[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 29 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[Pages 1402-1403]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Representative Michael P. Forbes' Decision To Join the 
Democratic Party

July 17, 1999

    Politics at its best is about ideas, ideas that lead to real 
advances for the American people. That is why I welcome Congressman 
Michael Forbes' decision to join the Democratic

[[Page 1403]]

Party, a decision based on our shared commitment to a vigorous, 
innovative agenda for America's future.
    Our party is inclusive and committed to a new direction for the 21st 
century. Today we are fighting for the Patients' Bill of Rights, for 
using the surplus first to save Social Security and Medicare and provide 
seniors access to prescription drugs, for paying off our national debt 
and investing more in quality education for all our children, and for a 
responsible middle class tax cut. Michael Forbes has embraced these 
ideas. The Congressional Republicans have rejected them. We welcome him 
to the Democratic Party and to the fight for America's future.
    Michael Forbes has changed parties because he believes it is best 
for his constituents, for the people of New York, and for our country. 
He is joining a party that welcomes independent thinking and the courage 
to change. I know he made a hard choice, but it is the right choice for 
his constituents, for his own children, and for our Nation.