    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 26, 1997]
    [Pages 1665-1666]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and
    Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998
    November 26, 1997

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2159, the ``Foreign Operations,
    Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1998.''
        I am pleased that the Act contains funding for many key
    international affairs programs at or near the amounts requested. The Act
    contains vital funding and other needed authorities in support of the
    Middle East peace process. It also provides for contributions to the
    multilateral development banks, including a down payment on the
    clearance of arrears, notably to the International Development
    Association; assistance to

    [[Page 1666]]

    Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, as well as New Independent States
    of the former Soviet Union; international narcotics control; development
    assistance; and migration and refugee assistance. I am also very pleased
    that the Congress has fully funded my request of $222 million for the
    Peace Corps.
        In addition, I commend the Congress for funding international
    planning programs without the misguided ``Mexico City'' restrictions. My
    Administration continues to oppose these restrictions, which would deny
    funding to the most experienced and qualified family planning and
    maternal-child health care providers. I am also pleased that the
    Congress has reduced the number of other restrictions on assistance,
    such as earmarks, that have hampered my ability to carry out U.S.
    foreign policy.
        I deeply regret that the Congress did not include funding for the
    International Monetary Fund's New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB) program.
    The NAB is needed to ensure that sufficient resources are available to
    respond to monetary crises in a world of rapidly expanding trade and
    finance. Recent events in southeast Asia only underscore the threat of
    shocks to the global financial system and the need for a strong and
    responsive IMF. The decision by the Congress not to provide this
    authority is irresponsible. I call on the Congress to provide funding
    for the NAB, and my Administration stands ready to work with the
    Congress to overcome obstacles to funding this important program.
        My Administration is concerned that Russia's new law on religion be
    implemented in a manner that is consistent with international
    obligations and that fully respects religious freedom. We are watching
    carefully to assess Russian implementation of this law. At the same
    time, my Administration continues to oppose legislating limits on
    assistance, especially without the possibility of a presidential waiver.
    American assistance to Russia, including to the Russian government,
    serves important U.S. interests. Technical assistance that promotes tax
    reform and aids in removing obstacles to investment and assistance in
    nuclear reactor safety are two good examples.
        While H.R. 2159 does contain a national security waiver related to
    Russian assistance to the Iranian missile program, my Administration
    still opposes in principle legislating limits on assistance to the
    Russian government because this assistance serves U.S. interests. The
    United States is conducting critical discussions with Russia on missile
    technology to Iran, and legislated assistance cutoffs could harm this
    process.
        This Act contains several provisions that raise constitutional
    concerns, such as requirements that the United States take particular
    positions in international organizations. I will apply these and other
    provisions in the Act consistent with my constitutional
    responsibilities.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    November 26, 1997.

    Note: H.R. 2159, approved November 26, was assigned Public Law No. 105-
    118.