[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 47 (Monday, November 24, 1997)]
[Pages 1827-1828]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Arrival in Sacramento, California

November 15, 1997

    Good morning. Two years ago, I approved a BRAC recommendation to 
close McClellan Air Force Base, but only after I was convinced it was 
feasible for McClellan to privatize and that the prospects of success 
were strong. Since then, I've had to fight at every turn with the 
Members of Congress who have resisted our efforts to give the Department 
of Defense the tools it needs to privatize more of its operations more 
easily.
    This year, the so-called Depot Caucus tried to block the ongoing 
competition for the Kelly and McClellan workload altogether. I said if 
they did that, I would veto the entire defense bill. Eventually, 
Congress reached a compromise to allow the competitions for this 
important work to go forward. The Secretary of Defense has assured me 
that although the language in the bill is not ideal, I quote, ``the 
Department of Defense has flexibility to proceed with the remaining 
public-private competitions at Kelly and McClellan bases in a way that 
is fair to both sides.'' For this reason, I have decided to sign the 
defense bill.
    We will continue to do everything we can to help McClellan make the 
transition. The Vice President and I have met with business and 
community officials. We have listened to your concerns. Today I am 
pleased to announce seven steps we are taking.
    First, by December 31st, the Air Force will transfer McClellan to 
Sacramento County at a significantly discounted price to encourage rapid 
economic development and job creation.
    Second, the Coast Guard will remain at McClellan through at least 
2004, contributing $2 million a year to support private airfield 
operations.
    Third, the Defense Department will retain liability for the eventual 
shutdown of McClellan's nuclear reactor, making it possible to support 
scientific and commercial research here for the next 30 years.
    Fourth, the Department recently announced that it will provide an 
additional $7.2 million to retrain 1,700 civilian workers who face 
layoffs over the next 2 years.
    Fifth, our EPA Administrator, Carol Browner, will visit McClellan 
early next month to discuss with community leaders a schedule for 
environmental cleanup to promote redevelopment and job creation.
    Sixth, the Defense Department will provide an additional $11.3 
million to complete funding of the casting emission reduction program at 
McClellan to develop environmentally friendly technology for 
manufacturing.
    Finally, we will give high priority to capital improvements at 
McClellan to promote economic development and job creation.
    Today we're also announcing a series of actions we're taking to help 
San Antonio redevelop the Kelly Air Force Base.
    This is the third base conversion challenge this community has taken 
on. You've done a tremendous job. Your efforts are a model for the 
Nation. And I will continue to work

[[Page 1828]]

with McClellan to make this third story a very successful one for this 
remarkable community.
    Thank you very much. And I'm sorry for the weather inconvenience.

Note: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. at McClellan Air Force Base. In 
his remarks, he referred to BRAC, the Defense Base Closure and 
Realignment Commission.