National Issues

On March 1, 1996, by Proclamation 6867, a national emergency was declared to address the disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations caused by the February 24, 1996, destruction by the Cuban government of two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in international airspace north of Cuba. In July 1996 and on subsequent occasions, the Cuban government stated its intent to forcefully defend its sovereignty against any U.S.-registered vessels or aircraft that might enter Cuban territorial waters or airspace while involved in a flotilla or peaceful protest. Since these events, the Cuban government has not demonstrated that it will refrain from the future use of reckless and excessive force against U.S. vessels or aircraft that may engage in memorial activities or peaceful protest north of Cuba. On February 26, 2004, by Proclamation 7757, the scope of the national emergency was expanded in order to deny monetary and material support to the repressive Cuban government, which had taken a series of steps to destabilize relations with the United States, including threatening to abrogate the Migration Accords with the United States and to close the United States Interests Section. Further, Cuba's most senior officials repeatedly asserted that the United States intended to invade Cuba, despite explicit denials from the U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense that such action is planned. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing the national emergency with respect to Cuba and the emergency authority relating to the regulation of the anchorage and movement of vessels set out in Proclamation 6867 as amended and expanded by Proclamation 7757.

Paul DeCamp, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, vice Tammy Dee McCutchen, resigned, which was sent to the Senate on January 9, 2007.

President Bush on Thursday said, "Many of the nominees for important government posts have been waiting for Senate confirmation for way too long. Some of these men and women here are with us today, and I want to thank you all for joining me. More importantly, I thank you for your willingness to step forward and serve our great country. These folks are qualified, and the Senate needs to give them a prompt vote."

Today, President Bush called on the Senate to fulfill its Constitutional duty to give pending nominations a prompt vote and ensure Federal courts and agencies have the personnel they need to best serve the American people. There are more than 180 highly-qualified nominees awaiting a fair vote in the Senate. Of these nominees, 30 have been waiting more than a year for a Senate vote, about half have been waiting 100 days or longer, and nine nominees have been waiting more than two years. The Senate's continued delay in confirming these nominees means good people are becoming increasingly discouraged from entering into public service.

Our first and foremost goal is delivering relief to American consumers and businesses to boost our economy. To be effective, this economic growth package must be timely, so it is crucial that the Senate now move quickly to pass a bill that will deliver relief to our economy.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "These Ducks are awfully mighty. It's such an honor to welcome you. I love welcoming champs to the White House. And these are clearly great champs. You know, the playoffs have got to be tough at that time of year, after you've played so long, and your legs are a little tired -- except you romped through the playoffs. I don't know if many Americans understand that, but this team went 16-5 through the first four rounds; became the first West Coast team in the NHL to win the Stanley Cup. And that's a big deal."

Nominations sent to the Senate: Ralph E. Martinez, Susan D. Peppler, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate three individuals to serve in his Administration: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Susan D. Peppler, and Ralph E. Martinez.

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaii and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, high surf, flooding, and mudslides during the period of December 4-7, 2007.

President Bush on Wednesday said, "Our priorities for this department are clear. We will work to make our strong agriculture sector even stronger. Ed understands what I know -- it makes a lot of sense to make sure that we can grow our own food. It's in our national security interest that we're self-sufficient in food. Farm income, farm equity and farm exports have all reached all-time records. The best way to keep the ag economy growing is to open up new markets for America's crops and farm products around the world."

President Bush will host NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the White House on February 29, 2008. The President appreciates the Secretary General's strong leadership of the NATO Alliance and his commitment to the transatlantic partnership. The President looks forward to reviewing work underway to strengthen and enlarge the Alliance at the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania April 2-4, 2008. The President and the Secretary General will also discuss the Alliance's efforts to promote and safeguard democracy and freedom, including in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Balkans.

On Wednesday, February 6, 2008, the President signed into law: S. 2110, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service in Taft, California, as the Larry S. Pierce Post Office.

I congratulate President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania on his appointment as the new President of the African Union, as well as Foreign Minister Jean Ping of Gabon on his appointment as the new Chair of the Commission of the African Union. I am confident that the African Union -- and the people of Africa -- will be well-served by the leadership and vision President Kikwete and Minister Ping will bring to these important posts.

Throughout our country and around the world, men and women of Asian descent welcome the Lunar New Year with a spirit of giving and renewed hope. This holiday, filled with vibrant traditions, celebrates new beginnings and recognizes the enduring wisdom of ancestors. During this special time of year, millions of people reunite with family and friends, reflect on the past, and look forward to a future of prosperity and opportunity.

I hereby direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Secretary of Defense, to submit to the President an initial reform proposal not later than April 30, 2008, that includes, as necessary, proposed executive and legislative actions to achieve the goals of reform described above. This proposal should be followed promptly by any additional proposals this group believes necessary to fulfill its mission.

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the enclosed notice to the Federal Register for publication, stating that the national emergency and related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in Côte d'Ivoire are to continue in effect beyond February 7, 2008.

On February 7, 2006, by Executive Order 13396, I declared a national emergency and ordered related measures blocking the property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in Côte d'Ivoire, pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706). I took this action to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the situation in or in relation to Côte d'Ivoire, which has been addressed by the United Nations Security Council in Resolution 1572 of November 15, 2004, and subsequent resolutions, and has resulted in the massacre of large numbers of civilians, widespread human rights abuses, significant political violence and unrest, and attacks against international peacekeeping forces leading to fatalities. Because the situation in or in relation to Côte d'Ivoire continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, the national emergency declared on February 7, 2006, and the measures adopted on that date to deal with that emergency, must continue in effect beyond February 7, 2008. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13396.

President Bush on Tuesday said, "You know, one of the things I love about NASCAR is not only are these great athletes, but they're socially minded folks. ...And I want to thank you all very much for taking your fame and lending it to help somebody in need. It's really what makes America a great place. You're leaders on the track and leaders off the track."

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the United States Additional Protocol Implementation Act (the "Act")(Public Law 109-401) and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and in order to facilitate implementation of the Act and the Protocol Additional to the Agreement between the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards in the United States of America (the "Additional Protocol"), it is hereby ordered as follows: