Today I leave on a journey which will reflect our own Nation's ability to deal in a constructive and a creative way with the diversity of the world in which we live.

There is no place I would rather begin such a journey than here in Venezuela, my Nation's ally in support of democracy.

Just as our continents are linked, our destinies are linked as democratic nations.

I cannot hope to match the richness and the profound remarks of President Perez.

New committees be established only when essential and existing groups be terminated when no longer necessary.

Now, for the first time, communications policy will be handled at the Cabinet level.

These changes pose important choices for our country.

Ninety percent of the 261 committees stated for elimination were out of business by the end of the year.

The need for a New Partnership is clear from the record of the last fifteen years.

The import relief recommended by the USITC of a 30 percentage point tariff increase is not in the national economic interest because it would substantially increase costs to consumers.

Mayors hold the most difficult public offices in our land.

The urban policy has come through strong and unscathed.

I am fully committed to a reduction in Defense costs, but the burden should not be borne solely by the citizens who happen to reside or work in an impacted area.

We will continue our efforts to assure, through careful management and review, that such committees are terminated when they no longer are necessary.

The Federal contribution to the new partnership is a long-term commitment.

This new partnership offers no quick nor easy solutions.

The abolition of the Office of Telecommunications Policy is hereby effective.

I want to affirm that friendship, to cement that alliance, and to give form and substance to that partnership.