    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 28, 1997]
    [Pages 224-225]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing International Population Assistance Program
    Legislation
    February 28, 1997

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.J. Res. 36, which approves a
    Presidential finding related to international population programs.
    Approval of this joint resolution permits the release on March 1 of
    funds previously appropriated for international population assistance
    programs administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development
    (USAID). In making these funds available without further delay we are
    assuring that these programs will continue to serve the many millions of
    women and men whose health and well-being--and ability to plan their own
    futures--depend on family planning services supported by USAID.
    Moreover, we are underscoring the indisputable fact that family planning
    reduces abortion--as best evidenced by significant declines in abortion
    rates as family planning services are becoming available in Russia and
    Central and Eastern Europe.
        The passage of this joint resolution at the opening of the 105th
    Congress is particularly gratifying as it signifies what we can
    accomplish by working together--Democrats and Republicans. By agreeing
    to secure the timely release of these funds, we are assuring that the
    United States will continue to lead the world in providing voluntary
    family planning assistance. More importantly, we are helping the women
    of the world to prevent millions of unintended pregnancies, permit the
    healthy spacing of births, prevent the spread of sexually transmitted
    diseases, including HIV/AIDS, reduce recourse to abortion, and avert
    deaths from childbirth that often leave infants and their siblings
    motherless.
        It is clear to me--and I am delighted that a strong bipartisan group
    of legislators in the House and Senate has joined in affirming the
    view--that family planning is a key element of our comprehensive
    strategy to improve women's

    [[Page 225]]

    health and station in life, and to increase child survival rates. By
    their votes, Members of Congress have shown their concern for the well-
    being of the poorest families around the globe.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    February 28, 1997.

    Note: H.J. Res. 36, approved February 28, was assigned Public Law No.
    105-3.