Archive for January 27th, 2008
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Memorandum of Justification for Waiver of Section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 with Respect to Iraq
Section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2008 (the “Act”) amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which
establishes a framework for lawsuits against foreign countries and
their agencies and instrumentalities under U.S. law. Immediately upon
enactment, Section 1083 would put at risk substantial Iraqi assets in
the United States that are crucial to Iraq’s recovery efforts –
including the Development Fund for Iraq, the assets of the Central
Bank of Iraq held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and assets
of Iraqi agencies or instrumentalities used in commercial transactions
in the United States. Section 1083 would also expose Iraq to potential
new liability by undoing judgments favorable to Iraq, by foreclosing
available defenses on which Iraq has relied, and by creating a new
Federal cause of action backed by punitive damages. Any and all
provisions of section 1083 may adversely affect Iraq or its agencies
or instrumentalities, by exposing Iraq or its agencies or
instrumentalities to liability in United States courts and by
entangling their assets in litigation. Such burdens would undermine
the national security and foreign policy interests of the United
States, including by weakening the ability of the
democratically-elected government of Iraq to use Iraqi funds to
promote political and economic progress and further develop its
security forces. -
Memorandum for the Secretary of State
SUBJECT: Waiver of Section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008
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President Bush Signs H.R. 4986, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 into Law
Today, I have signed into law H.R. 4986, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The Act authorizes funding for
the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, for
military construction, and for national security-related energy
programs. -
Sixth Anniversary of USA Freedom Corps, 2008
People across this great Nation have heard the universal call to love
a neighbor and are using their time and talents to make a difference
in the lives of others. On the sixth anniversary of the USA Freedom
Corps, we celebrate the spirit of service in America and honor the
volunteers whose good work represents the generous character of our
country. -
President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address
President Bush on Monday said, “Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.”
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President and Mrs. Bush Extend Condolences Regarding Death of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos
Laura and I offer our condolences to the people of Greece at this time of mourning for the death of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos. The late Archbishop was well known as an articulate voice of the Orthodox faith, for his engagement in inter-religious dialogue, and for his promotion of social programs to help the vulnerable. Our prayers are with the people of Greece and all those who followed his spiritual guidance.
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President and Mrs. Bush Deeply Saddened by Death of Gordon B. Hinckley
Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our friend, Gordon B. Hinckley. While serving for over seven decades in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon demonstrated the heart of a servant and the wisdom of a leader. He was a tireless worker and a talented communicator who was respected in his community and beloved by his congregation. As President of his church, he traveled to more than 60 countries to spread a message of love and optimism to the millions of people around the world who shared his faith.
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President Bush to Welcome Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek of the Czech Republic to the White House
President Bush will welcome Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek of the
Czech Republic to the White House on February 27, 2008. The Czech
Republic has been a world leader in support of democratic values and
human rights in countries whose people most need such support, such as
Belarus, Burma, and Cuba. The President was pleased to recognize this
leadership role by traveling to Prague last June to address an
international conference of freedom advocates from the world’s most
oppressive societies. -
President Bush Pleased by Confirmation of Ed Schafer as Secretary of Agriculture
I appreciate that the Senate today unanimously confirmed Ed Schafer to be
our next Secretary of Agriculture. As a two-term governor and business
leader, Ed has distinguished himself as an executive with a proven record
of results. -
President Bush Delivers State of the Union Address – January 28, 2008
President Bush on Monday said, “Seven years have passed since I first stood before you at this rostrum. In that time, our country has been tested in ways none of us could have imagined. We faced hard decisions about peace and war, rising competition in the world economy, and the health and welfare of our citizens. These issues call for vigorous debate, and I think it’s fair to say we’ve answered the call. Yet history will record that amid our differences, we acted with purpose. And together, we showed the world the power and resilience of American self-government.”
