[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[November 4, 1992]
[Pages 2156-2157]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993
November 4, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 6135, the ``National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1993.'' Our 
civil space program is a major contributor to this Nation's status as a 
world leader. H.R. 6135 authorizes the continu-

[[Page 2157]]

ation of space research and technology programs that are vital to the 
future of our country and its ability not only to remain competitive in 
today's technological world, but also to be the leader. I proposed these 
programs to the Congress because I was convinced that the United States 
must not relinquish its leadership role in space. The world continues to 
look to us in space exploration, and also in global environmental 
monitoring, aeronautics, materials, propulsion, and life sciences, among 
other areas. The Congress has endorsed these initiatives by passage of 
H.R. 6135.
    I am particularly pleased that this Act continues Space Station 
Freedom and the Earth Observing System, at close to the funding level I 
proposed. The Space Station is absolutely vital to the continued 
exploration and understanding of our next frontier. The Earth Observing 
System is of critical importance to the understanding of our home planet 
and the environmental changes it may be undergoing.
    I regret that the Congress chose to reduce substantially the funding 
for certain important initiatives--a new launch system, the National 
Aero-Space Plane, and the Space Exploration Initiative.
    This Act also authorizes funds for the National Space Council, the 
Department of Transportation's Office of Commercial Space 
Transportation, and the Department of Commerce's Office of Space 
Commerce. These offices provide important guidance and support in the 
development and implementation of our space policies.
    In connection with the establishment of an Earth Observing System 
program, the Act requires the Administrator of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration (NASA) to carry out a program of earth 
observation ``that addresses the highest priority international climate 
change research goals as defined by the Committee on Earth and 
Environmental Sciences and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change.'' Because the members of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate 
Change--jointly formed by the United Nations Environmental Programme and 
the World Meteorological Organization--are not appointed in conformity 
with the Appointments Clause of the Constitution, Article II, section 2, 
clause 2, they may not exercise significant governmental power under the 
laws of the United States. Accordingly, I sign this bill with the 
understanding that any future work of the Intergovernmental Panel on 
Climate Change shall be treated as advisory and that the Administrator 
of NASA shall retain authority to determine the scope and content of the 
Federal program.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
November 4, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 6135, approved November 4, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-588.