    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [July 10, 2006]
    [Pages 1360-1361]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting Amendments to the International
    Telecommunication Union Constitution and Convention
    July 10, 2006

    To the Senate of the United States:
        With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, I transmit herewith the amendments to the Constitution and
    Convention of the International Telecommunication Union (Geneva, 1992),
    as amended by the Plenipotentiary Conference (Kyoto, 1994) and the
    Plenipotentiary Conference (Minneapolis, 1998), together with the
    declarations and reservations by the United States, all as contained in
    the Final Acts of the Plenipotentiary Conference (Marrakesh, 2002).
        I transmit also, for the information of the Senate, the report of
    the Department of State concerning these amendments.
        The Plenipotentiary Conference (Marrakesh, 2002) adopted amendments
    that would expand the field of individuals eligible for election to the
    Radio Regulations Board; provide for functional privileges and
    immunities for members of the Radio Regulations Board; strengthen the
    finances of the International Telecommunication Union by, among others,
    providing for sector member contributions to defray the expenses of
    regional conferences in which they participate and clarifying that
    operational plans prepared by the International Telecommunication Union
    Secretary-General and Directors of each of the International
    Telecommunication Union sectors must reflect the financial implications
    of the activities proposed; provide for sector members to be represented
    as observers at meetings of the Council; and recognize the authority of
    the Radiocommunication Assembly, the World Telecommunication
    Standardization Assembly, and the World Telecommunication Development
    Conference to adopt working methods and procedures for their respective
    sectors.
        Consistent with long-standing practices, the United States, in
    signing the 2002 amendments, made certain declarations and reservations.
    Subject to those declarations and reservations, I believe the United
    States should ratify the 2002 amendments to the International
    Telecommunication Union Constitution and Convention. Those

    [[Page 1361]]

    amendments will contribute to the International Telecommunication
    Union's ability to adapt to changes in the telecommunication environment
    and, in so doing, serve the needs of the United States Government and
    United States industry. It is my hope that the Senate will take early
    action on this matter and give its advice and consent to ratification.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     July 10, 2006.