    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [April 8, 2008]
    [Pages 489-490]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting Amendments to the International
    Telecommunication Union Constitution and Convention
    April 8, 2008

    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 (Marrakesh, 2002), together with the
    declarations and reservations by the United States, all as contained in
    the Final Acts of the Plenipotentiary Conference (Antalya, 2006). I
    transmit also, for the information of the Senate, the report of the
    Department of State concerning the amendments.
        The Plenipotentiary Conference (Antalya, 2006) adopted amendments
    that, among other things: clarify the functions of certain International
    Telecommunication Union (ITU) officials and bodies; reduce the frequency
    of certain ITU conferences; clarify eligibility for re-election to
    certain ITU positions; enhance oversight of the ITU budget and provide
    for results-based (as well as cost-based) budget proposals; expand the
    scale of available contribution levels for Member States and Sector
    Members; and,

    [[Page 490]]

    clarify the definition of and role of observers participating in ITU
    proceedings.
        Consistent with longstanding practice in the ITU, the United States,
    in signing the 2006 amendments, made certain declarations and
    reservations. Subject to those declarations and reservations, I believe
    the United States should ratify the 2006 amendments to the International
    Telecommunication Union Constitution and Convention. These amendments
    will contribute to the ITU's ability to adapt to changes in the global
    telecommunications sector 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,

     April 8, 2008.