[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 29, 1992]
[Pages 2072-2073]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
Authorization Act of 1992
October 29, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 2130, the ``National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration Authorization Act of 1992.'' In signing this 
bill I must, however, note several concerns.
    First, the imposition of procedural obstacles could create delays in 
efforts to modernize the National Weather Service. Such delays would 
hamper our efforts to improve the Nation's weather forecasting system, 
especially with regard to severe storms. The delays could add 
significantly to the cost and quality of the modernization program. 
Nonetheless, the Administration will interpret the provisions of this 
Act to minimize the costs and delay of weather service modernization, 
and proceed expeditiously with current plans to provide advanced weather 
service technology.
    Second, a number of provisions of the bill raise constitutional 
concerns. Accordingly, I sign this bill with the following 
understandings:
    (1) Requirements to transmit reports to the Congress or particular 
        congressional committees apply only to final recommendations 
        that have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate 
        officials within the executive branch.

[[Page 2073]]

    (2) Provisions requiring an executive agency to consult with another 
        executive agency or private group concerning executive policy do 
        not dictate the decision making structure or chain of command of 
        the executive branch deliberative process.
    (3) The members of any advisory committee or private group who have 
        not been appointed as officers of the United States in 
        conformity with the Appointments Clause of the Constitution may 
        perform only advisory or ceremonial functions.
    Further, I understand that the term ``significant subsidy'' for a 
shipyard in section 607 applies only to those subsidies enumerated in 
section 607(b)(1-8) to the extent that they are significant in value. 
Without such an interpretation, the provision could be inconsistent with 
our international trade obligations and practices. It could also have 
the unintended consequence of interfering with NOAA's purchase of 
virtually any ship.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
October 29, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 2130, approved October 29, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-567.