[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 40 (Monday, October 6, 2003)]
[Page 1282]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Congress Reporting on the Memorandum of Understanding 
Between the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security Concerning 
Implementation of Section 428 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002

September 29, 2003

Message to the Congress of the United States:

    Consistent with section 428(e)(8)(A) of the Homeland Security Act of 
2002 (Public Law 107-296) (the ``Act''), I am pleased to report that the 
Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security have completed 
a Memorandum of Understanding concerning implementation of section 428 
of the Act. The Memorandum of Understanding will allow the Departments 
of State and Homeland Security to work cooperatively to create and 
maintain an effective, efficient visa process that secures America's 
borders from external threats and ensures that our borders remain open 
to legitimate travel to the United States.
                                                George W. Bush
 The White House,
 September 29, 2003.