[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
[January 2, 1991]
[Page 3]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Continuation of the National 
Emergency With Respect to Libya
January 2, 1991

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)
    Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) 
provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, 
prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President 
publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice 
stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the 
anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the 
enclosed notice, stating that the Libyan emergency is to continue in 
effect beyond January 7, 1991, to the Federal Register for publication.
    The crisis between the United States and Libya that led to the 
declaration on January 7, 1986, of a national emergency has not been 
resolved. The Government of Libya continues to use and support 
international terrorism, in violation of international law and minimum 
standards of human behavior. Such Libyan actions and policies pose a 
continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and 
vital foreign policy interests of the United States. For these reasons, 
I have determined that it is necessary to maintain in force the broad 
authorities necessary to apply economic pressure to the Government of 
Libya to reduce its ability to support international terrorism.
    Sincerely,

                                                             George Bush

                    Note: Identical letters were sent to Thomas S. 
                        Foley, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
                        and Dan Quayle, President of the Senate.