    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [April 10, 1991]
    [Pages 357-358]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm
    Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1991

    April 10, 1991

        Today I have signed H.R. 1282, the ``Operation Desert Shield/Desert
    Storm Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1991.''
        I am pleased that the Congress has acted quickly to provide funds to
    pay the costs of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In providing this
    funding, H.R. 1282 recognizes the significant commitment of our
    coalition partners to help in defraying the costs associated with the
    crisis in the Middle East.
        I am concerned, however, about certain provisions of this Act that
    constitute excessive micromanagement of security assistance, defense,
    and foreign policy. These provisions could hinder our ability to work
    with Desert Storm allies and friends in several ways and make our
    efforts to establish security and stability in the postwar Middle East
    even more difficult.
        Section 107(f) requires that the President notify the Congress of
    the proposed storage of certain equipment, supplies, or material in a
    prepositioned status for use by the U.S. Armed Forces. I will interpret
    this provision in a manner consistent with my constitutional authority
    as Commander in Chief. In addition, section 107(g) requires that a
    report be provided to certain congressional committees on ``all enemy
    equipment falling under the control . . . of allied forces within the
    Desert Storm theater of operations.'' To the extent that providing such
    a report requires the acquisition of information from another country, I
    will interpret this provision in a manner consistent with my
    constitutional authority to conduct our Nation's foreign affairs.
        Section 108 requires a report to the Congress on ``any arrangement
    for a United States military presence that has been made or is expected
    to be made to the government of any country in the Middle East.'' I will
    also interpret this provision consistent with my constitutional
    authority regarding the conduct of foreign affairs.
        Section 109 prohibits the use of funds--provided by this Act or any
    other legislation--for military sales and financing programs with any
    country that has not fulfilled its commitment to contribute resources to
    defray the costs of Operation Desert Storm. I will interpret section 109
    as prohibiting such transactions if the countries concerned have not
    fulfilled any specific commitments made to the United States in a
    reasonable time and manner.

                                                                 George Bush

    [[Page 358]]

    The White House,
    April 10, 1991.

                        Note: H.R. 1282, approved April 10, was assigned
                            Public Law No. 102-28.