    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 51 (Monday, December 24, 2001)]
    [Pages 1802-1803]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Signing the Department of Transportation and Related
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002

    December 18, 2001

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2299, the ``Department of
    Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002.''
        I appreciate the bipartisan effort that has gone into producing this
    Act. The bill abides by the agreed upon aggregate funding level for
    Fiscal Year 2002 of $686 billion and supports several of my
    Administration's key initiatives with:
     <bullet>    $140 million for border safety to ensure an open border for
                trade between the United States and Mexico through the
                establishment of an inspection and certification system that
                will ensure a high level of motor carrier safety;
     <bullet>    $5 billion for Coast Guard operations and capital expenses,
                including $243 million to support expanded drug interdiction
                efforts as authorized in the Western Hemisphere Drug
                Elimination Act;
     <bullet>    $1.2 billion for the newly created Transportation Security
                Administration to enhance airport and aircraft security;
     <bullet>    $32.8 billion for key highway infrastructure and safety
                initiatives in compliance with authorized levels;
     <bullet>    $10.2 billion for aviation operations and airport
                improvement grants to expand safety, security, and capacity;
                and
     <bullet>    $6.7 billion for mass transit grants and capital programs.
        Several provisions in the bill purport to require congressional
    approval before executive branch execution of aspects of the bill. I
    will interpret such provisions to require notification only, since any
    other interpretation

    [[Page 1803]]

    would contradict the Supreme Court ruling in INS v. Chadha.
                                                    George W. Bush
     The White House,
     December 18, 2001.

    Note: H.R. 2299, approved December 18, was assigned Public Law No. 107-
    87.