[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.