[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 28 (Monday, July 17, 2000)]
[Page 1640]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Emergency Supplemental Act, 2000

 July 13, 2000

    Today I have signed into law H.R. 4425, which includes emergency 
supplemental funding to bolster democracy and battle drug-trafficking in 
Colombia, and to keep the peace and build stability in Kosovo.
    Colombia is a strong ally of the United States and the oldest 
democracy in Latin America. Today it is under attack--from civil 
conflict and drug trafficking that fuels violence, undercuts honest 
enterprise, and undermines public confidence in democracy.
    President Andres Pastrana has worked with experts in his country and 
elsewhere to put together ``Plan Colombia''--a comprehensive plan to 
seek peace, fight drugs, build the economy, and deepen democracy. The 
legislation I signed today represents America's contribution to the 
struggle. It includes a ten-fold increase in U.S. funds to promote good 
government, judicial reform, human rights protection, and economic 
development. It will increase incentives for the peaceful resolution of 
the civil war, while helping the government staunch the flow of drugs to 
our shores.
    As Colombians fight to build their democracy and block the illegal 
drug trade, they are fighting for all of us. If they are willing to take 
up the fight, we should be willing to take on some of the cost. I am 
proud to sign legislation that appropriates funds for doing that.
    This legislation also funds our request for military operations in 
Kosovo. NATO forces won the war in 78 days; it will take longer to 
secure a stable peace. I applaud Congress for sending a message that we 
will stand by our troops until the job is done.
    While I am pleased with Congressional action on Colombia and Kosovo, 
this legislation is disappointing for what it leaves out. It undercuts 
U.S. interests by omitting funding for U.N. peacekeeping operations in 
Southeast Europe, assistance for economic and democratic reforms, and 
support for civilian infrastructure. Such support is critical not only 
to advance long-term stability in Southeast Europe, but also to create 
the conditions for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.
    I am also disappointed the bill does not include requested funding 
to relieve the debts of the world's poorest countries, delaying relief 
for nations that have implemented far-reaching economic reforms. 
Additionally, the bill offers inadequate funding for Mozambique and 
other Southern African nations devastated by recent flooding.
    Finally, I am pleased the bill provides needed home energy 
assistance for low-income families, which will be essential in the event 
of a dangerous heat wave this summer, and provides further assistance, 
including housing construction and repair, to the victims of Hurricane 
Floyd, some of whom still lack permanent shelter.
                                            William J. Clinton
 The White House,
 July 13, 2000.

  Note: The Emergency Supplemental Act, 2000, is part of H.R. 4425, 
approved July 13, and assigned Public Law No. 106-246. An original was 
not available for verification of the content of this statement.