    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 4, 1999]
    [Pages 1981-1982]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2000
    November 4, 1999

        I have signed into law H.R. 2561, the ``Department of Defense
    Appropriations Act, 2000.'' The bill approves funds to cover the
    Department's most critical needs, consistent with my request that
    reflected my strong commitment to our Nation's security.
        The bill provides funding for all critical Defense activities--pay
    and other quality of life programs, readiness, and weapons
    modernization. In particular, the bill fully funds the key elements of
    the compensation initiatives I proposed and that were enacted in the FY
    2000 Defense Authorization Act, including military retirement reform,
    pay table reform, and a significant pay increase. It also fully funds my
    request for training, spare parts, equipment maintenance, and base
    operations--all items essential to military readiness. I am pleased that
    the bill restores partial funding for the F-22 fighter aircraft, which
    is essential to guaranteeing early air dominance in any future conflict.
        Regrettably, the bill goes beyond what is necessary, providing
    funding for a host of unrequested programs at the expense of other core
    government activities. It provides $267.4 billion in discretionary
    budget authority, a funding level that is $4.5 billion above my request.
    As testified to by our military chiefs, my budget request correctly
    addressed our most important FY 2000 military needs. Unfortunately, H.R.
    2561 resorts to a number of funding techniques and gimmicks to meet the
    Appropriations Subcommittee allocation. These include: designating $7.2
    billion of standard operation and maintenance funding as a contingent
    emergency; deferring payments to contractors until FY 2001; and
    incrementally funding a Navy ship (LHD-8).
        Furthermore, the bill contains several objectionable language
    provisions. I am concerned about section 8074, which contains certain
    reporting requirements that could materially interfere with or impede
    this country's ability to provide necessary support to another nation or
    international organization in connection with peacekeeping or
    humanitarian assistance activities otherwise authorized by law. I will
    interpret this provision consistent with my constitutional authority to
    conduct the foreign relations of the United States and my
    responsibilities as Commander in Chief.

    [[Page 1982]]

        While I am troubled by a provision requiring the Department of
    Defense to seek specific authorization for the payment of fines or
    penalties for environmental violations, I will direct the Department to
    seek such authorization on any fine or penalty it receives, ensuring
    full accountability for all such violations.
        Furthermore, while the provision in section 8174 of the bill
    prohibits the Department from contributing funds to the American
    Heritage Rivers initiative, I will direct the Department, within
    existing laws and authorities, to continue to support and undertake
    community-oriented service or environmental projects on rivers I have
    recognized as part of the initiative.
        Finally, the bill provides only about one-quarter of the funding
    level requested for construction of Forward Operating Locations that
    would reestablish regional drug interdiction capabilities in Latin
    America. This amount will not adequately support our vital drug
    interdiction efforts in the Western Hemisphere.
        I have signed this bill because, on balance, it demonstrates our
    commitment to the military, meets our obligations to the troops,
    maintains readiness, and funds modernization efforts that will ensure
    our technological edge into the 21st century.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    November 4, 1999.

    Note: H.R. 2561, approved November 4, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
    79.