[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 43 (Monday, November 1, 1993)]
[Pages 2197-2198]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994

 October 28, 1993

    Today I have signed into law H.R. 2491, the ``Departments of 
Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1994.''
    The Act provides funding for the Departments of Veterans Affairs 
(VA) and Housing and Urban Development and independent agencies 
including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration, and National Science Foundation. This Act will 
fund important activities in the space program, housing programs, 
environmental protection, and programs for our Nation's veterans.
    I am pleased that the Act provides the funding for a number of my 
high-priority investment proposals, including the National Service 
Initiative. The National Service Initiative will provide an opportunity 
for young people to obtain funding for a college education while serving 
the country in areas of great need such as education, environment, 
public safety, and human services.
    The Act also provides funding for the redesigned Space Station and 
New Technology Investments. These programs will set a new direction for 
the Nation in space exploration, science, and technology.
    The Act includes $6.7 billion in funding for the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA). The Act provides funds for EPA programs that 
protect our environment through enforcement of our environmental laws, 
cleanup of hazardous waste sites, and construction of needed water and 
waste-water treatment facilities.
    The Act meets the needs of our Nation's veterans by providing $15.6 
billion in VA medical care, an increase of $980 million over the FY 1993 
enacted level.
    The Act includes $25.4 billion in funding for the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development, including funding for programs such as 
the HOME block grants for housing, Community Development Grants, and 
Severely Distressed Public Housing. These programs will assist 
communities and individuals in revitalizing neighborhoods and increasing 
opportunities for home ownership.
    The Act provides $3 billion in funding for the National Science 
Foundation, a $283 million increase over the FY 1993 enacted level. 
These programs will promote basic research that is vital to enabling our 
Nation to compete in world markets.
    Regrettably, the Act does not fund all of my priority investment 
proposals, including the Community Investment Program and Community 
Development Banks. Due to tight budget constraints, the Congress has had 
the difficult task of balancing the competing priorities of this Act. 
Although I am disappointed this bill does not fund these programs and 
includes cuts to programs in space, science, and technology, the bill 
provides funding for veterans programs, housing initiatives, and 
environmental programs at acceptable levels. We will continue to work

[[Page 2198]]

with the Congress to address our mutual concerns in seeking solutions to 
our Nation's problems.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
October 28, 1993.

Note: H.R. 2491, approved October 28, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
124.