[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 14 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Pages 502-503]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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),

[[Page 503]]

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, 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.