    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 28, 1993]
    [Pages 1854-1855]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
    Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994
    October 28, 1993

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2491, the ``Departments of
    Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent
    Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994.''
        The Act provides funding for the Departments of Veterans Affairs
    (VA) and Housing and Urban Development and independent agencies
    including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and
    Space Administration, and National Science Foundation. This Act will
    fund important activities in the space program, housing programs,
    environmental protection, and programs for our Nation's veterans.
        I am pleased that the Act provides the funding for a number of my
    high-priority investment proposals, including the National Service
    Initiative. The National Service Initiative will provide an opportunity
    for young people to obtain funding for a college education while serving
    the country in areas of great need such as education, environment,
    public safety, and human services.
        The Act also provides funding for the redesigned Space Station and
    New Technology Investments. These programs will set a new direction for
    the Nation in space exploration, science, and technology.
        The Act includes $6.7 billion in funding for the Environmental
    Protection Agency (EPA). The Act provides funds for EPA programs that
    protect our environment through enforcement

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    of our environmental laws, cleanup of hazardous waste sites, and
    construction of needed water and waste-water treatment facilities.
        The Act meets the needs of our Nation's veterans by providing $15.6
    billion in VA medical care, an increase of $980 million over the FY 1993
    enacted level.
        The Act includes $25.4 billion in funding for the Department of
    Housing and Urban Development, including funding for programs such as
    the HOME block grants for housing, Community Development Grants, and
    Severely Distressed Public Housing. These programs will assist
    communities and individuals in revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing
    opportunities for home ownership.
        The Act provides $3 billion in funding for the National Science
    Foundation, a $283 million increase over the FY 1993 enacted level.
    These programs will promote basic research that is vital to enabling our
    Nation to compete in world markets.
        Regrettably, the Act does not fund all of my priority investment
    proposals, including the Community Investment Program and Community
    Development Banks. Due to tight budget constraints, the Congress has had
    the difficult task of balancing the competing priorities of this Act.
    Although I am disappointed this bill does not fund these programs and
    includes cuts to programs in space, science, and technology, the bill
    provides funding for veterans programs, housing initiatives, and
    environmental programs at acceptable levels. We will continue to work
    with the Congress to address our mutual concerns in seeking solutions to
    our Nation's problems.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    October 28, 1993.

    Note: H.R. 2491, approved October 28, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
    124.