October 16, 1998



PRESIDENT CLINTON:
FIGHTING FOR AMERICA'S FAMILIES

Today every American can take a great deal of pride in knowing that we are going to save Social Security; that we are going to have 100,000 teachers; that we are going to continue to move forward on the environment; and that now we are free to keep our economy going by meeting our responsibilities to deal with global economic challenges.

-- President Bill Clinton

President Clinton Stands With America's Families. Yesterday, President Clinton and the leadership in Congress agreed on a budget for the current fiscal year that reflects the President's priorities and is a victory for America's working families. The President fought for and won protection of the budget surplus until Social Security is reformed, a bipartisan agreement on funding the International Monetary Fund, and critical invstments in education and training. While the final budget agreement contained many of the President's legislative priorities, there is still work to do: Republicans did not support: school modernization, Patients' Bill of Rights legislation, comprehensive tobacco legislation, or child care investments.

Saving Social Security First. The President's commitment to save any budget surplus until Social Security was reformed for the 21st Century held the line against several Congressional attempts to drain the surplus.

Historic Investments In Education And Training. While House Republicans tried to dramatically reduce the education budget, President Clinton delivered on his education agenda:

Investing In A Cleaner Environment. President Clinton fought for new investments to preserve and protect our environment: (1) a substantial increase in funding for the President's Clean Water Action Plan; (2) almost one-quarter more funding to protect endangered species; (3) a 26 percent increase in funding to fight global warming; (4) $325 million to preserve natural lands.

Responding To The Farm Crisis At Home And Financial Turmoil Abroad. The President fought for and won $6 billion in emergency assistance to America's farmers, ranchers, and secured full funding for the International Monetary Fund, reinforcing America's commitment to helping countries out of financial peril.

Progress Has Been Made, But Challenges Remain. Although the President was able to win critical investments in important areas, work remains to be done, as Congress did not support other key priorities, including:



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