    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [February 11, 1997]
    [Pages 146-147]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Prior to a Meeting With Congressional Leaders
    February 11, 1997

        First, I want to thank Senator Lott for hosting this. I thank the
    Speaker and Senator Lott and the leadership for inviting us to come down
    here and meet with the bipartisan leadership today. I think it's a very
    important first step after the State of the Union Address. It indicates
    we want to work together.
        We'll discuss a lot of issues, I'm sure. I just want to emphasize,
    too, I think it's imperative that we pass a bipartisan balanced budget
    this year. And I think it's imperative that we find a way to work
    together on education reform, and we'll be talking about how we can do
    that. There are many other things, but I want to emphasize those two
    above all.
        The reception that I received in Maryland yesterday was a reception
    for the importance of education standards and educational opportunity in
    America as we move into this new century. And so I'm optimistic, I'm
    hopeful, and I'm gratified to be invited to be here.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:10 a.m. in the President's Bill Signing
    Room at the Capitol. A tape was not available for verification of the
    content of these remarks.

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