    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 29, 1999]
    [Page 1635]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1635]]

    Statement on Signing the Energy and Water Development Appropriations
    Act, 2000
    September 29, 1999

        I have signed into law H.R. 2605, the ``Energy and Water Development
    Appropriations Act, 2000,'' which provides $21.4 billion in
    discretionary budget authority for the programs of the Department of
    Energy, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Army
    Corps of Engineers, and several smaller agencies.
        The Act provides necessary funding to maintain my Administration's
    commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of our Nation's
    nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing. The Act also provides
    funding to develop and protect the Nation's water resources.
        I am disappointed that the Congress has not included full funding
    for my request for the Spallation Neutron Source, for additional
    safeguards and security reforms at the Department of Energy
    laboratories, or for research and development of renewable energy
    sources. I am also disappointed that the Congress has provided no
    funding for the Next Generation Internet and Information Technology
    Initiatives. Also, I note that the bill contains language that prohibits
    the Army Corps of Engineers from studying the full range of options for
    salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest. I will continue to work with
    the Congress on this important national priority. Finally, I am
    disappointed that the Congress has not enacted my Harbor Services Fund
    proposal, which would provide a stable source of funding for port and
    harbor activities and free up funds for other priority projects and
    programs. My Administration will work with the Congress on options for
    financing and increasing support for these initiatives in the future.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    September 29, 1999.

    Note: H.R. 2605, approved September 29, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
    60. This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    September 30.