    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 27, 1993]
    [Pages 1837-1838]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State,
    the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994
    October 27, 1993

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2519, the ``Departments of
    Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies
    Appropriations Act, 1994.'' This Act provides funding for the
    Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and several
    smaller agencies.
        Funding for the Department of Commerce is $3.6 billion. This funding
    demonstrates the importance of our efforts to promote this Nation's
    economic growth through high-priority investment programs in the
    Department of Commerce. It will help Commerce to build a stronger, more
    competitive private sector, able to maintain U.S. leadership in critical
    world markets. In particular, I am pleased that the Congress has
    provided increased funding for the Advanced Technology Program, the
    Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program, and the new ``Information
    Highway'' program. The additional funding for these programs is a
    critical element of my strategy to create high-wage jobs, strengthen
    America's technological leadership, and increase our long-run
    productivity and standard of living. In addition, I am pleased that the
    Congress provided funds for defense conversion to address the economic
    dislocation resulting from the end of the Cold War.
        The Act also provides funding for a number of high-priority
    investment initiatives within the Department of Justice. For example,
    funds are provided for hiring new police officers. This investment will
    assist in putting new police officers on the streets of America in an
    effort to take back our neighborhoods from crime and drugs.
        In addition, I am pleased that this Act provides significant
    additional resources to implement my Immigration Initiative, transmitted
    to the Congress on August 31. These funds will support efforts to
    provide a fair and effective immigration policy.
        Finally, I am pleased the Congress has appropriated funds necessary
    to support many of our efforts to strengthen our security by promoting
    democracy abroad, such as through the National Endowment for Democracy.
    I am deeply concerned, however, about the reductions that were made to
    my request for payments to international organizations and peacekeeping
    activities. My Administration is committed to working with the Congress
    to enable the United States to meet our treaty obligations. Also, I take
    note of the language in the Joint Explanatory Statement of the Committee
    of Conference regarding congressional notification, where practicable,
    15 days in advance of a U.S. vote in the U.N. Security Council to
    establish any new or expanded peacekeeping operation. I understand the
    importance of timely consultation with the Congress, but note that the
    notification suggested by the Congress may not always be

    [[Page 1838]]

    practicable.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    October 27, 1993.

    Note: H.R. 2519, approved October 27, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
    121. This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    October 28.