[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.