pd07de98 Statement on the Resignation of Steve Grossman as National Chairman of...

	Web GovRecords.org

hereby direct as follows:
    Section 1. The Secretary of Commerce, in appropriate consultation 
with the Federal Communications Commission, shall encourage the 
deployment of advanced telecommunications capabilities for all Americans 
while preserving the vibrant and competitive free market that exists for 
the Internet and other interactive computer services. These agencies 
shall work with the Office of the United States Trade Representative to 
help ensure the elimination of foreign trade barriers to the deployment 
of advanced telecommunications capabilities.
    Sec. 2. The Secretary of Commerce, in appropriate consultation with 
the Federal Trade Commission and other relevant agencies, shall foster 
consumer confidence in electronic commerce by working to ensure 
effective consumer protection online. This shall include exploring 
opportunities for global cooperation to enforce consumer protection laws 
and facilitating partnerships between industry and consumer advocates to 
develop redress mechanisms for online consumers. These agencies shall 
work with the Office of the United States Trade Representative to help 
avoid the creation of foreign trade barriers while protecting the 
interests of consumers.
    Sec. 3. The Secretary of State, in appropriate cooperation with the 
Agency for International Development, the Secretary of Commerce, the 
Federal Communications Commission, the Overseas Private Investment 
Corporation, and other relevant agencies, shall initiate a program to 
help accelerate the spread of the Internet and electronic commerce to 
developing countries. This shall include a demonstration of successful 
models for development in a small number of interested countries and 
should highlight and create incentives for public/private sector 
partnerships to serve as a catalyst for successful private action. The 
Secretary of State should seek the cooperation of the World Bank and 
other multilateral organizations in initiating this program.
    Sec. 4. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, in 
appropriate consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce, the Treasury, 
Labor, and other relevant agency heads, shall analyze the economic 
impact of the Internet and electronic commerce in the United States and 
internationally. This shall include convening a conference of experts 
from the public and private sectors to assess

[[Page 2397]]

the impact of investments in information technology and the influences 
of electronic commerce and related technologies on the economy. These 
experts shall consider new indicators for the information economy, new 
types of data collection, and new research that could be undertaken by 
organizations in the public and private sectors. To broaden public 
understanding of the impact of electronic commerce, the Department of 
Commerce shall publish a follow-up report to the ``Emerging Digital 
Economy'' report it issued this year.
    Sec. 5. The Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Small 
Business Administration shall develop strategies to help small 
businesses overcome barriers to the use of the Internet and electronic 
commerce. The initiative shall consider the need to train Federal 
Government employees who have contact with small businesses on the use 
of the Internet and electronic commerce; identify commonly used 
Government products and forms that should be moved to the Internet to 
enable small business to use the Internet to interact with the 
Government; and develop an outreach plan to enhance electronic access to 
information and services that can assist small businesses' development 
using the Internet and electronic commerce.
    Sec. 6. The directives in sections 1-5 of this memorandum and my 
July 1, 1997, directive shall be conducted subject to the availability 
of appropriations and consistent with the agencies' priorities and my 
budget.
    Sec. 7. The Vice President shall continue his leadership in 
coordinating the United States Government's electronic commerce 
strategy. Further, I direct that heads of executive departments and 
agencies report to the Vice President and me through the Electronic 
Commerce Working Group in 1 year on their progress in meeting the goals 
of the July 1, 1997, directive as well as their accomplishments under 
this memorandum.
                                            William J. Clinton


<DOC>
[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents]
 [frwais.access.gpo.gov]


[Page 2397]
 
Monday, December 7, 1998
 
Volume 34--Number 49
Pages 2387-2429
 
Week Ending Friday, December 4, 1998
 
Statement on the Death of Dante Fascell

November 30, 1998

    Hillary and I were saddened to learn of the death of former Florida 
Congressman Dante Fascell. Just last month, I had the privilege to award 
Congressman Fascell with the Medal of Freedom for his 38 years of 
dedicated public service in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Dante Fascell contributed immeasurably to America's national 
security, to our leadership in the global economy, and to our quality of 
life. He demonstrated an unwavering commitment to civil rights, 
environmental protection, and openness in Government. Dante served as 
the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee for 9 years, 
supporting emerging democracies, pressing for arms control, and 
promoting fair trade and dialog among nations. His achievements are a 
testament to his vision and leadership. We will miss this true hero, 
whose selfless conduct as a public servant set a shining example for all 
Americans. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Jeanne-Marie, 
his two children, and the entire Fascell family.


<DOC>
[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents]
 [frwais.access.gpo.gov]


[Page 2397-2398]
 
Monday, December 7, 1998
 
Volume 34--Number 49
Pages 2387-2429
 
Week Ending Friday, December 4, 1998
 
Statement on the Death of John Stanford

November 30, 1998

    Hillary and I are deeply saddened to learn of the death of General 
John Stanford. His life was marked by bravery and dedicated to the 
service of his country. From Vietnam to the Pentagon to the public 
school classrooms of Seattle, America is lucky to have been blessed by 
General Stanford's leadership, compassion, and vision. After 30 years of 
military service, the general brought his own infectious brand of 
courage and optimism to a new battle. He streamlined and reinvigorated 
Seattle's schools, inspiring his students to strive for excellence and 
an entire community to believe once again in their public schools. Our 
thoughts and prayers go to his

[[Page 2398]]

wife, Patricia, their sons, Steven and Scott, and the students, 
teachers, and schools of Seattle.


<DOC>
[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents]
 [frwais.access.gpo.gov]


[Page 2398]
 
Monday, December 7, 1998
 
Volume 34--Number 49
Pages 2387-2429
 
Week Ending Friday, December 4, 1998
 
Remarks at WETA's ``In Performance at the White House''

November 30, 1998

    The President. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, the American musical 
is one of our Nation's most beloved art forms. It's also one of the most 
encompassing. What other country can hum tunes from songwriters as 
varied as George Gershwin, Eubie Blake, Irving Berlin, Fats Waller, Cole 
Porter, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green?
    And typical of our diverse Nation, the greatest excitement comes 
when America's various musical traditions intersect. When African-
American, Jewish, and European classical traditions come together in the 
songs of George Gershwin, when Thomas ``Fats'' Waller and Andy Razaf mix 
the syncopation of jazz with the forms of popular musical theater, there 
is a new song in the world, a song that could only come from America.
    Tonight we welcome to the East Room, from the musical theater, four 
artists who are at the top of their game. They have lent their voices to 
some of our most favorite American classics, and I'm sure they'll take 
American music to new heights in the next millennium and, hopefully, in 
the next few minutes.
    I think it's appropriate that we've gathered here in America's home 
because tonight we're going to hear what these terrific performers sing 
at home, with no one to please but themselves.
    And now please join me in welcoming our emcee for the evening. I 
first met him after I saw his terrific performance in ``City of 
Angels,'' for which he won a Tony. He won another Tony for his role in 
``Chicago'' and sang at both my inaugurations.
    Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. James Naughton.

[At this point, the entertainment proceeded.]

    The President. Was this great or what? [Applause] Unbelievable. They 
were wonderful. Thank you all. Mr. Naughton, thank you. I think you have 
a whole new career, the ``Righteous Father's Sons.'' [Laughter]
    Well, it's been said that it's easier to understand a nation by 
listening to its music than by learning its language. Tonight we heard 
the energy, the excitement, the very soul of America.
    I want to thank all of our wonderful performers, James Naughton, 
Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jennifer Holliday, and Patti LuPone, and all the 
great musicians and arrangers who accompanied them. This was a very 
special night. They have given us a great gift.
    Thank you all, and good night.

Note: The President spoke at approximately 7:50 p.m. in the East Room at 
the White House, and his remarks were recorded for later broadcast on 
WETA public television. The event was part of the White House Millennium 
Evenings Series.


<DOC>
[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents]
 [frwais.access.gpo.gov]


[Page 2398-2399]
 
Monday, December 7, 1998
 
Volume 34--Number 49
Pages 2387-2429
 
Week Ending Friday, December 4, 1998
 
Memorandum on Delegation of Authority Concerning Refugee Assistance

November 30, 1998

Presidential Determination No. 99-6

Memorandum for the Secretary of State

Subject: Delegation of Authority Under Section 2(b)(2) of the Migration 
and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as Amended

    By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws 
of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3 of the 
United States Code, I hereby delegate the functions and authorities 
conferred upon the President by section 2(b)(2) of the Migration and 
Refugee Assistance Act (MRAA) of 1962, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2601(b)(2), 
to the Secretary of State, who is authorized to redelegate these 
functions and authorities consistent with applicable law. The Secretary 
of State, or his or her delegate, is directed to provide notice to the 
President of any use of the functions and authorities delegated by this 
determination.
    Any reference in this memorandum to section 2(b)(2) of the MRAA, as 
amended, shall be deemed to include references to any hereafter-enacted 
provision of law that is the same or substantially the same as such 
provision.

[[Page 2399]]

    You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the 
Federal Register.
                                            William J. Clinton

Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
on December 1.


<DOC>
[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents]
 [frwais.access.gpo.gov]


[Page 2399-2401]
 
Monday, December 7, 1998
 
Volume 34--Number 49
Pages 2387-2429
 
Week Ending Friday, December 4, 1998
 
Remarks Announcing AIDS Initiatives

December 1, 1998

    Thank you, Amy, for your magnificent remarks and the power of your 
example. Thank you, Cynthia, for coming to this big, scary crowd. 
[Laughter] She was nervous. I said, ``Well, look at the bright side. At 
least you got out of school for a day.'' [Laughter]
    I thank the other children who are here with us. And I want to thank 
all the members of our administration who have helped so much in this 
cause: Secretary Albright; Brian Atwood; Dr. Satcher; our AIDS Policy 
Director, Sandy Thurman; members of the Council on HIV and AIDS. We're 
glad to have Nafis Sadik here, the Director of the U.N. Population Fund. 
Richard Socarides from the White House, I thank you and all the other 
members of the administration. And I, too, want to join in expressing my 
appreciation to the Members of Congress who Brian mentioned for their 
support for AIDS funding.
    But I especially want to thank Amy for being here and reminding us 
of what this is all about. When she was speaking, my mind wandered back 
to an incident that occurred when I was running for President in 1992. 
Some of you have heard me say this before, but I was in Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, a place largely known for its enormous percentage of Czech and 
Slovak citizens. And there was in the crowd at this rally where I was 
speaking a woman who was either Czech or Slovak, probably, holding an 
African-American baby. And I said. ``Whose baby is this?'' She said, 
``This is my baby.'' And I said, ``Where is this baby from?'' She said, 
``Florida, I got her from Florida.'' [Laughter] And it was October in 
Cedar Rapids, and she should have been in Florida, probably. [Laughter] 
She said, ``This baby was born with AIDS and abandoned, and no one would 
take this baby.'' This woman had--her marriage had dissolved; she was 
raising her own children alone. But because she heard about children 

Other Popular 1998 Presidential Documents Documents:

Other Documents:

1998 Presidential Documents Records and Documents