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Address to Joint Session of Congress 9/11/90 [OA 5376] [3]
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Address to Joint Session of Congress 9/11/90 [OA 5376] [3]
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
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 Files, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13539
Folder ID Number:
13539-010
Folder Title:
Address to Joint Session of Congress 9/11/90 [OA 5376] [3]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
16
4
3
JC
ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS U.S. CAPITOL
SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
9:00 P. M.
DRAFT: FOUR
MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE
CONGRESS, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, FELLOW AMERICANS, THANK
YOU.
WE GATHER TONIGHT, WITNESS TO EVENTS IN THE
PERSIAN GULF AS SIGNIFICANT AS THEY ARE TRAGIC.
FOLLOWING NEGOTIATIONS AND PROMISES BY IRAQ'S DICTATOR
SADDAM HUSSEIN NOT TO USE FORCE, A POWERFUL IRAQI ARMY
INVADED ITS TRUSTING AND MUCH WEAKER NEIGHBOR, KUWAIT.
aww
IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS OF AUGUST 2ND
WITHIN THREE
had poured into Kuwait, and
DAYS, 120,000 IRAQI TROOPS WITH 850 TANKS
OCCUPIED THE
NSC
moved south to threaten Sandi Arabia. Then Iraq antiexed Kuwait
COUNTRY. THEN IRAQ ANNEXED KUWAIT, AND MOVED ITS TANK
JHS
It is then I decided to act to check that aggression
COLUMNS SOUTH TOWARD SAUDI ARABIA
THE WORLD IS
APPALLED BY THE ACCOUNTS OF IRAQI SOLDIERS LOOTING
KUWAITI PROPERTY AND ATTACKING KUWAITI CITIZENS
AT THIS MOMENT, OUR BRAVE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
that
JC
STAND WATCH IN [THIS] DISTANT DESERT AND ON DISTANT SEAS,
SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE FORCES OF MORE THAN TWENTY OTHER
NATIONS.
- 2 -
THEY ARE SOME OF THE FINEST MEN AND WOMEN OF THE
P
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AND THEY'RE DOING ONE CHELL] HELL
terrific
[OF JOB.\\\
THESE VALIANT AMERICANS WERE READY AT A MOMENT'S
NOTICE TO LEAVE THEIR SPOUSES, THEIR CHILDREN, TO SERVE
ON THE FRONT-LINE HALF-WAY AROUND THE WORLD. THEY
DD
REMIND US [ALE] WHO KEEPS AMERICA STRONG. THEY DO.1111
IN THE TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE GULF, THE
MORALE OF OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN IS EXCELLENT. IN
well-trained,
P
THE FACE OF DANGER, THEY ARE BRAVE >N AND DEDICATED.
P.F.C.
A SOLDIER E (RANK) ) BY THE NAME OF WADE MERRITT OF
DD
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, NOW STATIONED IN SAUDI
PUBLIC
ARABIA), WROTE HIS PARENTS OF HIS WORRIES, HIS LOVE OF
AFPS-
SERIOUS incipens, FAMILY, AND HIS HOPES FOR PEACE. BUT WADE ALSO WROTE:
CRimes
-
"I AM PROUD OF MY COUNTRY AND ITS FIRM STAND AGAINST
CLEAN
INHUMANE AGGRESSION. I AM PROUD OF MY ARMY AND ITS MEN
CAROLYN
I AM PROUD TO SERVE MY COUNTRY."
piper
((Pull out letter))
- 3 -
LET ME JUST SAY, WADE, AMERICA IS PROUD OF YOU.
And
AMERICA IS
GRATEFUL TO EVERY SOLDIER, SAILOR, MARINE
AND AIRMAN SERVING THE CAUSE OF PEACE IN THE PERSIAN
GULF. III
I
want to Thank the
LET US US] ALSO [RETURN RETURN A HEARTFEL V SALUTE TO THE
MILITARY LEADERS WITH US TONIGHT -- THE FIRST-CLASS CLASS]
chairman
PROFESSIONAL: S] OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF,
[ON BEHALF
2
OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE PEOPLE.] GENERAL POWELL the CHIEFS, THE MEN
AND WOMEN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE -- WHAT A
our common der in
MAGNIFICENT JOB YOU ARE DOING. III
The Persian
Gulf, General
schwartzkopf, and
I WISH I COULD SAY THEIR WORK IS DONE. BUT WE ALL
KNOW IT IS NOT.
so IF EVER THERE WAS A TIME TO PUT COUNTRY BEFORE
SELF AND PATRIOTISM BEFORE PARTY, THAT TIME IS NOW. III
LET ME THANK ALL AMERICANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THIS
P
CHAMBER FOR YOUR SUPPORT Y for our forces and Their mission,
THAT SUPPORT WILL BE EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN THE
DAYS TO COME.
- 4 -
so TONIGHT, I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT WHAT IS AT
STAKE -- WHAT WE MUST DO TOGETHER TO DEFEND CIVILIZED
VALUES AROUND THE WORLD, AND MAINTAIN OUR ECONOMIC
STRENGTH AT HOME.
FOR MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED YEARS, WE
HAVE BEEN ONE PEOPLE, WITH A BROAD SET OF PRINCIPLES
SERVED BY BOTH OUR FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC POLICIES. THAT
REMAINS UNCHANGED
OUR OBJECTIVES IN THE PERSIAN GULF ARE CLEAR, OUR
GOALS DEFINED AND FAMILIAR:
*** IRAQ MUST WITHDRAW FROM KUWAIT COMPLETELY,
IMMEDIATELY AND WITHOUT CONDITION. III
*** KUWAIT'S LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT MUST-BE
indent>>
RESTORED. III
*** THE SECURITY AND STABILITY OF THE PERSIAN
GULF MUST- BE-ASSURED. III
*** AMERICAN CITIZENS ABROAD MUST- BE~
PROTECTED. III
5 as times many in weeks - 5
-
They have been endorsed by
THESE GOALS ARE NOT OURS ALONE. V THE U.N. SECURITY
NSC
COUNCIL IS UNANIMOUS MOST COUNTRIES SHARE OUR CONCERN
FOR PRINCIPLE. AND MANY HAVE A STAKE IN THE STABILITY
OF THE PERSIAN GULF. THIS IS NOT, AS SADDAM HUSSEIN
WOULD HAVE IT, THE UNITED STATES AGAINST IRAQ. IT IS
IRAQ AGAINST THE WORLD. III
AS YOU KNOW, I'VE JUST RETURNED FROM A VERY
PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH SOVIET PRESIDENT GORBACHEV. I
pleased
NSC
AM
THANKFUL THAT WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A NEW
RELATIONSHIP. IN HELSINKI, OUR JOINT STATEMENT
AFFIRMED TO THE WORLD OUR SHARED RESOLVE TO COUNTER
Let me
NSC
IRAQ'S THREAT TO PEACE, [AND I ] QUOTE: "WE ARE UNITED IN
THE BELIEF THAT IRAQ'S AGGRESSION MUST-NOT-BE-
TOLERATED. NO PEACEFUL INTERNATIONAL ORDER IS POSSIBLE
IF LARGER STATES CAN DEVOUR THEIR SMALLER NEIGHBORS."
CLEARLY, NO LONGER CAN A DICTATOR IKE SADDAM
HUSSEIN COUNT ON EAST-WEST CONFRONTATION TO STYMIE
CONCERTED U.N. ACTION AGAINST AGGRESSION. NO LONGER
WILL THE MACHINERY OF THE UNITED NATIONS BE SABOTAGED
NSC
BY THE COLD WAR WAR.]\\
A NEW PARTNERSHIP OF NATIONS HAS BEGUN.
- 6 -
WE STAND TODAY AT A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY
MOMENT. THE CRISIS IN THE PERSIAN GULF, AS GRAVE AS IT
IS, ALSO OFFERS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TOWARD AN
HISTORIC PERIOD OF COOPERATION. OUT OF THESE TROUBLED
TIMES, OUR FIFTH OBJECTIVE - -- A NEW WORLD ORDER -- CAN
i
P
EMERGE: A NEW ERAA FREER FROM THE THREAT OF TERROR,
STRONGER IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE, AND MORE SECURE IN
THE QUEST FOR PEACE. AN ERA IN WHICH THE NATIONS OF
THE WORLD, EAST AND WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH, CAN PROSPER
AND LIVE IN HARMONY. //
A HUNDRED GENERATIONS HAVE SEARCHED FOR THIS
ELUSIVE PATH TO PEACE, WHILE A THOUSAND WARS RAGED
ACROSS THE SPAN OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR. TODAY THAT NEW
WORLD IS STRUGGLING TO BE BORN. A WORLD QUITE
DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE WE'VE KNOWN. A WORLD WHERE THE
RULE OF LAW SUPPLANTS THE RULE OF THE JUNGLE. A WORLD
P
IN WHICH NATIONS RECOGNIZE THE SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
P
FOR FREEDOM AND JUSTICE. A WORLD WHERE THE STRONG
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THE WEAK.
- 7 -
THIS IS THE VISION I SHARED WITH PRESIDENT
GORBACHEV IN HELSINKI. HE, AND OTHER LEADERS FROM
EUROPE, THE GULF AND AROUND THE WORLD, UNDERSTAND THAT
could
NSC
HOW WE MANAGE THIS CRISIS TODAY, [WILL] SHAPE THE FUTURE
FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
now seek
THE TEST WE FACE IS GREAT -- AND so ARE THE
STAKES. THIS IS THE FIRST ASSAULT ON THE POST-COLD WAR
WORLD THE FIRST TEST OF OUR METTLE. HAD WE NOT
RESPONDED TO THIS FIRST PROVOCATION WITH CLARITY OF
PURPOSE; IF WE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE OUR
NSC
DETERMINATION; IT WOULD BE A SIGNAL TO
A
HALF-DOZEN
ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL DESPOTS AROUND THE WORLD.
AMERICA AND THE WORLD MUST DEFEND COMMON VITAL
P
INTERESTS. AND-WE-WILL.\
AMERICA AND THE WORLD MUST SUPPORT THE RULE OF
P
LAW. AND-WE-WILL.\\\
AMERICA AND THE WORLD MUST STAND UP TO AGGRESSION.
?
AND-WE-WILL.\\\
- 8 -
AND ONE THING MORE -- IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS
AMERICA WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED. 11
[AMERICA WILL NOT BE
NSC
BLACKMAILED
VITAL ISSUES OF PRINCIPLE ARE AT STAKE. SADDAM
HUSSEIN IS LITERALLY TRYING TO WIPE A COUNTRY OFF THE
FACE OF THE EARTH.
WE DO NOT EXAGGERATE. III
NOR DO WE EXAGGERATE WHEN WE SAY: SADDAM HUSSEIN
WILL FAIL. III
VITAL ECONOMIC INTERESTS ARE AT RISK AS WELL.
IRAQ ITSELF CONTROLS SOME TEN PERCENT OF THE WORLD'S
PROVEN OIL RESERVES. IRAQ PLUS KUWAIT CONTROLS TWICE
THAT. AN IRAQ PERMITTED TO SWALLOW KUWAIT WOULD HAVE
THE ECONOMIC AND MILITARY POWER, AS WELL AS THE
ARROGANCE, TO INTIMIDATE AND COERCE ITS NEIGHBORS --
NEIGHBORS WHO CONTROL THE LION'S SHARE OF THE WORLD'S
REMAINING OIL RESERVES. WE CANNOT PERMIT A RESOURCE so
dominated by byone
NSC
VITAL TO BE EXPLOITED SO RUTHLESSLY. AND-WE-WON'T.
- 9 -
RECENT EVENTS HAVE SURELY PROVEN THAT THERE IS NO
stet
SUBSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN LEADERSHIP. IN THE FACE OF
TYRANNY, LET NO ONE DOUBT AMERICAN CREDIBILITY AND
NSC
RELIABILITY.
LET NO ONE DOUBT OUR STAYING POWER. III WE WILL
STAND BY OUR FRIENDS. III
the leader of Iraq
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, ADDAM HUSSEIN MUST LEARN THIS
FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH. III
FROM THE OUTSET, ACTING HAND-IN-HAND WITH OTHERS,
.ve
WE [HAVE] SOUGHT TO FASHION THE BROADEST POSSIBLE
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE TO IRAQ'S AGGRESSION. THE LEVEL
OF WORLD COOPERATION AND CONDEMNATION OF IRAQ IS
UNPRECEDENTED.
Armed
from countries spanning four continents
NSC
[AMERICAN] FORCES AND THOSE OF A HOST OF NATIONS NATIONS,]
ARE THERE AT THE REQUEST OF KING FAHD OF SAUDI ARABIA
TO DETER AND IF NEED BE, TO DEFEND AGAINST ATTACK.
MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS, ARABS AND NON-ARABS, SOLDIERS
FROM MANY NATIONS, STAND SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER, RESOLUTE
AGAINST SADDAM HUSSEIN'S AMBITIONS.
- 10 -
WE CAN NOW POINT TO FIVE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS THAT CONDEMN IRAQ'S AGGRESSION.
THEY CALL FOR IRAQ'S IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL
WITHDRAWAL, THE RESTORATION OF KUWAIT'S LEGITIMATE
GOVERNMENT, AND CATEGORICALLY REJECT IRAQ'S CYNICAL AND
SELF-SERVING ATTEMPT TO ANNEX KUWAIT.
FINALLY, THE U.N. HAS DEMANDED THE RELEASE OF and ALL
P
FOREIGN NATIONALS HELD HOSTAGE AGAINST THEIR WILL ^ IN
CONTRAVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW. IT IS A MOCKERY OF
HUMAN DECENCY TO CALL THESE PEOPLE "GUESTS." THEY ARE
HOSTAGES, AND THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS IT.\\\
PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER SAID IT ALL: "WE
DO NOT BARGAIN OVER HOSTAGES. WE WILL NOT STOOP TO THE
LEVEL OF USING HUMAN BEINGS AS BARGAINING (CHIPS).
EVER. "\\\
OF COURSE, OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE HOSTAGES AND
THEIR FAMILIES. BUT OUR POLICY CANNOT CHANGE. AND IT
WILL NOT CHANGE. AMERICA AND THE WORLD WILL NOT BE
blackmailed.
NSC
TERRORIZED
- 11 -
[AFTER ALL,] WE ARE NOW IN SIGHT OF A UNITED NATIONS
NSC
performs no
THAT PLAYS THE ROL ENVISIONED BY ITS FOUNDERS. WE OWE
MUCH TO THE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OF SECRETARY-
GENERAL PEREZ DE CUELLAR. THE U.N. IS BACKING UP ITS
WORDS WITH ACTION. THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS IMPOSED
MANDATORY ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON IRAQ, DESIGNED TO FORCE
IRAQ TO RELINQUISH THE SPOILS OF ITS ILLEGAL CONQUEST.
THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS ALSO TAKEN THE DECISIVE STEP
OF AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ALL MEANS NECESSARY TO ENSURE
COMPLIANCE WITH THESE SANCTIONS.
interrepted
TOGETHER WITH OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES, SHIPS OF THE
Mideast waters,
UNITED STATES NAVY ARE TODAY PATROLLING challenged TO ENFORCE THE]
check
[SANCTIONS] THEY HAVE ALREADY STOPPED MORE THAN SEVEN
stopped
HUNDRED SHIPS TO ENFORCE THE regional SANCTIONS. [MORE THAN
SEVEN HUNDRED SHIPS SHIPS.] THREE [ARAB] LEADERS I SPOKE WITH
JUST YESTERDAY TOLD ME THAT THESE SANCTIONS ARE
WORKING. IRAQ IS FEELING THE HEAT. III
WE CONTINUE TO HOPE THAT IRAQ'S LEADERS WILL
RECALCULATE JUST WHAT THEIR AGGRESSION HAS COST THEM.
STarenT
THEY ARE CUT OFF FROM WORLD TRADE. UNABLE TO SELL
THEIR OIL. AND ONLY A TINY FRACTION OF GOODS GETS
milk
THROUGH.
The communique with President Gorbachev makes mention of what happens
9
when the embargo is so effective that the children of Iraq literally need bread, or the
sick truly need medicine, Then, under some kind of international supervision
that guarantees The proper destination, then food will be permitted.
- 12 -
At home,
our
BUT THE MATERIAL COST OF OFA LEADERSHIP CAN BE STEEP.
MD
AS
WELL WELL.] ] THAT'S WHY SECRETARY OF STATE BAKER AND
TREASURY SECRETARY BRADY HAVE MET WITH MANY WORLD
LEADERS TO UNDERSCORE THAT THE BURDEN OF THIS
COLLECTIVE EFFORT MUST BE SHARED. WE ARE PREPARED should TO
our share and more
P
DOATO TO HELP CARRY THAT LOAD;
[WE
WE
INSIST
OTHERS DO THEIR
as well.
NSC
SHAREA\\
stet
THE RESPONSE OF MOST OF OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES HAS
BEEN GOOD. TO HELP DEFRAY COSTS, THE LEADERS OF SAUDI
ARABIA, KUWAIT AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES HAVE
our deployed
NSC
PLEDGED TO PROVIDE HOSE SUPPLYING TROOPS WITH ALL THE
FOOD AND FUEL THEY NEED. GENEROUS ASSISTANCE WILL ALSO
BE PROVIDED TO STALWART FRONT-LINE NATIONS, SUCH AS
TURKEY AND EGYPT.
I AM ALSO HEARTENED TO REPORT THAT THIS
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE EXTENDS TO THE NEEDIEST VICTIMS
OF THIS CONFLICT -- THE REFUGEES. FOR OUR PART, WE
HAVE CONTRIBUTED $28 MILLION FOR RELIEF EFFORTS. THIS
IS BUT A PORTION OF WHAT IS NEEDED. I COMMEND, IN
PARTICULAR, SAUDI ARABIA, JAPAN, AND SEVERAL EUROPEAN
NATIONS WHO HAVE JOINED US IN THIS HUMANITARIAN EFFORT.
- 13 -
NSC
THERE IS [ALSO] AN ENERGY-RELATED COST TO BE BORNE
AS WELL. OIL-PRODUCING NATIONS ARE ALREADY REPLACING
LOST IRAQI AND KUWAITI OUTPUT. MORE THAN HALF OF WHAT
WAS LOST HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE UP. WE ARE GETTING
My
SUPERB COOPERATION. IF PRODUCERS, INCLUDING THE UNITED
STATES, CONTINUE STEPS TO EXPAND OIL AND GAS
PRODUCTION, WE CAN STABILIZE PRICES AND GUARANTEE
AGAINST HARDSHIP. ADDITIONALLY, WE AND SEVERAL OF OUR
ALLIES ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION TO EXTRACT OIL FROM OUR
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES, IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
AS I HAVE POINTED OUT BEFORE, CONSERVATION EFFORTS ARE
ESSENTIAL TO KEEP OUR ENERGY NEEDS AS LOW AS POSSIBLE.
energy sources
WE MUST THEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR PRODUCTION CAPACITY
ACROSS THE BOARD: COAL, NATURAL GAS, HYDRO AND NUCLEAR.
OUR FAILURE TO DO THESE THINGS HAS MADE US MORE
DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN OIL THAN EVER BEFORE. FINALLY,
LET NO ONE EVEN CONTEMPLATE PROFITEERING FROM THIS
CRISIS. III
stet
- 14 -
keep this
I CANNOT PREDICT JUST HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO
paragraph
CONVINCE SADDAM Iraq HUSSEIN TO WITHDRAW FROM full KUWAIT.
w/ changes
P/JHS
SANCTIONS WILL TAKE TIME TO HAVE THEIR INTENDED EFFECT.
NSC
WE WILL CONTINUE TO REVIEW ALL OPTIONS WITH OUR ALLIES,
But
SO LET IT BE CLEAR: WE WILL NOT LET THIS AGGRESSION BY
IRAQ STAND. III
OUR INTEREST, OUR INVOLVEMENT I IN THE GULF, IS NOT
TRANSITORY. IT PRE-DATED SADDAM HUSSEIN'S AGGRESSION,
AND WILL SURVIVE IT. LONG AFTER ALL OUR TROOPS COME
HOME, (AND WE ALL HOPE IT'S SOON), THERE WILL BE A
LASTING ROLE FOR THE UNITED STATES IN ASSISTING THE
with others,
is to
P
NATIONS OF THE PERSIAN GULF. OUR ROLE IS BE READY To]
DETER FUTURE AGGRESSION. OUR ROLE IS TO HELP OUR
FRIENDS IN THEIR OWN SELF-DEFENSE. AND SOMETHING ELSE:
TO CURB THE PROLIFERATION OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, Ballistic
NSC
MISSILE AND ABOVE ALL, NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES. III
LET ME ALSO MAKE CLEAR THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS
NO QUARREL WITH THE IRAQI PEOPLE. OUR QUARREL IS WITH
IRAQ'S DICTATOR, AND WITH HIS AGGRESSION. IRAQ WILL
NOT BE PERMITTED TO ANNEX KUWAIT. THAT'S NOT A THREAT,
OR A BOAST, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT'S GOING TO BE.\\\
- 15 -
OUR ABILITY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AS A GREAT
POWER ABROAD DEPENDS ON HOW WE CONDUCT OURSELVES HERE
AT HOME. OUR ECONOMY, OUR ARMED FORCES, OUR ENERGY
DEPENDENCE, AND OUR COHESION ALL DETERMINE WHETHER WE
CAN HELP OUR FRIENDS AND STAND UP TO OUR FOES.
FOR AMERICA TO LEAD, AMERICA MUST REMAIN STRONG
AND VITAL. OUR WORLD LEADERSHIP AND DOMESTIC STRENGTH
ARE MUTUAL AND REINFORCING; A WOVEN PIECE, AS STRONGLY
BOUND AS OLD GLORY.
TO REVITALIZE OUR LEADERSHIP CAPACITY, WE MUST
ADDRESS OUR BUDGET DEFICIT -- NOT AFTER ELECTION DAY,
OR NEXT YEAR, BUT NOW.\\
HIGHER OIL PRICES SLOW OUR GROWTH, AND HIGHER
DEFENSE COSTS WOULD ONLY MAKE OUR FISCAL DEFICIT
PROBLEM WORSE. THAT DEFICIT WAS ALREADY GREATER THAN
IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN -- A PROJECTED $232 BILLION FOR THE
COMING YEAR. IT MUST -- IT WILL -- BE REDUCED.
- 16 -
To my friends in
together we
[THE]
CONGRESS, MUST ACT THIS VERY MONTH -- BEFORE
THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR BEGINS OCTOBER FIRST -- TO GET
AMERICA'S ECONOMIC HOUSE IN ORDER. THE GULF SITUATION
HELPS US REALIZE WE ARE MORE ECONOMICALLY VULNERABLE
THAN WE EVER SHOULD BE. AMERICANS MUST NEVER AGAIN
ENTER ANY CRISIS -- ECONOMIC OR MILITARY -- WITH AN
EXCESSIVE DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL AND AN EXCESSIVE
BURDEN OF FEDERAL DEBT. IIII
MOST AMERICANS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF ENDLESS
BATTLES IN THE CONGRESS AND BETWEEN THE BRANCHES OVER
BUDGET MATTERS. IT IS HIGH TIME WE PULLED TOGETHER --
AND GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT. IT IS UP TO US TO
STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT.
THIS JOB HAS FOUR BASIC [STEPS] parts,
- 17 -
FIRST: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, WITHIN A
BUDGET AGREEMENT, ENACT GROWTH-ORIENTED TAX MEASURES
-- TO HELP AVOID RECESSION IN THE SHORT TERM; AND TO
INCREASE SAVINGS, INVESTMENT, PRODUCTIVITY AND
COMPETITIVENESS FOR THE LONGER TERM. THESE MEASURES
INCLUDE EXTENDING INCENTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND
EXPERIMENTATION; EXPANDING THE USE OF IRAs FOR NEW
HOMEOWNERS; ESTABLISHING TAX-DEFERRED FAMILY SAVINGS
ACCOUNTS; CREATING INCENTIVES FOR THE CREATION OF
ENTERPRISE ZONES AND INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE MORE
DOMESTIC DRILLING; AND, YES, REDUCING THE TAX RATE FOR
CAPITAL GAINS.
ONE SUCH MEASURE ALREADY HAS THE SUPPORT OF
BIPARTISAN MAJORITIES IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE:
THE CAPITAL-GAINS RATE CUT. III AND IT IS TIME WE PUT
ITS INVESTMENT AND JOB-CREATING POWER TO WORK.
- 18 -
SOME SAY A CAPITAL-GAINS RATE CUT IS UNFAIR. BUT
LET ME SAY WHAT'S UNFAIR FOR MOST AMERICANS: RECESSION
IS UNFAIR. 11 THE LOSS OF A JOB IS UNFAIR. 11 THE LOSS
OF AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS IS UNFAIR. 11 so, FOR THOSE
WHO CARE ABOUT FAIRNESS -- AND I AM ONE -- I SAY: DON'T
HOLD AMERICA BACK. III DON'T HOLD AMERICANS BACK.
SECOND: THE CONGRESS SHOULD THIS MONTH, AGAIN
WITHIN A BUDGET AGREEMENT ENACT A PRUDENT MULTI-YEAR
DEFENSE PROGRAM -- ONE THAT REFLECTS NOT ONLY THE
IMPROVEMENT IN EAST-WEST RELATIONS, BUT OUR BROADER
RESPONSIBILITIES TO DEAL WITH THE CONTINUING RISKS OF
OUTLAW ACTION AND REGIONAL CONFLICT. EVEN WITH OUR
OBLIGATIONS IN THE GULF, A SOUND DEFENSE BUDGET CAN
HAVE SOME REDUCTION IN REAL TERMS, AND WE ARE PREPARED
TO ACCEPT THAT. BUT TO GO BEYOND SUCH LEVELS, WHERE
CUTTING DEFENSE WOULD THREATEN OUR VITAL MARGIN OF
SAFETY, IS SOMETHING I WILL NEVER ACCEPT. III
- 19 -
THE WORLD IS STILL DANGEROUS. SURELY THAT IS NOW
CLEAR. STABILITY IS NOT SECURE. AMERICAN INTERESTS
ARE FAR-REACHING. INTER-DEPENDENCE HAS INCREASED. THE
CONSEQUENCES OF REGIONAL INSTABILITY CAN BE GLOBAL.
THIS IS NO TIME TO TRIFLE WITH AMERICA'S CAPACITY TO
PROTECT HER VITAL INTERESTS. III
THIRD: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, ENACT
MEASURES TO INCREASE DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION AND
ENERGY CONSERVATION -- IN ORDER TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON
FOREIGN OIL. THESE MEASURES SHOULD INCLUDE MY
PROPOSALS TO INCREASE INCENTIVES FOR DOMESTIC OIL AND
GAS EXPLORATION, FUEL-SWITCHING, AND TO ACCELERATE THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ALASKAN ENERGY RESOURCES, WITHOUT DAMAGE
TO WILDLIFE.
as you know,
WHEN THE OIL EMBARGO WAS IMPOSED IN THE EARLY
1970'S, THE UNITED STATES IMPORTED ALMOST SIX MILLION
BARRELS OF OIL PER DAY. THIS YEAR, BEFORE THE IRAQI
INVASION, U.S. IMPORTS HAD RISEN TO NEARLY EIGHT
MILLION BARRELS PER DAY. WE HAD MOVED IN THE WRONG
DIRECTION. NOW WE MUST ACT TO CORRECT THAT TREND
so
THAT OUR VULNERABILITY DOES NOT INCREASE AGAIN.
- 20 - -
FOURTH: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, ENACT A
FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE PROJECTED DEFICITS AND
DEBT BY $500 BILLION THAT IS, BY HALF A TRILLION
If, with the Congress, we can develop
DOLLARS. III C IF CONGRESS PRESENTS ME WITH A
SATISFACTORY PROGRAM BY THE END OF THE MONTH, WE CAN
AVOID THE AXE OF "SEQUESTER" -- DEEP ACROSS-THE-BOARD
CUTS THAT WOULD THREATEN OUR MILITARY CAPACITY AND RISK
SUBSTANTIAL DOMESTIC DISRUPTION.
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, WE
HAVE TRULY SOLVED THE DEFICIT PROBLEM. FOR ME TO DO
THAT, A BUDGET AGREEMENT MUST MEET THESE TESTS:
*** IT MUST INCLUDE THE MEASURES I'VE RECOMMENDED
TO INCREASE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON
FOREIGN OIL.
** IT MUST BE FAIR. ALL SHOULD CONTRIBUTE, BUT
THE BURDEN SHOULD NOT BE EXCESSIVE FOR ANY ONE GROUP OF
PROGRAMS OR PEOPLE.
*** IT MUST ADDRESS THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT'S
HIDDEN LIABILITIES.
- 21 -
*** IT MUST REFORM THE BUDGET PROCESS, AND
FURTHER: IT MUST BE REAL. III
d wrge
to provide me a
[THE] THE CONGRESS SHOULD PRESENT THE COMPREHENSIVE
FIVE-YEAR DEFICIT REDUCTION PROGRAM AS A [SINGLE] SINGLE complete
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE -- WITH MEASURES TO ASSURE THAT IT
CAN BE FULLY ENFORCED. AMERICA IS TIRED OF PHONEY
stet
DEFICIT REDUCTION, OR PROMISE-NOW, SAVE-LATER-PLANS®
WHETHER THEY COME FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH OR THE
for evcept parts
LEGISLATIVE ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. IT IS TIME FOR A
crossed
out in
PROGRAM THAT IS CREDIBLE
ENFORCEABLE WITHOUT
LOOPHOLES
and real,
black.
*** FINALLY, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE DEFICIT
REDUCTION PROGRAM INCLUDES NEW REVENUE MEASURES, IT
MUST AVOID ANY MEASURE THAT WOULD THREATEN ECONOMIC
GROWTH OR TURN US BACK TOWARD HIGHER INCOME TAX RATES.
THAT IS ONE PATH WE SHOULD NOT HEAD DOWN AGAIN. III
- 22 -
I HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH RECENT PROGRESS, ALTHOUGH
IT HAS NOT ALWAYS SEEMED so SMOOTH.
LET ME REMIND YOU,
I FIRST CALLED FOR NEGOTIATIONS MANY MONTHS AGO. THESE
TALKS HAVE ALREADY DRAGGED ON TOO LONG. I HAVE PUT
SEVERAL SPECIFIC BUDGET PLANS ON THE TABLE. I HAVE
GONE THE EXTRA MILE, AND THEN SOME. OTHERS HAVE, AS
WELL, ON BOTH SIDES -- AND I APPRECIATE THAT.
BUT NOW IT IS TIME TO PRODUCE. III
we can work out a
I HOPE
[THE CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS WILL AGREE ON A A7
from the budget summit,
RESPONSIBLE PLAN. BUT WITH OR WITHOUT AGREEMENT A I ASK
BOTH HOUSES OF THE CONGRESS TO ALLOW A STRAIGHT
UP-OR-DOWN VOTE ON A COMPLETE $500 BILLION DEFICIT
REDUCTION PACKAGE -- NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 28.
cannot get me a budget, then
IF THE CONGRESS
FAILS TO FULFILL ITS
RESPONSIBILI ITY AMERICANS WILL [THEN] HAVE TO FACE A tough, mandated
SELF IMPOSED SEQUESTER, INCREASED RISK OF RECESSION,
AND PERHAPS INCREASED INTERNATIONAL TENSION. IF, ON
THE OTHER HAND, THE CONGRESS RESPONDS FAVORABLY, WE
WILL AT LAST, HAVE PUT OURSELVES ON THE RIGHT COURSE
HERE AT HOME.
- 23 -
I AM HOPEFUL, IN FACT I AM CONFIDENT, THE CONGRESS
WILL DO WHAT IT SHOULD.
IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, OUR ABILITY TO MEET OUR
RESPONSIBILITIES ABROAD DEPENDS UPON POLITICAL WILL AND
CONSENSUS AT HOME. THIS IS NEVER EASY IN DEMOCRACIES
-- WHERE WE GOVERN ONLY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
GOVERNED. AND ALTHOUGH FREE PEOPLE IN A FREE SOCIETY
ARE BOUND TO HAVE THEIR DIFFERENCES, AMERICANS
TRADITIONALLY COME TOGETHER IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY AND
CHALLENGE.
ONCE AGAIN, AMERICANS HAVE STEPPED FORWARD TO
SHARE A TEARFUL GOODBYE WITH THEIR FAMILIES BEFORE
LEAVING FOR A STRANGE AND DISTANT SHORE. AT THIS VERY
MOMENT, THEY SERVE TOGETHER WITH ARABS, EUROPEANS,
ASIANS AND AFRICANS IN DEFENSE OF PRINCIPLE AND THE
DREAM OF A NEW WORLD ORDER. THAT IS WHY THEY SWEAT AND
TOIL IN THE SAND AND THE HEAT AND THE SUN.
- 24 -
IF THEY CAN COME TOGETHER UNDER SUCH ADVERSITY; IF.
OLD ADVERSARIES LIKE THE SOVIET UNION AND THE UNITED
STATES CAN WORK IN COMMON CAUSE; THEN SURELY WE WHO ARE
so FORTUNATE TO BE IN THIS GREAT CHAMBER -- DEMOCRATS,
REPUBLICANS, LIBERALS, CONSERVATIVES -- CAN COME
TOGETHER TO FULFILL OUR RESPONSIBILITIES HERE.
THANK YOU, GOOD NIGHT, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
#
#
#
1) coupy back upt
Disk to PRUS
2) copy Disct bAckup
to Clerk
Ron Geisler
SANDY NSC CHARLES
CLEAN
ADDRESS TO THE JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS U.S. CAPITOL
SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
9:00 P. M.
DRAFT: FOUR
MR. PRESIDENT, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE
CONGRESS, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, FELLOW AMERICANS, THANK
YOU.
WE GATHER TONIGHT, WITNESS TO EVENTS IN THE
PERSIAN GULF AS SIGNIFICANT AS THEY ARE TRAGIC. IN THE
EARLY MORNING HOURS OF AUGUST 2ND, FOLLOWING
NEGOTIATIONS AND PROMISES BY IRAQ'S DICTATOR SADDAM
HUSSEIN NOT TO USE FORCE, A POWERFUL IRAQI ARMY INVADED
ITS TRUSTING AND MUCH WEAKER NEIGHBOR, KUWAIT. WITHIN
THREE DAYS, 120,000 IRAQI TROOPS WITH 850 TANKS HAD
POURED INTO KUWAIT, AND MOVED SOUTH TO THREATEN SAUDI
ARABIA. IT WAS THEN I DECIDED TO CHECK THAT
AGGRESSION.
AT THIS MOMENT, OUR BRAVE SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN
STAND WATCH IN THAT DISTANT DESERT AND ON DISTANT SEAS,
SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE FORCES OF MORE THAN TWENTY OTHER
NATIONS.
- 2 -
THEY ARE SOME OF THE FINEST MEN AND WOMEN OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AND THEY'RE DOING ONE
TERRIFIC JOB.\\\
THESE VALIANT AMERICANS WERE READY AT A MOMENT'S
NOTICE TO LEAVE THEIR SPOUSES, THEIR CHILDREN, TO SERVE
ON THE FRONT-LINE HALF-WAY AROUND THE WORLD. THEY
REMIND US WHO KEEPS AMERICA STRONG.\\ THEY DO.\\\\
IN THE TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE GULF, THE
MORALE OF OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN IS EXCELLENT. IN
THE FACE OF DANGER, THEY ARE BRAVE, WELL-TRAINED AND
DEDICATED.
A SOLDIER, P.F.C. WADE MERRITT OF KNOXVILLE,
TENNESSEE, NOW STATIONED IN SAUDI ARABIA, WROTE HIS
PARENTS OF HIS WORRIES, HIS LOVE OF FAMILY, AND HIS
HOPES FOR PEACE. ((PULL OUT LETTER)) BUT WADE ALSO
WROTE: "I AM PROUD OF MY COUNTRY AND ITS FIRM STAND
AGAINST INHUMANE AGGRESSION. I AM PROUD OF MY ARMY AND
ITS MEN
I AM PROUD TO SERVE MY COUNTRY."
- 3 -
LET ME JUST SAY, WADE, AMERICA IS PROUD OF YOU.\\
AND GRATEFUL TO EVERY SOLDIER, SAILOR, MARINE AND
AIRMAN SERVING THE CAUSE OF PEACE IN THE PERSIAN
GULF.
I ALSO WANT TO THANK THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT
CHIEFS OF STAFF, GENERAL POWELL, THE CHIEFS, OUR
COMMANDER IN THE PERSIAN GULF, GENERAL SCHWARTZKOPF,
AND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE --
WHAT A MAGNIFICENT JOB YOU ARE DOING. III
I WISH I COULD SAY THEIR WORK IS DONE. BUT WE ALL
KNOW IT IS NOT.
so IF EVER THERE WAS A TIME TO PUT COUNTRY BEFORE
SELF AND PATRIOTISM BEFORE PARTY, THAT TIME IS NOW.\\\
LET ME THANK ALL AMERICANS, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THIS
CHAMBER, FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR FORCES AND THEIR
MISSION.
THAT SUPPORT WILL BE EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN THE
DAYS TO COME.
- 4 -
so TONIGHT, I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT WHAT IS AT
STAKE -- WHAT WE MUST DO TOGETHER TO DEFEND CIVILIZED
VALUES AROUND THE WORLD, AND MAINTAIN OUR ECONOMIC
STRENGTH AT HOME.
OUR OBJECTIVES IN THE PERSIAN GULF ARE CLEAR, OUR
GOALS DEFINED AND FAMILIAR:
*** IRAQ MUST WITHDRAW FROM KUWAIT COMPLETELY,
IMMEDIATELY -- AND WITHOUT CONDITION. III
*** KUWAIT'S LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT MUST-BE-
RESTORED.\
*** THE SECURITY AND STABILITY OF THE PERSIAN
GULF MUST-BE-ASSURED.\\\
*** AMERICAN CITIZENS ABROAD MUST-BE-
PROTECTED.
- 5 -
THESE GOALS ARE NOT OURS ALONE. THEY HAVE BEEN
ENDORSED BY THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL FIVE TIMES IN AS
MANY WEEKS. MOST COUNTRIES SHARE OUR CONCERN FOR
PRINCIPLE. AND MANY HAVE A STAKE IN THE STABILITY OF
THE PERSIAN GULF. THIS IS NOT, AS SADDAM HUSSEIN WOULD
HAVE IT, THE UNITED STATES AGAINST IRAQ. IT IS IRAQ
AGAINST THE WORLD.
AS YOU KNOW, I'VE JUST RETURNED FROM A VERY
PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH SOVIET PRESIDENT GORBACHEV. I
AM PLEASED THAT WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A NEW
RELATIONSHIP. IN HELSINKI, OUR JOINT STATEMENT
AFFIRMED TO THE WORLD OUR SHARED RESOLVE TO COUNTER
IRAQ'S THREAT TO PEACE. LET ME QUOTE: "WE ARE UNITED
IN THE BELIEF THAT IRAQ'S AGGRESSION MUST-NOT-BE-
TOLERATED. NO PEACEFUL INTERNATIONAL ORDER IS POSSIBLE
IF LARGER STATES CAN DEVOUR THEIR SMALLER NEIGHBORS."
CLEARLY, NO LONGER CAN A DICTATOR COUNT ON EAST-
WEST CONFRONTATION TO STYMIE CONCERTED U.N. ACTION
AGAINST AGGRESSION.
A NEW PARTNERSHIP OF NATIONS HAS BEGUN.
- 6 -
WE STAND TODAY AT A UNIQUE AND EXTRAORDINARY
MOMENT. THE CRISIS IN THE PERSIAN GULF, AS GRAVE AS IT
IS, ALSO OFFERS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TOWARD AN
HISTORIC PERIOD OF COOPERATION. OUT OF THESE TROUBLED
TIMES, OUR FIFTH OBJECTIVE -- A NEW WORLD ORDER -- CAN
EMERGE: A NEW ERA -- FREER FROM THE THREAT OF TERROR,
STRONGER IN THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE, AND MORE SECURE IN
THE QUEST FOR PEACE. AN ERA IN WHICH THE NATIONS OF
THE WORLD, EAST AND WEST, NORTH AND SOUTH, CAN PROSPER
AND LIVE IN HARMONY. //
A HUNDRED GENERATIONS HAVE SEARCHED FOR THIS
ELUSIVE PATH TO PEACE, WHILE A THOUSAND WARS RAGED
ACROSS THE SPAN OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR. TODAY THAT NEW
WORLD IS STRUGGLING TO BE BORN. A WORLD QUITE
DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE WE'VE KNOWN. A WORLD WHERE THE
RULE OF LAW SUPPLANTS THE RULE OF THE JUNGLE. A WORLD
IN WHICH NATIONS RECOGNIZE THE SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
FOR FREEDOM AND JUSTICE. A WORLD WHERE THE STRONG
RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THE WEAK.
- 7 -
THIS IS THE VISION I SHARED WITH PRESIDENT
GORBACHEV IN HELSINKI. HE, AND OTHER LEADERS FROM
EUROPE, THE GULF AND AROUND THE WORLD, UNDERSTAND THAT
HOW WE MANAGE THIS CRISIS TODAY, COULD SHAPE THE FUTURE
FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
THE TEST WE FACE IS GREAT -- AND so ARE THE
STAKES. THIS IS THE FIRST ASSAULT ON THE NEW WORLD WE
SEEK, THE FIRST TEST OF OUR METTLE. HAD WE NOT
RESPONDED TO THIS FIRST PROVOCATION WITH CLARITY OF
PURPOSE; IF WE DO NOT CONTINUE TO DEMONSTRATE OUR
DETERMINATION; IT WOULD BE A SIGNAL TO ACTUAL AND
POTENTIAL DESPOTS AROUND THE WORLD.
AMERICA AND THE WORLD MUST DEFEND COMMON VITAL
INTERESTS. AND-WE-WILL.\\\
AMERICA AND THE WORLD MUST SUPPORT THE RULE OF
LAW. AND-WE-WILL.\\\
AMERICA AND THE WORLD MUST STAND UP TO AGGRESSION.
AND-WE-WILL.
- 8 -
AND ONE THING MORE -- IN PURSUIT OF THESE GOALS
AMERICA WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED.\ III
VITAL ISSUES OF PRINCIPLE ARE AT STAKE. SADDAM
HUSSEIN IS LITERALLY TRYING TO WIPE A COUNTRY OFF THE
FACE OF THE EARTH.
WE DO NOT EXAGGERATE.
NOR DO WE EXAGGERATE WHEN WE SAY: SADDAM HUSSEIN
WILL FAIL.
VITAL ECONOMIC INTERESTS ARE AT RISK AS WELL.
IRAQ ITSELF CONTROLS SOME TEN PERCENT OF THE WORLD'S
PROVEN OIL RESERVES. IRAQ PLUS KUWAIT CONTROLS TWICE
THAT. AN IRAQ PERMITTED TO SWALLOW KUWAIT WOULD HAVE
THE ECONOMIC AND MILITARY POWER, AS WELL AS THE
ARROGANCE, TO INTIMIDATE AND COERCE ITS NEIGHBORS --
NEIGHBORS WHO CONTROL THE LION'S SHARE OF THE WORLD'S
REMAINING OIL RESERVES. WE CANNOT PERMIT A RESOURCE so
VITAL TO BE DOMINATED BY ONE SO RUTHLESS. AND-WE-
WON'T.\\\
- 9 -
RECENT EVENTS HAVE SURELY PROVEN THAT THERE IS NO
SUBSTITUTE FOR AMERICAN LEADERSHIP. IN THE FACE OF
TYRANNY, LET NO ONE DOUBT AMERICAN CREDIBILITY AND
RELIABILITY.
LET NO ONE DOUBT OUR STAYING POWER. WE WILL
STAND BY OUR FRIENDS. III
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, THE LEADER OF IRAQ MUST LEARN
THIS FUNDAMENTAL TRUTH. III
FROM THE OUTSET, ACTING HAND-IN-HAND WITH OTHERS,
WE'VE SOUGHT TO FASHION THE BROADEST POSSIBLE
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE TO IRAQ'S AGGRESSION. THE LEVEL
OF WORLD COOPERATION AND CONDEMNATION OF IRAQ IS
UNPRECEDENTED.
ARMED FORCES FROM COUNTRIES SPANNING FOUR
CONTINENTS, ARE THERE AT THE REQUEST OF KING FAHD OF
SAUDI ARABIA TO DETER AND IF NEED BE, TO DEFEND AGAINST
ATTACK. MUSLIMS AND NON-MUSLIMS, ARABS AND NON-ARABS,
SOLDIERS FROM MANY NATIONS, STAND SHOULDER-TO-SHOULDER,
RESOLUTE AGAINST SADDAM HUSSEIN'S AMBITIONS.
- 10 -
WE CAN NOW POINT TO FIVE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY
COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS THAT CONDEMN IRAQ'S AGGRESSION.
THEY CALL FOR IRAQ'S IMMEDIATE AND UNCONDITIONAL
WITHDRAWAL, THE RESTORATION OF KUWAIT'S LEGITIMATE
GOVERNMENT, AND CATEGORICALLY REJECT IRAQ'S CYNICAL AND
SELF-SERVING ATTEMPT TO ANNEX KUWAIT.
FINALLY, THE U.N. HAS DEMANDED THE RELEASE OF ALL
FOREIGN NATIONALS HELD HOSTAGE AGAINST THEIR WILL, AND
IN CONTRAVENTION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW. IT IS A MOCKERY
OF HUMAN DECENCY TO CALL THESE PEOPLE "GUESTS." THEY
ARE HOSTAGES, AND THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS IT.\\\
PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER SAID IT ALL: "WE
DO NOT BARGAIN OVER HOSTAGES. WE WILL NOT STOOP TO THE
LEVEL OF USING HUMAN BEINGS AS BARGAINING (CHIPS).
EVER. "\\\
OF COURSE, OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO THE HOSTAGES AND
THEIR FAMILIES. BUT OUR POLICY CANNOT CHANGE. AND IT
WILL NOT CHANGE. AMERICA AND THE WORLD WILL NOT BE
BLACKMAILED. III
- 11 -
WE ARE NOW IN SIGHT OF A UNITED NATIONS THAT
PERFORMS AS ENVISIONED BY ITS FOUNDERS. WE OWE MUCH TO
THE OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OF SECRETARY-GENERAL PEREZ
DE CUELLAR. THE U.N. IS BACKING UP ITS WORDS WITH
ACTION. THE SECURITY COUNCIL HAS IMPOSED MANDATORY
ECONOMIC SANCTIONS ON IRAQ, DESIGNED TO FORCE IRAQ TO
RELINQUISH THE SPOILS OF ITS ILLEGAL CONQUEST. THE
SECURITY COUNCIL HAS ALSO TAKEN THE DECISIVE STEP OF
AUTHORIZING THE USE OF ALL MEANS NECESSARY TO ENSURE
COMPLIANCE WITH THESE SANCTIONS.
TOGETHER WITH OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES, SHIPS OF THE
UNITED STATES NAVY ARE TODAY PATROLLING MIDEAST WATERS.
THEY HAVE ALREADY INTERCEPTED MORE THAN SEVEN HUNDRED
SHIPS TO ENFORCE THE SANCTIONS. THREE REGIONAL LEADERS
I SPOKE WITH JUST YESTERDAY TOLD ME THAT THESE
SANCTIONS ARE WORKING. IRAQ IS FEELING THE HEAT.
WE CONTINUE TO HOPE THAT IRAQ'S LEADERS WILL
RECALCULATE JUST WHAT THEIR AGGRESSION HAS COST THEM.
THEY ARE CUT OFF FROM WORLD TRADE. UNABLE TO SELL
THEIR OIL. AND ONLY A TINY FRACTION OF GOODS GETS
THROUGH.
- 12 -
AT HOME, THE MATERIAL COST OF OUR LEADERSHIP CAN
BE STEEP. THAT'S WHY SECRETARY OF STATE BAKER AND
TREASURY SECRETARY BRADY HAVE MET WITH MANY WORLD
LEADERS TO UNDERSCORE THAT THE BURDEN OF THIS
COLLECTIVE EFFORT MUST BE SHARED. WE ARE PREPARED TO
DO OUR SHARE AND MORE TO HELP CARRY THAT LOAD; WE
INSIST OTHERS DO THEIR SHARE AS WELL.\\
THE RESPONSE OF MOST OF OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES HAS
BEEN GOOD. TO HELP DEFRAY COSTS, THE LEADERS OF SAUDI
ARABIA, KUWAIT AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES HAVE
PLEDGED TO PROVIDE OUR DEPLOYED TROOPS WITH ALL THE
FOOD AND FUEL THEY NEED. GENEROUS ASSISTANCE WILL ALSO
BE PROVIDED TO STALWART FRONT-LINE NATIONS, SUCH AS
TURKEY AND EGYPT.
I AM ALSO HEARTENED TO REPORT THAT THIS
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE EXTENDS TO THE NEEDIEST VICTIMS
OF THIS CONFLICT -- THE REFUGEES. FOR OUR PART, WE
HAVE CONTRIBUTED $28 MILLION FOR RELIEF EFFORTS. THIS
IS BUT A PORTION OF WHAT IS NEEDED. I COMMEND, IN
PARTICULAR, SAUDI ARABIA, JAPAN, AND SEVERAL EUROPEAN
NATIONS WHO HAVE JOINED US IN THIS HUMANITARIAN EFFORT.
- 13 -
THERE IS AN ENERGY-RELATED COST TO BE BORNE AS
WELL. OIL-PRODUCING NATIONS ARE ALREADY REPLACING LOST
IRAQI AND KUWAITI OUTPUT. MORE THAN HALF OF WHAT WAS
LOST HAS BEEN MADE UP. WE ARE GETTING SUPERB
COOPERATION. IF PRODUCERS, INCLUDING THE UNITED
STATES, CONTINUE STEPS TO EXPAND OIL AND GAS
PRODUCTION, WE CAN STABILIZE PRICES AND GUARANTEE
AGAINST HARDSHIP. ADDITIONALLY, WE AND SEVERAL OF OUR
ALLIES ALWAYS HAVE THE OPTION TO EXTRACT OIL FROM OUR
STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVES, IF CONDITIONS WARRANT.
AS I HAVE POINTED OUT BEFORE, CONSERVATION EFFORTS ARE
ESSENTIAL TO KEEP OUR ENERGY NEEDS AS LOW AS POSSIBLE.
WE MUST THEN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR ENERGY SOURCES
ACROSS THE BOARD: COAL, NATURAL GAS, HYDRO AND NUCLEAR.
OUR FAILURE TO DO THESE THINGS HAS MADE US MORE
DEPENDENT ON FOREIGN OIL THAN EVER BEFORE. FINALLY,
LET NO ONE EVEN CONTEMPLATE PROFITEERING FROM THIS
CRISIS. III
- 14 -
I CANNOT PREDICT JUST HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO
CONVINCE IRAQ TO WITHDRAW FROM KUWAIT. SANCTIONS WILL
TAKE TIME TO HAVE THEIR FULL INTENDED EFFECT. WE WILL
CONTINUE TO REVIEW ALL OPTIONS WITH OUR ALLIES, BUT LET
IT BE CLEAR: WE WILL NOT LET THIS AGGRESSION STAND.\\\
OUR INTEREST, OUR INVOLVEMENT IN THE GULF, IS NOT
TRANSITORY. IT PRE-DATED SADDAM HUSSEIN'S AGGRESSION,
AND WILL SURVIVE IT. LONG AFTER ALL OUR TROOPS COME
HOME, (AND WE ALL HOPE IT'S SOON), THERE WILL BE A
LASTING ROLE FOR THE UNITED STATES IN ASSISTING THE
NATIONS OF THE PERSIAN GULF. OUR ROLE, WITH OTHERS, IS
TO DETER FUTURE AGGRESSION. OUR ROLE IS TO HELP OUR
FRIENDS IN THEIR OWN SELF-DEFENSE. AND SOMETHING ELSE:
TO CURB THE PROLIFERATION OF CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL,
BALLISTIC MISSILE AND ABOVE ALL, NUCLEAR
TECHNOLOGIES.\\
LET ME ALSO MAKE CLEAR THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS
NO QUARREL WITH THE IRAQI PEOPLE. OUR QUARREL IS WITH
IRAQ'S DICTATOR, AND WITH HIS AGGRESSION. IRAQ WILL
NOT BE PERMITTED TO ANNEX KUWAIT. THAT'S NOT A THREAT,
OR A BOAST, THAT'S JUST THE WAY IT'S GOING TO BE.\\\
- 15 -
OUR ABILITY TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY AS A GREAT
POWER ABROAD DEPENDS ON HOW WE CONDUCT OURSELVES HERE
AT HOME. OUR ECONOMY, OUR ARMED FORCES, OUR ENERGY
DEPENDENCE, AND OUR COHESION ALL DETERMINE WHETHER WE
CAN HELP OUR FRIENDS AND STAND UP TO OUR FOES.
FOR AMERICA TO LEAD, AMERICA MUST REMAIN STRONG
AND VITAL. OUR WORLD LEADERSHIP AND DOMESTIC STRENGTH
ARE MUTUAL AND REINFORCING; A WOVEN PIECE, AS STRONGLY
BOUND AS OLD GLORY.
TO REVITALIZE OUR LEADERSHIP CAPACITY, WE MUST
ADDRESS OUR BUDGET DEFICIT -- NOT AFTER ELECTION DAY,
OR NEXT YEAR, BUT NOW.
HIGHER OIL PRICES SLOW OUR GROWTH, AND HIGHER
DEFENSE COSTS WOULD ONLY MAKE OUR FISCAL DEFICIT
PROBLEM WORSE. THAT DEFICIT WAS ALREADY GREATER THAN
IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN -- A PROJECTED $232 BILLION FOR THE
COMING YEAR. IT MUST -- IT WILL -- BE REDUCED.
- 16 -
TO MY FRIENDS IN CONGRESS, TOGETHER WE MUST ACT
THIS VERY MONTH -- BEFORE THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR BEGINS
OCTOBER FIRST -- TO GET AMERICA'S ECONOMIC HOUSE IN
ORDER. THE GULF SITUATION HELPS US REALIZE WE ARE MORE
ECONOMICALLY VULNERABLE THAN WE EVER SHOULD BE.
AMERICANS MUST NEVER AGAIN ENTER ANY CRISIS -- ECONOMIC
OR MILITARY -- WITH AN EXCESSIVE DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN
OIL AND AN EXCESSIVE BURDEN OF FEDERAL DEBT.
MOST AMERICANS ARE SICK AND TIRED OF ENDLESS
BATTLES IN THE CONGRESS AND BETWEEN THE BRANCHES OVER
BUDGET MATTERS. IT IS HIGH TIME WE PULLED TOGETHER --
AND GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT. IT IS UP TO US TO
STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT.
THIS JOB HAS FOUR BASIC PARTS.
- 17 -
FIRST: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, WITHIN A
BUDGET AGREEMENT, ENACT GROWTH-ORIENTED TAX MEASURES
-- TO HELP AVOID RECESSION IN THE SHORT TERM; AND TO
INCREASE SAVINGS, INVESTMENT, PRODUCTIVITY AND
COMPETITIVENESS FOR THE LONGER TERM. THESE MEASURES
INCLUDE EXTENDING INCENTIVES FOR RESEARCH AND
EXPERIMENTATION; EXPANDING THE USE OF IRAs FOR NEW
HOMEOWNERS; ESTABLISHING TAX-DEFERRED FAMILY SAVINGS
ACCOUNTS; CREATING INCENTIVES FOR THE CREATION OF
ENTERPRISE ZONES AND INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE MORE
DOMESTIC DRILLING; AND, YES, REDUCING THE TAX RATE FOR
CAPITAL GAINS.
- 18 -
SECOND: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, ENACT A
PRUDENT MULTI-YEAR DEFENSE PROGRAM -- ONE THAT REFLECTS
NOT ONLY THE IMPROVEMENT IN EAST-WEST RELATIONS, BUT
OUR BROADER RESPONSIBILITIES TO DEAL WITH THE
CONTINUING RISKS OF OUTLAW ACTION AND REGIONAL
CONFLICT. EVEN WITH OUR OBLIGATIONS IN THE GULF, A
SOUND DEFENSE BUDGET CAN HAVE SOME REDUCTION IN REAL
TERMS, AND WE ARE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THAT. BUT TO GO
BEYOND SUCH LEVELS, WHERE CUTTING DEFENSE WOULD
THREATEN OUR VITAL MARGIN OF SAFETY, IS SOMETHING I
WILL NEVER ACCEPT. III
- 19 -
THE WORLD IS STILL DANGEROUS. SURELY THAT IS NOW
CLEAR. STABILITY IS NOT SECURE. AMERICAN INTERESTS
ARE FAR-REACHING. INTER-DEPENDENCE HAS INCREASED. THE
CONSEQUENCES OF REGIONAL INSTABILITY CAN BE GLOBAL.
THIS IS NO TIME TO RISK AMERICA'S CAPACITY TO PROTECT
HER VITAL INTERESTS.
THIRD: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, ENACT
MEASURES TO INCREASE DOMESTIC ENERGY PRODUCTION AND
ENERGY CONSERVATION -- IN ORDER TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON
FOREIGN OIL. THESE MEASURES SHOULD INCLUDE MY
PROPOSALS TO INCREASE INCENTIVES FOR DOMESTIC OIL AND
GAS EXPLORATION, FUEL-SWITCHING, AND TO ACCELERATE THE
DEVELOPMENT OF ALASKAN ENERGY RESOURCES, WITHOUT DAMAGE
TO WILDLIFE.
AS YOU KNOW, WHEN THE OIL EMBARGO WAS IMPOSED IN
THE EARLY 1970'S, THE UNITED STATES IMPORTED ALMOST SIX
MILLION BARRELS OF OIL PER DAY. THIS YEAR, BEFORE THE
IRAQI INVASION, U.S. IMPORTS HAD RISEN TO NEARLY EIGHT
MILLION BARRELS PER DAY. WE HAD MOVED IN THE WRONG
DIRECTION. NOW WE MUST ACT TO CORRECT THAT TREND.
- 20 -
FOURTH: THE CONGRESS SHOULD, THIS MONTH, ENACT A
FIVE-YEAR PROGRAM TO REDUCE THE PROJECTED DEBT AND
DEFICITS BY $500 BILLION -- THAT IS, BY HALF A TRILLION
DOLLARS. III IF, WITH THE CONGRESS, WE CAN DEVELOP A
SATISFACTORY PROGRAM BY THE END OF THE MONTH, WE CAN
AVOID THE AXE OF "SEQUESTER" -- DEEP ACROSS-THE-BOARD
CUTS THAT WOULD THREATEN OUR MILITARY CAPACITY AND RISK
SUBSTANTIAL DOMESTIC DISRUPTION.
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO TELL THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, WE
HAVE TRULY SOLVED THE DEFICIT PROBLEM. FOR ME TO DO
THAT, A BUDGET AGREEMENT MUST MEET THESE TESTS:
*** IT MUST INCLUDE THE MEASURES I'VE RECOMMENDED
TO INCREASE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON
FOREIGN OIL.
** IT MUST BE FAIR. ALL SHOULD CONTRIBUTE, BUT
THE BURDEN SHOULD NOT BE EXCESSIVE FOR ANY ONE GROUP OF
PROGRAMS OR PEOPLE.
*** IT MUST ADDRESS THE GROWTH OF GOVERNMENT'S
HIDDEN LIABILITIES.
- 21 -
*** IT MUST REFORM THE BUDGET PROCESS, AND
FURTHER: IT MUST BE REAL.
I URGE CONGRESS TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE
FIVE-YEAR DEFICIT REDUCTION PROGRAM TO ME AS A COMPLETE
LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE -- WITH MEASURES TO ASSURE THAT IT
CAN BE FULLY ENFORCED. AMERICA IS TIRED OF PHONEY
DEFICIT REDUCTION, OR PROMISE-NOW, SAVE-LATER-PLANS.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. IT IS TIME FOR A PROGRAM THAT IS
CREDIBLE AND REAL. III
*** FINALLY, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE DEFICIT
REDUCTION PROGRAM INCLUDES NEW REVENUE MEASURES, IT
MUST AVOID ANY MEASURE THAT WOULD THREATEN ECONOMIC
GROWTH OR TURN US BACK TOWARD THE DAYS OF PUNISHING
INCOME TAX RATES. THAT IS ONE PATH WE SHOULD NOT HEAD
DOWN AGAIN. III
- 22 -
I HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH RECENT PROGRESS, ALTHOUGH
IT HAS NOT ALWAYS SEEMED so SMOOTH.
BUT NOW IT IS TIME TO PRODUCE. 111
I HOPE WE CAN WORK OUT A RESPONSIBLE PLAN. BUT
WITH OR WITHOUT AGREEMENT FROM THE BUDGET SUMMIT, I ASK
BOTH HOUSES OF THE CONGRESS TO ALLOW A STRAIGHT
UP-OR-DOWN VOTE ON A COMPLETE $500 BILLION DEFICIT
REDUCTION PACKAGE -- NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 28.
IF THE CONGRESS CANNOT GET ME A BUDGET , THEN
AMERICANS WILL HAVE TO FACE A TOUGH, MANDATED
SEQUESTER.
- 23 -
I AM HOPEFUL, IN FACT I AM CONFIDENT, THE CONGRESS
WILL DO WHAT IT SHOULD. I CAN ASSURE THAT WE IN THE
EXECUTIVE BRANCH WILL DO OUR PART.
IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, OUR ABILITY TO MEET OUR
RESPONSIBILITIES ABROAD DEPENDS UPON POLITICAL WILL AND
CONSENSUS AT HOME. THIS IS NEVER EASY IN DEMOCRACIES
-- WHERE WE GOVERN ONLY WITH THE CONSENT OF THE
GOVERNED. AND ALTHOUGH FREE PEOPLE IN A FREE SOCIETY
ARE BOUND TO HAVE THEIR DIFFERENCES, AMERICANS
TRADITIONALLY COME TOGETHER IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY AND
CHALLENGE.
ONCE AGAIN, AMERICANS HAVE STEPPED FORWARD TO
SHARE A TEARFUL GOODBYE WITH THEIR FAMILIES BEFORE
LEAVING FOR A STRANGE AND DISTANT SHORE. AT THIS VERY
MOMENT, THEY SERVE TOGETHER WITH ARABS, EUROPEANS,
ASIANS AND AFRICANS IN DEFENSE OF PRINCIPLE AND THE
DREAM OF A NEW WORLD ORDER. THAT IS WHY THEY SWEAT AND
TOIL IN THE SAND AND THE HEAT AND THE SUN.
- 24 -
IF THEY CAN COME TOGETHER UNDER SUCH ADVERSITY; IF
OLD ADVERSARIES LIKE THE SOVIET UNION AND THE UNITED
STATES CAN WORK IN COMMON CAUSE; THEN SURELY WE WHO ARE
so FORTUNATE TO BE IN THIS GREAT CHAMBER -- DEMOCRATS,
REPUBLICANS, LIBERALS, CONSERVATIVES -- CAN COME
TOGETHER TO FULFILL OUR RESPONSIBILITIES HERE. III
THANK YOU, GOOD NIGHT, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
# # #
- 25 -
THE COMMUNIQUE WITH PRESIDENT GORBACHEV MAKES
MENTION OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE EMBARGO IS so
EFFECTIVE THAT THE CHILDREN OF IRAQ LITERALLY NEED
MILK, OR THE SICK TRULY NEED MEDICINE. THEN, UNDER
STRICT INTERNATIONAL SUPERVISION THAT GUARANTEES THE
PROPER DESTINATION, THEN -- FOOD WILL BE PERMITTED.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1990
MEMORANDUM
To:
DAVE DEMAREST
JIM CICCONI
From:
MARK DAVIS
Re:
Joint Session
I received a call from David Mack, d.a.s. for Near Eastern and
South Asian affairs, too late to incorporate into draft four.
Mack suggested an insert along these lines:
"Our operations in the Persian Gulf were a response to the
request for help from Saudi Arabia; a call to come to their
defense.
"To the Arab peoples, I say: we have no aggressive intent,
nor have we come to stay."
He said that such a comment would be useful to circulate in the
Arab press.
(A personal note: Whatever your judgment of the insert, the
phrase "we have not come to stay" seems to me to work very well.)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 7, 1990
MEMORANDUM
To:
DAVE DEMAREST
JIM CICCONI
From:
MARK DAVIS
Re:
Joint Session
I received a call from David Mack, d.a.s. for Near Eastern and
South Asian affairs, too late to incorporate into draft four.
Mack suggested an insert along these lines:
"Our operations in the Persian Gulf were a response to the
request for help from Saudi Arabia; a call to come to their
defense.
"To the Arab peoples, I say: we have no aggressive intent,
nor have we come to stay."
He said that such a comment would be useful to circulate in the
Arab press.
(A personal note: Whatever your judgment of the insert, the
phrase "we have not come to stay" seems to me to work very well.)
Davis
September 4, 1990
Title: Y
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
9 p.m., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
Mister President, Mister Speaker, Members of the Congress,
distinguished guests, fellow Americans, thank you:
We gather here while brave young members of the Armed Forces
stand in harm's way -- in a distant desert and on distant seas to
protect the rule of law. We gather in the aftermath of an
outrageous and callous act -- Iraqi aggression in the Persian
Gulf.
My purpose tonight is to clarify what is at stake -- and
what we, together, must do to defend civilized peoples around the
world, and economic strength here at home.
Make no mistake: Peace is at risk. Lives are at risk.
The global economy is at risk. Indeed, the shape of a new
world order is at risk.
But something else is clear: America\\ will\\ not\\ bell
terrorized.
So I am sure we all agree: If there ever were a time to put
country before self, and patriotism before party, that time is
now. III
Let me thank you all, Republicans and Democrats, for the
bipartisan support you have shown in the face of terrorist
aggression.
2
We are all reminded that there are far greater risks and
sacrifices than any we are called to make in Washington. I
recently read of a Marine Master Sergeant from Oceanside,
California, a self-described "old war horse" who served in
Vietnam. But this same seasoned veteran is also a single father
who says that the toughest moment in a Marine's life is leaving
his kids behind. Such partings, in his words, are "like opening
up your chest and pulling out your heart. " III
So when we stop to think that these valiant men and women in
our Armed Services volunteered to be ready at a moment's notice,
to leave familiar posts and careers, their spouses, their
children, to put themselves on the front-line half-way around the
world, then we know who keeps America great. They do.\\\\
Let us also return a salute to the military leaders with us
tonight -- the first-class professionals of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. General Powell, Chiefs, what a magnificent job you have
done. The response of the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces over the past few weeks has been nothing short of
heroic.
In the face of danger, they are brave. In trying
circumstances, their morale is excellent. Helping to keep the
world free from further aggression, they make us all proud.
I wish I could say their work is done. But we all know it
isn't.
3
Saddam Hussein started out as a terrorist. And he is still
a terrorist. But we can take hope from this: The world has
united against him.
It is a testament to his isolation that the United Nations
Security Council has passed five resolutions opposing his
actions, without a single dissenting vote. And now Arab soldiers
from Damascus to Cairo, from Mecca to Marrakech, and nations as
diverse as Norway and Bangladesh, have stood up in defiance to
his aggression.
In the world community, the man is an outlaw. His brazen
aggression cannot be allowed to stand. III
When small nations become the souvenirs of tyrants; when
innocents are held hostage; when world commerce and diplomacy are
assaulted at gunpoint, America will not be an idle observer.
America will act.\\\
Our objectives are clear and resolute: Iraq must withdraw
from Kuwait completely, unconditionally, restoring the legitimate
government of Kuwait. The security and stability of the
Persian Gulf must be assured. The risk of future terrorist
aggression must be reduced. And we're going to defend American
citizens and American interests abroad. III
The situation we face is what some have termed the first
crisis of the post-Cold War era. The way we respond will shape
the way the world will live for decades to come.
So it is important that we stay true to certain principles:
4
We should not allow the lessening chance of superpower
conflict to be replaced by a greater threat from local bullies
and the terrorists they bankroll.
In the context of a post-Cold War world, the responsibility
of the United States to protect our cherished values is not
diminished. Just the opposite. We are the world's number one
economic and military power. Our responsibility is evident,
inescapable.
Our efforts to protect the rule of law and decency must,
where possible, be cooperative -- exercised in concert with other
responsible nations in the international community. An effective
system of cooperative action -- economic sanctions, enforcement
and financial burden-sharing -- can make unilateral aggression
unlikely, and unilateral corrective action, unnecessary.
Finally, we remember the lesson learned at horrendous cost
half-a-century ago: Rather than wait in the naive hope that
aggressors will lose their appetite for conquest, it is far
better for the defenders of civilized values to act in concert -
- early and decisively.
Hand-in-hand with the world community and the Security
Council of the United Nations, we've done just that.
Our stand can do much more than reverse the Iraqi
aggression. Out of these troubled times, a new world order can
emerge. We can establish an historic precedent of cooperation -
- making the post-Cold War era freer from the threat of terror;
5
stronger in the pursuit of justice; more secure in the quest for
peace.
And it is this vision I shared with President Gorbachev two
days ago in Helsinki. He told me that the Soviet Union was
( (withdrawing its remaining 133 advisors from Iraq in protest)) ,
the latest bold stroke of his bold new thinking. But even before
that, when the Soviet Union joined with us in the United Nations,
then I knew: The Cold War is over.\\\
But like a receding tide, the ebbing of the Cold War has
revealed a forgotten landscape, a landscape of ancient
animosities and ambitions. That is why America must lead. 11
That said, I know there are some who will question America's
staying power. I do not know how long it may take for
internationally mandated sanctions to work. And I cannot know
whether Saddam Hussein will be SO unwise as to compound his
provocation. But I can assure you:
America must support the rule of law. And we will.
America -- and the international community -- must defend
innocent countries against aggression. And we will.
America must protect her vital interests. And we will.
And one thing more\\
America will never give in to
blackmail. III
I cannot say how long American troops may have to stay in
the Gulf before we achieve our objectives. That depends, to some
extent, on Iraq.
6
But we must avoid the greatest cost of all -- the cost of
hesitation and indecision. Left unchallenged, Saddam Hussein
could dictate the world price of oil. No one doubts he would
advance these ambitions by weapons of mass destruction. But this
is not, in the long run, about oil or one's man's ambition: This
is the first assault on the post-Cold War world, the first test
of our mettle. Had we not responded to this first provocation
with clarity of purpose; if we do not continue to demonstrate our
determination; it would be a signal to a half-dozen despots
around the world. Let us tell the world tonight: A green light
to aggression is a signal America will never send.\\\
So even as we try to keep the costs of Operation Desert
Shield to a reasonable minimum, American resolve will be kept at
a premium. III
There is, of course, a heavy price: The risk to American
lives. Precious lives have already been lost. More lives will
be lost if military conflict breaks out. Even if it doesn't,
there are economic costs -- steep costs.
The price of oil is already up. This will take its toll on
the economy. But it need not throw us into deep recession.
After all, we are working with oil-producing countries to
replace lost Iraqi and Kuwaiti production. Their help, with the
option of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if necessary, can keep
oil prices from rising to levels that would hurt the economy. In
fact, oil prices may, in time, start coming down.
7
Our military deployment also costs money. We have developed
a plan to share this expense -- and the cost of other nation's
economic burdens -- among those allies who have the ability to
finance our collective action. So I have dispatched top Cabinet
officials to tell our allies this: At the very most, we encourage
collective action; at the very least we expect a sharing of the
collective burden. III
But financial responsibility should begin at home. In order
for America to lead, America must be strong and vital, able to
respond to any kind of challenge. On the surface, a crisis in
the Persian Gulf and a troubling budget deficit seem to have
little in common. But America's world leadership and domestic
strength are not separate domains; they are mutual and
reinforcing; they are a woven piece, as firmly bound as Old
Glory.
The effects of higher oil prices, slower growth, and higher
defense costs will only make our fiscal deficit problem worse.
It was already worse than it should have been -- at a projected
$232 billion for the coming year. This, too, cannot stand. 111
The Congress should act this very month -- before the next
fiscal year begins -- to get our economic affairs in order. If
anyone needs another reason to act, the Iraqi situation should
help focus the mind. We are more vulnerable economically than we
should ever be. American must never again enter a crisis --
economic or military -- with an excessive dependence on foreign
oil and an excessive burden of federal debt.
8
It is up to us to straighten this out -- not after election
day, or next year, but NOW.
Most Americans are fed up with endless turf battles between
the Congress and the Administration over economic policy. It is
time for us to pull together -- and get the job done right.
For the job to get done, five things have to happen.
First: The Congress should, this month, enact tax measures
that propel growth -- to help avoid recession in the short term;
and to increase savings, investment, productivity, and
competitiveness for the long term. Specifically, I ask you to
extend incentives for research and experimentation; expand the
use of IRAs for new homeowners; establish tax-deferred Family
Savings Accounts; create incentives for the development of
Enterprise Zones; and yes, reduce the tax rate for capital
gains.
I know that a minority in the Congress likes to say that a
capital gains rate cut looks unfair on some tax expert's
distribution table. But let me say what's unfair for most
Americans: Recession is unfair. The loss of a job is unfair.
So for those who care about fairness -- and I am one -- I say:
Don't hold America back.
Second: The Congress should, this month, enact a prudent
five-year defense program -- one that reflects both improved
East-West relations, and the continuing risks of outlaw action
and regional conflict, so vividly brought home to us by Iraq.
The defense budget can decline in real terms, even after
9
including the costs of our Persian Gulf deployment. Over five
years, defense outlays can be reduced below the baseline by
( (dollar amount)) billion. But beyond that, one crosses a line
that threatens a vital margin of safety. Given my Constitutional
obligation as Commander-in-Chief, that is a line I cannot
cross.
The world is still a dangerous place, where regional
instability can flare up into a wider conflict. Surely that is
now clear. American interests are far-reaching, and tightly
bound to the fates of other nations. This is no time to trifle
with our ability to protect America's vital interests, wherever
they may be.
Third: The Congress should, this month, enact measures to
increase domestic energy production and energy conservation -- so
we can cut our dependence on foreign oil. These measures should
include my proposals to increase incentives for domestic oil and
gas exploration, and to accelerate the development of Alaskan
energy resources. ( (Other measures to come.) )
Fourth: The Congress should, this month, enact a five-year
program to reduce the projected deficits and debt by $500 billion
-- yes, you heard that right -- by half-a-trillion dollars. If
Congress presents me with an acceptable program by the end of
this month, America will avoid the clumsy meat-ax approach called
the "sequester" -- deep across-the-board cuts that would
undermine our forces in Saudi Arabia, and inflict needless pain
at home.
10
I also ask that Congress present this comprehensive, five-
year deficit reduction program to me as a single legislative
package -- with associated measures to assure that it can be
fully enforced. The American people are tired of phony deficit
reduction, tired of the promise-now, save-later-plan. Enough is
enough. It's time for a deficit reduction plan that is not
cynical, but credible. III
Fifth, and finally: The combination of these legislative
actions should allow the Federal Reserve to ease interest rates -
- in a setting of economic growth, without greater inflation. I
have discussed my proposals in detail with the Chairman of the
Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan. He assures me that if
Congress promptly enacts the program I am recommending tonight,
he will then ((insert to come. ) )
In addition to discussing this program with the Fed
Chairman, I have today provided it, in detail, to the members of
the Budget Summit negotiating group.
Our deficit reduction program must meet a few basics:
*** It must be responsible: So our plan includes the
measures I've recommended to increase economic growth and reduce
dependency on foreign oil.
*** About one-third of our savings can come from defense,
one-third from domestic spending programs, and one-third from
revenue measures. So that no group of programs or people escapes
responsibility, or bears the burden alone, it must be fair.
11
*** In order that it reaches beyond the visible parts of
the budget and begins to control the government's expanding
credit programs and hidden liabilities, it must be
comprehensive. III
*** And our deficit reduction plan must be in the spirit of
reform: So our program reforms the budget process to provide
some of the tools that have allowed many governors to keep state
budgets under control -- like "pay-as-you-go" requirements and
the line-item veto.\\\
*** Our plan must be enforceable.
*** And, to the extent that it includes new revenues
measures -- which it does -- it must not threaten economic growth
by raising income tax rates. I know there are some who are
anxious to raise income-tax rates. But that is one path we must
not head down again.
To the Congressional members of the Budget summit, you
remember my first call for negotiations many months ago. The
negotiations have already dragged on weeks and months too long.
I have already taken the personal risk demanded of me, and so
have others. The plan I offer tonight is a further effort to
bring us together this week. III
of course, this plan will not fully satisfy any of us. But
it will do the job that needs to be done. Once again, that job
must be done now.
I hope the Summit leaders will agree to my plan. But with
or without their agreement, I ask both Houses of Congress to
12
allow ((a straight-up-and-down vote)) on my comprehensive package
-- no later than September 28th.
If the Congress fails to enact this compromise package,
Americans will have to face sequester, a greater risk of
recession and greater military risks abroad. If, on the other
hand, the Congress responds favorably, we will, at last, have put
ourselves on the right course.
I'm sure you agree, these are challenging times, at home and
abroad. Challenges that seem separate, but will set the course
of our common destiny. America's destiny is to be a leader.
Whether it is living up to our global duties, or tackling the
most intractable problems at home, America's destiny has always
been to lead.
I am hopeful. Once again, American men have stepped forward
to do their duty. They have shared a tearful goodbye with their
families before leaving for a strange and distant shore. And in
the 1990s, when some of our soldiers, our sailors, our "airmen",
our Marines leave for active duty, isn't it a testament to who we
are, that they hear these departing words from their loved ones:
"Mom, we are proud of you.
At this very moment, the sons and daughters of America stand
shoulder-to-shoulder in the pathless dunes of the desert with the
sons of Arabia, the sons of Europe, the sons of many lands. If
they can come together under such adversity, surely we who are so
fortunate, so comfortable, can come together to fulfill our
responsibility here.
13
Thank you, and may God bless our brave men and women in the
Middle East, every one.
#
#
#
Davis
September 4, 1990
Title: Y
Draft: Four
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
9 p.m., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
Mister President, Mister Speaker, Members of the Congress,
distinguished guests, fellow Americans, thank you:
We gather here while brave young members of the Armed Forces
stand in harm's way -- in a distant desert and on distant seas to
protect the rule of law. We gather in the aftermath of an
outrageous and callous act -- Iraqi aggression in the Persian
Gulf.
My purpose tonight is to clarify what is at stake -- and
what we, together, must do to defend civilized peoples around the
Schwmetz-
world, and economic strength here at home.
Not koppes
Make no mistake: Peace is at risk. 11 Lives are at risk.
The global economy is at risk. 11 Indeed, the shape of a new
world order is at risk.
But something else is clear: America will\\ not
be
terrorized.
So I am sure we all agree: If there ever were a time to put
country before self, and patriotism before party, that time is
now.
Let me thank you all, Republicans and Democrats, for the
bipartisan support you have shown in the face of terrorist
aggression.
2
We are all reminded that there are far greater risks and
sacrifices than any we are called to make in Washington. I
recently read of a Marine Master Sergeant from Oceanside,
California, a self-described "old war horse" who served in
Vietnam. But this same seasoned veteran is also a single father
who says that the toughest moment in a Marine's life is leaving
his kids behind. Such partings, in his words, are "like opening
up your chest and pulling out your heart. "
So when we stop to think that these valiant men and women in
our Armed Services volunteered to be ready at a moment's notice,
to leave familiar posts and careers, their spouses, their
children, to put themselves on the front-line half-way around the
STRONG
world, then we know who keeps America
They do.\\\\
Let us also return a salute to the military leaders with us
tonight -- the first-class professionals of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. General Powell, Chiefs, what a magnificent job you have
done. The response of the men and women of the United States
Armed Forces over the past few weeks has been nothing short of
mmm
In the face of danger, they are brave. In trying
circumstances, their morale is excellent. Helping to keep the
and THERE isn't.
world free from further aggression, they make us all proud.
I wish I could say their work is done. But we all know it
3
Saddam Hussein started out as a terrorist. And he is still
a terrorist. But we can take hope from this: The world has
united against him.
It is a testament to his isolation that the United Nations
Security Council has passed five resolutions opposing his
actions, without a single dissenting vote. And now Arab soldiers
from Damascus to Cairo, from Mecca to Marrakech, and nations as
diverse as Norway and Bangladesh, have stood up in defiance to
his aggression.
In the world community, the man is an outlaw. His brazen
aggression cannot be allowed to stand.
When small nations become the souvenirs of tyrants; when
innocents are held hostage; when world commerce and diplomacy are
assaulted at gunpoint, America will not be an idle observer.
America will act.
Our objectives are clear and resolute: Iraq must withdraw
from Kuwait completely, unconditionally, restoring the legitimate
government of Kuwait. The security and stability of the
Persian Gulf must be assured. The risk of future terrorist
aggression must be reduced. And we're going to defend American
citizens and American interests abroad. III
The situation we face is what some have termed the first
crisis of the post-Cold War era. The way we respond will shape
the way the world will live for decades to come.
So it is important that we stay true to certain principles:
4
We should not allow the lessening chance of superpower
conflict to be replaced by a greater threat from local bullies
and the terrorists they bankroll.
In the context of a post-Cold War world, the responsibility
of the United States to protect our cherished values is not
diminished. Just the opposite. We are the world's number one
economic and military power. Our responsibility is evident,
inescapable.
Our efforts to protect the rule of law and decency must,
where possible, be cooperative -- exercised in concert with other
responsible nations in the international community. An effective
system of cooperative action -- economic sanctions, enforcement
and financial burden-sharing -- can make unilateral aggression
unlikely, and unilateral corrective action, unnecessary.
Finally, we remember the lesson learned at horrendous cost
half-a-century ago: Rather than wait in the naive hope that
aggressors will lose their appetite for conquest, it is far
better for the defenders of civilized values to act in concert -
- early and decisively.
Hand-in-hand with the world community and the Security
Council of the United Nations, we've done just that. III
Our stand can do much more than reverse the Iraqi
aggression. Out of these troubled times, a new world order can
emerge. We can establish an historic precedent of cooperation -
- making the post-Cold War era freer from the threat of terror;
5
stronger in the pursuit of justice; more secure in the quest for
peace.
And it is this vision I shared with President Gorbachev two
days ago in Helsinki. He told me that the Soviet Union was
( (withdrawing its remaining 133 advisors from Iraq in protest)),
the latest bold stroke of his bold new thinking. But even before
that, when the Soviet Union joined with us in the United Nations,
then I knew: The Cold War is over.
But like a receding tide, the ebbing of the Cold War has
revealed a forgotten landscape, a landscape of ancient
animosities and ambitions. That is why America must lead.
That said, I know there are some who will question America's
staying power. I do not know how long it may take for
internationally mandated sanctions to work. And I cannot know
whether Saddam Hussein will be so unwise as to compound his
provocation. But I can assure you:
&TheworlD
America must support the rule of law. And we will.
AND the world
America -- and the international community -- must defend
innocent countries against aggression. And we will.
AnD the wand
America must protect her vital interests. And we will.\\\ will.
we
And one thing more\\
America will never give in to
blackmail.
I cannot say how long American troops may have to stay in
the Gulf before we achieve our objectives. That depends, to some
extent, on Iraq.
6
But we must avoid the greatest cost of all -- the cost of
hesitation and indecision. Left unchallenged, Saddam Hussein
could dictate the world price of oil. No one doubts he would
advance these ambitions by weapons of mass destruction. But this
is not, in the long run, about oil or one's man's ambition: This
is the first assault on the post-Cold War world, the first test
of our mettle. Had we not responded to this first provocation
with clarity of purpose; if we do not continue to demonstrate our
determination; it would be a signal to a half-dozen despots
around the world. Let us tell the world tonight: A green light
to aggression is a signal America will never send.
So even as we try to keep the costs of Operation Desert
Shield to a reasonable minimum, American resolve will be kept at
a premium.
There is, of course, a heavy price: The risk to American
lives. Precious lives have already been lost. More lives will
be lost if military conflict breaks out. Even if it doesn't,
there are economic costs -- steep costs.
The price of oil is already up. This will take its toll on
the economy. But it need not throw us into deep recession.
After all, we are working with oil-producing countries to
replace lost Iraqi and Kuwaiti production. Their help, with the
option of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if necessary, can keep
oil prices from rising to levels that would hurt the economy. In
fact, oil prices may, in time, start coming down.
7
Our military deployment also costs money. We have developed
a plan to share this expense -- and the cost of other nation's
economic burdens -- among those allies who have the ability to
finance our collective action. So I have dispatched top Cabinet
officials to tell our allies this: At the very most, we encourage
collective action; at the very least we expect a sharing of the
collective burden.
But financial responsibility should begin at home. In order
for America to lead, America must be strong and vital, able to
respond to any kind of challenge. On the surface, a crisis in
the Persian Gulf and a troubling budget deficit seem to have
little in common. But America's world leadership and domestic
strength are not separate domains; they are mutual and
reinforcing; they are a woven piece, as firmly bound as Old
Glory.
The effects of higher oil prices, slower growth, and higher
defense costs will only make our fiscal deficit problem worse.
It was already worse than it should have been -- at a projected
$232 billion for the coming year. This, too, cannot stand. 111
The Congress should act this very month -- before the next
fiscal year begins -- to get our economic affairs in order. If
anyone needs another reason to act, the Iraqi situation should
help focus the mind. We are more vulnerable economically than we
should ever be. American must never again enter a crisis --
economic or military -- with an excessive dependence on foreign
oil and an excessive burden of federal debt.
8
It is up to us to straighten this out -- not after election
day, or next year, but NOW.
Most Americans are fed up with endless turf battles between
the Congress and the Administration over economic policy. It is
time for us to pull together -- and get the job done right.
For the job to get done, five things have to happen.
First: The Congress should, this month, enact tax measures
that propel growth -- to help avoid recession in the short term;
and to increase savings, investment, productivity, and
competitiveness for the long term. Specifically, I ask you to
extend incentives for research and experimentation; expand the
use of IRAs for new homeowners; establish tax-deferred Family
Savings Accounts; create incentives for the development of
Enterprise Zones; and yes, reduce the tax rate for capital
gains.
I know that a minority in the Congress likes to say that a
capital gains rate cut looks unfair on some tax expert's
distribution table. But let me say what's unfair for most
Americans: Recession is unfair. The loss of a job is unfair.
So for those who care about fairness -- and I am one -- I say:
Don't hold America back.
Second: The Congress should, this month, enact a prudent
five-year defense program -- one that reflects both improved
East-West relations, and the continuing risks of outlaw action
and regional conflict, so vividly brought home to us by Iraq.
The defense budget can decline in real terms, even after
9
including the costs of our Persian Gulf deployment. Over five
years, defense outlays can be reduced below the baseline by
((dollar amount)) billion. But beyond that, one crosses a line
that threatens a vital margin of safety. Given my Constitutional
obligation as Commander-in-Chief, that is a line I cannot
cross.\\\
The world is still a dangerous place, where regional
instability can flare up into a wider conflict. Surely that is
now clear. American interests are far-reaching, and tightly
bound to the fates of other nations. This is no time to trifle
with our ability to protect America's vital interests, wherever
they may be. III
Third: The Congress should, this month, enact measures to
increase domestic energy production and energy conservation -- so
we can cut our dependence on foreign oil. These measures should
include my proposals to increase incentives for domestic oil and
gas exploration, and to accelerate the development of Alaskan
energy resources. ((Other measures to come.) )
Fourth: The Congress should, this month, enact a five-year
program to reduce the projected deficits and debt by $500 billion
-- yes, you heard that right -- by half-a-trillion dollars. If
Congress presents me with an acceptable program by the end of
this month, America will avoid the clumsy meat-ax approach called
the "sequester" --- deep across-the-board cuts that would
undermine our forces in Saudi Arabia, and inflict needless pain
at home.
10
I also ask that Congress present this comprehensive, five-
year deficit reduction program to me as a single legislative
package -- with associated measures to assure that it can be
fully enforced. The American people are tired of phony deficit
reduction, tired of the promise-now, save-later-plan. Enough is
enough. It's time for a deficit reduction plan that is not
cynical, but credible.
Fifth, and finally: The combination of these legislative
actions should allow the Federal Reserve to ease interest rates -
- in a setting of economic growth, without greater inflation. I
have discussed my proposals in detail with the Chairman of the
Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan. He assures me that if
Congress promptly enacts the program I am recommending tonight,
he will then ((insert to come. ))\\\
In addition to discussing this program with the Fed
Chairman, I have today provided it, in detail, to the members of
the Budget Summit negotiating group.
Our deficit reduction program must meet a few basics:
*** It must be responsible: So our plan includes the
measures I've recommended to increase economic growth and reduce
dependency on foreign oil.
*** About one-third of our savings can come from defense,
one-third from domestic spending programs, and one-third from
revenue measures. So that no group of programs or people escapes
responsibility, or bears the burden alone, it must be fair.
11
*** In order that it reaches beyond the visible parts of
the budget and begins to control the government's expanding
credit programs and hidden liabilities, it must be
comprehensive.
*** And our deficit reduction plan must be in the spirit of
reform: So our program reforms the budget process to provide
some of the tools that have allowed many governors to keep state
budgets under control -- like "pay-as-you-go" requirements and
the line-item veto.
*** Our plan must be enforceable.
*** And, to the extent that it includes new revenues
measures -- which it does -- it must not threaten economic growth
by raising income tax rates. 111 I know there are some who are
anxious to raise income-tax rates. But that is one path we must
not head down again.
To the Congressional members of the Budget summit, you
remember my first call for negotiations many months ago. The
negotiations have already dragged on weeks and months too long.
I have already taken the personal risk demanded of me, and so
have others. The plan I offer tonight is a further effort to
bring us together this week.
Of course, this plan will not fully satisfy any of us. But
it will do the job that needs to be done. Once again, that job
must be done now.
I hope the Summit leaders will agree to my plan. But with
or without their agreement, I ask both Houses of Congress to
12
allow ((a straight-up-and-down vote) ) on my comprehensive package
-- no later than September 28th.
If the Congress fails to enact this compromise package,
Americans will have to face sequester, a greater risk of
recession and greater military risks abroad. If, on the other
hand, the Congress responds favorably, we will, at last, have put
ourselves on the right course.
I'm sure you agree, these are challenging times, at home and
abroad. Challenges that seem separate, but will set the course
of our common destiny. America's destiny is to be a leader.
Whether it is living up to our global duties, or tackling the
most intractable problems at home, America's destiny has always
been to lead.
I am hopeful. Once again, American
have stepped forward
to do their duty. They have shared a tearful goodbye with their
families before leaving for a strange and distant shore.
And in
the 1990s, when some of our soldiers, our sailors, our "airmen
our Marines leave for active duty, isn't it a testament to who we
D²-
serold
are
that they hear these departing words from their loved ones:
ANECDOTES
"Mom, we are proud of you.
GRATUTIOUS
in
the
shown
list
ONE
EXAMPLE
Women Punder to Now
TOUCH
At this very moment, the sons and daughters of America stand ON iT
shoulder-to-shoulder in the pathless dunes of the desert with the
sons of Arabia, the sons of Europe, the sons of many lands. If
they can come together under such adversity, surely we who are so
fortunate, so comfortable, can come together to fulfill our
responsibility here. 1111
13
Thank you, and may God bless our brave men and women in the
Middle East, every one.
#
#
#
MD SUGUESTIONS
Davis
September 4, 1990
Title: Y
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
9 p.m., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
this agreesor
Mister President, Mister Speaker, Members of the Congress,
distinguished guests, fellow Americans, thank you:
504
We gather here while brave young members of the Armed Forces
struggle in a distant desert and on distant seas to protect the
MISLED His
PRESENT TENSE
CIF left unhecled he will the would
rule of law. We gather as an Iraqi aggressor suppresses peaceful
Arab neighbors whose country he has ruthlessly invaded
Aeab a bRethRen, brutalined A PEACEFUL an
AND HEL PLESS NEIGHBOR, AND THEN WITHDREW
mortube, etc.
Iraqi President who, in violation of law and decency, holds
FROM AN INDIGNANT WORLD BEHIND A CIRCLE OF INNOCENTS,
innocent people hostage; an Iraqi dictator who, if left
NOW THIS ACORESSOR,
unchecked would hold the global economy hostage to his expanding
AND (hE IS )
he
control of oil; and who if not restrained, might -WEll extend his
reign of terror with chemical weapons, as he has done before. 111
My purpose tonight is to clarify what is at stake -- and
peoples
what we, together, must do to protect civilized interests in the
STRENGTH
world, and economic growth here at home.
MAKE No MISTAKE:
Peace is at risk. Lives are at risk. The global
AMERICA
economy is at risk. Indeed, the shape of a new world order is
at risk. BUT SOMETHING ELSE is CLEAR: we will
NOT BE TERRORIZED. 1111
We are all rightly concerned. But we cannot allow ourselves
or the world -- to be terrorized. III
It is important that we stand firm, and that we stand
together. So I am sure we all agree: If there ever were a time
lat me you'read you
2
to put country before self, and patriotism before party, that
time is now. So let me thank you all, Republicans and
Democrats, for the bipartisan support you have shown in the face
of terrorist aggression.
We are all reminded that there are far greater risks and
sacrifices than any we are called to make in Washington. I
recently read of a Marine Master Sergeant from Oceanside,
California, a self-described "old war horse" who served in
Vietnam. But this same seasoned veteran is also a single father
who says that the toughest moment in a Marine's life is leaving
his kids behind. Such partings, in his words, are "like opening
up your chest and pulling out your heart. "
So when we stop to think that these valiant men and women in
our Armed Services volunteered to be ready at a moment's notice,
to leave their comfortable posts and careers, their spouses,
their children, to put themselves on the front-line half-way
around the world, then we know who keeps America great. They
do. [our thanks, too, go to the sons of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, keep
Morocco, and Syria, who stand with our fighting forces in the
sands of Saudi Arabia ]
Let us also return a salute to the military leaders with us
tonight -- the first-class professionals of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. General Powell, Chiefs, what a magnificent job you have
done. The response of the United States Armed Forces over the
past few weeks has been nothing short of heroic.
3
I have spoken with some of our men and women stationed in
the Gulf. In the face of danger, they are brave. In trying
circumstances, their morale is excellent. Helping to keep the
world free from further aggression, they make us all proud.
I
wish I could say their work is done. But we all know it
isn't. BUT WE CAN TAKE HOPE FROM THIS.
While
And while the community of civilized nations is united
the
man whose actions so offend the global community still shows no
respect for international norms Saddam Hussein started out as a
AND NE
terrorist.
And he is still a terrorist.
He misled his Arab
brethren, brutalized a peaceful and helpless neighbor, and then
NY
withdrew from an indignant world to hide behind a circle of
innocents.
It is a testament to his isolation that the United Nations
Security Council has passed five resolutions opposing his
actions, without a single dissenting vote. And now Arab soldiers
from Damascus to Cairo, from Mecca to Marrakesh, and nations as
diverse as Norway and Bangladesh, have stood up in defiance to
his aggression.
In the world community, the man is an outlaw. His brazen
aggression cannot be allowed to stand.
When small nations become the souvenirs of tyrants; when
innocents are held hostage; when world commerce and diplomacy are
assaulted at gunpoint, America will not be an idle observer.
America will act.
are clean and determined
???
Provid
4
Our objectives are clear and unchanging: Iraq must withdraw
from Kuwait completely, unconditionally, restoring the legitimate
government of Kuwait. The security and stability of Saudi (Gulf))???
Arabia must be assured. The risk of future terrorist
aggression must be reduced. And we're going to defend American
citizens and American interests abroad.
The situation we face is what some have termed the first
THE WAY WE RESPOND
crisis of the post-Cold War era. The way we and the community
of nations, may manage this crisis may well determine the pattern
WILL SHAPE THE and 5PM aspects wAy WETHE
WORLD WILL LIVE FOR DECADES TO COME
of international affairs for decades to come.
So it is important that we stay true to certain principles:
First, We we should not allow the reduced lessening threat of superpower
A greater
from local
conflict to be replaced by an increased threat of regional
bullies AND the terrorist they bankeoll.
violence and lesser-power terrorism.
Second, J in the context of reduced superpower tension, the
a POST Colo WAR world
responsibility of the United States to protect our cherished
(JUST THE opposite.)
values is not in any way diminished. We are the world's number
one economic and military power. Our responsibility is both
evident and inescapable.
are
Third, our efforts to protect rules of law and decency must,
where possible, be cooperative -- exercised in concert with other
responsible nations in the international community. An effective
system of cooperative action -- economic sanctions, enforcement
neeD FOR
and financial burden-sharing -- can reduce the likelihood of
REDUCE THE CAANCE AMERICA will HAVE TO
unilateral aggression, and the need for unilateral corrective
ACT bain ALONE.
action.
5
( (Helsinki-Gorbachev to come))
Finally, we Remember
Fourth, the lesson learned at horrendous cost half-a-century
ago must guide us in dealing with aggression: Rather than wait in the
that
will lose their Appetite for conquest
naive hope for aggressors somehow to restrain themselves, it is
far better for the defenders of civilized values to act early,
quickly, decisively and in concert. III
In the face of the Iraqi aggression, we have so acted. We
have done so hand-in-hand with the world community and the
Security Council of the United Nations.
That said, I know there are some who will question America's
staying power. I do not know how long it may take for
internationally mandated sanctions to work. And I cannot know
whether Saddam Hussein will be so unwise as to compound his
provocation. But I can assure you:
America must support the rule of law. And we will. \\\
America -- and the international community -- must defend
innocent countries against aggression. And we will.
America must protect her vital interests. And we will. III
And one thing more\\
America will never give in to
blackmail.
I cannot say how long American troops may have to stay in
the Gulf before we to achieve our objectives. That depends, to some
extent, on Iraq. chosen the Right couse now we must to keep
AMERICA SOMETED OW THE RIOHT PAINTY AND
Having started down the correct path, America must #1341 the
it.
AMAM.
I know we will.
AND Expity Let no one doubt our resolve. 111]STET
6
new ORDER for thE NATIONS of the
Out of these troubled times, a new world order will emerge. WORLD
CAN
With the course we have charted, we can not only reverse Iraqi EMERGE.
aggression. We can also establish a cooperative 7.2.77 precedent --
making the post-Cold War era more free from the threat of terror;
stronger in the pursuit of justice; more secure in the quest for
peace.
There will, of course, be costs. Precious lives have
already been sacrificed. Additional lives will be lost if
military conflict breaks out. Even if it doesn't, the economic
costs will be steep.
But we must avoid the greatest cost of all -- the cost of
doing nothing. No one doubts that left unchallenged, Saddam
Hussein could dictate the world price of oil. No one doubts he
would advance his ambitions by weapons of mass destruction. But
this is not about oil or one's man's ambition: This is the first
assault on the post-Cold War world, the first test of our mettle.
If we do not respond to this first provocation; if we do not
repel it; we will send a signal to a half-dozen despots around
the world. That signal would be a green light to aggression. III
So even as we try to keep the costs of Operation Desert
Shield to a reasonable minimum, American leadership will be kept
at a premium.
The price of oil is already up. This will take its toll on
the economy. But it need not throw us into deep recession.
After all, we are working with oil-producing countries to
replace lost Iraqi and Kuwaiti production. Their help, with the
7
option of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if necessary, can keep
oil prices from rising to levels that would hurt the economy. In
fact, oil prices may, in time, start coming down.
Our military deployment also involves economic costs. We
have developed a plan to share this cost -- and the cost of other
nation's economic burdens -- among those allies who have the
ability to finance our collective action. So I have dispatched
top Cabinet officials to tell our allies this: At the very most,
we encourage collective action; at the very least we expect a
sharing of the collective burden.
But financial responsibility should begin at home. The
effects of higher oil prices, slower growth, and higher defense
costs will only make our fiscal deficit problem worse. It was
already worse than it should have been -- at a projected $232
billion for the coming year. This, too, cannot stand. III
The Congress should act this very month -- before the next
fiscal year begins -- to get our economic affairs in order. If
anyone needs another reason to act, the Iraqi situation should
help focus their mind. We are more vulnerable economically than
we should ever be. American must never again enter a crisis --
economic or military -- with an excessive dependence on foreign
oil and an excessive burden of federal debt.
(NOT AftER ELECTION DAY, OR
next YEAR
-
It is up to us to straighten this out -- NOW.
but now.
Most Americans are fed up with endless turf battles between
the Congress and the Administration over economic policy. It is
time for us to pull together -- and get the job done right. III
8
For the job to get done, five things have to happen.
First: The Congress should, this month, enact tax measures
that propel growth -- to help avoid recession in the short term;
and to increase savings, investment, productivity, and
competitiveness for the long term. Specifically, I ask you to
extend incentives for research and experimentation; expand the
use of IRAs for new homeowners; establish tax-deferred Family
Savings Accounts; create incentives for the development of
Enterprise Zones; and yes, reduce the tax rate for capital
gains.
I know that a minority in the Congress likes to say that a
capital gains rate cut looks unfair on some tax expert's
distribution table. But let me say what's unfair for most
Americans: Recession is unfair. The loss of (BOLD) a job is unfair.
So for those who care about fairness -- and I am one -- I say:
LET AMERICA WORK
Don't hold America back. Let this economy grow!
Second: The Congress should, this month, enact a prudent
five-year defense program -- one that reflects both improved
East-West relations, and the continuing risks of outlaw action
and regional conflict, so vividly brought home to us by Iraq.
The defense budget can decline in real terms, even after
including the costs of our Persian Gulf deployment. Over five
years, defense outlays can be reduced below the baseline by
( (dollar amount)) billion. But beyond that, one crosses a line
that threatens a vital margin of safety. Given my Constitutional
9
obligation as Commander-in-Chief, that is a line I cannot
cross. III
The world is still a dangerous place, where regional
COULD flaud
a WIDER
instability clart flair up into global conflict. Surely that is
AND TIGHTLY BOUND
now clear. American interests are far-reaching, Interdependence-
TO THE FATES OF OTHER WATIONS
has increased. The consequences of regional instability can be
global This is no time to trifle with our ability to protect
America's vital interests. III
Third: The Congress should, this month, enact measures to
increase domestic energy production and energy conservation -- so
we can cut our dependence on foreign oil. These measures should
include my proposals to increase incentives for domestic oil and
gas exploration, and to accelerate the development of Alaskan
energy resources. ( (Other measures imported to come.))
[[When the oil embargo was imposed in the early 1970's, the
United States imposed impoted ((number)) million barrels of oil per day.
This year, before the Iraqi invasion, U.S. imports had risen to
have
((number)) million barrels a day. We had moved in the wrong
direction. Now we must act to correct that trend -- so that our
vulnerability does not increase again. ]]
Fourth: The Congress should, this month, enact a five-year
program to reduce the projected deficits and debt by $500 billion
-- yes, you heard that right -- by half-a-trillion dollars. If
Congress presents me with an acceptable program by the end of
this month, America will avoid the clumsy meat-ax approach called
the "sequester" -- deep across-the-board cuts that would
10
undermine our soldiers in Saudi Arabia, and inflict needless pain
at home.
I also ask that Congress present this comprehensive, five-
year deficit reduction program to me as a single legislative
package -- with associated measures to assure that it can be
fully enforced. The American people are tired of phony deficit
reduction, tired of the promise-now, save-later-plan. Enough is
DEFICITCUTS
enough. It's time for a program that is not cynical, but
are
credible.
Fifth, and finally: The combination of these legislative
actions should allow the Federal Reserve to ease interest rates -
- in a setting of economic growth, without greater inflation. I
have discussed my proposals in detail with the Chairman of the
Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan. He assures me that if
Congress promptly enacts the program I am recommending tonight,
he will then ((insert to come. ) )
In addition to discussing this program with the Fed
Chairman, I have today provided it, in detail, to the members of
the Budget Summit negotiating group.
Our deficit reduction program must meet a few basics:
*** It must be responsible: So our plan includes the
measures I've recommended to increase economic growth and reduce
dependency on foreign oil.
*** About one-third of our savings can come from defense,
one-third from domestic spending programs, and one-third from
11
revenue measures. So that no group of programs or people escapes
responsibility, or bears the burden alone, it must be fair.
*** In order that it reaches beyond the visible parts of
the budget and begins to control the government's expanding
credit programs and hidden liabilities, it must be
comprehensive. \\\
AND our deficit reduction program
*** It must be in the spirit of reform: So our program
reforms the budget process to provide some of the tools that have
allowed many governors to keep state budgets under control --
like "pay-as-you-go" requirements and the line-item veto. III
***
It complan be enforceable.
*** And, to the extent that it includes new revenues
measures -- which it does -- it must not threaten economic growth
by raising income tax rates. \\\ I know there are some who are
anxious to raise income-tax rates. But that is one path we must
not head down again.
To the Congressional members of the Budget summit, you
remember my first call for negotiations many months ago. The
negotiations have already dragged on weeks and months too long.
I have already taken the personal risk demanded of me, and
so
last
have others. The plan I offer tonight is a then compt se
WCMUST BRING US
that should, at last, bring us together
I hope to persuade you
of its merit in this coming week. III
of COURSE,
This plan will not fully satisfy any of us But it will do
IONCE AGAIN, that job MUST
the job that needs to be done. And now: It is time to
BE DONE Now.
produce. \\\
12
I hope the Summit leaders will agree to my plan. But with
or without their agreement, I ask both Houses of Congress to
allow ( (a straight-up-and-down vote)) on my comprehensive package
-- no later than September 28th.
If the Congress fails to enact this compromise package,
Americans will have to face sequester, a greater risk of
recession and greater military risks abroad. If, on the other
hand, the Congress responds favorably, we will, at last, have put
ourselves on the right course.
I'm sure you agree, these are challenging times, at home and
abroad. Challenges that seem separate, but will set the course
of our common destiny. America's destiny is ,asitalusis to be a leader,
wen,
mether it is living up to our global duties, or tackling the
most intractable problems at home
I am hopeful. At this very moment, the sons and daughters
of America stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the pathless wastes of
the desert with the sons of Arabia, the sons of Europe, the sons
of many lands. If they can come together under such adversity,
surely we who are so fortunate, so comfortable, can come together
to fulfill our responsibility here.
(Anecdote about troops))
At this moment, our hopes and prayers are with them, each
and every one of them, as another day dawns in the Persian Gulf.
Thank you, and may God bless our brave men and women in the
Middle East, every one.
#
#
#
Davis
September 4, 1990
Title: Y
Draft: Three
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
9 p.m., TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1990
Mister President, Mister Speaker, Members of the Congress,
distinguished guests, fellow Americans, thank you:
We gather here while brave young members of the Armed Forces
struggle in a distant desert and on distant seas to protect the
MISLEADS HIS ARAb
rule of law. We gather as an Iraqi aggressor suppresses peaceful
DREthRen, DRUTALIZES A PEACEFUL AWD HELPLESS BOR,
Arab neighbors whose country he has ruthlessly invaded
an
AND THEN WITHDRAWS FROM AN INDIGRANT WORLD TO HiDE
Iraqi President who, in violation of law and decency, holds
BEHIND A CIRCLE OF INNOCENTS.
innocent people hostage; an Iraqi dictator who, If left
this AUGRESSOR
unchecked, would hold the global economy hostage to his expanding
control of oil R and who, if not restrained, might extend his
AND HE'S NOT HE -WELL
reign of terror with chemical weapons, as he has done before. 111
My purpose tonight is to clarify what is at stake -- and
PEOPLES
what we, together, must do to protect civilized interests in the
STRENGTH
world, and economic growth here at home.
MAKE No MISTAKE:
Peace is at risk. Lives are at risk. The global
economy is at risk. 11 Indeed, the shape of a new world order is
at LBUT SOMETHING ELSE is CLEAR: AMERICA will wot
risk. \\\ BE TERRORIZED.
We are all rightly concerned. But we cannot allow ourselves
-
or the world to be terrorized.
It is important that we stand firm, and that we stand
together. 11 So I am sure we all agree: If there ever were a time
2
to put country before self, and patriotism before party, that
LET ME THANK you All,
time is now. III So let me thank you all, Republicans and
Democrats, for the bipartisan support you have shown in the face
of terrorist aggression.
We are all reminded that there are far greater risks and
sacrifices than any we are called to make in Washington. I
recently read of a Marine Master Sergeant from Oceanside,
California, a self-described "old war horse" who served in
Vietnam. But this same seasoned veteran is also a single father
who says that the toughest moment in a Marine's life is leaving
his kids behind. Such partings, in his words, are "like opening
up your chest and pulling out your heart."
So when we stop to think that these valiant men and women in
our Armed Services volunteered to be ready at a moment's notice,
to leave their comfortable posts and careers, their spouses,
their children, to put themselves on the front-line half-way
around the world, then we know who keeps America great. They
do. 1111 Our thanks, too, go to the sons of Saudi Arabia, Egypt,
Morocco, and Syria, who stand with our fighting forces in the
sands of Saudi Arabia.
Let us also return a salute to the military leaders with us
tonight -- the first-class professionals of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff. General Powell, Chiefs, what a magnificent job you have
done. III The response of the United States Armed Forces over the
past few weeks has been nothing short of heroic.
3
I have spoken with some of our men and women stationed in
the Gulf. In the face of danger, they are brave. In trying
circumstances, their morale is excellent. Helping to keep the
world free from further aggression. they make us all
know iT isn't. SADDAM SAY Hussein STARTED
I wisH I coulD their work is DONE. OUT AS BUT A WE
TERRORIST; All AND ITE CAN IS TAKE STILL HOPE A TERRORIST. FROM THIS: HIM. THE WORLD HAS
UNITED AGAinST BUT WE
-
1 testament to his isolation that the United Nations
Security Council has passed five resolutions opposing his
actions, without a single dissenting vote. And now Arab soldiers
from Damascus to Cairo, from Mecca to Marrakesh, and nations as
diverse as Norway and Bangladesh, have stood up in defiance to
his aggression.
In the world community, the man is an outlaw. His brazen
aggression cannot be allowed to stand. \\\
When small nations become the souvenirs of tyrants; when
innocents are held hostage; when world commerce and diplomacy are
assaulted at gunpoint, America will not be an idle observer.
America will act. \\\
4
UNWAVERING
Our objectives are clear and unchanging: Iraq must withdraw
from Kuwait completely, unconditionally, restoring the legitimate
government of Kuwait. The security and stability of Saudi
Arabia must be assured. The risk of future terrorist
aggression must be reduced. And we're going to defend American
citizens and American interests abroad.
The situation we face is what some have termed the first
crisis of the THE WAY WE RESPOND
post-Cold War era. The way we and the community
will SHAPE THE WAY THE WORLD LIVES FOR DECADES
of nations manage this crisis may well determine the pattern
TO COME.
of international affairs for decades to come.
So it is important that we stay true to certain principles:
First We should not allow the lessening reduced threat of superpower local
a greater
from bullies
conflict to be replaced by an increased threat of regional
AND the TERRORIST they bankRoll
violence and lesser power terrorism.
A POST- Colo WAR WORLD
Second,
in the context of reduced superpower tension, the
responsibility of the United States to protect our cherished
JUST THE OPPOSITE )
values is not png may diminished. We are the world's number
one economic and military power. Our responsibility is MAM
evident inescapable.
mmo. efforts to protect rules of law and decency must,
where possible, be cooperative -- exercised in concert with other
responsible nations in the international community. An effective
system of cooperative action -- economic sanctions, enforcement
and financial burden-sharing -- can reduce the likelihood of
REDUCE THE NEED FOR AMERICA TO
unilateral aggression, and the need for unilateral corrective
action. ACT Alone
5
( (Helsinki-Gorbachev to come))
Fourth, the lesson learned at horrendous cost half-a-century
Finally WE REMEMBER
ago minutlyde that as indedling with aggression: Rather than wait in the
naive hope for aggressors somehow to restrain themselves, it is
WILL LOSE THEIR APPETITE FOR conquest
far better for the defenders of civilized values to act early,
quickly, decisively and in concert.
In the face of the Iraqi aggression, we have so acted. We
have done so hand-in-hand with the world community and the
Security Council of the United Nations.
That said, I know there are some who will question America's
staying power. I do not know how long it may take for
internationally mandated sanctions to work. And I cannot know
whether Saddam Hussein will be so unwise as to compound his
provocation. But I can assure you:
America must support the rule of law. And we will.
America -- and the international community -- must defend
innocent countries against aggression. And we will. will.\\\
America must protect her vital interests. And we will.\
And one thing more\\
America will never give in to
blackmail.
I cannot say how long American troops may have to stay in
BEFORE WE
the Gulf as achieve our objectives. That depends, to some
extent, on Iraq.
AMERICA choose thE RIGHT COURSE; now we MUST
Having started down the correct path, America must stay the
KEEP TO IT
Course. I know we will.
Let no one doubt our resolve. III
6
ORDER FOR THE NATIONS of THE
WORLD CAN EMERGE
Out of these troubled times, a new world order will Lemerge
With the course we have charted, we can not only reverse Iraqi
aggression. We can also establish a cooperative precedent --
FReeR
making the post-Cold War era more free from the threat of terror;
stronger in the pursuit of justice; more secure in the quest for
peace.
There will, of course, be costs!
Precious lives have
already been sacrificed. Additional lives will be lost if
military conflict breaks out. Even if it doesn't, the economic
costs will be steep.
But we must avoid the greatest cost of all -- the cost of
doing nothing. No one doubts that left unchallenged, Saddam
Hussein could dictate the world price of oil. No one doubts he
would advance his ambitions by weapons of mass destruction. But
this is not about oil or one's man's ambition: This is the first
assault on the post-Cold War world, the first test of our mettle.
If we do not respond to this first provocation; if we do not
repel it; we will send a signal to a half-dozen despots around
the world. That signal would be a green light to aggression. III
So even as we try to keep the costs of Operation Desert
Shield to a reasonable minimum, American leadership will be kept
at a premium. III
The price of oil is already up. This will take its toll on
the economy. But it need not throw us into deep recession.
After all, we are working with oil-producing countries to
replace lost Iraqi and Kuwaiti production. Their help, with the
7
option of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, if necessary, can keep
oil prices from rising to levels that would hurt the economy. In
fact, oil prices may, in time, start coming down.
Our military deployment also involves economic costs. We
have developed a plan to share this cost -- and the cost of other
nation's economic burdens -- among those allies who have the
ability to finance our collective action. So I have dispatched
top Cabinet officials to tell our allies this: At the very most,
we encourage collective action; at the very least we expect a
sharing of the collective burden. III
But financial responsibility should begin at home. The
effects of higher oil prices, slower growth, and higher defense
costs will only make our fiscal deficit problem worse. It was
already worse than it should have been --- at a projected $232
billion for the coming year. This, too, cannot stand.
The Congress should act this very month -- before the next
fiscal year begins -- to get our economic affairs in order. If
anyone needs another reason to act, the Iraqi situation should
help focus their mind. We are more vulnerable economically than
we should ever be. American must never again enter a crisis --
economic or military -- with an excessive dependence on foreign
oil and an excessive burden of federal debt.
NOT AFTER ELECTION DAY, OR NEXT YEAR -
It is up to us to straighten this out -- BUT now.
Most Americans are fed up with endless turf battles between
the Congress and the Administration over economic policy. It is
time for us to pull together -- and get the job done right. III
8
For the job to get done, five things have to happen.
First: The Congress should, this month, enact tax measures
that propel growth -- to help avoid recession in the short term;
and to increase savings, investment, productivity, and
competitiveness for the long term. Specifically, I ask you to
extend incentives for research and experimentation; expand the
use of IRAs for new homeowners; establish tax-deferred Family
Savings Accounts; create incentives for the development of
Enterprise Zones; and yes, reduce the tax rate for capital
gains.
I know that a minority in the Congress likes to say that a
capital gains rate cut looks unfair on some tax expert's
distribution table. But let me say what's unfair for most
(BOCD)
Americans: Recession is unfair. The loss of a job is unfair.
So for those who care about fairness -- and I am one -- I say:
LET AMERICA work
Don't hold America back. Let this edonomy Grow!
Second: The Congress should, this month, enact a prudent
five-year defense program -- one that reflects both improved
East-West relations, and the continuing risks of outlaw action
and regional conflict, so vividly brought home to us by Iraq.
The defense budget can decline in real terms, even after
including the costs of our Persian Gulf deployment. Over five
years, defense outlays can be reduced below the baseline by
( (dollar amount)) billion. But beyond that, one crosses a line
that threatens a vital margin of safety. Given my Constitutional
9
obligation as Commander-in-Chief, that is a line I cannot
cross. III
The world is still a dangerous place, where regional
COULD KLARE AWIDER
instability can flair up into global conflict. Surely that is
AND TIGHTLY BOOND
now clear. American interests are far-reaching, Interdependence
TO THE FATES OF OTHER NATIONS
has increased. The consequences of regional instability can be
global. This is no time to trifle with our ability to protect
America's vital interests. III
Third: The Congress should, this month, enact measures to
increase domestic energy production and energy conservation -- so
we can cut our dependence on foreign oil. These measures should
include my proposals to increase incentives for domestic oil and
gas exploration, and to accelerate the development of Alaskan
energy resources. ( (Other measures to come.))
PORTED
[ [When the oil embargo was imposed in the early 1970's, the
imported
United States imposed ((number)) million barrels of oil per day.
This year, before the Iraqi invasion, U.S. imports had risen to
have
((number)) million barrels a day. We had moved in the wrong
direction. Now we must act to correct that trend -- so that our
vulnerability does not increase again. ]]
Fourth: The Congress should, this month, enact a five-year
program to reduce the projected deficits and debt by $500 billion
-- yes, you heard that right -- by half-a-trillion dollars. If
Congress presents me with an acceptable program by the end of
this month, America will avoid the clumsy meat-ax approach called
the "sequester" -- deep across-the-bòard cuts that would
10
undermine our soldiers in Saudi Arabia, and inflict needless pain
at home.
I also ask that Congress present this comprehensive, five-
year deficit reduction program to me as a single legislative
package -- with associated measures to assure that it can be
fully enforced. The American people are tired of phony deficit
reduction, tired of the promise-now, save-later-plan. Enough is
DEFICIT CUTS
enough. It's time for Aptogram that is not cynical, but
are
credible.
Fifth, and finally: The combination of these legislative
actions should allow the Federal Reserve to ease interest rates -
- in a setting of economic growth, without greater inflation. I
have discussed my proposals in detail with the Chairman of the
Federal Reserve Board, Alan Greenspan. He assures me that if
Congress promptly enacts the program I am recommending tonight,
he. will then ((insert to come. ) )
In addition to discussing this program with the Fed
Chairman, I have today provided it, in detail, to the members of
the Budget Summit negotiating group.
Our deficit reduction program must meet a few basics:
*** It must be responsible: So our plan includes the
measures I've recommended to increase economic growth and reduce
dependency on foreign oil.
*** About one-third of our savings can come from defense,
one-third from domestic spending programs, and one-third from
11
revenue measures. So that no group of programs or people escapes
responsibility, or bears the burden alone, it must be fair.
*** In order that it reaches beyond the visible parts of
the budget and begins to control the government's expanding
credit programs and hidden liabilities, it must be
comprehensive.
CAND OUR piece DEFICIT REDUCTION PLAN
***
must be in the spirit of reform: So our program
reforms the budget process to providé some of the tools that have
allowed many governors to keep state budgets under control --
like "pay-as-you-go" requirements and the line-item veto. III
OUR PLAN
*** It must be enforceable.
*** And, to the extent that it includes new revenues
measures -- which it does -- it must not threaten economic growth
by raising income tax rates. III I know there are some who are
anxious to raise income-tax rates. But that is one path we must
not head down again.
To the Congressional members of the Budget summit, you
remember my first call for negotiations many months ago. The
negotiations have already dragged on weeks and months too long.
I have already taken the personal risk demanded of me, and so
have others. The a compromise
OF plan COURSE, I offer THIS tonight PLAN is WILL further not FULLY SATKFY
that should, at last, bring us together. I hope to persuade you
Any OF US. BUT iT WILL DO THE JOB THAT NEEDS TO BE
DONE. AGAIN, THAT JOB MUST BE DONE now.
of its merit in this coming week. III
THE PLAN I OFFER TOMIGHT is A COMPROMISE.
us This plan will not fully satisfy any of us. But it will do
SOLET RESERVED COME TOGETHER THis WEEK.
the job that needs to be done. And now: It is time to
produce. III
12
I hope the Summit leaders will agree to my plan. But with
or without their agreement, I ask both Houses of Congress to
allow ( (a straight-up-and-down vote)) on my comprehensive package
--- no later than September 28th.
If the Congress fails to enact this compromise package,
Americans will have to face sequester, a greater risk of
recession and greater military risks abroad. If, on the other
hand, the Congress responds favorably, we will, at last, have put
ourselves on the right course.
I'm sure you agree, these are challenging times, at home and
abroad. Challenges that seem separate, but will set the course
of our common destiny. America' destiny is to be a leader
whether it is living up to our global duties, or tackling the
most intractable problems at home
(AMERICA'S DESTINY HAS ALWAYS BEEn TO LEAD )
I am hopeful. At this very moment, the sons and daughters
(CHRISS HATES "WASTES")
of America stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the pathless wastes of
the desert with the sons of Arabia, the sons of Europe, the sons
of many lands. If they can come together under such adversity,
surely we who are so fortunate, so comfortable, can come together
to fulfill our responsibility here.
(Anecdote about troops))
At this moment, our hopes and prayers are with them, each
and every one of them, as another day dawns in the Persian Culf
Thank you, and may God bless our brave men and women in the
Middle East, every one.
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