    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [November 17, 1997]
    [Page 1596]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Representative Vic Fazio's Decision Not To Seek Reelection
    November 17, 1997

        Representative Vic Fazio has been a strong leader for the American
    people, a strong advocate for his district, and a good friend to me and
    my administration. He has served with an unswerving devotion to the
    national interest. He has been a champion for the environment, for our
    national defense, for fiscal discipline, and for ensuring that changes
    in our defense structure after the cold war take into consideration the
    interest of the communities, like his own Sacramento, that have
    supported our military. I especially appreciate the work he has done to
    make sure that America seizes the opportunities of trade and to make
    sure that the growing global economy benefits all Americans.
        Vic Fazio has also been a tireless leader of the Democratic Party in
    Congress, and a tireless advocate of our party's beliefs. On a personal
    note, I have greatly benefited from his warmth, his idealism, and his
    honesty. On behalf of the Nation, I thank him for his dedicated service.