The Cold War

Domestic Policies

H.W. Bush and his administration passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, the act was like an extension of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 but for people with disabilities. ADA prohibitied discrimination and required the appropriate accomodations.

 

June 1990, Bush proposed amendments be made to the 1963 Clean Air Act in order to reduce pollution in acid rain, urban air pollution, and toxic emissions. Some bills that passed Congress included a phase-out of ozone-depleting chemicals. Amendments signed 15 November 1990 encouraged the use of market principles, performance-based standards, and emission trading. Bush also promoted low-sulfur coal and natural gas use, reducing oil imports by one million barrels per day.

 

Bush called together an Education Summit in 1989 and the proposals included:

• higher academic standards

• federal demonstration grants for education vouchers 

 

By the time Bush took office, the deficit had increase by 1988 to over $250 billion. In order to combat this deficit Bush agreed to a compromise with the Democrats on the Omnibus Budget Act of 1990, which cut expenditures and raised taxes--contrary to his campaign promises.

 

Foreign Policies

 

Upon becoming president, Bush inhereted Reagan's policies regarding Nicaragua and El Salvador. In order to continue supporting the Contras in agreement with the Tela Accords of February 1949, Bush was willing to negotiate with the Sadinistas to support the Contras.

 

The first major military operation of the Bush administration was in Panama. Operation Just Cause involved Manuel Noriega--military dictator of Panama. The Organization of American States sought to remove Noriega from power and prevent US intervention.