Statement on Signing the Tenth Continuing Resolution

Statement on Signing the Tenth Continuing Resolution

March 15, 1996

Today, I have signed into law H.J. Res. 163, the Tenth Continuing
Resolution for fiscal 1996.
H.J. Res. 163 provides for a temporary extension of appropriations--
March 16th through March 22nd--for activities funded in four of the five
appropriations bills that have not been enacted into law. The District
of Columbia receives no new Federal funds, but retains authority to use
local funds.
It is regrettable that I must sign yet another continuing
resolution. However, Congress still has not passed five of this year's
thirteen appropriations bills in acceptable form, so this measure is
necessary to prevent a third government shutdown.
We are now nearly halfway through the fiscal year. Continuing
uncertainty over funding levels and authorities has impaired the ability
of our Federal agencies and State and local governments to provide
critical services to the public.
I urge Congress to meet its responsibilities by sending me
legislation for the remaining fiscal 1996 appropriations bills in an
acceptable form. I have made it clear to the Congress what changes need
to be made to make them acceptable.
The purpose of those changes is to ensure, as we work to balance the
budget and control discretionary spending, that we protect our nation's
investments in education, the environment, law enforcement, and
technology.
Unfortunately, while the Senate has made improvements, the current
House and Senate versions of an omnibus appropriations bill for the
remainder of the year still do not protect these national priorities.
Moreover, they contain harmful and unacceptable legislative riders
affecting the environment and other issues.
We have a responsibility to the American people to act together to
resolve our differences. I am committed to doing so. I urge the Congress
to act quickly to enact acceptable appropriations legislation for the
remainder of the fiscal year.
William J. Clinton
The White House,
March 15, 1996.