    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 26, 1996]
    [Page 1938]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the National Invasive Species Act of 1996
    October 26, 1996

        I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4283, the ``National Invasive
    Species Act of 1996.''
        This legislation will help to control the unintentional introduction
    and spread of invasive species, such as zebra mussel, throughout the
    waters of our Nation. The damage such species cause to our environment
    and the economy, including our fisheries, is significant and continues
    to increase.
        H.R. 4283 will establish a national voluntary ballast water
    management program to reduce the threat of additional pest species
    entering our waters. The bill also includes provisions to support
    important research and demonstrations of new technologies for combating
    aquatic nuisance species.
        This bill is an important tool to safeguard our economic and
    environmental resources, and I am pleased to sign it.

    Note: H.R. 4283, approved October 26, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    332.