[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 52 (Monday, April 28, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3748-S3749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 REPORT RELATIVE TO THE CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION--MESSAGE FROM THE 
     PRESIDENT RECEIVED DURING THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SENATE--PM 30

  Under the authority of the order of the Senate of January 7, 1997, 
the Secretary of the Senate on April 25, 1997, received a message from 
the President of the United States, together with an accompanying 
report; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

To the Senate of the United States:
  I am gratified that the United States Senate has given its advice and 
consent to the ratification of the Convention on the Prohibition of the 
Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on 
their Destruction (the ``Convention'').

[[Page S3749]]

  During the past several months, the Senate and the Administration, 
working together, have prepared a resolution of advice and consent to 
ratification of unusual breadth and scope. The resolution that has now 
been approved by the Senate by a strong, bipartisan vote of 74-26 
contains 28 different Conditions covering virtually every issue of 
interest and concern. I will implement these provisions. I will, of 
course, do so without prejudice to my Constitutional authorities, 
including for the conduct of diplomatic exchanges and the 
implementation of treaties. A Condition in a resolution of ratification 
cannot alter the allocation of authority and responsibility under the 
Constitution.
  I note that Condition (2) on Financial Contributions states that no 
funds may be drawn from the Treasury for payments or assistance under 
the Convention without statutory authorization and appropriation. I 
will interpret this Condition in light of the past practice of the 
Congress as not precluding the utilization of such alternatives as 
appropriations provisions that serve as a statutory authorization.
  I am grateful to Majority Leader Lott, Minority Leader Daschle, and 
Senators Helms, Biden, Lugar, Levin, McCain and the many others who 
have devoted so much time and effort to this important ratification 
effort. It is clear that the practical result of our work together on 
the Convention will well serve the common interest of advancing the 
national security of the United States. In this spirit, I look forward 
to the entry into force of the treaty and express my hope that it will 
lead to even more important advances in the United States, allied, and 
international security.
                                                  William J. Clinton.  
  The White House, April 25, 1997.

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