    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [October 23, 2002]
    [Page 1875]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Russian Democracy Act of 2002
    October 23, 2002

        I have today signed into law H.R. 2121, the ``Russian Democracy Act
    of 2002.'' This Act seeks to promote democracy, the rule of law, and an
    independent media in the Russian Federation.
        Section 3(b) of the Act purports to establish U.S. policy towards
    Russia. My approval of the Act does not constitute my adoption of the
    statements of policy in section 3(b) as U.S. foreign policy. Given the
    Constitution's commitment to the presidency of the authority to conduct
    the Nation's foreign affairs, the executive branch shall construe such
    policy statements as advisory, giving them the due weight that comity
    between the legislative and executive branches should require, to the
    extent consistent with U.S. foreign policy.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     October 23, 2002.

    Note: H.R. 2121, approved October 23, was assigned Public Law No. 107-
    246.