    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [June 10, 1993]
    [Pages 834-835]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Signing the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act
    of 1993
    June 10, 1993

        The President. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to welcome all those of
    you who are here today for the signing of S. 1, the National Institutes
    of Health Revitalization Act of 1993, and to especially recognize the
    bipartisan coalition which made this bill possible, led by the Senators
    and the Members of the House of Representatives who are here. I also
    want to thank the representatives of the groups who are here, including
    the Women's Health Network, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the
    American Association of Medical Colleges, the Allen Guttmacher
    Institute, the Alzheimer's Association, the Human Rights Campaign Fund,
    the Breast Cancer Coalition, and the National Health Council, and
    perhaps others. If I've left anyone out, forgive me.
        This legislation highlights the importance of

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    programs administered by the National Institutes of Health, programs
    vital to our science and biomedical research base. The research carried
    out at NIH has already led to a healthier and far more productive
    America. However, there are many challenges still ahead. And this
    legislation provides the hope that someday we can prevent or cure
    diseases such as diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, AIDS, and
    Alzheimer's.
        I'm particularly supportive of those provisions of S. 1 aimed at
    improving the health of women and minorities. It's important that we
    ensure that resources are devoted to increasing our knowledge about
    conditions which uniquely affect these populations. It's equally
    important that we expand opportunities and support for the inclusion of
    women and minorities in research activities.
        In the 12 years since AIDS was first reported in the United States,
    much progress has been made through NIH-supported research. Gains have
    been made in making available treatment for AIDS and AIDS-related
    conditions. And clinical trials are underway to test possible vaccines
    for prevention or treatment of HIV infection.
        Someday we're going to have a treatment for all those beepers that
    go off. [Laughter] They have to go to a vote. That's why we're hurrying
    this up.
        We still face, however, an immense undertaking to address the needs
    of the nearly 300 of our fellow citizens who become infected with HIV
    each and every day. We must improve the effectiveness of our prevention
    activity, increase access to early treatment for already infected
    individuals, and strengthen our research programs. I am pleased to say
    that S. 1 provides a framework for the increased coordination and
    direction of AIDS research.
        Finally, S. 1 reinforces my action of January 22d to lift the
    moratorium on Federal funding of transplantation research involving
    human subjects using fetal tissue from induced abortions. This research
    has promising application for the treatment of life-threatening
    conditions including Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries,
    Huntington's, and diabetes. At the same time, S. 1 puts in place
    important safeguards to ensure against possible abuses by providing a
    clear separation between research and abortion.
        In signing the legislation, I underscore our commitment to address
    the immeasurable cost to our society and the suffering of our citizens
    from illness and disability. By strengthening and enhancing biomedical
    and behavioral research, this National Institutes of Health
    Revitalization Act is an important step in fulfilling our commitment to
    promote the health and well-being of all Americans.
        And again, let me say a profound thanks on behalf of our Nation to
    the Senators and Members of Congress who are here and to those not here
    who provided important leadership in this effort.

    [At this point, the President signed the bill.]

        Q. Mr. President, what about the provision barring immigration by
    HIV-positive individuals in this bill?
        The President. That's the will of the Congress. That's part of the
    law. I don't think in any way it undermines the overall importance of
    this law. We have to learn to deal with AIDS better for all of our
    people and for those who are here within our borders who are not
    citizens, we've got all we can do to do that. And I think we could
    benefit people all around if we can make progress in dealing with AIDS.
        I think everybody who played a part in the developing of this
    legislation thinks that it's on balance still a dramatic step forward.
        Let me just say on the fetal tissue issue alone, I can't tell you
    how many people I met all over this country in 1992 from both political
    parties who came to my campaign and supported me simply because I wanted
    to put a scientific basis back in our decisions on fetal tissue, I mean,
    people with parents with Parkinson's, with children with diabetes. One
    person who became a very close friend of mine and is now in our
    administration as the Director of the Small Business Administration in
    part came to my campaign because he had a child with diabetes.
        This is a very, very important bill. And I thank all of you for what
    you did.

    Note: The President spoke at 5:37 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. S. 1, approved June 10, was assigned Public Law No. 103-43.