    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 3, 1997]
    [Pages 1286-1287]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the National Economy
    October 3, 1997

        Today the Labor Department announced more good news for America's
    workers and their families. Real wages are rising, the American economy
    has created 13.2 million new jobs since the beginning of my
    administration, and for the first time in 24 years, the unemployment
    rate has remained at or below 5 percent for 6 consecutive months. We
    have the most solid American economy in a generation, with strong
    investment, low unemployment, and low inflation.
        While the economy is strong, we still have more to do to keep the
    American jobs machine on the move and ensure that all Americans have the
    opportunity to benefit from our growing economy. We must continue our
    three-part economic strategy that is helping move America

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    forward. We must ensure fiscal responsibility for future generations. We
    must continue to invest and expect the most of our people through
    initiatives such as national education test standards. And Congress must
    provide traditional trade negotiating authority so we can reach fair
    trade agreements with other countries, breaking down trade barriers to
    American goods, and creating high-paying jobs for American workers.