[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 27, 1992]
[Page 2030]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Telecommunications Authorization Act of 1992
October 27, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 6180, the ``Telecommunications 
Authorization Act of 1992.'' The Act codifies authorities of the 
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in the 
Department of Commerce. The Act reflects the importance to the Nation of 
the development of sound telecommunications and information policies.
    In addition to codifying these authorities, however, the Act 
contains some problematic and unnecessary provisions. I have instructed 
the Secretary of Commerce to work with the next Congress to amend or 
delete these troublesome provisions. Among the provisions that are 
unnecessary or disruptive to the efficient Federal management of 
telecommunications policy are the following:
    --Section 105(d), which restricts the Secretary of Commerce from 
        reassigning any NTIA function without first reporting to 
        specified congressional committees and waiting for 90 
        legislative days. This section undermines the Secretary's 
        ability to manage the Department effectively.
    --Section 104, which will unnecessarily micromanage NTIA's 
        responsibility for Federal use of the radio frequency spectrum 
        by detailing specific requirements for public participation. 
        NTIA is already meeting the laudable goal of increasing public 
        participation in these activities.
    The Act also contains provisions specifying responsibilities for the 
Department of Commerce in providing advice on telecommunications 
policies. These will be interpreted in a way that does not restrict my 
authority to supervise the executive branch.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
October 27, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 6180, approved October 27, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-538.