    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [August 3, 1996]
    [Page 1253]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1253]]

    Statement on Signing the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Act
    August 3, 1996

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 497, the ``National Gambling
    Impact Study Commission Act.'' This legislation will establish a
    Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the social and economic
    impacts of gambling in the United States.
        The Commission will help draw attention to the growth of the
    gambling industry and its consequences. Too often, public officials view
    gambling as a quick and easy way to raise revenues, without focusing on
    gambling's hidden social, economic, and political costs. The Commission
    will report on all of the effects of gambling to the President and the
    Congress.
        The Commission's study will address various types of betting,
    whether conducted in a casino, on a riverboat, on the Internet, on an
    Indian reservation, or anywhere else in the United States. In addition,
    the study will address gambling sponsored by governmental, commercial,
    philanthropic, or charitable entities. Such a balanced study will be
    invaluable to public officials as they make policy decisions concerning
    this important issue.
        The legislation grants the Commission limited subpoena authority to
    get the information it needs to carry out its purpose, while protecting
    the privacy of individuals and businesses. The bill also authorizes the
    Commission to request information from any Federal agency, which may use
    its discretion and judgment in withholding privileged and sensitive
    information.
        My Administration supported the establishment of this Commission,
    and I am pleased to sign this bill into law.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    August 3, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 497, approved August 3, was assigned Public Law No. 104-169.