George H.W. Bush: “Year 1993 October 23, 1992 Today I am signing into law H.R. 5006, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal…”

“Year 1993 October 23, 1992 Today I am signing into law H.R. 5006, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993.'' H.R. 5006 authorizes appropriations that provide for a national defense adequate to meet foreseeable threats to the national security. It generally supports the Administration's major defense priorities, including key elements of the Strategic Defense Initiative and the B-2 program. I am also pleased that the bill includes the Cuban Democracy Act, which will help establish a free and democratic Cuba. I have signed this Act notwithstanding the reservations that I have regarding certain of its provisions. I am particularly concerned about provisions that purport to derogate the President's authority under the Constitution to conduct U.S. foreign policy, including negotiations with other countries. A number of provisions purport to establish foreign policy by providing that it shall be ``the policy of the United States'' or ``the goal of the United States'' to undertake specific diplomatic initiatives. Consistent with my responsibility under the Constitution for the conduct of diplomatic negotiations, and with established practice, I will construe these provisions to be precatory rather than mandatory. Other provisions purport to require reports to the Congress concerning diplomatic negotiations.…”