    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [October 8, 1997]
    [Pages 1322-1323]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 1998
    October 8, 1997

        I have today signed into law H.R. 2266, the Department of Defense
    Appropriations Act, 1998.
        This bill provides for a strong national defense, maintains high
    military readiness, funds investment programs necessary to modernize the
    equipment that our combat forces use, and supports our commitments to a
    better quality of life for our service personnel and their families. By
    providing the necessary support for our armed forces, this bill ensures
    continuing American global leadership.
        As President, I have a solemn obligation to provide for the defense
    of our country. My Administration has designed a coherent strategy to
    provide the necessary military forces to deter and prevail over the
    threats we may face.
        I remain deeply concerned, however, that the funding provided in
    this bill is excessive. The bill provides $4.2 billion more than I
    requested in my 1998 budget, and $1.2 billion more than the levels that
    my Administration believes was agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget
    Agreement.
        Further, section 8080 of the Act contains certain reporting
    requirements that could materially interfere with or impede this
    country's ability to provide necessary support to another nation or
    international organization in connection with peacekeeping or
    humanitarian assistance activities otherwise authorized by law. I will
    interpret this provision consistent with my constitutional authority to
    conduct the foreign relations of the United States and my
    responsibilities as Commander in Chief.
        My Administration is continuing discussions with the Congress on the
    remaining 1998 spending bills in order to protect important priorities
    in education and training, the environment, science and technology, law
    enforcement, and international affairs. Over the past several days, we
    have made progress in good-faith discussions with the leadership of the
    House and the Senate

    [[Page 1323]]

    Appropriations Committees to close the gap between us. It is critical
    that these discussions continue with the goal of reaching a satisfactory
    conclusion as rapidly as possible.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    October 8, 1997.

    Note: H.R. 2266, approved October 8, was assigned Public Law No. 105-56.