[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.