[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 44 (Monday, November 6, 2000)]
[Page 2688]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
Authorization Act of 2000

October 30, 2000

    Today I have signed into law H.R. 1654, the ``National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000.''
    I commend the bipartisan efforts of the Congress to pass a NASA 
authorization bill that funds my Administration's priorities, including 
building the International Space Station, improving Space Shuttle 
safety, reducing the cost of access to space through the new Space 
Launch Initiative, and investing in outstanding science and technology.
    I am disappointed, however, that this bill falls short of enabling 
NASA to conduct the most balanced, efficient, and effective space 
program. My Administration communicated significant objections and 
concerns with H.R. 1654 as it progressed through the legislative 
process. This bill satisfactorily addresses many of the key concerns; 
however, it limits NASA's flexibility to pursue a promising commercial 
habitation module for the International Space Station. It also includes 
several other objectionable provisions and fails to include all but one 
of the fourteen legislative provisions proposed by my Administration.
    I have signed this bill today because it authorizes funding for a 
robust space and aeronautics program for the Nation.
                                            William J. Clinton
 The White House,
 October 30, 2000.

Note: H.R. 1654, approved October 30, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
391.