Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
323150413
label
Bush Accomplishments, 4/17/89 [5]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
323150413
contentType
document
title
Bush Accomplishments, 4/17/89 [5]
citationUrl
identifierLocal
13482-014
collections
Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Draft Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
323150413
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
257e3ba402c1bcfb
ocrText
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:
13482-014
Folder Title:
Bush Accomplishments, 4/17/89 [5]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
15
6
5
x
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.
and see turned over page
Ham
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
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
1003 14 28 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 O
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
targetted to
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
that
in the hands of parents -- not government -- so they
have the
goot. g lates
power to select the best and safest environment for their
to cluise
children.
not Jun ACTION chage
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.
Liability: The President has changed Secretary
liability insurance to determine if of
of Labor Doce with studying the market for
liability issues impair child care
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
# # #
DOCUMENT NO.
PD
OFFICE OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT
x
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)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 17, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR MARY KATE GRANT
FROM:
EMILY M. MEAD EM
SUBJECT:
Accomplishments of the Bush Administration
Per the request to review the April 14 staffing memorandum, I
have attached two documents, which may be included in the list
of accomplishments of the Bush Administration. The first is an
outline of the Administration's civil rights agenda. Also, I
have included a copy of the April 12 proclamation on National
Victims of Crime Week. Please let me know if you would like
further information on either of these issues.
CC: Roger B. Porter
Attachments
April 14, 1989
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: Civil Rights Agenda of the Bush Administration Since
1/20/89
MAJOR ACTIONS
On March 8, the DOJ submitted a letter to Senator Biden
indicating support of the objectives of the Hate Crimes
Bill [S. 419] and no opposition to the bill's
enactment.
The Hate Crimes Bill provides for the collection of
data about crimes motivated by race, religion,
ethnicity or sexual orientation.
On March 13, Attorney General Dick Thornburgh announced
that the Department of Justice had filed Federal
housing discrimination lawsuits seeking monetary
damages and civil penalties under the expanded
enforcement authority provided for in the Fair Housing
Amendments Act of 1988 which became effective on March
12.
[President Bush was one of 12 southern Congressman to
vote for the Civil Rights Bill of 1968. This was the
first open housing law of the 20th century.]
On April 5, President Bush reaffirmed his dedication to
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs) by announcing a proposal to authorize $60
million in additional funds for endowment grants. ($10
million for FY 1990, 20 million FY 1991 and 1992, and
$10 for FY 1993.) The Executive Order on Historically
Black Colleges and Universities will soon be issued.
OTHER ACTIONS
On January 23, the DOJ filed a complaint against the
Board of Education of Prince George's County, MD,
alleging a pattern or practice of employment
discrimination on the basis of race and sex.
On January 27, a federal grand jury indicted two
Georgia troopers and a county sheriff on charges of
violating the civil rights of a man they apprehended
after a car chase.
(more)
-2-
On February 10, the DOJ filed a lawsul against the
Holiday Spa Health Club chain, based in Towson,
Maryland, alleging that the chain has engaged in a
pattern and practice of racial discrimination against
blacks.
On February 27, the DOJ filed a motion to intervene in
a private housing discrimination lawsuit in Mississippi
in support of civil rights plaintiffs challenging a
zoning ordinance.
ACTION ON BEHALF OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF OTHER MINORITIES
On February 6, the DOJ announced that federal observers
would be assigned to polling places in Sandoval County,
New Mexico, school districts for board and bond
elections. The elections follow a Justice Department
suit filed on December 5, 1988, seeking a comprehensive
bilingual election program in the county that would
allow persons who speak the Navajo and Pueblo languages
to participate effectively in the electoral process.
On February 21, the DOJ filed a consent decree in the
U.S. District Court of Portland, Oregon, requiring the
State to make sweeping improvement at the Fairview
Training Center to ensure that the Center's 950
mentally retarded residents receive the care and
treatment to which they are entitled under the
Constitution and Federal law.
PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATIONS AND ADDRESSES
On February 1, a message from the President was issued
on the observance of National Afro-American (Black)
History Month, February, 1989.
On March 9, the President addressed the United Negro
College Fund Dinner in New York City.
#:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 12, 1989
CRIME VICTIMS WEEK, 1989
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
A crime is more than a violation of the law; in every
case it is the violation of the rights, property, person or
trust of another human being. Justice, therefore, must mean
more than a fair trial for the accused criminal and an
appropriate sentence for the guilty. Justice also requires
that the rights and losses of the innocent victim be duly
vindicated.
For too long, our criminal justice system focused on the
rights of offenders and paid little or no attention to the
rights and needs of those victims who suffered physically,
emotionally, and financially. However, the 1982 President's
Task Force on Victims of Crime focused national attention on
the numerous inequities in the system. Since then, the
Federal Government has been working hard with the States to
encourage the development and expansion of programs for crime
victims. Last October, the Victims of Crime Act of 1984,
which established a Crime Victims Fund in the U.S. Treasury
that is financed by penalty assessments on all convicted
Federal defendants, was reauthorized for 6 more years.
Cooperative efforts at all levels of government will continue
in order to improve responsiveness to the needs of crime
victims.
This Administration is committed to maintaining the
essential support system for victims and is determined to find
additional ways to provide timely restitution to victims and
to help them recover from the trauma of victimization.
Federal and State dollars alone cannot do the job. Social
service agencies, schools, hospitals, businesses, churches,
and private citizens play a vital role in assisting victims of
crime, and we must continue to support their efforts. Now
more than ever, we need to enlist volunteers. I have spoken
of a thousand points of light -- of all the community
organizations that are spread like stars throughout the
Nation, doing good. We must ensure that those groups who
offer the bright promise of hope and healing to crime victims
continue to thrive. We must ensure that crime victims receive
our special attention and that the combined efforts of
concerned citizens, lawmakers, and criminal justice personnel
help to improve and expand services for them.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do
hereby proclaim the week beginning April 9, 1989, as Crime
Victims Week. As we rededicate ourselves to responding with
speed and sensitivity to the needs of innocent crime victims,
we must also resolve to educate our citizens about ways to
more
(OVER)
2
minimize the risk of victimization. As always, we must rely
on the courage and generosity of the American people in
fighting crime and alleviating the suffering it causes. This
week, we have an opportunity to express our gratitude to those
who have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of innocent crime
victims and their families. I urge all Americans to continue
to show compassion for the victims of crime, as well as
appreciation for those who work for justice.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twelfth
day of
April, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.
GEORGE BUSH
# # #
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
1303-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
A plan to rescue the Savings and Loan industry
what veen has accompled 2. 4. 2. 3.
A proposal for cutting the capital gains tax rate to
keep capital formation strong
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
2
3
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.
2
THE ECONOMY
Keeping our nation's economy strong is the key to managing
change successfully. The news is good:
EC
More Americans are at work today than ever before, and
Seelting
unemployment continues at a record low.
points
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
3
families
in the qualifying holding period from one year to three
years. addition, earning under $20,000 would
he exempted from The tax.
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.
1
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.
Pas. Dreated Sec Dole to
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) :
O
Eleven televised press conferences held by the President
O
Seven Presidential interviews with reporters
O
Three sessions in the Oval Office with reporters
One regional press briefing
One televised address to the nation
# # #
Document No.
026952SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/14/89
DATE:
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
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 clèan-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
# # #