    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [August 18, 2003]
    [Page 1030]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for
    Students Act of 2003
    August 18, 2003

        Today, I have signed into law H.R. 1412, the ``Higher Education
    Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003.'' This Act permits the
    Secretary of Education to waive or modify Federal student financial
    assistance program requirements to help students and their families or
    academic institutions affected by a war, other military operation, or
    national emergency. The executive branch shall construe section 2(c) in
    a manner consistent with the President's authority under the
    Recommendations Clause of the Constitution to submit for the
    consideration of the Congress such measures as the President shall judge
    necessary or expedient.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     August 18, 2003.

    Note: H.R. 1412, approved August 18, was assigned Public Law No. 108-76.