    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [April 20, 2000]
    [Page 755]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Budget Surplus and Debt Reduction
    April 20, 2000

        When I came into office, the budget deficit was a record $290
    billion, confidence in the economy was shaky, and unemployment was too
    high. Seven years of fiscal discipline have turned that situation
    around, creating an era of record budget surpluses.
        Today we received more good news that our economic strategy is
    working and that the budget surplus is growing. The Treasury Department
    released Government financial information showing that the comparable
    budget balance for the first half of this fiscal year improved by more
    than $30 billion from the first half of last year. This keeps us on
    track to pay down a record $300 billion of debt over 3 years.
        In addition, today, for the third time this year, the Treasury
    Department is buying back some of our debt. If we maintain our fiscal
    discipline, we can make America debt-free by 2013 for the first time
    since Andrew Jackson was President. This will keep interest rates lower,
    helping to maintain strong investment and growth while saving money for
    American families.