Statement on Signing the Eleventh Continuing Resolution

Statement on Signing the Eleventh Continuing Resolution

March 22, 1996

Today I have signed into law H.J. Res. 165, the eleventh continuing
resolution for fiscal 1996.
House Joint Resolution 165 provides for a temporary extension of
appropriations--March 23 through March 29--for activities funded in four
of the five appropriations bills that have not been enacted into law.
For AFDC/Foster Care, funding is provided through April 3 to avoid
disruption of payments to States, which are normally made on the first
of each month. The District of Columbia receives no new Federal funds,
but retains authority to use local funds.
The reason that I must sign yet another continuing resolution is
that the Congress still has not passed five of this year's
appropriations bills in acceptable form. If I do not sign this measure
the Government will shut down for a third time.
Six months through the fiscal year, almost three-quarters of the
nondefense budget of the Federal Government is being provided through
this continuing resolution rather than through enactment of freestanding
appropriations bills. For the sake of school districts and others who
depend on these funds, this cannot continue. As we work to balance the
budget and control discretionary spending, we must protect our Nation's
investments in education, the environment, law enforcement, and
technology.
Therefore, I urge the Congress to send me legislation for the
remaining fiscal 1996 appropriations bills in acceptable form, and to do
so before it adjourns for the Easter recess. We must work to resolve our
differences over this legislation. I am committed to doing so.
William J. Clinton
The White House,
March 22, 1996.