    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 19, 1993]
    [Pages 1776-1777]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action on Department of Commerce
    Appropriations
    October 19, 1993

        The House/Senate conference decision to bolster the Department of
    Commerce FY94 budget to $3.56 billion, a 12.6 percent increase over FY93
    levels of $3.16 billion, represents a vote of confidence in this
    administration's investment priorities and in the Department of
    Commerce. The budget increases reflect the increased responsibilities of
    the Commerce Department under the leadership of Secretary Ron Brown.
        Congress' decision hits a home run for this administration's
    civilian technology and defense conversion policies. It demonstrates the
    importance of our efforts to promote economic growth through civilian
    technology and address the aftermath of economic dislocation resulting
    from the end of the cold war. Their decision affirms our goal of
    building a stronger, more competitive private sector able to maintain
    U.S. leadership in critical world markets.
        Highlights of the Commerce appropriations include:
        $80 million for defense conversion. These funds will provide
                a much needed boost to the Economic Development
                Administration's programs to assist communities that have
                been impacted by the end of the cold war.
        $520.2 million for the National Institute of Standards and
                Technology (NIST). NIST will be able to bolster its
                technology outreach programs, the advanced technology
                program, and the manufacturing extension partnership.
        $70.9 million for the National Telecommunications and
                Information Administration. The NTIA appropriation will set
                a speedy pace for this agency's lead role in fulfilling this
                administration's goal of an information superhighway, as
                outlined by the ``National Information Infrastructure:
                Agenda for Action.''
        I commend the congressional leadership, Senator Ernest Hollings,
    Senator Pete Domenici,

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    Congressman Neal Smith, and Congressman Harold Rogers, for their
    foresight and support in revitalizing this country through these
    programs. It is a dramatic step forward for the United States toward a
    solid economic future.