    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [August 17, 1999]
    [Page 1453]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business
    Development Act of 1999
    August 17, 1999

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 1568, the ``Veterans
    Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999.'' This bill
    will provide assistance to veterans who are entrepreneurs and especially
    to service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs, men and women who have
    sacrificed so much in the service of our country. By helping these
    American heroes to establish, maintain, and grow their own small
    businesses, we help to sustain our strong economy and express our
    gratitude for their service to America.
        This bill also includes several measures designed to cushion the
    impact on small businesses when their owners or essential employees who
    are reservists are ordered to active duty during military conflicts. By
    providing loans, loan payment deferrals, and technical and managerial
    assistance for these citizen soldiers, we can help ensure that they do
    not have to risk their livelihoods while they risk their lives.
        I do have a constitutional concern regarding the section of the bill
    that addresses the composition of the government corporation that will
    provide assistance to veterans in the formation and expansion of small
    businesses. This provision unjustifiably intrudes upon the President's
    constitutional authority and discretion to appoint executive officials,
    and, therefore, I will treat this provision as precatory.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    August 17, 1999.

    Note: H.R. 1568, approved August 17, was assigned Public Law No. 106-50.