I am proud of Richard Starr, my fellow American.

I know that it is a particular joy for Richard's family, which has had to share his long ordeal.

My paramount objective in managing nuclear wastes is to protect the health and safety of all Americans, both now and in the future.

The committee was created by Executive order to assist in monitoring and encouraging the placement of subcontracts by the private sector with eligible small businesses, particularly with small minority businesses.

We must proceed steadily and with determination to resolve the remaining technical issues while ensuring full public participation and maintaining the full cooperation of all levels of government.

I am establishing this Nation's first comprehensive radioactive waste management program.

I urge the utility industry to continue to take all actions necessary to store spent fuel in a manner that will protect the public and ensure efficient and safe operation of power reactors.

The safe disposal of radioactive waste, defense and commercial, is a national, not just a Federal, responsibility.

I am directing the Secretary of Energy to provide financial and technical assistance to States and other jurisdictions to facilitate the full participation of State and local government in review and licensing proceedings.

It is essential that all aspects of the waste management program be conducted with the fullest possible disclosure to and participation by the public and the technical community.

I am transmitting an evaluation of the extent to which this Reorganization Plan has alleviated the problems associated with the present administrative structure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

I believe that the establishment of an Interagency Employee Benefit Council, as recommended by the evaluation, will address the problems of the long-term administration of the program.