View Header

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release January 27, 1995
                  GORE ANNOUNCES INITIAL RESTRUCTURING
                      OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AGENCIES
       Review Calls for International Affairs Community to Change                  
                      for Demands of 21st Century 

As part of the second phase of the National Performance Review, which asks agencies to conduct a fundamental rethinking of what they do and how they do it, Vice President Al Gore today (1/27) instructed four foreign affairs agencies to establish common administrative services, eliminate unnecessary and duplicative practices, and use the private sector and competition to cut costs. It is anticipated the overall review of international affairs programs and agencies will result in savings of at least $5 billion over five yeras and a substantially enhanced capacity to deliver more effective programs overseas and provide value to the American taxpayer.

The review concluded that the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, the Agency for International Development, and the United States Information Agency are essential vehicles for the accomplishment of their missions under the overall foreign policy guidance of the Secretary of State.

"Today's decision is a major restructuring and integration of the government's foreign affairs agencies," Vice President Gore said. "It is an initial step in meeting President Clinton's challenge to 'eliminate the remnants of yesterday's government,' and preparing these agencies to meet the demands of the 21st Century.'"

Specifically, today's review concluded:

"The President needs to continue to develop, negotiate and verify effective arms control treaties; to communicate American values such as democracy and free markets overseas; and to respond to humanitarian emergencies and encourage sustainable development in other countries when it is in the interest of the United States," the Vice President said. "The restructuring of these agencies will help to make sure those needs are met in the most efficient, effective way possible."

In addition to the changes already listed, the Vice President announced today that he had:

"The foreign affairs community needs to change to meet the demands of the 21st Century and give taxpayers value for their money. The community has begun the process of change," the Vice President said. He thanked the Secretary of State Warren Christopher and the heads of the Agency for International Development, the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the United States Information Agency for their reinvention initiatives and the impetus that they have given to the second phase of the National Performance Review.

Calling for change, Secretary Christopher said "The current structure of the foreign affairs agencies developed in a world much different from today's. It must change to meet the demands of the next century. In an era of growing challenges, but static or declining resources, all of the foreign affairs agencies must streamline operations and match our talents and budget to the highest U.S. priorities."

##