[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 49 (Monday, December 7, 1998)]
[Page 2425]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the International Space Station

December 4, 1998

    America has taken a bold and exciting step toward a permanent U.S. 
presence in space with today's launch of the first U.S.-built component 
of the International Space Station. A passion for discovery and a sense 
of adventure--both deeply rooted American qualities--spur our 
determination to explore new frontiers in space and spark our can-do 
spirit of technological determination. All Americans join me in 
congratulating the thousands of men and women in our space program that 
are transforming the dream of an orbiting space station into a reality.