[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 19 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Page 1077]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on House of Representatives Action on the ``Conservation and 
Reinvestment Act''

May 11, 2000

    I am very pleased by the overwhelming bipartisan vote in the House 
today to provide significant new resources to meet America's critical 
conservation and recreation needs. Today's vote on H.R. 701, the 
``Conservation and Reinvestment Act,'' is a historic step toward 
achieving permanent conservation funding--a goal embodied in the lands 
legacy initiative I put forward in my budget this year. I applaud 
Chairman Young, Representative Miller, and others for their leadership 
on this effort.
    We will continue working with Congress to secure protected and 
permanent conservation funding within the framework of a balanced budget 
that provides for critical budget and fiscal priorities, and with no 
burdensome or unnecessary restrictions on Federal authorities that have 
proven so effective in preserving America's natural heritage. I urge the 
Senate to move swiftly on this legislation. I am confident that working 
together we can create a permanent conservation endowment that will be a 
true gift to future generations.