    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [June 28, 1995]
    [Pages 965-966]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Plan To Balance the Budget
    June 28, 1995

    Dear Mr. Speaker:  (Dear Mr. Leader:)
        We share the goal of balancing the federal budget, and I look
    forward to working with you on this important matter.
        But as we work together to reach our shared goal, we must ensure
    that we do so the right way--the way that will raise the standards of
    living for average Americans.
        My plan to balance the budget over 10 years will help raise average
    living standards by cutting unnecessary spending while investing in
    education and training, targeting tax relief to middle-income Americans,
    and taking incremental but serious steps toward health care reform. By
    contrast, the conference agreement cuts too deeply into Medicare and
    Medicaid and cuts education and training both to pay for a tax cut that
    is too large for too many who don't need it, and to meet the 7 year time
    frame.
        Though I am determined to work with you to balance the budget, I
    cannot accept legislation that will threaten the living standards of
    American families.
        I hope we can work together and avoid a situation in which I would
    have no choice but to use my veto authority broadly. The American people
    want us to work together to balance the budget and to do it the right
    way. I am ready to do that.
            Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives, and Bob Dole, Senate majority leader.

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