Political Quotes

“the proposed rule for the final consideration of the American Overseas Interests Act should be adopted by the House. This bill is a very important step forward in our goal to reform Government to make it more efficient and more effective. To achieve this goal, the bill calls for the consolidation of three independent agencies--the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Information Agency-- into an enhanced Department of State. The consolidation of three independent agencies into the State Department has been endorsed by five former Secretaries of State who argue that it will improve foreign policy by clarifying lines of authority and responsibility. Secretary of State Warren Christopher also endorsed this concept earlier this year, but his proposal met strong bureaucratic opposition and was withdrawn. But the fundamental soundness of the proposal led to the leadership in both the House and Senate international relations committees, to study it and include it in our 1995 reform efforts. The bill also sets forth the spending priorities for our foreign operations during this time of fiscal austerity. There are protections in this bill for our efforts to promote democracy and freedom in Cuba through Radio and TV Marti. There is also a provision that supports our efforts to isolate the Castro regime by prohibiting aid to countries that provide economic aid or preferential trade benefits to the Castro regime.”