    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [March 15, 1996]
    [Page 462]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Tenth Continuing Resolution
    March 15, 1996

        Today, I have signed into law H.J. Res. 163, the Tenth Continuing
    Resolution for fiscal 1996.
        H.J. Res. 163 provides for a temporary extension of appropriations--
    March 16th through March 22nd--for activities funded in four of the five
    appropriations bills that have not been enacted into law. The District
    of Columbia receives no new Federal funds, but retains authority to use
    local funds.
        It is regrettable that I must sign yet another continuing
    resolution. However, Congress still has not passed five of this year's
    thirteen appropriations bills in acceptable form, so this measure is
    necessary to prevent a third government shutdown.
        We are now nearly halfway through the fiscal year. Continuing
    uncertainty over funding levels and authorities has impaired the ability
    of our Federal agencies and State and local governments to provide
    critical services to the public.
        I urge Congress to meet its responsibilities by sending me
    legislation for the remaining fiscal 1996 appropriations bills in an
    acceptable form. I have made it clear to the Congress what changes need
    to be made to make them acceptable.
        The purpose of those changes is to ensure, as we work to balance the
    budget and control discretionary spending, that we protect our nation's
    investments in education, the environment, law enforcement, and
    technology.
        Unfortunately, while the Senate has made improvements, the current
    House and Senate versions of an omnibus appropriations bill for the
    remainder of the year still do not protect these national priorities.
    Moreover, they contain harmful and unacceptable legislative riders
    affecting the environment and other issues.
        We have a responsibility to the American people to act together to
    resolve our differences. I am committed to doing so. I urge the Congress
    to act quickly to enact acceptable appropriations legislation for the
    remainder of the fiscal year.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    March 15, 1996.

    Note: H.J. Res. 163, approved March 15, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    116.