Bill Clinton: “Foreign Relations Legislation April 12, 1996 To the House of Representatives: I am returning herewith without my…”

“Foreign Relations Legislation April 12, 1996 To the House of Representatives: I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1561, the ``Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 1996 and 1997.'' This legislation contains many unacceptable provisions that would undercut U.S. leadership abroad and damage our ability to assure the future security and prosperity of the American people. It would unacceptably restrict the President's ability to address the complex international challenges and opportunities of the post-Cold War era. It would also restrict Presidential authority needed to conduct foreign affairs and to control state secrets, thereby raising serious constitutional concerns. First, the bill contains foreign policy provisions, particularly those involving East Asia, that are of serious concern. It would amend the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) to state that the TRA supersedes the provisions of the 1982 Joint Communique between the United States and China. The 1982 Communique has been one of the cornerstones of our bi- partisan policy toward China for over 13 years. The ongoing management of our relations with China is one of the central challenges of United States foreign policy, but this bill would complicate, not facilitate that task.…”