[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 18 (Monday, May 9, 2005)]
[Page 757]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Letter to Congressional Leaders on Continuation of the National 
Emergency Blocking Property of Certain Persons and Prohibiting the 
Export of Certain Goods to Syria

May 5, 2005

Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. President:)

    Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) 
provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, 
prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President 
publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice 
stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the 
anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent the 
enclosed notice, stating that the national emergency declared in 
Executive Order 13338 of May 11, 2004, blocking property of certain 
persons and prohibiting the exportation and reexportation of certain 
goods to Syria, is to continue in effect beyond May 11, 2005, to the 
Federal Register for publication.
    The actions of the Government of Syria in supporting terrorism, 
pursuing weapons of mass destruction and missile programs, undermining 
United States and international efforts with respect to the 
stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq, and with respect to Lebanon 
pose a continuing, unusual, and extraordinary threat to the national 
security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For these 
reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue in effect 
the national emergency authorizing the blocking of property of certain 
persons and prohibiting the exportation and reexportation of certain 
goods to Syria, and to maintain in force the sanctions to respond to 
this threat.
     Sincerely,
                                                George W. Bush

Note: Identical letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the 
House of Representatives, and Richard B. Cheney, President of the 
Senate.