    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 11, 2000]
    [Page 904]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Conservation and
    Reinvestment Legislation
    May 11, 2000

        I am very pleased by the overwhelming bipartisan vote in the House
    today to provide significant new resources to meet America's critical
    conservation and recreation needs. Today's vote on H.R. 701, the
    ``Conservation and Reinvestment Act,'' is a historic step toward
    achieving permanent conservation funding--a goal embodied in the lands
    legacy initiative I put forward in my budget this year. I applaud
    Chairman Young, Representative
    Miller, and others for their leadership on this
    effort.
        We will continue working with Congress to secure protected and
    permanent conservation funding within the framework of a balanced budget
    that provides for critical budget and fiscal priorities, and with no
    burdensome or unnecessary restrictions on Federal authorities that have
    proven so effective in preserving America's natural heritage. I urge the
    Senate to move swiftly on this legislation. I am confident that working
    together we can create a permanent conservation endowment that will be a
    true gift to future generations.