    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 20, 1997]
    [Page 1623]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1623]]

    Statement on Signing the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
    1998
    November 20, 1997

        Today I have signed into law S. 858, the ``Intelligence
    Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998.'' The Act authorizes
    appropriations for the intelligence-related activities of the United
    States during fiscal year 1998.
        This Act results from the hard work of many people in the
    Administration and in the Congress who are dedicated to both a strong
    national intelligence capability and effective congressional oversight.
        I strongly endorse section 307, the basic objective of which is to
    ensure that, insofar as possible, the U.S. Government provides all
    relevant information to U.S. citizens (and their family members, as
    appropriate) who are the victims of violent crimes committed abroad. So
    that this provision cannot be construed to detract from my
    constitutional authority and responsibility to protect national security
    and other privileged information as I determine necessary, and so that
    the provision does not require the release of information that is
    properly classified, I direct that it be interpreted consistent with my
    constitutional authority and with applicable laws and executive orders.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    November 20, 1997.

    Note: S. 858, approved November 20, was assigned Public Law No. 105-107.