    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [April 16, 1993]
    [Page 445]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell on the Stimulus
    Package
    April 16, 1993

    Dear Mr. Leader:
        As the Senate prepares to return Monday to consideration of the
    pending appropriations bill to create jobs, to boost the economy, and to
    meet pressing human needs, it is important that we renew our commitment
    to breaking gridlock and to making government work.
        To help accomplish those goals, I recommend you consider changes in
    the pending legislation to reduce its scope, while leaving unaffected
    certain key programs in the bill. I understand the procedural situation
    permits you and Senator Byrd to offer a substitute amendment when the
    Senate reconvenes. Unfortunately, the rules of the Senate have enabled a
    minority to block the will of the majority. That makes it necessary for
    us to step forward and modify the bill in order to meet our objectives.
    Therefore I recommend you consider offering a substitute that includes
    these components:

        --Leave in place the proposed funding levels for these essential
            programs to create jobs and to meet human needs: highway
            construction, summer jobs for young people, childhood
            immunization, the Ryan White program for AIDS victims,
            construction of wastewater treatment facilities, hiring meat
            inspectors, and assistance to small business. Of course, the $4
            billion for extended unemployment compensation benefits would be
            left in place.
        --Reduce proportionately the other programs in the bill to bring
            budget authority down from $16.2 billion to $12 billion. This
            will require an across-the-board cut in other programs of about
            44 percent.
        --Target $200 million for grants to local governments to hire police
            as a means of helping to fight crime and to offset layoffs
            resulting from the fiscal constraints on local government.

        This approach would reduce the budget authority in this bill by
    approximately 25 percent, but it would create only 18 percent fewer jobs
    in this fiscal year.
        I make this recommendation reluctantly, and regret the unwillingness
    of the minority to let the Senate act on the original legislation. But
    our mandate is to achieve change, to move the country forward, and to
    end business as usual in Washington. By taking the initiative in the
    face of an unrelenting filibuster I believe we can respond to that
    mandate and achieve a significant portion of our original goals.
        Your advice and counsel, and persistent hard work for the working
    people of this country are greatly appreciated. You have my respect and
    the thanks of the millions of Americans in the cities, towns and rural
    communities across the nation who you are trying to help.
        Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton