    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 15, 1991]
    [Pages 513-514]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Administration's Domestic Agenda
    May 15, 1991

        Let me just say a few words. And I, first of all, thank you--thank
    the leader, Bob Dole, and Don Nickles and everybody for this
    hospitality. We've got a big and good domestic agenda. I just was up
    here to get your views, but to urge your support for Fast Track, which
    is overseas, but it's also domestic because I am convinced that it can
    create jobs in this country, and I think it's going to be good for the
    economy of the United States.
        I was talking to Senator Thurmond about the crime bill. I am very
    interested in getting a comprehensive crime package through, and I hope
    that, with your help, we can do it. I realize the odds are a little
    difficult, but we want to get that done.
        I wanted to mention the veto strategy that Bob Dole and Al Simpson
    and so many of you have been active in. And it is very important because
    when we're in a minority, the only way we're going to get something done
    is to beat down the bad idea before they give us a shot at a good idea.
    Last year, we were very successful, thanks to the work of everybody
    around this table. And I just would urge your continued cooperation with
    the leadership.
        Sometimes I know it's easy. Sometimes you can't join us, but for the
    most part, we've been very good about it, and I just urge your strong
    support for this veto strat-

    [[Page 514]]

    egy. It's the only way we can get decent Republican ideas--and if we
    don't do it--kind of disarray and all the chipping away on the Democrat
    ideas and joining up on something that we know in our hearts isn't good.
    So, I would strongly urge your support for that.
        I know we're moving on transportation and energy. I know Chairman
    Wallop is working here--Malcolm's working with us on that. These are all
    very important. I'm leaving out some.
        I would make a pitch for our education strategy, America 2000.
    Actually, that is being received very, very well across the country. And
    the Governors, regardless of party, are extraordinarily supportive. I
    think at the grassroots level, people are beginning to understand that
    we're not just trying to add more money to a program in Washington, but
    we've got to revolutionize these schools--create brand-new schools. It's
    an exciting prospect, and I urge your strong support.
        Later, we'll have a chance to visit a little bit on what's happening
    overseas. But I just wanted to click off these domestic items because
    they are vital. I'm sick and tired of people saying we don't have a
    domestic agenda, because they've got their eyes closed and they don't
    want to hear--because we've got a good one. And with your support, we
    can make a change come to pass. We had a good record last year. The ADA,
    the crime bill, and child care and other things. And so we can do it
    this year. We've got to stay together as a team to get the job done.
        But thank you all very, very much.

                        Note: The President spoke at 12:45 p.m. in Room S-
                            207 at the U.S. Capitol. In his remarks, he
                            referred to Senators Bob Dole, Don Nickles,
                            Strom Thurmond, Alan K. Simpson, and Malcolm
                            Wallop. A tape was not available for
                            verification of the content of these remarks.