National Issues

The Public Interest Declassification Board, an advisory group established by the Public Interest Declassification Act of 2000, as amended (50 U.S.C. 435 note), has submitted a report entitled "Improving Declassification." The report addresses 15 issues and makes 49 recommendations relating to declassification of classified national security information.

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate one individual and has nominated one individual to serve in his Administration; Elisebeth C. Cook and Marianne M. Myles.

The President spoke today with Prime Minister Harper of Canada to discuss Afghanistan. The Prime Minister outlined his government's response to the recently-released report of the Independent Panel on Canada's Role in Afghanistan, the Manley Panel.

Nominations sent to the Senate: Robert J. Callahan, Elisebeth C. Cook, Heather M. Hodges, Barbara J. Stephenson, and William Edward Todd. Withdrawals sent to the Senate: Dennis W. Carlton and Andrew J. McKenna, Jr.

President George W. Bush today announced that he has asked Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt to serve as his personal representative at the funeral of Dr. Gordon B. Hinckley on February 2, 2008 in Salt Lake City.

The United States condemns the arrest on Monday of democracy activist Riad Seif by the Syrian regime. His arrest, which follows repeated refusals by the regime to allow Mr. Seif to travel abroad for medical treatment, is an escalation of a long series of Syrian efforts to deny its citizens the internationally recognized rights of freedom of expression and association. Through acts such as this, Syrian President Asad has made clear his contempt for the most basic rights of the Syrian people.

President Bush on Tuesday said, "And now I'm going to sign this executive order. Last night I said that it's very important for Congress to earn the trust of the American taxpayer, and one way they should do so is to end the practice of earmarks. Now, I said last year that they should voluntarily cut the number in half -- not only the number, but the amount of earmarks in half. They chose not to do so. So last night I told the Congress that I would veto any bill, appropriations bill, that does not cut the number and the amount of earmarks in half."

President Bush in Tuesday said, "I love our military, and the reason I do is because the character of those who wear our uniform, whether they be the general or the private, is remarkable. We're a nation that has produced people who are willing to volunteer in the face of danger. Thank goodness. And as a result, we are a nation in the lead, helping defend this world against extremists who murder the innocent to achieve an ideological objective."

Laura and I are saddened by the death of Margaret Truman Daniel. The only child of our 33rd president, she supported her father as he confronted the difficult challenges of his presidency, witnessing first-hand the leadership of Harry Truman in both war and peace. An accomplished author and singer, her life was one of tremendous personal achievement. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret Truman Daniel’s sons and the rest of the Truman family.

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

SUBJECT: Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Related to Africa and the Middle East

President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate four individuals to serve in his Administration: Robert J. Callahan, Heather M. Hodges, Barbara J. Stephenson, and William E. Todd.

During National African American History Month, we honor the achievements and celebrate the rich heritage of African Americans.

President Bush on Tuesday said, "Last night in my State of the Union, I highlighted the important work being done by faith-based organizations. This morning I was pleased to visit one of these inspiring groups, the Episcopal Community Services of Maryland, right here in Baltimore. I cannot thank you enough for the chance to take a tour."

President Bush on Monday said, "Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it's fair to say we've answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government."

People across this great Nation have heard the universal call to love a neighbor and are using their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of others. On the sixth anniversary of the USA Freedom Corps, we celebrate the spirit of service in America and honor the volunteers whose good work represents the generous character of our country.

Today, I have signed into law H.R. 4986, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The Act authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, for military construction, and for national security-related energy programs.

SUBJECT: Waiver of Section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008

Section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (the "Act") amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which establishes a framework for lawsuits against foreign countries and their agencies and instrumentalities under U.S. law. Immediately upon enactment, Section 1083 would put at risk substantial Iraqi assets in the United States that are crucial to Iraq's recovery efforts -- including the Development Fund for Iraq, the assets of the Central Bank of Iraq held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and assets of Iraqi agencies or instrumentalities used in commercial transactions in the United States. Section 1083 would also expose Iraq to potential new liability by undoing judgments favorable to Iraq, by foreclosing available defenses on which Iraq has relied, and by creating a new Federal cause of action backed by punitive damages. Any and all provisions of section 1083 may adversely affect Iraq or its agencies or instrumentalities, by exposing Iraq or its agencies or instrumentalities to liability in United States courts and by entangling their assets in litigation. Such burdens would undermine the national security and foreign policy interests of the United States, including by weakening the ability of the democratically-elected government of Iraq to use Iraqi funds to promote political and economic progress and further develop its security forces.

I appreciate that the Senate today unanimously confirmed Ed Schafer to be our next Secretary of Agriculture. As a two-term governor and business leader, Ed has distinguished himself as an executive with a proven record of results.