    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [July 17, 1999]
    [Page 1243]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Representative Michael P. Forbes' Decision To Join the Democratic Party
    July 17, 1999

        Politics at its best is about ideas, ideas that lead to real
    advances for the American people. That is why I welcome Congressman
    Michael Forbes' decision to join the Democratic Party, a decision based
    on our shared commitment to a vigorous, innovative agenda for America's
    future.
        Our party is inclusive and committed to a new direction for the 21st
    century. Today, we are fighting for the Patients' Bill of Rights, for
    using the surplus first to save Social Security and Medicare and provide
    seniors access to prescription drugs, for paying off our national debt
    and investing more in quality education for all our children, and for a
    responsible middle class tax cut. Michael Forbes has embraced these
    ideas. The congressional Republicans have rejected them. We welcome him
    to the Democratic Party and to the fight for America's future.
        Michael Forbes has changed parties because he believes it is best
    for his constituents, for the people of New York, and for our country.
    He is joining a party that welcomes independent thinking and the courage
    to change. I know he made a hard choice, but it is the right choice for
    his constituents, for his own children, and for our Nation.