[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 44 (Monday, November 6, 2000)]
[Page 2693]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing Legislation To Rename the Stewart B. McKinney 
Homeless Assistance Act

October 30, 2000

    Today, I am very pleased to sign into law H.R. 5417, which would 
rename the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, the ``McKinney-
Vento Homeless Assistance Act.''
    I am deeply saddened by Representative Vento's recent passing. 
Representative Vento was a great friend of the poor and the homeless. 
His leadership on the issue of homelessness will be greatly missed in 
Minnesota and across the Nation.
    Representative Vento was a key leader in the effort to secure the 
original passage in 1987 of the McKinney Act, the first and still the 
most significant Federal program to assist homeless persons. His 
commitment to those left behind did not end with the passage of the 
homeless assistance bill. For over a decade he remained a leading voice 
for social justice on Capitol Hill, introducing legislation to expand 
and improve services to homeless people, and continually reminding his 
colleagues and the American people of our responsibility to our most 
vulnerable neighbors. Representative Vento was also a passionate 
advocate for affordable housing and protecting our Nation's natural 
resources.
    Bruce Vento's passing represents a significant loss for Americans 
who care about ending homelessness, ensuring housing opportunity, and 
protecting the environment. Renaming the McKinney Act the McKinney-Vento 
Homeless Assistance Act will serve to regularly remind our Nation of 
Bruce Vento's passion for justice and the responsibility we each have 
for our homeless neighbors.
                                            William J. Clinton
 The White House,
 October 30, 2000.

Note: H.R. 5417, approved October 30, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
400.