For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 23, 2002
Statement by the President
I have today signed into law H.R. 2121, the "Russian Democracy Act
of 2002." This Act seeks to promote democracy, the rule of law, and an
independent media in the Russian Federation.
Section 3(b) of the Act purports to establish U.S. policy towards
Russia. My approval of the Act does not constitute my adoption of the
statements of policy in section 3(b) as U.S. foreign policy. Given the
Constitution's commitment to the presidency of the authority to conduct
the Nation's foreign affairs, the executive branch shall construe such
policy statements as advisory, giving them the due weight that comity
between the legislative and executive branches should require, to the
extent consistent with U.S. foreign policy.
GEORGE W. BUSH
THE WHITE HOUSE,
October 23, 2002.
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