[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book II)] [July 1, 1998] [Pages 2221-2236] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]Appendix A / Administration of William J. Clinton, 1998Appendix A--Digest of Other White House Announcements [[Page 2221]] The following list includes the President's public schedule and other items of general interest announced by the Office of the Press Secretary and not included elsewhere in this book. July 1 In the morning, the President visited an Internet cafe in Shanghai, China. In the afternoon, he toured the Shanghai Stock Exchange and attended a luncheon for young entrepreneurs. The President declared a major disaster in West Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes beginning on June 26 and continuing. July 2 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled from Shanghai to Guilin. In the afternoon, they took a cruise on the Li River, docking for a brief tour of Yucun village and then continuing the cruise to Yangshou. Later, they returned to Guilin. In the evening, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Hong Kong. Later, the President met with Hong Kong Chief Executive C.H. Tung in the dining room of the Government House. The President announced his intention to nominate Bert T. Edwards to be Chief Financial Officer at the State Department. The President announced his intention to appoint Ann Lewis and Beth Newburger as Cochairs and the following individuals as members of the President's Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History: Johnnetta B. Cole; J. Michael Cook; Barbara Goldsmith; Ladonna Harris; Gloria Johnson; Elaine Kim; Ellen Ochoa; Frances Preston; and Anna Roosevelt. The President announced his intention to accord the personal rank of Ambassador to Ronald D. Godard in his capacity as Special Representative to the Inter-American Council of Integral Development at the General Assembly of the Organization of American States. The President declared a major disaster in Maine and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on June 13 and continuing. The President declared a major disaster in New Mexico and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area threatened by extreme fire hazards on June 29 and continuing. The Vice President announced that the President declared a major disaster in New Hampshire and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on June 12 and continuing. The Vice President announced that the President declared a major disaster in Iowa and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding beginning on June 13 and continuing. July 3 In the evening, the President and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton traveled to Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK, and then to Washington, DC, arriving early the next morning. July 6 The President announced his intention to nominate Kathryn Dee Robinson to be Ambassador to Ghana. The President announced his intention to nominate Ruby Butler DeMesme to be Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower, Reserve Affairs, Installations and Environment. The President announced his intention to nominate Patrick T. Henry to be Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Carolyn H. Becraft to be Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Charles F. Kartman for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Special Envoy for the Korean Peace Talks. The President announced his intention to nominate Richard Henry Jones to be Ambassador to Kazakhstan. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the President's Export Council: Philip Condit; Lodewijk J.R. de Vink; Gary DiCamillo; John P. Manning; Ernest Micek; and Jonathan Tisch. [[Page 2222]] The President announced that he has accepted an invitation from President Boris Yeltsin of Russia to meet in Russia in early September. July 7 The President declared a major disaster in New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on June 25 and continuing. The President announced his intention to appoint Linda Chavez-Thompson as a member of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas K. Thomas as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. The President announced his intention to nominate D. Bambi Kraus to be a member of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development. July 8 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Arlington, VA. Later, he returned to Washington, DC. The President announced the nomination of David Gordon Carpenter to be Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, with the Rank of Ambassador. The President announced his intention to nominate Simon Ferro to be Ambassador to Panama. The President announced his intention to nominate Eugene A. Conti, Jr., to be Assistant Secretary for Domestic Transportation Policy at the Department of Transportation. July 9 In the morning, the President traveled to Atlanta, GA. In the afternoon, he traveled to Daytona, FL. In the evening, the President traveled to Miami, FL, and later returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. The President announced his intention to nominate William B. Milam to be Ambassador to Pakistan. The White House announced that the President has invited President Julio Maria Sanguinetti of Uruguay for a working visit on July 23. July 10 In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with President Boris Yeltsin of Russia, and he then met with Prime Minister Jerzy Buzek of Poland in the Oval Office. Later, the President and Hillary Clinton held an interview with Stars and Stripes in the Map Room at the White House. The President announced his intention to appoint John Silberman, Jeff Valdez, and Ruth Whetstone Wagner as members of the Advisory Committee on the Arts of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. July 11 In the evening, the President and Hillary Clinton attended a concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Marine Corps Band. July 13 In the afternoon, the President had a luncheon with Senator Thomas A. Daschle and Representative Richard A. Gephardt in the Oval Office Dining Room. The President announced his intention to nominate Karl J. Sandstrom to be a Commissioner of the Federal Election Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Christopher W.S. Ross for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the State Department. July 14 The President announced his intention to nominate Charles R. Rawls to be General Counsel at the Department of Agriculture. The President announced his intention to nominate Mike Walker to be Deputy Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The President announced his intention to nominate George M. Staples to be Ambassador to Rwanda. July 15 The President announced his intention to nominate John J. Pikarski, Jr., to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. July 16 In the morning, the President met with President Emil Constantinescu of Romania in the Oval Office. Later, he attended a meeting with National Security Adviser Samuel Berger and NATO Secretary General Javier Solana in Mr. Berger's office at the White House. In the evening, he traveled to Chevy Chase, MD. The President announced his intention to nominate John D. Hawke, Jr., to be Comptroller of the Currency at the Department of the Treasury. The President announced his intention to nominate John Melvin Yates to be Ambassador to Cameroon. July 17 In the morning, the President attended an American Legion Boys Nation reunion reception in the State Dining Room at the White House. In the afternoon, he traveled to Little Rock, AR. The President announced his intention to nominate Romulo L. Diaz, Jr., to be Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management at the Environmental Protection Agency. The President announced his intention to nominate J. Charles Fox to be Assistant Administrator for Water at the Environmental Protection Agency. [[Page 2223]] The President announced his intention to nominate Patricia T. Montoya to be Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth, and Families at the Department of Health and Human Services. July 19 In the afternoon, the President traveled to New Orleans, LA. July 20 In the evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced the appointment of Richard Davies, Susan Savage, and Thomas L. Strickland as members of the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission. July 21 In the late afternoon, the President signed the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998 in an Oval Office ceremony. The President announced his intention to nominate Ritajean H. Butterworth to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The President announced his intention to nominate Leigh A. Bradley to be General Counsel at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Bernard Rostker to be Under Secretary of the Army. The President announced his intention to nominate John Melvin Yates to be Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea. July 22 The President announced his intention to nominate James E. Newsome to be a Commissioner on the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Harry J. Bowie to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Consumer Cooperative Bank. The President declared a major disaster in Indiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding on June 11-July 7. July 23 In the afternoon, the President met with President Julio Maria Sanguinetti of Uruguay in the Oval Office. The President declared a major disaster in Tennessee and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by flooding and severe storms on July 13 and continuing. The President announced the release to 11 States of $100 million in emergency Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds. July 24 In the morning, the President met with University of Georgia gymnasts in the Oval Office. In the evening, he traveled to Camp David, MD. The President announced his intention to appoint Robert L. Mallett as a member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. The President announced his intention to appoint Robert Elliot Kahn as a member of the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee. The President named Ambassador Richard L. Morningstar to be Special Adviser to the President and the Secretary of State for Caspian Basin Energy Diplomacy. The President declared a major disaster in Wisconsin and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, straightline winds, tornadoes, heavy rain, and flooding on June 18-30. July 25 In the morning, the President traveled to Norfolk, VA. In the afternoon, he traveled to Aspen, CO. July 26 In the evening, the President traveled to Albuquerque, NM. July 27 In the afternoon, the President departed for Washington, DC, arriving in the evening. The President announced his intention to nominate Norine E. Noonan to be Assistant Administrator for Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency. July 29 The President announced his intention to nominate James Bodner to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The President announced his intention to nominate Gregory H. Friedman to be Inspector General of the Department of Energy. The White House announced that the President will meet with Minister President Gerhard Schroeder of the German State of Lower Saxony at the White House on August 5. July 30 In the morning, the President traveled to Ashe County, NC. In the afternoon, he traveled to Raleigh, NC, and in the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to nominate Montie R. Deer to be Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Charles G. Groat to be Director of the U.S. Geological Survey at the Department of the Interior. [[Page 2224]] July 31 In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to East Hampton, NY. The President announced the nomination of Harold Lucas to be Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The President announced the nomination of Cardell Cooper to be Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The President announced the nomination of John U. Sepulveda to be Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The President announced the nomination of Stephen W. Preston to be General Counsel of the Department of the Navy. The President announced the nomination of David C. Williams to be Inspector General at the Department of the Treasury. The President announced the nomination of Claiborne Pell to be an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the 53d Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. The President announced the nomination of Michael M. Reyna to be a member of the Farm Credit Administration Board. The President announced the nomination of Joseph E. Stevens, Jr., to the Board of Trustees of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The President announced his intention to nominate Peter J. Basso, Jr., to be Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs at the Department of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate Terrence L. Bracy to be a trustee of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. The President announced his intention to appoint Mitchell Berger as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Student Loan Marketing Association (Sallie Mae). August 2 In the morning, the President returned to Washington, DC. August 3 In the morning, the President met with President-elect Andres Pastrana of Colombia in the Oval Office. Later, the President traveled to Cheverly, MD. In the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. August 4 The President announced his intention to appoint Eugene Kinlow, Constance Newman, and Darius Mans as Chair, Vice Chair, and member, respectively, of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority. August 5 In the morning, the President spoke to the House Democratic caucus at the Cannon House Office Building. In the evening, the President met with Deputy President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa in the Oval Office. The President declared a major disaster in Michigan and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and high winds on July 21-22. August 10 In the morning, the President traveled to Louisville, KY. In the afternoon, he traveled to Chicago, IL, and in the evening, he traveled to San Francisco, CA. August 11 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Los Angeles, CA, and in the evening, he departed for Washington, DC, arriving early the next morning. August 12 In the morning, the President met with members of the national security team and the foreign policy team concerning the Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. He also met with representatives from the National Economic Council and the National Security Council concerning the international economic situation and Russia. The President announced the recess appointment of William Lacy Swing as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The President announced the recess appointment of David Gordon Carpenter as Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Office of Foreign Missions, with the rank of Ambassador. The President declared a major disaster in Wisconsin and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding beginning on August 5 and continuing. August 13 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Andrews Air Force Base, MD, where they met with family members of American victims of the Embassy bombing in Kenya. In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton returned to Washington, DC. August 14 The President announced his intention to appoint Birch Bayh, Allen H. Schechter, and Carolyn Matano Yang as members of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. August 16 In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Tony Blair of the [[Page 2225]] United Kingdom regarding the situation in Northern Ireland. August 17 In the afternoon, the President testified before the Independent Counsel's grand jury by video hookup from the Map Room at the White House. August 18 In the morning, the President met with foreign policy advisers to discuss Russia, Northern Ireland, east Africa, the Balkans, and Iraq. In the afternoon, the President and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton traveled to Martha's Vineyard, MA, for a vacation. August 19 The President had a telephone conversation with National Security Adviser Samuel Berger concerning foreign policy issues. In the evening, the President and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton celebrated the President's birthday with the Vernon Jordan family at a private residence. Later in the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with Vice President Al Gore. August 20 In the morning, the President had telephone conversations with foreign policy advisers. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. While en route aboard Air Force One, he had a telephone conversation with House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, and Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle. August 21 In the morning, the President met with the national security team concerning the military action against terrorist sites in Afghanistan and Sudan and the overall effort to combat terrorism internationally. He also had telephone conversations with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel concerning the military action. In the evening, the President traveled to Martha's Vineyard, MA. August 24 In the morning, the President was briefed by National Security Adviser Samuel Berger on developments in Russia, the President's upcoming visit to Russia, and the U.S. military action against terrorist sites in Afghanistan and Sudan. August 25 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Boris Yeltsin of Russia concerning the Russian economic situation, the upcoming summit, and the U.S. military action against terrorist sites in Afghanistan and Sudan. August 26 The President announced his intention to appoint Edward Schuh as Chair of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development. The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Charley beginning on August 22 and continuing. August 27 In the morning, the President traveled from Martha's Vineyard to Worcester, MA. In the afternoon, he returned to Martha's Vineyard. The President declared a major disaster in North Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Bonnie on August 25 and continuing. August 28 In the morning, the President participated in a conference call with Vice President Al Gore, the national security and economic teams, and Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott concerning the President's upcoming visit to Russia. The White House announced the President's intention to nominate Michael Sullivan to be Ambassador to Ireland. August 30 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton departed for Washington, DC, arriving in the afternoon. August 31 In the morning, the President traveled to Herndon, VA, and in the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. Later, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Moscow, Russia, arriving the following morning. September 1 In the morning, the President participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin. Later, he presented the members of the U.S. delegation to President Boris Yeltsin of Russia in the Presidential Study at the Kremlin, after which the two Presidents had a separate meeting. In the afternoon, the President had a working luncheon with President Yeltsin in the Presidential Living Room at the Kremlin. Later, the President and Hillary Clinton met with American business leaders at Moscow State University. In the evening, the President and Hillary Clinton attended an official dinner hosted by President Yeltsin in Catherine Hall at the Kremlin. The President announced his intention to appoint Roy A. Stein as Commissioner of the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission. September 2 In the morning, the President met with President Yeltsin in the Presidential Study at the Kremlin. [[Page 2226]] September 3 In the morning, the President traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Later, he met with First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon of the Northern Ireland Assembly in Room 106 of the Parliament Building. In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Omagh, Northern Ireland. In the evening, they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony on Market Street. Later, they traveled to Armagh, Northern Ireland, and then to Dublin, Ireland. The President announced his intention to nominate Joseph Swerdzewski to be General Counsel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority. The President announced his intention to nominate Anita K. Jones, Pamela A. Ferguson, and Robert C. Richardson to be members of the National Science Board, National Science Foundation. September 4 In the evening, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Shannon, Ireland. The President declared a major disaster in South Carolina and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Bonnie on August 25-September 1. The President declared a major disaster in Virginia and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Bonnie on August 25-September 1. The President declared a major disaster in Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Earl on September 3. September 5 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Limerick, Ireland. In the evening, they returned to Shannon, Ireland, and then to Washington, DC. September 8 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Silver Spring, MD, and later returned to Washington, DC. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire, to congratulate him on breaking the Major League Baseball single-season home run record with his 62d home run earlier in the evening. September 9 In the morning, the President met with several Democratic Members of the House of Representatives in the Yellow Oval Room in the Residence. Later, the President traveled to Orlando, FL, where upon his arrival he met with Tim Forneris, the Busch Stadium groundskeeper who retrieved Mark McGwire's record-breaking home run ball. In the evening, the President traveled to Miami, FL, and later returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. The President announced his intention to nominate T.J. Glauthier to be Deputy Secretary of Energy. The President announced his intention to nominate Herbert Lee Buchanan III to be Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition. The President announced his intention to nominate Harold Hongju Koh to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The President announced his intention to nominate B. Lynn Pascoe to be Ambassador to Malaysia. The White House announced that the President directed a drawdown of $20 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to provide relief to refugees and displaced persons at risk due to the crisis in Kosovo. September 10 In the morning, the President met with Democratic Members of the Senate in the Yellow Oval Room in the Residence. In an afternoon ceremony in the Oval Office, the President received diplomatic credentials from Ambassadors James Bolger of New Zealand, Alexander Philon of Greece, Zalman Shoval of Israel, Vang Rattanagong of Laos, Arlette Conzemius-Paccoud of Luxembourg, Mario Lopes da Rosa of Guinea-Bissau, Sonia Merlyn Johnny of Saint Lucia, Philip Dimitrov of Bulgaria, Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis of Cyprus, William Howard Stixrud Herrera of Guatemala, Damodar Prasad Gautam of Nepal, and Alexis Reyn of Belgium. In the evening, the President met with his Cabinet in the Yellow Oval Room in the Residence. The President announced his intention to nominate Rand Beers to be Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Jeh Charles Johnson to be General Counsel for the Air Force. The President announced his intention to nominate C. David Welch to be Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs. The President announced his intention to designate Van B. Honeycutt as Chair of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee. The White House announced that the President appointed David Leavy as Special Assistant to the President, Deputy Press Secretary, and Senior Director for Public Affairs at the National Security Council. The White House announced that the President invited President Andres Pastrana of Colombia for a state visit on October 28. September 11 The President announced his intention to nominate Peter F. Romero to be Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Craig Gordon Dunkerley for the rank of Ambassador [[Page 2227]] during his tenure of service as Special Envoy for Conventional Forces in Europe. The President announced his intention to nominate Richard Danzig to be Secretary of the Navy. The President declared a major disaster in New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and high winds on September 7. September 14 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to New York City. In an afternoon ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, the President awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Zachary Fisher for his philanthropic work for Armed Forces service members, veterans, and their families. In the late evening, the President and Hillary Clinton returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. September 15 In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa to congratulate him on his 62d home run, which tied the new Major League Baseball single-season home run record. The White House announced that the President will travel to Illinois, California, and Texas on September 25-27. September 16 In the morning, the President had meetings with President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic in the Oval Office and in the Cabinet Room. The President announced his intention to nominate Gordon Davidson and Cleo Parker Robinson to be members of the National Council on the Arts. September 17 In the morning, the President traveled to Cincinnati, OH. In the evening, he traveled to Boston, MA, and later returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint Clarence V. Monin as a member of the Amtrak Reform Council. September 18 The President announced his intention to nominate Bill Richardson to be U.S. Representative for the 42d Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency General Conference. The President announced his intention to nominate Rose Eilene Gottemoeller to be Assistant Secretary for Nonproliferation and National Security at the Department of Energy. The President announced his intention to nominate M. John Berry to be Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the Department of the Interior. The President announced his intention to appoint Richard N. Gardner and Dean R. O'Hare as members of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation. September 20 In the morning, the President attended a brunch for Representative Donald M. Payne of New Jersey aboard the cruise ship Spirit of Washington at Pier 4 in Southwest Washington, DC. In the early evening, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to New York City, where the President met with Prime Minister Romano Prodi of Italy at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. September 21 The President announced his intention to nominate David Michaels to be Assistant Secretary for Environment, Safety, and Health at the Department of Energy. The President announced his intention to nominate Eljay B. Bowron to be Inspector General of the Department of the Interior. The President announced his intention to nominate William B. Bader to be Associate Director of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Information Agency. The President declared an emergency in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 21 and continuing. The President declared an emergency in Puerto Rico and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 21 and continuing. The White House announced that Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary will make a working visit to Washington on October 7. September 22 In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. September 23 In the morning, the President met with President Nelson Mandela of South Africa in the President's Study. In the afternoon, the President had separate meetings with Head of State Abdulsalam Abubakar of Nigeria and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong of Singapore in the Oval Office. The President announced his intention to appoint Daniel L. Doctoroff as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding associated with Tropical Storm Frances beginning on September 9 and continuing. [[Page 2228]] The President declared a major disaster in Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Frances beginning on September 9 and continuing. September 24 In the afternoon, the President hosted a working luncheon for Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in the Old Family Dining Room. Following the luncheon, the President had telephone conversations with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel to discuss the Middle East peace process. The White House announced that the President will meet at the White House with Prime Minister Netanyahu on September 28 and with Chairman Arafat later that week. The President announced his intention to nominate William Clifford Smith to be a Commissioner on the Mississippi River Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate C. Donald Johnson, Jr., for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as Chief Textile Negotiator. The President announced his intention to nominate the following individuals to be members of the National Science Board: Luis Sequeira; Chang-Lin Tien; George Langford; Maxine L. Savitz; and Joseph Miller. The President declared a major disaster in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement territory and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 19-22. The President declared a major disaster in Puerto Rico and ordered Federal aid to supplement Commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 20-22. September 25 In the morning, the President traveled to Chicago, IL. In the early evening, he traveled to San Jose, CA. The President announced his intention to appoint Jack Quinn as a member of the Board of Directors of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). The President declared an emergency in Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 22 and continuing. The President announced the creation of the White House Task Force on the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Games, an interagency effort to coordinate the extensive Federal activities involved in the planning and operation of the Salt Lake City winter games. September 26 In the evening, the President traveled from San Jose, CA, to Los Angeles, CA. September 27 In the morning, the President traveled to San Antonio, TX, and in the late afternoon, he traveled to Houston, TX. In the evening, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. September 28 The President declared a major disaster in Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 25 and continuing. The President declared an emergency in Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges beginning on September 28 and continuing. The President declared an emergency in Mississippi and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 28 and continuing. The President announced that he authorized the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide direct Federal assistance to Louisiana at 100 percent Federal funding for the first 72 hours for damage relating to Hurricane Georges. September 29 In the morning, the President met with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority in the Oval Office. Later, he met with National Security Adviser Samuel Berger and Minister of Foreign Affairs Tang Jiaxuan of China in the Oval Office. The President announced his intention to nominate Albert S. Jacquez to be Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation at the Department of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate Ashish Sen to be Director of the Bureau of Transportation Statistics at the Department of Transportation. The President announced his intention to nominate Ira G. Peppercorn to be Director of the Office of Multifamily Housing Assistance Restructuring at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The President announced his intention to nominate Isadore Rosenthal to be a member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. The President announced his intention to nominate Jeffrey S. Merrifield to be a member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint F. Duane Ackerman to the President's Export Council. September 30 In the morning, in the Oval Office, the President received the final report of the Assassination Records Review Board. [[Page 2229]] The President announced his intention to nominate Kenneth W. Kizer to be Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Richard A. Grafmeyer and Gerald M. Shea to be members of the Social Security Advisory Board. The President declared a major disaster in Alabama and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 25 and continuing. The White House announced that the President will travel to Los Angeles, CA, and San Francisco, CA, on October 20-21, and that he will travel to Fayetteville, AR, to attend the dedication ceremony for the Northwest Regional Airport on November 6. October 1 The President announced his intention to nominate Phyllis K. Fong to be Inspector General of the Small Business Administration. The President declared a major disaster in Mississippi and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Georges on September 25 and continuing. October 2 In the morning, the President traveled to Cleveland, OH. In the afternoon, he traveled to Philadelphia, PA, and in the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to nominate Maria Borrero to be Director of the Office for Victims of Crime at the Justice Department. The President announced his intention to nominate Edward J. Gleiman to be Chair and Commissioner and Dana B. Covington to be Commissioner of the Postal Rate Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Eugene A. Ludwig as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The White House announced that the President will meet with Chancellor- elect Gerhard Schroeder of Germany at the White House on October 9. October 5 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with President Boris Yeltsin of Russia concerning the situation in Kosovo. In the afternoon, the President met with Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle and House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt in the Oval Office. The President announced his intention to nominate John Austin Moran to be a Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate Stephen Hadley and Zalmay Khalilzad to be members of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace. The President announced his intention to nominate John F. Walsh to be a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. The President announced his intention to nominate David M. Walker to be Comptroller of the United States at the General Accounting Office. The President announced his intention to nominate Andrea Kidd Taylor to be a member of the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board. The President announced his intention to appoint Lee R. Seeman to be a member of the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. The President declared a major disaster in Washington State and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on May 26-29. October 6 In the morning, the President had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom concerning the situation in Kosovo and the international economic situation. Later in the morning, the President met with President Carlos Menem of Argentina at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The President announced his intention to nominate Kay Kelley Arnold to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Foundation. The President announced his intention to nominate Timothy F. Geithner to be Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Edwin M. Truman to be Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. The President announced his intention to nominate Donnie R. Marshall to be Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The President announced his intention to appoint Ralph B. Everett to the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as the Chair of the U.S. delegation to the 1998 International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference. October 7 In the afternoon, the President had a telephone conversation with President Fernando Cardoso of Brazil to congratulate Mr. Cardoso on his reelection and brief him on the October 6 economic meetings in Washington, DC. Later, the President met with Representative Vic Fazio, chairman of the House Democratic caucus, in the Oval Office. The President announced his intention to nominate Harold J. Creel, Jr., to be a Commissioner on the Federal Maritime Commission. October 8 The President announced his intention to nominate Gary L. Visscher to be a member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. [[Page 2230]] The President announced his intention to nominate Gary Gensler to be Under Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance. The President announced his intention to nominate Kenneth M. Bresnahan to be Chief Financial Officer at the Labor Department. The President announced his intention to nominate Kathleen M. Gillespie to be a Commissioner on the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. October 9 In the afternoon, the President had a working luncheon with Chancellor- elect Gerhard Schroeder of Germany in the Old Family Dining Room. Later, the President met with Presidents Alberto Fujimori of Peru and Jamil Mahuad Witt of Ecuador in the Oval Office, concerning settlement of the long-standing border dispute between the two countries. The President announced the nomination of Timothy Fields, Jr., to be Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste at the Environmental Protection Agency. The President announced his intention to nominate James M. Simon, Jr., to be Assistant Director for Administration at the Central Intelligence Agency. The President announced his intention to nominate Arthur Naparstek to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for National and Community Service. The White House announced that the President and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will host Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel, Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority, and their respective delegations at a summit opening on October 15 at the Wye River Conference Center in Maryland. The White House announced that the President will travel to Guam, Malaysia, Japan, and Korea on November 13-22, to attend the annual Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and then consult with two of the United States' closest allies in the region on the global economic situation, regional security, and other bilateral issues. October 12 In the afternoon, the President traveled to New York City, and in the evening, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. October 13 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Silver Spring, MD, and later returned to Washington, DC. October 14 The President announced his intention to nominate John C. Truesdale to be a member of the National Labor Relations Board. The President declared a major disaster in Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on October 4-11. The President declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes on October 1-8. October 15 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Queenstown, MD. In the evening, he held separate meetings with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel in the Commons Room at the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Center. Later, the President hosted a dinner for the leaders and their delegations in the Carmichael House at the conference center. In the late evening, the President returned to Washington, DC. October 16 In the morning, the President traveled to Chicago, IL, and in the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. The President declared a major disaster in Washington State and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by a landslide in Kelso on March 6 and continuing. October 17 In the morning, the President traveled to Queenstown, MD. In the afternoon, the President met with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority in Houghton House at the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Center. Later, he had a telephone conversation with President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt concerning the Middle East peace process. In the late afternoon, the President met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel in the River House at the conference center. In the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. October 18 In the morning, the President traveled to Queenstown, MD. In the afternoon, the President had a luncheon with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Center. Later, he met twice with Chairman Arafat at the conference center. After midnight, the President returned to Washington, DC. October 19 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Queenstown, MD, where he met separately with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat at the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Center throughout the day. In the evening, he returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. The President announced his intention to appoint Marc B. Nathanson as Chair of the Broadcasting Board of Governors for the International Broadcasting Bureau. [[Page 2231]] The President announced his intention to appoint Eli Segal and Jose Villarreal as members of the Board of Directors of the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). The President declared a major disaster in Missouri and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on July 10-31. October 20 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Queenstown, MD, where he met with King Hussein I of Jordan at Carmichael Farm near the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Center. He then returned to the conference center, where he had a telephone conversation with President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, to update Mr. Mubarak on the peace process and to extend condolences concerning the train wreck near Alexandria, Egypt. Later, the President met with Chairman Arafat at the conference center. In the evening, the President met with Prime Minister Netanyahu at the conference center until after midnight. The President then returned to Washington, DC. The White House announced that the President will travel to Cape Canaveral, FL, to attend the launch of the space shuttle Discovery at the Kennedy Space Center on October 29. The White House also announced that the President will travel to New York City on October 30. October 21 The President announced his intention to nominate Douglas L. Miller to be a member of the Federal Housing Finance Board. The President declared a major disaster in Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes beginning on October 17 and continuing. The White House announced that Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek of Slovenia will make a working visit to Washington, DC, on November 4. October 22 In the morning, the President traveled to Queenstown, MD, where he met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and Chairman Arafat in the main dining room at the Aspen Institute Wye River Conference Center. The President announced the recess appointment of Frederick L. Feinstein as General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. October 23 In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint Zvi Kastenbaum as a member of the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. October 24 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Los Angeles, CA, and in the evening, he traveled to San Francisco, CA. October 25 In the morning, the President had separate telephone conversations with King Hassan II of Morocco, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, and Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom on the Wye River Middle East peace talks. In the afternoon, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight. October 27 In an afternoon ceremony in the Oval Office, the President received diplomatic credentials from Ambassadors Genaro Arriagada of Chile, Geza Jeszenszky of Hungary, Luis Alberto Moreno of Colombia, and Amilcar Spencer Lopes of Cape Verde. October 29 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Cape Canaveral, FL. In the afternoon, the President awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former Representative Dante B. Fascell in the Conference Room of the ATOM Building at the John F. Kennedy Space Center. In the evening, the President traveled to West Palm Beach, FL, and later returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint Anita Freedman as a member of the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. October 30 In the morning, the President traveled to New York City, and in the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint Myron M. Cherry as Arbitrator, International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. The President announced his intention to appoint James K. Huhta as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the Commission on Drug-Free Communities: Marilyn Culp; Thomas Dortch; Ruby Hearn; Jessica Hulsey; Scott King; Charles Larson; Henry Lozano; Claire McCaskill; Mary Ann Solberg; Carol Stone; and Hope Taft. [[Page 2232]] October 31 In the morning, the President traveled to Falls Church, VA, and later returned to Washington, DC. November 1 In the morning, the President traveled to Baltimore, MD, and in the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. November 2 In the morning, the President participated in a radio conference call with African-American leaders and celebrities. November 3 The President announced his intention to appoint Stephen J. Moses as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation. November 4 In the morning, the President met with Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek of Slovenia in the Oval Office. November 5 The President declared a major disaster in Kansas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and flooding on October 30 and continuing. The White House announced that President Joaquim Alberto Chissano of Mozambique will make a working visit to Washington, DC, on November 30. November 6 In the afternoon, the President traveled to Highfill, AR, where he participated in the dedication ceremony for the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. In the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. The President declared a major disaster in Florida and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Tropical Storm Mitch on November 4-5. November 7 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton went to Camp David, MD. In the evening, the President had a telephone conversation with the crew of the space shuttle Discovery orbiting the Earth. The White House announced that the President decided to ease sanctions against India and Pakistan in response to positive steps both countries have taken to address nonproliferation concerns following their nuclear tests in May. November 9 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton returned to the White House. The President announced his intention to appoint Leo Mullin to the President's Export Council. The White House announced that the President asked former National Security Adviser Anthony Lake to return to the Horn of Africa to assist in talks concerning the border dispute between Ethiopia and Eritrea. November 10 In the morning, the President met with House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt in the Oval Office. In the afternoon, the President met with the Dalai Lama in the Map Room. November 11 In the morning, the President traveled to Arlington, VA, and in the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. November 13 The President announced his intention to appoint Irving J. Stolberg as a member of the Commission for the Preservation of America's Heritage Abroad. The President announced the recess appointment of Montie R. Deer as Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. November 14 In the afternoon, the President met with his national security team to discuss the situation in Iraq. The White House announced that the President hopes to complete the Japan, South Korea, and Guam portions of his planned Asia trip, but that Vice President Al Gore will represent the United States at the APEC Summit in Malaysia. November 17 The President announced his intention to nominate Gary S. Guzy to be General Counsel at the Environmental Protection Agency. The President announced the following winners of the 1998 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award: Boeing Airlift and Tanker Programs, Long Beach, CA; Solar Turbines, Inc., San Diego, CA; and Texas Nameplate Co., Inc., Dallas, TX. November 18 In the morning, the President traveled to Tokyo, Japan, arriving at approximately midnight. The White House announced that the President will welcome His Holiness Pope John Paul II to the United States for a pastoral visit to St. Louis, MO, on January 26, 1999. November 19 In the afternoon, the President met with Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan at the Imperial Residence. The President announced his intention to appoint Irene Rosenberg Wurtzel as a member of the President's Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History. November 20 In the evening, the President traveled to Seoul, South Korea. [[Page 2233]] November 21 In the afternoon, the President toured the National Folk Museum in Seoul. The President announced his intention to appoint Steven M. Hilton, Frank B. Moore, and William G. Simpson as members of the American Battle Monuments Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint Jon S. Corzine and Donna Cochran McLarty to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The President announced his intention to designate Maj. Gen. Roland Lajoie, USA (Ret.), as the Co-Chair of the U.S.-Russian Joint Commission on POW/MIA's, effective December 1. November 22 In the morning, the President traveled to Yongsan, South Korea, where he attended church services at a U.S. military facility. In the afternoon, the President visited the Korean Training Center, 25 miles northeast of Seoul, where he reviewed M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles and M-1 Abrams tanks with U.S. and South Korean troops. In a brief ceremony, he promoted Private First Class (E3) Matt E. Prickett to Specialist (E4). Later, the President led troops in singing ``Happy Birthday'' to Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Thomas. He then had a ``Meals-Ready-to-Eat'' lunch with troops in the mess tent. In the evening, the President returned to Seoul. November 23 In the morning, the President traveled to Guam. After arriving in the afternoon, he visited the World War II memorial at the War in the Pacific National Historic Park. Later, the President returned to Washington, DC, arriving the following evening. November 25 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton went to Camp David, MD, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The White House announced that the President asked Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala to visit Lebanon as his personal representative. November 27 In the evening, the President and Hillary Clinton returned to the White House. The White House announced that the President will travel to Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank on December 12-15. November 30 In the morning, the President met with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority in the Oval Office at the White House. The President appointed Jenny Luray as Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Women's Initiatives and Outreach. The President announced his intention to appoint Edgar M. Bronfman as Chair and the following individuals as members of the Advisory Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States: Roman Kent; Ira Leesfield; Jehuda Reinharz; Margaret Richardson; Patricia Schroeder; William Singer; Cecil Williams; Stuart Eizenstat, Department of State; Patrick Henry, Department of the Army; James Robinson, Department of Justice; and Neal Wolin, Department of the Treasury. December 1 In the morning, the President met with President Joaquim Alberto Chissano of Mozambique in the Oval Office at the White House. December 2 In the afternoon, the President hosted a working lunch for Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan in the Old Family Dining Room at the White House. The President announced his intention to appoint Randy W. Deitering as Executive Director of the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. The President announced his intention to appoint James H. Schiff as a member of the Advisory Committee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The President announced his intention to appoint Angus S. King, Jr., as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The President announced his intention to appoint Thomas S. Williamson, Jr., as a member of the District of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission. December 3 In the morning, the President traveled to Newport, RI. In the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint Bob Armstrong as Chair and W.F. (Rick) Cronk as a member of the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council: Roberta Bennett; Michael Berenbaum; Charles Kushner; William Lerach; Susan Bass Levin; Arnold Lorber; Jack Rosen; Dennis Ross; [[Page 2234]] Gerald Sigal; and Arnold Thaler. December 4 The President announced his intention to appoint Lee Haney as a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The President announced his intention to appoint Frederick N. Frank and Ginger E. Lew as members of the Board of Directors of the Czech and Slovak American Enterprise Fund. The President announced the recess appointment of G. Edward DeSeve as Deputy Director for Management in the Office of Management and Budget. Mr. DeSeve was nominated on March 13. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. The President announced the recess appointment of John C. Truesdale as Chair and member of the National Labor Relations Board. Mr. Truesdale was nominated on October 14. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. December 5 In the morning, the President traveled to Wynne, AR, and in the evening, he returned to Washington, DC. December 7 In the evening, the President and Hillary Clinton hosted a congressional ball on the State Floor at the White House. The President announced the recess appointment of Timothy F. Geithner as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. Mr. Geithner was nominated on October 8. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. The President announced the recess appointment of Edwin M. Truman as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs. Mr. Truman was nominated on October 8. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. The President announced the recess appointment of John D. Hawke, Jr., as Comptroller of the Currency at the Department of the Treasury. Mr. Hawke was nominated on July 11. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. The White House announced that the President will host the White House Conference on Social Security on December 8 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel and December 9 at Blair House. December 8 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Nashville, TN, where they attended a memorial service for former Senator Albert Gore, Sr. In the afternoon, they returned to Washington, DC. Later, the President met with Counsel to the President Charles F.C. Ruff to review Mr. Ruff's upcoming testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. The President announced his intention to nominate John T. Spotila to be Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget. The President announced his intention to appoint the following individuals as members of the National Cancer Advisory Board: Dr. Elmer Huerta; Dr. Susan M. Love; Mayor James McGreevey of Woodbridge Township, NJ; Dr. Arthur Nienhuis; Dr. Larry Norton; and Dr. Amelie Ramirez. The President announced the 1998 recipients of the Nation's highest science and technology honors: National Medal of Science Bruce N. Ames; Don L. Anderson; John N. Bahcall; John W. Cahn; Cathleen S. Morawetz; Janet D. Rowley; Eli Ruckenstein; George M. Whitesides; and William Julius Wilson. National Medal of Technology Denton A. Cooley, M.D.; team award jointly to Kenneth L. Thompson and Dennis M. Ritchie (Lucent Technologies' Bell Laboratories); team award jointly to Robert T. Fraley, Robert B. Horsch, Ernest G. Jaworski, and Stephen G. Rogers (Monsanto); Biogen, Inc.; and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. The White House announced that the President has invited President Carlos Menem of Argentina for a state visit on January 11, 1999. December 9 In the afternoon, the President participated in the closing session of the White House Conference on Social Security with Members of Congress and senior administration officials at Blair House. December 10 The White House announced that President Jacques Chirac of France has accepted the President's invitation for an official working visit on February 19, 1999. December 12 In the morning, the President and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton traveled to Tel Aviv, Israel, arriving in the evening. [[Page 2235]] December 13 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton had breakfast with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel and his wife, Sarah, in the Presidential Suite at the Jerusalem Hilton Hotel. Later, the President greeted U.S. Cabinet members and Members of Congress in the Aqua Restaurant at the hotel. Later, the President met with Prime Minister Netanyahu in the Cabinet Room at Mr. Netanyahu's office complex. In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton visited the grave of assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. Later, the President met with President Ezer Weizman of Israel in the Jerusalem Room at Beit Hanassi, President Weizman's residence. December 14 In the morning, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Gaza City, Gaza. Upon their arrival, they toured the main terminal of Gaza International Airport with Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and his wife, Shua. In the afternoon, the President met with Chairman Arafat in the Cabinet Room at Mr. Arafat's office complex. In the early evening, the President returned to Jerusalem, Israel. December 15 In the morning, the President traveled to Bethlehem. Later, the President and Hillary Clinton toured the Church of the Nativity with Chairman Arafat and his wife, Shua. In the afternoon, the President and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton participated in a Christmas tree lighting at the Church of the Nativity. Later, they traveled to Masada, where they toured the historic site. In the late afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton traveled to Tel Aviv. In the evening, they returned to Washington, DC. December 16 In the morning, the President met with the national security team concerning the situation in Iraq. In the afternoon, the President met with Representative Amo Houghton concerning the upcoming vote on the articles of impeachment. The President announced his intention to appoint Anita Ray Arnold, Robert B. Barnett, Anita (Buffy) Cafritz, and Kenneth M. Duberstein to the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. December 17 In the morning in the Oval Office, the President was briefed on the military operations in Iraq by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Henry H. Shelton, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen, and the national security team. Later in the day, the President had separate telephone conversations concerning the ongoing operations in Iraq with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu of Israel, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt, King Hussein I of Jordan, and President Jacques Chirac of France, as well as Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, House Majority Leader Bob Livingston, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle, and House Minority Leader Richard A. Gephardt. The White House announced that the President released $102.2 million of emergency supplemental funding included for the Army Corps of Engineers in the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, to carry out critical dredging activities and other repairs needed to maintain safe channels at navigation projects in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Puerto Rico that were damaged by Hurricane Georges and other tropical storms. December 18 In the morning, the President met with Representative Christopher Shays. In the afternoon, in the Cabinet Room, the President met with Chancellor Viktor Klima of Austria, in his capacity as President of the European Council, and President Jacques Santer of the European Commission. The President announced the recess appointment of William Clyburn, Jr., as a member of the Surface Transportation Board. Mr. Clyburn was nominated on September 2, 1997. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. The President announced the recess appointment of Albert S. Jacquez as Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation at the Department of Transportation. Mr. Jacquez was nominated on September 29, 1998. The President intends to resubmit his nomination when the 106th Congress convenes. December 20 In the afternoon and evening, the President and Hillary Clinton hosted holiday receptions in the Map Room. December 21 In the morning, the President met with Senator Ted Kennedy in the Oval Office. In the afternoon, the President traveled to Arlington, VA, and later returned to Washington, DC. The President announced his intention to appoint Lawrence Rogers as Acting Inspector General for Tax Administration at the Department of the Treasury. The President announced his intention to appoint Ellen Hart Pena as a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. The President announced his intention to appoint Susan Weikers Volchok as a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. [[Page 2236]] December 22 In the afternoon, the President and Hillary Clinton hosted a Christmas celebration for children in the East Room. December 23 In the morning, the President traveled to Baltimore, MD, and in the afternoon, he returned to Washington, DC. December 24 In the afternoon, the President had telephone conversations with U.S. military personnel to wish them a merry Christmas. The President announced his intention to nominate J. Brian Atwood to be Ambassador to Brazil. December 29 The White House announced that the President will travel to Mexico and Central America on February 10-15, 1999. December 30 In the afternoon, the President and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton traveled to Hilton Head, SC, where they participated in the Renaissance Weekend retreat. The President announced his intention to nominate Hassan Nemazee to be Ambassador to Argentina.