[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 48 (Monday, November 29, 2004)]
[Page 2850]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Congressional Action on Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus 
Appropriations Legislation

November 20, 2004

    I commend the Congress for reaching agreement on the Fiscal Year 
2005 omnibus appropriations bill. This legislation is in keeping with my 
goal to further strengthen the economy by cutting the budget deficit in 
half over 5 years. With resources already provided to continue to fight 
the war on terror and to protect the homeland, we have held to the 
fiscally responsible limits Congress and I agreed to and still 
adequately funded our domestic priorities like education, health care, 
and veterans' programs. This accomplishment would not have been possible 
without the excellent work of the leadership and Appropriations 
Committee chairmen of both the House and Senate. I look forward to 
signing a final bill into law.