    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [September 30, 1994]
    [Page 1676]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1676]]

    Statement on Signing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1995
    September 30, 1994

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 4650, the ``Department of Defense
    Appropriations Act, 1995.'' H.R. 4650 supports the Administration's
    major defense priorities and reflects a spirit of cooperation between
    the Administration and the Congress to provide for a strong national
    defense. My number one defense priority remains the training and
    readiness of our military forces. I am very pleased that the Congress
    has resolved difficult budget issues in such a manner that supports this
    priority. I also appreciate the support the Congress has given to key
    defense investment and modernization proposals.
        The Act provides $299 million in urgently needed supplemental FY
    1994 funding for emergency relief for Rwanda and for emergency migrant
    processing and safe haven costs in and around Cuba. I designate the $299
    million provided as an emergency requirement pursuant to section
    251(b)(2)(D)(i) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act
    of 1995, as amended. I am concerned, however, with the inflexibility of
    the provisions concerning the U.S. mission and military participation in
    Rwanda. I will interpret this legislation consistent with my
    constitutional authority to conduct the foreign relations of the United
    States and my responsibility as Commander in Chief and as Chief
    Executive.
        I am also concerned about section 8118 of this Act, which limits the
    Administration's flexibility to make reductions in certain personnel
    categories. This provision runs counter to the recommendations of the
    National Performance Review and this Administration's efforts to
    streamline Federal activities. It will hamper DOD's ability to manage
    its civilian personnel efforts efficiently.
        I would point out that section 8136, which relates to changes in
    obligations under the Treaty on Conventional Forces in Europe (CFE
    Treaty), cannot restrict the constitutional options for congressional
    approval of substantive modifications of treaties, and I sign this bill
    with that understanding.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    September 30, 1994.

    Note: H.R. 4650, approved September 30, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
    335. This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    October 1.