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

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:

• $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;
• $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;
• $1.2 billion for the newly created Transportation Security Administration to enhance airport and aircraft security;
• $32.8 billion for key highway infrastructure and safety initiatives in compliance with authorized levels;
• $10.2 billion for aviation operations and airport improvement grants to expand safety, security, and capacity; and
• $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 would contradict the Supreme Court ruling in INS v. Chadha.

GEORGE W. BUSH

The White House, December 18, 2001.