Representative for the Pentagon National Ambassador Ledogar graduated from Fordham University (B.S., 1954; LL.B., 1958). He was born September 14, 1929, in New York, NY. Ambassador Ledogar served in the U.S. Navy, 1949–1952 and 1954– 1960. He is married, has two children, and resides in Vienna, VA. Gloucester, MA; director of community programs for the metropolitan area planning council in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; a documentary writer-producer for WBZ-TV in Boston, MA; and a news writer for WINS radio in New York, NY. Mr. Harris attended Denison University and Harvard University. He served in the U.S. Army and is currently an officer in the inactive Army Reserve. Mr. Harris was born January 13, 1939, in Cincinnati, OH. He is married, has four children, and resides in Cumberland Foreside, ME, and Ocean Ridge, FL. Nomination of Robert W. Houk To Be The President today announced his intention to nominate Robert William Houk to The President's News Conference be Public Printer. He would succeed Ralph E. Kennickell, Jr. November 7, 1989 Mr. Houk has served in several capacities at UFORMA/SHELBY Business Forms, Inc., Assessment of the Administration's including president, 1968–1988; chairman Performance of the board, 1971-1988; and vice presi- Well, good morning. And I'm back again. dent-sales, 1966–1968. Prior to this he (Laughter] I just heard you, Brit (Brit served as assistant sales manager for Rotary Hume, ABC News). Manifold Forms Corp. in Detroit, MI, 1957– I've got to be careful on these dates. 1966, and analyst for the Ford Motor Co. in (Laughter] Today is November 7th, and I ( Dearborn, MI, 1954–1957. was elected on November 8th. But it was Mr. Houk graduated from Michigan State the second Tuesday. And so, I want to take University (B.A., 1951). He was born May this Election Day, the anniversary of my 13, 1927, in Detroit, MI. Mr. Houk served own election, to briefly reflect on the last in the U.S. Army, 1945–1947 and 1952 10 months. I believe that we've had, so far, 1954. He is married, has two children, and a successful first year in office. And alresides in Shelby, OH. though we haven't reached the actual anniversary mark, January 20th, it's a good chance to take stock of the situation, par ticularly as Congress is winding down. Nomination of Barry L. Harris To Be There is legislation yet to be passed and Deputy Administrator of the Federal certainly opportunities to be developed. But Aviation Administration I am very pleased that our administration November 6, 1989 has come together rapidly with good people, with good ideas, and with a quiet The President today announced his inten of purpose that promises great tion to nominate Barry Lambert Harris to progress in the years ahead. be Deputy Administrator of the Federal Around the world, we've seen the most Aviation Administration, Department of dramatic moves toward democracy in at Transportation. He would succeed Barbara least 40 years, as people of one country McConnell Barrett. after another have expressed their yearning Mr. Harris has served as the president for freedom. In Eastern Europe and in Cenand chief executive officer of the Alliance tral America and in the Soviet Union, imCorp. in Portland, ME, and Community portant decisions have been made for freeSystems, Inc., in Gloucester, MA. Prior to dom or reforms. We've supported those efthis he was the assistant city manager of forts with a substantial aid package to sense Poland, trade benefits for Hungary, a bipar- on major issues. In the course of our detisan agreement with Congress on Central bates, there have sometimes been pointed America, coordinated international support and somewhat sharp attacks. But I'm going for Eastern Europe reforms, special arms to continue to extend my hand to Congress control initiatives on chemical weapons and in seeking solutions to the challenges that conventional forces in Europe, and then in we face. I spoke 10 months ago of a kinder progress in START (strategic arms reduc and gentler America, and I'm more contion) talks. In addition, we've set the time vinced today than ever that we can shed frame for a summit with the Soviets, and light in the dark corners of our nation and we're on the verge of an informal meeting give hope to the homeless and help to the with President Gorbachev. needy, inspiration to millions of Americans One area that has not changed is the un who want to reach out and help their derlying strength of the American economy. We have the longest peacetime eco neighbors. And I'm pleased with the nomic expansion in history—119 million progress on this so-called Points of Light Americans at work, the creation of over 20 Initiative. million new jobs since 1982. The unemploy These challenges, coupled with our sucment rate is only 5.3 percent, a rate that cesses to date, have made these first 10 we've not achieved for a full year since months especially gratifying to me and give 1970. Inflation remains moderate. I'm not me great hope for the future. So, I, on this happy with it, but it's moderate and ap- anniversary of the election, I want to thank pears to be under control. Though the the American people on this Election Day economy is sound, we must make real for giving me this opportunity to serve. I'm progress on deficit reduction. Sequestration enjoying it. I like the challenge. is a drastic action. But neither the adminis- And I'll be glad to take questions. tration nor the Congress must flinch from our obligation to keep this nation's deficit American Hostages in Lebanon moving down and ultimately reduce the Q. Mr. President, the United States is redebt. And I am pleased that I've kept my turning $567 million in frozen assets to pledge on taxes. Our savings and loan Iran. It says the action is not related to the system has been redesigned. The Congress plight of the eight Americans held hostage accepted my proposals giving our workers a in Lebanon. Nevertheless, in mind with higher minimum wage and establishing a your comments that good will brings good training wage for the first time. The Brady will , do you hope that this will encourage plan for dealing with the Third World debt Iran to help win the hostages' release? has been successfully demonstrated in The President. Well, as I say, I carry the Mexico and Costa Rica. Many nations' prob- fate of the hostages with me every single lems remain unsolved, but the Brady plan is day. So, of course, I hope that Iran will use widely accepted. what influence it has to get these hostages It's in a setting of internal strength that released. we're poised to deal effectively with external change and to provide new directions Q. Well, do you think that this could be a for our society. At the education summit catalyst, Mr. Rafsanjani (President of Iran) could and in legislative initiatives on clean air, ethics, educational excellence, violent The President. I don't know. It's a very crime, child care, and our National Drug good question, and I don't know the answer Strategy, we offer new approaches for im to that. We have accounts where they owe proving the quality of our lives. And so, I American interest money and vice versa. urge the Congress to move quickly to enact And I'd like to get this underbrush cleaned these proposals. out now. I think they have made some posiMy approach to Congress has been based tive statements, but I don't know whether on a bipartisan effort; I think everybody it will work that way or not. I hope that here knows that. Started off with an effort they will do what they can to influence to work with the leadership in a bipartisan those who hold these hostages. We're conmanner. And so, we can reach agreement tinuing behind the scenes to go follow cer see tain rabbit trails there. And so far, they've Deficit Reduction ended up at dead ends. Q. Mr. President, on the budget, there is Eastern-Bloc Reforms some question as to whether when ConQ. Mr. President, despite your aid pack gress finally, if it does, sends you the reconages to Hungary and Poland and so forth, ciliation, that is to say, the budget-cutting President Carter says you've really been bill—what it will take for you to sign it. Are slow on the uptake on the most transform you prepared to go beyond the agreement ing political events of our time. You have that you have reached with the Members of failed to show the leadership. You have Congress, with the leaders of Congress? Are failed to put the U.S. ahead of the curve on you going to require a more stringent these things that are happening. And you budget-cutting measure, something equal, are going to the summit without any initia- for example, to the sequester, the cuts that tives at all. I mean, this is boasted about. have already gone into effect in order to Why don't you have some new ideas of satisfy you and get you to sign it? what to talk The President. If we get a clean reconciliThe President. Now, Helen (Helen ation bill—and I'll know that when I Thomas, United Press International], that is it-I'd be glad to sign such a bill if it gets not a kinder and gentler way to phrase your the kinds of real reductions that we want. I question. (Laughter] We have done plenty. think the range was $14 billion. But if not, And the fact that some critics are out there why, we have to follow the law. But the equating progress with spending more Congress knows—I mean, we've been very money doesn't bother me in the least. Look frank with the leadership as to what must at the dynamic changes that are taking happen if we are to sign such a bill. But if place around the world. they don't send it down here in clean form, Q. Well, this is it. if it's all loaded up with a lot of special The President. Well, I'd like to hear some projects, I will not sign it. I can't sign it. But specific suggestions other than triple the I will then do what the law requires and spending on every initiative. We are work keep in sequester and make the tough deciing closely with our allies. We are trying to sions that go with that. That isn't easy, but facilitate the change. I don't hear com it is real deficit reduction. plaints coming out of our allies or, indeed, out of Hungary or Poland or Eastern Vice President Quayle Europe. We've got a seasoned team that is Q. Why did you commit to Dan Quayle evaluating the change. I will have a won- so early for ’92? You're thought to be such a derful opportunity to discuss the change cautious, prudent man. Why did you shut with Mr. Gorbachev. But I can't be all con off your options so early? cerned when people jump up and say the The President. Because I thought that answer is to spend more money. was a prudent and right thing to do. Q. No, that isn't it. The President. Well, what is their Q. Well, all right. Are you saying that answer? Dan Quayle is your choice right now, butQ. The perception is that European leaders are leading the way and they're telling The President. I'm not saying I'm running you what is really happening and we have right now. So, we've got to get back to been sitting back and letting it all happen square one. I mean, that onewithout doing anything. Q. Are you? The President. Well, that's the perception The President. I'm not saying whether I of some that aren't quite as familiar with am or not. (Laughter] So, we're getting way the problem as I am, and it is not the per- out ahead of where reality is. But I was ception of the European leaders. How do I asked the question, and I answered it open, know? Because I just talked last night with straight. the Ambassadors of three countries who Q. Are you saying he's your choice right had an entirely different perception. now, but you leave your options open Q. Who were they? for The President. No, I said he's my choice, with some of the political criticism I get period. from Capitol Hill or elsewhere. Chairman Krenz of East Germany What was the first part? Q. Gone too far? Q. When Egon Krenz first came to power The President. No, I don't think you can in East Germany, you said it was way too ever say gone too far. I mean, who predictearly to say whether he represented more ed with certainty what would happen in of the same, which seemed to be your sense Tiananmen Square? But I think it's gone at the time, or whether he represented the too far to set back these fledgling–I don't leading edge of further reform. Seeing the want to say democracies, but steps towards dramatic events unfold in East Germany, democracy. I think it's gone too far for that. what is your conclusion about Egon Krenz, I don't think you can contain now the peohis intentions and his directions? ple's aspirations for freedom by going back The President. I think it's still too early to to totalitarianism. sum it up entirely, but some of what he has said about political reform is quite encour Abortion aging and really contradicts the very early, Q. Mr. President, a question about your I would say, global assessment of the man. priorities. You mentioned the aid to Poland In other words, the early predictions were and Hungary, which has passed the Conthat he's a hard-liner in the mode of Mr. gress. But that bill also contains some proviHonecker. And now some of what he is sion for abortion, and you say you will veto saying is quite different from that. And Mrs. the whole bill because of it. You have Honecker is not there anymore. (Laughter) vetoed programs, budgets for the District of So, you're seeing some changes. You're Columbia because of abortion, the HHS seeing some changes. Well, she's out as a Minister, and another minister—and you're ices) budget because of abortion. And some [Department of Health and Human Servbeginning to see changes that might pre- of these vetoes have included programs that view-laughter)—what are you guys laugh you said were your very highest priorities, ing at-a new order. So, look, this gets me including drug programs and so forth. Is back almost to Helen's question. Things are happening very fast. The concerted opinion above and beyond everything — abortion your very first domestic priority was that this was going to be another hard The President. No. liner in the mode of Mr. Honecker. Now Q. Well, how committed are you? Why there are some signs that that's not the case. So, we will watch that very carefully. are you vetoing all these bills? The President. Because I can't, in good Eastern-Bloc Reforms conscience, on this one, suggest that taxpayQ. If I may follow up, Mr. President: Do I ers' money ought to go to programs that you feel that things have now gone too far compel abortion. And that has been the in East Germany, Poland, Hungary, the problem with the China program. And Soviet Union, for the clock to be turned therefore, I can't do that. back—for a Tiananmen Square-type crack- Q. Our money is blocked off. down? And do you feel any need to assist The President. I can't do it, and I'm sorry. the West Germans in all of this? I am not going to change that policy. I am The President. Well, the West Germans strongly in favor, and always have been, of have not requested assistance. And I am in family planning. I've been out front for very close touch with the Federal Chancel- family planning for a long time and as a lor. And I'm most anxious to talk to him Member of Congress way back there. But I when he returns from his first 6-day visit to simply cannot support-and I asked the Poland. I talked to him just very recently, Congress not to try to make me change-a as a matter of fact, about what we're doing. policy where the AID (Agency for Interna , And that's why I stated rather confidently tional Development) people will tell you it that European leaders don't to supports compulsory abortion. I am not agree—when I answered Helen's question, going to do that. seem Q. But the American money is spent We have an outstanding environmentalist away from that. in Bill Reilly (Administrator of the EnvironThe President. And there's other things in mental Protection Agency). We have an that bill that I don't like, too, Lesley (Lesley outstanding scientist in Dr. Bromley (SciStahl, CBS News). This leveraging provi- ence Advisor to the President and Director sion—I mean, should I be told by the Con- of the Office of Science and Technology gress that I can't go and ask other countries Policy). They agree that our approach to all to support Poland? Should I? of this is right. And I think this policy of the 0. I don't know about the leveraging. environment cannot be driven by the exWhat is it? tremes. The President. Well, I do. And that's one But I would like to take your question to of the things that's wrong with it. So, I am challenge the United States Congress to go concerned. Now, that's kind of a post-Iran- forward on the revisions to the Clean Air contra thing. They're saying you can't go Act, on other initiatives that we have supget money for certain things. But in Con- ported, instead of sitting back there and gress intervening in the President's author carping about it. And if they don't like our ity like this—they are asking me to accept way, go ahead and try it, and then add to it things that I'm not going to accept. in later years. But they sit there and argue Q. May I follow up on the abortion part, back and forth with each other, and noththough? ing happens. The President. How many followups do In this global conference, I can tell you, you get? United States science is the best in terms of Q. This is my followup. In the China global warming. And we will be in the lead, family planning program, the American as we are now, with our science on global money would not have anything to do with abortion. And also in the DC bill that you warming. But you can't take a policy and drive it to the extreme and say to every vetoed, the Federal money would not go to abortion. You seem to be saying you want country around the world, You aren't going to effect the policy beyond the Federal to grow at all. We've got to use our science role. to help solve this problem. The President. Well, look, there are many Abortion issues. And abortion divides. We have room Q. Mr. President, the gubernatorial camin our party for people that feel one way, pro-life or pro-choice-Democratic Party paigns, as you know, in New Jersey and the same way. I think everyone knows that Virginia were dominated by the abortion this is an issue that divides. But you say, Is issue. Some pro-choice Republicans are disit the most important issue for me? Abso turbed with your current position. What lutely not. advice are you going to give Republican legislative and congressional candidates Global Warming next year when the Democrats start poundQ. You're probably ready for this one. ing on them on this issue? But you campaigned as an environmental- The President. Well, they've already startist. You said you were a strong environmen ed—those who favor the pro-choice have talist. Yet on the issue of global warming, it already started pounding on them, and seems that the U.S. is being dragged kicking started certainly pounding on me. But you and screaming into trying to address this see, one, I think our party is broad enough problem. How do you respond to that? to contain differing views on this. And I The President. I respond to it by saying think the Democratic Party is. You see that it's not true. out there in practice. Secondly, I don't beQ. Why are you resisting the moves in lieve that most voters are single-issue this international conference now to limit voters. There is no evidence to support emissions? that, none at all. Indeed, I hate to talk The President. We're just standing off about polls because I don't believe them against extremes. We have a unanimous when I see ugly things. But I can tell you communique out of that global conference. that that issue ranks about 9th to 14th if |