In the past few days, the President, his Cabinet, Secretary of Education, the Governors and their staff have humbly walked the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson. We started down a promising path, and we have composed a Jeffersonian compact-the beneficiaries of which will be the children of this country. The children of this country today represent 25 percent of our population. Tomorrow, they are 100 percent of that population. With that, I'd like to introduce the Governor of New Mexico and the Chairman of the Educational Commission of the States, Garrey Carruthers.

Governor Carruthers. Thank you very much, Booth. We came to talk about sharing the responsibility for success, and we've done that. And to have success we need to have a vision, much higher expectations, and the President of the United States gave one of the finest speeches I've ever heard on education today at the convocation at the University of Virginia.

And it is from that speech and the work that we have to do afterwards that will develop the vision of education in this country. But I think also we came to talk about empowering people, and we talked a lot about empowering. We're going to empower parents by encouraging choice; we're going to empower teachers by letting them take over the classrooms again; we're going to empower those educational entrepreneurs that exist in all our communities by deregulating the educational system.

We need to empower the kids by making sure that before they're 5 years old they've been properly taken care of in every way, particularly with health. And we need to empower the private sector by inviting them into the school systems and getting their assistance and mentoring programs and the financial assistance they've always been willing to give us. And then we need to empower all Americans very simply by having them join us in developing a set of national goals. It has been a wonderful conference and now I'd like to introduce you to Governor Bill Clinton who's one of the prime forces in developing this conference, the summit, with the President of the United States.

Governor Clinton. Thank you very much, Governor Carruthers, Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen. This is a rather emo

tional moment for me. For one thing, I didn't get much sleep last night. We were up working on this statement.

I want to thank Governor Campbell, who is not here, and Governor Branstad, who is, and all the others who worked on this statement from the National Governors' Associa

tion-[Chief of Staff] John Sununu and [Assistant to the President for Domestic and Economic Affairs] Roger Porter and others from the White House staff. And most important, Mr. President, I want to thank you for giving us the chance, the Governors, after 7 years of hard work on educational reform, to have a real national partnership in education.

The press will ask today, and maybe the people will when we get home, what really happened here that makes a difference. I would say there are three things.

This is the first time in the history of this country that we have ever thought enough of education and ever understood its significance to our economic future enough to commit ourselves to national performance goals. It has never happened in over 200 years. This is the first time, ever, any group of public officials have ever committed themselves to a national effort to restructure the schools of the United States—something every educator who studied it says is the single most significant thing we could do.

And this is the first time a President and Governors have ever stood before the American people and said, not only are we going to set national performance goals, which are ambitious, not only are we going to develop strategies to achieve them, but we stand here before you and tell you we expect to be held personally accountable for the progress we make in moving this country to a brighter future. If that doesn't make this a happy day, I don't know what does. Thank you very much.

The President. Thank you all. Well done, Bill. You did a wonderful job. Booth, thanks for everything.

Note: The President spoke at 3:07 p.m. on the steps of the Rotunda.

Remarks to Participants in the Secondary School Recognition Program September 28, 1989

Thank you, Mr. Secretary. And thank you especially for your key role in this educational summit, and to all of you, our special guests, welcome to the White House.

Let me first wish a happy birthday to the Executive Director of the Council for American Private Education, Joyce McCray, who is here someplace. And we have here today the proud representatives of 218 secondary schools: America's best. And some are private, some are religiously affiliated, some are public-a mixture of middle, junior, and senior high schools from 42 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. But you all have one thing in common: a determination to excel. And I am especially impressed by the 22 schools receiving this award for the second time. You did not take your first win as a reason to relax; you took it as a mandate for continued success. And this clearly shows that all the schools here today have a commitment to quality that is unwavering and

true.

And so, returning from the summit, Barbara and I just wanted to say congratulations to all of you. As you know, this was a historic summit on education with the Nation's Governors there in Charlottesville. And one of the first points that we all agreed on was the need for schools and communities to work together. And this is what Douglas Molzahn of Lincoln High in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, meant when he said that this honor is not a spotlight on his school, but a floodlight on his whole community.

Every school here today represents a successful community of businessmen, businesswomen, civic groups, and parents. And no one had to tell you how to do this-not Washington, not your State government. You set your own high goals and then you met them. These ideas dominated the discussion at this national summit. The Governors and I agreed that education is central to the continued prosperity of our country, so nothing less than an educated work force will do the job. But education has always been and must remain a State responsibility and a local function.

So, for the first time, then, in American history we reached the following agreements: to establish a process for setting national education goals, to seek flexibility and enhanced accountability and the use of Federal resources to meet these goals through both regulation and legislative change, to undertake a major State-by-State effort to restructure our education system, and then to report annually on progress in achieving these goals. I am going to stay engaged and use the bully pulpit of the White House to do my part working with these Governors to achieve educational excellence. By doing this, we will be truly walking in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson. In fact, we've already started down the path by entering into this new compact, a Jeffersonian compact to enlighten all of America's children.

But let me say it again: No one will impose these goals on your schools. It's up to every community, every principal, every teacher to accept the challenge of national goals. And can it be done, you might ask? Well, yes. In fact, it has been done, in 218 different ways, along 218 different paths to one goal: excellence in education.

America desperately needs every school to match your determination. There are more than 40 million Americans who have never graduated from high school, and there are more than 17 million Americans who cannot read at all. Benjamin Franklin was once asked what was the most pitiful thing in life. And he replied, "A lonesome man on a rainy day who does not know how to read." Because of your schools, thousands of children will never suffer this singular form of loneliness; they will be readers. And they will be accomplished in many subjects, will possess the skills that our changing economy will demand. And there is no secret to the way in which you're achieving this, no secret to your success.

Danford Sakai of Waiakea High School put his academic philosophy in alliteration: commitment, caring, common sense, communication, and courage. And that's what you bring to your schools, your students, and to the future of our great nation.

So, thank you for what you're doing, keep up the good work, congratulations, and God bless you all. Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 4:37 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House upon his return from the education summit in Charlottesville, VA. In his remarks, he referred to Secretary of Education Lauro F. Cavazos.

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Death of Ferdinand Marcos September 28, 1989

The President and Mrs. Bush were saddened to hear of the death of former President Marcos. They offer their condolences to Mrs. Marcos and the members of her family. For over 20 years, Mr. Marcos was the leader of the Philippines, a nation that has been and remains a staunch friend and ally of the United States. Mr. Marcos agreed to leave the Philippines at a critical juncture in his nation's history. His departure permitted the peaceful transition to popular, democratic rule under President Aquino.

Statement on the House of Representatives' Approval of the Capital Gains Tax Legislation September 28, 1989

I am pleased by the bipartisan House vote which represents a step forward for economic growth, new jobs, and American competitiveness. A lower capital gains rate will reduce the cost of capital and create incentives for investment in the long-term productive capacity of American industry. This is what we need to make us more successful in the increasingly competitive international marketplace, creating more jobs and better living standards for Ameri

cans.

I look forward to working cooperatively with the Senate to give swift attention to this tax cut. I want to thank the Republican leadership in the House, and those Democrats and Republicans who made this achievement possible.

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Meeting With President Virgilio Barco Vargas of Colombia

September 28, 1989

President Bush and President Barco met for approximately 11⁄2 hours in the Residence, followed by a brief social reception. Joining them were Attorney General Thornburgh, Drug Coordinator William Bennett, General Scowcroft [Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs], Governor Sununu [Chief of Staff], Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, Deputy National Security Adviser Gates, and Ambassador McNamara. President Barco is in the United States to address the United Nations General Assembly. The President took the opportunity to invite him to the White House for a discussion of the international drug situation and President Barco's courageous efforts against the drug cartels. The President reaffirmed the strong commitment of the United States in assisting President Barco's efforts and noted that Colombia's fight against the drug traffickers is an example to the rest of the world.

The two Presidents talked about the domestic drug problem in the United States and the administration's efforts to reduce consumption. They discussed U.S. assistance to Colombia to ensure that Colombia was receiving the necessary equipment in its fight against drug traffickers. They also discussed the possibility of other nations assisting Colombia in its efforts against the cartels, and the President indicated his willingness to encourage such support. President Barco outlined the efforts that the Government of Colombia is taking against drug traffickers. He expressed his appreciation for the help of the United States and noted that this is a global effort in which international cooperation is important. President Barco also discussed Colombia's economic situation. President Bush said the United States is prepared to resume discussions with Colombia and others in order to resolve the fundamental problems of the current International Coffee Agreement.

The President indicated his intention to work closely with President Barco to expand bilateral trade and investment op

portunities in order to spur Colombia's economic growth. He has asked the United States Trade Representative to lead an interagency effort to examine urgently what can be done, particularly with respect to GSP benefits and in the area of agricultural and manufactured items. The President noted the United States willingness to work with the international financial institutions to support increased economic assistance for Colombia.

Prior to this, he was an attorney with Cades Schutte Fleming and Wright in Washington, DC, 1985-1987, and Mulholland and Hickey in Washington, DC, 1983-1985. Mr. Javits served on the National Labor Relations Board in Los Angeles, CA, 1978–1983.

Mr. Javits graduated from Yale College (B.A., 1972) and Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1978). He was born January 2, 1950, in New York, NY. He currently resides in Washington, DC.

Nomination of William H. Young To
Be an Assistant Secretary of Energy
September 28, 1989

The President today announced his intention to nominate William H. Young to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Nuclear Energy). He would succeed Theodore J. Garrish.

Since 1985 Mr. Young has served as presiIdent of William H. Young and Associates, Inc. in Wyckoff, NJ. He served with Burns and Roe, Inc., in Oradell, NJ, as vice president, 1984-1985; as vice president of breeder reactor division, 1976-1983; as project manager, 1973-1976; and as a special assistant to the president, 1971-1973.

Mr. Young graduated from the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture (B.S., 1956) and George Washington University (M.S., 1961). He served in the U.S. Navy, 19561960. Mr. Young was born September 25, 1934, in Ilion, NY. He is married, has three children, and currently resides in Wyckoff, NJ.

Nomination of Joshua M. Javits To Be a Member of the National Mediation Board

September 28, 1989

The President today announced his intention to nominate Joshua M. Javits to be a member of the National Mediation Board for the term expiring July 1, 1992. This is a reappointment.

Since 1988 Mr. Javits has served as a member of the National Mediation Board.

Nomination of Patrick J. Cleary To Be a Member of the National Mediation Board

September 28, 1989

The President today announced his intention to nominate Patrick J. Cleary to be a member of the National Mediation Board for the term expiring July 1, 1991. He would succeed Helen M. Witt.

Since 1988 Mr. Cleary has been a partner with the Brock Group in Washington, DC. Prior to this, he served with the Department of Labor as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy, 1987-1988, and the Executive Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy, 1985-1987. Mr. Cleary served at the Republican National Committee as the director of the liaison division, 1984-1985, and as the labor liaison, 1982-1985.

Mr. Cleary attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, 1987; Hamline University School of Law, 1980; and Fairfield University, 1977. He was born October 23, 1955, in Paterson, NJ. He is married and currently resides in Alexandria, VA.

Remarks on Signing a Bill Making Continuing Appropriations Available for Fiscal Year 1990

September 29, 1989

The President. I'm very pleased to sign into law H.R. 407. It's a continuing resolution. It includes funds to address the extensive hurri

cane damage caused by Hugo. It provides funds to maintain the activities of the Federal Government through October 25th or until the date of the enactment of the pending appropriations bill, whichever comes first. We're talking here about $1.1 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Association, FEMA, to provide critically needed disaster relief to Charleston, other communities in South Carolina, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Assistance is imperative because I've heard from these Congressmen, all politics aside, united that this assistance for the people is absolutely essential. And I want to commend the Congress for their immediate response to the administration's request for additional funds. I want to thank FEMA for what I am convinced has been, under the law, a prompt response. And I especially want to single out the volunteers and the FEMA employees, many of whom have been sleeping out there on rocks at night in the Virgin Islands and elsewhere. And it's been an all-out humanitarian effort, the leaders of the Congress being sure that we in the administration knew the importance of all of this.

So I'm delighted to do it. I'd add one point, and that is on the subject of continuing resolutions. I'm very pleased to sign this one, but we cannot support another shortterm continuing resolution for fiscal '90. And I expect that the remaining '90 appropriations bills will be completed expeditiously. but I strongly urge that we not be presented with other continuing resolutions.

But in any event, I'm proud to be going down there. I'm anxious to see what these Members of Congress have seen and what our very able friends in FEMA have seen. And it's important that we all try to respond in every way possible. I might thank one more-it's the volunteer organizations for doing a good job. And I would encourage the American people to support them in contributions to the Red Cross, or whatever other agencies are bringing hope to the people in these devastated areas. The American people can do as much as the government, if not more, if we just get mobilized behind helping other people here.

So, I'm proud to sign this one. Again, I'm glad you're all here.

[Senator] Strom [Thurmond, South Carolina], you're the senior citizen present here

Senator Thurmond. I'm the one that requested the delegation to do this, and I do appreciate it.

The President. We've been hearing from all of them, but anyway you have been-I wouldn't say "thorn in our side." [Laughter] I'd say a consistent reminder.

Senator Thurmond. I deal with Dick Darman [Director, Office of Management and Budget], you know.

The President. That's pretty much combat pay deserved for that, too. [Laughter]

But, really, all of you have been just magnificent in pointing out what FEMA can do. We want to respond if there are additional things on the ground that we should be doing. But I'm satisfied from a long talk with the Governor yesterday down in Virginia that we have responded as rapidly as possible under the law. And now we want to do whatever it is that you hear from your experts is needed in addition. And I hope this is a good start.

Senator Thurmond. Mr. President, since I am the senior member of the delegation, we want to take this opportunity to thank you for your fine leadership, and also thank you for the help that your government agencies have done to assist us in this disas

ter.

The President. Well, thank you, Strom. Thank all of you guys. Good. Here we go.

Note: The President spoke at 6:40 a.m. aboard Air Force One en route to Charleston. H.R. 407, approved September 29, was assigned Public Law No. 101-100.

Remarks Following a Tour of the Devastation Caused by Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, South Carolina September 29, 1989

Well, we've just completed a tour, something less than I would like to have had, only because of the weather earlier. But we