[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 32 (Monday, August 12, 1996)]
[Page 1402]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Act

August 3, 1996

    Today I have signed into law H.R. 497, the ``National Gambling 
Impact Study Commission Act.'' This legislation will establish a 
Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the social and economic 
impacts of gambling in the United States.
    The Commission will help draw attention to the growth of the 
gambling industry and its consequences. Too often, public officials view 
gambling as a quick and easy way to raise revenues, without focusing on 
gambling's hidden social, economic, and political costs. The Commission 
will report on all of the effects of gambling to the President and the 
Congress.
    The Commission's study will address various types of betting, 
whether conducted in a casino, on a riverboat, on the Internet, on an 
Indian reservation, or anywhere else in the United States. In addition, 
the study will address gambling sponsored by governmental, commercial, 
philanthropic, or charitable entities. Such a balanced study will be 
invaluable to public officials as they make policy decisions concerning 
this important issue.
    The legislation grants the Commission limited subpoena authority to 
get the information it needs to carry out its purpose, while protecting 
the privacy of individuals and businesses. The bill also authorizes the 
Commission to request information from any Federal agency, which may use 
its discretion and judgment in withholding privileged and sensitive 
information.
    My Administration supported the establishment of this Commission, 
and I am pleased to sign this bill into law.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
August 3, 1996.

Note: H.R. 497, approved August 3, was assigned Public Law No. 104-169.