ernor; the Secretary of the Interior; the Director of the National Park Services; and other prominent individuals who had devoted their time and energy to the preservation of this wonder.

Once again, we are grateful to those individuals and organizations that have worked so diligently to assure protection for this special place. The Congress, especially the Senators and Representatives from Florida, have worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, the State of Florida, Dade County, and local officials to create this legislation. In addition, the Land Acquisition Task Force of the Governor of Florida worked 2 years to complete the planning behind this bill. My deepest gratitude to all of you for what you have done to preserve the beauty of the Everglades for the people of this country and the world.

The White House, December 13, 1989.

George Bush

Note: H.R. 1727, approved December 13, was assigned Public Law No. 101-229.

Statement on Signing the International Narcotics Control Act of 1989 December 13, 1989

It is with great pleasure that I sign into law H.R. 3611, the "International Narcotics Control Act of 1989." This Act authorizes Fiscal Year 1990 appropriations of $115 million for international narcotics control assistance and an additional $125 million for military and law enforcement assistance to Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. This assistance to the three Andean nations, where most of the world's cocaine is produced and which form the front lines of the struggle against the drug cartels, is designed to help reduce the flow of illegal drugs into our country. The disruption and dismantling of the criminal organizations that support the international production, processing, and trafficking of drugs are essential components of our national drug control strategy.

The violence directed against the government of Colombia following President Barco's courageous decision to wage a fullscale war against the Andean drug traffickers shows that they are entrenched and powerful. International cooperation is essential if they are to be defeated, and the United States, in particular, must be generous in providing assistance. We will consult with the governments of these three countries on how to put our assistance to most effective use, and I look forward to reviewing our progress with the leaders of the Andean nations.

I commend the Congress for this timely response to my request. However, in approving this legislation, I must take note of a problematic provision contained therein.

Section 3(g) of the bill states that section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 shall apply to the provision of assistance under section 3. Section 502B(c) requires the Secretary of State to submit certain reports upon the request of either House or of certain committees, and, if no report is forthcoming within 30 days, "no security assistance shall be delivered to such country except as may thereafter be specifically authorized by law from such country unless and until [the report] is transmitted." Section 502B(c) would therefore have the effect of allowing a single House of Congress (or even a single committee) to halt the provision of assistance. This section violates the constitutional principle, recognized by the Supreme Court in INS v. Chadha, that every legislative act of the Congress must be presented to the President in accordance with the requirements of Article I, section 7 of the Constitution. I shall treat the unconstitutional portions of section 502B(c) as severable from the rest of this legislation, and therefore they will not endanger the provision of necessary assistance in our war on drugs.

The White House, December 13, 1989.

George Bush

Note: H.R. 3611, approved December 13, was assigned Public Law No. 101–231.

Remarks on Signing the North American Wetlands Conservation Act December 13, 1989

The President. Good afternoon and welcome to the White House. This distinguished audience is a testament to the importance of the bill that I am about to sign. I want to particularly welcome Senator Chafee and Congressmen Conte, Jones, and Studds. Secretary [of Interior] Lujan and Bill Reilly [Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency], [Congressman] Mike Deland. A very distinguished group.

I especially want to welcome our Canadian and Mexican guests. Like the United States, Canada and Mexico have recognized the need to protect waterfowl habitat in Northern America. And their willingness to work with the United States to promote conservation is much appreciated.

You know, last June I addressed the Ducks Unlimited Annual National Waterfowl Symposium. And at that time, as Harry Knight can confirm, I reiterated my pledge to work towards a national goal of no net loss of wetlands. And I shared with those present my hope of signing wetlands legislation this year. Well, Christmas comes early on this one. [Laughter]

S. 804, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, is sound legislation. And this bill will provide a steady source of funds for the purchase of critical wetlands in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It also authorizes the Interior Department to match federal funds and private funds for wetlands conservation projects throughout North America. And I am very pleased that the 101st Congress, as one of its first major environmental acts, ended its first session by passing this bill. This bill is an excellent first step in reaching our national goal of no net loss of wetlands.

Over the years, we've witnessed a steadily declining duck population and a pattern of wetland losses throughout North America. These disturbing trends have been exacerbated by drought in recent years. And this dwindling duck population is largely attributable to the steady loss of wetland areas that we've experienced. Currently,

the United States is losing nearly 400,000 acres of wetlands annually. In response to these trends, the United States and Canada signed an accord in 1986 known as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. And this historic agreement proposed an innovative international partnership in wildlife conservation. This bill that I'm signing here today will help us implement this cooperative plan and protect our waterfowl population.

This spirit of cooperation has been the hallmark of S. 804. It represents the worthy efforts of many committed individuals. And I particularly want to single out Senator Mitchell, who isn't with us today, Senator Chafee, who is, along with Congressmen Conte and Davis and Dingell for their leadership. Chairman Jones in the House and Mr. Studds, as well as Senator Burdick and Baucus in the Senate, have all worked diligently to move this legislation through their respective committees. Manuel Lujan, our secretary, and his staff did an outstanding job in helping to steer this bill through the legislative process. And finally, I appreciate the help from State fish and wildlife agencies and then private conservation groups, like Ducks Unlimited and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in helping secure passage of this bill-that private sector initiative is very important.

This entire process has been a splendid example of great good that we can accomplish when we approach our problems in a genuine spirit of bipartisanship. I should add that today I've already signed H.R. 1727, the Everglades National Park Protection and Expansion Act of 1989, which will add 110,000 acres to the Everglades-Everglades National Park.

And now, on with the business at hand. It is my honor to sign S. 804, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.

Note: The President spoke at 1:21 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. In his remarks, he referred to Harry Knight, president of Ducks Unlimited. S. 804, approved December 13, was assigned Public Law No. 101-233.

Statement on Signing the North American Wetlands Conservation Act December 13, 1989

I am pleased today to sign into law S. 804, the "North American Wetlands Conservation Act." Early this summer, I asked the Congress for legislation that would implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. I am pleased that the 101st Congress ended its first session by passing this bill.

Over the years, we have witnessed a steadily declining duck population and a pattern of wetland losses throughout North America. These disturbing trends have been exacerbated by drought in recent years. In 1988, the fall flight of ducks was estimated at only 66 million, second only to the 1985 all-time low of 62 million. This dwindling duck population is largely attributable to the steady loss of wetland areas we have experienced. Currently, the United States is losing nearly 400,000 acres of wetlands annually.

In response to these disturbing trends, the United States and Canada signed an accord in 1986 known as the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This his toric agreement proposed an innovative international partnership in wildlife conservation. Through cooperative efforts between our two nations, along with local governments, private interest groups, and individual citizens, "joint ventures" have been created to reverse the disturbing trend underlying our diminishing waterfowl population.

We applaud the commitment, the dedication, and the goals expressed by the North American Plan. Today I am signing S. 804 to provide a guaranteed source of funding for the implementation of this important cooperative effort.

The Canadian government recently announced that it will invest $30 million over the next 5 years for waterfowl habitat conservation projects under the North American Plan. We applaud these efforts and Canada's willingness to join us in this criti⚫cal conservation project.

Perhaps the best part of this whole enterprise is that the North American Plan does not depend on a massive influx of Federal

funds or regulations, but rather taps the common commitment of concerned citizens at the local level. Many State and local governments, businesses, conservation organizations, and private citizens have already joined together to help restore the wetlands that sustain our waterfowl population. I encourage the continuation of these efforts.

The spirit of cooperation is not only the foundation of the North American Plan, it has also been the hallmark of S. 804. This bill represents the worthy efforts of many committed individuals. I commend Senators Mitchell and Chafee, along with Congressmen Conte, Davis, and Dingell, for their leadership on this legislation. Chairmen Jones and Studds in the House, as well as Chairmen Burdick and Baucus in the Senate, have all worked diligently to move this legislation through their respective committees. Finally, I appreciate the help from State fish and wildlife agencies and private conservation groups in securing passage of this bill. This entire process has been a splendid example of the great good we can accomplish when we approach our problems in a genuine spirit of bipartisanship.

I must mention, however, my concerns regarding sections 11 and 16 of S. 804. Section 11 directs the Secretary of the Interior to "undertake with the appropriate officials in Canada" to revise the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Section 16 directs the Secretary to "undertake with the appropriate officials of nations in the Western Hemisphere to establish agreements ... for the protection of migratory birds.” I support the objectives of these sections and intend to act consistently with them. However, in light of the President's constitutional responsibility for international negotiations, I construe these sections as advisory.

In signing this legislation today, we continue the legacy begun during the first decade of this century by one of our greatest Presidents. It was Theodore Roosevelt who first took up the grand cause of conservation, who recognized man's obligation to preserve and protect our precious natural heritage. Today, on the threshold of this century's last decade, we can be proud that, with the approval of S. 804, we are renew

an

United States participation in this arrangement reflects support for Poland's economic reform program designed to restore sustained growth. Provision of the short-term bridge financing would be contingent upon Poland's agreement to International Monetary Fund (IMF) program which would enable Poland to qualify for IMF financing. The bridge loan would be repaid from disbursements under this IMF program and under anticipated loans from the World Bank.

The short-term bridge loan is distinct from a $1 billion multilateral Stabilization Fund which is being established on behalf of Poland. This Fund is to be established to support a new exchange rate policy which is part of Poland's overall economic reform program. The Stabilization Fund will also serve to complement the IMF program. The U.S. contribution to the Stabilization Fund would be $200 million, in the form of a grant. Efforts to secure participation of other countries are nearing completion, and preparatory work on the Fund is underway.

Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the Drug Summit in Cartagena, Colombia

December 13, 1989

The President has accepted an invitation from President Barco of Colombia to attend a drug summit meeting in Cartagena, Colombia, on February 15. President Garcia of Peru and President Paz Zamora of Bolivia will also attend.

The meeting, which is expected to last one day, will discuss a wide range of subjects and is currently being reviewed with each of the Presidents by Assistant Secretary of State Bernard Aronson on his trip to each of the three capitals. While details are still being developed, it is anticipated that the summit will cover the following subjects: programs to reduce the demand for narcotics; increased cooperation in the areas of military and law enforcement assistance; economic assistance and support; and improving cooperation among the four countries on specific issues such as the control of precursor chemicals and money laundering.

Proclamation 6084-Wright Brothers Day, 1989

December 14, 1989

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Less than a century ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright ushered in the age of modern aviation with the first sustained, manned flight in a mechanically propelled aircraft. Although their flight lasted only 12 seconds and spanned only 120 feet over the windy beach at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, it began an exciting process of design, trial, and discovery that continues to this day.

Today, as we recall the historic events of that cold, windy December afternoon in 1903, we also celebrate the tremendous progress in aviation that has been made during the past 86 years. Advances in air

transportation have linked nations and continents, bringing the peoples of the world ever closer together. Man has journeyed into space, and American astronauts have walked on the moon. Now we are shaping further plans for manned space flight beyond Earth's orbit and into the solar system.

By the end of this year, Americans will have used commercial aircraft more than 475 million times to travel around the country and around the world. Only 86 years after the Wright brothers took to the skies with their bold yet tentative flight, we are able to travel millions of miles with confidence and ease.

On Wright Brothers Day, we salute all the courageous pioneers who, with vision and determination, have made these great advances possible. In so doing, they have not only helped make American aviation a model for the world but also led the way to the exploration of our universe.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved December 17, 1963 (77 Stat. 402; 36 U.S.C. 169), has designated the 17th day of December of each year as "Wright Brothers Day" and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 17, 1989, as Wright Brothers Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

George Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:59 a.m., December 15, 1989]

Nomination of Donald R. Quartel To Be a Commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission

December 14, 1989

The President today announced his intention to nominate Donald Robert Quartel, Jr., to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for the term expiring June 30, 1994. He would succeed Edward J. Philbin.

Since 1983 Mr. Quartel has served as president of D.R. Quartel Jr., Inc. in Washington, DC, and Orlando, FL. In addition, he ran for the 11th congressional district in Florida in 1984, and he served as deputy director for domestic policy during the 1980 Bush campaign.

Mr. Quartel graduated from Rice University (B.A., 1973) and Yale University School of Organization and Management (M.P.P.M., 1978). He was born April 19, 1950, in Richmond, VA. Mr. Quartel is married, has two children, and resides in Washington, DC and Orlando, FL.

Appointment of Three Members of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States December 14, 1989

The President today announced his intention to appoint the following individuals to be members of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States for a term of 3 years:

Richard C. Breeden. He would succeed Daniel Oliver. Currently, Mr. Breeden is Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC.

Harold R. DeMoss, Jr. He would succeed Curtis H. Barnette. Currently, Mr. DeMoss is a partner with the law firm of Bracewell and Patterson in Houston, TX.

Constance Berry Newman. She would succeed Mark Sullivan III. Currently, Ms. Newman is Director of the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, DC.