[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 30, 1992]
[Pages 1721-1722]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Message to the House of Representatives Returning Without Approval the 
District of Columbia Appropriations Bill
September 30, 1992

To the House of Representatives:
    I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 5517, a bill 
providing appropriations for fiscal year 1993 for the District of 
Columbia.
    Although I do not object to the funding provided by the bill, its 
language concerning the use of funds for abortion is unac-

[[Page 1722]]

ceptable. I have stated my intention to veto any bill that does not 
contain language that prohibits the use of all congressionally 
appropriated funds to pay for abortions except when the life of the 
mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term. The 
limitation I propose is identical to the one included in the District of 
Columbia Appropriations Acts for FY 1989, FY 1990, FY 1991, and FY 1992.
    H.R. 5517 would place such a limitation on the use of Federal funds 
to pay for abortion. However, the bill would permit congressionally 
appropriated local funds to be used for abortions on demand. As a matter 
of law, the use of local funds in the District of Columbia must be 
approved by the Congress and the President through enactment of an 
appropriations act. Under these circumstances, the failure of H.R. 5517 
to prohibit the use of all funds appropriated by the bill to pay for 
abortions, except in the limited circumstances mentioned above, is 
unacceptable.
    From the outset of my Administration, I have repeatedly stated my 
deep personal concern about the tragedy in America of abortion on 
demand. As a Nation, we must protect the unborn. H.R. 5517 does not 
provide such protection. I am therefore returning H.R. 5517 without my 
approval.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
September 30, 1992.