[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.