresses our fundamental obligations
for protection of national security and support of the
needy, while providing sufficient funds to advance high-
the Presidents
priority initiatives, and at the same time, it restrains
overall growth of spending so that we can meet the Gramm-
Rudman-Hollings targets on time.
Reaching a budget agreement with Congress: The President
and Congress announced on April 14 a budget plan to reduce
the estimated FY 1990 deficit by about $24 billion, relative
to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings baseline. The deficit will be
reduced to $99.4 billion, which is a $64 billion reduction
relative to the current estimate of the FY 1989 deficit.
This is the first budget agreement reached ahead of schedule
and not framed in the context of crisis.
Capital gains tax cut: In order to promote capital formation
and investment, the President has proposed a 45 percent
makingthz
capital gains exclusion for qualified capital gains,
15 parcent
maximum 15 percent capital gains tax rate, and an increase
NOR: the 15% maximum is a result
the 45% Exclusion, correct?
(.33x.49)
Holen)
in the qualifying holding period from one year to three
years.
Minimum wage proposal: The President is seeking to minimize
the adverse economic impact of an across-the-board increase
in the minimum wage, and to keep job opportunities available
for youth and minority workers. His proposal is:
A 27 percent increase in the minimum wage over three
years to $4.25 for most workers.
Maintaining the current $3.35 minimum for all new
employees of a firm on the job for less than six
months, regardless of age or previous employment.
An increase in the small business exemption to include
all firms, not just retail and service establishments,
with gross sales under $500,000.
An increase in the tip credit from 40 percent to 50
percent.
Savings and Loan reform: The Administration has transmitted
the "Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement
Act of 1989" to Congress, which includes provisions to:
Assure financial integrity of deposit insurance by
raising the annual premium rate for both commercial
banks and S&Ls.
Resolve the status of existing insolvent banks in an
orderly fashion.
Improve supervisory control by bringing S&Ls up to the
same standards applied to commercial banks.
Enhance enforcement of bank fraud provisions.
FOREIGN POLICY
The Administration's policy of peace through strength is
working. As he prepares for both the 40th Anniversary of NATO in
Brussels and the economic summit in Paris, President Bush has
undertaken a number of foreign policy initiatives to maintain
America's position of world leadership.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Bipartisan accord: On March 24, the President signed the
Bipartisan Accord on Central America with top leaders of the
Congress. The agreement sets out the broad outlines of U.S.
policy in the region:
Humanitarian aid: Congress has agreed to support the
Administration's request for continued humanitarian
assistance at current levels through the elections in
Nicaragua scheduled for February, 1990.
Review/consultation: There will be extensive
consultations and review with respect to these funds
effective November 30, 1989 by the bipartisan
leadership and relevant committees.
Caveat: The burden of proof is on the Sandinista
government to do something it has steadfastly refused
to do from 1979 to 1989: keep its promises to its
people and its neighbors. If those pledges continue to
be violated, we hope and expect that other nations will
find ways to join us to condemn those actions. But if
those promises are kept, we have an opportunity to
start a new day in Central America.
((INSERT POLAND))
Bilateral meetings: The President has met with a total of 32
foreign leaders while in office (34 by 4/15), including a
series of 18 bilateral meetings during the trip to Emperor
Hirohito's funeral. President Bush has met with leaders
from the Middle East, including Prime Minister Shamir of
Israel, President Mubarak of Egypt and King Hussein of
Jordan.
Policy reviews: President Bush has ordered comprehensive
review of foreign policy and defense strategies, soon to be
completed.
EDUCATION
The President's actions to improve education are guided by
four key principles: that excellence and success in education
should be recognized and rewarded; that federal funding should be
targeted to those who need it most; that choice and flexibility -
- for educators, parents and students -- are important to
educational reform and to achieving excellence; and finally, that
greater accountability is needed in the education system to
assure that students are actually receiving the highest quality
education.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
The President proposed and sent to the Congress a
comprehensive education package, "The Educational Excellence Act
of 1989" which includes seven initiatives:
The Presidential Merit Schools program -- to reward
schools that have made substantial progress in raising
students' educational achievement, creating a safe and
drug-free school environment, and reducing the drop-out
rate.
A new Magnet Schools of Excellence program -- to
support the establishment, expansion or enhancement of
magnet schools, increasing parental choice and
improving quality education.
The Alternative Certification of Teachers and
Principals program -- to assist States interested in
broadening the pool of talent from which to recruit
teachers and principals.
President's Awards for Excellence in Education -- to be
awarded to public and private school teachers in every
state who meet the highest standards of excellence.
Drug-free Schools Urban Emergency Grants -- to provide
special assistance to selected urban school districts
that are disproportionately affected by drug
trafficking and abuse.
A National Science Scholars program -- to provide
college scholarships to high school seniors who have
(Hder78)
excelled in the sciences and mathematics.
Additional Hunding Authorization
(murr 4864)
Executive Order for endowment matching grants at
prople as . is 0
Historically Black Colleges and Universities -- to
strengthen HBCUs by building endowments, an especially
is white "X" /, 3
effective way to create financial strength and long-
issued order
term security.
3
he
10/17/89. in the not
Sb
FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE
weakined
America is being paralyzed by the threat of drugs. With the
confirmation of Bill Bennett as Director of National Drug Control
Policy, and the trip by Attorney General Thornburgh to South
America to meet with leaders in interdiction efforts, we have
begun a new war on drugs in this country. The President believes
a four-pronged approach is key: education, rehabilitation,
interdiction and enforcement. The policy of this Administration
is "zero tolerance." No amount of illegal drug use is
acceptable. This means dealing with both supply and demand.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Budget: The Administration is requesting $6 billion in
Hale 3120
new funding for FY 1990 to fight the drug war,
increasing outlays by nearly $1 billion for drug
education, treatment and enforcement.
Education: The Administration is requesting nearly $1.1
billion for education and prevention efforts. This is
a 16 percent increase over 1989, and includes funding
for ongoing programs and new initiatives.
Rehabilitation: Funding for drug abuse treatment will
be increased 18 percent. The Administration is
proposing over $700 million to expand the nation's
capacity to provide treatment, particularly to the
indigent, disadvantaged, youth, and expectant mothers.
Interdiction and enforcement: The Administration is
proposing over $4.1 billion for law enforcement
programs in 1990, a 10 percent increase over 1989.
This constitutes about 70 percent of President Bush's
proposed drug budget. Substantial increases are
requested in funding to strengthen inspection,
interdiction, intelligence efforts and crop eradication
programs. The President strongly supports the death
penalty for drug kingpins who commit drug-related
murders, and will appoint judges who will strongly
enforce the drug penalty laws.
The Administration imposed a temporary ban on the import of
certain types of automatic military assault weapons, in
order to get dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals
involved in drug-related killings.
In addition, the Office of National Drug Control Policy has
responded to the drug emergency in the District of Columbia:
A Metropolitan Area Task Force will be convened,
with representatives from federal agencies, and
state and local police from D.C., Maryland and
Virginia.
Total
More prisons: The federal Bureau of Prisons will
at
take custody of 250 sentence inmates from the D.C. jail, in charge
tax spacesinD& jais for unseats need
and work to locate land for construction of a new Federal
prison.
prisons,
Enforcement: The FBI will provide support to D.C.
police in investigations of drug-related murders.
Also, HUD will ease red tape to hasten the
eviction of drug offenders from federally funded
housing projects, and, with the D.C. police, will
tighten security and maintenance at projects.
Rehabilitation: The National Institute on Drug
Abuse will provide assistance in local treatment
efforts and will be authorized to establish three
new outpatient clinics by 1990.
Prevention: The Department of Education will
provide the District with 50 percent more funds
for drug prevention programs in city schools. The
Department of Labor will work with the business
community to increase job training for youth, and
will provide a $100,000 grant to establish
employee assistance programs for drug abuse.
THE ENVIRONMENT
President Bush, a long-time environmentalist, has taken
strong action to protect the environment. He is working
shoulder-to-shoulder with Interior Secretary Lujan and EPA
Administrator Reilly on a number of fronts.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Clean Air: The President committed his Administration
to submitting a new Clean Air Act, including provisions
for control of acid rain, ozone, and toxic air
pollutants.
Global warming: The President has called for the
phaseout of CFCs by the year 2000, provided safe
substitutes are available.
Cleaning up hazardous wastes: The President announced
he will be seeking new legislation to give the United
States government authority to ban all exports of
hazardous waste except where an agreement exists with
the receiving country providing for the safe handling
and management of those wastes.
Superfund: The President is reinvigorating the
Superfund hazardous waste clean-up program by directing
EPA to take a number of actions, including stricter
enforcement of violations, stepped-up cost recovery,
and increased emergency cleanup authority.
Clean water and coastlines: The EPA has started a
tracking system for medical wastes, a first step in a
comprehensive program to keep our beaches clean. The
President is committed to end ocean dumping by 1991. rough
Alaskan oil spill: A Cabinet-level team was sent
immediately to assess the Alaskan oil spill situation.
A joint federal-state resource recovery team was
convened, with Secretary of Transportation Skinner now
coordinating all efforts. Coast Guard Commandant Yost
has returned to Alaska to assume personal oversight of
developments, and the National Transportation Safety
Board is investigating the accident itself. Exxon has
accepted responsibility for paying for the cleanup, and
for employing local civilian personnel necessary to
control further damage. In addition to the
considerable federal personnel and equipment already in
place, on April 7, the President announced that Defense
Secretary Cheney will make available U.S. Armed Forces
personnel and equipment to assist in the cleanup. EPA
Administrator Reilly will coordinate the long-range
planning to restore the environment of Prince William
Sound, and the President has ordered a review of
existing contingency plans for accidents such as this.
HOKE
Space
5178
CHILDCARE
The changing nature of American society is putting more and
more pressure on the family. President Bush wants to put choice
in the hands of parents -- not government -- so they have the
power to select the best and safest environment for their
children.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Child care: The President has proposed a child care package,
the "Working Family Child Care Assistance Act of 1989"
which:
Provides a new child care tax credit of up to $1000 per
child under four for low and moderate income working
families.
Care
Makes the existing Dependent Child Tax Credit
refundable.
Head Start: The President has also transmitted legislation
the FV1990
to the Congress which would increase authorization for Head
to accom modate a $250 million increase over FY 1989
Start programs by $250 million for FY 1990; this will pay
Enrollment of
four -year olds
for up to 95,000 more children in the program.
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
The President supports public servants who revere the trust
placed in them by the American people. To this end, he is
working to protect those public servants who report waste, fraud
and mismanagement.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
On April 10, the President signed S. 20, the "Whistleblower
Protection Act of 1989." This law will strengthen the
protections and procedural rights available to those federal
employees who report misdeeds and mismanagement.
new legislation
This will enhance the authority of the Office of
neur 4864
Special Counsel, and whistleblowers will also now be
allowed to take their cases to the Merit Systems
Protection Board.
The law now clarifies the burden of proof, so that
employees must prove only that whistleblowing was a
"contributing factor" to any adverse personnel actions
Employees
continue
against them. The agency will also have the right of
may
rebuttal.
4864
ETHICS
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively, fairly,
and to the letter and spirit of the law.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
The President issued an Executive Order creating the
President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law Reform. On March 9,
the Commission filed its report and its recommendations to the
President. Legislation was sent April 12th to the Congress, and
the President issued an Executive Order announcing ethical
principles for the conduct of executive- branch employees. The
President's proposals include:
carned
A ban on outside income for non-career Presidential
appointees in the executive branch, including all employees
in the immediate White House office.
Expanded financial disclosure for all three branches of
government. The President has directed a comprehensive
review of federal campaign finance laws, and is urging
Congress to close all loopholes allowing the conversion of
political contributions for personal or office use.
Although it is not part of the legislative package, the
President believes PACs weaken parties, restrain competition
and deaden the political debate. He believes that PAC
contributions to candidates should be eliminated, and he
will be consulting with the Congress on this issue.
President Bush is also opposed to federal funding of
congressional campaigns.
Strengthened rules against abusing the revolving door for
(484)
private gain at the expense of the public trust. These
rules also apply to the legislative branch.
the Ethics reform legislation
25 percent pay raise for federal judges, while restricting S
their acceptance of honoraria. President Bush believes that
honoraria for Members of Congress should be banned.
formalize that
Wricher
However, the President will not make that formal proposal
5873
until after he consults with Congress on the question of a
congressional pay raise. He will include in that discussion
the question of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch
positions.
The extension of the Independent Counsel statute to cover
the Congress.
The extension of the federal statute that prohibits
employees from taking actions that enhance their own
financial interest to cover legislative and judicial branch
employees.
The establishment of an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
The application of the existing one-year post-employment
"cooling-off" period for senior executive branch employees
to the legislative and judicial branches.
The President also Submitted on apul 12th
(Muro)
4864
legislation providing
VOLUNTEERISM
The President proclaimed National Volunteer Week, April 10-
15, calling the nation forward to community service. He saluted
those who are working to fight poverty, drug abuse, illiteracy,
teen pregnancy and the alienation of young and old -- serving
their communities in whatever way they can.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
nuwr
Presidential proclamation: In signing the proclamation
4864
creating National Volunteer Week, the President challenged
Cannot
every American who cares about the future of this country to
#5
verify
get involved. He awarded 18 Presidential Awards to those
chosen from nearly 2000 applications -- to winners who
embody the ideals of decency, goodness, and self-discipline.
Office of National Service: President Bush created the
Office of National Service at the White House, to lead this
Administration's national service movement. This Office
will take things that work and carry them to the nation. It
will challenge individuals, schools, corporations and other
Holan
institutions to expand existing programs. And it will
9178
enlist new volunteer in community-based efforts to combat
theatan to
urgent social ills which fray the American fabric.
PRESS RELATIONS
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION (As of 4/11/89) :
Eleven televised press conferences held by the President
Seven Presidential interviews with reporters
Three sessions in the Oval Office with reporters
One regional press briefing
One televised address to the nation
# # #
6952SS
PIS walk to Chriss
2686
Winston Rm 122
89 c.o.b.
DATE:
Received at 2048L -17 APR89
SUBJECT:
Out Prident /NSC/S
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than c.o.b. Monday, April 17,
1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
April 17, 1989
RESPONSE:
TO: Chriss Winston
NSC clears, with suggestions as marked.
G. Executive Philip Hughes
James W, Cicconi
Secretary Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
CC: James W. Cicconi
Ext. 2702
( (Grant))
April 10, 1989
1383 APR 14 PM 5: 57
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
The new Administration is tackling the tough issues and
addressing the most urgent priorities facing the nation.
Accomplishments so far include:
1.
A comprehensive budget proposal to the Congress, and an
unprecedented bipartisan agreement on the budget
reached in negotiations with the Congress
2. A plan to rescue the Savings and Loan industry
3. A proposal for cutting the capital gains tax rate to
keep capital formation strong
4.
A proposal for raising the minimum wage to $4.25
coupled with a six month training wage
comprehensive
5.
Foreign policy and defense strategy reviews
intensive Presidential
6.
Consultations with the leaders of 32 nations, including
18 bilateral meetings held during the Tokyo trip (34 by
4/15)
7. The signing of a bipartisan accord on Central America
with Congress
8.
Introduction of a comprehensive legislative package for
educational reform
9. Action by the Director of National Drug Control Policy,
Bill Bennett, to target Washington, D.C. in the war on
drugs
10.
A temporary ban on the import of certain types of
automatic military assault rifles
11. Federal action in the Alaskan oilspill cleanup effort,
the banning of toxic waste exports, and a call for the
phaseout of CFCs by the year 2000
12. A child care proposal to give parents greater choice
and flexibility, while helping those most in need
13. Whistleblower protection legislation to strengthen the
rights of those who report misdeeds and mismanagement
14. A comprehensive ethics proposal to make uniform the
standards between all three branches of government
15. A Presidential proclamation and series of events
celebrating National Volunteer Week
16. A total of eleven televised press conferences by the
President
President Bush has set an agenda for this country. He is
orienting us as a nation toward the future -- building a better
America -- keeping America strong and at peace. It is an agenda
that seizes this special moment in our history: leadership is the
ability to see the shape of things to come, to address tomorrow's
challenges today. George Bush is preparing the nation for the
21st Century.
THE ECONOMY
Keeping our nation's economy strong is the key to managing
change successfully. The news is good:
More Americans are at work today than ever before, and
unemployment continues at a record low.
The economy is sound without resurging inflation.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Presenting a detailed budget: The President has put forth a
detailed budget which addresses our fundamental obligations
for protection of national security and support of the
needy, while providing sufficient funds to advance high-
priority initiatives, and at the same time, it restrains
overall growth of spending so that we can meet the Gramm-
Rudman-Hollings targets on time.
Reaching a budget agreement with Congress: The President
and Congress announced on April 14 a budget plan to reduce
the estimated FY 1990 deficit by about $24 billion, relative
to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings baseline. The deficit will be
reduced to $99.4 billion, which is a $64 billion reduction
relative to the current estimate of the FY 1989 deficit.
This is the first budget agreement reached ahead of schedule
and not framed in the context of crisis.
Capital gains tax cut: In order to promote capital formation
and investment, the President has proposed a 45 percent
capital gains exclusion for qualified capital gains, a
maximum 15 percent capital gains tax rate, and an increase
in the qualifying holding period from one year to three
years.
Minimum wage proposal: The President is seeking to minimize
the adverse economic impact of an across-the-board increase
in the minimum wage, and to keep job opportunities available
for youth and minority workers. His proposal is:
A 27 percent increase in the minimum wage over three
years to $4.25 for most workers.
Maintaining the current $3.35 minimum for all new
employees of a firm on the job for less than six
months, regardless of age or previous employment.
An increase in the small business exemption to include
all firms, not just retail and service establishments,
with gross sales under $500,000.
An increase in the tip credit from 40 percent to 50
percent.
Savings and Loan reform: The Administration has transmitted
the "Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement
Act of 1989" to Congress, which includes provisions to:
Assure financial integrity of deposit insurance by
raising the annual premium rate for both commercial
banks and S&Ls.
Resolve the status of existing insolvent banks in an
orderly fashion.
Improve supervisory control by bringing S&Ls up to the
same standards applied to commercial banks.
Enhance enforcement of bank fraud provisions.
FOREIGN POLICY
The Administration's policy of peace through strength is
working. As he prepares for both the 40th Anniversary of NATO in
Brussels and the economic summit in Paris, President Bush has
undertaken a number of foreign policy initiatives to maintain
America's position of world leadership.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Bipartisan accord: On March 24, the President signed the
Bipartisan Accord on Central America with top leaders of the
a
strong and effective
Congress. The agreement sets out the broad outlines of ^ U.S.
policy in the region:
Humanitarian aid: Congress has agreed to support the
Administration's request for continued humanitarian
for the Nicaragurin Democratic Resistance
assistance at current levels through the elections in
Nicaragua scheduled for February, 1990.
Review/consultation: There will be extensive
consultations and review with respect to these funds
accomp
effective November 30, 1989 by the bipartisan
leadership and relevant committees.
Democracy and Regional Peace:
Caveat: ^ The burden of proof is on the Sandinista
government to do something it has steadfastly refused
to do from 1979 to 1989: keep its promises to its
of democracy and per a
people and its neighbors. If those pledges continue to
be violated, we hope and expect that other nations will
find ways to join us to condemn those actions. But if
those promises are kept, we have an opportunity to
start a new day in Central America.
((INSERT POLAND))
Bilateral meetings: The President has met with a total of 32
foreign leaders while in office (34 by 4/15), including a
series of 18 bilateral meetings during the trip to Emperor
Hirohito's funeral. President Bush has met with leaders
from the Middle East, including Prime Minister Shamir of
Israel, President Mubarak of Egypt and King Hussein of
Jordan.
Policy reviews: President Bush has ordered comprehensive
review of foreign policy and defense strategies, soon to be
completed.
EDUCATION
The President's actions to improve education are guided by
four key principles: that excellence and success in education
should be recognized and rewarded; that federal funding should be
targeted to those who need it most; that choice and flexibility -
- for educators, parents and students -- are important to
educational reform and to achieving excellence; and finally, that
greater accountability is needed in the education system to
assure that students are actually receiving the highest quality
education.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
The President proposed and sent to the Congress a
comprehensive education package, "The Educational Excellence Act
of 1989" which includes seven initiatives:
The Presidential Merit Schools program -- to reward
schools that have made substantial progress in raising
students' educational achievement, creating a safe and
drug-free school environment, and reducing the drop-out
rate.
A new Magnet Schools of Excellence program -- to
support the establishment, expansion or enhancement of
magnet schools, increasing parental choice and
improving quality education.
The Alternative Certification of Teachers and
Principals program -- to assist States interested in
broadening the pool of talent from which to recruit
teachers and principals.
President's Awards for Excellence in Education -- to be
awarded to public and private school teachers in every
state who meet the highest standards of excellence.
Drug-free Schools Urban Emergency Grants -- to provide
special assistance to selected urban school districts
that are disproportionately affected by drug
trafficking and abuse.
A National Science Scholars program -- to provide
college scholarships to high school seniors who have
excelled in the sciences and mathematics.
Executive Order for endowment matching grants at
Historically Black Colleges and Universities -- to
strengthen HBCUs by building endowments, an especially
effective way to create financial strength and long-
term security.
FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE
America is being paralyzed by the threat of drugs. With the
confirmation of Bill Bennett as Director of National Drug Control
Policy, and the trip by Attorney General Thornburgh to South
America to meet with leaders in interdiction efforts, we have
begun a new war on drugs in this country. The President believes
a four-pronged approach is key: education, rehabilitation,
interdiction and enforcement. The policy of this Administration
is "zero tolerance." No amount of illegal drug use is
acceptable. This means dealing with both supply and demand.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Budget: The Administration is requesting $6 billion in
new funding for FY 1990 to fight the drug war,
increasing outlays by nearly $1 billion for drug
education, treatment and enforcement.
Education: The Administration is requesting nearly $1.1
billion for education and prevention efforts. This is
a 16 percent increase over 1989, and includes funding
for ongoing programs and new initiatives.
Rehabilitation: Funding for drug abuse treatment will
be increased 18 percent. The Administration is
proposing over $700 million to expand the nation's
capacity to provide treatment, particularly to the
indigent, disadvantaged, youth, and expectant mothers.
Interdiction and enforcement: The Administration is
proposing over $4.1 billion for law enforcement
programs in 1990, a 10 percent increase over 1989.
This constitutes about 70 percent of President Bush's
proposed drug budget. Substantial increases are
requested in funding to strengthen inspection,
interdiction, intelligence efforts and crop eradication
programs. The President strongly supports the death
penalty for drug kingpins who commit drug-related
murders, and will appoint judges who will strongly
enforce the drug penalty laws.
The Administration imposed a temporary ban on the import of
certain types of automatic military assault weapons, in
order to get dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals
involved in drug-related killings.
In addition, the Office of National Drug Control Policy has
responded to the drug emergency in the District of Columbia:
A Metropolitan Area Task Force will be convened,
with representatives from federal agencies, and
state and local police from D.C., Maryland and
Virginia.
More prisons: The federal Bureau of Prisons will
take custody of 250 inmates from the D.C. jail,
and work to locate land for construction of a new
prison.
Enforcement: The FBI will provide support to D.C.
police in investigations of drug-related murders.
Also, HUD will ease red tape to hasten the
eviction of drug offenders from federally funded
housing projects, and, with the D.C. police, will
tighten security and maintenance at projects.
Rehabilitation: The National Institute on Drug
Abuse will provide assistance in local treatment
efforts and will be authorized to establish three
new outpatient clinics by 1990.
Prevention: The Department of Education will
provide the District with 50 percent more funds
for drug prevention programs in city schools. The
Department of Labor will work with the business
community to increase job training for youth, and
will provide a $100,000 grant to establish
employee assistance programs for drug abuse.
THE ENVIRONMENT
President Bush, a long-time environmentalist, has taken
strong action to protect the environment. He is working
shoulder-to-shoulder with Interior Secretary Lujan and EPA
Administrator Reilly on a number of fronts.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Clean Air: The President committed his Administration
to submitting a new Clean Air Act, including provisions
for control of acid rain, ozone, and toxic air
pollutants.
Global warming: The President has called for the
phaseout of CFCs by the year 2000, provided safe
substitutes are available.
Cleaning up hazardous wastes: The President announced
he will be seeking new legislation to give the United
States government authority to ban all exports of
hazardous waste except where an agreement exists with
the receiving country providing for the safe handling
and management of those wastes.
Superfund: The President is reinvigorating the
Superfund hazardous waste clean-up program by directing
EPA to take a number of actions, including stricter
enforcement of violations, stepped-up cost recovery,
and increased emergency cleanup authority.
Clean water and coastlines: The EPA has started a
tracking system for medical wastes, a first step in a
comprehensive program to keep our beaches clean. The
President is committed to end ocean dumping by 1991.
Alaskan oil spill: A Cabinet-level team was sent
immediately to assess the Alaskan oil spill situation.
A joint federal-state resource recovery team was
convened, with Secretary of Transportation Skinner now
coordinating all efforts. Coast Guard Commandant Yost
has returned to Alaska to assume personal oversight of
developments, and the National Transportation Safety
Board is investigating the accident itself. Exxon has
accepted responsibility for paying for the cleanup, and
for employing local civilian personnel necessary to
control further damage. In addition to the
considerable federal personnel and equipment already in
place, on April 7, the President announced that Defense
Secretary Cheney will make available U.S. Armed Forces
personnel and equipment to assist in the cleanup. EPA
Administrator Reilly will coordinate the long-range
planning to restore the environment of Prince William
Sound, and the President has ordered a review of
existing contingency plans for accidents such as this.
CHILDCARE
The changing nature of American society is putting more and
more pressure on the family. President Bush wants to put choice
in the hands of parents -- not government -- so they have the
power to select the best and safest environment for their
children.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Child care: The President has proposed a child care package,
the "Working Family Child Care Assistance Act of 1989"
which:
Provides a new child care tax credit of up to $1000 per
child under four for low and moderate income working
families.
Makes the existing Dependent Child Tax Credit
refundable.
Head Start: The President has also transmitted legislation
to the Congress which would increase authorization for Head
Start programs by $250 million for FY 1990; this will pay
for up to 95,000 more children in the program.
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
The President supports public servants who revere the trust
placed in them by the American people. To this end, he is
working to protect those public servants who report waste, fraud
and mismanagement.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
On April 10, the President signed S. 20, the "Whistleblower
Protection Act of 1989. " This law will strengthen the
protections and procedural rights available to those federal
employees who report misdeeds and mismanagement.
This will enhance the authority of the Office of
Special Counsel, and whistleblowers will also now be
allowed to take their cases to the Merit Systems
Protection Board.
The law now clarifies the burden of proof, so that
employees must prove only that whistleblowing was a
"contributing factor" to any adverse personnel actions
against them. The agency will also have the right of
rebuttal.
ETHICS
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively, fairly,
and to the letter and spirit of the law.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
The President issued an Executive Order creating the
President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law Reform. On March 9,
the Commission filed its report and its recommendations to the
President. Legislation was sent April 12th to the Congress, and
the President issued an Executive Order announcing ethical
principles for the conduct of executive-branch employees. The
President's proposals include:
A ban on outside income for non-career Presidential
appointees in the executive branch, including all employees
in the immediate White House office.
Expanded financial disclosure for all three branches of
government. The President has directed a comprehensive
review of federal campaign finance laws, and is urging
Congress to close all loopholes allowing the conversion of
political contributions for personal or office use.
Although it is not part of the legislative package, the
President believes PACs weaken parties, restrain competition
and deaden the political debate. He believes that PAC
contributions to candidates should be eliminated, and he
will be consulting with the Congress on this issue.
President Bush is also opposed to federal funding of
congressional campaigns.
Strengthened rules against abusing the revolving door for
private gain at the expense of the public trust. These
rules also apply to the legislative branch.
A 25 percent pay raise for federal judges, while restricting
their acceptance of honoraria. President Bush believes that
honoraria for Members of Congress should be banned.
However, the President will not make that formal proposal
until after he consults with Congress on the question of a
congressional pay raise. He will include in that discussion
the question of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch
positions.
The extension of the Independent Counsel statute to cover
the Congress.
The extension of the federal statute that prohibits
employees from taking actions that enhance their own
financial interest to cover legislative and judicial branch
employees.
The establishment of an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
The application of the existing one-year post-employment
"cooling-off" period for senior executive-branch employees
to the legislative and judicial branches.
VOLUNTEERISM
The President proclaimed National Volunteer Week, April 10-
15, calling the nation forward to community service. He saluted
those who are working to fight poverty, drug abuse, illiteracy,
teen pregnancy and the alienation of young and old -- serving
their communities in whatever way they can.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Presidential proclamation: In signing the proclamation
creating National Volunteer Week, the President challenged
every American who cares about the future of this country to
get involved. He awarded 18 Presidential Awards to those
chosen from nearly 2000 applications -- to winners who
embody the ideals of decency, goodness, and self-discipline.
Office of National Service: President Bush created the
Office of National Service at the White House, to lead this
Administration's national service movement. This Office
will take things that work and carry them to the nation. It
will challenge individuals, schools, corporations and other
institutions to expand existing programs. And it will
enlist new volunteer in community-based efforts to combat
urgent social ills which fray the American fabric.
PRESS RELATIONS
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION (As of 4/11/89) :
Eleven televised press conferences held by the President
Seven Presidential interviews with reporters
Three sessions in the Oval Office with reporters
One regional press briefing
One televised address to the nation
# # #
Rm. 122
THE WHITE HOUSE
OEOB
WASHINGTON
TON
ARZ DS
SUBJECT: THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
I have received two more additions to the paper. They are from
USTR and HUD. Please call if there is any question on the
attached.
Thank you.
Attachment
DOCUMENT NO.
PD
OFFICE OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT
STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: April 17, 1989 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3:00 pm TODAY
SUBJECT: Accomplishments of the Bush Administration
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
ROPER
MEAD
PINKERTON
MITCHELL
ALEXANDER
MOORE
FARRAR
READINGER
FURSE
ROELLIG
KUTTNER
LINDSEY
MALOLEY
REMARKS:
Please review draft sections within your area of expertise.
The draft is comprehensive. Sorry for the short turnaround. Please
forward your comments to Roger Porter by 3:00 today.
Thanks very much.
ROGER B. PORTER
Please return this tracking
Assistant to the President
sheet with your response
for Economic and Domestic Policy
(x2705)
Document No.
026952SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/14/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
4/17/89 c.o.b.
DATE:
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PETERSMEYER
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than c.o.b. Monday, April 17,
1989, with an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
( (Grant))
April 10, 1989
1003-APR 14 20 5:57
THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION
The new Administration is tackling the tough issues and
addressing the most urgent priorities facing the nation.
Accomplishments so far include:
1.
A comprehensive budget proposal to the Congress, and an
unprecedented bipartisan agreement on the budget
reached in negotiations with the Congress
2. A plan to rescue the Savings and Loan industry
3. A proposal for cutting the capital gains tax rate to
keep capital formation strong
4. A proposal for raising the minimum wage to $4.25
coupled with a six month training wage
5.
Foreign policy and defense strategy reviews
6.
Consultations with the leaders of 32 nations, including
18 bilateral meetings held during the Tokyo trip (34 by
4/15)
7. The signing of a bipartisan accord on Central America
with Congress
8.
Introduction of a comprehensive legislative package for
educational reform
9. Action by the Director of National Drug Control Policy,
Bill Bennett, to target Washington, D.C. in the war on
drugs
10.
A temporary ban on the import of certain types of
automatic military assault rifles
11. Federal action in the Alaskan oilspill cleanup effort,
the banning of toxic waste exports, and a call for the
phaseout of CFCs by the year 2000
12. A child care proposal to give parents greater choice
and flexibility, while helping those most in need
13. Whistleblower protection legislation to strengthen the
rights of those who report misdeeds and mismanagement
14. A comprehensive ethics proposal to make uniform the
standards between all three branches of government
15. A Presidential proclamation and series of events
celebrating National Volunteer Week
16. A total of eleven televised press conferences by the
President
President Bush has set an agenda for this country. He is
orienting us as a nation toward the future -- building a better
America -- keeping America strong and at peace. It is an agenda
that seizes this special moment in our history: leadership is the
ability to see the shape of things to come, to address tomorrow's
challenges today. George Bush is preparing the nation for the
21st Century.
THE ECONOMY
Keeping our nation's economy strong is the key to managing
change successfully. The news is good:
More Americans are at work today than ever before, and
unemployment continues at a record low.
The economy is sound without resurging inflation.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Presenting a detailed budget: The President has put forth a
detailed budget which addresses our fundamental obligations
for protection of national security and support of the
needy, while providing sufficient funds to advance high-
priority initiatives, and at the same time, it restrains
overall growth of spending so that we can meet the Gramm-
Rudman-Hollings targets on time.
Reaching a budget agreement with Congress: The President
and Congress announced on April 14 a budget plan to reduce
the estimated FY 1990 deficit by about $24 billion, relative
to the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings baseline. The deficit will be
reduced to $99.4 billion, which is a $64 billion reduction
relative to the current estimate of the FY 1989 deficit.
This is the first budget agreement reached ahead of schedule
and not framed in the context of crisis.
Capital gains tax cut: In order to promote capital formation
and investment, the President has proposed a 45 percent
capital gains exclusion for qualified capital gains, a
maximum 15 percent capital gains tax rate, and an increase
in the qualifying holding period from one year to three
years.
Minimum wage proposal: The President is seeking to minimize
the adverse economic impact of an across-the-board increase
in the minimum wage, and to keep job opportunities available
for youth and minority workers. His proposal is:
A 27 percent increase in the minimum wage over three
years to $4.25 for most workers.
Maintaining the current $3.35 minimum for all new
employees of a firm on the job for less than six
months, regardless of age or previous employment.
An increase in the small business exemption to include
all firms, not just retail and service establishments,
with gross sales under $500,000.
An increase in the tip credit from 40 percent to 50
percent.
Savings and Loan reform: The Administration has transmitted
the "Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement
Act of 1989" to Congress, which includes provisions to:
Assure financial integrity of deposit insurance by
raising the annual premium rate for both commercial
banks and S&Ls.
Resolve the status of existing insolvent banks in an
orderly fashion.
Improve supervisory control by bringing S&Ls up to the
same standards applied to commercial banks.
Enhance enforcement of bank fraud provisions.
FOREIGN POLICY
The Administration's policy of peace through strength is
working. As he prepares for both the 40th Anniversary of NATO in
Brussels and the economic summit in Paris, President Bush has
undertaken a number of foreign policy initiatives to maintain
America's position of world leadership.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Bipartisan accord: On March 24, the President signed the
Bipartisan Accord on Central America with top leaders of the
Congress. The agreement sets out the broad outlines of U.S.
policy in the region:
Humanitarian aid: Congress has agreed to support the
Administration's request for continued humanitarian
assistance at current levels through the elections in
Nicaragua scheduled for February, 1990.
Review/consultation: There will be extensive
consultations and review with respect to these funds
effective November 30, 1989 by the bipartisan
leadership and relevant committees.
Caveat: The burden of proof is on the Sandinista
government to do something it has steadfastly refused
to do from 1979 to 1989: keep its promises to its
people and its neighbors. If those pledges continue to
be violated, we hope and expect that other nations will
find ways to join us to condemn those actions. But if
those promises are kept, we have an opportunity to
start a new day in Central America.
((INSERT POLAND))
Bilateral meetings: The President has met with a total of 32
foreign leaders while in office (34 by 4/15), including a
series of 18 bilateral meetings during the trip to Emperor
Hirohito's funeral. President Bush has met with leaders
from the Middle East, including Prime Minister Shamir of
Israel, President Mubarak of Egypt and King Hussein of
Jordan.
Policy reviews: President Bush has ordered comprehensive
review of foreign policy and defense strategies, soon to be
completed.
EDUCATION
The President's actions to improve education are guided by
four key principles: that excellence and success in education
should be recognized and rewarded; that federal funding should be
targeted to those who need it most; that choice and flexibility -
- for educators, parents and students -- are important to
educational reform and to achieving excellence; and finally, that
greater accountability is needed in the education system to
assure that students are actually receiving the highest quality
education.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
The President proposed and sent to the Congress a
comprehensive education package, "The Educational Excellence Act
of 1989" which includes seven initiatives:
The Presidential Merit Schools program -- to reward
schools that have made substantial progress in raising
students' educational achievement, creating a safe and
drug-free school environment, and reducing the drop-out
rate.
A new Magnet Schools of Excellence program -- to
support the establishment, expansion or enhancement of
magnet schools, increasing parental choice and
improving quality education.
The Alternative Certification of Teachers and
Principals program -- to assist States interested in
broadening the pool of talent from which to recruit
teachers and principals.
President's Awards for Excellence in Education -- to be
awarded to public and private school teachers in every
state who meet the highest standards of excellence.
Drug-free Schools Urban Emergency Grants -- to provide
special assistance to selected urban school districts
that are disproportionately affected by drug
trafficking and abuse.
A National Science Scholars program -- to provide
college scholarships to high school seniors who have
excelled in the sciences and mathematics.
Executive Order for endowment matching grants at
Historically Black Colleges and Universities -- to
strengthen HBCUs by building endowments, an especially
effective way to create financial strength and long-
term security.
FIGHTING DRUG ABUSE
America is being paralyzed by the threat of drugs. With the
confirmation of Bill Bennett as Director of National Drug Control
Policy, and the trip by Attorney General Thornburgh to South
America to meet with leaders in interdiction efforts, we have
begun a new war on drugs in this country. The President believes
a four-pronged approach is key: education, rehabilitation,
interdiction and enforcement. The policy of this Administration
is "zero tolerance." No amount of illegal drug use is
acceptable. This means dealing with both supply and demand.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Budget: The Administration is requesting $6 billion in
new funding for FY 1990 to fight the drug war,
increasing outlays by nearly $1 billion for drug
education, treatment and enforcement.
Education: The Administration is requesting nearly $1.1
billion for education and prevention efforts. This is
a 16 percent increase over 1989, and includes funding
for ongoing programs and new initiatives.
Rehabilitation: Funding for drug abuse treatment will
be increased 18 percent. The Administration is
proposing over $700 million to expand the nation's
capacity to provide treatment, particularly to the
indigent, disadvantaged, youth, and expectant mothers.
Interdiction and enforcement: The Administration is
proposing over $4.1 billion for law enforcement
programs in 1990, a 10 percent increase over 1989.
This constitutes about 70 percent of President Bush's
proposed drug budget. Substantial increases are
requested in funding to strengthen inspection,
interdiction, intelligence efforts and crop eradication
programs. The President strongly supports the death
penalty for drug kingpins who commit drug-related
murders, and will appoint judges who will strongly
enforce the drug penalty laws.
The Administration imposed a temporary ban on the import of
certain types of automatic military assault weapons, in
order to get dangerous weapons out of the hands of criminals
involved in drug-related killings.
In addition, the Office of National Drug Control Policy has
responded to the drug emergency in the District of Columbia:
A Metropolitan Area Task Force will be convened,
with representatives from federal agencies, and
state and local police from D.C., Maryland and
Virginia.
More prisons: The federal Bureau of Prisons will
take custody of 250 inmates from the D.C. jail,
and work to locate land for construction of a new
prison.
Enforcement: The FBI will provide support to D.C.
police in investigations of drug-related murders.
Also, HUD will ease red tape to hasten the
eviction of drug offenders from federally funded
housing projects, and, with the D.C. police, will
tighten security and maintenance at projects.
Rehabilitation: The National Institute on Drug
Abuse will provide assistance in local treatment
efforts and will be authorized to establish three
new outpatient clinics by 1990.
Prevention: The Department of Education will
provide the District with 50 percent more funds
for drug prevention programs in city schools. The
Department of Labor will work with the business
community to increase job training for youth, and
will provide a $100,000 grant to establish
employee assistance programs for drug abuse.
THE ENVIRONMENT
President Bush, a long-time environmentalist, has taken
strong action to protect the environment. He is working
shoulder-to-shoulder with Interior Secretary Lujan and EPA
Administrator Reilly on a number of fronts.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Clean Air: The President committed his Administration
to submitting a new Clean Air Act, including provisions
for control of acid rain, ozone, and toxic air
pollutants.
Global warming: The President has called for the
phaseout of CFCs by the year 2000, provided safe
substitutes are available.
Cleaning up hazardous wastes: The President announced
he will be seeking new legislation to give the United
States government authority to ban all exports of
hazardous waste except where an agreement exists with
the receiving country providing for the safe handling
and management of those wastes.
Superfund: The President is reinvigorating the
Superfund hazardous waste clean-up program by directing
EPA to take a number of actions, including stricter
enforcement of violations, stepped-up cost recovery,
and increased emergency cleanup authority.
Clean water and coastlines: The EPA has started a
tracking system for medical wastes, a first step in a
comprehensive program to keep our beaches clean. The
President is committed to end ocean dumping by 1991.
Alaskan oil spill: A Cabinet-level team was sent
immediately to assess the Alaskan oil spill situation.
A joint federal-state resource recovery team was
convened, with Secretary of Transportation Skinner now
coordinating all efforts. Coast Guard Commandant Yost
has returned to Alaska to assume personal oversight of
developments, and the National Transportation Safety
Board is investigating the accident itself. Exxon has
accepted responsibility for paying for the cleanup, and
for employing local civilian personnel necessary to
control further damage. In addition to the
considerable federal personnel and equipment already in
place, on April 7, the President announced that Defense
Secretary Cheney will make available U.S. Armed Forces
personnel and equipment to assist in the cleanup. EPA
Administrator Reilly will coordinate the long-range
planning to restore the environment of Prince William
Sound, and the President has ordered a review of
existing contingency plans for accidents such as this.
CHILDCARE
The changing nature of American society is putting more and
more pressure on the family. President Bush wants to put choice
in the hands of parents -- not government -- so they have the
power to select the best and safest environment for their
children.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Child care: The President has proposed a child care package,
the "Working Family Child Care Assistance Act of 1989"
which:
Provides a new child care tax credit of up to $1000 per
child under four for low and moderate income working
families.
Makes the existing Dependent Child Tax Credit
refundable.
Head Start: The President has also transmitted legislation
to the Congress which would increase authorization for Head
Start programs by $250 million for FY 1990; this will pay
for up to 95,000 more children in the program.
WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
The President supports public servants who revere the trust
placed in them by the American people. To this end, he is
working to protect those public servants who report waste, fraud
and mismanagement.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
On April 10, the President signed S. 20, the "Whistleblower
Protection Act of 1989." This law will strengthen the
protections and procedural rights available to those federal
employees who report misdeeds and mismanagement.
This will enhance the authority of the Office of
Special Counsel, and whistleblowers will also now be
allowed to take their cases to the Merit Systems
Protection Board.
The law now clarifies the burden of proof, so that
employees must prove only that whistleblowing was a
"contributing factor" to any adverse personnel actions
against them. The agency will also have the right of
rebuttal.
ETHICS
High ethical standards are central to this Administration,
and we will enforce them -- strictly, comprehensively, fairly,
and to the letter and spirit of the law.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
The President issued an Executive Order creating the
President's Commission on Federal Ethics Law Reform. On March 9,
the Commission filed its report and its recommendations to the
President. Legislation was sent April 12th to the Congress, and
the President issued an Executive Order announcing ethical
principles for the conduct of executive-branch employees. The
President's proposals include:
A ban on outside income for non-career Presidential
appointees in the executive branch, including all employees
in the immediate White House office:
Expanded financial disclosure for all three branches of
government. The President has directed a comprehensive
review of federal campaign finance laws, and is urging
Congress to close all loopholes allowing the conversion of
political contributions for personal or office use.
Although it is not part of the legislative package, the
President believes PACs weaken parties, restrain competition
and deaden the political debate. He believes that PAC
contributions to candidates should be eliminated, and he
will be consulting with the Congress on this issue.
President Bush is also opposed to federal funding of
congressional campaigns.
Strengthened rules against abusing the revolving door for
private gain at the expense of the public trust. These
rules also apply to the legislative branch.
A 25 percent pay raise for federal judges, while restricting
their acceptance of honoraria. President Bush believes that
honoraria for Members of Congress should be banned.
However, the President will not make that formal proposal
until after he consults with Congress on the question of a
congressional pay raise. He will include in that discussion
the question of a pay increase for certain Executive Branch
positions.
The extension of the Independent Counsel statute to cover
the Congress.
The extension of the federal statute that prohibits
employees from taking actions that enhance their own
financial interest to cover legislative and judicial branch
employees.
The establishment of an independent ethics office for the
Congress, to be headed by a clearly nonpartisan official,
confirmed by both houses.
The application of the existing one-year post-employment
"cooling-off" period for senior executive-branch employees
to the legislative and judicial branches.
VOLUNTEERISM
The President proclaimed National Volunteer Week, April 10-
15, calling the nation forward to community service. He saluted
those who are working to fight poverty, drug abuse, illiteracy,
teen pregnancy and the alienation of young and old -- serving
their communities in whatever way they can.
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION:
Presidential proclamation: In signing the proclamation
creating National Volunteer Week, the President challenged
every American who cares about the future of this country to
get involved. He awarded 18 Presidential Awards to those
chosen from nearly 2000 applications -- to winners who
embody the ideals of decency, goodness, and self-discipline.
Office of National Service: President Bush created the
Office of National Service at the White House, to lead this
Administration's national service movement. This Office
will take things that work and carry them to the nation. It
will challenge individuals, schools, corporations and other
institutions to expand existing programs. And it will
enlist new volunteer in community-based efforts to combat
urgent social ills which fray the American fabric.
PRESS RELATIONS
ACTION BY THE ADMINISTRATION (As of 4/11/89) :
Eleven televised press conferences held by the President
Seven Presidential interviews with reporters
Three sessions in the Oval Office with reporters
One regional press briefing
O
One televised address to the nation
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