    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 18, 2001]
    [Pages 1526-1527]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Department of Transportation and Related
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002
    December 18, 2001

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2299, the ``Department of
    Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002.''
        I appreciate the bipartisan effort that has gone into producing this
    Act. The bill abides by the agreed upon aggregate funding level for
    Fiscal Year 2002 of $686 billion and supports several of my
    Administration's key initiatives with:

    [[Page 1527]]

         $140 million for border safety to ensure an open border for
                trade between the United States and Mexico through the
                establishment of an inspection and certification system that
                will ensure a high level of motor carrier safety;
         $5 billion for Coast Guard operations and capital expenses,
                including $243 million to support expanded drug interdiction
                efforts as authorized in the Western Hemisphere Drug
                Elimination Act;
         $1.2 billion for the newly created Transportation Security
                Administration to enhance airport and aircraft security;
         $32.8 billion for key highway infrastructure and safety
                initiatives in compliance with authorized levels;
         $10.2 billion for aviation operations and airport
                improvement grants to expand safety, security, and capacity;
                and
         $6.7 billion for mass transit grants and capital programs.

        Several provisions in the bill purport to require congressional
    approval before executive branch execution of aspects of the bill. I
    will interpret such provisions to require notification only, since any
    other interpretation would contradict the Supreme Court ruling in INS v.
    Chadha.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     December 18, 2001.

    Note: H.R. 2299, approved December 18, was assigned Public Law No. 107-
    87.