[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.