    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [March 22, 1996]
    [Page 488]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Eleventh Continuing Resolution
    March 22, 1996

        Today I have signed into law H.J. Res. 165, the eleventh continuing
    resolution for fiscal 1996.
        House Joint Resolution 165 provides for a temporary extension of
    appropriations--March 23 through March 29--for activities funded in four
    of the five appropriations bills that have not been enacted into law.
    For AFDC/Foster Care, funding is provided through April 3 to avoid
    disruption of payments to States, which are normally made on the first
    of each month. The District of Columbia receives no new Federal funds,
    but retains authority to use local funds.
        The reason that I must sign yet another continuing resolution is
    that the Congress still has not passed five of this year's
    appropriations bills in acceptable form. If I do not sign this measure
    the Government will shut down for a third time.
        Six months through the fiscal year, almost three-quarters of the
    nondefense budget of the Federal Government is being provided through
    this continuing resolution rather than through enactment of freestanding
    appropriations bills. For the sake of school districts and others who
    depend on these funds, this cannot continue. As we work to balance the
    budget and control discretionary spending, we must protect our Nation's
    investments in education, the environment, law enforcement, and
    technology.
        Therefore, I urge the Congress to send me legislation for the
    remaining fiscal 1996 appropriations bills in acceptable form, and to do
    so before it adjourns for the Easter recess. We must work to resolve our
    differences over this legislation. I am committed to doing so.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    March 22, 1996.

    Note: H.J. Res. 165, approved March 22, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    118.