    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [October 2, 2001]
    [Page 1183]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Bipartisan Agreement on Fiscal
    Year 2002 Discretionary Appropriations Levels
    October 2, 2001

    Dear  __________ :
        I support the bipartisan agreement to set FY 2002 discretionary
    appropriations levels at a total of $686 billion. If the Congress
    presents appropriations bills to me that comply with this aggregate
    spending level, and are otherwise acceptable, I will sign them.
        Within this total, I understand that defense activities will be
    funded at the amended budget level. In addition, I understand that an
    appropriations bill for education will include $4 billion above my
    budget request and will be accommodated within the total discretionary
    level. I also understand that the agreement includes $2.2 billion in
    contingent emergency appropriations, within the $686 billion agreement.
    These emergency funds would be available only to the extent that they
    are necessary to fund unexpected costs that may arise as a consequence
    of urgent requirements beyond the program funding levels provided in the
    regular appropriations bills.
        This agreement does not compromise my discretion to consider the
    policy and program content of legislation before agreeing to sign it.
    However, passage of appropriations measures within the agreed total will
    mean that there will be no disagreement between the Congress and my
    Administration over aggregate funding levels.
        This agreement is the result of extensive discussions to produce an
    acceptable bipartisan solution to facilitate the orderly enactment of
    appropriations measures. This agreement and the aggregate spending level
    are the result of a strong bipartisan effort at this critical time for
    our Nation, and I expect that all parties will now proceed expeditiously
    and in full compliance with the agreement.
             Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the
    House of Representatives; Richard A. Gephardt, House minority leader;
    C.W. Bill Young, chairman, and David R. Obey, ranking member, House
    Committee on Appropriations; Thomas A. Daschle, Senate majority leader;
    Trent Lott, Senate minority leader; and Robert C. Byrd, chairman, and
    Ted Stevens, ranking member, Senate Committee on Appropriations. An
    original was not available for verification of the content of this
    letter.