    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [August 28, 1995]
    [Pages 1271-1272]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the United States District Court Decision on the
    Child Support Recovery Act
    August 28, 1995

        On July 26, 1995, the United States District Court for the District
    of Arizona struck down the Child Support Recovery Act as an
    unconstitutional exercise of congressional power. I respectfully
    disagree with this decision. I asked the Justice Department to review
    this case, and the Department has filed a motion asking the court to
    reconsider its decision.
        The Child Support Recovery Act gives us the power to punish deadbeat
    parents who cross State lines to avoid paying child support. It is
    essential for Federal law enforcement to have this authority because the
    States cannot bring these criminals to justice, especially the hardcore
    group of parents who flagrantly move from State to State to evade their
    obligations.

    [[Page 1272]]

        A child should be able to expect the most basic support from those
    who chose to bring that child into the world. Parental responsibility
    does not end at the State line. The taxpayers of America should be able
    to expect that the burden of caring for these children will be placed on
    the shoulders of the parents, where it rightfully belongs.