STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT: Signing of the Legislative Branch and the Treasury and General Appropriations Act, 2001
                              THE WHITE HOUSE

                       Office of the Press Secretary

_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                            October 30, 2000


                        STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT


     I am returning herewith without my approval, H.R. 4516, the
Legislative Branch and the Treasury and General Appropriations Act, 2001.
This bill provides funds for the legislative branch and the White House at
a time when the business of the American people remains unfinished.

     The Congress? continued refusal to focus on the priorities of the
American people leaves me no alternative but to veto this bill.  I cannot
in good conscience sign a bill that funds the operations of the Congress
and the White House before funding our classrooms, fixing our schools, and
protecting our workers.

     With the largest student enrollment in history, we need ad budget that
will allow us to repair and modernize crumbling schools, reduce class size,
hire more and better trained teachers, expand after-school programs, and
strengthen accountability to turn around failing schools.

     I would sign this legislation in the context of a budget that puts the
interests of the American people before self- interest or special
interests.  I urge the Congress to get its priorities in order and send me,
without further delay, balanced legislation I can sign.

                              WILLIAM J. CLINTON




THE WHITE HOUSE,
    October 30, 2000.




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