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Grocers' Public Affairs Assembly 3/24/92 [OA 6099] [2]
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323151936
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Grocers' Public Affairs Assembly 3/24/92 [OA 6099] [2]
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speech File Draft Files
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13613-005
Folder Title:
Grocers' Public Affairs Assembly 3/24/92 [OA 6099] [2]
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26
17
7
7
REVISED
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/23/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 TODAY
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE N/C
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO By phone
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH N/C
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
BOSKIN
HOLIDAY
N/C
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 TODAY, Monday, March
23, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
92 MAR 23 AIO: 41
March 23, 1992
Draft Six
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.) )
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
( (Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.) )
I'm here today to ask you to help me change this country --
to make it stronger and better. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. Just as we'll
stay engaged with the world, now it's a top priority that we make
things better here at home. Let me tell you what that means:
It's a legacy of productive jobs for our citizens, with strong
families -- secure in a more peaceful world.
I have a strategy to renew America and keep our country
strong in the next century. I proposed a plan to stimulate the
economy without raising taxes -- and without increasing the
federal deficit. Action to strenghten real estate. Action to
2
help young families buy that first home -- now. 11 I asked for
action to create good jobs. One of those action items was to cut
the tax on capital gains. 11
But the majority in Congress could not break their tax-and-
spend habits. 11 I asked for action to stimulate this economy -
- not stifle it. 11 I asked for a jobs bill -- and they passed a
bill to increase income taxes by 90 billion dollars. 11 They
turned their backs on first-time homebuyers by failing to enact a
$5,000 tax credit. They rejected the investment tax allowance
and other reforms to help businesses modernize and compete.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest in the
developed world.
Yes, I was disappointed in the Congress, but frankly not
surprised. So last Friday, I vetoed their tax increase. 111
Then, I announded actions I would take on my own to cut the fat
out of government and to cut the red tape that chokes our
competitive spirit. 11
You and I have business experience: We understand the cost
of over-regulation. We know what the tax increase would really
do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who would be subject to
the higher rates are owners of small businesses. More than a
million small businesses would be affected -- many of them
crippled --- by the Democrats' tax increase. Thousands of family-
run grocery and convenience stores are in this category. Small
family farms also could face financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
3
for small family businesses and farms by more than 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face more than a 25 percent increase in the
bracket where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope?
You'd feel pressure to cut back on the quality of your service.
Competition would press you to hold out as long as possible
before passing costs along to your customers -- so you might have
to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone in the business would
have to pass the costs along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
living in business.
So last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And I
directed the Secretary of Labor to implement promptly the Supreme
Court's Beck decision. It is just not right to force a worker to
have money taken out of his paycheck to finance the campaigns of
politicians he opposes. And my Administration is going to uphold
these fundamental rights for American workers.
Also last Friday, I sent Congress my first line-item
recissions. This will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut
$4 billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step
closer to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
4
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
industry, we're winning battles for common sense against over-
regulation. Just last Thursday, for example, my Administration
announced reforms on nutrition labelling for meat and poultry.
Our reforms will keep our food supply every bit as safe, but we
will reduce the burden and expense of regulation on American
consumers -- and on our hard-working food producers and grocers.
III If Congress sends me any new legislation that would over-
regulate our economy, I'll veto it as soon as it reaches my desk.
Now if we Americans are going to hone our skills and really
compete in the coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want
us to keep our sights on the next American Century. My strategy
focuses on five key concerns:
First, we must change and renew our schools. When I think
of America in the year 2000, I think of a nation of students
educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes in the best system
of schools, colleges and universities in the world. This will
take revolutionary changes. Most of our states and hundreds of
local communities have joined me already in a commitment we call
America 2000. Business as usual will not help us reach our
national education goals. We need to get behind world class
standards, new curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools,
voluntary national testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the
belief that schools will do their best when parents enjoy real
freedom and real responsibility to choose their children's
schools. School choice for parents is an idea whose time has
5
come.
Second, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans. 11 We all know the
problems: Too many people don't have health insurance -- and
health care costs are going through the roof. We also know that
the answer doesn't lie in costly and coercive plans like the
scheme to make employers "play or pay." And the answer certainly
isn't socialized medicine. 11 Nationalized health care would be
a national disaster. 11 The way I've proposed we help our
society deal with this is based on markets and choice. Our
answer is to change our health care system for the better -- not
ruin it. Just as in education, vouchers are a key part of my
vision of giving Americans a fairer and more affordable health
care system. 11
Third, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11 Things
are so out of hand that parents refuse to coach Little League for
fear of liability suits. Some doctors won't deliver babies
anymore because of malpractice suits. 11 Well, just imagine what
we could achieve if we spent as much time helping each other as
we do suing each other. 11 And the costs of liability and
litigation on small business are absolutely horrendous. You
know, there were 18 million lawsuits filed in America last year.
Eighteen million! That's why I've asked Congress to pass my
civil justice reform bill -- which will help people resolve
problems without needless lawsuits.
Fourth, we must reform government in line with one of
6
America's most important founding principles: strict limits on
the size and power of government. With a federal government that
now gobbles up a quarter of GNP, we can't really say we are as
free as we should be. We must fix a congressional system gone
out of control. Let's apply to Congress all the laws they impose
on people like you: Civil rights laws, the minimum wage, fair
labor standards, and so forth. 11 And let's eliminate the
special interest PACs that give unfair advantages to incumbents
in Congress. And say yes to the people's call for term limits
on Congress. My term is limited -- theirs should be, too. 11
Fifth, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
up the exciting market opportunities in Mexico as soon as
possible. As we work for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, I'm also making progress advancing my vision of open
trade and rising investment throughout the entire Western
Add mejor M N Stato. Caucle floe.
Hemisphere. [placeholder for insert from Clayton Yeutter on Kohl
meeting and GATT) With open markets and a level playing field, I
know Americans can out-produce and out-perform anyone, anytime,
anywhere.
On each of these challenges, there are two roads to take:
Po
One is reform, the other protects the status quo.
You and I are gathered on Capitol Hill today because we
share a common purpose. We're here in the neighborhood of a
Congress that fails to heed calls for reform, that fails to pass
a simple plan to help create jobs and build confidence. We're
not simply going to complain about the Congress -- we're going to
7
change the Congress. 11 Whoever can't help get this country
moving -- can get out of the way. 11
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for any of those members of Congress who happen
to be part of the crowd that's trying to stifle the economy while
squeezing more taxes out of working Americans, I'd like you to
send them this message: Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
You can help me. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity. Thank you, and God bless the
United States of America.
#
#
#
3
financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
for small family businesses and farms by about 18 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face a big increase in the bracket where you
pay most of your taxes, how would you cope? You'd feel pressure
to cut back on the quality of your service. Competition would
press you to hold out as long as possible before passing costs
along to your customers -- so you might have to eliminate jobs.
Eventually everyone in the business would have to pass the costs
along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
living. Even as millions of American families were huddling over
their kitchen tables to work on their tax returns, the liberal
Congress tried to raise their taxes by $90 billion.
Last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And I sent
Congress my first line-item recissions -- cutting $3.6 billion in
wasteful spending. These will serve notice to Congress that the
days of wasteful spending are over. And it is a step symbolic of
the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
4
industry, we're winning battles against over-regulation. We're
winning victories for common sense and freedom. Just last
Thursday, for example, my Administration announced reforms on
nutrition labeling for meat and poultry. Our reforms will keep
our food supply every bit as safe, but we will reduce the burden
and expense of regulation on American consumers -- and on our
hard-working food producers and grocers. 111 If Congress sends
me any new legislation that would over-regulate our economy, I'll
veto it as soon as it reaches my desk. Now if we Americans are
going to hone our skills and really compete in the coming years,
we've got a lot more to do. I want us to keep our sights on the
next American Century. When I think of America in the year 2000,
I think of the five strategic concerns mentioned in my address to
the nation last Friday.
First, we must change and renew our schools. We must become
a nation of students educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes
in the best system of schools, colleges and universities in the
world. This will take revolutionary changes. Most of our states
and hundreds of local communities are committed to change. They
crusade
have joined me already in a commitment we call America 2000.
Business as usual will not help us reach our national education
goals. We need to get behind world class standards, new
curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools, voluntary national
testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the belief that
schools will do their best when parents enjoy real freedom and
real responsibility to choose their children's schools. School
public, provide.
and religious.
8
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for those who are part of the crowd that's
trying to stifle the economy while squeezing more taxes out of
working Americans, I'd like you to send them this message:
Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
working together,
You can help me. We've changed the world -- now we can
change America. Thank you, and God bless the United States of
America.
#
#
#
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :10:34AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218:# 2
92 MAR 23 A10: 42
Document No: 316817
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 03/20/92
03/23
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11:00 a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY - 03/24
(03/20 Draft Four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
1
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
I
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
FITZWATER
YEUTTER
GRAY
MCGROARTY
HOLIDAY
FINDLAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
X 2930, no later than 11:00 a.m. Monday, 03/23 with a copy to
this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
To
O
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :10:34AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218;# 3
(Duggan/Simon)
March 20, 1992
Draft Four
S2 MAR 20 P5: 39
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
brocceli to the grocery shelves of America.))
( (When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was SO
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.))
( (Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read.
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.)
help change
I'm here today to ask you to do something for our country.
This year's national elections are historic - they are the first
since the end of the Cold War. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. We'll stay
engaged with the world, but now it's & top time priority to that change set Amarica
some things right here at home.
Let's begin with the United States Congress. 11 This year,
let's show that the people are sovereign. Let's not just
complain about Congress - let's transform it. 11 Let's replace
the liberal ruling class with common-sense people who share our
Extended Page 3.1
values. 11
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 10:35AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218:# 4.
2
The old Guard that rules Congress has fallen out of touch
and out of control. Congress is the number one obstacle to
moving this country forward. And it's time to change its
leadership. 11
Think of how the Democratic majority in Congress responded
when I asked them to do what's right for our economy:
They turned their back on first-time homebuyers by failing
to enact a $5,000 tax credit.
They rejected the investment tax allowance and other reforms
that could help businesses modernize with new equipment. They
turned down my plan to allow $10 billion more in cash flow for
companies that create many of the jobs in this country.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest
in the developed world. For purely partisan reasons, they
refused to pass my proposal to cut those steep taxes on
investment and job creation.
My State of the Union proposals offered those and other
incentives for growth without raising taxes -- and without
increasing the federal deficit. And I gave Congress fair
warning: If it sent me a bill raising taxes, I'd send it back
with my veto. And that's exactly what I did last Friday. 11
I asked for action to stimulate this economy -- not stifle
it. 11 I members of Congress to asked them to break their tax-
and-spend habits -- but they couldn't do it. 11 I asked for a
I obs bill -- and they passed a bill to increase income taxes by
Extended Page
4.1
90
taxes won't create jobs.
billion dollars. 11 7 very just don't get H-raising
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :10:36AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218;# 5
refusal to
Pass any
3
-Semps
They broke their trust with the American people
and I
plan
kept my promise: I vetoed their tax increase. 11
by
The Democrats' attempts to explain their actions prove how
far removed they are from the real people who make this country
work.
Here are the exact words of the House Democrat who
sponsored the tax increase: "The richest 1 parcent of all
why put fairness; their
Americans will pay more. We will have returned to the time-
aryument
honored tradition of taxing people on their ability to pay. 60
They want us to think no one really would suffer from such
in speech? our
a
their
massive tax increase. They want us to think all their targets
are so "rich" they would never feel the pinch.
Anyone who believes that is dangerously out of touch. 11
You and I have business experience: We know what the tax
increase would really do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who
would be subject to the higher rates are owners of small
businesses. More than a million small businesses would be
affected -- many of them crippled -- by the Democrate' tax
increase. Thousands of family-run grocery and convenience stores
are in this category. Small family farms also could face
financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
for small family businessas and farms by a full 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business - wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins -
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 10:36AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218;# 6
4
If you had to face a 25 percent increase in the bracket
where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope? You'd feel
pressure to cut back on the quality of your service -- that costs
money, after all. You'd feel competitive pressure to hold out as
long as possible before passing costs along to your customers --
so you would be pressed to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone
in the business would have to pass the costs along -- and that
would fuel inflation. The tax-hungry Democrats' triple play
would give us poorer service, fewer jobs, and more inflation.
Those are the simple facts of life for people trying to make
a living in business. But the arrogant politicians who call the
shots in Congress just don't get it. And this President has run
so
out of patience.
I'm
Fgoing
Last Friday I sent Congress my first line-item recissions.
prove
to
This action will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut $4
reform
billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step closer
on
my
to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto. 11
own, where
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that excessive
don't need to be passed by this Congress. That's in the area of
can.
regulation. Day by day and rule by rule, we're winning battles
for common sense against over-regulation. [Add details of
particular interest to grocers and convenience stores.]
But if we're to hone our skills and really compete in the
coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want 415 to keep our
promote
sights on the next American Century.
change
First.
we
must
work
Extended Page
6.1
in HU
-- sapana was markets. 1 want to open
ur areas to
take us into
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :10:37AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218;# 7
5
up markets in Mexico, throughout Latin America, and around the
world. 11
change the way we educate wrds. our
Second, we must/create a new generation of world-class
We
quality schools -- energized by competition and freedom for
will
parents to choose what schools are best for their kids. 11
Third, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans -- and the answer lies
in markets, not in socialized medicine. 11
Fundamental return. Fregal
Fourth, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11
Imagine what we could achieve if we spent as much time helping
each other as we do suing each other. 11
And fifth, we must tackle each of these challenges without
swelling the bureaucracy -- and without raising taxes. 11 If.
there is one central conviction that separates you and me from
the liberals in Congress, it is this: We believe government is
too big -- and it spends too much. 111
On every one of these challenges, there are two opposing
camps. One is fighting for reform, the other is defending the
status quo. I know I can count on you to fight with me for
reform. And we'll tell the people in Congress: Help get this
country moving -- or get out of the way. 11
This year must be a watershed. Our most powerful weapon to
win victories for our future is the ballot box. It's time for
the American people to show the Congress and the bureaucracy who
is really the boss. 11
Extended Page
7.1
1'11 wage a vigorous campaign for the vision and the values
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :10:38AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218:# 8
6
we share. I'll work to earn the people's vote for a second term.
And I'll work just as hard to transform the United States
Congress. People are filled with righteous anger at the
arrogance and the abuses of the old Guard in Congress. And it's
high time you and I had a Congress that shared our belief in
meaning and purpose of this great country. 11
This year we can change Congress. We can elect new people
to restore integrity and common sense to Capitol Hill.
In my second term I want to serve four vigorous years. I
want to move this country forward -- with members of Congress who
truly represent the American people's values and aspirations.
And we must fix a congressional system that has fallen out of
control. We need to apply to members of Congress all the laws
they impose on everyone else. 11 We need to reform the campaign
funding system that gives unfair advantages to incumbents in
Congress: That means eliminate the special interest political
action committees -- the PACs. 11 And we must head the rising
public clamor for change. If term limits are right for the
presidency, it's time for term limits for Congress. 111
Again and again, I've tried to send the message to this
Congress to get back in touch with the people. But the liberal
majority will not listen.
There are hundreds of you here - hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. When you speak, your
representatives listen -- or at least they go through the motions
of
listening.
Some
of
SENT BY:Xerox |ecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 10:38AM ; West Wing (1st Flr)
6218;# 9
7
represented by incorrigibly anti-business liberals.
Just after this speech, I understand that all of you are
headed up the Hill to visit your Senators and Representatives.
I'm asking you to send the anti-business liberals a message.
Just tell them one word: Goodbye. Tell them they've had
Too
harsh?
their last chance -- and now they're serving their last days in
Congress.
This will be my final campaign - and I planning to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy. I will fight to elect a Congress
that's worthy of the good people of this country.
You can help me You can help elect a new Congress to work
change
with us -- not against us. You can help lead this country to new
the
heights of freedom and prosperity.
way we business do
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
Washington
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :11:03AM ;
The White House->
OPD;# 1
REVISED
Document No.
92 MAR23
WHITE HOUSE /STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/23/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 TODAY
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
FITZWATER
YEUTTER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty,
Rm 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 TODAY, Monday, March
23, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comments. Thanks.
PK
Paul Kortonta
03/23
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 11:04AM ;
The White House->
OPD;# 2
(Duggan/Simon)
92 92 MAR 23 AW: 41
March 23, 1992
Draft Six
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
(OCA)
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.))
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
ex 9ca x the there doesn die
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
thing
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
ave
( (Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.))
I'm here today to ask you to help me change this country --
to make it stronger and better. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. Just as we'll
stay engaged with the world, now it's a top priority that we make
things better here at home. Let me tell you what that means:
It's a legacy of productive jobs for our citizens, with strong
families -- secure in a more peaceful world.
I have a strategy to renew America and keep our country
strong in the next century. I proposed a plan to stimulate the
economy without raising taxes -- and without increasing the
federal deficit. Action to strenghten real estate. Action to
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 11:04AM ;
The White House-
OPD;# 3
2
help young families buy that first home -- now. 11 I asked for
action to create good jobs. One of those action items was to cut
the tax on capital gains. 11
But the majority in Congress could not break their tax-and-
spend habits. 11 I asked for action to stimulate this economy -
- not stifle it. 11 I asked for a jobs bill -- and they passed a
bill to increase income taxes by 90 billion dollars. 11 They
turned their backs on first-time homebuyers by failing to enact a
$5,000 tax credit. They rejected the investment tax allowance
and other reforms to help businesses modernize and compete.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest in the
developed world.
Yes, I was disappointed in the Congress, but frankly not
surprised. So last Friday, I vetoed their tax increase. III
Then, I announded actions I would take on my own to out the fat
out of government and to out the red tape that chokes our
competitive spirit. 11
You and I have business experience: We understand the cost
of over-regulation. We know what the tax increase would really
do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who would be subject to
the higher rates are owners of small businesses. More than a
million small businesses would be affected -- many of them
crippled -- by the Democrats' tax increase. Thousands of family-
run grocery and convenience stores are in this category. Small
family farms also could face financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :11:04AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 4
speaker your
3
(Treas)
Number
010 maybe
for small family businesses and farms by more than 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face more than a 25 percent increase in the
bracket where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope?
You'd feel pressure to cut back on the quality of your service.
Competition would press you to hold out as long as possible
before passing costs along to your customers -- so you might have
to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone in the business would
have to pass the costs along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
has
out
living in business.
to
(Justice)
So last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And
I
" to ensure that Federal contractors their employee
(Justice) directed the Secretary of Labor to implement promptly notify the Supreme of their
vights under
istructed Court's Beck decision. ^ It is just not right to force a worker to
have also
the sec. of
abov to have money taken out of his paycheck to finance the campaigns of
appropriate are politicians he opposes. And my Administration is going to uphold
steps to help
Insure that these fundamental rights for American workers.
sorcers' dues
are not spent Also last Friday, I sent Congress my first line-item
n ways that
don't recissions. This will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut
impport." her
$4 billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step
closer to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :11:05AM ;
The White House->
OPD;# 5
4
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
industry, we're winning battles for common sense against over-
hel kad THE altached your STeel
regulation. Just last Thursday, for example, my Administration
announced reforms on nutrition labelling for meat and poultry.
for
Our reforms will keep our food supply every bit as safe, but we
will reduce the burden and expense of regulation on American
consumers -- and on our hard-working food producers and grocers.
III If Congress sends me any new legislation that would over-
regulate our economy, I'll veto it as soon as it reaches my desk.
Now if we Americans are going to hone our skills and really
compete in the coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want
us to keep our sights on the next American Century. My strategy
focuses on five key concerns:
First, we must change and renew our schools. When I think
of America in the year 2000, I think of a nation of students
educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes in the best system
of schools, colleges and universities in the world. This will
take revolutionary changes. Most of our states and hundreds of
local communities have joined me already in a commitment we call
America 2000. Business as usual will not help us reach our
national education goals. We need to get behind world class
standards, new curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools,
voluntary national testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the
belief that schools will do their best when parents enjoy real
freedom and real responsibility to choose their children's
schools. School choice for parents is an idea whose time has
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :11:06AM ;
The White House->
OPD:# 6
5
come. 11
second, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans. 11 We all know the
problems: Too many people don't have health insurance -- and
health care costs are going through the roof. We also know that
the answer doesn't lie in costly and coercive plans like the
scheme to make employers "play or pay." And the answer certainly
isn't socialized medicine. 11 Nationalized health care would be
a national disaster. 11 The way I've proposed we help our
society deal with this is based on markets and choice. Our
answer is to change our health care system for the better -- not
ruin it. Just as in education, vouchers are a key part of my
vision of giving Americans a fairer and more affordable health
care system. 11
Third, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11 Things
are so out of hand that parents refuse to coach Little League for
fear of liability suits. Some doctors won't deliver babies
anymore because of malpractice suits. 11 Well, just imagine what
we could achieve if we spent as much time helping each other as
we do suing each other. 11 And the costs of liability and
litigation on small business are absolutely horrendous. You
know, there were 18 million lawsuits filed in America last year.
Eighteen million! That's why I've asked Congress to pass my
civil justice reform bill -- which will help people resolve
problems without needless lawsuits. 11
Fourth, we must reform government in line with one of
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :11:06AM ;
The White House->
OPD:# 7
6
America's most important founding principles: strict limits on
the size and power of government. With a federal government that
now gobbles up a quarter of GNP, we can't really say we are as
free as we should be. We must fix a congressional system gone
out of control. Let's apply to Congress all the laws they impose
on people like you: civil rights laws, the minimum wage, fair
labor standards, and so forth. 11 And let's eliminate the
special interest PACs that give unfair advantages to incumbents
in Congress. 11 And say yes to the people's call for term limits
on Congress. 11 My term is limited -- theirs should be, too. 11
Fifth, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
up the exciting market opportunities in Mexico as soon as
possible. As we work for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, I'm also making progress advancing my vision of open
trade and rising investment throughout the entire Western
Hemisphere. [placeholder for insert from Clayton Yeutter on Kohl
meeting and GATT] With open markets and a level playing field, I
know Americans can out-produce and out-perform anyone, anytime,
anywhere. 11
On each of these challenges, there are two roads to take:
One is reform, the other protects the status quo.
You and I are gathered on Capitol Hill today because we
share a common purpose. We're here in the neighborhood of a
Congress that fails to heed calls for reform, that fails to pass
a simple plan to help create jobs and build confidence. We're
not simply going to complain about the Congress -- we're going to
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 3-23-92 :11:07AM ;
The White House-
OPD:# 8
7
change the Congress. 11 Whoever can't help get this country
moving -- can get out of the way. 11
There are Hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for any of those members of Congress who happen
to be part of the crowd that's trying to stifle the economy while
squeezing more taxes out of working Americans, I'd like you to
send them this message: Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before.
I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
You can help me. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity. Thank you, and God bless the
United States of America.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
March 19, 1992
FACT SHEET ON AGRICULTURE REFORMS
As part of the President's 90-day regulatory relief
initiative, Secretary of Agriculture Edward Madigan today
announced several actions to reduce the burden of regulation on
American farmers, consumers and businesses. These actions will
reduce regulatory compliance costs and enhance USDA's ability to
serve the public.
1.
Reducing Regulatory Compliance Costs. The Department is
taking the following steps to reduce regulatory compliance costs
while still protecting consumers and taxpayers.
Nutrition Labelling. In November, USDA's Food Safety and
Inspection Service (FSIS) proposed certain nutrition
labelling requirements for meat and poultry products. To
reduce costs to consumers and the economy, FSIS will make
three changes to its November proposal:
:
provide an exemption for small businesses, as FDA has,
so that the regulation does not make meat and poultry
labels too expensive for hundreds of food producing
firms;
-- extend the implementation period for another year to
give firms needed flexibility to comply with the new
regulations, reducing their costs by an estimated $210
million; and
-- allow the use of databases for nutrient labelling
information when appropriate, thereby reducing expected
implementation costs by about $650 million.
Prior Label Approval. Currently, labels on meat and poultry
products must be approved by FSIS prior to being used. FSIS
receives 170,000 applications for prior approval each year.
FSIS will publish a request for public comments on options
for reforming or eliminating the prior label approval
process. This will not only reduce costs, but will also
allow new products to reach consumers more quickly.
Nutrition labels will continue to meet same high level of
accuracy as under the current system.
Official Commercial Inspection Service. Grain inspection by
the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) is voluntary for
domestic markets, but is not always convenient or cost-
Sleve Hant P.3.
French mill betry top neases
and
with family
then Liche
(Duggan/Simon)
March 23, 1992
tables
Draft Six
Assembly
trap returns
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.))
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
( (Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.))
I'm here today to ask you to help me change this country --
to make it stronger and better. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. Just as we'll
stay engaged with the world, now it's a top priority that we make
things better here at home. Let me tell you what that means:
It's a legacy of productive jobs for our citizens, with strong
families -- secure in a more peaceful world.
I have a strategy to renew America and keep our country
strong in the next century. I proposed a plan to stimulate the
economy without raising taxes -- and without increasing the
federal deficit. Action to strenghten real estate. Action to
2
help young families buy that first home -- now. 11 I asked for
action to create good jobs. One of those action items was to cut
the tax on capital gains.
But the majority in Congress could not break their tax-and-
spend habits. 11 I asked for action to stimulate this economy -
- not stifle it. 11 I asked for a jobs bill -- and they passed a
bill to increase income taxes by 90 billion dollars. 11 They
turned their backs on first-time homebuyers by failing to enact a
$5,000 tax credit. They rejected the investment tax allowance
and other reforms to help businesses modernize and compete.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest in the
developed world.
Yes, I was disappointed in the Congress, but frankly not
surprised. So last Friday, I vetoed their tax increase. III
Then, I announded actions I would take on my own to cut the fat
out of government and to cut the red tape that chokes our
competitive spirit. 11
You and I have business experience: We understand the cost
of over-regulation. We know what the tax increase would really
do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who would be subject to
the higher rates are owners of small businesses. More than a
million small businesses would be affected -- many of them
crippled -- by the Democrats' tax increase. Thousands of family-
run grocery and convenience stores are in this category. Small
family farms also could face financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
3
for small family businesses and farms by more than 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business wholesale and retail is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face more than a 25 percent increase in the
bracket where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope?
You'd feel pressure to cut back on the quality of your service.
Competition would press you to hold out as long as possible
before passing costs along to your customers -- so you might have
to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone in the business would
have to pass the costs along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
living in business.
So last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And I
directed the Secretary of Labor to implement promptly the Supreme
Court's Beck decision. It is just not right to force a worker to
have money taken out of his paycheck to finance the campaigns of
politicians he opposes. And my Administration is going to uphold
these fundamental rights for American workers.
Steve Hart
Also last Friday, I sent Congress my first line-item
recissions This will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut
serve whice to that the days of washful spending are over@
cutting
$4 billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step
closer to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
Hart: tease furme rescission?
(Is There a policy reason not to?)
4
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
industry, we're winning battles for common sense against over-
regulation. Just last Thursday, for example, my Administration
announced reforms on nutrition labelling for meat and poultry.
Our reforms will keep our food supply every bit as safe, but we
will reduce the burden and expense of regulation on American
consumers -- and on our hard-working food producers and grocers.
III If Congress sends me any new legislation that would over-
regulate our economy, I'll veto it as soon as it reaches my desk.
Now if we Americans are going to hone our skills and really
compete in the coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want
us to keep our sights on the next American Century. My strategy
focuses on five key concerns:
First, we must change and renew our schools. When I think
of America in the year 2000, I think of a nation of students
educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes in the best system
of schools, colleges and universities in the world. This will
take revolutionary changes. Most of our states and hundreds of
local communities have joined me already in a commitment we call
America 2000. Business as usual will not help us reach our
national education goals. We need to get behind world class
standards, new curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools,
voluntary national testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the
belief that schools will do their best when parents enjoy real
freedom and real responsibility to choose their children's
schools. School choice for parents is an idea whose time has
5
come. 11
Second, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans. 11 We all know the
problems: Too many people don't have health insurance -- and
health care costs are going through the roof. We also know that
the answer doesn't lie in costly and coercive plans like the
scheme to make employers "play or pay." And the answer certainly
isn't socialized medicine. 11 Nationalized health care would be
a national disaster. 11 The way I've proposed we help our
society deal with this is based on markets and choice. Our
answer is to change our health care system for the better -- not
ruin it. Just as in education, vouchers are a key part of my
vision of giving Americans a fairer and more affordable health
care system.
Third, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11 Things
are so out of hand that parents refuse to coach Little League for
fear of liability suits. Some doctors won't deliver babies
anymore because of malpractice suits. 11 Well, just imagine what
we could achieve if we spent as much time helping each other as
we do suing each other. 11 And the costs of liability and
litigation on small business are absolutely horrendous. You
know, there were 18 million lawsuits filed in America last year.
Eighteen million! That's why I've asked Congress to pass my
civil justice reform bill -- which will help people resolve
problems without needless lawsuits. 11
Fourth, we must reform government in line with one of
6
America's most important founding principles: strict limits on
the size and power of government. With a federal government that
now gobbles up a quarter of GNP, we can't really say we are as
free as we should be. We must fix a congressional system gone
out of control. Let's apply to Congress all the laws they impose
on people like you: Civil rights laws, the minimum wage, fair
labor standards, and so forth. 11 And let's eliminate the
special interest PACs that give unfair advantages to incumbents
in Congress. And say yes to the people's call for term limits
on Congress. 11 My term is limited -- theirs should be, too. 11
Fifth, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
up the exciting market opportunities in Mexico as soon as
possible. As we work for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, I'm also making progress advancing my vision of open
trade and rising investment throughout the entire Western
Hemisphere. [placeholder for insert from Clayton Yeutter on Kohl
meeting and GATT] With open markets and a level playing field, I
know Americans can out-produce and out-perform anyone, anytime,
anywhere. 11
On each of these challenges, there are two roads to take:
One is reform, the other protects the status quo.
You and I are gathered on Capitol Hill today because we
share a common purpose. We're here in the neighborhood of a
Congress that fails to heed calls for reform, that fails to pass
a simple plan to help create jobs and build confidence. We're
not simply going to complain about the Congress -- we're going to
7
change the Congress. 11 Whoever can't help get this country
moving -- can get out of the way. 11
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for any of those members of Congress who happen
to be part of the crowd that's trying to stifle the economy while
squeezing more taxes out of working Americans, I'd like you to
send them this message: Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
You can help me. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity. Thank you, and God bless the
United States of America.
#
#
#
Document No. 316817
92 MAR 23 A10: 19
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
03/23
DATE: 03/20/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11:00 a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY - 03/24
(03/20 Draft Four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
FITZWATER
YEUTTER
GRAY
MCGROARTY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
X 2930, no later than 11:00 a.m. Monday, 03/23, with a copy to
this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE: Dan McCroarty.
10:05 an
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Cavma Revintication
expand.
CIS teaster Europes
charse home at to meet
GARD 5
A Thus.
(Duggan/Simon)
March 20, 1992
challes
Draft Four
32 MAR 20 P5: 39
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.) )
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
weak
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
((Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll SOON be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.))
I'm here today to ask you to do something for our country.
This year's national elections are historic they are the fl
since the end of the Cold War. We've changed the world -- we've
How?)
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. We'll stay
engaged with the world, but now it's a top priority that we set
some things right here at home.
Sowhil they?
Let's begin with the United States Congress. 11 This
let's show that the people are sovereign. Let's not just
complain about Congress -- let's transform it. 11 Let's replace
the liberal ruling class with common-sense people who share our
values. 11
Meaningless NO one remembers these.
After 50 Speeches
The olu Guard that rules Congress has fallen out of touch
and out of control. Congress is the number one obstacle to
moving this country forward. And it's time to change its
leadership.
Think of how the Democratic majority in Congress responded
when I asked them to do what's right for our economy:
They turned their back on first-time homebuyers by failing
to enact a $5,000 tax credit.
They rejected the investment tax allowance and other reforms
that could help businesses modernize with new equipment. They
turned down my plan to allow $10 billion more in cash flow for
companies that create many of the jobs in this country.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest
in the developed world. For purely partisan reasons, they
refused to pass my proposal to cut those steep taxes on
investment and job creation.
My State of the Union proposals offered those and other
incentives for growth without raising taxes -- and without
increasing the federal deficit. And I gave Congress fair
warning: If it sent me a bill raising taxes, I'd send it back
with my veto. And that's exactly what I did last Friday. 11
I asked for action to stimulate this economy -- not stifle
it. 11 I members of Congress to asked them to break their tax-
and-spend habits -- but they couldn't do it. 11 I asked for a
jobs bill -- and they passed a bill to increase income taxes by
90 billion dollars. 11
3
They broke their trust with the American people -- and I
kept my promise: I vetoed their tax increase.
The Democrats' attempts to explain their actions prove how
far removed they are from the real people who make this country
work. Here are the exact words of the House Democrat who
sponsored the tax increase: "The richest 1 percent of all
Americans will pay more. We will have returned to the time-
honored tradition of taxing people on their ability to pay. " -
They want us to think no one really would suffer from such a
massive tax increase. They want us to think all their targets
are so "rich" they would never feel the pinch.
Anyone who believes that is dangerously out of touch.
You and I have business experience: We know what the tax
increase would really do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who
would be subject to the higher rates are owners of small
businesses. More than a million small businesses would be
affected -- many of them crippled -- by the Democrats! tax
increase. Thousands of family-run grocery and convenience stores
are in this category. Small family farms also could face
financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
for small family businesses and farms by a full 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins ---
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
IS
this our ONLY justification.
Better to leave it out.
If you had to face a 25 percent increase in the bracket
where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope? You'd feel
pressure to cut back on the quality of your service -- that costs
money, after all. You'd feel competitive pressure to hold out as
long as possible before passing costs along to your customers --
so you would be pressed to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone
in the business would have to pass the costs along -- and that
would fuel inflation. The tax-hungry Democrats' triple play
would give us poorer service, fewer jobs, and more inflation.
Those are the simple facts of life for people trying to make
a living in business. But the arrogant politicians who call the
shots in Congress just don't get it. And this President has run
out of patience,
Last Friday I sent Congress my first line-item recissions.
This action will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut $4
billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step closer
to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
X
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. That's in the area of
regulation. Day by day and rule by rule, we're winning battles
for common sense against over-regulation. [Add details of
particular to grocers and convenience stores.]
But if we're to hone our skills and really compete in the
coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want us to keep our
sights on the next American Century.
First, iffard. we must work td expand our markets. I want to open
How should
up markets in natin merica, nd around the
world. 11
Second we must create a new generation of world-class
quality schools -- energized by competition and freedom for
parents to choose what schools are best for their kids. 11
Third, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans -- and the answer ies
in markets, not in socialized medicine. 11
Fourth, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11
Imagine what we could achieve if we spent as much time helping
each other as we do suing each other. 11
And fifth, we must tackle each of these challenges without
swelling the bureaucracy -- and without raising taxes. 11 If
there is one central conviction that separates you and me from
the liberals in Congress, it is this: We believe government is
too big -- and it spends too much. 111
On every one of these challenges, there are two spposing
camps. One is fighting for reform, the other is defending the
status quo. I know I can count on you to fight with me for
reform. And we'll tell the people in Congress: Help get this
country moving -- or get out of the way. 11
This year must be a watershed. Our most powerful weapon to
win victories for our future is the ballot box. It's time for
the American people to show the Congress and the bureaucracy who
is really the boss. 11
I'll wage a vigorous campaign for the vision and the values
6
we share. I'll work to earn the people's vote for a second term.
And I'll work just as hard to transform the United States
Congress. People are filled with righteous anger at the
arrogance and the abuses of the Old Guard in Congress. And it's
high time you and I had a Congress that shared our belief in
meaning and purpose of this great country. 11
This year we can change Congress. We can elect new people
to restore integrity and common sense to Capitol Hill.
In my second term I want to serve four vigorous years. I
want to move this country forward -- with members of Congress who
truly represent the American people's values and aspirations.
And we must fix a congressional system that has fallen out of
control. We need to apply to members of Congress all the laws
they impose on everyone else. 11 We need to reform the campaign
funding system that gives unfair advantages to incumbents in
Congress: That means eliminate the special interest political
action committees -- the PACs. 11 And we must heed the rising
public clamor for change. If term limits are right for the
presidency, it's time for term limits for Congress. III
Again and again, I've tried to send the message to this
Congress to get back in touch with the people. But the liberal
majority will not listen.
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. When you speak, your
representatives listen -- or at least they go through the motions
of listening. Some of you live in states or districts
7
represented by incorrigibly anti-business liberals.
Just after this speech, I understand that all of you are
headed up the Hill to visit your Senators and Representatives.
I'm asking you to send the anti-business liberals a message.
Just tell them one word: Goodbye. Tell them they've had
their last chance -- and now they're serving their last days in
Congress.
This will be my final campaign -- and I planning to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy. I will fight to elect a Congress
that's worthy of the good people of this country.
You can help me. You can help elect a new Congress to work
with us -- not against us. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 21, 1992
MEMORANDUM FOR DAN MCGROARTY
FROM:
GENE C. SCHAERR as
92 MAR 23
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
3/24 Speech to Grocers' Public Affairs Assembly
2:
We request the following changes:
On page 4, line 17, insert "kind of accountability and" before
the word "power. " Also insert "because they have" before "the
line-item veto. " These line-item rescissions will not, in fact,
bring us any closer to a true line-item veto, but it may provide
some of the policy and political benefits.
On page 4, line 21, insert the following instead of the bracketed
material: "Just last Thursday, for example, the Department of
Agriculture took action to cut back unnecessary regulation of
food and nutrition labels."
On page 6, line 14, replace "everyone else" with "others.' " On
line 16, insert "most harmful" before "special." "
I have also noted some stylistic suggestions on various pages.
CC: Phil Brady
Document No. 316817
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
03/23
DATE: 03/20/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 11:00 a.m. Monday
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY - - 03/24
(03/20 Draft Four)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
У
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
MCGROARTY
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments directly to Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122,
x 2930, no later than 11:00 a.m. Monday, 03/23, with a copy to
this office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
March 20, 1992
Draft Four
32 MAR 20 P5: 39
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.) )
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
((Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.) )
I'm here today to ask you to do something for our country.
This year's national elections are historic -- they are the first
since the end of the Cold War. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. We'll stay
engaged with the world, but now it's a top priority that we set
some things right here at home.
Let's begin with the United States Congress. 11 This year,
let's show that the people are sovereign. Let's not just
complain about Congress -- let's transform it. 11 Let's replace
the liberal ruling class with common-sense people who share our
values. 11
2
The Old Guard that rules Congress has fallen out of touch
and out of control. Congress is the number one obstacle to
moving this country forward. And it's time to change its
leadership.
Think of how the Democratic majority in Congress responded
when I asked them to do what's right for our economy:
They turned their back on first-time homebuyers by failing
to enact a $5,000 tax credit.
They rejected the investment tax allowance and other reforms
that could help businesses modernize with new equipment. They
turned down my plan to allow $10 billion more in cash flow for
companies that create many of the jobs in this country.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest
I
in the developed world. For purely partisan reasons, they
refused to pass my proposal to cut those steep taxes on
investment and job creation.
My State of the Union proposals offered those and other
incentives for growth without raising taxes -- and without
increasing the federal deficit. And I gave Congress fair
warning: If it sent me a bill raising taxes, I'd send it back
asheds
with my veto. And that's exactly what I did last Friday.
I asked for action to stimulate this economy -- not stifle
it. I members of Congress to asked them to break their tax-
and-spend habits -- but they couldn't do it. 11 I asked for a
jobs bill -- and they passed a bill to increase income taxes by
90 billion dollars.
3
They broke their trust with the American people -- and I
kept my promise: I vetoed their tax increase. 11
The Democrats' attempts to explain their actions prove how
far removed they are from the real people who make this country
work. Here are the exact words of the House Democrat who
sponsored the tax increase: "The richest 1 percent of all
Americans will pay more. We will have returned to the time-
honored tradition of taxing people on their ability to pay. H
They want us to think no one really would suffer from such a
massive tax increase. They want us to think all their targets
are so "rich" they would never feel the pinch.
Anyone who believes that is dangerously out of touch. 11
You and I have business experience: We know what the tax
increase would really do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who
would be subject to the higher rates are owners of small
businesses. More than a million small businesses would be
affected -- many of them crippled -- by the Democrats' tax
increase. Thousands of family-run grocery and convenience stores
are in this category. Small family farms also could face
financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
for small family businesses and farms by a full 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins ---
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
4
If you had to face a 25 percent increase in the bracket
where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope? You'd feel
pressure to cut back on the quality of your service -- that costs
money, after all. You'd feel competitive pressure to hold out as
long as possible before passing costs along to your customers ---
so you would be pressed to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone
in the business would have to pass the costs along -- and that
would fuel inflation. The tax-hungry Democrats' triple play
would give us poorer service, fewer jobs, and more inflation.
Those are the simple facts of life for people trying to make
a living in business. But the arrogant politicians who call the
(land aj accountalulity
shots in Congress just don't get it. And this President has run
out of patience.
Last Friday I sent Congress my first line-item recissions.
This action will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut $4
billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step closer
to the power that 43 governors have the line-item veto. 11
because theyhan
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. That's in the area of
regulation. Day by day and rule by rule, we're winning battles
for common sense against over-regulation. [Add details of
particular interest to grocers and convenience stores.]
But if we're to hone our skills and really compete in the
coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want us to keep our
sights on the next American Century.
First, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
5
up markets in Mexico, throughout Latin America, and around the
world. 11
Second, we must create a new generation of world-class
quality schools -- energized by competition and freedom for
parents to choose what schools are best for their kids. 11
Third, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans -- and the answer lies
in markets, not in socialized medicine. 11
Fourth, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11
Imagine what we could achieve if we spent as much time helping
each other as we do suing each other. 11
And fifth, we must tackle each of these challenges without
swelling the bureaucracy -- and without raising taxes. 11 If
there is one central conviction that separates you and me from
the liberals in Congress, it is this: We believe government is
too big -- and it spends too much. 111
On every one of these challenges, there are two opposing
camps. One is fighting for reform, the other is defending the
il
status quo. I know I can count on you to fight with me for
reform. And we'll tell the people in Congress: Help get this
country moving -- or get out of the way. 11
This year must be a watershed. Our most powerful weapon to
win victories for our future is the ballot box. It's time for
the American people to show the Congress and the bureaucracy who
is really the boss. 11
I'll wage a vigorous campaign for the vision and the values
6
we share. I'll work to earn the people's vote for a second term.
And I'll work just as hard to transform the United States
Congress. People are filled with righteous anger at the
arrogance and the abuses of the Old Guard in Congress. And it's
high time you and I had a Congress that shared our belief in
meaning and purpose of this great country. 11
This year we can change Congress. We can elect new people
to restore integrity and common sense to Capitol Hill.
In my second term I want to serve four vigorous years. I
want to move this country forward -- with members of Congress who
truly represent the American people's values and aspirations.
And we must fix a congressional system that has fallen out of
control. We need others to apply to members of Congress all the laws
they impose on everyone else. 11 We need to reform the campaign
funding system that gives unfair advantages to incumbents in
Congress: That means eliminate the special interest political
most
action committees -- the PACs. 11 And we must heed the rising
harmful
public clamor for change. If term limits are right for the
presidency, it's time for term limits for Congress. 111
Again and again, I've tried to send the message to this
Congress to get back in touch with the people. But the liberal
majority will not listen.
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. When you speak, your
representatives listen -- or at least they go through the motions
of listening. Some of you live in states or districts
7
represented by incorrigibly anti-business liberals.
Just after this speech, I understand that all of you are
headed up the Hill to visit your Senators and Representatives.
I'm asking you to send the anti-business liberals a message.
Just tell them one word: Goodbye. Tell them they've had
their last chance -- and now they're serving their last days in
Congress.
This will be my final campaign -- and I planning to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy. I will fight to elect a Congress
that's worthy of the good people of this country.
You can help me. You can help elect a new Congress to work
with us -- not against us. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.
#
(Duggan/Simon)
March 23, 1992
Draft Seven
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.)
( (When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
( (Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.))
I'm here today to ask you to help me change this country --
to make it stronger and better. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. Just as we'll
stay engaged with the world, now we must make things better here
at home. Let me tell you what that means: We'll leave a legacy
of productive jobs for our citizens, with strong families --
secure in a more peaceful world.
I have a strategy to renew America and keep our country
strong in the next century. I proposed a plan to stimulate the
economy without raising taxes -- and without increasing the
federal deficit. Action to strenghten real estate. Action to
2
help young families buy that first home -- now. 11 I asked for
action to create good jobs. One of those action items was to cut
the tax on capital gains. 11
But the majority in Congress could not break their tax-and-
spend habits. 11 I asked for action to stimulate this economy -
- not stifle it. 11 I asked for a jobs bill -- and they passed a
bill to increase income taxes by 90 billion dollars. 11 They
turned their backs on first-time homebuyers by failing to enact a
$5,000 tax credit. They rejected the investment tax allowance
and other reforms to help businesses modernize and compete.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest in the
developed world.
Yes, I was disappointed in the Congress, but frankly not
surprised. So last Friday, I vetoed their tax increase. III
Then, I announced actions I would take on my own to cut the fat
out of government, to cut the red tape that chokes our
competitive spirit, and to get this country up to speed for the
long haul.
You and I have business experience: We know what the tax
increase would really do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who
would be subject to the higher rates are owners of small
businesses. More than a million small businesses would be
affected -- many of them crippled -- by the Democrats' tax
increase. Thousands of family-run grocery and convenience stores
are in this category. Small family farms also could face
financial ruin from such a tax hike.
3
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
for small family businesses and farms by more than 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face more than a 25 percent increase in the
bracket where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope?
You'd feel pressure to cut back on the quality of your service.
Competition would press you to hold out as long as possible
before passing costs along to your customers -- so you might have
to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone in the business would
have to pass the costs along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
living in business.
So last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And I
sent Congress my first line-item recissions. These will hold
Congress to account as I seek to cut $4 billion in wasteful
spending. And it is a step symbolic of the power that 43
governors have -- the line-item veto.
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
industry, we're winning battles for common sense against over-
regulation. Just last Thursday, for example, my Administration
announced reforms on nutrition labeling for meat and poultry.
4
Our reforms will keep our food supply every bit as safe, but we
will reduce the burden and expense of regulation on American
consumers -- and on our hard-working food producers and grocers.
111 If Congress sends me any new legislation that would over-
regulate our economy, I'll veto it as soon as it reaches my desk.
Last Friday I directed the Secretary of Labor to implement
promptly the Supreme Court's Beck decision. It is just not right
to force a worker to have money taken out of his paycheck to
finance the campaigns of politicians he opposes. And my
Administration is going to uphold these fundamental rights for
American workers. Now if we Americans are going to hone our
skills and really compete in the coming years, we've got a lot
more to do. I want us to keep our sights on the next American
Century. When I think of America in the year 2000, I think of
the five strategic concerns mentioned in my address to the nation
last Friday.
First, we must change and renew our schools. We must become
a nation of students educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes
in the best system of schools, colleges and universities in the
world. This will take revolutionary changes. Most of our states
and hundreds of local communities are committed to change. They
have joined me already in a commitment we call America 2000.
Business as usual will not help us reach our national education
goals. We need to get behind world class standards, new
curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools, voluntary national
testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the belief that
5
schools will do their best when parents enjoy real freedom and
real responsibility to choose their children's schools. School
choice for parents is an idea whose time has come. 11
Second, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans. We've got the highest
quality health care in the world -- but everyone should have
access to it. 11 We all know the problems: Too many people
don't have health insurance -- and health care costs are going
through the roof. We also know that the answer doesn't lie in
costly and coercive plans like the scheme to make employers "play
or pay. And the answer certainly isn't socialized medicine.
Nationalized health care would be a national disaster. 11
The
way I've proposed we help our society deal with this is based on
markets and choice. Just as in education, vouchers are a key
part of my strategy for giving Americans a fairer and more
affordable health care system. Our answer is to change our
health care system for the better -- not ruin it.
11
Third, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. 11 Things
are so out of hand that some parents refuse to coach Little
League for fear of liability suits. Some doctors won't deliver
babies anymore because of malpractice suits. Well, just
imagine what we could achieve if we spent as much time helping
each other as we do suing each other. 11 And the costs of
liability and litigation on small business are absolutely
horrendous. You know, there were 18 million lawsuits filed in
America last year. Eighteen million! That's why I've asked
6
Congress to pass my civil justice reform bill -- which will help
people resolve problems through means other than a courtroom. It
will help put a stop to frivolous lawsuits and reduce the drag on
our economy caused by excessive litigation.
Fourth, we must reform government in line with one of
America's most important founding principles: strict limits on
the size and power of government. With a federal government that
gobbles up a quarter of GNP, we can't really say we are as free
as we should be. One quarter of all we produce as a nation -- as
a people -- goes to pay for the central government. That is just
not right.
11
We must fix a congressional system gone out of
control. Congress, as an institution controlled by one party --
the Democrats -- for almost 40 years -- desperately needs
reform. I'll have more to say about reforming Congress at a
later date. But we can start by applying to Congress all the
laws they impose on people like you: Civil rights laws, wage and
hour laws, fair labor standards, and so forth. 11 We must
eliminate the special interest PACs that give unfair advantages
to incumbents in Congress. 11 And say yes to the people's call
for term limits on Congress. 11 My term is limited -- I believe
theirs should be, too. 11
Fifth, we must work to expand our markets. Our future --
the quality of our lives, our standard of living -- is more and
more tied to our ability to compete in world markets. I want to
open up the exciting market opportunities in Mexico as soon as
possible. With nearly 100 million people next door, Mexico is
7
already one of our best customers, and they'll buy a lot more
American goods as soon as these negotiations are concluded. It
is one of our fastest growing markets anywhere in the world. And
as we complete the North American Free Trade negotiations, we'll
continue reach out and capture markets elsewhere in the world.
We have a lot at stake in the Uruguay Round of the GATT talks,
with more than 100 nations participating. Our exports are on the
rise, so the more trade barriers we can knock down the better.
We're working hard at that, and I just had a long discussion this
weekend with Chancellor Kohl of Germany on the importance of
successfully completing the Uruguay Round, and doing it soon.
Chancellor Kohl was very supportive, and we'll try to work
together in the coming weeks to break some of the roadblocks that
have put these negotiations on hold for several months. On a
level playing field, I know Americans can out-produce and out-
perform anyone, anytime, anywhere. Free trade -- yes -- but it's
got to be fair trade. 11
On each of these challenges, there are two roads to take:
One is reform, the other protects the status quo.
You and I are gathered on Capitol Hill today because we
share a common purpose. We're here in the neighborhood of a
Congress that fails to heed calls for reform, that fails to pass
a simple plan to help create jobs and build confidence. We're
not simply going to complain about the Congress. If we can
change the world, we can change the Congress. 11 Whoever can't
help get this country moving -- can get out of the way. 11
8
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for those who are part of the crowd that's
trying to stifle the economy while squeezing more taxes out of
working Americans, I'd like you to send them this message:
Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
You can help me. We've changed the world -- now we can
change America. Thank you, and God bless the United States of
America.
#
#
#
With nearly 100 million people next door, Maxico is already one
of our best customers, and they'll buy a lot more American goods
as soon as these negotiations are concluded. It is one of our
fastest growing markets anywhere in the world.
And as we complete the North American free trade
negotiations, we'll not only expand our markets to the north and to
the south, but we'll give American businesses a bigger, stronger home
base from which to reach out and capture markets elsewhere in the
world.
As to those global markets, we have a lot at stake in the Uruguay
Round of trade negotiations, with more than 100 nations participating.
Our exports are on the rise, BO the more trade barriers we can knock
down the better. We're working hard at that, and I just had a long
discussion this weekend with Chancellor Kohl of Germany on the im-
portance of successfully completing the Uruguay Round, and doing it
soon. Chancellor Kohl was very supportive, and we'll try to work
together in the coming weeks to break some of the roadblocks that
have put these negotiations on
hold for several months.
"Tweree
bucker 16
on
More comments
expury
: 11:29PM : 3-23-92 : 7020 Telecodere BY: SENT
Z #: ETA 1st) BUIM mest -
REVISED
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/23/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 TODAY
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 TODAY, Monday, March
23, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
nnoz
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
92 MAR 23 A10: 41
March 23, 1992
Draft Six
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.))
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.))
((Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.) )
I'm here today to ask you to help me change this country --
to make it stronger and better. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. Just as we'll
stay engaged with the world, now it's a top priority that we make
things better here at home. Let me tell you what that means:
It's a legacy of productive jobs for our citizens, with strong
families -- secure in a more peaceful world.
I have a strategy to renew America and keep our country
strong in the next century. I proposed a plan to stimulate the
economy without raising taxes -- and without increasing the
federal deficit. Action to strenghten real estate. Action to
2
help young families buy that first home -- now. 11 I asked for
action to create good jobs. One of those action items was to cut
the tax on capital gains. 11
But the majority in Congress could not break their tax-and-
spend habits. 11 I asked for action to stimulate this economy -
- not stifle it. 11 I asked for a jobs bill -- and they passed a
bill to increase income taxes by 90 billion dollars. They
turned their backs on first-time homebuyers by failing to enact a
$5,000 tax credit. They rejected the investment tax allowance
and other reforms to help businesses modernize and compete.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest in the
developed world.
Yes, I was disappointed in the Congress, but frankly not
surprised. So last Friday, I vetoed their tax increase. III
Then, I announded actions I would take on my own to cut the fat
out of government and to cut the red tape that chokes our
competitive spirit.
You and I have business experience: We understand the cost
of over regulation We know what the tax increase would really
do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who would be subject to
the higher rates are owners of small businesses. More than a
million small businesses would be affected -- many of them
crippled -- by the Democrats' tax increase. Thousands of family-
run grocery and convenience stores are in this category. Small
family farms also could face financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
3
for small family businesses and farms by more than 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face more than a 25 percent increase in the
bracket where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope?
You'd feel pressure to cut back on the quality of your service.
Competition would press you to hold out as long as possible
before passing costs along to your customers -- so you might have
to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone in the business would
have to pass the costs along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
living in business.
So last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And I
directed the Secretary of Labor to implement promptly the Supreme
Court's Beck decision. It is just not right to force a worker to
have money taken out of his paycheck to finance the campaigns of
politicians he opposes. And my Administration is going to uphold
these fundamental rights for American workers.
Also last Friday, I sent Congress my first line-item
recissions. This will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut
is
symbollic
$4 billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step
closer to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
4
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
industry, we're winning battles for common sense against over-
regulation. Just last Thursday, for example, my Administration
announced reforms on nutrition labelling for meat and poultry.
Our reforms will keep our food supply every bit as safe, but we
will reduce the burden and expense of regulation on American
consumers -- and on our hard-working food producers and grocers.
III If Congress sends me any new legislation that would over-
regulate our economy, I'll veto it as soon as it reaches my desk.
Now if we Americans are going to hone our skills and really
compete in the coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want
d see an said last
us to keep our sights on the next American Century
^
My strategy
focuses Friday on five key concerns:
First, we must change and renew our schools.
When I think
of America in the year 2000, I think of a nation of students
we must be
educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes in the best system
of schools, colleges and universities in the world. This will
take revolutionary changes. Most of our states and hundreds of
local communities have joined me already in a commitment we call
America 2000. Business as usual will not help us reach our
national education goals. We need to get behind world class
standards, new curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools,
voluntary national testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the
belief that schools will do their best when parents enjoy real
freedom and real responsibility to choose their children's
schools. School choice for parents is an idea whose time has
5
come. 11
Second, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans. 11 We all know the
problems: Too many people don't have health insurance -- and
health care costs are going through the roof. We also know that
the answer doesn't lie in costly and coercive plans like the
scheme to make employers "play or pay." And the answer certainly
isn't socialized medicine. 11 Nationalized health care would be
a national disaster. 11 The way I've proposed we help our
society deal with this is based on markets and choice. Our
answer is to change our health care system for the better -- not
ruin it. Just as in education, vouchers are a key part of my
strategn
vision of giving Americans a fairer and more affordable health
care system. 11
Third, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. Things
are so out of hand that parents refuse to coach Little League for
fear of liability suits. Some doctors won't deliver babies
anymore because of malpractice suits. 11 Well, just imagine what
we could achieve if we spent as much time helping each other as
we do suing each other. 11 And the costs of liability and
litigation on small business are absolutely horrendous. You
know, there were 18 million lawsuits filed in America last year.
Eighteen million! That's why I've asked Congress to pass my
civil justice reform bill -- which will help people resolve
problems without needless lawsuits.
Fourth, we must reform government in line with one of
6
America's most important founding principles: strict limits on
the size and power of government. With a federal government that
now gobbles up a quarter of GNP, we can't really say we are as
free as we should be. We must fix a congressional system gone
and I'll have more to say about that later or
out of control, Let's apply to Congress all the laws they impose
But
on people like you: Civil rights laws, the minimum wage, fair
I
labor standards, and so forth And let's eliminate the
special interest PACs that give unfair advantages to incumbents
in Congress. 11 And say yes to the people's call for term limits
on Congress. My term is limited -- theirs should be, too. 11
Fifth, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
up the exciting market opportunities in Mexico as soon as
possible. As we work for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, I'm also making progress advancing my vision of open
trade and rising investment throughout the entire Western
Hemisphere. [placeholder for insert from Clayton Yeutter on Kohl
meeting and GATT] With open markets and a level playing field, I
know Americans can out-produce and out-perform anyone, anytime,
anywhere. 11
On each of these challenges, there are two roads to take:
One is reform, the other protects the status quo.
You and I are gathered on Capitol Hill today because we
share a common purpose. We're here in the neighborhood of a
Congress that fails to heed calls for reform, that fails to pass
a simple plan to help create jobs and build confidence. We're
not simply going to complain about the Congress -- we're going to
7
change the Congress. 11 Whoever can't help get this country
moving -- can get out of the way. 11
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for any of those members of Congress who happen
to be part of the crowd that's trying to stifle the economy while
squeezing more taxes out of working Americans, I'd like you to
send them this message: Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
the have changed the world and we can
You can help me. You can help lead this country to new
change america
heights of freedom and prosperity. Thank you, and God bless the
United States of America.
#
#
#
REVISED
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/23/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 TODAY
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
MAR 23 P2:48 P2: 48
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
BOSKIN
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 TODAY, Monday, March
23, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
goods
DS
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
EST/E OFFICE
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20503
92 MAR 23 P2: 08
NOTICE:
Enclosed are comments from staff members of the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB). Such comments do not necessarily
represent the official position of the Director of OMB or of the
Office of Management and Budget. If you wish to have the
Director's personal comments, please let me know -- and contact
me if you have any questions.
If our proposed substantive changes are not made, please let
us know before the material is prepared in final.
James L. Marr
Associate Director for
Legislative Reference
and Administration
REVISED
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Fish
DATE: 3/23/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 TODAY
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
BOSKIN
HOLIDAY
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 TODAY, Monday, March
23, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See Commut
Grady on his an
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Simon)
92 MAR 23 A10: 41
March 23, 1992
Draft Six
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.))
((When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was SO
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.))
(Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.) )
I'm here today to ask you to help me change this country --
to make it stronger and better. We've changed the world -- we've
won a great victory for world peace and freedom. Just as we'll
stay engaged with the world, now it's a top priority that we make
things better here at home. Let me tell you what that means:
It's a legacy of productive jobs for our citizens, with strong
families -- secure in a more peaceful world.
I have a strategy to renew America and keep our country
strong in the next century. I proposed a plan to stimulate the
economy without raising taxes -- and without increasing the
federal deficit. Action to strenghten real estate. Action to
2
help young families buy that first home -- now. 11 I asked for
action to create good jobs. One of those action items was to cut
the tax on capital gains. 11
But the majority in Congress could not break their tax-and-
spend habits. 11 I asked for action to stimulate this economy -
- not stifle it. 11 I asked for a jobs bill -- and they passed a
bill to increase income taxes by 90 billion dollars. 11 They
turned their backs on first-time homebuyers by failing to enact a
watered down my
$5,000 tax credit. They rejected the investment tax allowance
and other reforms to help businesses modernize and compete.
tinkered withthe
but if their plan were adopted, the
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest in the capital
gains
developed world.
tax rate
Yes, I was disappointed in the Congress, but frankly not
would
remain
surprised. So last Friday, I vetoed their tax increase. III
still
be
I
Then, I announced actions I would take on my own to cut the fat
out of government and to cut the red tape that chokes our
competitive spirit. 11
You and I have business experience: We understand the cost
of over-regulation. We know what the tax increase would really
1
do. About two thirds of the taxpayers who would be subject to
eights percent revenue raised increase resulting from
would come from
the higher rates are owners of small businesses. More than a
million small businesses would be affected -- many of them
crippled -- by the Democrats' tax increase. Thousands of family-
run grocery and convenience stores are in this category. Small
family farms also could face financial ruin from such a tax hike.
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
Taylos /3192
3
for small family businesses and farms by more than 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins --
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
If you had to face more than a 25 percent increase in the
bracket where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope?
You'd feel pressure to cut back on the quality of your service.
Competition would press you to hold out as long as possible
before passing costs along to your customers -- so you might have
to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone in the business would
have to pass the costs along -- and that would fuel inflation.
Those are simple facts of life for people trying to make a
living in business.
So last Friday I vetoed their massive tax increase. And I
directed the Secretary of Labor to implement promptly the Supreme
Court's Beck decision. It is just not right to force a worker to
have money taken out of his paycheck to finance the campaigns of
politicians he opposes. And my Administration is going to uphold
these fundamental rights for American workers.
Also last Friday, I sent Congress my first line-item
recissions. This will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut
meanly $4 billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step
closer to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto.
/
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
Anderon
don't need to be passed by this Congress. Take a look at
4630
4
government regulation. Day by day, rule by rule, and industry by
industry, we're winning battles for common sense against over-
regulation. Just last Thursday, for example, my Administration
announced reforms on nutrition labelling for meat and poultry.
Our reforms will keep our food supply every bit as safe, but we
will reduce the burden and expense of regulation on American
consumers -- and on our hard-working food producers and grocers.
111 If Congress sends me any new legislation that would over-
regulate our economy, I'll veto it as soon as it reaches my desk.
Now if we Americans are going to hone our skills and really
compete in the coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want
us to keep our sights on the next American Century. My strategy
focuses on five key concerns:
First, we must change and renew our schools. When I think
of America in the year 2000, I think of a nation of students
educating ourselves throughout our lifetimes in the best system
of schools, colleges and universities in the world. This will
take revolutionary changes. Most of our states and hundreds of
local communities have joined me already in a commitment we call
America 2000. Business as usual will not help us reach our
national education goals. We need to get behind world class
standards, new curriculum frameworks, break-the-mold schools,
voluntary national testing. And a centerpiece of our plan is the
belief that schools will do their best when parents enjoy real
freedom and real responsibility to choose their children's
schools. School choice for parents is an idea whose time has
5
come. 11
Second, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans. 11 We all know the
problems: Too many people don't have health insurance -- and
health care costs are going through the roof. We also know that
the answer doesn't lie in costly and coercive plans like the
scheme to make employers "play or pay." And the answer certainly
isn't socialized medicine. 11 Nationalized health care would be
a national disaster. The way I've proposed we help our
society deal with this is based on markets and choice. Our
answer is to change our health care system for the better -- not
ruin it. Just as in education, vouchers are a key part of my
vision of giving Americans a fairer and more affordable health
care system.
Third, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits. Things
are so out of hand that parents refuse to coach Little League for
fear of liability suits. Some doctors won't deliver babies
anymore because of malpractice suits. 11 Well, just imagine what
we could achieve if we spent as much time helping each other as
we do suing each other. And the costs of liability and
litigation on small business are absolutely horrendous. You
know, there were 18 million lawsuits filed in America last year.
Eighteen million! That's why I've asked Congress to pass my
civil justice reform bill -- which will help people resolve
problems without needless lawsuits. 11
Fourth, we must reform government in line with one of
6
America's most important founding principles: strict limits on
the size and power of government. With a federal government that
now gobbles up a quarter of GNP, we can't really say we are as
free as we should be. We must fix a congressional system gone
out of control. Let's apply to Congress all the laws they impose
on people like you: Civil rights laws, the minimum wage, fair
labor standards, and so forth. 11 And let's eliminate the
special interest PACs that give unfair advantages to incumbents
in Congress. And say yes to the people's call for term limits
on Congress. 11 My term is limited -- theirs should be, too. 11
Fifth, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
up the exciting market opportunities in Mexico as soon as
possible. As we work for the North American Free Trade
Agreement, I'm also making progress advancing my vision of open
trade and rising investment throughout the entire Western
Hemisphere. [placeholder for insert from Clayton Yeutter on Kohl
meeting and GATT] With open markets and a level playing field, I
know Americans can out-produce and out-perform anyone, anytime,
anywhere. 11
On each of these challenges, there are two roads to take:
One is reform, the other protects the status quo.
You and I are gathered on Capitol Hill today because we
share a common purpose. We're here in the neighborhood of a
Congress that fails to heed calls for reform, that fails to pass
a simple plan to help create jobs and build confidence. We're
not simply going to complain about the Congress -- we're going to
7
change the Congress. 11 Whoever can't help get this country
moving -- can get out of the way. 11
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. Just after this
speech, I understand that all of you are headed up the Hill to
visit your Senators and Representatives. I hope you'll pass
along my warmest thanks to those who supported our economic
growth plan. But for any of those members of Congress who happen
to be part of the crowd that's trying to stifle the economy while
squeezing more taxes out of working Americans, I'd like you to
send them this message: Goodbye.
This will be my final campaign -- and I plan to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy.
You can help me. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity. Thank you, and God bless the
United States of America.
#
#
#
REVISED
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE:
3/23/92
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 2:00 TODAY
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
HOLIDAY
BOSKIN
KAUFMAN
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Dan McGroarty,
Rm. 122, x2930, no later than 2:00 TODAY, Monday, March
23, with a copy to this office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Comments on pl, 3,4
( For what Q it's worth, this spach displays am excellent
awareness of the audience's business, profet margins, etc.
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Comments
(Duggan/Simon)
March 20, 1992
Draft Four
32 MAR 20 P5: 39
Assembly
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
GROCERS' PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSEMBLY
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1992
11:00 a.m.
[Acknowledgments]
((It's a pleasure to be with so many of the people who bring
broccoli to the grocery shelves of America.)
( (When I was at a grocers' convention in Florida recently,
the press wondered why I was so impressed with a new check-out
scanner I was shown. I'll tell you why. It was so
sophisticated, when I ran my hand across it, it predicted the
number of electoral votes I'd get in November.) )
((Seriously, though, those new scanners can actually read
the signature on a check. Something tells me you'll soon be
seeing them in every store on Capitol Hill.) )
I'm here today to ask you to do something for our country.
(as writter)
This year's national elections are historic -- they are the first
A think this
since the end of the Cold War. We've changed the world -- we've
smacks of
us won a great victory for world peace and freedom. We+Pl will stay
just suddenly home
engaged with the world}. But new we will it's also a top set priority that we set
straight
making priority.
some things right here at home.
a
Let's begin with the United States Congress. 11 This year,
let's show that the people are sovereign. Let's not just
complain about Congress -- let's transform it. 11 Let's replace
the liberal ruling class with common-sense people who share our
values. 11
2
The old Guard that rules Congress has fallen out of touch
and out of control. Congress is the number one obstacle to
moving this country forward. And it's time to change its
leadership. 11
Think of how the Democratic majority in Congress responded
when I asked them to do what's right for our economy:
They turned their back on first-time homebuyers by failing
to enact a $5,000 tax credit.
They rejected the investment tax allowance and other reforms
that could help businesses modernize with new equipment. They
turned down my plan to allow $10 billion more in cash flow for
companies that create many of the jobs in this country.
They voted to keep our capital gains tax among the highest
in the developed world. For purely partisan reasons, they
refused to pass my proposal to cut those steep taxes on
investment and job creation.
My State of the Union proposals offered those and other
incentives for growth without raising taxes -- and without
increasing the federal deficit. And I gave Congress fair
warning: If it sent me a bill raising taxes, I'd send it back
with my veto. And that's exactly what I did last Friday. 11
I asked for action to stimulate this economy -- not stifle
it. 11 I members of Congress to asked them to break their tax-
and-spend habits -- but they couldn't do it. 11 I asked for a
jobs bill -- and they passed a bill to increase income taxes by
90 billion dollars. 11
3
They broke their trust with the American people -- and I
kept my promise: I vetoed their tax increase. 11
The Democrats' attempts to explain their actions prove how
far removed they are from the real people who make this country
work. Here are the exact words of the House Democrat who
sponsored the tax increase: "The richest 1 percent of all
Americans will pay more. We will have returned to the time-
honored tradition of taxing people on their ability to pay. M -
They want us to think no one really would suffer from such a
massive tax increase. They want us to think all their targets
are so "rich" they would never feel the pinch.
Anyone who believes that is dangerously out of touch. 11
You and I have business experience: We know what the tax
increase would really do. About two-thirds of the taxpayers who
would be subject to the higher rates are owners of small
businesses. More than a million small businesses would be
affected -- many of them crippled -- by the Democrats' tax
increase. Thousands of family-run grocery and convenience stores
are in this category. Small family farms also could face
dry cleaners, and many other small businesses.
financial ruin from such a tax hike. The some with local anto body shops,
The bill I've just vetoed tried to raise the marginal rate
for small family businesses and farms by a full 25 percent.
Just think about the impact of this on your own businesses.
The grocery business -- wholesale and retail -- is fiercely
competitive. You operate on the thinnest of profit margins
for wholesalers it's often less than a penny on the dollar.
4
If you had to face a 25 percent increase in the bracket
where you pay most of your taxes, how would you cope? You'd feel
Look, A'm not going to tell you that the line item recessing
well w as Congress spenching habits. But tab will help to signal
an attatude thats says business as usual just accepted.
pressure to cut back on the quality of your service -- that costs
money, after all. You'd feel competitive pressure to hold out as
long as possible before passing costs along to your customers --
so you would be pressed to eliminate jobs. Eventually everyone
in the business would have to pass the costs along -- and that
would fuel inflation. The tax-hungry Democrats' triple play
would give us poorer service, fewer jobs, and more inflation.
Those are the simple facts of life for people trying to make
a living in business. But the arrogant politicians who call the
shots in Congress just don't get it. And this President has run
out of patience.
Last Friday I sent Congress my first line-item recissions.
This action will hold Congress to account as I seek to cut $4
billion in wasteful spending. And it will bring us a step closer
to the power that 43 governors have -- the line-item veto. 11
I'm also fighting for economic growth through actions that
don't need to be passed by this Congress. That's in the area of
regulation. Day by day and rule by rule, we're winning battles
for common sense against over-regulation. [Add details of
particular interest to grocers and convenience stores.]
But if we're to hone our skills and really compete in the
coming years, we've got a lot more to do. I want us to keep our
sights on the next American Century.
First, we must work to expand our markets. I want to open
5
up markets in Mexico, throughout Latin America, and around the
world. 11
Second, we must create a new generation of world-class
quality schools -- energized by competition and freedom for
parents to choose what schools are best for their kids. 11
Third, we need to make our excellent health care more
affordable and more available to Americans -- and the answer lies
in markets, not in socialized medicine. 11
Fourth, we need to stop the epidemic of lawsuits.
Imagine what we could achieve if we spent as much time helping
each other as we do suing each other. 11
And fifth, we must tackle each of these challenges without
swelling the bureaucracy -- and without raising taxes. 11 If
there is one central conviction that separates you and me from
the liberals in Congress, it is this: We believe government is
too big -- and it spends too much. III
On every one of these challenges, there are two opposing
camps. One is fighting for reform, the other is defending the
status quo. I know I can count on you to fight with me for
reform. And we'll tell the people in Congress: Help get this
country moving -- or get out of the way. 11
This year must be a watershed. Our most powerful weapon to
win victories for our future is the ballot box. It's time for
the American people to show the Congress and the bureaucracy who
is really the boss. 11
I'll wage a vigorous campaign for the vision and the values
6
we share. I'll work to earn the people's vote for a second term.
And I'll work just as hard to transform the United States
Congress. People are filled with righteous anger at the
arrogance and the abuses of the Old Guard in Congress. And it's
high time you and I had a Congress that shared our belief in
meaning and purpose of this great country. 11
This year we can change Congress. We can elect new people
to restore integrity and common sense to Capitol Hill.
In my second term I want to serve four vigorous years. I
want to move this country forward -- with members of Congress who
truly represent the American people's values and aspirations.
And we must fix a congressional system that has fallen out of
control. We need to apply to members of Congress all the laws
they impose on everyone else. 11 We need to reform the campaign
funding system that gives unfair advantages to incumbents in
Congress: That means eliminate the special interest political
action committees -- the PACs. 11 And we must heed the rising
public clamor for change. If term limits are right for the
presidency, it's time for term limits for Congress. 111
Again and again, I've tried to send the message to this
Congress to get back in touch with the people. But the liberal
majority will not listen.
There are hundreds of you here -- hometown business leaders
who are the backbone of your communities. When you speak, your
representatives listen -- or at least they go through the motions
of listening. Some of you live in states or districts
7
represented by incorrigibly anti-business liberals.
Just after this speech, I understand that all of you are
headed up the Hill to visit your Senators and Representatives.
I'm asking you to send the anti-business liberals a message.
Just tell them one word: Goodbye. Tell them they've had
their last chance -- and now they're serving their last days in
Congress.
This will be my final campaign -- and I planning to fight as
never before. I never dreamed I'd have the privilege of being
your President at the great turning point when freedom prevailed
over imperial Communism. But I won't rest until I help this
country win another legacy. I will fight to elect a Congress
that's worthy of the good people of this country.
You can help me. You can help elect a new Congress to work
with us -- not against us. You can help lead this country to new
heights of freedom and prosperity.
Thank you, and God bless the United States of America.