    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [March 25, 1999]
    [Page 456]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 456]]

    Statement on Congressional Action on the Republican Budget Proposal
    March 25, 1999

        The budget that congressional Republicans passed today is a series
    of missed opportunities. It fails to lock in debt reduction, fails to
    extend the solvency of Social Security and Medicare, and fails to
    protect key investments for the American people--from Head Start to
    clean water and law enforcement. While this budget marks a reversal from
    last year's failed effort by Republicans to drain the entire surplus for
    a tax cut, it still does not do enough to pay down the debt and
    strengthen Social Security and Medicare.
        This year we have a unique opportunity to build on our success by
    passing a fiscally disciplined budget that pays down the debt,
    strengthens Social Security, shores up Medicare, and protects key
    investments in our children, the environment, and law enforcement. I am
    committed to accomplishing these goals to give the American people a
    budget that prepares for the future.