    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [January 26, 1996]
    [Pages 103-104]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Ninth Continuing Resolution
    January 26, 1996

        Today I have signed H.R. 2880, the ninth continuing resolution for
    fiscal year 1996 that I have signed into law.
        This bill ensures that the normal operations of Government continue
    for departments and agencies for which no full-year appropriations bill
    has been enacted. It provides funds for certain Federal activities
    through March 15, and other activities through September 30, 1996.
        Specifically, H.R. 2880 provides funds, through March 15, for
    activities that are normally funded in the Commerce, Justice, State, and
    Related Agencies bill; the Department of the Interior and Related
    Agencies bill; the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill;
    and the Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban
    Development, and Independent Agencies bill. It also provides full-year
    funding (i.e., through September 30) for programs in the Foreign
    Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs bill, ensuring
    adequate funds to implement an effective foreign policy that protects
    vital U.S. economic and strategic interests abroad.
        I am pleased that the Congress avoided another partial government
    shutdown, and I appre-

    [[Page 104]]

    ciate its bipartisan approach toward this bill. Nevertheless, I regret
    that the Congress has not sent me acceptable 1996 appropriations bills
    for agencies that received funding only through March 15. Governing by
    continuing resolution is not the appropriate way for the Congress to
    perform its work. Once again, I urge the Congress to work with me so
    that we can reach agreement on the remaining fiscal year 1996
    appropriations bills.
        I also urge the Congress to send me a straightforward, full-year
    extension of the debt limit. If the Congress does not raise the debt
    limit, we would not be able to meet all of our financial obligations on
    February 29 or March 1, and would risk not being able to make timely
    payment of $30 billion of Social Security benefits and other
    obligations. A default could raise interest rates and impose serious,
    long-term harm on the economy. The Congress must act without delay.
        Finally, I urge congressional leaders to return to our negotiations
    to seek an agreement on a balanced budget. We should not give up on that
    goal.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    January 26, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 2880, approved January 26, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    99.