    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [January 29, 1993]
    [Pages 18-19]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters Prior to a Meeting With Representatives of the
    Close-Up Foundation
    January 29, 1993

    Homosexuals in the Military

        Q. Mr. President, when are you going to announce your policy on gays
    in the military? What time today?
        The President. Well, we're waiting for an analysis of the court
    decision now and how it affects what we would have to do anyway. So,
    that sort of--we were here, as you know, last night with Senator Nunn,
    and I thought it was quite close to an agreement that would give the
    military what I think ought to be done without anybody agreeing to
    change their position now--give them a chance to look into what the
    practical problems are. But this court decision may change that, and we
    are looking at it. And I will probably have something to say later
    today.

    [[Page 19]]

        Q. But do you--[inaudible]--decision because--[inaudible]--get
    through now?
        The President. Well, we talked about it a little last night, but I
    wanted to--the staff stayed here quite late. I thought they ought to get
    a chance to get a little sleep and then think through it. So, as you
    know, there is virtual agreement on everything but one issue anyway. So,
    you are trying to figure out how this court case fits, that and whether
    it changes anything for either side.
        So, we'll talk about it this morning and then try to resolve it
    soon.
        Q. Are you concerned, Mr. President, that this controversy this week
    has given the American people the wrong idea of what your priorities
    are?
        The President. Yes, I do. Of course, I didn't bring it up; people in
    the Senate did. I just tried--I have not, frankly, spent very much time
    on it compared to the time I'm spending on the economy, which is what I
    was elected to do. And we've been working on that hard. So, I'm just
    going to keep doing what I was elected to do and try to stick up for
    what I believe and see if we can work through this.

    Note: The President spoke at 8:37 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. A tape was not available for verification of the content of these
    remarks.