Payments from the United States and payments by U.S. persons in Panama to that government are not prohibited.

The democratically elected government is now in place in Panama.

The United States today recognizes the democratically elected government of President Endara.

Such dispute resolution must take place within the structure of responsible Government established by our Constitution.

I challenged the Congress to 'pass a truly clean reconciliation bill that produces real deficit reduction -- without new taxes, without spending measures that increase the deficit in the future, and without scoring gimmicks.'

I announce my intention to appoint Katharine D. Dukakis to be a member of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.

The reduced sequester and the other budget savings and receipts enhancements in this reconciliation legislation satisfy the conditions I set for an acceptable bill.

I believe that several provisions warrant careful construction to avoid constitutional concerns.

I said that 'any such reconciliation bill should achieve at least the $14 billion in reconciled deficit reduction agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Agreement.'

I hereby report that it is in the national interest of the United States to terminate the suspensions under subsection 103(a) of the Act of programs of the Export-Import Bank of the United States for the People's Republic of China.

These measures accomplish substantial savings in mandatory spending programs, increase receipts in a manner consistent with my pledge not to raise new taxes, and retain part of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings across-the-board spending cut.

This provision must be interpreted as mandating that the Secretary conduct full and detailed consultation with representatives of interested and expert private groups.

It is in the national interest of the United States to authorize licensing for three U.S.-built AUSSAT and AsiaSat satellites for launch on Chinese-built launch vehicles.

This does not return the Export-Import Bank's activity to business as usual with China.

It is in the national interest of the United States to lift the prohibition on reinstatement and approval of export licenses for the three United States-built AUSSAT and AsiaSat satellites for launch on Chinese-built launch vehicles.

I have today signed H.R. 2494, the 'International Development and Finance Act of 1989.'

I appreciate the efforts of the conferees to clarify the intent of the legislation in a joint letter that was sent to Secretary Sullivan.

I intend, of course, to construe any constitutionally doubtful provisions in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution.

Just as one cruse of oil was able to lift the darkness for eight nights, so, too, can one act of kindness brighten the lives of others.

Hanukkah recalls the great victory won by the Maccabees in their struggle to worship freely in their own way.

I am further pleased to endorse the extension in H.R. 901 of several valuable veteran health-care programs.

Hanukkah poignantly reminds us that, with commitment to a spiritual ideal, our highest goals can be realized.

This program has provided home financing for over 13 million veterans since the end of World War II.

I am pleased to send my warmest greetings to the members of the Jewish community as you celebrate Hanukkah.

Let us also rededicate ourselves to sharing the love that gives greater meaning and joy to Christmas and to every moment of life.