Statement on Signing the Emergency Supplemental Act, 2000

Statement on Signing the Emergency Supplemental Act, 2000

July 13, 2000

Today I have signed into law H.R. 4425, which includes emergency
supplemental funding to bolster democracy and battle drug-trafficking in
Colombia, and to keep the peace and build stability in Kosovo.
Colombia is a strong ally of the United States and the oldest
democracy in Latin America. Today it is under attack--from civil
conflict and drug trafficking that fuels violence, undercuts honest
enterprise, and undermines public confidence in democracy.
President Andres Pastrana has worked with experts in his country and
elsewhere to put together ``Plan Colombia''--a comprehensive plan to
seek peace, fight drugs, build the economy, and deepen democracy. The
legislation I signed today represents America's contribution to the
struggle. It includes a ten-fold increase in U.S. funds to promote good
government, judicial reform, human rights protection, and economic
development. It will increase incentives for the peaceful resolution of
the civil war, while helping the government staunch the flow of drugs to
our shores.
As Colombians fight to build their democracy and block the illegal
drug trade, they are fighting for all of us. If they are willing to take
up the fight, we should be willing to take on some of the cost. I am
proud to sign legislation that appropriates funds for doing that.
This legislation also funds our request for military operations in
Kosovo. NATO forces won the war in 78 days; it will take longer to
secure a stable peace. I applaud Congress for sending a message that we
will stand by our troops until the job is done.
While I am pleased with Congressional action on Colombia and Kosovo,
this legislation is disappointing for what it leaves out. It undercuts
U.S. interests by omitting funding for U.N. peacekeeping operations in
Southeast Europe, assistance for economic and democratic reforms, and
support for civilian infrastructure. Such support is critical not only
to advance long-term stability in Southeast Europe, but also to create
the conditions for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops.
I am also disappointed the bill does not include requested funding
to relieve the debts of the world's poorest countries, delaying relief
for nations that have implemented far-reaching economic reforms.
Additionally, the bill offers inadequate funding for Mozambique and
other Southern African nations devastated by recent flooding.
Finally, I am pleased the bill provides needed home energy
assistance for low-income families, which will be essential in the event
of a dangerous heat wave this summer, and provides further assistance,
including housing construction and repair, to the victims of Hurricane
Floyd, some of whom still lack permanent shelter.
William J. Clinton
The White House,
July 13, 2000.