    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 9, 1996]
    [Page 1796]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Helium Privatization Act of 1996
    October 9, 1996

        I have signed into law today H.R. 4168, the Helium Privatization Act
    of 1996, which privatizes the Department of Interior's Federal Helium
    Refining Program--as the Vice President's National Performance Review
    had recommended.
        Once, our defense and aviation industries had a strong need for
    helium and the Nation lacked a market to supply it. A Government program
    was appropriate. But today, over 90 percent of U.S. helium needs are met
    by private producers and suppliers. A Government-operated program is no
    longer needed. The private sector can meet, and now will be able to
    compete to supply, the needs of all users.
        The bill brings us closer to our goal of creating a Government that
    works better and costs less.

    Note: H.R. 4168, approved October 9, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    273.