[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book II)]
[July 13, 2000]
[Page 1428]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Emergency Supplemental Act, 2000
July 13, 2000

    Today I have signed into law H.R. 4425, which includes emergency 
supplemental funding to bolster democracy and battle drug-trafficking in 
Colombia, and to keep the peace and build stability in Kosovo.
    Colombia is a strong ally of the United States and the oldest 
democracy in Latin America. Today it is under attack--from civil 
conflict and drug trafficking that fuels violence, undercuts honest 
enterprise, and undermines public confidence in democracy.
    President Andres Pastrana has worked 
with experts in his country and elsewhere to put together ``Plan 
Colombia''--a comprehensive plan to seek peace, fight drugs, build the 
economy, and deepen democracy. The legislation I signed today represents 
America's contribution to the struggle. It includes a ten-fold increase 
in U.S. funds to promote good government, judicial reform, human rights 
protection, and economic development. It will increase incentives for 
the peaceful resolution of the civil war, while helping the government 
staunch the flow of drugs to our shores.
    As Colombians fight to build their democracy and block the illegal 
drug trade, they are fighting for all of us. If they are willing to take 
up the fight, we should be willing to take on some of the cost. I am 
proud to sign legislation that appropriates funds for doing that.
    This legislation also funds our request for military operations in 
Kosovo. NATO forces won the war in 78 days; it will take longer to 
secure a stable peace. I applaud Congress for sending a message that we 
will stand by our troops until the job is done.
    While I am pleased with Congressional action on Colombia and Kosovo, 
this legislation is disappointing for what it leaves out. It undercuts 
U.S. interests by omitting funding for U.N. peacekeeping operations in 
Southeast Europe, assistance for economic and democratic reforms, and 
support for civilian infrastructure. Such support is critical not only 
to advance long-term stability in Southeast Europe, but also to create 
the conditions for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.
    I am also disappointed the bill does not include requested funding 
to relieve the debts of the world's poorest countries, delaying relief 
for nations that have implemented far-reaching economic reforms. 
Additionally, the bill offers inadequate funding for Mozambique and 
other Southern African nations devastated by recent flooding.
    Finally, I am pleased the bill provides needed home energy 
assistance for low-income families, which will be essential in the event 
of a dangerous heat wave this summer, and provides further assistance, 
including housing construction and repair, to the victims of Hurricane 
Floyd, some of whom still lack permanent shelter.

                                                      William J. Clinton

The White House,

July 13, 2000.

Note: H.R. 4425, approved July 13, was assigned Public Law No. 106-246. 
An original was not available for verification of the content of this 
statement.