Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents

Monday, October 30, 2000 Volume 36—Number 43 Pages 2529–2650 Contents

Addresses and Remarks Addresses and Remarks—Continued Budget—2616, 2638 New York—Continued Congressional candidate Donald Dunn, Representative Maurice Hinchey, reception reception—2613 in Kingston—2582 Drunk driving standard, establishment of Westchester County Democratic Party national—2578 dinner in New Rochelle—2595 Indiana North Carolina Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr., Hillary Clinton, reception in Indianapolis— tribute—2599 2545 People for the American Way reception— Representative Julia Carson, rally in 2610 Indianapolis—2550 Radio address—2549 Jordan-U.S. trade agreement, signing—2608 School construction and education, legislative Legislative agenda—2616, 2638 agenda—2603 Massachusetts, Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Bill Signings dinner in Boston—2541 Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Representative Martin Meehan, reception Treatment Act of 2000, statement—2607 in Lowell—2534 New York Department of Transportation and Related Democratic Assembly Campaign Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, Committee reception in New York City— statement—2580 2623 Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000, Departure for New York City—2616 statements—2531, 2532 Hillary Clinton Communications to Congress Birthday tribute in New York City—2632 Brunch in Johnson City—2555 Bipartisan tax cut legislation, letters—2631, Dinner in Hempstead—2564 2636 Reception in Alexandria Bay—2559 Colombia and neighboring countries, letter Reception in Flushing—2589 transmitting report on counterdrug Reception in New York City—2569 assistance—2635 Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Commerce, Justice, and State Departments reception in New York City—2620 appropriations legislation, letter—2637

(Continued on the inside of the back cover.)

Editor’s Note: The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is also available on the Inter- net on the GPO Access service at http://www.gpo.gov/nara/nara003.html.

WEEKLY COMPILATION OF regulations prescribed by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register, approved by the President (37 FR 23607; 1 CFR Part 10). PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS Distribution is made only by the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Published every Monday by the Office of the Federal Reg- The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents will be ister, National Archives and Records Administration, Washing- furnished by mail to domestic subscribers for $80.00 per year ton, DC 20408, the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ($137.00 for mailing first class) and to foreign subscribers for ments contains statements, messages, and other Presidential $93.75 per year, payable to the Superintendent of Documents, materials released by the White House during the preceding Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The week. charge for a single copy is $3.00 ($3.75 for foreign mailing). The Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents is pub- There are no restrictions on the republication of material lished pursuant to the authority contained in the Federal Reg- appearing in the Weekly Compilation of Presidential Docu- ister Act (49 Stat. 500, as amended; 44 U.S.C. Ch. 15), under ments. Contents—Continued

Communications to Federal Agencies Proclamations Waiver and Certification of Statutory National Day of Concern About Young People Provisions Regarding the Palestine and Gun Violence—2533 Liberation Organization, memorandum— United Nations Day—2607 2531 Statements by the President Executive Orders See also Bill Signings Amendment to Executive Order 13078, To Congressional action on Expand the Role of the National Task Foreign operations appropriations Force on Employment of Adults With legislation—2628 Disabilities To Include a Focus on Youth— ‘‘Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act,’’ need 2629 for—2627 Interagency Task Force on the Economic Homeownership rate, Nation’s highest—2635 Development of the Central San Joaquin Valley—2630 Irish Republican Army’s decision on arms inspections—2627 Interviews With the News Media National Disability Mentoring Day—2627 Exchanges with reporters Older Americans Act, reauthorization—2628, Rose Garden—2638 2635 South Lawn—2616 School safety, 2000 annual report—2634 Interview with Chris Bull of the Advocate— Sudan, bombing of civilians—2628 2572 Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of, admission Opinion-editorial for the Belfast Telegraph: into Stability Pact—2634 ‘‘Why the Good Friday Agreement Is Working’’—2529 Supplementary Materials Acts approved by the President—2648 Letters and Messages Checklist of White House press releases— Diwali, message—2629 2647 Digest of other White House Meetings With Foreign Leaders announcements—2646 Jordan, King Abdullah II—2608 Nominations submitted to the Senate—2647 Week Ending Friday, October 27, 2000

Opinion-Editorial for the Belfast of Northern Ireland voters. This Telegraph: ‘‘Why the Good Friday expresses respect for British Agreement is Working’’ sovereignty in Northern Ireland—and October 19, 2000 also for the legitimate wish of Irish people to pursue a united Ireland. In his first Inaugural Address, President —Self-government that is democratic, Abraham Lincoln called upon Americans to inclusive, and whose participants use heed ‘‘the better angels of our nature’’ to dis- exclusively peaceful means to suade them from embarking on a long and accomplish their aims. The main bloody civil war. institutions of government, an elected Just over two years ago, the leaders and Assembly and a power-sharing people of Northern Ireland summoned the Executive, contain safeguards for better angels of their nature to negotiate, protecting minority interests and for sign, and approve the Good Friday Agree- excluding those who use or support ment in a courageous bid to end nearly 30 violence. years of strife and agony. The Agreement re- —Strict protection of individual human flected more than the common humanity that and civil rights. On October 2, unites the people of Northern Ireland, no Northern Ireland and the United matter their faith. It reflected their self- Kingdom as a whole incorporated the interest—their heartfelt conviction that the European Convention on Human sacrifices and compromises required for Rights into domestic law. The peace would be far easier to bear than the Northern Ireland Human Rights burden of more violence and bloodshed. Commission is now consulting on a George Mitchell said at the time that, as Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. difficult as the Agreement was to negotiate, The people of Northern Ireland support implementing it would prove more difficult these principles. And for all of their disagree- still—and he was right. Two-and-one-half ments, so do Northern Ireland’s politicians. years later, the Agreement is working, but The reason, I believe, is simple: Devolved it is straining under intense criticism. I know government based on the Stormont Assem- that many in the unionist community feel bly and Executive is working. Even politi- deeply uncomfortable with changes relating cians from parties professing to be ‘‘anti- to security and have concerns that the right Agreement’’ are participating actively, deliv- to express British identity is being attacked. ering their constituents democratic and ac- Nationalists and republicans have voiced countable regional government. For the first concerns of their own about prospects for full time in 30 years, Northern Ireland’s politi- equality and implementation of all aspects of cians are producing their own budget and the Agreement. Programme for Government. I believe the Good Friday Agreement is This means that problems in the areas of fully capable of addressing these concerns. agriculture, health, the environment and Now is the time to reaffirm its core prin- education, to name a few, are now the re- ciples. sponsibility of local ministers who must an- —The principle of consent: no decision swer to local voters. Some may be uncom- on changing the constitutional fortable with power-sharing, but most agree connection linking Northern Ireland that it is better than being powerless. And with the United Kingdom will be foreign investors are taking note of the pros- made without support from a majority pects opened up by these developments— 2529 2530 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 for example, the 900-job call centre that a allow independent inspectors to view arms Denver-based company recently announced dumps last June and to verify that the weap- will open in north Belfast. ons are not moved or used represented un- What’s more, the Agreement has enabled precedented progress. The IRA also com- government ministers from Northern Ireland mitted itself to resume contacts with the and the Republic of Ireland to work together Independent International Commission on to benefit people throughout the island, by Decommissioning and to put weapons ‘‘com- developing co-operation in such areas as pletely and verifiably beyond use’’ in the con- trade, food safety and EU programmes. Ses- text of full implementation of the Agreement. sions of the North-South Ministerial Council Republican leaders say these commit- focus on concrete results rather than con- ments will be met. I welcome that, and look stitutional debate. forward to further, timely progress in this Change this profound is never easy. I ap- vital area. I urge loyalist paramilitaries to plaud the people of Northern Ireland for make similar undertakings, even as coura- working to set aside old animosities and to geous political leaders work to bring an end accept even the most difficult elements of the Good Friday Agreement, such as pris- to the dangerous feuding under way in that oner releases. Yet tough challenges remain, community. All sides must work together to such as adapting the police force in Northern renew momentum toward the goal spelled Ireland to earn the confidence and support out in the Agreement: total decommissioning of all the people, and resolving the issue of of all paramilitary weapons. paramilitary weapons. But perhaps harder still will be what The Agreement offers a chance for a fresh George Mitchell called the ‘‘decommis- start on policing. It established an inde- sioning of mind-sets’’. The confidence that pendent commission chaired by Chris Patten is the foundation of peace is all too easily with a mandate to make recommendations eroded by distrust, defensiveness, and fear. in this highly sensitive area. Some of the Pat- It is almost always easier to fall back on old ten Report’s proposed changes have dis- habits than it is to fulfil new hopes. tressed those who honour the many sacrifices In making decisions that will determine made by police officers in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland’s future, political leaders I urge everyone to reflect on Chief Con- must pause and consider whether their ac- stable Ronnie Flanagan’s statement that the tions will advance the cause of durable peace police stand ready for the challenges pro- and genuine reconciliation. Every political posed by Patten and that it is his ‘‘fervent leader is subject to short-term political pres- hope that those in all our communities whom sures. But in Northern Ireland, I believe it we exist to serve stand similarly ready for is critical for all to consider how their actions change.’’ Everyone in Northern Ireland, in- in the heat of the moment today will be felt cluding the police, deserve the chance to a year, a decade, a generation from now. It prove themselves anew under the Agree- is human nature to take the good for granted ment. That said, for police reform to work, and to focus on our frustrations, giving in the entire community must take ownership to those frustrations would be a tragic mis- of the process, taking not just the pain of the past, but more importantly the demands take, with terrible consequences. of the future, into account. The opportunity On my last visit to Northern Ireland in to achieve a police service that is broadly ac- 1998, I met with the families of the victims ceptable and fully accountable is too impor- and the survivors of the Omagh bombing. tant and too close at hand to be lost to polit- That visit was a vivid reminder of the alter- ical brinkmanship. native to peace—and it made clear the deter- On the question of paramilitary mination of the people of Northern Ireland organisations, the Good Friday Agreement is to overcome the sorrow and bitterness of the both clear and unequivocal—in it, all parties last 30 years and build a better future. commit themselves to the total disarmament During the recently completed inquest of all such groups. The IRA’s decision to into the Omagh bombing, that determination Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2531 to build was still on display—as was the pro- national security interests of the United found frustration that the dissidents respon- States to waive the provisions of section 1003 sible for the attack have not been brought of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987, Public to justice. Law 100–204. For a durable peace to be achieved, both This waiver shall be effective for a period of these emotions must be harnessed effec- of 6 months from the date hereof. You are tively. And there should be no mistake about hereby authorized and directed to transmit it: US law enforcement will aggressively tar- this determination to the Congress and to get any effort from whatever quarter to un- publish it in the Federal Register. dermine the peace process through illegal ac- tivities from the United States. William J. Clinton The Good Friday Agreement represents the very best hope for lasting peace in North- ern Ireland. Fully implementing, it will make NOTE: This message was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on October 20. An original Northern Ireland a beacon of hope for those was not available for verification of the content who struggle for reconciliation and peace in of this memorandum. This item was not received every corner of the world—from the Balkans in time for publication in the appropriate issue. to the Middle East. I hope to be able to visit Northern Ireland soon, and to confirm that the will of the peo- Statement on Signing the Ryan ple is being heeded. White CARE Act Amendments William J. Clinton of 2000 October 20, 2000 NOTE: This opinion-editorial was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on October 20. An Today I am very pleased to sign into law original was not available for verification of the S. 2311, the ‘‘Ryan White CARE Act Amend- content of this item. This item was not received ments of 2000,’’ which reauthorizes and ex- in time for publication in the appropriate issue. pands health care and essential support serv- ices for hundreds of thousands of Americans Memorandum on Waiver and living with HIV and AIDS. Certification of Statutory Provisions The broad bipartisan support in the Con- Regarding the Palestine Liberation gress for this bill sends a clear message that Organization together we can continue to reach out to in- dividuals and families living with HIV and October 19, 2000 AIDS. Since its creation, the Ryan White Presidential Determination No. 2001–02 program has provided thousands of people with HIV care and support services in their Memorandum for the Secretary of State communities and access to cutting-edge therapies that would have remained beyond Subject: Waiver and Certification of their reach. It has helped them stay out of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine the hospital and live healthier and better Liberation Organization lives. Pursuant to the authority and conditions During my administration, funding for the contained in section 538(d) of the Foreign Ryan White CARE Act has increased by Operations, Export Financing, and Related more than 300 percent, and funding for basic Programs Appropriations Act, 2000, as con- AIDS research and HIV prevention has in- tained in the Consolidated Appropriations creased by over 80 percent. Our strong com- Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public Law 106– mitment to addressing the HIV epidemic has 113), and as provided for in the Joint Resolu- begun to pay dividends. The latest data show tion Making Further Continuing Appropria- that the number of Americans diagnosed tions for the Fiscal Year 2001, and for Other with AIDS has declined for the first time in Purposes (Public Law 106–306), I hereby de- the history of the AIDS epidemic, deaths termine and certify that it is important to the from the disease have declined by over 40 2532 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 percent, and there has been a sharp decline from collaboration, coordination, and con- in new AIDS cases in infants and children. certed action. The CARE Act has brought However, we know that our battle against together Republicans and Democrats, cities AIDS is far from over. As we continue to and States, hospitals and community-based search for a cure and a vaccine to protect organizations, providers, and people living every American, our support for programs with AIDS—and the results are a tribute to like the CARE Act is essential. We owe a the power of public-private partnerships. It special thanks to Senators Kennedy, Jeffords, has created a continuum of care that is both and Frist and Representatives Waxman and compassionate and cost-effective—one that Coburn, and to the many AIDS advocates saves both lives and money. and organizations, for their tireless efforts in When the CARE Act was originally cre- guiding this bill to enactment. ated, we were sadly unable to do much for those who were sick, and many of the serv- NOTE: S. 2311, approved October 20, was as- ices provided were designed to help people signed Public Law No. 106–345. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- die with dignity. Thankfully, much has priate issue. changed. The CARE Act is now solidly about living with HIV and AIDS. Since its last re- authorization, biomedical research has Statement on Signing the Ryan brought hope and renewed optimism with White CARE Act Amendments the discovery of protease inhibitors and com- of 2000 bination therapies. The CARE Act has made October 20, 2000 the promise of biomedical research a reality in the lives of people living with HIV and Ten years ago, shortly after Ryan White’s AIDS in every corner of this country. death, the Congress chose to build a legacy Last year alone, approximately one hun- in his memory. As a young man, Ryan White dred thousand people living with HIV and changed the world, and so has the program AIDS received access to drug therapy be- that bears his name. Today I am pleased to cause of the CARE Act. This is particularly sign into law S. 2311, the ‘‘Ryan White important given that half of the people CARE Act Amendments of 2000,’’ which re- served by the CARE Act have family incomes authorizes and expands health care and es- of less than $10,000 a year—and the new sential support services to hundreds of thou- drug ‘‘cocktails’’ cost more than $12,000 an- sands of Americans living with HIV and nually. We know all too well that the drugs AIDS. are not enough. Primary care and support The reauthorization of the Ryan White services are vital to ensuring both access and Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency adherence to these complex drug regimens. (CARE) Act is the cornerstone of my Admin- It is this comprehensive package of essential istration’s domestic HIV and AIDS care and services that the CARE Act provides—and treatment effort, and one of its top legislative with impressive results. priorities. The broad-based bipartisan sup- The CARE Act has helped to reduce both port in the Congress for the reauthorization the frequency and length of expensive in- of this vital program sends a clear and strong patient hospitalizations, lowered AIDS mor- message that together we can bring care and tality, reduced mother-to-child transmission, compassion to our fellow citizens living with and enhanced both the length and quality HIV and AIDS. I am pleased that during my of life for people living with AIDS. The Act Administration, funding for the CARE Act has also provided a mainstay of essential program has increased over 300 percent. For health and related support services to indi- fiscal year 2001, this landmark program will viduals living with HIV disease and their fam- receive more than $1.7 billion. ilies—crucial services in our progress against Today, the CARE Act has become a model this relentless disease. for health care delivery not only in the The CARE Act also serves those most in United States, but around the world. It is need. Nearly six out of every 10 people a shining example of the good that can come served by the CARE Act are poor. They are Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2533 also 5 times more likely to be uninsured than HIV and AIDS have touched communities those receiving care elsewhere; nearly 3 in each and every State across this country. times more likely to be African Americans; In big cities and rural towns, the disease con- and 50 percent more likely to be women. tinues to devastate individuals, families, and Clearly the CARE Act has followed the path communities, leaving them impoverished, paved by this epidemic—but challenges re- suffering, and in dire need of medical care main as HIV and AIDS move deeper into and support. We hope that in the not-so- underserved communities already plagued by distant future we will have even better thera- poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse, pies and someday an effective vaccine. But and as treatment demands and costs continue in the meantime, we are grateful for the to rise. It is these challenges that the reau- CARE Act, which, through its essential serv- thorization of the CARE Act is designed to ices, has allowed individuals to live longer address. and healthier lives. The programs contained S. 2311 will continue the tradition of lo- in this bill are literally a lifeline for individ- cally defined care and treatment that are the uals with HIV disease. For this reason, I am mainstay of the original CARE Act. It will extremely pleased to sign S. 2311. also improve the programs of the CARE Act William J. Clinton in several ways my Administration rec- ommended, including: (1) expanding access The White House, to essential care for historically underserved October 20, 2000. individuals, including racial and ethnic mi- norities, women, and youth; (2) establishing NOTE: S. 2311, approved October 20, was as- a stronger link between HIV prevention, di- signed Public Law No. 106–345. This item was not received in time for publication in the appro- agnosis, and treatment efforts to make sure priate issue. people get the care they need once they learn they are HIV positive; (3) improving the quality of care to make sure all people with Proclamation 7368—National Day of HIV get state-of-the-art treatment; and (4) Concern About Young People and reducing existing barriers within the AIDS Gun Violence, 2000 Drug Assistance Program to ensure that October 20, 2000 more people living with HIV disease have access to lifesaving therapeutics. By the President of the United States I want to thank some individuals in my of America Administration, the Congress, and perhaps most importantly, the AIDS community for A Proclamation their tireless efforts and determination in Every day in America, approximately 10 guiding this bill to enactment. We all owe children are shot and killed. Children 15 thanks to Secretary of Health and Human years old and younger are murdered with Services, Donna Shalala; the Surgeon Gen- firearms at a higher rate in this country than eral, Dr. David Satcher; Drs. Earl Fox and in 25 other industrialized countries com- Joseph O’Neill of the Health Resources and bined. These tragedies are an urgent re- Services Administration; and Sandy Thur- minder that we must not waver in our na- man, Director of our White House AIDS Of- tional commitment to reduce gun violence fice. In addition, this bill clearly would not and to make our society safer for our chil- have become law without the dedication of dren. Senators Kennedy, Jeffords, and Frist and We are beginning to see some progress in Representatives Waxman and Coburn. Fi- our efforts. Since 1992, the national violent nally, I am particularly grateful for the assist- crime rate has dropped by more than 20 per- ance of the many and varied organizations cent; violent crimes committed with firearms who came together to extend this legacy of have dropped by 35 percent; and the fire- care and compassion for individuals and fam- arms homicide rate has fallen over 40 per- ilies living with HIV disease. cent. We have achieved much of this 2534 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 progress by embracing a collaborative, com- without resorting to violence; and it takes a munity-based approach to gun crime preven- sense of personal responsibility to tell an tion and reduction. adult when others fail to live up to these Gun violence issues differ in each commu- standards. On this National Day of Concern, nity, and no single program or approach I ask every young American to sign a Student works everywhere. In response to a directive Pledge Against Gun Violence, which contains I issued last year to help reduce gun violence a solemn oath never to bring a gun to school, and save lives, United States Attorneys and never to use a gun to settle a dispute, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fire- to use their influence to keep others from arms Field Division Directors for each of our using guns. By doing so, they will take an Nation’s 94 Federal judicial districts have de- important, life-affirming step toward a veloped locally coordinated gun violence re- brighter and safer future. duction strategies. Working closely with local Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, law enforcement, elected officials, and other President of the United States of America, community leaders, they are tailoring plans by virtue of the authority vested in me by to local needs and developing strategies to the Constitution and laws of the United prevent gun crimes from occurring and crack States, do hereby proclaim October 21, 2000, down on gun criminals. as a National Day of Concern About Young A major goal of our strategy to reduce gun People and Gun Violence. On this day, I call violence and ensure the safety of our children upon young people in classrooms and com- is to keep guns out of the wrong hands. We munities across the United States to volun- passed the Brady Act to help accomplish this tarily sign the Student Pledge Against Gun goal by requiring that every person who pur- Violence. I also call upon all Americans to chases a firearm from a federally licensed commit themselves anew to helping our Na- dealer submit to a background check. To tion’s young people reject violence and to date, Brady background checks have pre- make our schools and neighborhoods safe vented more than 536,000 felons and other places for learning and recreation. prohibited individuals from acquiring fire- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set arms. We also succeeded in banning assault my hand this twentieth day of October, in weapons, making ‘‘zero tolerance’’ for guns the year of our Lord two thousand, and of in schools the law of the land, and passing the Independence of the United States of legislation that prohibits juveniles from pos- America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. sessing handguns. However, our determina- William J. Clinton tion to reduce gun violence must not stop there. I have called on the Congress to build [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, on these measures by passing legislation that 8:45 a.m., October 24, 2000] closes the gun show loophole, mandates child NOTE: This proclamation was published in the safety locks with every handgun sold, and Federal Register on October 25. This item was bans large-capacity ammunition clips. not received in time for publication in the appro- We have also provided funding for more priate issue. than 100,000 community police officers; for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative to reduce youth violence through collabo- Remarks at a Reception for rative, community-based efforts; and for the Representative Martin T. Meehan 21st Century Community Learning Cen- in Lowell, Massachusetts ters—safe places where students can go after October 20, 2000 school to participate in constructive activities and avoid the dangers of guns, gangs, and Thank you for that wonderful welcome. drugs. Thank you for coming out to help Marty to- But none of these efforts can succeed night. I told him that now that he had all without the commitment of America’s youth. this support and has raised all this money, It takes courage to resist negative peer pres- we needed to go find him an opponent. sure; it takes character to settle disputes [Laughter] Seems a shame to waste all this Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2535 energy and support and enthusiasm, you clan met me outside, and I understood how know. [Laughter] It’s a good thing there he had been elected. [Laughter] Frankly, aren’t many more votes he can cast against there are so many of them, he doesn’t really me. [Laughter] need you. [Laughter] But I’m delighted that Let me say, first, how honored I am to you’re helping him anyway. be here. I want to say more about Marty in I wanted to come here—as Senator Ken- a moment, but I also want to thank Richie nedy said, I’ve been to a lot of different com- Neal for being here and for representing munities in Massachusetts. I’ve tried to, in Massachusetts so well—he’s a wonderful this course of my service as President, begin- man—and for supporting the efforts that we ning in the ’92 campaign, I’ve tried to make made with the Irish peace process, which, the whole State, to really spend time out in in the beginning, to put it mildly, were some- the State of Massachusetts to see every part what controversial. of it and to have a chance to thank the people I want to thank Senator Kennedy. We’ve of this State. No State has been better to spent most of the day together. We flew here Bill Clinton and Al Gore than the State of today. In an uncommon act of sensitivity, he Massachusetts, and I am very grateful to you. flew to Missouri today for the funeral of the You heard Marty say that when I became Governor of Missouri, who was our nominee President, unemployment here was 7.5 per- for the United States Senate. You probably cent. Last month it was 2.4 percent, the low- know he died tragically in a plane crash with est in 30 years, down two-thirds from 1992. his son and one of his closest aides. He was So, I want to have a serious talk here, just my neighbor and my very close friend. When for a minute, about this election coming up, I looked out today and I saw Ted and Vickie what it means to you, your children, your at the funeral, I thought, ‘‘What a great thing grandchildren, and the future of our country. to do.’’ I say this every chance I get. But I want to ask you to take some time, a little whatever I have accomplished as President, time every day, to talk to other people about so much of it would never have been possible it. if Ted Kennedy hadn’t been there with me I know that Vice President Gore and Joe every single step of the way, and I cannot Lieberman are well ahead in the polls in thank him enough. Massachusetts. But you can help them in You know, we have a lot of fun together. New Hampshire. You may know some peo- Today I taught him a new card game so I ple in—if we win this time in New Hamp- could beat him. [Laughter] And he was con- shire, I think it may be the first time the vinced I didn’t play fair, just because I won Democrats have ever won it three times in and he lost. [Laughter] You know, he’s going a row. But they ought to be with us. New to get the last laugh, though, because when Hampshire is a lot better off than it was in he came to the Senate, I was in junior high 1992. It’s a lot better off. And they’ve been school—[laughter]—and when I leave the very good to me, too. White House, he’ll still be in the Senate, You might have some friends in Pennsyl- thank goodness for our country’s sake. vania, one of the battleground States, or I would also like to thank someone in this Ohio, a lot of the other places where this audience for coming here tonight. I was par- election could go either way. ticularly glad to see Niki Tsongas. Where are I had the opportunity—gosh, when was you? Niki, are you here? She was in the other it—yesterday—to appear before the Senate room when I was here. I was really delighted and House Democrats, and I said that we she was here. should view ourselves from here until elec- And I want to thank Marty’s family for tion day as the ‘‘Weather Caucus,’’ because coming tonight at a difficult time, beginning if we make things clear, that is, if people un- with his wonderful mother. Mrs. Meehan, derstand with clarity the choice before them thank you for being here. Thank you. Bless and the consequences of the choice, we will you for coming tonight. win. If they make things cloudy, we’ll have Marty and Ellen and their beautiful baby a hard time winning. So they will be for and Marty’s mom and the whole Meehan cloudy; we’ll be for clear. What does that say 2536 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 about who you ought to vote for right there? like both these candidates, and maybe there [Laughter] is not much difference, and maybe we should So I just want to take a minute or two, give the other guy a chance or this, that, or because everybody here has friends who will the other thing, and after all—and things are never come to an event like this. Isn’t that going along fine. Who could mess this up? right? Every one of you has friends that will [Laughter] You know, you hear a lot of this never come to an event like this, but they talk, don’t you? Don’t you hear this talk— will show up on election day. You have people talking—and what I want to say to friends in other States where the election you is that we ought to be happy about this could go either way who will never come to election, because you have two people we an event like this, but they will show up on can posit: They’re good people; they love election day. their families; they love their country; and And I just wanted to tell you, we’ve now they will pretty well do what they say they’ll heard all the debates, and the candidates are do if they get elected. kind of going into the homestretch, and But make no mistake about it, there are sometimes it’s easy to lose the forest for the great differences in the candidates for Presi- trees. And you know, I care passionately dent and Vice President, for the Senate and about this election, not just because of my for the House, that will have profound con- more than passing interest in the Senate race sequences. And you’ve got to decide. And in New York. [Laughter] And I might add I’ll just tell you a few of them. another kind thing Ted did—he went to Buf- First of all, I’ve listened to all these de- falo with Hillary the other day and spoke to bates, so let me tell you what this election an Irish group, and he practically had her is not about. This election is certainly not with a brogue by the time he got through. about one of us being—one of our candidates It was fabulous. [Laughter] And not just be- being for big Government, the other one cause I’m so devoted to Al Gore and all that he’s done, and not just because Joe being for less Government. Lieberman has been a friend of mine for 30 Let me tell you what the facts are. Now, years; but because when the Vice President we had a hard time getting those facts into says, ‘‘We’ve come a long way in the last 8 these debates, because they’re so inconven- years, but you ain’t seen nothin’ yet,’’ I actu- ient for the other side. And I admire that ally believe that. about the Republicans: The evidence does And I’m not running for anything. That’s not faze them. [Laughter] They are not both- not just political rhetoric. I’ve worked as hard ered at all by the facts. And you’ve got to as I know how to turn this country around kind of give it to them. Ask Richie or Marty and pull this country together and move us or Ted. Don’t take my word for it. The evi- forward, to fight off the most bitter partisan dence doesn’t faze them. They just sort of attacks in modern American history and just show up and do it anyway. They know what keep on going. And it’s worked pretty well. they’re for. And I think you will all agree with that. But here are the facts. Under this Demo- But never—never in my lifetime have we cratic administration, Government spending had at the same time so much economic is the lowest percentage of national income prosperity, social progress, national self- it’s been since 1966. Tax burden on average, confidence, with the absence of domestic cri- middle-income Americans is the lowest it’s sis or foreign threat to our security. It has been in more than 20 years. Now, the size not happened in our lifetime. of the Government is the lowest it’s been Now, when you get a situation like that, since 1960, Dwight Eisenhower’s last year in you have an obligation as a free society to the White House, the year you elected John build for the future, to seize the big opportu- Kennedy President of the United States. nities, to deal with the big challenges, to That is the size of the Federal Government. make the most of them. And I’m telling you, Those are facts. So when you hear our Re- the only thing that ever bothers me is when publican friends talking about how we’re for I see, well, people think that they kind of big Government, ask them, where have they Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2537 been the last 8 years? And if you hear some- It’s not about change versus the status quo. body who acts like they believe it, fill them Al Gore is not the candidate of the status in on the facts. quo. If anybody running this year ran on the This election is also not about how our side following platform, ‘‘Vote for me, and I’ll do can’t get bipartisan action done in Wash- everything Bill Clinton did,’’ I would vote ington, so we need a Republican to rescue against that person. Why? Because the world us to give us bipartisan action. Let me just is changing dramatically. run through a little of the bipartisan action. So the issue is not whether we’re going Once we made it clear to them that we to change; it is how we’re going to change. weren’t going to let them shut the Govern- Are we going to keep the prosperity going ment down, abolish the Department of Edu- and build on the changes in the last 8 years cation, and have the biggest education and that are working, or are we going to reverse health care and environmental cuts in his- course? That is the question. And that’s the tory, and once you made it clear to them way you’ve got to frame it. It’s not whether, that you wouldn’t support them if they kept but how, we’re going to change. doing that—we got a bipartisan welfare re- Now, look, here’s the deal on this eco- form bill, a bipartisan balanced budget bill nomic business. Our tax cut, I admit, is only that had the Children’s Health Insurance a third the size of theirs—our candidate’s tax Program, the biggest expansion of children’s cut. But most people making under $100,000 health care since Medicaid in 1965. We got do better under ours than theirs. Now, why a telecommunications bill that’s created hun- is ours only a third the size of theirs? Because dreds of thousands of jobs in America. We we learned the hard way in the 12 years be- got an extension of our bill to put 100,000 fore we got here that if you give it all away police on the street; we’re now working on before it comes in, you may wind up with 150,000. We got a bill to put 100,000 teach- a lot of red ink on your hands, and you don’t ers in the schools; we’re already a third of want to do that again. the way home there—all in a bipartisan ma- So, we say, ‘‘Let’s have a tax cut we can jority. afford for college tuition deduction, for long- So if somebody says to you, ‘‘I’ve got to term care for the elderly and the disabled, vote for the other guys because they’re for child care, for retirement savings, for giv- against big Government, or they’re for bipar- ing people incentives to invest in poor areas tisan solutions,’’ you say, ‘‘Hello. Stop. in America. But let’s save a little money for Facts.’’ Do a fact check here. It tickles me. education and health care and the environ- The Republicans are seeking to be rewarded ment, and let’s keep paying this debt down, for the harsh partisan atmosphere they cre- because this is a case where fiscal conserv- ated. [Laughter] ‘‘We made a mess of this. atism is socially progressive.’’ The Democrats will work with us. Give us If you keep interest rates down, the aver- the White House, and we’ll behave.’’ That’s age family is already saving a couple thousand their argument. dollars on home mortgages because we’ve You should say, ‘‘I don’t think so. That’s kept interest rates lower by getting rid of this not necessary.’’ We get plenty of stuff done deficit. If their plan passes, because the tax on a bipartisan basis. Ted Kennedy works cut is so big—$11⁄2 trillion, and on top of every day. Marty Meehan’s got this campaign that, they’ve got a trillion dollar plan to par- finance reform bill with Chris Shays. Our tially privatize Social Security—you’re al- problems is not bipartisanship. Our problem ready in deficit once you do that, by the is that the Republican leadership in the way—then, they’re going to spend several United States Senate and in the campaign hundred billion dollars over and above that— for the White House are against campaign and I can tell you, their estimate of the sur- finance reform. One hundred percent of the plus is too big—we’re going back into deficit. Democrats and a lot of the Republicans are That means higher interest rates. for campaign finance reform. Isn’t that right? Our tax cut for everybody is lower interest So that’s what it’s not about. Here’s what rates. If you take Gore’s plan and you keep it is about. One other thing it’s not about. paying the debt down, interest rates will be 2538 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 a point lower for a decade. Do you know in our future, less economic growth. Ask peo- what that’s worth to you? Listen to this: For ple if they really want to take that chance. a decade, $390 billion in lower home mort- If you want to keep the prosperity going, gages, $30 billion in lower car payments, $15 you better stay with Gore and Lieberman billion in lower college loan payments, lower and Kennedy and Meehan and Neal and our credit card payments, lower business loan crowd, because that’s where we’re going. payments, means more jobs, more business This is a big deal. expansion, higher incomes, a better stock Now, I won’t go into as much detail on market. Our tax cuts for everybody, in addi- the rest of this, but the same thing on every tion to the specifics, is lower interest rates issue. On education, both sides say they’re and getting rid of the debt. for accountability. The difference is, we be- Now, I’ll tell you something else. The lieve if you’re going to hold schools account- third-biggest item in the Federal budget is able for the performance of their children, interest on the debt. Every last dollar you you ought to help them succeed with pay to the Federal Government, it begins preschool and after-school programs and with 12 cents going out for interest going out more qualified teachers in the early grades for the debt, because when they had the and modernized schools. White House, they quadrupled the debt in And they say, ‘‘We don’t need to do that. 12 years. We quadrupled the debt in 12 years Let’s just test the kids and see what happens over the previous 200-year history of this and take the money away if they don’t do country. And I’m getting rid of it—thanks well.’’ We think we ought to help empower to them and their voting for me—and we the schools to do well. We know how to turn want to keep getting rid of it. around failing schools now. There’s no excuse Now, so here’s another interesting thing. not to do it now. All we have to do is to If you have 8 years of a Gore/Lieberman ad- develop the system, invest in it, reward it. ministration, Government spending will be Big difference. They’re not for any of those an even smaller percentage of income than specific things I just said. it will be if you get the Republicans in. Why? On health care, we say we ought to have Oh, yes, we’ll spend more on education. a Patients’ Bill of Rights that’s real, and we We’ll spend more on health care. We’ll spend ought to have a Medicare prescription drug more on the environment. But we’re going program, because if we were creating Medi- to get rid of that 12 cents on the dollar you’re care today, we would never have it without paying on interest on the debt. They’re going drugs. to keep paying that, and you’re going to have In 1965, when Ted voted for Medicare, higher interest rates. medical care was about doctors and hospitals. Now, look, we tried it their way for 12 Today, anybody that lives to be 65 in America years, and they want to go try it that way has a life expectancy of 82. The young again. They want to say, ‘‘Look, the Demo- women in this audience that are still in their crats have got things in real good shape now, childbearing years, thanks to the human ge- so let’s go on a real tax-cutting binge and nome project, will soon be bringing home try it our way one more time and see if it from the hospital babies with a life expect- works better the second time around.’’ That’s ancy of 90 years. what this election is about. Now, that’s the good news. But it means Listen, this is a big deal. People have to you’re going to have to totally reimagine the understand this plainly. It’s not like we aging process. Within a few years, 80 won’t haven’t tried it. You’ve tried it our way for be all that old. We will think of it as, you 8 years, and you tried it their way for 12 years know, sort of late middle age. [Laughter] But before that. And that’s all this is. You cannot it also means we’ve got to keep people make a $11⁄2 trillion tax cut, several hundred healthy. We’ve got to keep people strong, billion dollars’ worth of spending and a $1 and pharmaceuticals are an important part trillion Social Security privatization plan fit of that. So we have the money now, if we into the money that’s there. We’re going back don’t squander it, to take care of the pharma- to deficits, high interest rates, less investment ceutical needs of our senior citizens, not only Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2539 to lengthen life but to improve the quality power, they can get drugs made in America of life, to keep people out of hospitals, to for Americans almost as cheap as Canadians minimize their institutional time in life. can buy drugs made in America. And they’re This is a big deal. And we are for a Medi- afraid it will cut them so low that they won’t care program that does that. Why? Because have the money to make new drugs and to Medicare is simply a financing mechanism advertise them. that has a low administrative cost and can Surely, the answer is not what they posit— serve everybody. They’re for serving about to leave half the seniors who need the medi- half the people that need it and telling every- cine behind. That’s not the American way. body else they’ve got to get private insurance. This is a big deal now. This is a huge deal, The insurance companies—you know, Ted a big difference between Gore/Lieberman, and I, we’ve had a lot of fights with the health Meehan, Neal, Kennedy, our crowd, and insurance companies. They ought to get a their crowd. gold star for this. They keep telling us, ‘‘You My view is, let’s solve the problems of can’t write a health insurance policy for this.’’ America’s seniors. We’ve got the money to The health insurance policy—this is another do it. And the drug companies have plenty case where the Republicans are not fazed by of money and good lobbyists, and they can the evidence. The insurance companies, come down to Washington, and we’ll figure which are usually with them on everything, out how to solve their problems. But we’ve have told them, ‘‘Hey guys, you can’t write got the cart before the horse if we say, ‘‘I’m an insurance policy that people can afford sorry, here’s half the seniors that need medi- that’s worth having.’’ cine. We can’t give it to them because the So why don’t they want to do it? What drug companies are afraid they won’t get in the wide world is wrong with giving all enough money for their advertising and de- the seniors access to the medicine they need? velopment costs.’’ Let’s take care of the sen- Did you ever meet a politician that didn’t iors, then take care of the drug companies. want more votes? Did you ever meet a busi- That’s our position. It’s the right position. It ness person that didn’t want more cus- is the moral position. It’s the right thing for tomers? Why do the drug companies not America. want more customers? Now, you can go through every other See, you never hear this in the debate be- issue—crime, the environment, every single cause they don’t have time to go into it, but other issue—and there are significant dif- you need to know this. This is a huge deal, ferences. But you ought to be able to tell the difference in the Democratic and the Re- people now what the economic differences publican prescription drug plan. The drug are, what the health care differences are, companies spend a lot of money developing what the education differences are. You the drugs and advertising them. And every ought to be able to tell them. It will affect country but the United States where they sell you, your children, your grandchildren, and the drugs has price controls. So they’ve got the future of this country. to get 100 percent of the cost of developing I can also tell you, having worked with him the drugs and advertising them from you for 8 years and having had some experience when you buy them. And then it’s real cheap now with the Presidency, it is fundamentally just to make another pill, so then they can a deciding job. Oh, there’s a lot of work. sell them in Canada or Europe or wherever Harry Truman said—I felt like this in the and make a lot of money. Middle East the last couple of days—Harry Now, I am not demonizing the drug com- Truman said that his job largely consisted of panies. I would still rather have them in trying to talk people into doing things they America. Wouldn’t you? I mean, they’re should do without him having to ask them great. They uncover all these medical mir- in the first place. [Laughter] And to some acles, and they provide tens of thousands of extent, that’s right. wonderful jobs. And they’ve got a problem, But the President also has to decide: Who because they think if Medicare is buying for are you going to put on the Supreme Court? all the seniors, they’ll have so much market Who are you going to make Secretary of 2540 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

State? Who are you going to make Secretary side of those issues, and they’re on the other. of Defense? Who will be Secretary of Edu- And I think that we’re on the side of one cation? Who will be Secretary of Health and America. And in a world that’s getting small- Human Services? What will you send to the er and smaller, I think we’re on the right Congress? How will you deal with the first side. major foreign crisis you have? What is the So I want to say to you, I’m very—I’m so future of arms control? How will we deal grateful for what you’ve done for me, for my with terrorism and biological and chemical family and my administration. Nobody’s been warfare? This is a deciding job. And that’s better to us than the people of Massachu- the last point I want to make. setts. I am grateful. I am grateful for the Al Gore makes good decisions. He is chance I’ve had to serve. I am profoundly smart. He knows what he’s doing. He’s grateful that there are wonderful people like tough. He has good values. He makes good Marty Meehan who are willing to present decisions. So I’m just asking you to take a themselves for public office and serve and little time every day between now and the do what they do. I’m grateful for that. election. This thing is tight, and it is tight But in America, our public life is always partly because things are going well, and it’s about tomorrow. And the tomorrow that easy to blur the distinctions. counts now is election day, November 7th. I’ll close with the thing that’s most impor- Now, you just remember: Clarity is our tant to me. If somebody said to me that my friend, if the American people clearly under- time on Earth was over and I got to leave stand what are the differences in economic America with one wish, what would my one policy, in education policy, in health care pol- wish for America be? Believe it or not, it icy, in the environment, in crime, and in one wouldn’t be for continued prosperity. After America. what I’ve been through with the Middle East How will it affect me, my family, my com- and Northern Ireland and the Balkans, grow- munity, my children, my grandchildren? ing up in the South that was segregated, as How can I build the future of my dreams I did, what I would wish for America is that for our kids? If they really are clear on that, we could be one country, united across all we’re going to have an enormous celebration the various differences in this country. on election night. But a lot of this work now This is such an interesting place to live will be done by word of mouth, one by one. now. America is getting more interesting So you just remember that every day be- every day as we grow more racially and reli- tween now and the election. Most of the peo- giously diverse. But it’s really important. The ple you know who will show up and vote will only way it’s interesting is if we think we re- never, ever, ever come to an event like this. spect our differences, but we think our com- So you tell them a little bit about what you mon humanity is even more important. heard tonight. And there are all kinds of issues that come Thank you, and God bless you. up all the time where these values are at stake. I think campaign finance reform is one of them. Why? Because it basically will NOTE: The President spoke at 8 p.m. in the Grand equalize the power of people’s votes. I think Ballroom at a DoubleTree Riverfront Hotel. In stronger enforcement of equal pay laws for his remarks, he referred to Niki Tsongas, widow women is one of them, because it gives of late Senator Paul Tsongas; Senator Ted Ken- nedy’s wife, Vicki; and Representative Meehan’s equality to the dignity of work. mother, Alice, his wife, Ellen T. Murphy, and I think the hate crimes legislation is impor- their son, Robert. Representative Meehan is a tant for obvious reasons. And you know, the candidate for reelection in Massachusetts’ Fifth truth is—you kind of got a little of that in Congressional District. This item was not received the last debate—the truth is, we’re on one in time for publication in the appropriate issue. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2541

Remarks at a Democratic Senate tantly, is about the long-term direction of the Campaign Committee Dinner in country. Boston, Massachusetts I’ve always felt that Al Gore would win this election, and I still do. I have never October 20, 2000 wavered in that. When he was 18 points be- hind a year ago, I kept telling everybody, just When we were in Lowell—first of all, I relax, go on. And I went around here—Alan told Tom Daschle, I said, ‘‘Don’t you think will verify that—he had all these events, and it’s amazing Ted Kennedy knows every town we were waving the flag, and I believe that I have been to in Massachusetts—[laugh- for two simple reasons. ter]—since I ran for President in 1992?’’ And at Lowell, he went through every single One is, the issue before the American peo- place, every single stop I had made in 8 years. ple is not whether the country will change, I didn’t remember all the places. [Laughter] so it’s not change versus the status quo. The I asked Tom Daschle, I said, ‘‘Do you re- country is changing. America is changing. member every town in South Dakota I’ve The world’s changing. The issue is, what kind been to?’’ He said, ‘‘Yes, Sioux Falls.’’ of change and whether we should keep [Laughter] And I make a lot of fun of Senator changing in the right direction or go back Kennedy, and he makes a lot of fun of me, and try what we tried for 12 years before. and our families have become close. We’ve It didn’t work out very well for us. It may had some wonderful times together. But he’s be packaged a little differently, but it’s basi- going to get his revenge in the end. And as cally the same deal. And I think people will I tell everybody, you know, I was in junior get that in the end. I think the undecided high school when Ted Kennedy went to the voters will come to terms with that and de- Senate. [Laughter] But when I leave the cide they want to keep the prosperity going, White House, he will still be there. Thank they want to—and they want to keep doing God for that, I must say. [Laughter] what works. I love all these folks that were here tonight. The second reason is, I think that they will Senator Reed I see is still back there. And decide that we have a more unifying vision Senator Daschle has been a magnificent of our country, our relationship to the world, leader. I talked to Senator Kerry. I know that and our future, and they will want to em- he had a gathering to talk about technology brace it. And that will happen. That’s what to the Democratic Party tonight, and I saw I think is going to happen. the Senators who were here earlier. But one But in order for that to happen, we have of the things I’m going to miss most about to clarify the differences. And in order for being President is the time I’ve had to work that not to happen, they have to blur the dif- with them and the friendships I’ve made with ferences. And that really explains more than them. One of the things I look forward to any other kind of psychobabble I’ve read the most, if the good people of New York send different strategies of the two candidates in Hillary to the Senate, is, I also get to hang the debates. around with them. [Laughter] I will still be You know, I read all that stuff. Most of the object of their occasional abuse, but I’ll it’s just—everybody’s got to say something. be able to leave it when I want to. [Laughter] [Laughter] But the truth is that—and it’s You know, it’s really not fair for Ted to harder for us than it is for them. It’s a lot talk about Tom Daschle that way on the 22d easier—it’s easier to muddy things up than amendment, because I can promise you that it is to clarify them. the guys that lead the Senate in the other But you watch this thing unfold now the party will be very glad to see me go. [Laugh- last 3 weeks, and you remember what I told ter] you. Clarity is our friend. Cloudiness is their But we’ve had a great time together. And friend, right? So we had—just go through the I know everybody else has talked. I just want last debate. We wanted clarity on a Patients’ to make a couple of very brief points. One Bill of Rights, and they didn’t, because if is about politics, but the other, more impor- there’s clarity, we win. We want clarity on 2542 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 the difference on the Medicare drug pro- Harvard. I hate to say anything so pedes- gram, and they don’t, because if there’s clar- trian—[laughter]—and mundane, but that’s ity, we win. basically what it was. It was arithmetic, you And so I think that that’s something you know. should all keep in mind. And to whatever I just—I thought 2 and 2 still made 4 even extent any of you can influence anybody any- in the digital age. Now, I’m not kidding. I where in any State that’s still up for grabs am not kidding. I believed that fiscal conserv- one way or the other, that’s really worth atism would make social progressive’s doing. progress possible. That’s what I believed. It And I know that this has already been said, turned out to be right. I thought if we got but I just want to give just you two examples, rid of the deficit and got interest rates down, if I might. This economic issue is very seri- the economy would boom; we would have ous. People ask me all the time. I was with the money to give modest tax cuts and invest a bunch of people last night who identified in education and technology and the environ- themselves as friends of Bob Rubin, and they ment and health care and get rid of the def- were telling me how great Bob Rubin was. icit and eventually start paying the debt We were up in Connecticut, had a deal for down. Hillary. It reminded me that people come Now, if I had come here 8 years ago and up to me from time to time and they say, said, ‘‘Vote for me. By the time I leave office, ‘‘What did you guys do, really, in the econ- we’ll be paying down the national debt,’’ you omy?’’ would have not voted for me. You would have By the way, I thought Al Gore’s best line said, ‘‘He’s a very nice young man, but he’s in the first debate was, the economic line delusional, and we can’t afford to have a de- when—George Bush actually had a good lusional person as President, so’’—[laugh- line. He said, you know, ‘‘I think Clinton/ ter]—‘‘we’ll send him home.’’ Isn’t that right? Gore got more out of the economy than the Nobody would have believed me if I had economy got out of Clinton/Gore.’’ That’s come here in 1992 and said, ‘‘Vote for me, pretty cute, isn’t it? I mean, I thought that and by the time I leave office, we’ll be paying was pretty good. [Laughter] Because he said down the national debt. Vote for me, and the American people did that. Now, this is by the time I leave office, the Democratic from—their crowd took credit when the Sun Party, Ted Kennedy, will be the fiscal con- came up in the morning when they were in. servative, and all the so-called conservatives Do you remember that? ‘‘It’s morning in in the Republican Party will be the radicals.’’ America. Reelect us.’’ I mean, they did. They Now, that’s what you’ve got here. And you took credit for the Sun coming up in the know—so, you need to tell people this be- morning. It was unbelievable. [Laughter] tween now and November 7th. This is about And then they—but everything else, once arithmetic all over again. Yes, our tax cut is they got out, it all was an accident. [Laugh- just a third of the size of theirs, and most ter] of you would get a lot more out of theirs So he said that. He said it was really the than ours. hard work of the American people and we But here’s the problem. If you do ours, just sort of were along for the ride, and Al then you can invest the money into education Gore said, ‘‘You know, the American people and health care and still pay the country out do deserve most of the credit for this, but of debt by 2012, which means that in a global they were working real hard in 1992, also.’’ economy where money is highly fungible and But I thought it was—see, that’s clarity. something like a trillion dollars crosses na- That’s good. tional borders every day, you can keep inter- But—so people ask me all the time, ‘‘Well, est rates down and grow the economy. what did you and Rubin and Lloyd Bentsen It also means you can get rid of the third- and all, what did you do? What new great biggest item in the Federal budget, by the idea did you bring to Washington?’’ And I way, which nobody ever talks about. Interest always say, ‘‘Arithmetic.’’ [Laughter] You on the debt is the third-biggest item in the know, I mean, here I am in the shadow of Federal budget, 12 cents of every dollar you Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 20 2543 pay. It was about 14 cents when I took office, That’s what I believe. A lot of people don’t headed to 15 or 16. And we’re paying the believe that, but I do. I think it’s been good debt down. for us. But, now, this is arithmetic. So if—you I think we—so we have to define what our know, there is a big debate about whether responsibilities to one another are. Ted the projected surplus is $1.8 trillion and $2.2 Kennedy and I earlier were with Marty trillion, and it sounds like a lot of money, Meehan—Congressman Meehan in Lowell. and who can keep up with all of that? But We have different ideas about the kinds of it’s still just simple arithmetic. Their tax cut’s things we ought to do to bind each other about $1.5 trillion, conservatively. Their So- together, and I’ll just give you three or four. cial Security privatization program is a trillion But every one of them, there is a big dif- dollars. They admitted that. Their nominee ference between our Presidential nominee admitted that in the first debate. Their and our party. spending programs are already over $300 bil- Campaign finance reform, I think, is a lion, and they’re lower than we are on de- good example. You know, one reason we’ll fense and haven’t said what Star Wars would never get campaign finance reform is—no of- cost yet. Now, you’re back in deficit. This fense to the people that are covering this, is arithmetic. And it means higher interest but they have to say, ‘‘A plague on both your rates, and it means you don’t free up money houses,’’ because otherwise, they won’t feel to invest, and it means the economy will be that they’re doing the right thing. They’ve weaker. Everybody will get a tax cut. got to tell everybody none of the politicians In addition to the tax cut that the Vice are any good. President proposes, if interest rates are But the truth is, 100 percent of the Demo- lower, and we reckon interest rates—the crats in the Congress will vote for the Shays- Council of Economic Advisers says interest Meehan-McCain-Feingold bill—every one rates will be about a point lower a year for of them. We’ve got them all. And we’ve got a decade under the Gore plan. Do you know a majority in both Houses. And the reason what that is? That’s $390 billion in lower we can’t get it there is because the leadership home mortgages, $30 billion in lower car pay- of the other party in the Congress and in ments, $15 billion in lower student loan pay- the race for the President are against it. Now, ments. It’s also lower credit card payments, that is the truth. lower business loan payments, so that means Now, why are we for it? I enjoy coming every one of you in this room would benefit to these dinners. If I were running, I would from it but so would all the people who still be glad to have dinner, even if we could served you tonight. It would be a big, huge, relieve you of the burden of financing the across-the-board tax cut that would keep the Democratic Party, because I’d learn some- American economy strong. It is arithmetic. thing. But it’s part of the idea of one Amer- And every single American ought to under- ica. It equalizes the power of people’s votes. stand if they want to keep this prosperity And that’s important, so we’re for it, and going in a global economy, we need to stay they’re not. It’s different. in harness with what works. We shouldn’t be Hate crimes legislation. You got that in the for no change, but we should be changing last debate, but they didn’t go all the way. in the direction of what works. I wish that the moderator had actually The second point I want to make is, we fleshed out what the real issue was in the have a different view of how we should relate hate crimes bill. You just kind of saw them to each other and the rest of the world. I dancing around it. Look, when you strip it think America is becoming a more and more all away, here’s the deal: We’re for hate interesting place as we become more racially crimes legislation that includes protection and ethnically and religiously diverse. I think against gays. Matthew Shepard got stretched that—I think it’s been a good thing for us on a rack and killed in Wyoming, and if that America is kind of coming to terms with there’s a Federal hate crimes bill, it means the whole gay rights movement, and it’s not the Federal Government can come in and something people have to hide anymore. help a severely financially strapped local law 2544 Oct. 20 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 enforcement jurisdiction to investigate and the majority in the U.S. Senate, and that’s prosecute the crime. In other words, there why we’ve had some success in the last 8 is a serious, substantive law enforcement rea- years. That’s why we’ve had some success. son. So I will just say to you what I say to every- So to answer that—James Byrd’s killers are body. This race is tight as Dick’s hatband, going to get executed, or something—it to- as we used to say at home. [Laughter] And tally blows by the two big issues. Number it’s going to be, because they have more one, the Republicans aren’t for it because it money than we do, and it’s easier to confuse protects gays as well as racial and religious than to clarify. minorities and people with disabilities, and That’s really what’s going on here. I mean, number two, they don’t recognize the legiti- you can get all these other explanations. I’m mate Federal law enforcement issue here. So just telling you, I’ve been doing this a long we’re for this hate crimes bill, and they’re time, and I’m not running for anything. not. That’s a big deal. I think it’s part of one [Laughter] This thing is tight because they’ve America. got more money than we do, and it’s easier We’re for strengthening the equal pay laws to confuse than it is to clarify. So anything to protect the women who do equal work you can do, particularly with people who live and ought to get equal pay, and they’re not. in States like New Hampshire to the north, It’s a huge deal, not just to women but to where we could win—and if we win, I think men who live with women who don’t get paid it would be the first time ever that a Demo- enough, and therefore, their family incomes crat carried it three times in a row, I believe. are lower. It’s a big deal. I don’t think Roosevelt carried it three times Now, those are just three issues, but they in a row. But if you know anybody in any have a lot to say about who we are—the of these States—and one of you and I were ‘‘Employment Non-Discrimination Act.’’ I talking about Louisiana tonight, a State I still could give you lots of other examples. believe we can win. But my idea here has always been that we But in order to do it, we have to energize should be for two things: opportunity for and clarify. People have got to understand every responsible citizen and a community this is a huge deal, and that’s the other point of all Americans who are willing to play by I should have made. In addition to this kind the rules. If you have that, if you can create of favoring confusion, they’re also dramati- a structure of opportunity for every respon- cally advantaged if most people feel sort of sible citizen and a community of all Ameri- comfortable and think this doesn’t matter cans who play by the rules, you always fix very much, because I can tell you, their right- the rest of it. wing is highly energized. They’re looking for- If we can build one America and the con- ward to getting off course and reversing our ditions and tools are there for people to do crime policy and reversing a lot of our other pretty well, the American people will figure policies. out what to do with all these other problems. One of the specific commitments they’ve I mean, we could have a lot of esoteric argu- made is to reverse my order setting aside 43 ments about the implication of the human million acres of roadless land in the national genome project or how we’re going to pro- forests. That’s a specific commitment they’ve tect the privacy of medical and financial made. They’re going to reverse that. The Au- records on the Internet. And I’ve got a lot dubon Society says it’s the most significant of feelings about all that. conservation move in 40 years. So they’re But I’m just telling you, the two big things really energized, because they know where we need are a system of opportunity for re- the goodies are, and they know what the pay- sponsible people and a country where every- off will be. body counts, and we all do better when we So you can’t let people think that this is help each other. That’s what I believe. And not a significant election. And if you can just when you strip it all away, that’s why you clarify the economic choice and the choices ought to be for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman, we make in order to be one nation, including and that’s why these people ought to be in those environmental things I mentioned, I Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 21 2545 think it would make a great deal of dif- Remarks at a Reception for Hillary ference. And you should not minimize your Clinton in Indianapolis, Indiana ability to have an impact on this election. October 21, 2000 Every one of you would talk to 200 people that never would come to an event like this, Thank you very much. Well, when Bren on their bet between now and the election— was up here talking, I thought to myself, that you may talk to 300 people. And clarity is pretty well covers it, why should I speak? our friend. If people understand the choices [Laughter] Thank you for your incredible and the consequences, we win. If the deci- generosity and support and friendship to me sion is uncertain, then it’s more difficult for and to Hillary. And thank you, Mel. I want us. to thank Cindy and Paul for hosting this in If you want to keep the prosperity going their beautiful home in this beautiful yard. and you want to keep us coming together And I think I should say that today is Mel’s 74th birthday, and we ought to be among instead of being divided, you’ve got to be for the first to wish him a happy birthday. Gore/Lieberman and our crowd of Senators You know, we’re going to have to redefine here. And believe me, that’s why I think our definition of aging, by the way. Any- we’ve had some success the last 8 years. And body—today, Americans who live to be 65, I really think it’s a mistake to reverse the on average, have a life expectancy of 82. economic policy, the education policy, the Americans who live to be 74 have a life ex- health care policy, the environmental policy, pectancy of over 85. And the fastest growing the crime policy of this country. group of people by percentage in the whole It’s not like we don’t have a test run here. country are Americans over 80. Pretty soon, We’ve tried it our way; we’ve tried it their because of the human genome project, young way. Things were better our way. They’re just women will come home with babies from the never deterred by evidence. I admire that hospital that will be born with a life expect- about them. [Laughter] They’re driven by ancy of 90 years, which means that in the ideology and the money, and they know what context of the 21st century, Mel is just enter- they believe, and the evidence is irrelevant. ing middle age. [Laughter] And we wish you But it’s not irrelevant to the voters that will a long and happy life. [Laughter] determine the outcome of this election. I want to thank my friend and supporter But you can help. In addition to your con- and Representative Julia Carson. I’m glad to tributions, in addition to your presence here be able to come back here and also do some events for her this morning. She is unbeliev- tonight, you ought to take it on yourself to able in Congress. Everybody up there loves turn some votes between now and November her. And she’s—I told somebody that she in the States that will make a difference. I’m may be an African-American woman, but she telling you, you can do it. And just remem- has the political skills of an Arkansas Ozark ber: Clarity is always harder than confusion, sheriff when she’s working the Congress. and therefore, we carry the burden. But [Laughter] She sort of sidles into a room. we’ve also got, by far, the better side of the When she leaves she’s got what she wants argument. So when you get away the clouds, and nobody knows what they gave away until we win. it’s too late. [Laughter] It’s great. Thank you, Thank you very much. Julia Carson, for doing a great job. And I want to thank Bart Peterson. I was NOTE: The President spoke at 10:45 p.m. at a pri- so thrilled when he got elected, and I’m glad vate residence. In his remarks, he referred to he and Amy are here today. And I want to former Treasury Secretaries Robert E. Rubin and say a personal word of appreciation to Frank Lloyd Bentsen; and Republican Presidential can- and Judy O’Bannon. I have enjoyed my didate Gov. George W. Bush. This item was not friendship with them. They have visited with received in time for publication in the appropriate Hillary and me at the White House. I want issue. you to make sure that this election goes very 2546 Oct. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 well for the Governor, because he has done to families, communities, and the future, we very well by Indiana. You can be really proud win. If people are uncertain about the dif- of him. And I’m delighted to be here with ferences and the significance, then we’re in him today. trouble. And finally, I want to thank Joe Andrew, I met with my Democratic colleagues in who has been a great chair of the DNC. Joe, the Senate and the House at the early part I have to tell you, when I woke up this morn- of this week, and I said, ‘‘You know, you ing and I looked outside on this beautiful ought to look at yourselves as sort of a weath- piece of land and the trees are all turning er patrol: Clear, we win; cloudy, they do well. and I realized how close we are to a golf We’ve got to try to make the skies clear for course—[laughter]—I questioned your judg- people. They have to understand the ment in leaving Indiana and moving to Wash- choices.’’ ington to deal with the sharks to be head And I would just say just two or three of the DNC. But I’m real glad you did. things this morning. Number one, Bren You’ve done a great job, and I thank you and talked about the condition of the economy. the Indiana people should be very proud of And people ask me all the time, ‘‘Why is the Joe Andrew. Thank you. economy doing so well, and what did you Now, I will be brief. I enjoyed visiting with do when you got in? What new idea did you all of you inside. I just wanted to say a couple bring to Washington?’’ And the truth is we of things. This election is very important— did have some new ideas about how to make the election—Hillary’s election for the Sen- the most of technology and speed up the re- ate, in which you have helped immensely training of the American work force. We had today, because she’s doing well up there, I some new ideas, but the main thing we think she’s going to win, but I don’t want brought to Washington was an old idea, arith- her to be outspent three to one in the last metic. 21⁄2 weeks. And obviously, the people who opposed us all along are trying to give it one People ask me all the time, ‘‘What’s your last shot before they give up and Hillary wins new idea?’’ ‘‘Arithmetic.’’ Washington didn’t the Senate and I’m not in the White House. practice arithmetic. They quadrupled the So we’ve had a pretty brisk fundraising oppo- debt of America in the 12 years before I took sition to deal with, too. So I’m very, very office, because they pretended that you could grateful to you for that. take 2 and 2, make it add up to 6. And it But I also wanted to say that I think that never has, and it never will. as we come into the homestretch of this elec- Now, in some ways, this may be the most tion, the only thing that concerns me about significant difference to all of you in this race. it is the repeated number of articles I keep It’s a difference in the race for the Senate reading which say that the undecided voters in New York. It is certainly a difference in and the people who might decide not to vote the race for the Presidency and the Vice are not quite sure whether this election Presidency. If you look at the leadership of makes a difference and what the differences Frank O’Bannon here and Evan Bayh before between the candidates are for the various him, one of the reasons I think the Demo- races they’re considering. cratic Party came back in Indiana is that they And all I can tell you is that I think the proved that you could be fiscally responsible, election makes a huge difference, and I can live within your means, run a good govern- hardly remember a time when the dif- ment, grow the economy, and also invest in ferences between the candidates on the education and in helping people. That’s basi- issues that will affect our families, our com- cally what we do; that’s what we Democrats munities, and our children’s futures were any do. more sharp. It is absolutely clear to me that And when I became President, the deficit if the American people—the people in Indi- was $295 billion. Do you know what it was ana, just starting in your Governor’s race supposed to be this year—$455 billion. In- here—if you understand the differences be- stead we’ve got a $230 billion surplus. When tween the candidates and the consequences I leave office, we will have paid down over Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 21 2547

$300 billion of the national debt. When I be- So we have a tax cut, all right. It’s con- came President, we were spending over 13 centrated on helping people get tax relief to cents of every dollar you pay in taxes just pay for college education, long-term care, paying interest on the debt. When I leave, child care, retirement savings, and to give we’ll be down at or below 12 cents. We were people incentives to invest in the poor areas going to be at 15 cents. And if you vote for that aren’t part of our prosperity yet. It isn’t Vice President Gore, we pay the debt off; as big as theirs. We freely admit it. But the you get rid of the third biggest item in the reason is we want to get rid of the debt. We Federal budget. think it’s important. And we think low inter- And that’s why we can pay for more health est rates and a strong economy is the best care, more education, a more modest tax cut, tax cut we can give all Americans. and still get rid of that debt. Arithmetic. Now, that is a clear choice. People need Now, the biggest difference here—and it to understand that. And it is a huge deal. affects every one of you, from the wealthiest I’ve worked as hard as I know how to turn person here to the people who have served this country around, pull this country to- this wonderful meal this morning—the big- gether, and move this Nation forward. And gest difference is their tax plan is 3 times that is the single most important difference. bigger than ours. Actually, people who make Don’t let anybody tell you there is no signifi- under $100,000 a year almost all do better cant difference between these two economic under ours. But theirs is 3 times bigger. So plans. what difference does that make? If you And I know here in Indiana, where there spend—if you have—these numbers boggle are a lot of conservative people, they say, the imagination, but if you think you’re going ‘‘Well, but Gore wants to spend more money to have about $2 trillion to spend, if you than Bush.’’ He does. But if you get rid of spend $1.5 trillion on a tax cut and then you interest on the debt, you get rid of the third promise people you’re going to give young biggest item in the budget, and you quit pay- people some of their Social Security payroll ing interest payments on the debt. You can tax back to put in the stock market, but you’re spend more money on education and health going to protect old people who are already care and the environment and scientific re- drawing their Social Security and they won’t search and still have a tax cut because you’re lose anything, that costs another trillion dol- not—you get rid of the third biggest item lars. And then you promise people several in the Federal budget. hundred billion dollars worth of spending, This is real important. People have got to you know if you just take out all the zeroes understand this. All the work we have done you can add it up. If you’ve got two to spend in the last 8 years can be reversed if you and you spend three—that’s the Republican go back to big deficits. And I think if people proposal—you’re back in deficit. And that understood that, Al Gore and Joe Lieberman means higher interest rates and lower would win. Don’t you? So you need to talk growth. to people about it. It’s a big deal. It’s one The Democratic plan will keep interest of the biggest issues in the New York Senate rates about a percent lower over a decade, race and all over the country, because we every year. And let me just tell you what that have proven that fiscal conservatism and so- means. You hear people talking about tax cial progress go hand in hand. cuts these last 2 weeks—one percent lower So we’ve cut the welfare rolls in half, partly interest rates every year for a decade saves because we have good welfare reform but the American people $390 billion in home partly because we have a strong economy. mortgage payments, $30 billion in car pay- And we have the number of people without ments, $15 billion in college loan payments. health insurance going down, for the first That doesn’t even count how much lower time in a dozen years, partly because we have your credit cards will be or the fact that you a program that helps insure children that the will have lower cost business loans, which will State runs and we send them the money to mean more expansion, a stronger economy, do it but partly because we have a strong and a better stock market. economy. We have a lower dropout rate in 2548 Oct. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 high school and a higher college-going rate So I just give you these examples. If you than ever before in history, and test scores could see what I have seen around the world are going up, and there’s a movement of in the last 8 years, you would know how im- more and more kids to take advance place- portant it is for us to learn to live together, ment courses—a huge increase in it—partly across the lines that divide us. When I flew because the education reforms are going in to Egypt earlier this week to try to help put the right direction but partly because we an end to the violence in the Middle East, have a strong economy, which rewards higher all the way over there I was just aching for levels of skill. these people, whom I know. And I was think- So I just would say to all of you, I think ing about the former Prime Minister of this is profoundly important. And if you don’t Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, who was killed because explain anything else to any of your neighbors he was working for peace. And I thought how and friends before they vote, tell them this all these people have worked together for 7 is still about arithmetic. And the numbers years, and it can just be thrown away in a have got to add up. Our numbers will, and day or two because things happen that raise theirs won’t. all their old demons again. The second thing I want to say is I believe, Four or 5 years ago, we had this horrible in addition to economic policy, the central ethnic slaughter in Rwanda, in Africa, where thing that we have done these last 8 years the two tribal groups who had literally shared that has helped move our country forward the same land that is Rwanda for 500 years, is to have an inclusive philosophy that every- and on and off they’d had trouble, but they’d body ought to be part of America’s commu- always managed it. And it wasn’t like a lot nity, that everybody counts, everybody ought of African countries where 100 years ago the to have a chance, we all do better when we lines of the nations were redrawn artificially help each other, and we can’t afford to let and all these people that weren’t used to liv- anyone be either left behind or abused and ing together were thrown together. These be the kind of country we want. people had been living together on the same America is growing more diverse. It’s get- land for 500 years. And within 100 days, over ting more interesting, but as you see all 700,000 people were killed—without weap- around the world today, most of the troubles ons. Basically, they did it all with machetes. in the world come from people who can’t Why? Because something set off this spark get along with other folks who are different of fear and loathing among people who were from them, because they think their dif- different. ferences are more important than their com- So that’s the last point I want to make mon humanity. So I have worked very hard today. I know this is all kind of heavy for on things I thought would even the scales Saturday morning, but you need to think in America and bring us together. And in about it. If I were told—if God came down each of these instances, our party is in one tonight and said to me, ‘‘You have to go. Your place, and their party is in another. And I’ll time is up, but I’ll give you one wish for just give you a couple of examples. America,’’ believe it or not, I would not wish We’re for raising the minimum wage, and to continue our economic prosperity if I only they’re not. We’re for strengthening laws had one wish. If I had one wish, I would guaranteeing equal pay for women for equal wish for us to all get along together as one work, and they’re not. We’re for a hate America, to be one community, to see our crimes bill that protects people against hate differences as interesting and fascinating, but crimes and allows the Federal Government not nearly as important as our common hu- to come in and help local law enforcement manity, because the American people are when there have been crimes of hate against smart and they’re innovative, and the fact people, like we saw in the case of James Byrd that we’re growing more diverse is a gold or Matthew Shepard or these other highly mine of potential for us in a global society. publicized cases around the country. And it’s But all over the world I see it over and over a big problem, and you see it in your part and over again—whether it’s in Northern of the country. Ireland, in the Middle East, or the Balkans Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 21 2549 or Africa, you name it, most of the world’s Fall is also budget season in Washington, troubles stem from the fact that people are time for Congress to put everything else determined to see their differences as more aside, step up to the plate, and complete its important than their common humanity. And work on behalf of our students and all Ameri- then they slip from that into distrust and ha- cans. Instead, we’re 3 weeks into the new tred and dehumanization and violence. And fiscal year and still running the Government it’s a little, easy slope to fall down. on a week-by-week basis and still fighting to And one of the things that I think is impor- get a budget that reflects the priorities of our tant about being a Democrat in the 21st cen- people. Today I want to talk about what’s tury is that we do believe everybody counts. at stake, starting with education, because in We think the people who are serving us here the last days of this Congress, our first pri- ought to have the same chance to send our ority should be the future of our children. kids to college as we do—their kids to college Al Gore and I came to Washington almost as we do. We think everybody should have 8 years ago now with a strategy of fiscal dis- a chance. We think the role of Government cipline, targeted tax cuts, and investment in is to give people the tools to make the most our people. Our determination to live within of their own lives. And we really believe that our means has brought our country out of we all do better when we help each other. an age of deficits into an era of surpluses. We can only secure the independence of We’re actually paying down the national people which our Constitution guarantees if debt, and Government spending is the small- we recognize that we live in a world where est percentage of national income it’s been we are increasingly interdependent, and life since 1966. And our education strategy— is going to be more interesting but only if higher standards, accountability, greater in- we can see our common humanity as more vestment—is being embraced all across important than all those interesting dif- America, and it’s working. ferences. So you just go out and tell people that. The dropout rate is down; test scores and Tell people our program adds up, and theirs graduation rates are up. The percentage of doesn’t, and ours will pull people together, kids going on to college is at an all-time high, and theirs won’t. Those are two good reasons thanks in part to the largest expansion of col- to stick with our side and to show up on elec- lege aid since the GI bill. tion day. This past February I submitted a balanced Thank you very much. budget that would sustain America’s pros- perity by maintaining our fiscal discipline and NOTE: The President spoke at 9 a.m. at a private investing in our future. The budget strength- residence. In his remarks, he referred to reception ens Social Security and Medicare, adds a hosts Cindy Simon Skjodt and Paul Skjodt and Medicare prescription drug benefit, keeps us Mrs. Skjodt’s parents, cohosts Bren and Melvin on track to pay down the debt by 2012, and Simon; Mayor Bart Peterson of Indianapolis; Gov. invests in education, technology, the environ- Frank O’Bannon of Indiana and his wife, Judy; ment, and health care. and Joseph J. Andrew, national chair, Democratic Unfortunately, while we’ve been working National Committee. to save money for our Nation’s future, the Republican majority in Congress has been fo- The President’s Radio Address cusing on ways to spend it, loading up the October 21, 2000 spending bills with record amounts of pork- barrel spending. So again this week I’m ask- Good morning. By any standard, this fall ing Congress to bring its priorities back into is something special. Today New York hosts line with the Nation’s, and there’s no better the first game of the first ‘‘subway series’’ place to start than education. since 1956. We’re about to hold the first We can’t lift our children up in schools Presidential election of the 21st century. And that are simply falling down. Congress should this school year features the biggest class of approve my plan to help communities build students in our Nation’s history. new schools and repair old ones. Every day 2550 Oct. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 they fail to act is another day too many chil- that if they fail to meet yet another deadline, dren attend class in drafty trailers, crowded we’re going to have to take the continuing classrooms, and crumbling buildings. There’s resolutions one day at a time until we get a bipartisan majority ready to pass tax credits the job done. So I urge them: Come back for school construction. It’s time for the Re- next week, and let’s finish work on the budg- publican leadership to stop blocking it, et, so the benefits can start flowing to stu- schedule a vote, and let it happen. dents and families who need them most. We’ve also made a bipartisan commitment Thanks for listening. to hire 100,000 new teachers to reduce class sizes in the early grades and proposed an ini- NOTE: The address was recorded at 9:25 p.m. on tiative to improve teacher quality. We’ve October 20 at a private residence in Lowell, MA, for broadcast at 10:06 a.m. on October 21. The hired about 30,000 of those teachers. But transcript was made available by the Office of the now, the Republican leadership is trying to Press Secretary on October 20 but was embargoed back out of our commitment. Instead, we for release until the broadcast. should follow through. I’ve also proposed doubling our funding for after-school pro- grams to cover 1.6 million children. Remarks at a Rally for We know after-school programs result in Representative Julia higher test scores, lower juvenile crime rates, Carson in Indianapolis and fewer drug problems. We ought to do October 21, 2000 it. And we’re still waiting for Congress to show that it supports holding our schools ac- The President. Wow! I’ll tell you why I countable by providing the resources to turn came here: Because Julia Carson asked me, around failing schools or shut them down and and I always do whatever she asks me to do— reopen them under new management. [laughter]—because I learned very early I Congress also needs to finish the rest of could do it right away or I could just wait its work, passing a real Patients’ Bill of and let her grind on me until I finally broke Rights, strong hate crimes legislation, and a down and said yes. So I just say yes right raise in the minimum wage. Now, in all these away to Julia now—[laughter]—and it solves cases, there is a bipartisan majority in both a lot of my problems. Houses for these bills. But the majority par- Mr. Mayor, I’m glad to be back here in ty’s leadership again is blocking progress. your city, and I’m very proud that you are Congress should also act to ensure equal now the mayor of this great city. And I want treatment for immigrants and equal pay for to thank my longtime friend Jeff Smulyan for women. And it should pass the right kind of helping Julia Carson. We were friends before tax cuts for middle-class Americans, targeted I ran for President. Before I knew I was tax cuts that preserve our fiscal discipline, going to run for President, I met him. He allow us to get this country out of debt, and was just—I was just what President Bush still give Americans tax relief to save for re- used to refer to as the Governor of a small tirement and meet the costs of long-term southern State—[laughter]—when we be- care, child care, and college tuition, and tax came friends. And I thank you for helping credits that support investments in our inner Julia. cities, rural areas, Native American reserva- Joe Andrew, I am so proud of you. He’s tions, and other places our prosperity has not got that riff down, doesn’t he, old Joe does. yet reached. I kind of wanted to run down here along the These priorities deserve attention now, not side and pass the plate when he was up there later. If I were a Member of Congress, I preaching. [Laughter] We knew he was wouldn’t want to go home and ask people preaching to the saved, and so I thought we to send me back to Washington so I could ought to take up an offering here. [Laughter] finish last year’s work next year. Let me say, I’m really proud of what the Yesterday I signed a fourth continuing res- Democrats have done in Indiana. I’m proud olution to keep the Government open until of your great Governor, and I want you to next Wednesday. But I told the leadership make sure he gets reelected. He deserves to Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 21 2551 be reelected. And I am very, very proud of doesn’t matter for whom they vote or wheth- your former Governor, Senator Evan Bayh, er they vote. and what a great job he has done. We have Now, let me tell you something. I’ve done also been friends for many, many years. everything I could do for 8 years to turn this So this is a great day for me, to come here country around, pull this country together, to thank the people from Indiana who have and move the country forward—everything sent such fine people into public office—— I could do. But in America, our public life Audience member. We love you, Mr. is always about tomorrow. Always about— President! that’s why we’re still around here after 224 The President. ——and who have given years, because we’re always thinking about us Julia Carson, who is truly one of a kind. tomorrow. Now, look at where we were 8 Have you ever met anybody like Julia before years ago and where we are now, and ask in your whole life? yourselves where we’re going to go. I’m tell- Audience members. No-o-o! ing you, this is a huge election. You cannot The President. I tell this joke—she’s talk- afford for anybody to think that there aren’t ing about what a unifying force the Demo- any differences, and it doesn’t matter wheth- cratic Party is—Julia has got it all inside her. er they vote or for whom they vote. I told somebody, she may be an African- And the interesting thing about this elec- American woman, but she reminds me of a tion to me is, from the elections for President redneck county judge when she works the and Vice President to the United States Sen- room. [Laughter] She kind of sidles into ate—and you know I’ve got a passing interest these rooms in Washington, and all these in that Senate race up in New York; I know self-important people are there in their ex- something about that—[laughter]—to the pensive suits, using these big words. And races for Governor and for Congress, all over then Julia sort of sidles out, and she’s got the country you see the same things. There whatever it is she came in for, and they still are big differences. The differences will have don’t know what happened. [Laughter] I real consequences, and only the Democrats mean, it’s amazing, you know. She’s like a want you to know what the differences are. stealth bomber for Indiana in Washington. What does that tell you about who you ought She’s got more moves than Larry Bird and to vote for? I see it everywhere. Isaiah Thomas put together. She’s got moves. So you’ve got the other side trying to cloud Man, people don’t see that stuff. the differences and blur them, and we have So, yes, I wanted to come here. I’m sorry to clarify them. And I just want to say, look, I couldn’t come before. You know what I was 8 years ago the country was in the ditch eco- doing. I was working on the peace process. nomically. Eight years later we’ve got the [Applause] But now—wait a minute—I want longest economic expansion in history, the to say a couple of things seriously. We’re all lowest unemployment in 30 years, 22 million having a good time, but we all agree with new jobs, the lowest African-American and each other, or you wouldn’t be here. And Hispanic unemployment ever measured, the here’s what I want to say to you. lowest poverty rate in 20 years, the biggest First, thank you. Thank you for helping drop in child poverty in 34 years. me have a chance to serve the country for Now, I got tickled—you know, when our the last 8 years. I’m grateful to you. Second, Republican friends were in, they took credit I have been reading as much as I could while for everything that happened in America. I’ve been running around the world and try- They took credit when the Sun came up. ing to get the Congress out of town, too— [Laughter] One of their campaigns was, ‘‘It’s I’ve been reading what I could about what morning in America. The Sun came up in the experts are saying about this election. the morning. Give it to us. We did it.’’ And they say it’s tight as a tick, and they say [Laughter] Now, everything that happens, that there are a lot of undecided voters, and happens by accident. Did you listen to these they say that there are a lot of voters who debates? I thought Al Gore’s best moment aren’t sure what the differences are and what in the first debate was when his opponent the consequences are to them, so maybe it said, ‘‘I think Clinton/Gore got more out of 2552 Oct. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 the economy than the economy got out of and Joe Lieberman, Julia Carson and our Clinton/Gore. The American people did whole crowd, do you know what it means? this,’’ you know. We just sort of were there. You’ll have interest rates about one percent And Al Gore said, ‘‘Well, you know, the lower a year for a decade. American people did do this, but they were Let me tell you what that amounts to in working hard 8 years ago, too, and they a tax cut. Listen to this, one percent lower weren’t doing nearly as well.’’ interest rates: $390 billion in lower home So the first big question is, do you want mortgages; $30 billion in lower car payments; to continue the prosperity, build on it, ex- $15 billion in lower college loan payments; pand it to people and places that have been lower credit card payments; lower business left behind, and lift up this whole country? loans—means higher profits, more folks get- Now, you’ve got to talk to people, because ting hired, more pay raises, and a higher how could anybody not see this? Look, stock market. Our tax cut for all is low inter- they’re offering a tax cut that’s 3 times the est rates that keep this economy going and size of the one that we’re offering. But most pay the debt off. people making under $100,000 are better off Now, this is very important. Did you watch under our proposal than theirs—tax cuts to the debate where their guy says, our guy is pay for college education, long-term care, for big Government? We’re for big Govern- child care, retirement savings, to get people ment? There’s a real problem with that argu- to invest in the communities that have been ment, besides the fact that it’s not true—it’s left behind. manifestly not true. What do I mean by that? Now, but theirs is 3 times bigger. And then The size of the Federal Government today they want to partially privatize Social Secu- is the smallest it’s been since 1960, when rity, which means—forget about whether you Dwight Eisenhower was President and John think it’s a good idea or not; let’s just talk Kennedy was running for President. The about the arithmetic. There are a lot of prob- Federal Government spending as a percent- lems with the idea, but forget about that, talk age of our economy is the smallest it’s been about the arithmetic. Everybody here under since 1966. Why is that? We’re paying down 40—let’s say, under 45—can take 2 percent the debt. of your Social Security payroll tax, keep it, The third biggest item in the budget for and put it in an investment account. Every- your tax money is the debt. After Social Secu- body like me, starting next year, who will be rity and defense, the debt is the third highest 55 or over, gets a guarantee we’re going to sum in the budget. So we get rid of that, get it, just like they always promised it. Now, we can spend more on education, more on where’s the money going to come from if you health care, pay for a tax cut, and still shrink take away the money that they’re going to the size of Government. Vote for Al Gore pay my guarantee with? They’ve got to take and Joe Lieberman and Julia Carson, get the that out of the surplus, too. country out of debt, keep interest rates down, So they’ve got a tax cut 3 times bigger than keep the economy going, keep moving for- ours, a trillion dollar promise in Social Secu- ward—that’s the issue. rity to pay for the privatization, hundreds of Now, that’s clear. But don’t all of you know billions of dollars in other promises. Look, a lot of people who never will come to a rally folks, you need to tell people—they want to like this? You do, don’t you? You know, every know why we did well in America. Because one of you, you know a lot of people who we brought arithmetic back to Washington. love their country, and they’re going to vote We made the numbers add up. These num- on election day, but they’ll never come to bers don’t add up. a rally like this. You need to tell them just And look, this is a big deal. If you vote what I told you. for a tax cut that big and you privatize Social The first thing is, if you like the prosperity Security at a trillion dollars, you spend sev- and you want to keep it going and you don’t eral hundred billion dollars of it, you’re back want us to go back into deficit, you’ve got in deficit. And do you know what that means? to vote with us. We tried it their way for High interest rates. If you vote for Al Gore 12 years. We tried it our way for 8 years. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 21 2553

Our way works better than their way. We’ve tried it their way. We tried it our way. Our got to keep going. way works. And now, the second thing I want to say You look at education. Compared to 8 is this. If you look at every other area of our years ago, test scores are up; the dropout rate national life, you’ll find the same thing. Wel- is down; the high school graduation rate is fare: The rolls have been cut in half. Yes, up; the college-going rate is at an all-time if you’re able-bodied and you can work, high. We went from 14 States to 49 States you’ve got to go to work. But we don’t want with strong academic standards that would you to hurt your kids, so we want more for be applied to all students in all schools. All child care, for education and training, for States now have to identify schools that are transportation. And it works. Our deal works. failing and try to find some way to turn them Helping people be good parents and good around. So standards, accountability, and re- workers makes good sense. That’s why we sources to help people meet the standards— were for the family and medical leave law. it’s working. The teachers and the principals We think it ought to be expanded. Work and know how to turn around failing schools now. family—our way works. Now, we know how to do this. We’re fi- Crime: What was our position on crime? nally moving this thing. We’ve had a two- Not what they say. They say we’re weak on thirds increase in the number of kids taking enforcement, and all we want to do is take advance placement tests, a 300 percent in- hunters’ guns away. What a load of hooey. crease for Latino kids, a 500 percent increase [Laughter] You know, that’s just a bunch of for African-American kids taking advanced bull. [Laughter] It might stir people up and placement tests to go to college. Now, we get them some votes, but it has a real burden know what we’re doing here. of being untrue. What are the facts? What was our ap- So what is Al Gore’s program? What’s the proach? Our approach was, put more cops Democratic program? High standards and on the street to prevent crime in the first accountability, identify schools that are fail- place. Do more to take guns out of the hands ing, and within 2 years turn them around or of children and criminals. You can do that shut them down and reopen them under new without interfering with the hunters and the management. But help them: 100,000 more sport shooters. Give kids something to say teachers; funds to build or modernize or re- yes to, give them an after-school program, pair schools; funds to train the teachers in summer school program, and then punish the the subjects that they’re supposed to be people that ought to be punished. Now, teaching; and making sure that kids get a tax that’s been our—do you know what—now, deduction for the cost of college tuition; and look at the record. We have the lowest crime after-school and preschool programs for all rate in 26 years, the lowest murder rate in the kids who need it. 33 years. That is the record. Why? Not because we’re against account- So what do they want to do? They want ability and standards, but because if you’re to stop our efforts to keep guns out of the going to lay standards on somebody, they’ve hands of criminals and children. They want got to have a chance to meet the standards. to—this is an explicit commitment—they Now, what is their program? Their pro- want to repeal our efforts to put over 100,000 gram is, accountability and block grants to police on our streets. And they just want to States, and if they spend the money, fine; go back to talking tough again. if they don’t, fine; if they don’t spend it well, Well, look, we tried it their way. We tried we’ll take it away from them. So if the schools it our way. Our way works. And not a single get in trouble, our answer is, spend even less Indiana hunter has missed a day in the deer on them. That’s their side. woods, not a sports person has missed a sin- I think accountability-plus is better than gle sporting event, but a half a million felons, accountability-minus. And we’ve had 8 years fugitives, and stalkers couldn’t get a handgun of experience. We’re moving in the right di- because of the Brady bill. It’s a safer country. rection. Our way works better than theirs. We’re a better country. Our way works. We The American people have to choose that. 2554 Oct. 21 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

The same thing is true with every other to your friends and neighbors and ask them issue. On the environment, we’ve got cleaner with whom they agree. Our side, we’re for air, cleaner water, safer food; 90 percent of raising the minimum wage. Their side isn’t. our kids immunized for the first time in his- Our side, we’re for stronger enforcement of tory. We have proved you can grow the econ- equal pay laws for women, and their side omy and clean up the environment. And we isn’t. Our side, we’re for a Medicare prescrip- set aside more land than any administration tion drug program so that every senior who since Theodore Roosevelt in permanent trust needs access to affordable medicine can get for the American people. it, and their side isn’t. Our side, we’re for Al Gore says, ‘‘Vote for me, and I’ll build hate crimes legislation that protects people on that.’’ His opponent says, ‘‘Vote for me, on the basis of race, gender, disability, or sex- and we’ll relax some of their regulations. ual orientation from hate crimes. Nobody We’ll get rid of the President’s order pro- ought to be beat up, mauled, dragged, or tecting 40 million acres in national forests. killed in this country because of who they We’ll reduce some of these other things he’s are, if they’re obeying the law. And their side done, because you simply can’t do this much isn’t. and grow the economy.’’ Now, that’s it. So here’s the deal. You can’t Now, look, we tried it their way, didn’t we? let anybody not vote or sort of stray away And then they came in and tried to weaken because they think there’s no consequence the economy again. I vetoed it every time here, they think there are no differences they tried it the last 5 years. [Applause] And here. We’ve actually had quite a nice elec- wait a minute. And you know, if I were trying tion, free of personal recrimination, where to hurt the economy, I’ve done a poor job we’re positive that both these candidates for of it. [Laughter] President and for Vice President are good, So this is a serious deal. You can grow the honorable, patriotic Americans who love economy and improve the environment. And their families and love their country, and believe me, in the future, the challenges will they’re going to do what they say they’re be bigger than the ones I’ve faced. You can’t going to do. turn around on this. This is a big deal. This And I can tell you this—you know, the is a big deal. So you’ve got to go tell people press likes to say that these politicians are this. You’ve got to say, ‘‘Look, look at where always breaking their word, but the truth is, we were 8 years ago. Look at where we are every study shows that most Presidents pretty today. The economy, crime, welfare, edu- well do what they say they’re going to do. cation, the environment, health care—we’ve Once in a while they break their word, and got people without insurance, that number, usually we’re thankful they did. [Laughter] going down for the first time in a dozen years, Why? Roosevelt said he’d balance the budg- because of the Children’s Health Insurance et, and that was a bad idea with 25 percent Program that we have proposed and gotten unemployment. And we’re thankful that he out there and implemented.’’ Now, the coun- gave us the New Deal instead. Lincoln, to try is going in the right direction. get elected, said he wouldn’t free the slaves, Now, here’s the last point I want to make. and we’re awful glad he broke that promise. You all were clapping when Joe Andrew did So once in a great while a guy gets elected his shtick. You know, we don’t care whether President and has to break a promise, and you’re old or young, whether you walked in it makes—but more often than not, Presi- or wheeled in, and all that. That’s really who dents do what they say they’re going to do. we are. And it’s the only thing about us that’s You’re going to have a very different Su- more important than the economic policy, is preme Court, depending on which one of that we think everybody counts; everybody them gets elected. And it’s not just about the ought to have a chance; we all do better when right to choose, although it is about that. That we help each other. That’s what we believe. will change, depending on what happens. It Now, it’s what I call one America But there is also about the ability of the Congress of are lots of these one America issues out there the United States to protect working people. where there are real differences. You can go There are all these—and ordinary citizens, Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2555 for all kinds of things. There’s a revolution man and chief executive officer, Emmis Commu- here, a debate, going on on the Supreme nications Corp.; Joseph J. Andrew, national chair, Court, and some of them want to go back Democratic National Committee; Gov. Frank to where they were in the 1930’s. O’Bannon of Indiana; National Basketball Asso- Audience members. No-o-o! ciation Hall of Fame members Larry Bird and The President. Now, you’ve got to decide. Isaiah Thomas; and Republican Presidential can- didate Gov. George W. Bush. Julia Carson is a But don’t you let anybody tell you that there candidate for reelection in Indiana’s 10th Con- are no differences. And I just came out here gressional District. to say, you know, if Indiana can elect Evan Bayh and Frank O’Bannon back to back, if Indianapolis can elect Bart Peterson, the first Remarks at a Brunch for Hillary Democratic mayor in a month of Sundays, Clinton in Johnson City, New York if Indiana can send me Julia Carson to drive me crazy until I say yes to whatever she’s October 22, 2000 asking, if Indiana can provide us Joe Andrew, the sparkplug of our national revival of the The President. Thank you very much. I’m Democratic Party, all of you, between now sorry to keep you waiting, but I’m sure glad and election day, can find some people to you waited. I’m delighted to see you. Thank talk to. you. Look at all the people in this crowd here. Thank you, Margaret. Thank you, Barbara. This is a big crowd. This crowd will talk to, I want to thank all the people who are here. collectively, 30,000–50,000–100,000 people Do you want to sit down? I want to thank between now and election day. Look around the people of Broome County for voting for here. There are lots of folks here. Most of me in 1996, the first time a Democrat has the people you will talk to will never come carried this county in over 30 years. Thank to an event like this. But they will vote, if you very much. they think it matters. And you need to go I also want to tell you how very much I tell them—your friends in Illinois, your admire your Representative in Congress, friends in Michigan, your friends in Kentucky Maurice Hinchey. What a great friend he’s and all the States around here, all those been to me and to you and to the people States are big battleground States —look, if of the State of New York. He’s done a won- you want to keep the prosperity going, their derful job for you. deal won’t pass the arithmetic test. It doesn’t More than anything else, I want to say add up. You’ve got to stick with us. Look thank you. The people of this State have been at where we were 8 years ago and where we wonderful for 8 years to me and to Al Gore. are now on welfare, crime, the environment, Last year—I mean, in 1996 we carried 52 education, health care. We’re moving in the of New York’s 62 counties, and I was so grati- right direction. Let’s keep moving in the right fied by the support that you gave us, so thank direction. you; thank you very, very much. Look at where we are on building one I came here today in my capacity as Presi- America, on hate crimes, on equal pay for dential spouse—[laughter]—to ask for your women, on all these other issues. Look at help for Hillary in this race for the United this. If you want one America, if you want States Senate and to ask you, in the closing to move in the right direction, if you want days of this election season, to go out across to keep the prosperity going, you’ve got one this community, out across this country, out choice. You’ve got to be for our crowd: Al across this State and talk to all of your friends Gore, Joe Lieberman, Frank O’Bannon, Julia and neighbors about the race for Senate, Carson, the people that helped to bring about the race for President, about what is America back. You can do it, Indiana. at stake in this election. Thank you, and God bless you. Thank you. I try to say this now at every event I can, NOTE: The President spoke at 10:48 a.m. in Edy’s but I’m so gratified to see you here. But most Grand Hall at the Indianapolis State Fairgrounds. of you have tons of friends and relatives and In his remarks, he referred to Jeff Smulyan, chair- co-workers who will vote on election day but 2556 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 have never come to an event like this. Isn’t It is now the largest single historic preserva- that right? tion effort in the history of America, and a Audience members. Yes! lot of the places that were preserved are here The President. And therefore, all they in New York State, from George may know about the election is either what Washington’s revolutionary headquarters to they see on television or what someone says Harriet Tubman’s home, places that will in- to them or what kind of discussions they crease tourism as well as community pride. enter into. So while this is a rally and we’d Of all the people I’ve ever known in public all like to spend all our time just shouting, life, I’ve never known anyone who had quite on this Sunday, I think it’s fair to say that— the combination of brains and heart and abil- in my tradition we often say, I realize that ity to get things done and consistent caring I am here preaching to the saved. [Laughter] that she does. She will be a magnificent And so what I would like to ask you to United States Senator for the people of New do is to think about, just for a moment, the York. points I’d like to make, and then make a little Now, what I want to ask you—it’s also im- pledge to yourself that every day between portant to recognize, however, that this Sen- now and election you will share these ate race inevitably is playing out against the thoughts with your friends, your neighbors, background of the national election and the your family members, your co-workers who great questions all Americans must decide, have never come to an event like this, be- for they, too, will affect the people of New cause you can make the difference. York. And I believe there are three great First of all, I want to say a few things about questions in this election, and I just want to my wife. In the 30 years, almost, that we have tell you what they are. They affect the Senate known each other, I have seen her passion, race, but they also clearly affect the race for her energy, and her activism devoted to the President and Vice President and for all the causes of children and family, health care and races for Congress and all the races for Sen- education, economic opportunity for people ate throughout the United States. who have been left out or left behind. In First of all, let me say just looking at the the 8 years we have been in the White debates, let me tell you a couple of the things House, she has been a leading force for all that aren’t at issue, that aren’t questions in those causes: for the family and medical leave this election. Number one, this election is law, the very first bill I signed—now, 22 mil- not about change versus the status quo. If lion Americans have taken some time off someone said, ‘‘Vote for me. I’ll do every- without losing their jobs when a baby is born thing President Clinton did,’’ I would not or a family member is sick, a profoundly im- vote for that person. Why? Because America portant thing—for expanding our support of is changing. The world is changing. You will child care for working families, so that people live in a time of very rapid change for at least can succeed at home and at work; for expand- another 10, maybe 20 years. The issue is not ing our efforts to have more preschool and whether we’re going to change. It is how after-school opportunities and mentoring we’re going to change. programs for our children; for doing more Are we going to build on the progress of for early childhood development. the last 8 years or go back to a failed policy From the time we served before I became we already tried in the past? That is the issue President, Hillary has always been passion- in this election. The issue is not whether the ately interested in what could be done to Democrats should be rejected because of the bring job opportunities to people who want partisanship in Washington. Let me just say to work and don’t have them, what can be this—I’ve heard a lot of that talk. It wasn’t done to put businesses in areas where busi- we who decided that no Republicans would nesses have left. vote to bring down the deficit they created. And one of the things that I’m proudest [Laughter] of, to celebrate the millennium, she created And when we could work with them, we a project, America’s Millennium Project, to did. We had a bipartisan welfare reform bill. ‘‘Honor the Past and Imagine the Future.’’ We had a bipartisan Balanced Budget Act Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2557 of ’97. We had a bipartisan telecommuni- the first question. Our candidates favor a tax cations law that has created hundreds of cut we can afford, that helps more middle thousands of good jobs and thousands and class families than theirs does, with deduct- thousands of businesses. We got bipartisan ibility for college tuition, for long-term care agreement on 100,000 police, 100,000 teach- costs for the elderly and disabled family ers, and many other things. When we could members, for retirement savings, for child make a bipartisan agreement, we did. care, things that will help—and for extra in- Last week we were trying to get a bipar- centives for people to invest in areas that tisan agreement to put more money into aren’t yet growing in the economy. Medicare, to help the hospitals in rural areas, It is admittedly only one-third the size of to help the teaching hospitals, to help the their tax cut. Why is that? Because we know, in-home providers, to help the nursing number one, we’ve got to have some money homes to deal with some of their problems. to invest in education, in health care, in the They walked away from the bipartisan agree- future of the country. And number two, ment and have come up with the Repub- we’ve got to keep paying this debt down until licans’ only solution that gives a dispropor- we make America debt-free for the first time tionate amount of money to the HMO’s. since Andrew Jackson was President. That’s not our decision. Now, I’ll hang tough Now, why is that? Because their tax cut and eventually we’ll come back, and we’ll get is 3 times bigger, and they want to partially a bipartisan agreement again. This is not privatize Social Security. That costs another about bipartisanship. The Democrats favor trillion dollars. And then they’ve got several bipartisanship, and our record is that. hundred billion dollars they want to spend. The one last thing they say this election When you add it all up, we’re back in deficits, is about that it most assuredly isn’t, is wheth- and we can’t pay the debt off. And what does er you should be for their side because they that mean? Higher interest rates, about a trust the people, and we’re for big Govern- percent a year over a decade. Do you know ment. You might hear some of that up here. what that’s worth to you? If you take the Al [Laughter] So let me just give you a little Gore/Joe Lieberman/Hillary plan, you get a evidence. percent lower interest rate. It was this Democratic administration that Do you know what that’s worth to the has reduced the size of the Federal Govern- American people? Three hundred and ninety ment to its smallest point since 1960, when billion dollars in lower home mortgages; $30 Dwight Eisenhower was President and John billion in lower car payments; $15 billion in Kennedy came here looking for your vote. lower college loan payments; lower credit It was this administration that eliminated card payments; lower business loan interest 16,000 pages of Federal regulations, that en- rates; more businesses; more jobs; higher abled the Small Business Administration to raises; a stronger stock market—that’s a tax cut its applications for small business people cut for all Americans. Get this country out from an inch thick to one page and give peo- of debt and keep those interest rates down. ple an answer in 72 hours. It was this admin- Now, that’s a real question. Do you want istration that got rid of two-thirds of the regu- to keep the prosperity going and extend it lations that the Federal Government, under to people and places left behind? We tried the previous Republican administration, was it our way for 8 years. We tried it their way imposing on States and local school districts. for 12 years before. Our way works better If you’re for smaller Government, our can- than their way. We need to keep changing didates are your candidates. We’re for better in the right direction to keep the prosperity Government and smaller Government. going in America. That’s not the issue. Here is the second question: Do you want Here are the three great questions the to build on the progress in our society of the American people will decide in this election. last 8 years, or do you want to return to poli- Number one: Do you want to keep this pros- cies that we know don’t work? And let me perity going and extend it to people and just give you a couple of examples. The wel- places who aren’t yet fully a part of it? That’s fare rolls have been cut in half. They’re the 2558 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 lowest in 30 years. The crime rate has gone trying to bring this country together, across down every year. It’s the lowest in 26 years. all the lines that divide us to build one Amer- We have the lowest poverty rate in 20 years. ica, fair for every responsible citizen with op- We have—as I said earlier, Government portunity for every responsible citizen? spending as a percent of our economy is the Now, what are those questions? We’re for lowest it has been in 34 years. We have clean- hate crimes legislation. I mean real hate er air, cleaner water, safer food, 90 percent crimes legislation that protects all people of our children immunized. We have more who are singled out because of who they are land set aside in public trust for all time than for abuse and criminal conduct. We are for under any administration except that of legislation to strengthen the equal pay law, Theodore Roosevelt, almost 100 years ago. so that women who are doing the same kind What is the point of this? The point of of work get equal pay for it. We believe the this is, we have proved you can grow the immigrants that are in this country legally economy and improve the environment. We ought to be treated fairly and not discrimi- have the number of people without health nated against. If they’re working, if they’re insurance going down for the first time in paying taxes, they ought to be eligible to be 12 years, thanks to the Children’s Health In- treated in a fair way. surance Program. We have supported local We’re for an increase in the minimum school districts with our strategy of higher wage. And we don’t believe—we do not de- standards, accountability, and more invest- monize any interest groups, but we think no ment. Test scores are up. The dropout rate interest group should keep us from pursuing is down. The college-going rate is at an all- the public interest. They say they’re for a Pa- time high. There has been a huge increase tients’ Bill of Rights, but theirs is weaker than in the number of our children taking ad- ours because the HMO’s don’t want it to be vanced placement tests, and more and more stronger. They say they want to help older failing schools are turning around. people get drugs, but they’re not for a Medi- Now, the question you have to ask yourself care drug program that gives all seniors who is, are we going to build on this progress or need it access to affordable medicine, be- go back and adopt policies that have been cause the drug companies aren’t for it. proven not to work? In every single one of They say they’re against hate crimes, but these areas there is a disagreement. they won’t support hate crimes legislation They have committed to relax our environ- that covers everybody, because their extreme mental commitment. They have committed right doesn’t believe gays should get protec- to end our commitment to 100,000 teachers. tion in hate crimes legislation, but we believe They are not for our school construction pro- all people should be protected. gram to help the schools build or repair facili- Now, you have to decide. You have to de- ties that are either outdated or grievously cide what you believe. But make no mistake overcrowded. They do not approve of our about it, there are big differences here: in crime policy, and they have committed to our economic approach to keep the pros- abolish our commitment to 100,000 police perity going; in our social approaches, wheth- and not to go for mandatory child trigger er it’s on education or health care or the envi- locks and real background checks and other ronment or crime; and on what we think it things that are profoundly important. takes to build one America. And there are Now, it’s not like we had a test here. We’ve so many more issues I could mention. Cam- tried it our way, and we tried it their way. paign finance reform: They say they’re for Our way works better. You have to decide it, but they’re not really for it because they if you’re going to build on the progress of don’t want to be for it because they raise the last 8 years. more money than we do. [Laughter] You’ve So, question one, are we going to keep the got to decide whether you care about that. prosperity going and extend it to people and But we’ve got 100 percent of the Demo- places left behind? Question two, are we cratic caucus and enough Republicans to pass going to build on the progress of the last 8 it, for the Shays-Meehan bill in the House years? Question three, are we going to keep or the McCain-Feingold, that’s called after Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2559

Senator McCain and Senator Feingold in the tions should inform the peoples’ votes on Senate, and it hasn’t passed because their every one of these races. If you want to keep leadership is not for it. I think that’s a part the prosperity going and extend it to people of one America. Why? Because the more we left behind, you’ve got to have a budget that can balance out the financing in the country, keeps paying this debt down and that invests the more everybody’s vote counts the same. in the things that we know work. Their num- So this is a big deal here. You have to de- bers don’t add up. You simply cannot have cide. And your friends and neighbors, with a tax cut that big and partially privatize Social their votes, will decide, the people who will Security and spend the money you promise never come to a meeting like this but will to spend and put us back into deficits and vote because it is the patriotic, good thing expect anything other than what will happen, to do, or people who may not vote because higher interest rates and an economic slow- they think, well, there is no real difference down. We brought arithmetic back to Wash- here. There are differences. ington, and we ought to keep arithmetic in Now, one of the reasons the people have the classroom of Congress and the White had a hard time finding out differences is, House. the other side has been quite adroit at trying When it comes to health care, education, to blur them, and you can’t blame them, be- the environment, and crime, we’ve got to cause if people figure out the differences, our keep building on the progress of the last 8 crowd will win. [Laughter] I told Maurice years, not walk away from it. And maybe and his colleagues a couple of days ago that most important of all, we’ve got to keep doing we Democrats should see ourselves as Amer- those things that bring us together across the ica’s weather corps for 2 weeks, and if can lines that divide us. If we are one America, make it clear, we’ll win. [Laughter] They if we are working together, if there is oppor- want cloudy. We want clear. tunity for every responsible citizen, if no one So I’ll say it one more time: I’m grateful is singled out for discrimination, if we act for your support for Hillary. And I want you like we’re one community, there is nothing to go out and tell people that she has given America can’t do. The best is still out there. a lifetime to this. One of the things that has It’s up to you to convince your fellow citizens kind of hurt my feelings is, sometimes the of that. people that aren’t for us say, ‘‘Well, she Thank you, and God bless you. wouldn’t even be doing this if she weren’t the First Lady.’’ Let me tell you something, NOTE: The President spoke at 12:25 p.m. in the for 30 years all she has done is help other Grand Ballroom at the Fountains Pavilion. In his remarks, he referred to Margaret Coffey, chair, people. She never asked anybody ever— Broome County Democratic Committee, and ever—to do anything for her until she started Barbara J. Fiala, Broome County clerk. running for the United States Senate, when Members of the New York House delega- tion—as Maurice will tell you—came to her Remarks at a Reception for Hillary and asked her to consider this race. Clinton in Alexandria Bay, New York If she hadn’t been married to me, if she October 22, 2000 hadn’t spent all of her years joining honest, honorable causes all over this country and The President. Thank you very much. all over the world, she could have been run- Wow! First of all, I want to thank Mike Schell ning for office years ago on her own. Now and all the Democratic chairs and the can- she is, and I want you to help her. didates who are here. I want to thank the But the main thing you need to tell— people of northern New York for voting for you’ve got to go out there and ask the people me and Al Gore in 1996. I must say, I was of New York to think about this. You have in the Lake Placid area a few weeks ago— a candidate for the Senate who cares about Stuart and I played golf—and I was looking and knows about and has a proven record at the voting records of the counties in north- of achievement in the things you care most ern New York in the ’96 election, and it just about. But secondly, these three big ques- took my breath away. 2560 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

But I’ll tell you this—and you ought to think about this—every one of you knows think about this 2 weeks from now and talk scores and scores of people who are your to your friends about it—people say, ‘‘Well, friends, your family members, your co-work- is Hillary really interested in rural New York? ers, who will vote on election day because Does she really know anything about it?’’ Let they love their country, but who will never me tell you, I was Governor of a State for come to an event like this. Isn’t that right? 12 years where half the people lived in com- Audience members. Yes! munities of less than 5,000. And Al Gore The President. Not for a Democrat, not grew up in Carthage, Tennessee, as well as for a Republican. They’ve never been to an Washington, DC, and Carthage, Tennessee, event like this of any kind. But they’re in- is about the same size as the community clined to vote because they’re good citizens. where we’re having this meeting in Alexan- And yet, we see story after story after story dria Bay today. Don’t forget who cares about which says that people aren’t really sure what the people of upstate New York. the differences are, and does it make a dif- Now, someone told me when I pulled up ference? today that the last President to visit here was What I want to do is talk to you for a few Franklin Roosevelt in 1938. And all I can say moments about what I, personally, believe is, just from looking around, the others didn’t about my wife, first of all, and about this elec- know what they were missing. I’m glad to tion. I’d like for you to know a few things. be here. From the moment I met Hillary nearly 30 Audience member. The fishing is good, years ago, she was consumed with public in- too. [Laughter] terest, to advance the cause of children and The President. Well, the fishing may be families, child care, health care, and edu- good, but we’ve got to reel in some votes, cation. From the time we began our married first, then I’ll come back and fish. [Laughter] life together and we were working in public You know, this is an interesting time for policy, she also became very interested in me. It’s the first time since 1974 they’ve had bringing economic opportunity—starting an election when I haven’t been on the ballot businesses, creating jobs in areas which had somewhere. My party has a new leader. My been left out or left behind. family has a new candidate, and I’m sort of So a lot of what we did together before the Surrogate in Chief. [Laughter] And I’m I became President is highly relevant to the glad to be here. needs of all of New York but especially the I want to talk to you for a moment. You people of upstate New York, where the eco- know, we’re all cheering, and we’re happy. nomic prosperity has not fully reached. We But I want to say something serious today, have spent years working together on the just for a moment, because in just a little things that you need someone in the United more than 2 weeks we’re going to have the States Senate to concentrate on today. She first national election of the 21st century. understands what has to be done. And New York will pick a Senator to hold In the last 8 years, since we’ve been in the seat held by Daniel Patrick Moynihan Washington and in the White House, she has and Robert Kennedy. And it will have, this been certainly the most active First Lady election, a profound impact on how the peo- since Eleanor Roosevelt. She started by ple of northern New York, this entire State, lobbying hard for the first bill I signed, the and our whole country live for quite a long family and medical leave law, which has al- while. lowed over 20 million Americans to take I want to talk to you about it seriously and some time off from work when a baby is born from the heart, because I’m so grateful to or a parent is sick without losing their job. the people of New York for being so good And she’s worked constantly on a whole to me for these last 8 years, because I’ve done breathtaking range of issues: early childhood everything I know to turn the country development, more preschool and after- around, pull it together and move it forward. school programs; dealing with health care But everything is on the line here. And what issues, allowing people to keep their health I want to say to you—and I want you all to insurance when someone in their family gets Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2561 sick or they change jobs; more breast cancer There is something else I want to say to preventive work, mammographies for people you, and I hope you’ll listen carefully to this. on Medicare; more work to try to help Gulf This election is being played out against the war veterans who have undiagnosed illnesses. national election, and it is very much a part She’s worked so hard on so many things it’s of the national debate. And the national hard to remember. issues are things you have to consider here, But one I think is interesting, worth men- because the decisions that will be made on tioning, and that is that when we decided the things that are being debated at the Pres- how we wanted to celebrate the millennium, idential levels, on which the next Senator will she conceived of this idea that we should cel- have to vote, will also affect you here. ebrate and honor the past and imagine the And again I want to say, the reason I’m future. And to honor the past, she developed saying this in some detail is, you get a chance what’s called the Millennium Treasures Pro- to talk to other people between now and the gram, which is now the largest single historic election. And you should promise yourself preservation effort in the history of the that every day you’re going to talk to some- United States. And a lot of the sites which body who will never come to an event like have been preserved, with $100 million of this but who will vote if they understand public and private money, are in New York, what’s at stake and what the differences are. George Washington’s first revolutionary So I want to talk to you about that. headquarters, Harriet Tubman’s home, the In my opinion—and I’ve listened to it all. underground railroad sites. I’ve read very carefully, obviously, what the Over and over again I’ve seen this. And Vice President and Senator Lieberman have all these things are going to help tourism in said, but I’ve carefully studied what their ad- areas that are kind of not doing so well eco- versaries have said, their opponents. I lis- nomically. They make a big difference. And tened very carefully to all the debates. And it just came out of her head to do this. And what I want you to know is that I’m kind it is literally the biggest historic preservation of concerned when I read in the press that movement in the history of the country. people can’t quite understand what the dif- That’s the kind of thing she does. She thinks ferences are, and maybe they’re not clear. about what to do, and then she goes and does And so I want you to know what I think the it. three big questions of this election are. And I have to tell you, in all the years I’ve First, let’s start with what they aren’t, be- been in public life—first of all, I have a much cause I’ve heard that in these debates, too. higher opinion of politics and public service There is the argument that this is an election than is conventional. I will leave the White about change versus the status quo. I dis- House more idealistic, optimistic, and hope- agree with that. If somebody said, ‘‘Vote for ful about America than I entered the White me. I’ll do just what Bill Clinton did,’’ I House 8 years ago. And I’ll say this. I think, wouldn’t be for him. Why? Because America on balance, the people in public life are more is changing. The world is changing. The way honest, more committed, and work harder we work and live and relate to each other and try harder to do what they believe in— and the rest of the world is changing. Change people in both parties—than they get credit will speed up in the next few years. But don’t for today. be fooled. The issue is not that. The issue But I’m telling you, in all the years I’ve is not whether we’re going to change; it is been in public life, I’ve never known anybody how we’re going to change. Are we going to that had the same combination of intel- build on the progress of the last 8 years or ligence and compassion and constant drive reverse it? That is the issue. and the capacity to imagine, lead, and orga- Secondly, there was all this talk about nize that Hillary has. She will be a worthy whether the issue is, ‘‘Do you trust Govern- successor to the State and to Moynihan and ment or the American people?’’ I heard that. a good partner for Senator Schumer if you You heard that. Let’s just look at the facts elect her 2 weeks from now. here. Here are the facts. The Government 2562 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 of the United States, the civilian Govern- and technology and because we have to keep ment, is smaller by 300,000 than it was when paying down the national debt until we make I took office. It’s the smallest Federal Gov- America debt-free for the first time since ernment we’ve had since 1960, when John 1835. Kennedy was running for President. It’s a What’s their proposal? Their proposal is fact. a tax cut that’s more than 3 times as big as The second fact: This Democratic admin- ours, when you add all the interest costs; a istration got rid of 16,000 pages of Govern- partial privatization of Social Security, which ment regulations and changed dramatically costs another trillion dollars, by their own ad- the way a lot of these agencies work. For mission; and several hundred billion dollars example, if you apply for a small business of their own spending. And what’s the prob- loan in upstate New York, 8 years ago you lem with that? It doesn’t add up. When you had to fill out a form that was one inch thick add it all up, you’re back into deficits again. and wait for months to get an answer. Today, And if you have deficits, what does that you fill out a form that’s one page on either mean? It means you have higher interest side, and you get an answer within 72 hours. rates and lower economic growth, and up- There is a big difference here. That’s not state New York never catches up. You’ve got what this is about. to have tight labor markets to get investment You heard them talking about—the other into the areas that have not participated in side talking about how the Federal Govern- this recovery. Now think about that. ment is so burdensome on our local schools I had an analysis done which indicates that and all their paperwork. Let me just tell you if the Vice President’s program is enacted something. Fact: the paperwork, regulatory and the one Hillary supports, interest rates burdens, the number of regulations imposed would be about a percent a year lower for by the Federal Government on States and a decade than if you go back to deficits under local school districts has been reduced by two-thirds under this Democratic adminis- the other program. Plus which, nearly every- tration, below what it was in the previous Re- body in this room would be better off under publican administration. That’s what it is not our proposal anyway. about. But think about this: one percent a year So that’s what the election is not about. in lower interest rates. Do you know what It’s not about that. It’s about, number one, that means to America? Just listen: $390 bil- big issue, do you want to keep the longest lion in lower home mortgages; $30 billion in economic expansion in history going and lower car payments; $15 billion in lower col- build on it until it reaches the people and lege loan payments; lower credit card pay- places who have not reached their full pros- ments; lower business loans, which means perity potential? Huge issue. What are the more businesses, more jobs, higher incomes, differences? One, our side—Al Gore, Joe a bigger stock market. Our tax cut does go Lieberman, and Hillary—we favor a tax cut to everybody because there is lower interest we can afford, that focuses on what middle rates, and everybody in America will benefit class people need most: long-term care tax from that. credit, when they’re taking care of a sick or That’s real reason number one. You want disabled family member; college tuition tax to keep the prosperity going until it reaches deduction; child care help; help for saving up here, and you can’t get it done if you go for retirement. And we propose extra tax in- back to deficits. Their numbers don’t add up. centives to get people to invest in the places Number two, you should be for our crowd which aren’t yet prospering economically. because we want to build on the other And we propose a tax cut that we admit progress of the last 8 years. And what is that is only one-third as big as theirs—actually, other progress? Welfare rolls cut in half; low- less than one-third, just barely over a fourth est crime rate in 26 years; lowest poverty rate as big as theirs. Why? Because we’ve got to in 20 years; cleaner air, cleaner water, safer have some money to invest in education, in food; the first reduction in the number of health care and the environment, in science uninsured people without health insurance Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2563 in 12 years; 90 percent of our kids immu- in all these areas. You want to build on the nized against serious childhood diseases for progress. the first time in the history of the country— Now, if you look at the economy, we tried we’re doing better in all these areas. it our way for 8 years. Before that, we tried And they want to reverse them. And let’s it their way for 12 years, the deficit way. Our just take education. We have a lower dropout way works better, you know? You just need rate, a higher graduation rate, higher test to say that. If you look at crime, education, scores, a record college-going rate, a huge health care, and environmental policy, we increase in the number of kids taking ad- tried it our way for 8 years. We tried it their vanced placement classes, and systematically, way before. In every area, we made more for the first time ever all over the country, progress. Our way works better. That is the people are proving they can turn around fail- issue. ing schools and do it in no time. Now that The third thing I would like to say—maybe is what is going on. It’s not an education re- even most important of all to me—we have cession. It’s an education revival. to continue to build one America, to build Now, do we still have a lot to do? We do. one American community where no one is The question is, how do you want to change? discriminated against because of who they They have a different crime policy. They are, where everybody has a chance who is would get rid of our commitment to 150,000 willing to work, where everybody counts, police on the street and abolish that program. where we recognize we should help each They have a different education policy. They other by creating the conditions and giving would abolish our commitment to 100,000 people the tools to make the most of their teachers. And they don’t support putting own lives. And in all these areas there is a funds in to help school construction, to help big difference. And I’ll just give you a few. build or modernize schools where we’ve got too many old schools and too many over- We’re for hate crimes legislation that pro- crowded schools. They have a different envi- tects everybody, and they’re not. We believe ronmental program. They would relax some if immigrants come here legally to this coun- of our environmental standards and get rid try and they work and they have to pay taxes of some of the land that I have protected if they work, they should be treated like ev- in perpetuity and stop doing that. erybody else; they should be treated fairly. So there is a different crime program, a We feel that way. We believe there ought different education program, a different en- to be stronger equal pay laws for women, vironmental program. There is a very dif- because there are still too many women ferent health program. We’re for a strong Pa- doing work that aren’t getting equally paid. tients’ Bill of Rights, but they’re not, because These are some of the things that define one the HMO’s aren’t. We’re for all seniors who America. And we’re different. need it being able to buy drugs under a So if someone says to you, ‘‘Does this elec- Medicare program. They’re not, because the tion make a difference?’’ You say, ‘‘You bet drug companies aren’t. And you know up it does. It makes a huge difference.’’ If you here you can go to Canada and get them want to keep the prosperity going and extend cheaper. And we think everybody ought to it to every place in upstate New York that have access to them. And if it’s uncomfort- hasn’t felt it yet, you better keep paying down able for the drug companies, then they can the debt, investing in our future, to keep in- come to Washington, and we’ll fix their prob- terest rates down, and you can’t do it if you lem. But first, we ought to fix the health care do what they want because it doesn’t add up. problems of the seniors of the United States. Number two, if you want to keep making So reason number two, you want to keep progress with better schools, more people going in the right direction; you want a lower with health insurance, a lower crime rate, crime rate; you want higher education per- and a cleaner environment, you better keep formance; you want more people with health changing in this direction, because what they insurance and seniors with access to medi- want to do is to reverse the policies we’ve cine. You want to continue to make progress had which are making a difference. And 2564 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 number three, if you want us all to go for- a strong partner in educating people and giv- ward together, if you believe in hate crimes ing them a better future, and working on legislation, equal pay for equal work, if you challenges together, than any person, clearly, think that all of us count and nobody should since Eleanor Roosevelt, who has been in the be left out or left behind, you better stick White House as First Lady. with the Democrats. Those are the three big So I will say again, I just want you to use issues in this election, and don’t you mistake every day between now and the election— it. not only here, but if you have any friends And just tell people—you know, this is not in other States—to try to get them to under- rocket science. We tried it both ways. Our stand why it’s so important not only for Hil- way works better. We did try it both ways. lary to win, but for Al Gore and Joe We’ve had a test run here. Lieberman to win. Keep the prosperity Now, let me just close with this. When Al going. Keep the progress going. Build one Gore says, ‘‘You ain’t seen nothing yet,’’ when America. We’ll have a big celebration on a person running for office says that, it may election night. sound like a campaign slogan. I’m not run- Thank you, and God bless you. ning for anything, and I believe that. I believe that. I believe with all my heart. I believe NOTE: The President spoke at 3:52 p.m. in the we can bring economic opportunity to the Hall of Stars Room at the Bonnie Castle Resort. people and places that have been left behind. In his remarks, he referred to Michael W. Schell, executive chair, New York State Democratic Party I believe we can give every child in this coun- executive committee; and former President try excellence in education. I believe we can Slobodan Milosevic of the Federal Republic of create a system in which there is affordable Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). access to health care for every working fam- ily. I believe we can open the doors to col- lege—4 years of it, like we have already for Remarks at a Dinner for Hillary 2—for 100 percent of the people who are Clinton in Hempstead, New York willing to work hard enough to go. I believe October 22, 2000 we can do this. And I know we can do this and get this country out of debt. Thank you very much. You know, I have And I know we can do it and still continue been on a tour of New York today. I’ve been to be involved in the world, as a leading to Binghamton and Watertown—actually, to source of peace and freedom. And I’m think- Alex Bay—and here I am with you at Hofstra. ing of that today, you know, because we have And I hear the sound of victory everywhere a lot to celebrate. The dictator in Belgrade I go. [Applause] Thank you. has finally been deposed, who caused so I want to thank Carolyn McCarthy for rep- much trouble in Bosnia and Kosovo. We’ve resenting you and representing everyone in made a lot of progress towards peace in America who wants to build a sane, safe soci- Northern Ireland. And we have worked hard ety. She is a brave and good woman, and in Latin America to turn back the drug war- I am honored to serve with her. I want to riors that want to overtake democracy in Co- thank Congressman Gary Ackerman for lombia. We’ve worked hard in Africa. And being with us today. He has been my friend today, of course, we’re keeping our fingers and ally for 8 years, and he represents all crossed that we can restore calm and end of you so well. But what all of you should violence in the Middle East and resume the know is, he has quite a global reach. I took process towards peace there. And I hope him with me on my trip to India, and all you’ll all pray for that. these people kept coming up to him in India That’s the last thing I’d like to tell you. saying, ‘‘Gary, who is that tall, gray-headed My wife has been to more countries and fellow with you?’’ [Laughter] It was amazing. touched more people around the world, India has 900 million people. Strangers were sticking up for the rights of children and walking up to him on the street saying, women, talking about the need of America ‘‘Hello, Gary. How are you?’’ [Laughter] I not only to have a strong defense but to be loved it. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2565

I want to thank Carl McCall, who has been Gore for 8 years. In 1996 we won a great a great leader for New York and a great victory in New York. Even in Nassau County friend of ours. Thank you. And thank you, we won and won big, and I thank you for Judith Hope, for being a great chair of the that. But I’m concerned, and here’s why. If State Democratic Party. Some of you may people know what is at stake, if they under- know that Judith Hope, like me, was also stand the differences, the nature of the born in Arkansas, proving that we can be ac- choice, and the impact on you, your families, cepted in New York. [Laughter] That makes your community, and your Nation, we’ll do me feel good. fine. So what we want is clarity. I want to thank the Nassau County chair, Now, what the other guys want—because Tom DiNapoli, for being such a wonderful we win if you understand—is cloudiness. And leader and for sticking with Hillary and help- it’s easier to be cloudy than clear, so you’ve ing us to win. And I think one of our congres- got to be Hillary and Al and Joe’s weather sional candidates, Steve Israel, is here to- patrol between now and the election, to night. I thank the president of Hofstra Uni- make it clear. versity, Dr. James Shuart, and all the people There are three great questions in this from Hofstra who have made us feel so wel- election, nationally and as they affect New come. York, and I’ll come back to New York when And now, here’s what I want to say. Thank I introduce Hillary. But there are three great you. Look, we’re all having a good time to- questions that affect every American and, night, but the truth is that this is Sunday, therefore, that affect the people of New and so if you’ll forgive me a little religious York. Let me begin by some of the questions reference, I’m quite well aware that in the that have been raised in the debate and in terms, the words of my tradition, I’m here the statics around the campaign that this preaching to the saved. [Laughter] And so election is not about. I want to ask you, just for a moment, amidst This election is not about a choice between all the good time and all the cheering we’re change and the status quo. America is chang- doing, to let me say a few things seriously, ing too fast. Look around here. And we’re because every one of you know lots and lots going to be rapidly changing every year for of people, your friends, your family mem- at least 10 years, probably 20, in dramatic bers, your co-students, your co-workers, peo- ways we can’t even perceive. The question ple in this State, and people in other States is not whether we’re going to change. It is who will never come to an event like this, how. What will the direction of change be? don’t you? You know people who have never Are we going to build on the success of the been to an event like this, never heard a last 8 years or take a U-turn and go back? President speak, a First Lady speak, a Mem- That is the question. But it’s not change ber of Congress speak, but who will show versus the status quo. up on election day if they understand what The other thing I heard from the debates the stakes are because they’re good citizens. from the other side is that this election is And what bothers me about this election supposed to be about whether you’re for big is that I keep reading that there are all these Government making all your decisions or sort of undecided voters who don’t think whether you trust the people. Let me tell there is much difference between the two you something—and the implication is, of candidates for President, aren’t sure there is course, that the Democrats are the big Gov- much difference between the two parties, ernment, and the Republicans are the peo- may not show up, or may show up and make ple. That’s just not so. And if anybody asks the wrong decision because they don’t know. you that, let me just point out a couple of So before I introduce Hillary, I just want to things. say a few things that I hope you will say to Number one, our Democratic administra- somebody every single day between now and tion has reduced the size of the Federal civil the election. Government to the lowest level since 1960, I want to begin by saying thank you. New when John Kennedy sought the Presidency York has been wonderful to me and to Al and Dwight Eisenhower was President. 2566 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Don’t put up with that. That’s not true. Num- Now why in the wide world would they ber two, we got rid of 16,000 pages of Fed- do that? One possibility is, it’s true. But it eral regulations that were on the books when isn’t. It’s a lie. I want every hunter and sports- they were in. Number three, I heard them man within the sound of my voice who talking about all the burdens we put on the missed a day of any hunting season, because school districts. Have you heard that in all of any proposal I made, to vote for the other the debates now? The Federal Government guy. But if you didn’t, they’re lying to you, just wants to burden the school district. and you should get even. [Laughter] Number three, under the leadership of our Now, what did we do? What did we do? Secretary of Education, Dick Riley, States Let me tell you what I plead guilty to doing. and school districts have had their paperwork We did pass the Brady law. We did that. And burden from the Federal Government cut by we asked people to undergo a background two-thirds below what it was when they were check before they got a handgun, to prove in office. they weren’t a felon, a fugitive, or a stalker. So this is not about big Government versus We did that. And you know, a half million the people. We have reduced the burden of felons, fugitives, and stalkers didn’t get hand- Government. We’ve just increased the ability guns. Gun crime is down by 35 percent. The of Government to help ordinary people live crime rate is at a 26-year low. The murder better lives. That’s what the real truth is. rate is at a 33-year low. I think we were right. Who can defend the other side of that? And Another thing I heard is how we needed we banned assault weapons, and I think we somebody to swoop in from outside Wash- were right. And God knows, as the experi- ington to end the partisan atmosphere so we ence of Carolyn McCarthy’s life shows, we could have bipartisan solutions. [Laughter] were right. In other words, they would like to be re- Now, listen, what is it that we really want warded for the problem they created. to do? Well, we think that the background [Laughter] check law worked well, but there are a lot Now, let’s look at the facts here. We had of gun show sales that it doesn’t apply to, a bipartisan welfare reform bill, a bipartisan and we think it should. We think that child Balanced Budget Act of ’97, a bipartisan trigger locks should be mandatory when new Children’s Health Insurance Program. Yes, handguns are sold. And we think that large- we initiated it, but we got the Republicans scale ammunition clips should not be able to vote for it, and we worked with them. We to be imported in America, because if you had a bipartisan telecommunications law that allowed that, then you can just rejigger the has created thousands of businesses and hun- guns that are already here and turn them into dreds of thousands of jobs, a bipartisan vote assault weapons. to create 100,000 teachers and 100,000 po- And most of us believe that you ought to lice—a bipartisan vote. The partisanship has get a license when you buy a handgun, like come from the other side. you do when you buy a car, showing you’re Don’t you worry about Al Gore and Joe not a crook and you know how to use it safely. Lieberman and Hillary being willing to work Now, will that cause anybody to miss a day in a bipartisan fashion. We are willing to work in the deer woods? Will it cause anybody to in a bipartisan fashion. We’re just not willing miss a sport shooting contest? Does it con- to be run over. And that’s what the issue is. fiscate weapons—constitute weapons confis- Let me say one other thing. Now, I might cation? No. That is not what this election is get in some trouble for saying this, but I’m about. So if you hear somebody on Long Is- going to say it, anyway. I hear that on Long land say that, you just tell them it’s not true. Island and all across the country in the Mid- You know, it is a crying shame, as hard dle West, there are people taking off work as we have worked to get this crime rate to go to work for the NRA, to work against down, to run the risk of turning it right our candidates because they say we’re trying around and sending it up again by people to take their guns away. And they’re spending who not only want to control the criminal a fortune doing that. policy in this country as it relates to this but Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2567 have also promised—listen to this—prom- billion in lower college loan payments; lower ised to repeal the law we passed putting now credit card payments; and lower business 150,000 police on the street. They’re wrong. loans, which means more businesses, more We’re right. You’ve got to fight. Don’t take jobs, more raises, a higher stock market. this laying down, and don’t put this stuff out Look, we tried it our way; we tried it their there. Don’t do it. Don’t put up with people way. Our way is better. You want to keep saying things that aren’t true. the prosperity going, you’ve got to vote for Now, what is the election really about? the Democrats. Number one, it’s about whether we’re going Point number two: If you want to keep to keep the prosperity going and extend it building on the progress of the last 8 years to people and places left behind. That’s the in the non-economic areas, you’ve got to vote first thing. How are we going to do that? with us. The crime rate is down. I already How are we going to do that? We’re going talked about that. We reversed the increase to do that by giving people a tax cut we can in the number of uninsured. The number of afford, not one we can’t afford, a tax cut that people with health insurance is going down benefits more middle class families than for the first time in a dozen years. The envi- theirs does—even though it’s much smaller; ronment is cleaner—cleaner air, cleaner a deduction for college tuition; a credit for water, safer food, safer drinking water, more long-term care for the elderly and disabled; land set aside in permanent protection than extra help for child care; extra help for lower any administration since that of Theodore income workers with lots of kids; help to save Roosevelt 100 years ago. And the economy for retirement; and extra incentives to invest has gotten better. in people and places that have been left be- So we’ve got a better crime policy, a better hind. health policy, a better environmental policy, Now, why do we have a tax cut that is welfare rolls cut in half. And we have a better smaller than theirs? Because we save money education policy. Listen to this. In the last to invest in education and health care and 8 years, we’ve gone from 14 States to 49 the environment and national defense and States with standards for a core curriculum. to get this country out of debt over the next We have seen a decline in the dropout rate, 12 years so we can keep interest rates down an increase in the graduation rate. College- and the economy growing. going is at an all-time high. We have a 50 What is their deal? What’s the difference? percent increase in the number of kids taking Their tax cut is at least 3 times as big as ours. advanced placement in high school, a 300 I admit it is. And a few of you might do better percent increase in Latino kids doing it, a under it, but it’s 3 times bigger. What’s the 500 percent increase in African-American problem with that? Well, that’s 75 percent kids doing it. We’ve already opened the doors of the surplus. And then they’ve got a trillion of college completely for the first 2 years, dollar cost on their partial privatization of So- and if we pass this college tax deduction that cial Security and then several hundred billion Senator Schumer and Hillary are pushing so dollars of spending they’ve promised. And hard, we’ll open the doors of college for 4 the problem with that is, it doesn’t add up. years for every young person in the entire By the time you spend all that money, you’re United States of America. back in deficits, which means higher interest In every single one of these areas you’ve rates and slower growth. got to decide whether you’re going to build I had some people analyze this for me, and on the progress or go back to another policy. they say that if the Gore/Lieberman/Hillary In crime, it’s not just about guns. They want tax cut is adopted, we’ll probably have—and to repeal our commitment to putting 150,000 we stay on the path to pay the debt off— police on the street. In education, everybody we could leave interest rates a percent lower can be for accountability. We think we’ve got every year for a decade. Do you know what to help the States meet it. We’re for doubling that’s worth to you? Listen to this, lower in- the number of kids in preschool and after- terest rates: $390 billion in lower home mort- school programs. They’re not. We’re for gages; $30 billion in lower car payments; $15 funds to help local school districts build or 2568 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 modernize schools, because they’re over- about gays. And then he saw that little boy crowded or broken down, and we know that stretched out on a rack to die. And he needed the property tax can’t carry the whole bur- the Federal Government to come in and help den. They’re not. We’re for 100,000 teachers him deal with the cost of dealing with that qualified in smaller classes. They don’t want crime. And he has become perhaps our most to do that—huge difference. articulate advocate for hate crimes. This is In the environment, they say our clean air a big deal, going way beyond the number rules are too tough. They say that my order of people that will be victimized by hate setting aside tens of millions of acres in the crimes. It talks about what kind of people national forest as roadless acres is wrong. we are and whether we’re committed to one They say they ought to revisit all these areas America. I’ve protected in perpetuity. They say it’s too We have big differences on what kind of burdensome on the economy. If I were trying court system we ought to have and whether to hurt the economy, I didn’t do a very good we will preserve a woman’s right to choose job. [Laughter] You have to decide. or get rid of it and throw it back to the States, But you’ve got to tell people. If you want the way it used to be. It only takes one vote, to build on the progress of the last 8 years, and the next President will get to appoint you’ve got to vote for Al Gore and Joe at least two judges to the Supreme Court. Lieberman and Hillary. You don’t have an And then there will be all these other ap- option here. It’s clear. pointments. And the third thing I want to say—the And everybody who studies this knows that third thing I want to say—and maybe most there is the most radical reassessment since important of all—is that we have got to keep the 1930’s of the ability of the National Gov- working to build one America across all the ernment to protect the American people, not lines that divide us, across all the racial and just the right to choose, going way beyond ethnic and religious and gender and sexual that into all kinds of health and safety and orientation lines that divide us. We’ve got to education and other areas, or whether the do it. courts will start to say the Congress can’t do Now, this is a big deal. And I can only this anymore. They even threw out a provi- tell you what it means to me. And I’ll only sion of the Violence Against Women Act. take the issues where there is a difference. Now, I’m telling you, you’ve got to think We believe a big part of building one Amer- about this. This is a big deal. And I believe ica is equal pay for equal work. We want to it would be a mistake to return to the con- strengthen the equal pay laws for women, stitutional theory which existed in the 1930’s and they’re against it. We believe a big part that said, basically, the Federal Government of building one America is a strong and com- can’t do anything if the States don’t like it. prehensive hate crimes law, and they’re not Now, think about this. If somebody asks you for it. what the difference is, somebody says, ‘‘Oh, And I really regret that in the debate we there’s not much difference,’’ or, ‘‘I don’t like didn’t get into the details of this as much. this, that or the other thing that Al Gore or You got a feeling that we were for it, and Joe Lieberman or Hillary said,’’ you say, they weren’t. But they’re not for it because ‘‘Wait a minute. You want to keep this pros- they’re conservative wing does not want to perity going? Do you like the fact that we’ve vote for a national hate crimes bill that pro- got a cleaner environment, that the number tects gays against hate crimes. Now, that’s of people without health insurance is going the truth. I’ve been there trying to pass this down, that the number of people going to for 2 years. I know what’s going on. And I’m college is going up, that the schools that were telling you, we need it. failing are turning around, that the crime rate I wish you could all hear the police com- is going down? Do you want to build on the missioner from Wyoming that had to super- progress of the last 8 years? And do you want vise the Matthew Shepard murder case. He to keep building one America?’’ was always against hate crimes. He had That’s what I want you to do. I want you mixed feelings. He didn’t know how he felt to promise yourself that every day, sometime Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2569 between now and the election, every day we’ve gone I don’t know how many times you’re going to say to somebody, ‘‘Vote for to the Middle East or to Northern Ireland Al Gore and Joe Lieberman and Hillary to or to see our troops in the Balkans, to try keep the prosperity going, to build on the to advance the cause of peace and stick up social progress, and to build one America.’’ for our friends in Israel, in Bosnia, in Ireland. That brings me to my appointed duty— And you will never know—because I don’t [laughter]—as the spouse and Cheerleader have the words to say—how hard she has in Chief in America. [Laughter] I want to worked or how deeply she cares. But I want make a couple of points that I hope you will to tell you this, this is the first time in 26 share with the voters, particularly on Long years they’re having an election and I’m not Island, in the days ahead before the election. on the ballot. [Laughter] But I care more I met Hillary almost 30 years ago, and for about this election than any one I’ve ever 30 years I have watched her devote her heart been involved in. I care about what happens and soul to the interests of children and fami- in the Presidential race because everything lies, education and health care. For more we’ve worked for is on the line, and all the than 20 years, I have watched her work on progress America has made is still out there. bringing economic opportunity to people and And I care about this Senate race because places who were left behind, something that’s of the hundreds and hundreds of people I’ve very important to upstate New York. known in public life. And I can tell you, on For the last 8 years, since we’ve been in balance, they’re better than they get credit the White House, she has been the most ac- for being, the Republicans and the Demo- tive First Lady, if not in history, certainly crats. On balance, they work harder; they’re since Eleanor Roosevelt. She was an advo- more honest, and they try harder to do what cate for the first bill I signed as President, they believe in than most people know. the family and medical leave law. Over 22 But I have never known anybody else in million Americans have now taken some time public life who had the combination of brains off, when a baby is born or a parent is sick, and heart and caring and tenacity and ability without losing their job. to imagine solutions and get people together She held the first White House conference to get things done than Hillary has. She ever held on early childhood and brain devel- would be a worthy successor to Daniel opment. She worked hard to get mammo- Patrick Moynihan, to Robert Kennedy, and grams for women under Medicare and to do a great partner for Chuck Schumer. other things in the way of preventive care. Please welcome the next United States She led an effort in the Federal Government Senator from New York. to examine the problems that veterans of the Gulf war were having that might have been NOTE: The President spoke at 8:13 p.m. in associated with their service in the Persian Lowenfeld Hall at Hofstra University. In his re- Gulf a decade ago. marks, he referred to Steve Israel, candidate for She has represented our country all over New York’s Second Congressional District; New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall; Thomas the world, traveling to more countries than P. DiNapoli, chair, Nassau County Democratic any other First Lady in history, talking about Party; and Nava Barak, wife of Prime Minister women’s rights and children’s rights, remind- Ehud Barak of Israel. ing people that the national security of the United States depends not just on our mili- tary strength but on our ability to help ordi- Remarks at a Reception for Hillary nary people with economic opportunity and Clinton in New York City education and health care. October 22, 2000 She has helped me in our endless efforts to make peace in Northern Ireland. She has Thank you very much. I want to thank gone to the Balkans and in the Middle East, Susie who has been such a wonderful friend where we have worked so hard for the cause to Hillary and me for so many years now. of peace. When Mrs. Barak asked her to And I want to thank Amy and Jeffrey and come, she went again. She has been there— Harvey and all the others who spearheaded 2570 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 this event tonight. It’s a beautiful testimonial cratic Presidents, but it’s not worth it to do to Hillary, and I’m delighted that it could to the country. And you need to tell people be in this wonderful old theater. this. We tried it our way for 8 years. We tried I want to thank Sir Elton John for being it their way for 12 years. Our way works bet- good enough to come and be with us tonight ter. If you want to keep it going, you better and congratulate him on his smashing suc- vote for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman and cess in the last few days. This will be the Hillary. second time he has performed during the The second thing you ought to say is, ‘‘If Clinton administration; the first was at the you want to build on the social progress of state dinner for his Prime Minister, Tony the last 8 years, you’ve got to vote for Al Gore Blair, where he and Stevie Wonder com- and Joe Lieberman and Hillary.’’ What do memorated a truly historic night of Anglo- I mean by that? The crime rate is at a 26- American partnership. year low; the murder rate is at a 33-year low; I want to say, too, very briefly, because the gun violence rate is down by 35 percent we are all here basically to have a good time because of the Brady bill, the assault weap- and see each other—and I hope that Hillary ons ban, putting 100,000 police on the street. and I can visit with all the rest of you before Now, you all know where they are on the you leave—because there are so many of you Brady bill and the waiting period. That’s why here who have been not only important polit- Charlton Heston has a starring role in this ical supporters of ours but very good friends election. Did you hear what he said yester- over the last 8 years and, in some cases, from day? The most important election for gun long before. owners since the Civil War. Some guy said Hillary and I are delighted that her mother they ought to lynch Gore. He said he’ll sup- and Chelsea could be here tonight. This is ply the rope. Look, this is serious. It isn’t sort of a family day we’ve had in New York, true that Al Gore and Joe Lieberman want and I have been to Binghamton and Water- to take anybody’s guns away, but they don’t town and Alex Bay today in my capacity as want kids and criminals to have guns. That’s Cheerleader in Chief in this election. what this is about. It’s also about, they want [Laughter] to get rid of 100,000 police. We’re trying to And I just want to tell you a couple of put 100,000 teachers in the classrooms. They things very briefly. First of all, I believe on want to get rid of them. November the 7th, Hillary will be elected, We have given the American people clean- and I believe Al Gore and Joe Lieberman er air, cleaner water, safer food, more land will be elected. And I think a lot of you are set aside than in any administration except asking me what you’re supposed to say, and for Theodore Roosevelt. They want to weak- I think you should say three things about the en the air rules and relax the protections I’ve national election. given to public lands. See, it’s not like you First of all, if you want to keep the pros- don’t have a clear choice here. We proved perity going, you only have one choice, be- you can clean up the environment and im- cause our team wants to give the folks a tax prove the economy. They want to reverse cut they can afford, keep investing in edu- that policy. cation and health care, and get rid of the Same thing in health care, and Hillary will national debt, which will get interest rates talk a little more about that. We’ve got a de- down. Their side is promising everybody the cline in the number of people without health Moon: a huge tax cut, a huge privatization insurance for the first time in a dozen years of Social Security, and a lot of spending, and because of our Children’s Health Insurance it doesn’t add up. The numbers don’t add Program. But all the things that we want to up. And if we go back into debt, we tried do to build on that, they’re not for. it their way for 12 years. You remember that? So if you want to build on the progress We quadrupled the national debt. That’s why of the last 8 years, if you like the fact that I got elected President. we’re a safer country, that we’re an environ- So if we give them one more chance, they mentally cleaner country, that education is might give us a whole generation of Demo- improving, that health care is getting better, Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 22 2571 you don’t have any choice, you’ve got to vote And so first I gave—we went through the for Gore/Lieberman and Hillary. same drill that I go through when a young And the third thing, and the most impor- person comes to me and says, ‘‘I want to run tant thing to me, is if you believe as I do for State legislature,’’ or something. I said, that the most important mission of any soci- ‘‘Can you stand losing? Are you prepared to ety is to build a unity, an affirmation of our win, to do what it takes to win? And do you common humanity, beneath all the lines that know why you want the job, for some reason divide us, all the diversity in this society that or another bigger than yourself?’’ And she makes it an interesting place to live, you real- had good answers to that. And then I said, ly have to vote for Gore/Lieberman and Hil- ‘‘Well, are you prepared to give up what lary. Whether it’s equal pay for women or could be our last—what will be our last year the hate crimes bill or the employment non- in the White House, when we could have discrimination bill or preserving a woman’s a good time, we could take all these trips right to choose or just preserving a philos- together? We could do all these things to- ophy on the Supreme Court that the National gether—memories of a lifetime.’’ And ‘‘Get Government ought to be able to protect the up to upstate New York and find out what’s basic health and welfare of the American wrong with the economy. Get out to Long people. Island and find out why they’re worried The next President is going to get two ap- about some of their health care problems.’’ pointments. Roe v. Wade is hanging by one And we debated it, and I said, ‘‘I think vote. And a majority on this court has already you should not think about how you’ll feel voted to invalidate the ability of Congress to the day we leave the White House. You ought pass the Violence Against Women Act if it to think about how you’ll feel a year after requires the States to do anything. That’s a we’re gone,’’ because public service has been theory that prevailed 70 years ago in the her life. 1930’s. And one other point I would like to make, Now, you’ve got to go out and talk to peo- a lot of you who have known her a long time ple and make sure they understand this. If will identify with this. I don’t get—you know, you want the economy to keep growing, if I feel nothing anymore when somebody at- you want this society to keep making progress tacks me. I’m sort of callused over. I can even and if you want America to keep coming to- stand it, normally, when somebody attacks gether instead of being driven apart, you only Hillary now. But I am enraged when I hear have one choice. somebody say that she wouldn’t be up here And this should be a very happy election. running for Senator for New York if she The country’s in good shape, and the best weren’t First Lady. If she hadn’t spent the stuff is still out there. Yes, we have problems. last 30 years of her life working for children There will never be a time on Earth when and families and charitable causes and other people are around that we don’t have prob- candidates, mostly me, she could have been lems, because we all have imperfections, so doing this 20 years ago. there will be problems. But we will never And what I want to say to you is, I am have another chance in our lifetime like this. very proud of the race she has run. I am Which brings me to my appointed duty. proud what she has done in the White When Hillary was approached—when Sen- House, to advocate for children, for families, ator Moynihan said he would not seek reelec- for women’s health, to build the largest his- tion, and Hillary was approached by a num- toric preservation movement in our country’s ber of members of the New York congres- history around the millennium celebration, sional delegation over a year ago now to think to visit more countries, to work for peace in about running for the Senate seat once held the Middle East, peace in Northern Ireland, not only by Senator Moynihan but by Robert to support our troops in the Balkans when Kennedy, and then a lot of other people in they stood up against ethnic cleansing and New York started to call her, she said, ‘‘Do took the first critical steps that were pivotal you think we ought to consider doing this?’’ to the eventual elimination of Mr. Milosevic 2572 Oct. 22 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 from the political scene over there. I am very How would it not be included in? The proud of all that. leadership of the Congress and the leader- Of all the people I have known, the hun- ship of the Republican Party is still well to dreds and hundreds of people I have known the right of the country on this issue. Same in public life, she has the best combination thing in Texas, you know, they could have of brains and heart and consistent dedication had a hate crimes bill after James Byrd was and the ability to get things done of any per- killed, if Governor Bush had just lifted a fin- son I have ever known, anywhere in public ger for it. But he was unwilling to take on life. She will be a worthy successor to Senator the rightwing in his own party, and so it died. Moynihan, Senator Kennedy, and a great And it’s the same thing in Washington. If partner for Chuck Schumer. the leaders of the House and the Senate can Come on up, Hillary, and give them a be persuaded to instruct their conferees to speech. Thank you very much. follow the will of the majority, it will prevail. If it doesn’t prevail, it’s because the leader- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:36 p.m. at the ship of the Congress and the leadership of Hudson Theatre. In his remarks, he referred to the Republicans is still to the right of the reception host Susie Tompkins Buell; entertainers country on the issue. Elton John and Stevie Wonder; Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom; Dorothy Rodham, the President’s mother-in-law; Charlton Matthew Shepard Heston, president, National Rifle Association; and Mr. Bull. As you may remember, the mur- former President Slobodan Milosevic of the Fed- eral Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Monte- der of Matthew Shepard, the student in negro). A tape was not available for verification Wyoming—— of the content of these remarks. The President. I remember it vividly. Mr. Bull. ——really changed the way Americans see hate crimes against gay peo- Interview With Chris Bull ple. What was your initial reaction to that of the Advocate murder? September 27, 2000 The President. Well, I think it was par- ticularly horrifying and heartbreaking be- Hate Crimes Legislation cause he was so young and so small and the Mr. Bull. Thank you for agreeing to this way they killed him was so graphic. But it interview. I thought we’d jump ahead in the did galvanize the country. You know, the questions a little bit, because I noticed this American people are fundamentally decent. morning at the press briefing you talked But like human beings everywhere, since the about the hate crimes legislation and opposi- dawn of time, they’re afraid of something tion to including sexual orientation in it. that’s profoundly different from the life they There was the front page of the Wash- know and the experiences they’ve had. ington Post today, a man walks into a gay Usually, the way civilization progresses is bar in Virginia and starts shooting. With all something happens that forces people to see the evidence about this particular aspect of things in a different way, in a more human hate crimes, why is there still so much oppo- way. And that’s what Matthew Shepard’s sition in Congress? death did. I think the fact that his parents, The President. First, let’s talk about the who are obviously not leftwing activists, just good news here. There’s 57 votes for it in mainstream, hardworking Americans, be- the Senate, and about 240 votes for it in the came advocates for the hate crimes legisla- House. Virtually all the Democrats, but four tion and the fact that that police commis- or five of them, are for it. And we’ve got sioner there, O’Malley, was so eloquent in 41 Republicans on a motion to instruct the saying that the experience of dealing with conferees to leave it in the defense bill. So Matthew’s death and dealing with his family there’s no question that we now have a ma- and his friends had changed his life, as well jority for it. as his attitudes. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2573

I think those three people deserve an enor- homosexuality. I imagine those old laws are mous amount of credit for the way the coun- still on the books in some States. try has moved. And one of our legislators went home, and Mr. Bull. With the depth of the problem he lived in a very conservative district, and that you’ve just described, people’s psycho- he was roundly abused by the religious right logical response to difference, is hate crimes at the time. And that’s just when they were legislation really the best way to deal with getting up and going there, in the the problem? Does it really get at the roots midseventies. So he came back and intro- of it? duced a bill, essentially, to make homosex- The President. Well, I think it’s just one uality a crime again but turning it from a piece of it. I think it’s really important to status offense into an act. And I tried to kill pass ENDA, and there are big majorities for it then. It just struck me as wrong. ENDA in the country, too. And it hasn’t And I remember, it was the first thing that passed for the same reason. sort of, I don’t know, brought me to the at- The other thing I think that’s important— tention of some of the gay community in my and ENDA would really feed into this—is home State. It was never a big issue. And that we just need people, all the American I failed. I thought I had it done, and I failed. people, to have the opportunity to interact Literally in the last 30 minutes of the last on a human level, in the workplace, in social day of the legislative session, they voted it settings, with gays and lesbians and know that out. And we knew we had to kill it in com- they’re interacting with them. Personal con- mittee because the legislators would be tact, it may sound old-fashioned and naive— afraid to vote against it back then. it’s not a substitute for laws—but it will I knew from the time I was a boy growing change attitudes. up that I knew people who were gay, even I’ll never forget in the administration’s though they didn’t talk about it. So I always early debate over gays in the military, there felt that. And then when I started running was a national poll published which showed for President and people who were active in that Americans, who knew a gay person and the gay rights cause started to talk to me— knew they knew a gay person, were 2-1 in starting with David Mixner, who had been favor of changing the policy. So if you believe a friend of mine for, by then, way over 20 that most people have goodness in them and years—I just decided that it was one thing will, other things being equal, treat their fel- I was going to try to make a difference in. low human beings in a decent and fair way, And I started actively seeking out members then you have to overcome ignorance and of the gay community. Marty Rouse helped fear. And it takes time, and it takes contact. me a lot in New York, took me to a big meet- ing there I never will forget. President’s Background on Gay Rights I know it seems sort of—it probably seems strange to everybody. I was running on a Mr. Bull. One of the things for which your New Democratic platform. I was a Governor administration will be remembered is, early of a southern State, and on issues like fiscal on, you talked a lot about gay people in a responsibility and some foreign policy issues way that Americans hadn’t heard from that I was, I suppose, to the right of where most level of government, which is in terms of tol- activist Democrats were. But it just struck erance, inclusiveness, a place at the table, me as a human rights issue from the begin- having no one to waste. How did you come ning, and a personal issue. across that approach to including gay people in, sort of, the rhetoric of the civil rights movement? Future of Gay Rights The President. Personal contact. In 1977, Mr. Bull. Having set that tone in the when I was attorney general, there was an White House, is there—how do we maintain attempt to make—we had just adopted a new it after you’re in office? How do we make criminal code, and the criminal code had got- sure it doesn’t go back to pitting groups ten rid of all the status offenses, including against one another? 2574 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

The President. Well, first of all, I think On the gays in the military issue, I think that it will never be quite the same. I think it’s important to remember—— we have to give—you can’t give me too much Mr. Bull. That was a case I’m sure a lot credit and give the gay community too little, of Democrats who opposed an initiative—— or give the American people too little credit. The President. Oh, we got killed. I think I mean, I don’t think it will ever be fashion- a lot of people forget—and I don’t want to able for people in national life to demonize be too defensive about this—but a lot of peo- gays again. ple forget that I did not accept General Pow- But I think the extent to which we con- ell’s proposed compromise until the Senate tinue to progress will depend entirely on had voted 68-32 in a resolution against my who’s elected. Al Gore is for the hate crimes position. The House, we knew there were legislation and the ‘‘Employment and Non- over 300 votes against us, so we knew they Discrimination Act’’ and has been at least as had a veto-proof majority. But we thought open, if not more open, than me in pursuing we might be able to sustain a veto of an at- this cause. This is something that he really, tempt to ratify the old policy, until the Senate really feels strongly about. voted 68-32 against it. So that meant they And I don’t believe Governor Bush is a had a veto-proof majority in both Houses. bad person, with a bad heart. I think he basi- So my guess is that what the next move cally has a good heart. But I think that— should be is to try to get the Congress to you know, he passed on the hate crimes bill restore to the military and the executive in Texas, and I don’t think he’ll be for the branch discretion to make this decision and ‘‘Employment and Non-Discrimination Act.’’ then to try to explore—because I think there And if he wins and he keeps his majority in have been some changes in attitudes to the Congress, I just don’t think we’ll get very far military, too—whether there is—you know, legislatively. And there won’t be nearly as what kind of steps could be taken from there. many appointments, and I don’t think the ap- I don’t think that the Congress would be proach to AIDS, both at home and abroad, willing to legislatively reverse it and adopt will be nearly as aggressive. the policy that I favor. But they might be willing to give the policy back to the execu- tive branch and to the military on the condi- Legislative Agenda/Gays in the Military tion that the President pledge to kind of work Mr. Bull. With all your success in setting through this thing with the military. And I a different tone on the gay rights debate, the do believe there has been some progress legislative and policy related areas have been there. There’s still a lot of resistance, too, more challenging. How do you think—I as you know, but I think there has been some mean, what needs to be done to actually progress. make concrete legislative gains in terms of Mr. Bull. You were pilloried on both sides the military policy, et cetera? of that issue in ’93. The President. Well, I think two things. The President. The worst of all worlds, I think, first of all, on the concrete legislative everybody was mad at me. gains, I think the most important thing is to Mr. Bull. Because you had your friend change the composition of Congress. It David Mixner—was protesting. And you said doesn’t have to change a lot—you know, 10 at the time that you had spilt a lot of blood or 12 seats in the House, even if the Demo- on the issue. What did you mean by that? crats didn’t win a majority in the Senate— The President. Well, just that. I mean, if we picked up three or four seats, so that I cared a lot about it. I thought I was right. it was effectively a split, I think it would I didn’t agree to compromise until I was beat. change the landscape dramatically. One of the things I learned the first 2 years So I think if you had a President who was is that—I don’t think it was apparent to 90 committed and some changes in the Con- percent of the people in the gay community gress, even modest changes, I think it would who cared about this that we were beat. That make a huge difference on the legislative is, I don’t think that we made enough of the front. Senate vote, and maybe what I should have Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2575 done, if I just was concerned about my own issue or a contribution issue, and to people standing and clarity, is just let them pass it who are for it, it isn’t. and veto it. Then they’d override the veto. Now, I think the gay community has come We’d be back where we were. a long way just since I’ve been here, both But the way they implemented the in terms of the sophistication of it’s argu- changes that we announced in the first few ments and the quality of its organization and years were just about as bad as it was before. its active participation in the political process, Now, it’s gotten a little better now. Bill including contributing to campaigns of the Cohen has gotten on it and changed a lot people you agree with and believe in. So I of the training. There is no question that as think all that is to the good. a practical matter, even though it’s But I still say, I think the most important unsatisfying as a matter of principle, that if thing—I was just looking over the people that the policy as I announced it or implemented are going to be at this lunch that we’re going it, it would be better than the policy before. to and what they do for a living. They have But for years there was a lot of resistance normal jobs in big companies that are impor- to that. tant, and they’re in a position to exercise in- I think it is going to get better now if the fluence over people with whom they work. next Secretary of Defense hews to the line The thing I think is important is to try to that Secretary Cohen has set out. get more non-gay supporters of these issues who see it as civil rights issues and see it Gay Community Leadership as a voting issue, an important political pri- Mr. Bull. The gay rights movement I think ority. And I think that it’s going that way. eventually came to see that it, itself, had failed to provide you a certain amount of po- Same-Sex Marriage litical cover to create the conditions in Amer- Mr. Bull. In ’96—I think I actually had ica in which people supported such a change. the year wrong—you signed the Defense of You’ve experienced gay rights leaders for a Marriage Act. Do you think Americans—and, long time now. How do you think it could politically, that was a hard issue for everyone become a more effective, mainstream polit- in Congress, as well as you. Do you think ical force in the long run? Americans will ever come to the point where The President. Well, first of all, I don’t they can find same-sex marriage acceptable? think that they failed any more than I did. The President. I don’t know the answer Look, I fight a lot of fights I don’t win. The to that. But again, I think that under the law, NRA beats me more than I beat them in gay couples who have manifested a genuine Congress. The insurance companies beat me commitment should have all the legal options on health care, and so far, they’re beating that others do, whether it’s how they leave us on the Patients’ Bill of Rights. The drug their estates or cover their partners with companies, so far, are beating us on adding health insurance on the job or such simple a Medicare drug benefit. things as the right to visit hospital beds dur- So it shouldn’t be surprising or, I would ing family visiting hours, you know, the whole argue, discouraging that the first time you panoply of things. come out of the box on some of these issues And then I think that when people come you don’t win. America has always been, like to respect that, and people will put their own all societies, a place where organized, en- words to whatever the relationship is and it trenched interests initially have more power will—the main thing is that we recognize the than even popular causes that are not equally integrity of commitments and the right citi- well organized, particularly when the issue zens have to leave their property and take may not be a voting issue yet with the Amer- care of the health of people they love and ican people. all the things that people do. There are lots of issues where a majority, Also, I think one of the things that may maybe even two-thirds, agree with me, and impact this debate in the future is the parallel I still can’t pass it in Congress because to debate that’s going on in some places still the people who are against it, it’s a voting over adoptions, because you see more and 2576 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 more gay couples adopting kids. Very often, How do you feel about that support that they’re children who wouldn’t be taken by you got from—— other people or who haven’t been. And I The President. First of all, I was honored think that’s going to have an impact on peo- to have it. And secondly, I think that partly ple. it came out of the same wellspring of experi- I’ve always felt that all those anti-adoption ence that prompted so many African-Ameri- laws were wrong. I think that the present cans to stick with me. They’ve been there. law is the right—the historical, almost com- The people who’ve been targeted, who’ve mon law standard in America, although it’s been publicly humiliated and abused, I think, in statute now and our country is—these de- identified with what was going on, because cisions should be made based on what’s best they knew, the whole world, if anybody had for the child. I think that responsible been paying attention, knew by then that the childrearing is the most important work of whole Whitewater thing was a fraud—it any society. And insofar as people see it being never amounted to anything, which has now done by gay couples, I think that will add been acknowledged—that the civil lawsuit to a bill’s support for fair treatment. against me was also totally unmeritorious, as Mr. Bull. Have your own views on same- even the judge said. sex marriage, itself—not on civil union or do- So they knew that basically the whole thing mestic partnership legislation—changed was just a vehicle to try to find some last, since ’96? desperate way to undermine the result of two The President. My views were and are elections and what I was trying to do for the that people who have a relationship ought America people and the fact that I tried to to be able to call it whatever they want. And be a President for people who had been left insofar as it’s sanctified by a religious cere- out, left behind, ignored, and kicked, as well mony, that’s up to the churches involved. as for the vast majority of the American peo- And I always thought that. ple that just needed somebody to do the right I think what happened in the Congress was things in Washington. that a lot of people who didn’t want to be So I think that there were a lot of people anti-gay didn’t feel that they should be saying that knew what it was like to take a bullet, that as a matter of law, without regard to and they saw it for what it was. what various churches or religions or others Religious Right thought, that the United States policy was that all unions that call themselves marriages Mr. Bull. Gays and lesbians are often the are, as a matter of law, marriages. I don’t target of really unrelenting attacks from the think we’re there yet. right wing, especially religious conservatives But I think that what we ought to do is like Falwell and Robertson. They’ve some- to get the legal rights straightened out and times turned their focus on you, as well. Does let time take it’s course, and we’ll see what that enhance your empathy for the plight that happens. gays and lesbians sometimes experience? The President. Yes, although I always—— Gay Support Mr. Bull. I mean, has it surprised you, Mr. Bull. Just two or three more ques- the—— tions. With your political troubles with the The President. ——my empathy level was GOP and the House, polls showed that gays pretty high. Does it surprise me that they and lesbians, along with African-Americans, hated me as much as they did? A little bit. were among your staunchest supporters. But I think there are two things. First of all, They really rallied to your cause and thought for all their railing against entitlements on it was very, by and large—you know, there behalf of poor people, a lot of those people are certainly gay Republicans who would dis- have a sense of entitlement to cultural superi- agree—felt that you were being treated un- ority and political power. And they don’t fairly, your private life being used against think anybody that’s not part of their crowd you. has a right to cultural legitimacy or political Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2577 power. And before ’92, I think most of them I think they’re afraid. And I think there thought no Democrat would ever win again. are all these, sort of, preconceptions—that They thought they had this little proven for- I think are totally wrong—that gay adults are mula, you know, to sort of portray us as en- more likely to abuse children than straight emies of ordinary Americans—to use a adults. And if you look at the evidence every phrase that Newt Gingrich used against me year in cases of child abuse that have a sexual and my wife. I think that was part of it. component, there’s just no evidence to sup- And I think the other thing is, I think that port that. But I think there’s a fear factor one of the reasons they disliked me especially there. is that they see me as an apostate because Mr. Bull. But aren’t those kids that you’re I’m a southern white male Protestant, and talking about, that are being helped by the southern white male Protestants have been Scouts, being taught that they can mistreat the backbone of their political and social gay kids, gay kids are second class? power, because we tend to be more politi- The President. If I thought they were cally and socially conservative. doing that—you know, one of the things that So I think those are the two things that bothered me about the military situation is prompted it. Maybe they just don’t like me. I thought there was an affirmative, anti-gay You know that old joke about the guy that bias in the military. And there still is in some falls off the mountain? He said, ‘‘God, why places. But as I said, I’m convinced Secretary me?’’ And He said, ‘‘Son, there’s just some- Cohen is making an aggressive effort to deal thing about you I don’t like.’’ [Laughter] So with that now. If I thought they were, that maybe that’s it. I don’t know. [Laughter] would have some impact on me. I don’t— if that’s going on, I don’t know about it. It Boy Scouts may, but nobody—— Mr. Bull. Boy Scouts of America, the Su- Mr. Bull. Just the policy of exclusion preme Court decision upholding the Scouts’ would imply—— right to determine their own membership The President. ——nobody has ever criteria and exclude gay Scouts. Members of given me information about that. I think it’s Congress have asked you to resign your hon- much more a function of their buying into orary position. Would you be willing to do the presumption that, particularly, gay Scout that? leaders would be more likely to have some The President. Let me ask you a fact sort of improper influence on the kids, rather question, first. The Girl Scouts have a dif- than being inherently anti-gay. ferent policy, don’t they? Mr. Bull. Yes, they have no policy. AIDS The President. Well, I can tell you that my present inclination is that I shouldn’t do Mr. Bull. Can I just throw in one ques- it, because I think the Scouts do a world of tion, because we haven’t addressed AIDS? good and because I think they can be per- The President. Sure. Yes, do that. suaded to change. I think the policy is wrong, Mr. Bull. We probably should get that in; and I’ve made it quite clear that I think their I’m sorry. Because of the advances of AIDS policy is wrong. And they certainly know treatment and the decline in death rates, it’s where I stand on it. I believe they’ll change, hard to maintain the sense of urgency about and I think we should keep working on them. ending this disease. You’ve worked on it a But I don’t know that it wouldn’t do more lot during your two administrations. How can harm than good, especially now, at the end we maintain that sense of urgency to conquer of my tenure, for me just to do what would it? be a symbolic act of resignation. I also really The President. The first thing I think we appreciate a lot of the good they’ve done, have to do is to keep in mind, keep the public especially with inner-city kids and poor kids, in mind that there are 40,000 new cases every and I don’t think we should negate the good year, and that more than half of them affect they’ve done or we try to change what’s children and young people under 25. That’s wrong. a lot. 2578 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

The second thing I would say is, I do be- NOTE: The interview began at 12:47 p.m. aboard lieve there is overwhelming bipartisan con- Air Force One en route from Andrews Air Force sensus in the Congress and in the country Base, MD, to Dallas, TX, and the transcript was to continue looking for a cure and to con- released by the Office of the Press Secretary on October 23. In his remarks, the President referred tinue investing in that. to Republican Presidential candidate Gov. George And thirdly, there is overwhelming bipar- W. Bush; Dennis and Judy Shepard, parents of tisan consensus to continue, I think, the very murder victim Matthew Shepard; Commander large funding levels that we’ve achieved in David O’Malley, Laramie, WY, Police Depart- CARE. So I think we’re in reasonably good ment, who investigated Shepard’s murder; gay ac- shape on that. tivist and author David Mixner; and Marty Rouse, The next big step that I think will keep assistant to the Secretary of Health and Human a sense of urgency is to really internationalize Services. A tape was not available for verification the struggle, to recognize America’s responsi- of the content of this interview. bility to deal with the global AIDS crisis and to understand that the relationship between Remarks on the Establishment of a AIDS at home and AIDS abroad is quite a National Drunk Driving Standard close one, especially with borders being as open as they are now, a lot of immigrants October 23, 2000 coming here every year, and our responsibil- Good morning. I really believe that every- ities and the rest of the world and our hopes thing that needs to be said about this has for the rest of the world—particularly in our just been said. I want to thank Millie Webb outreach to Africa, to the Indian subconti- for sharing her story and for her crusading nent, and increasingly to the states of the leadership. I want to thank another person former Soviet Union, where the AIDS rates who is here today, Brenda Frazier, who came are growing very rapidly—our ability to do to the White House in 1998 to talk about what we’re trying to do in those areas will the tragic death of her 9-year-old daughter, turn, in no small part, on our ability to work Ashley, by a drunk driver. with them, to help them reverse the epi- And I want to thank all the members of demic. Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the You’re going to have African countries— grassroots campaign that has galvanized our I’ve had an unprecedented outreach to Afri- Nation and changed the way we think and ca, and we just passed this big trade bill with now, thank goodness, the way policymakers Africa, and we’re trying to get debt relief for behave when it comes to this issue. the poorest African countries that are being I thank you, Secretary Slater. And I thank well run. But there are countries over there all the Members of Congress who have that last year had very high growth rates, that worked on this. We did have strong bipar- within 10 years to 15 years will have more tisan support. It finally was able to overcome people in their sixties than in their thirties the lobbying pressure that Millie described. in those countries because of the AIDS epi- But I want to say a special word of appre- demic. Their economies, their societies are ciation to Representative Nita Lowey from very likely to become largely dysfunctional, New York, who is here to my right, and to along with their political systems, unless we Senator Frank Lautenberg. They have can do something to turn the AIDS epi- worked for more than 5 years on this legisla- demic. tion, and we wouldn’t be here today without I think we can keep more edge on the fight their leadership. against AIDS at home if we marry it more And let me say a special word of good closely to the fight against AIDS around the wishes to Senator Lautenberg. He is retiring world. after 18 years in the Senate. And he is leaving Mr. Bull. Thank you very much, Mr. a true legacy as a champion for the children, President. the families, and the economy of this Nation, The President. I enjoyed the visit. and we wish him well. Thank you, Frank. Mr. Bull. I appreciate it very much. I’d also like to thank the other members The President. Thanks. of the administration who are here, who Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2579 worked on this legislation, including Admiral Two years ago I took executive action to Loy, the Commander of the Coast Guard, make .08 the limit on Federal property, and and others from the Department of Trans- we launched a public education campaign on portation and the Department of Defense. drunk driving. This year the Departments of And I’d like to welcome the mayor of Chi- Transportation and Justice have released cago, Richard Daley, here and congratulate about $60 million to help communities com- him on the things that Chicago has in this bat drunk driving and underage drinking and transportation bill—[laughter]—once again to increase seatbelt use. showing that his influence reaches beyond And Secretary Slater, I just want to say the city limits of the Windy City. at this moment how much I appreciate what Let me say to all of you that, for me, this you have done. You know, this man and I is a very good day for the United States. This have worked together for 18 years now. I’ve .08 standard is the biggest step to toughen aged quite a lot, and he looks just about like drunk driving laws and reduce alcohol re- he did 18 years ago. [Laughter] He was a lated crashes since a national minimum very young man when he came to work for drinking age was established a generation me, and I have seen him grow and mature. ago. It is estimated by the experts that have And I think you’d be hard-pressed to name studied it that it will save at least 500 lives another person who served as Secretary of every year. How often do we get a chance Transportation with greater distinction and to begin a good morning and a good week who has not only tried to get more money by saving 500 lives a year? for roads and bridges, more money for air- I appreciate what Millie said, that we ports, more money for rail and mass transit— sounded the call here at the White House and we’re still working on high-speed rail— for a .08 standard in all 50 States over 21⁄2 but he’s also tried to humanize the face of years ago. It has been an uphill battle. But transportation and save lives. And I am very the victory came because there were Mem- grateful to him, as well. bers of Congress in both parties who worked Thanks to all these folks’ efforts, we are with a collation of health and safety organiza- making progress. Last year people killed in tions to do the right thing. It came because alcohol-related crashes dropped to an all- young people, parents, and communities rec- time low. But that low figure was a shocking ognized the problem and decided to do 15,700 people, including more than 2,200 something about it. But mostly, let’s face it, children. Now, I think we all know that as it came because people like Millie Webb and many people as we have driving our Nation’s Brenda Frazier and their families decided to highways and all the countless miles that are take their grief and make something good driven, there will never be a year when no happen for the rest of America. No point in one will lose their life on the highway be- our kidding ourselves, the rest of us would cause of a mechanical failure or because an have never defeated the lobbying interests exhausted driver trying to reach a family that were against this legislation if it hadn’t emergency falls asleep or because something been for the people who were willing to else happens. But if you could just take away honor their loved ones by standing up and the alcohol-related deaths, the number being counted and fighting until this day would drop to a breathtaking low. came to pass. Alcohol is still the single greatest factor in We have been working for years now to motor vehicle deaths and injuries. This law, increase awareness, strengthen laws, toughen .08, is simply a commonsense way to help enforcement. Five years ago I signed a zero- stop that. The science has been clear for a tolerance law for underage drinking and driv- long time. People that have that much alco- ing. [Applause] I’m glad you like that. You hol in their blood are too impaired to drive know, the surveys always tell you, if you talk safely. Judgment, reaction times, and other about something that happened more than critical driving skills are severely diminished. a year ago, it has a limited public response. When a driver with a .08 blood level turns [Laughter] And I always pointed out, it may the ignition, that driver is turning a car into be limited, but it’s enthusiastic. [Laughter] a lethal weapon. 2580 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

The law is effective. The National Trans- I must say, this is the most unusual thing portation Safety Administration study found I’ve ever seen. I would have thought that that Illinois, after adopting the .08 standard, Congress would want to get the job done so reduced the number of drinking drivers in- they could go home and run for reelection. volved in fatal crashes by about 14 percent. And I say that not in a negative way. I think The law is reasonable. It is not, contrary to that’s an honorable part of our system. We what some of the propaganda against this need to finish our business here. We need said, about just having a drink or two after especially to get an education budget that is dinner. There is more involved here. Low- worthy of our children, that builds on what ering the limit will make responsible Ameri- works, continues to hire 100,000 teachers, cans take even greater care when they drink helps communities build or modernize alcohol in any amounts, if they intend to schools, expands the after-school programs drive, and it should, in any amounts. and college opportunities, and helps to put Today’s success is just one more example a qualified, certified teacher in every class- of what we do when we come together to room. meet common challenges, to help our chil- This is Monday morning, and the children dren’s future and make our communities are at school. The parents are at work, and stronger. We have to keep working together, Congress comes back tonight to go to work. because there are still too many drunk driv- Today we have celebrated the best of the ers, and there will still be too many after this American political system. Citizens came to- law passes. gether, told their stories, overcame obstacles, and after years of fighting, made America a So I urge the American people to take no- safer, more humane, more decent place. This tice of this day and, mostly, to take notice proves that our system can work. And what of the stories of the Mothers Against Drunk we need to do is to bring these values and Driving. Talk with your friends, your co- this kind of effort to the remaining few days workers, your neighbors, your family mem- of Congress, so that we can together do more bers. Make sure there is a designated driver, things that are worthy of the great people and teach children about the dangers of we serve and the great system we’re privi- drunk driving. leged to be a part of. This .08 measure, as I said, is part of a Thank you very much, and good morning. larger transportation bill that I signed that will also improve roads and bridges and air- NOTE: The President spoke at 10:05 a.m. in the ports and mass transit. It will also enhance Rose Garden at the White House. In his remarks, the safety and performance of the transpor- he referred to Millie Webb, national president, tation system itself in the new century. But Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Prior to his re- I can’t let this day go without saying that marks, the President signed H.R. 4475, the De- partment of Transportation and Related Agencies we’re now in the fourth week of November Appropriations Act, 2001, in the Oval Office. H.R. and the work of the budget was supposed 4475, approved October 23, was assigned Public to be completed on October the 30th. I Law No. 106–346. mean, we’re in the fourth week of October. The work of the budget is supposed to be completed September 30th. [Laughter] I’m Statement on Signing the still not over flying to Egypt and back in 3 Department of Transportation and days. I’m sorry. Related Agencies Appropriations But anyway, you get the point. We’re 3 Act, 2001 weeks late, and we don’t have a budget. Last October 23, 2000 week I signed another continuing resolution to keep the Government open until Wednes- I am pleased to sign into law today H.R. day, but I told the leadership that if we don’t 4475, the ‘‘Department of Transportation make this deadline, we’re going to have to and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, go forward on a day-by-day basis because 2001.’’ The Act provides over $58 billion in Congress expects us to get the job done. funding for the Nation’s vital transportation Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2581 safety and infrastructure investment needs. ment to work with the National Academy of The transportation safety improvements con- Sciences to carry out the CAFE study au- tained in this legislation will save lives on our thorized by the bill to develop workable ap- highways and other transportation systems, proaches to energy conservation. The Act and the record level of infrastructure invest- provides important funding for Job Access ment will help improve the conditions and grants that will help hard-pressed working performance of the Nation’s transportation families, including former welfare recipients, system in support of a strong economy. get to work. I am disappointed, however, that The legislation provides critical transpor- the bill provides $50 million less than our tation safety funding and also contains re- request for these grants, earmarks 75 percent lated legislative provisions. Of particular im- of the program, and does not include my Ad- portance is a provision that will help set a ministration’s proposal to allow Native Amer- national impaired driving standard at 0.08 ican tribes to apply directly for this funding. Blood Alcohol Content and thus reduce I am pleased that H.R. 4475 contains $600 drunk driving on our Nation’s roads. As I million for the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. have previously said, this is a reasonable, When added to the $900 million already ap- commonsense standard that could save 500 propriated, this will complete the Federal lives a year, while still permitting adults to Government’s contribution to this bridge. drink responsibly and moderately. I wish to Likewise, I am pleased that the bill includes commend Senators Lautenberg and Shelby, an additional $25 million for Indian Reserva- Congressman Wolf, and Congresswoman tion Roads. Lowey for their bipartisan efforts in seeking Our transportation investment must con- inclusion of this provision. The legislation tinue to be intermodal and applied to critical also includes a compromise measure that will needs. Excessive earmarking can undermine enable the Department of Transportation to this goal, which is why I am disappointed proceed with all stages of rulemaking, short of a final rule, on ‘‘hours of service’’ con- with the widespread earmarking of vital high- cerning the amount of time drivers of large way, airport, and transit construction and re- interstate trucks and buses can spend behind search programs contained in the Act. This the wheel. It also permits the Department earmarking is without regard to criteria es- to move forward with its proposal for rollover tablished to ensure that these are sound in- ratings on cars and light trucks while the Na- vestments. Many earmarks are aimed at tional Academy of Sciences studies this issue. projects that have not advanced in the local In addition, the legislation contains funding planning process, and the funding will often increases requested by my Administration for lie unused for a long period of time. This motor carrier safety, pipeline safety, and the deprives ready-to-go projects of needed Fed- automotive defect investigation program. eral assistance. I ask the House and Senate I am pleased that H.R. 4475 provides the Appropriations Committees to work with the funding levels required by the Federal Avia- Department of Transportation to see that es- tion Administration and the Coast Guard. I sential projects that can quickly utilize Fed- am particularly pleased with increased fund- eral funding are able to move forward. ing for modernization of our aviation system I am pleased that H.R. 4475 includes addi- envisioned in the Wendell H. Ford Aviation tional requested resources for the Internal Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Cen- Revenue Service to implement the bipartisan tury. IRS reform legislation enacted in 1998. The I am disturbed by the provision of H.R. Act also responds to my request for addi- 4475 that blocks the Department of Trans- tional resources for counterterrorism pro- portation from evaluating the Corporate Av- grams in the Department of the Treasury, erage Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Re- thereby enhancing the Federal Govern- cent data indicate that motor vehicle fuel ment’s efforts to deter and detect terrorist economy efficiency has declined. I believe activity and to continue the high level of ef- that the Department should be allowed to fort undertaken during Millennium celebra- analyze this issue, and I expect the Depart- tion events. 2582 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

I am pleased that H.R. 4475 includes fund- Remarks at a Reception for ing the Unanticipated Needs account, which Representative Maurice D. Hinchey can be used by the President to meet needs in Kingston, New York in furtherance of the national interest, secu- October 23, 2000 rity, or defense. I am especially pleased this account includes the funding I sought to as- Thank you very much. First of all, thank sist the people of Puerto Rico in deciding you for the wonderful welcome. I am de- their islands’ future status, an issue that the lighted to be here. You may know that on Puerto Ricans have long asked us to clarify. the way over here today, I stopped at your Other Presidents and I have sought legisla- local elementary school and shook hands with tive action, and there has been some, but this the principal, the teachers, and as many of is the first piece of legislation passed by both the eager students as I could reach. [Laugh- Houses of Congress that supports Puerto ter] And they made a lot of wonderful signs, Rico choosing its future status. The account and I signed them, and I’m very grateful for also provides funds to educate Puerto Ricans that. I had a great time. I also went across the street and shook on the available options, relying on the Office hands with the kids at the pizza place. of the President to ensure the options pre- [Laughter] But because I was a little late, sented to the voters are realistic in light of I didn’t have one. [Laughter] I want to thank the Constitution and the basic laws and poli- Mayor Gallo and Assemblyman Cahill and cies of the United States. Once the options the other local officials who are here—John have been presented, the account also funds Parete, the Ulster County Democratic chair- a vote by the Puerto Rican people to choose man. And most of all, I want to say I’m hon- what their status should be. I am already ored to be here for Maurice Hinchey. working to clarify the options, and I am also We came in together, but I want to make working to ensure that the next President will absolutely sure he’s still there when I go. continue the effort to resolve this issue. [Laughter] We have fought our fights to- I also note that language purporting to re- gether. He has taken the risks that I have quire congressional committee approval for taken to try to turn the economy around and a plan to spend certain funds is unconstitu- pull the country together and move us for- tional under the Supreme Court’s holding in ward. INS v. Chadha, 462 U.S. 919 (1983). In addi- I’m especially grateful for his leadership tion, section 347 purports to restrict the con- for the Patients’ Bill of Rights, to put medical tents and form of the President’s budgetary decisions back into the hands of medical pro- proposal. This provision would interfere with fessionals and their patients; for a Medicare the President’s constitutional power to rec- drug program that would provide all of our ommend legislation and will accordingly be seniors access to affordable prescription construed as advisory. drugs; for our education initiatives and, espe- Overall, H.R. 4475 makes a positive con- cially, our school construction initiative, which would give States like New York that tribution to meeting the transportation and have either overcrowded or falling down other needs of this country. I am pleased to schools the funds they need to help repair sign it into law. or build or modernize schools without put- ting all of the burden on the local property William J. Clinton taxpayers; and for his help for the environ- The White House, ment, because one of the things I was deter- mined to do when I became President is to October 23, 2000. prove we could grow the economy and im- prove the environment at the same time. NOTE: H.R. 4475, approved October 23, was as- You know, when things go well, the Presi- signed Public Law No. 106–346. dent tends to get credit, and when they don’t, Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2583 well, that’s the way it goes. [Laughter] Harry That’s all been very moving, but it is punc- Truman said, ‘‘The buck stops here.’’ But tuated and overshadowed now by the terrible sometimes I think the credit should be more violence in the Middle East, which also oc- broadly shared, first and foremost with the curred at the same time that we lost 17 fine American people. But you need to know that young men and women in the United States on more than one occasion, the critical initia- Navy in the terrorist attack on our ship in tive, beginning with our economic plan in Aden, Yemen. I don’t want to say too much 1993, has passed by one vote in Congress. about that today except I’m working on it, So, if it hadn’t been for Maurice and people and my experience has been, in these mat- like him, so much of the good things that ters, that the less you say publicly, the more we have been able to do for America over likely you are to get done. the last 8 years would not have been possible, The point I want to make is, when I see, and you need to keep him right where he around the world, how people continue to is. struggle with their differences—with their I would also like to say a few words about religious, their racial, their ethnic dif- this Senate race, in which I have a passing ferences—how people continue to misunder- interest. [Laughter] And I would like to say stand each other; how after working together a few words about Vice President Gore and for 7 years for the cause of peace, with occa- Senator Lieberman. sional difficulties but never anything like this, But I want to begin by just making two the thing could get off the tracks like this, introductory comments. First of all, my heart it makes me so grateful that our country has is filled with gratitude for the people of the been so blessed to be the most diverse it has United States and especially to the people ever been and yet to be more united and of New York, who have been so wonderful making more progress and moving forward. to me through two elections, giving me the And the main thing I want to say to you State’s 33 electoral votes, along with Al Gore. today is, I’ve never thought much about the Last time, about 59 percent of the vote in ability of one elected official to influence an- 52 of the 62 counties supported our efforts, other one’s race, so I don’t know that I can and you will never know how grateful I am. convince anybody to vote for Maurice or Hil- Secondly, as Maurice said, for all the cele- lary or the Vice President. But what I would brations we’ve had in the last few days, our like to say is, I’d like to just share with you 8-year long effort to stand against ethnic from my heart what I think the issues are cleansing and genocide and abuse in the Bal- and what I hope you will say to your friends kans, beginning with our efforts to stop the and neighbors, because there’s no doubt that war in Bosnia, to roll back the expulsion of citizens influence one another’s opinions. the people in Kosovo, the embargo on Ser- And if you think about—Hillary said this bia. Now we have a genuinely elected Presi- last night, and I had never quite thought of dent there, committed to the rule of law. it this way, but she said, ‘‘You know, it was We have the President of South Korea very hard for us to go down to that memorial winning the Nobel Peace Prize, which he service for the sailors and their families at richly deserved, a lifetime of struggle for de- the U.S.S. Cole.’’ People often ask me what mocracy, first in his own country, narrowly the most difficult days of my Presidency are, escaping death, partly thanks to President and bar none, they have been the days when Jimmy Carter over 20 years ago, and now I had to go greet the families of people who opening the way to North Korea. And the were killed because of their service for the United States supported that policy and, I United States in the Embassies in Africa, in think, had a significant impact on its success. Ron Brown’s plane, Khobar Towers in Saudi And now Secretary Albright is there, and we Arabia. It is very difficult. have some hope of resolving our outstanding But what my wife said last night that I differences with North Korea and looking would like to echo is, you know, the rest of forward to the day when they will truly close us are not asked to put our lives on the line, the last chapter in the aftermath of the and most of the people were so young. I think Korean war. the oldest one was 31, but many of them 2584 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 were just 19. Many of them were younger she would understand precisely how the law than my daughter. And the least we can do affected young children and their parents. is to be grateful for the progress of this coun- And it has been the driving obsession of her try, to be proud of it, to show up and vote, whole life. and to take the next 2 weeks to discuss with She has spent most of the last 30 years our friends and neighbors and co-workers working on education, health care, and other and family members what we think this is children’s and families’ issues, and also work- about. And so that’s the spirit in which I ing on the relationship between education would like to speak to you today. and economic development and, specifically, Things are going well for this country, and how to get jobs into places that aren’t grow- we have—this is the first time in my lifetime ing as fast as the economy as a whole is grow- where we’ve had at the same time so much ing. economic prosperity and social progress, with And she went on corporate boards when the absence of domestic crisis and foreign we lived in Arkansas. She did a lot of work threat. And so we have before us the chance trying to figure out how to get investment to build the future of our dreams for our into areas where it was needed, which is a children. big issue for upstate New York this year. And And this election ought to be a feast for that’s a subject that she’s worked on for 20 America. People shouldn’t feel bad about the years, so when she talks about it, it’s not fact that nothing bad is happening. They something that just sort of occurred to her should feel good about it. [Laughter] But when she started coming up here to see you. they should understand that sometimes it’s The second thing I would like to say is harder to make a good decision when times that, for the last 8 years in the White House, are good than when they’re bad. she has perhaps been the most active First There’s not a person in this room over 30 Lady in history, certainly had the broadest years old that hasn’t made at least one mis- range of interests since Eleanor Roosevelt. take in their life, not because your life was She has worked on—the first thing she going so badly but because things were going worked on was trying to help pass the first so well, you thought there was no penalty bill I signed, the family and medical leave for the failure to concentrate. Isn’t that right? law, which over 20 million Americans have Isn’t that right? It’s true. [Laughter] And all now used to take some time off from work of the younger people are looking at those when a baby is born or a parent is sick, with- who are laughing and—[laughter]—time will out losing their job. It is a great piece of legis- take care of it. You will soon know about that. lation. [Laughter] And she was very active in our health care So what I have urged my friends to do efforts, even though we knew it was con- in the Democratic House and the Senate and troversial, and in the end we got a lot done. in advancing the Vice President’s cause and Medicare was supposed to go broke last year Hillary’s cause is just to strive for clarity. I when I took office. It now has 26 more years really think, you know, the American people of life, something that you should remember nearly always make the right decision if they when people ask you what we did. have enough information and enough time. We passed the bill that says you can keep If they didn’t, we wouldn’t still be around your health insurance if you change jobs or here after 224 years. if someone in your family gets sick. That’s So, from my point of view, this is what important. And we passed the Children’s I would like you to know. First, I would like Health Insurance Program, the biggest ex- to say about my wife, that for 30 years, as pansion of child health since Medicaid was long as I’ve known her—and I met her al- enacted in 1965, which has now given us a most 30 years ago—her obsession has been decline in the number of uninsured people the welfare of children and families. She took for the first time in 12 years. an extra year when we were in law school She worked to find out more about the to study at the Yale Hospital and Child Study illnesses of veterans in the Gulf war and Center, so when she got out of law school, whether we should be doing more to help Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2585 them, totally an issue that she just got inter- known are honest, work hard, and do what ested in because nobody else was working they think is right. Otherwise, we wouldn’t on it. She didn’t want those folks ignored. be around here after over 200 years. But I’ve She thought up the idea of celebrating the never met anybody that had a better com- coming of the millennium by having a project bination of brainpower with a great heart and that imagined the future and honored our compassion who would just consistently, day- past, and her Millennium Treasures Project in and day-out, work for what she believed is now the largest historic preservation in, never get tired. She spent 30 years work- project in the history of the United States— ing for other people. As far as I know, this $100 million in private and public money to- is the first time in 30 years she ever asked gether. And a lot of the places preserved have anybody to do anything for her, and she had been in New York, places like George Wash- a hard time doing it. I said, ‘‘You’ve got to ington’s revolutionary headquarters, Harriet ask people to vote for you. You’ve got to ask Tubman’s home, parts of the Underground people to contribute to you.’’ She said, ‘‘I’m Railroad—things that will go to places, many used to asking them to do that for you. It’s of them not doing so well economically, that hard to ask them to do that for me.’’ will make them much more attractive for I think it’s very important, if you’re going tourists, build community pride, and change to elect a Senator to succeed Daniel Patrick their future. Moynihan, one of the most accomplished So I’m very proud of what she has done people to serve in the United States Senate as First Lady. And I’m especially proud that in the 20th century, to succeed Robert Ken- she’s been to more countries than any other nedy—he held that seat—you need a good person in that position, ever. She says I partner for Senator Schumer. And New York shouldn’t say that, because there’s a lot more has got a lot of big things on the agenda, countries now than there used to be. [Laugh- and there are a lot of things that have to ter] After the fall of the Berlin Wall, it’s sort be done for America. of not a fair comparison. But she’s spoken I have never known anybody with the com- out for women’s rights, for the rights of chil- bination of brains, compassion, heart, and the dren, trying to get more kids in school. She’s ability to get things done that she does. She pointed out that national security involves will be a great Senator if you make sure she more than just military aid, that we have to wins. have education and health care and environ- I want to say something about the Vice ment partnerships around the world. President. He has been a big part of all the We have to work together to roll back the success that we’ve enjoyed in the last 8 years tides of AIDS and TB and malaria, which and the decisions we made that were good. together kill one-fourth of all the people who One of the things that President Kennedy die every year on this Earth. And she’s had said in more eloquent words—I wish I could a special role in the tough spots. She was remember exactly what he said—but he said, very, very active in bringing women together the Presidency basically is a place of decision; and working with them in the Northern Ire- it’s important that you work hard. And I think land peace process. She spent a lot of time I’ve met that standard. But he has worked in Israel pursuing our twin goals of the secu- as hard as I have. But in the end, hard work rity of Israel and the long-term necessity of is not enough. You also have to make good resolving the matter through peaceful nego- decisions, and that requires a certain level tiations. And she’s been to see our soldiers of experience, a certain level of judgment, in Kosovo and Bosnia several times. I’m very a certain instinct. proud of what she has done. And he was right when he supported our And what I’d like to say to you is that, economic program. Maurice talks about it. of all the people I’ve known in public life, He had to cast the tiebreaking vote in the I’ve never known anybody over 30 years— Senate, or it would have been defeated. And and in spite of the fact that we all say harsh that’s what turned this whole budget around, things about each other at election time, the got interest rates down, got investment up, truth is that most people in public life I’ve and got the economy going. He supported 2586 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 the efforts we made to reform the welfare had only—listen to this—we had about 15 system. We now have cut the welfare rolls percent of the schools and only 4 percent in half, and families and children are better of the classrooms in the entire country were off, not worse off, as predicted. connected to the Internet. Today, 95 percent He led our reinventing Government pro- of the schools and 65 percent of the total gram. You know, sometimes our friends in classrooms are connected. And part of the the other party talk about how they’re against reason is the E-rate; people can afford to big Government. But the facts are that under hook onto the Internet to give kids in the Al Gore’s leadership, we reduced the size of poorest schools in this country access to to- the civil Government to its lowest size since morrow’s information and tomorrow’s econ- 1960, when President Kennedy was running omy. for office and Dwight Eisenhower was still Now, these are big things that he did. He President. also led our efforts on arms control, in many, Under Al Gore’s leadership, we have re- many important other areas. So you cannot duced 16,000 pages of Federal regulations cite any person, I believe, in the history of which were on the book in the previous ad- the country who, in the position of Vice ministration. We have reduced regulations in President, had the impact that he had. And the Department of Education alone, regula- I think that’s very significant for this election. tions on States and school districts, by two- Now, let me just say this. It seems to me thirds. You don’t have to keep that a secret there are four things I’d like you to consider. if you don’t want to. [Laughter] You can tell Maurice said, ‘‘Tell your weather story.’’ I people that. I think it’s an important part of told the Congress, our crowd in the Con- the record. gress, last week that those who were on our He has—I don’t know if you saw the an- side needed to think of themselves as Amer- nouncement last week. General Motors an- ica’s weather corps in the next 2 weeks, be- nounced that they had developed a car that cause if things were clear to the American will get 80 miles a gallon, which is the target people, we would win, and if things were they set in the beginning of our administra- cloudy, we might be in trouble. So we wanted tion when we organized something under Al clear. We need for people to understand Gore’s leadership called the Partnership for clearly what the issues are. the Next Generation Vehicle. And again I say, that in a positive, happy You’re all worried about the price of home sense. I think this could be the most positive heating oil this winter. We’re all worried election we’ve had in a month of Sundays. about what happens if there is instability in You don’t have to be mad at anybody. You the Middle East with the price of oil. But can posit the fact that your opponents are I’m telling you, the answer is, more conserva- honorable, good people and that they will do tion, alternative sources of energy, free up what they believe is right, and we’ll do what the oil that is there for the things we need, we believe is right. So what we need to do like home heating oil. Now, if we get 80 miles is make sure the voters know exactly what to the gallon—and when GM made the an- the differences are and then let the voters nouncement, they said that their participa- make up their minds. tion in this Partnership for the Next Genera- I trust the American people. And I trust tion Vehicles project made it possible. the people of New York to do the right thing. Al Gore also led our efforts to adopt a tele- But I think there are—let me just make these communications law, a big bipartisan law that four arguments for Al Gore and Joe we passed 4 or 5 years ago that’s created hun- Lieberman and Hillary and Maurice. dreds of thousands of jobs, thousands of new Number one, we’ve got to keep this pros- businesses, and something called the E-rate, perity going. You know, just looking around which we fought hard for, and he led the upstate New York, there are places and com- fight, which enables every school and hos- munities that still haven’t fully participated pital to afford to hook up to the Internet. in this economic recovery. Now, we’ve got Now, when we started this project in 1994, a special program we’re trying to pass to give trying to get all our schools hooked up, we extra incentives to get people to invest there. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2587

But to get there you’ve got to keep the overall to decide whether it’s important to you or prosperity going; you’ve got to keep unem- not. ployment down and labor markets tight. If But let me just give you an example. If you want investments to flow to inner-city you keep interest rates one percent lower a neighborhoods, rural towns, Indian reserva- year than they would otherwise be, the tions, you name it—anybody that’s been left American people save $390 billion on home behind—the economy has got to be strong mortgages alone; $30 billion dollars on car to get people to invest there. This is a huge payments; $15 billion on college loans. That’s deal—plus which, it benefits all the rest of a $400 billion tax cut right there, in lower you if the economy keeps going. interest rates. But people have to under- Now, I believe it is critical to do that, to stand. That’s a big decision you need to adopt a policy that our side, all of our can- make, and you can make it either way. We didates have espoused, which is, ‘‘We’ll give haven’t been out of debt since 1835. You can you a tax cut, but it’s considerably smaller say we’ll just go on and have higher interest than the other guy’s, even though most rates; take the money now and leave. But middle-class people are better off under people need to understand what the decision ours, because we think we’ve got to save is, and then we’ll trust the American people some money for education and health care, to make the right decision. I think I know and we have to get America out of debt. what they will decide if they clearly under- We’ve got to keep paying down the debt until stand it. America is debt-free. We can do it in 12 years The second decision I think is very impor- and put us out of debt for the first time since tant is whether we’re going to build on the progress that we’ve made in other areas over 1835, when Andrew Jackson was President.’’ the last 8 years or reverse that. Now, let’s Now, why should that be important to just look at some of those areas, if I could. you? Why should that be important to the In welfare, I’ve already said, welfare rolls are young people in the uniforms back there who half what they were. The crime rate has have been serving your meal, besides the fact dropped every year. It’s now at a 26-year low; that it sounds good? Because we live in a murder rate at a 33-year low; gun violence global economy; a trillion dollars moves down 35 percent. In health care, we finally around the world every day, crossing national got the number of uninsured people going borders. And that means if we keep interest down because we’re insuring more children. rates lower by paying down the debt, it In the environment, compared to 8 years means for all of you lower home mortgage ago, the air is cleaner; the water is cleaner; payments, lower college payments, college the drinking water is safer; the food is safer. loan payments, lower car payments, lower We’ve cleaned up 3 times as many toxic waste credit card payments. It means lower busi- dumps, and we’ve set aside more land in per- ness loans—costs, which means more busi- petuity for all time than any administration nesses, more jobs, higher incomes, and a bet- since Theodore Roosevelt a hundred years ter stock market. ago. So if you keep interest rates down, every- Now, I don’t—and in education, let me body benefits—all the working people, all the just say something about that, that I think business people, all the people on Wall is very important for the American people Street, everybody else. And that is very, very to know. The dropout rate is down. Test important. And we have a program that will scores in math, science, and reading are permit the country, under the Vice Presi- going up. The college-going rate is at an all- dent’s leadership, to do that. time high. There’s been over a 50 percent By contrast, the size of their tax cuts plus increase in the number of our kids taking the cost of their Social Security privatization advanced placement courses and, among program plus their spending promises means Hispanic kids, a 300 percent increase, among they can’t do that. They can’t get America African-American kids, a 500 percent in- out of debt. The numbers won’t add up. So crease. And perhaps most important to me, this is a significant difference. You just have more important than anything else, we have 2588 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 evidence in every State in the country that You get the drift here. It’s not like there schools that were once thought to be failing are no decisions. And I can make their argu- inevitably are turning around. ment. But you have to decide, and your I was in a school in Harlem the other day friends and neighbors have to decide. So A, where, 2 years ago, a grade school—listen do you want to keep the prosperity going; to this—2 years ago, 80 percent of the kids B, do you want to build on the social progress were doing reading and math below grade of the last 8 years, or do you want to reverse level. Today, just 2 years later—new prin- course; C, who’s the best qualified to meet cipal, school uniform policy, high standards, the new challenges? accountability—74 percent of the kids’ read- This is going to be a very new era. We ing and math at or above grade level in 2 have to close the digital divide. You know, years—2 years. we could create a new, gaping chasm in So are we going to keep building on this America and throughout the world if people or not? So in this election, we believe that everywhere don’t have access to computers, our program put 100,000 police on the street, know how to use them, can afford to log on and now to add 50,000 more in high crime to the Internet, and can get this information areas, had a lot to do with bringing the crime and know what it means. rate down. So does every policeman in Amer- We have to make the most of this new ica. They believe that’s not a Federal respon- biotech revolution, which is one of the rea- sons I want to get medicine covered by sen- sibility, and they want to get rid of it. You iors, because within the matter of a few years, have to decide, but it will make a difference. you are going to see cures for Parkinson’s, In education, we believe that education is for Alzheimer’s, for two or three different a constitutional responsibility of the States kinds of cancers. It’s going to be amazing. and an operational responsibility of the local With the human genome coming out, new districts but a national priority. And we think mothers will soon begin to come home with there’s a limit to how much money local genetic maps of their babies, and it will rath- property taxpayers can come up with. So er quickly take average life expectancy from we’ve been paying for 100,000 teachers to where it is now, at about 77, up to 90 years. make sure we have certified, well-trained There are young women in this room that teachers in the early grades to lower average will have babies that will be born with a life class size to the point where the teachers can expectancy of 90 years. You mark my words. teach, and kids aren’t sent to the fourth grade Now, what does that mean? It means, without the requisite reading and math and among other things, we’ve got to figure out other skills they need. how to make sure these benefits are broadly We think this is important. We’re about shared, and it means that once all your med- a third of the way through that program. Al ical and financial information is on some- Gore will continue it and build on it. So will body’s computer, we’ve got to figure out how Hillary. So will Maurice. They believe that to protect your privacy rights, even as we is not a national decision, that we shouldn’t make the most of this information. That’s a have made that, and they ought to just block- big deal. grant the money, give it to the States, and And I’d like to have somebody that really see what happens. You can decide what you understands that. I mean, the other day, 425 think, but people should know. high-tech executives including Vint Cerf, In the environment, we believe we’ve who really is one of the fathers of the Inter- proved you can clean up the environment net and sent the first E-mail ever sent, 18 and grow the economy. They believe the air years ago, to his then profoundly deaf wife, pollution laws are too tough and I went too who now can hear for the first time since far in protecting 43 million roadless acres in she was three because of a computer chip the national forests, even though the Audu- implanted in her ear. bon Society said it was the most significant They came out for Al Gore. Why? Because conservation move in 40 years in the United they know he understands the future, that States. They don’t agree with that. he has thought about these things, that he Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2589 cares about them. He understands the en- to be one America across all the lines that ergy future and what kind of changes we’re divide us.’’ going to have to make, and that’s very impor- If people think about these issues in that tant. way, we’re going to have a great celebration So how are you going to keep the pros- November 7th. perity going? Are you going to build on the Thank you very much. progress or reverse course? Who under- stands the future best? And last, and maybe NOTE: The President spoke at 1:42 p.m. at the most important, how are we going to con- Hillside Manor Restaurant. In his remarks, he re- tinue to build one America? The main reason ferred to Mayor T.R. Gallo of Kingston; New York I’m a Democrat is that we believe everybody State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill; President counts; everybody ought to have a chance; Vojislav Kostunica of the Federal Republic of everybody has a role to play; and we all do Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea; and Vinton G. better when we help each other. That’s what Cerf, senior vice president of Internet architec- we believe. ture and technology, MCI WorldCom, and his Now, what does that mean? I believe— wife, Sigrid. that’s why we are for the minimum wage. That’s why we’re for stronger enforcement of equal pay laws to make sure women who Remarks at a Reception for Hillary do equal work get equal pay. That’s why Clinton in Flushing, New York we’re for hate crimes legislation. That’s why October 23, 2000 we’re for the deductibility of college tax tui- tion, because we think the people who serve Thank you very much, my long-time friend this meal ought to have the same chance to Tom Manton. You know, the story he told send their kids to college as those of us who you was true. I was in Manhattan. They said, could afford to pay for it. That’s what we ‘‘We’re going to the Queens Democratic believe. Party. Congressman Manton is the chairman So sometime between now and the next of the county party. If you do really well, 2 weeks, I hope every day you will have some they might endorse you.’’ I said, ‘‘Well, what chance to talk about this election. And if happens if they don’t?’’ He said, ‘‘You’ll lose somebody says, ‘‘Well, why are you for Hil- Queens in the primary.’’ [Laughter] ‘‘And lary for Senator? Why are you for Al Gore we’re going on the subway, and a television and Joe Lieberman? Why is Maurice Hin- camera is going to follow you on the subway chey so great anyway about?’’ you need to because they don’t think anyone from Arkan- say, ‘‘Look, there’s four big things you’ve got sas knows what a subway is.’’ [Laughter] to decide in this election. Number one, do So properly intimidated, I haul myself onto you want to keep this prosperity going or not? the subway. And it was fascinating, because If you do, you better pay down the debt and no one in New York knew who I was, and keep interest rates down, have a tax cut we yet, here is this camera with this bright light can afford, and save some money to invest filming my every move. And all these people in education and our future. are dead-tired, and they’re being elbowed ‘‘Number two, do you want to build on around by this energetic camera person. the progress of the last 8 years or not? If They probably thought I was some—you you do, we better stay with the crime pro- know, in the precursor to ‘‘Survivor’’ or gram, the education program, the health care something—[laughter]—just some anony- program, the environmental program that mous guy trying to make it out of Queens, have worked, that are moving this country on the subway, with a funny accent. It was in the right direction, not change course. funny. ‘‘Number three, we need people in office So I was really apprehensive. We got to that think about the future and understand the meeting site, and I walked up the stairs, it. and the county committee clapped, and I ‘‘And number four and most important, we walked down the middle of the aisle, not hav- need people who really believe that we have ing a clue about what was going to happen. 2590 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

And this African-American guy who was tall- Greek diner not very far from here a couple er than me leaned over and put his arm of times. I had a wonderful time in—I bet around me and said, ‘‘Bill, don’t worry. I was a lot of you have eaten there. Today I spent born in Hope, Arkansas, too. Everything is an hour and a half in the Jackson Hole Diner, going to be fine here.’’ [Laughter] And I near LaGuardia. I broke all my caloric rules. thought, ‘‘Only in New York. This is great.’’ [Laughter] [Laughter] While I was there, the guy that owns it— So thank you, Tom Manton, for being my who grew up a block from the diner—but friend, for helping me get off to a good start his manager is Vietnamese, and his mother as President. I wish your successor, Joe still lives in Saigon. While I was there, I met Crowley, could be here tonight, but he and this African-American guy and his wonderful Kasey had a baby girl today, and we’re really young son named Miles, who asked me more happy for them, and that’s why they’re not questions about the White House than I here. I always say, the Democratic Party has could answer, so finally I just gave him a book to be pro-work and pro-family. So tonight is about it. [Laughter] And the man said some- Joe’s pro-family night. I think we can give thing to me that meant more to me than just him an excused absence. about anything anybody could say. When I I want to thank the other Representatives was walking out of the diner he said, ‘‘Mr. who are here: Gary Ackerman, who was with President, I just want you to know that the me last night; and Greg Meeks; Anthony whole time you were there, I felt like it was Weiner. I thank them for their leadership in my house, too.’’ the Congress. I thank them for their support I want to say to all of you, as America of Hillary. I thank them for what they do grows more diverse, that will be more impor- for New York every day. tant. Claire Shulman and I were at a school You know, when things go well, the Presi- in Queens the other day that was built for dent gets a lot of credit. But the truth is that over and above the American people, who 400 and has about 800 children, predomi- deserve the lion’s share of credit for every nantly Asian-American and Latino, the new good thing that happens in this country, so children coming there, Chinese-American, much of what I have done would not have Indian-American. And then tonight I showed been possible if it hadn’t been for the support up, and I looked out at all of you. Welcome of the Democrats in Congress. And that be- to 21st century America. came even more true after we were in the On the way out of the Jackson Hole Diner minority. So I want you to know that these today there were two guys sitting outside men have my undying loyalty and gratitude, drinking a beer, and I stopped and shook because they have been wonderful to me, hands with them, and they said hello to me. along with Senator Schumer and the other And I said, ‘‘Where are you from in Ireland?’’ Democrats in the delegation. [Laughter] And they said they were both I want to thank Alan Hevesi for being here, from the same little village in County Clare. and your borough president, Claire Shulman, And I said, ‘‘Did you know each other as chil- my long-time friend. Michael Reich, thank dren?’’ They said, ‘‘Yes, but we didn’t like you for the work you do for the Democratic each other until we came to America.’’ Party. And Alisa, you are great. You’re going [Laughter] And I thought, ‘‘Oh, if I could a long way. That was a great national anthem. just hold that thought.’’ And I want to thank Brian McLaughlin for There is a lady back there with a sign that making me feel welcome and being so kind says Croatian-Americans support Hillary. to Hillary over these years and this last year And I thank you for that. of hard campaigning. And I guess I would like to just start with I was thinking about how I was introduced that. There are four things I want you to to Queens, by having this guy who was born know about this election, four reasons you in the same State I was, welcome me. And ought to be for Al Gore and Joe Lieberman then I was thinking about all the times I’ve and Hillary and our side. And I’ll start with spent in Queens since then. I went to a what I usually leave for last. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2591

We are committed, all of us, led by our in the Irish peace process. There is still some candidate for President—the Vice Presi- work to be done to get the police force right dent—to build one America across all the and to get the decommissioning finished. But lines that divide us and to relate to the whole it’s a lot, lot different than it was 8 years ago, rest of the world, based on our values of and for that I’m grateful. And again, as Tom peace and freedom and opportunity. We Manton said, Hillary went there a lot on her know that the world we’re living in, the coun- own, not just with me, to work with women try we’re living in, and whatever communities who were committed to reaching across the we’re living in are growing increasingly more lines of division there and putting their chil- interdependent. And I am very grateful that dren first and finding ways to grow a grass- we’ve had the chance, for example, to stand roots economy and to relate to one another. against ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, to And of course, now, we’re most concerned stop the war in Bosnia and stop the ethnic again about the recent tragic events in the cleansing in Kosovo and stand with our em- Middle East. I promised myself when I ran bargo until Mr. Milosevic finally could be dis- for President that I would always be a friend lodged by the people of Serbia in a Demo- of Israel, that the only way I could ever see cratic, true uprising of popular feeling. that Israel could be secure in the long run And I want you to know that Al Gore and would be to reach a fair, just, and lasting Joe Lieberman and Hillary supported every- peace with its neighbors. And I had the great thing we ever did there. I don’t know how good fortune in the beginning of my term many times Hillary went to the Balkans, not to work with Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin, just with me but on her own, to support our one of the greatest human beings I ever met troops, to meet with women who were strug- in my life. And we have made so much gling to get the Croatians and the Muslims progress. and the Serbs together, across the ethnic and And I end with Israel for a couple of rea- religious lines that divided them. There were a lot of people that came sons. First of all, because here again not only through the line where I just was shaking have I spent more time on that, I suppose, hands a few moments ago, had Irish accents. than any other part of the world, but Hillary And these two Irish guys asked me today, has gone there a lot on her own, without me, said, ‘‘Well, where is your family from?’’ And at the request of Mrs. Barak and others, to I said, ‘‘Well, we’re from the wrong side of just try to keep pushing things forward. the line. We were from Roslea, County Fer- We’ve done everything we know to do. managh. But my oldest known homestead is But this is a cautionary reminder to all of right on the borderline of the Irish Republic us here in America. Look around the room and Northern Ireland.’’ And this guy says, at how quickly people who have even worked ‘‘So that’s why you got involved?’’ [Laughter] together for years can give into their fears I said, ‘‘Well, it was a reason.’’ and their misunderstandings and what turns No administration had ever tried to play out to be one bad day, turns out to be one a constructive role in resolving the difficulties bad week, turns out to be 2 bad weeks. And in Northern Ireland before, for fear of inter- then all these unintended consequences flow. rupting our special relationship with Great The commitment of the United States to Britain. I finally concluded that Great Britain the security of Israel is as strong or stronger would be better off with a minor interruption than it has ever been. But we shall also keep where, over the long run, they had a long- trying to stop the killing and to give them term settlement in Northern Ireland that was a chance to work their way back to the peace consistent with the interests of the people table. of the United States. And that brings me finally to something And I’m very, very grateful that Tony Blair my wife said last night that, I must say, I and, before him, his predecessor, John identified with. She was talking about the Major, came to accept that and welcome our memorial service we attended for the 14 involvement. And I’m grateful for the work young American sailors, men and women, we’ve done. We’re not out of the woods yet who were killed on the United States Ship 2592 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Cole, by terrorists in Yemen, at the port of For the Democrats, that means significant Aden. differences in approach, very often, from our Those are the toughest days I ever spent friends in the other party. We’re for strong as President, in 8 years, by far—much worse hate crimes legislation that protects people than any political setback or anything else— without regard to race, age, gender, dis- going into room after room after room, see- ability, or sexual orientation. We’re for it, and ing the parents of people, most of whom are they’re not. We’re for that. We are for strong- less than half my age, or their wives or their er enforcement of the equal pay laws, be- children, people who had died serving the cause we don’t think it’s right for women to United States—the Cole, Khobar Towers in do the same work as men and not get equal Saudi Arabia, our two Embassies in Africa, pay for it. We believe that. We believe that on Ron Brown’s plane, and in other cases. we’ve got to go forward together. That’s the It is unbelievable. first thing I want to say. And it’s a big issue But I never went through one of those days for the 21st century. without being profoundly grateful for these The second point I want to make is, you kids who get up every day and put the uni- ought to be for Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, and form of our country on and serve and do the Hillary if you want to keep this prosperity best they can to represent us stunningly well, going. Just remember what it was like 8 years and have prevented more wars than you, ago. You know, it may be hard to remember even I, will ever know, and saved us more what it was like, but I do. That’s how I got headaches just by going out there and putting elected. The people of New York were very, themselves on the line every day than we will very good to me in 1992, after making me ever know. run a gauntlet or two. [Laughter] That’s just And one of the things that is so moving what you do—and I liked it, actually, once is, if you look at our Armed Forces today, I realized what the deal was. [Laughter] they all look like this room. They’re from But we’ve come a long way. Now, our party every different racial and religious and ethnic has a plan: Give a tax cut that we can afford, group, and they work together. And just concentrated on the main needs of middle sending them somewhere around the world class people to send their children to college; is a profound statement about what we have long-term care for their elderly and dis- Americans believe about how people should abled family members; have help for child celebrate their diversity but affirm the pri- care, help for retirement savings; give extra mary importance of our common humanity. incentives to invest in poor urban neighbor- And that means, to me, two things. Num- hoods and rural areas that have been left be- ber one, as Hillary said last night, we’ve all hind; but have a tax cut we can afford so got to vote. The least we can do for those we’ve got some money left over to invest in kids is vote. If they can put their uniform education, health care, the environment, and on and risk their lives, and sometimes give pay down the debt. their lives, the least we can do is show up Now, you heard Tom talking about how and be good citizens. Number two, we have we’ve turned the deficit to surplus. Why to remember the lesson of who they are and should the Democratic Party be for paying how they worked together, as we stand for down the debt? Here’s why. Because every peace around the world and we work for one day a trillion dollars cross national borders— America here at home. every single day. Interest rates are set based So I’ll get back to the main point here. on how responsible you are and how much This is an increasingly interdependent world. money you need. The less money the Gov- The more we believe that everybody counts, ernment takes, the more money is there for everybody deserves a chance, and we all do you, the American people, at lower prices. better when we help each other, the better So if we keep paying down the debt, we’ll we’re going to do. The more we celebrate keep interest rates low. Our plan, on the and find excitement in the differences among whole, would make interest rates about a per- us but constantly reaffirm our common hu- cent lower every year for a decade. Do you manity, the better we’re going to do. know what that’s worth to you? Just listen: Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2593

$390 billion in lower home mortgages; $30 And which party and which candidates most billion in lower car payments; $15 billion in nearly understand the future? lower college loan payments; lower credit If you can just remember to make those card payments; lower business loans, which four points, it’s going to be fine. And I just means more new businesses, more new jobs want to tell you, don’t forget that Vice Presi- and a higher stock market. That’s what that dent Gore has been at the center of every means. major positive decision made in the last 8 So number one, we’re the party of one years by this administration. He broke the America. Number two, we’re the party that tie on the economic plan when nobody in will keep this prosperity going. Number the other party would vote for it. It turned three, we’re the party that will build on the this country around and got the economy progress of the last 8 years in every other booming. He led our efforts to reduce the area. The crime rate is at a 26-year low. The size of Government but increase its effective- welfare rolls are at a 30-year low. The envi- ness. We’ve got the smallest Government ronment is cleaner. We’ve got the number since 1960, doing more good for more peo- of people without health insurance going ple. down for the first time in a dozen years. So He led our efforts to get the so-called E- you have to ask people, ‘‘Look, all this stuff rate passed about 4 years ago, which guaran- is going in the right direction. Do you want tees a discount to poor schools, so that every to build on it, or do you want to reverse pol- school in this country can get hooked up to icy?’’ the Internet. When we started this project, And finally, you ought to ask people, what 14 percent of our schools were connected about the future? Which candidates are more to the Internet in 1994. Today, 95 percent likely to figure out how to close the digital are, thanks in large measure to the efforts divide so that every kid has access to the of Al Gore. So I’ll just tell you that. Internet? Which party and which candidates are more likely to understand the implica- Everybody in New England and the tions of this biological revolution with the Northeast is worried about home heating oil, human genome? The young women in this the energy shortage this summer. Let me just audience today, within just a few years, when tell you, it was a piece of good news 3 or they enter their childbearing years, the young 4 days ago; General Motors announced that girls here, they’ll be bringing home babies they had developed a car that gets 80 miles with a life expectancy of 90 years. That’s the to the gallon. Did you see it? That’s what good news. they announced. And they gave credit to a But all of your medical and all your finan- project most of you probably never heard of, cial information is going to be on somebody’s called the Partnership for the Next Genera- computer. Who is most likely to understand tion Vehicles. how to protect your privacy and make the They said, ‘‘We were able to do this be- most of the Internet and the biological revo- cause we were involved in this partnership.’’ lution? These are big questions. This is a seri- We started that partnership with Detroit and ous time we’re moving into. the United Auto Workers in 1993, and who Now, look, I’ve done everything I could ran it for 71⁄2 years? Al Gore. Listen, we need do to turn this country around, pull it to- somebody like that in the White House, who gether, and move it forward. But in America, will make good decisions, who understands our public life is always about tomorrow— the future, who can do what needs to be always. And I can tell you, you need to go done. out and ask people which party and which Now, let me say a few words about Hillary. candidates will stick up for one America and [Laughter] I mean, I am a completely unbi- give us all a chance? Which party, which can- ased source. [Laughter] You can bank this. didates will keep the prosperity going? I may be biased, but I know more about this Which party, which candidates will keep the than anybody else. progress going in crime, in the environment, I met Hillary almost 30 years ago. When in welfare, in health care, and in education? I met her, she had already been involved for 2594 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 some time in her lifetime obsession with chil- Children’s Health Insurance Program, which dren and families, with education, with has now in the last couple of years brought health care, with child care, with all aspects health insurance to 2.5 million children in of early childhood development. She spent lower income working families and finally— an extra year when we were in law school finally—after a dozen years, got the number just so she could study child development of uninsured kids going down in America, at the Yale Child Study Center and the Yale going in the right direction. University Hospital. She stayed an extra year, And when we decided to celebrate the mil- so she wanted to know for sure when she lennium, she came up with this idea that we got out of law school she would understand ought to find a way to celebrate the turning the impact of every legal and public policy of the century and the turning of the millen- decision on the children of this country. nium by thinking about the future but hon- And for 30 years, until she started running oring the past. And her Millennium Treas- for this office, she has worked tirelessly as ures Project is the largest single historic pres- a citizen advocate, starting organizations, ervation movement in the history of the heading up others, working for other can- country. It has put $100 million, in public didates. She never asked anybody to do any- and private money, in it now. And a lot of thing for her in 30 years, except to join her the places preserved are right here in New in common cause, until she started running York State, in places that need it economi- for the United States Senate from New York. cally, for tourism, for community pride: And I thought it would be the hardest thing George Washington’s revolutionary head- in the world for her to go out, ask you to quarters, Harriet Tubman’s home, parts of vote for her, ask you to contribute to her the Underground Railroad—had a direct campaign. And it turned out, in the begin- positive impact. It’s the biggest thing of its ning, it was kind of hard. She said, ‘‘I never kind in the history of the country. It came did this for myself before.’’ But she has right out of her head. She thought about it. worked for 30 years on things that you need What’s the point of all this? In 30 years, someone to work on for New York in Wash- I have known hundreds, thousands of people ington. in public life. And I want to tell you, most For the last 8 years as First Lady, she has people who do this work are better than they worked on a lot of things that had a direct, get credit for most days—Republicans as well positive impact on the people of New York. as Democrats. I’ll even say that 2 weeks from She spoke out, as soon as we took office, for election. Most people I’ve known in public the family and medical leave law. It was the life are honest, worked hard, and did what first bill I signed. Over 20 million Americans they thought was right. But I have never have taken advantage of family and medical known anybody in 30 years that had the leave when a baby was born or a parent was strong combination Hillary does of brains sick, to take some time off without losing and heart and determination and imagination their jobs. It’s one of the best things we ever and ability to get things done and work with did in these whole 8 years. all different kinds of people. She will be a She brought people to the White House worthy successor to the great Daniel Patrick from all over the country to help us make Moynihan, to Robert Kennedy, and a great policy on children’s health, on early child- partner for Chuck Schumer, if you will just hood development and what happens to kids’ make sure she wins on November 7th. brains, what kind of things we should do Ladies and gentlemen, the next Senator more of. We got 90 percent of our kids im- from New York. munized against serious childhood illnesses for the first time in history. She worked on NOTE: The President spoke at 7:15 p.m. in the that. Electrical Industry Auditorium at the Union Hall. She worked on the bill that allows people In his remarks, he referred to former Representa- to keep their health insurance when they tive Thomas J. Manton, chair, and Michael H. change jobs or when somebody in their fam- Reich, executive secretary, Queens County ily gets sick. She was an advocate for our Democratic Organization; Mr. Reich’s daughter, Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2595

Alisa, who sang the national anthem; Representa- and Vice President. And I hope you will share tive Crowley’s wife, Kasey; New York City Comp- them with friends of yours who not only live troller Alan G. Hevesi; State Assemblyman Brian in New York but live in other States, because McLaughlin; former President Slobodan every one of you has tons of friends or family Milosevic of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro); Prime Minister Tony members, co-workers, some of whom live in Blair and former Prime Minister John Major of New York, some of whom don’t even live in the United Kingdom; and Nava Barak, wife of this State, who will never come to a dinner Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel. like this. Isn’t that right? When you come to a dinner like this, don’t you have some people say, ‘‘Why do you Remarks at a Westchester County spend your time and money doing that?’’ Democratic Party Dinner in New [Laughter] You do, don’t you? Everyone one Rochelle, New York of you do, right? But all these people that October 23, 2000 sometimes make fun of you, sometimes want to know why you’re doing this, virtually all Thank you. Thanks. [Laughter] Thank you of them are going to vote 2 weeks from to- for the wonderful welcome. Thank you for morrow, or they would if they knew exactly being here in such large numbers. Thank you what was at stake. for making David Alpert look good tonight So while we’re all having a good time to- at the Westchester County Democratic din- night, and the temptation is just for me to ner. [Laughter] Thank you, Dennis Mehiel, hit you with a bunch of one-liners that make for your friendship and your support. I want you want to scream with joy—[laughter]— to thank my great friend John Catsimatidis the truth is, what we should be focused on for helping you at this dinner, and Anthony is, how do we get people who don’t come Pagano and everyone else who had anything to dinners like this, who aren’t as political to do with the dinner. I want to thank the county executive, Andy as we are but who love our country very Spano, for being such a good friend to Hillary much and will definitely show up at election and to me and making me feel welcome here time, to understand this election in the way in Westchester County. Our great comp- that we understand it? troller, Carl McCall, we welcome him to- I told the Democratic Congress and the night. And I want to thank the two people Senate the other day that we ought to think here who, next to Hillary, are most respon- of ourselves as America’s weather corps, that sible for making me look good over the last if we can make the choices clear, our side 8 years, Representatives Eliot Engel and Nita wins. If the choices can be blurred and re- Lowey. Thank you very much for all you have main cloudy, we have a lot more trouble. So done, wherever they are. over the next 2 weeks, this is what I could Now, let me say to all of you, I want you say, if I could personally speak to all your to have most of the time to listen to Hillary family and friends: Here’s why you ought to and to think about this Senate race, but I be for Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, and Hillary. want to say just a few things about how the Number one, we’ve had the longest eco- race for the Senate in New York relates to nomic expansion in history, the lowest unem- the larger national campaign, which will also ployment in 30 years, the highest home- unfold 2 weeks from tomorrow. I want to ownership in history, the lowest minority un- begin by thanking you all from the bottom employment ever recorded. And it’s really of my heart for the phenomenal support that important to keep this prosperity going, espe- the people of New York have given to me cially if you want to extend it to the inner- and Al Gore in 1992 and then in 1996. I am city neighborhoods in New York and the very grateful. rural counties in New York that still haven’t I would just say, to me there are basically fully participated. You will never be able to three or four questions that are really impor- do that unless you keep the economy going, tant. I think they matter in the Senate race. keep unemployment down, and keep it I think they matter in the race for President going. 2596 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Now, you have a choice. And what our side our society growing stronger, you should vote says is, ‘‘Look, we’re going to have a tax cut, for Gore/Lieberman, and Hillary. Look at not near as big as theirs, not nearly as big. where we were 8 years ago compared to now. And we’re going to focus it on paying for The crime rate has dropped every year to college tuition, paying for long-term care for a 26-year low. The murder rate is at a 33- elderly or disabled relatives, financing retire- year low. Gun violence down 35 percent. In ment, paying for child care, the basic things the environment, the air is cleaner; the water that families need today, and inducing people is cleaner; the drinking water is safer; the to invest in areas that are still under- food is safer. We cleaned up 3 times as many developed.’’ toxic waste dumps in 8 years as they did in But it’s a smaller tax cut than theirs. We 12. We set aside more land in perpetuity than admit it. Why? Because we want money to any administration since that of Theodore invest in education and health care and the Roosevelt 100 years ago. And the economy environment, what we have to invest in tech- got better. nology and national defense, and we’ve got We added 26 years to the life of Medicare, to keep paying down the debt. The single had the most sweeping improvements in dia- most important economic difference in the betes since the development of insulin, did election today is that our budget pays down more to prevent breast cancer and prostate the debt and gets America out of debt for cancer, provided health insurance for chil- the first time since 1835. dren of low-income working parents, which Now, why is that important? Why is that has given us the first decline in uninsured important, and why should people, even peo- people in 12 years. In education, we spon- ple who do quite well and would get more sored higher standards, accountability, small- money in the short run under their tax cut, er classes. We’re in the process of putting support our program? Because if you pay the 100,000 teachers in the schools. We’ve gone debt down, you keep interest rates lower. If from zero to serving 800,000 children in you keep interest rates lower, it’s like a whole after-school programs. We’re trying to build other tax cut. If we keep interest rates a per- or modernize schools. We’ve opened the cent lower a year for a decade, and that’s doors to 2 years of college to everybody, and about what the difference in the two plans our college tax credits are now being taken will do, do you know what that’s worth to advantage of by 10 million families. you, as an American? Listen to this: $390 bil- What are the results of all this? A lower lion in lower home mortgages; $30 billion in dropout rate, a higher graduation rate, higher lower car payments; $15 billion in lower col- test scores, the biggest college going rate in lege loan payments; plus lower credit card history. So the question is, are we going to payments; plus lower business loans, which keep going in the right direction? If you want means more businesses, more jobs, higher in- to go in the right direction, since there are comes, and a better stock market. It’s a tax honest differences in this campaign, on crime cut for everyone, to get America out of debt. policy, on environmental policy, on health It is the progressive, right thing to do. care policy, on education policy—it’s not like We have worked so hard to turn a $290 you don’t have a record here. And the dif- billion deficit into a $230 billion surplus, so ferences are honest and heartfelt. So Al Gore hard after quadrupling the national debt for and Joe Lieberman and Hillary, they’ll do 12 years, before we came in, to start paying what they think is right, and our opponents, the national debt off. This is a big deal. You they’ll do what they think is right. need to go out and tell people, ‘‘If you want But we have a record here. So you have to keep the prosperity going, support Al to say, if you want to build on the prosperity Gore, Joe Lieberman, and Hillary and get of the last 8 years, and you want to take on this country out of debt to keep interest rates the big challenges of the future—excellence down.’’ in education for everybody, closing the digital Number two: Second thing you ought to divide, opening the 4 years of college, making say is, if you want to build on the progress the most of the human genome, protecting in areas other than the economy and keep the privacy rights of people and their medical Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 23 2597 and financial records, all these big new ques- much about it tonight, because I find when tions—you only have one choice. You’ve got I’m heavily involved in something like this, to vote for Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, and Hil- the more I say about it, the less positive im- lary, if that’s what you want. pact I can have, and the less I say, the more The third thing and maybe the most im- I can get done. But suffice it to say that the portant is, you ought to vote for them be- United States has been a friend to Israel, has cause we are really the party of one America. believed in Israel and its right to be in the We believe that our diversity of all kinds is Middle East, and has thought the only way, interesting and makes America more excit- ultimately, for real peace and security to ing, makes us much better prepared for the come was through a reconciliation and a global society we’ll be living in, but we think peace process that would end the violence our common humanity is even more impor- and enable everybody to live on fair and de- tant. And that has very practical implications. cent terms. And I don’t think all this is going It means we think all these young people that to change that. served your meal tonight, they ought to have The reason I mention it to you is this. So the same chance to go to college and send much of the world’s trouble, in this most their kids to college as people who could af- modern of ages, where all of our kids are ford to come here and buy a ticket tonight teaching us more than we know about com- do. puters, where the human genome—this is lit- It means we’re for raising the minimum erally the truth—the human genome will wage. It means we’re for stronger enforce- lead to the younger women in this audience ment of the equal pay laws, because there’s who have, let’s say, 10 years of childbearing still discrimination against women in the left, I think in about 10 years, women will workplace today, and we think we ought to be coming home from the hospital with kids get rid of it. It means we’re for strong hate that will have a life expectancy of about 90 crimes legislation and employment non- years. There’s going to be an enormous num- discrimination legislation. It means that we ber of wonderful things happening, and the are for a Supreme Court that will protect a old world we live in is bedeviled by the oldest woman’s right to choose and the other basic fear of mankind. We are still paralyzed by fundamental rights. our fear and distrust and our vulnerability Look, I have spent, as all of you know, to slip into violence and hatred against peo- and many of you mentioned tonight when ple who are different from us, they’re of a I saw you earlier, I spent a lot of time the different race, a different ethnic group, a dif- last 8 years trying to bring peace to the world. ferent faith. We’ve made a lot of progress in Northern And we can all clap when we look around Ireland. We’ve made a lot of progress in the this room. I mean, look around this room. Balkans, after combat in Kosovo and conflict This is America in the 21st century. And we in Bosnia. We finally had the last dictator can all clap about it; it’s great. But what we in that part of the world gone from office need to understand is, you just look what now. We’ve worked for 8 years in Korea to happened to people who have been working try to bring an end to the conflict on the together for 71⁄2 years, in the last 2 weeks. Korean Peninsula. We’re closer than ever be- And I’m telling you, the country needs a fore, and the Secretary of State of the United leader in the White House and a voice in States is in North Korea, and the President the Senate that—people who believe with of South Korea won the Nobel Peace Prize the core of their being that what we have because he went with an outstretched hand in common is more fundamentally significant and said, ‘‘Let’s put an end to the Korean than all of our differences. Our differences war. It’s been 50 years.’’ are interesting. Our common humanity is The world is moving in the right direction. fundamental. And until 2 weeks ago, you could make the So, if somebody asks you tomorrow—and same case about the Middle East. With all I wish you wouldn’t wait for them to ask— the trouble that has roiled the Middle East why you showed up here and why are you in the last 2 weeks—I don’t want to talk too doing this and why are you for Hillary or 2598 Oct. 23 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Al Gore or Joe Lieberman, I hope you will upstate needs now, which is figuring out how say, ‘‘Well, you see, there are three reasons. to get investment and opportunity to places One is, I’d kind of like to keep this prosperity that aren’t fully participating in the national going, and the only way to do it is to keep economy. paying down this debt, investing in our fu- When she became First Lady, she traveled ture, and take a tax cut we can afford instead all over the world, from the Balkans to of one that looks good. Number two, I’d like Northern Ireland to the Middle East to Afri- to keep making progress. I like the fact that ca to the Indian subcontinent, trying to pro- we’ve got a cleaner environment, a lower mote peace and reconciliation and the inter- crime rate, better schools, more people with ests of young girls and families that were left health insurance, and I want to build on that behind in poorer societies. She sponsored the progress, not turn around. And number Millennium Project, to preserve our treas- three, the most important thing of all is, I ures for the new millennium, which has done want to keep building one America, where a lot for New York. It’s the biggest historic we grow closer together, where we believe preservation movement in history, in Amer- everybody counts, everybody deserves a chance, and we all do better when we help ican history—the biggest one—$100 million each other.’’ That’s what you ought to say. in public and private money that among And you ought not to wait for somebody to other things preserve George Washington’s ask you to say that. [Laughter] revolutionary headquarters in this State, I’m telling you, these races are close, and Harriet Tubman’s home, Louis Armstrong’s you may have more influence over the kind home and archives, in places that it’s good of people I’m talking about than I would. for tourism, good for community pride, and And you need to know just what three things good for the history of this great State. to say. That’s what I believe. If I were talking I can just tell you that in 30 years of work- to any of your friends or family members ing in public life—you know, it’s probably alone in a room, with nobody looking and not even fashionable to say this quote until no media covering it, and they said, ‘‘Why the election, but I basically like most of the should I vote for Al Gore and Joe people I’ve known in politics. I find that most Lieberman? Why should I vote for your wife of the Republicans and well as most of the for Senate?’’ those are the three things I Democrats I’ve know are honest people who would say. And I hope you’ll say them. work hard and do what they think is right, And let me just say one other thing. Den- to the best of their ability to do it. But I nis is going to come up here and introduce have never known anybody that had the com- Hillary, but I want to say just one or two bination of intelligence, compassion—com- things about her candidacy. First of all, I am passion and commitment and ability to get grateful to all of you for being so good to things done and think of new things to do her, and I am immensely proud of her for that Hillary has. She will be a worthy suc- having the courage to run and for running cessor to Senator Moynihan and a great part- as she has for this last year and some odd ner for Chuck Schumer. months. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We met almost 30 years ago, and even then she was literally obsessed with the wel- fare of children and families, with education NOTE: The President spoke at 9:48 p.m. at the and health care and early childhood develop- VIP Club. In his remarks, he referred to dinner ment. We worked together for a dozen years emcee David Alpert, chairman, Westchester when I was Governor of my native State on County Democratic Party; dinner cohosts Dennis education and economic development. One Mehiel, John A. Catsimatidis, and Anthony of the reasons the people in upstate New Pagano; New York State Comptroller H. Carl York ought to vote for her is that she literally McCall; and President Kim Dae-jung of South devoted an enormous percentage of her time Korea. for years and years and years to just what Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2599

Remarks at a Tribute to Governor proposal of the Democratic nominee for ac- James B. Hunt, Jr., of North Carolina countability will work better than the pro- October 24, 2000 posal of the Republican nominee for ac- countability, based on our combined half- Thank you very much. Well, first of all, century of experience in this. to all our friends from North Carolina, wel- Anyway, Patton says we ought to have— come to Washington. I’m glad you’re here. if we’ve got to identify these failing schools, The two previous speakers have been two of we ought to do something about them. So the closest friends I’ve had in politics and he comes up with this system. I went to west- two of the best Governors with whom I’ve ern Kentucky with Governor Patton a few ever served. And so I thank them both. months ago, to try to persuade the Congress I want to start by saying a word about Gov- to pass our bill, saying if you get this Federal ernor Patton and then get into the tribute aid, you must not only identify the failing to Governor Hunt and what all that means schools, you have to turn them around within for what we’re doing as Americans right now 2 years or shut them down and reopen them in this election season. under new management. First of all, Paul Patton ran for Governor Now, Jim has done something very like and won in Kentucky after Jim Hunt and I that in the most comprehensive way in North had been out working on a lot of this stuff Carolina, and I’ll come back to that. So I’m for years and years and years, going back to in this school in western Kentucky, in this the seventies. I have personally never seen low-income area, where over half the kids anybody learn so much so fast and have such are on school lunch, where 4 years ago this an impact as Governor Patton did in Ken- was one of the worst schools in Kentucky. tucky. I’ve never seen anybody get up to And they go through this system, and in 3 speak so fast on things that he had not pre- years, this is what happened: They went from viously lived with and worked with and have 12 percent of the kids reading at or above an immediate impact. And along the way, he grade level to about 60 percent; they went found the time to help Al Gore and me carry from 5 percent of the kids doing math at or Kentucky in 1992 and 1996, against enor- above grade level to 70 percent; they went mous odds, where we had absolutely no right from zero kids in the whole school doing to think we could win. And we sort of science at or above grade level to 63 per- squeaked by both times. And he has done cent—in 3 years. a magnificent job. And what does that show you? First of all, But let me just give you one example. Sev- for those of us who have been doing this for eral years ago, when Secretary Riley, who 20 years, we know something now we didn’t also served with Jim and me as Governor know in the late seventies, or we didn’t know back in the seventies, early eighties, was— in ’83 when the ‘‘Nation at Risk’’ report was we persuaded the Congress to adopt a bill issued. We actually know that you can iden- saying that all the States ought to have aca- tify failing schools and turn them around. demic standards. Then we persuaded Con- And nobody, no State has done it any more gress to say that States getting Federal systematically then he has. That school that money ought to at least have a system for was an abject failure is now one of the top identifying their failing schools. 20 schools in the State of Kentucky. Paul Patton said, ‘‘Well, if we’re going to Thank you Governor, for your leadership. identify them, we might as well do something I want to start with something personal. about them.’’ And so when I was—and I have When I was elected Governor in 1978, I got been trying to pass, with the support of Jim to serve with Jim Hunt, starting in ’79. And Hunt and Paul Patton, an accountability he was a big deal, even then. [Laughter] And measure that Vice President Gore has advo- I was 32 and looked like I was about 25. You cated in his campaign that basically says that guys have taken care of that in the last 8 the recipient—it’s real accountability. If Jim years. [Laughter] And you know when you and Paul and I had time, if we had another come to the end of a certain period in your 30 minutes, we could explain to you why the life, as I am coming to the end of my service 2600 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 as President—and this is the first election in Along the way, he’s led your State through 26 years where I haven’t been on a ballot difficult times, like those awful floods, and somewhere, and most days I’m okay about made sure that we here in Washington did it—but you can look back over your life and our part to help you recover. You have not see a handful of people who did this, that, really been in politics until you have been or the other thing for you, without whom you lobbied by Jim Hunt for something. [Laugh- might never have become President. ter] And if you don’t want to say yes, it’s just And in 1979 Jim Hunt told the Democratic like going to the dentist and having him yank Governors they should make me the vice your teeth out without any kind of deadening chairman of the Democratic Governors’ As- on your gums. [Laughter] It just never ends, sociation, which, in turn, would entitle me and his capacity to guilt-trip you kind of goes to become chairman. And I was, by 9 years, up by the day. [Laughter] So eventually you I think, the youngest Governor in the country say yes, and then after a while, you learn to at the time. And nobody had—it would never say yes the first time you’re asked because have happened—the only reason it happened there’s no point in going through this. is because everybody thought he knew what [Laughter] he was talking about, and so they said okay. He really did a great job for you on that. [Laughter] I’ve watched him with these preschool pro- And it was the first significant national po- grams and these early childhood health initia- sition of any kind I had. And in 1980 I did tives and the efforts he’s made to turn around become chairman of the Democratic Gov- his schools that were underperforming. And ernors’ Association and got involved in a along the way, he’s done a lot of things na- whole range of things that I had never been tionally, but one thing in particular I want involved with before and might never have to thank him for, because he introduced me come in contact with. So for good or ill, de- to the idea of the master teacher and Na- pending on what you think of the Clinton tional Board of Professional Teaching Certifi- Presidency—[laughter]—I’m not sure I’d be cation, the idea that we ought to have, even- here if it weren’t for you. tually, in every school building in America, And over more than 20 years now, Jim and somebody who has proved not only that he Carolyn have been friends to Hillary and me. or she knows the subject that they’re teach- We always love being with them. We follow ing completely, which is a big challenge today the progress of our families and the ups and because we’ve got a teacher shortage, but is downs and changes in our lives. And I have also supremely gifted in the classroom and seen now that—he is the only Governor I good at teaching children. know that served in the seventies, the So Jim worked for years and years and eighties, the nineties, and the 21st century. years on this National Board for Professional [Laughter] Teaching Certification, and a few years ago But as a result—he was kind of like me— he came to the White House, and we kicked if you really love being Governor, you don’t it off. And we certified, within a short time, get tired of doing it, because it’s the best the first 500 teachers. Now we have about job in the world in so many ways. And there’s 5,000. By the time I leave office, we’ll have nobody in my adult lifetime in the United almost 10,000. And thanks to his leadership, States who has served as a Governor who we have as part of our education budget the has done more for education, children’s capacity to go to 100,000 master teachers health, or the long-term economic interests over the next 3 or 4 years. And now we’ve of a State than Jim Hunt. He has the most got this huge backlog. This is a big deal. The sweeping, deep, consistent record of public teachers, the men and women who get na- service over the longest period of time of any tional board certification, have to prove they Governor in the United States in my lifetime. know their subjects well, that they are ex- And the people of North Carolina should be tremely skilled in the classroom, that they very, very proud of that. It’s an astonishing understand how to relate to children and record. families. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2601

And this is a huge professional distinction populations are bigger in many, many States, if they get it. We see that every time there’s a smaller percentage of the property owners one of these master teachers, just in one who pay property taxes have kids in schools. school building, he or she can change the I know that seems counterintuitive, but that’s whole culture of education in the building happening in State after State. and infect everybody else with a certain en- So the States need more resources, num- thusiasm and sense of possibility and learn- ber one. And number two, there is now, as ing. This is something that’s impossible to I said a moment ago about the failing schools, make a headline out of. It’s impossible to we now know something we didn’t know in make it an issue in the Presidential election. 1983, when the Governors were responding You know, it sounds like something little. It’s to the national report called ‘‘A Nation At something huge. You’ve all seen that new Risk.’’ We know things we didn’t even know book that’s out called ‘‘The Tipping Point.’’ in 1989, when the Governors met with Presi- That’s what these master teachers are. dent Bush and articulated these national edu- They’re not only good in their classroom; cation goals for the next decade, to try to they provide the tipping point of influence be reached by the year 2000, about how to in school after school after school. do this. So long after Jim Hunt is gone from the And our philosophy has been that we North Carolina Governor’s Mansion, this should not tell the States how to do what passion that he nurtured for years, when no they do, but we should fund those things that one else was paying attention, to train, iden- the research and the educators tell us work. tify, certify master teachers and then get one For example, one of the things—I wish you in every school building in the country, will had heard this in some of the discussions be revolutionizing education and improving we’ve heard in this election, but one of the the futures of children not just in his native things that I’m quite proud of is that under State but throughout the United States. Dick Riley, who was Governor of South There’s nobody like you. And I love you, Carolina, as I said, with Jim and me in the and I thank you for everything you’ve done. seventies and the eighties, the burden of reg- Thank you. ulations the Federal Government imposes on Let me just say one other thing. What’s the States and the school districts has actually all that got to do with this election? Let me been reduced by about two-thirds below just make a couple of points here. I believe, what it was in the previous administration. and it’s already been said, that education is We have nearly doubled funding for edu- sort of at the center of this Presidential elec- cation and training, even as we have gone tion, and that’s good. And then there are peo- from a $290 billion deficit to a $230 billion ple that view that cynically, because they say, surplus and shrunk the size of Government ‘‘Well, Presidents can get up and talk about to its lowest point in 40 years. education, but after all, what can they do? But we’ve tried to focus this money on It’s only 7 percent of the total money we what works. For example, when I became spend on our public schools.’’ Well, let me President, we were giving no support to the just say, when I got elected, it was under States for after-school programs and summer 6 percent and headed down. So at least we school and night programs, to turn the got it back to 7. schools into community learning centers, But it seems to me that we ought to say nothing, even though we knew that we had that education is a constitutional responsi- all these latchkey kids and that they needed bility of the State, the operational responsi- some place to go. bility of the local schools and the districts, Well, now, we’re serving 800,000 of them, but it still is a national priority. And what and we want to go to 1.6 million of them I have always believed is that we had a special in this budget. And it’s the best money we obligation, number one, just to invest more, could spend. And a lot of these schools have because we’ve got the biggest and most di- absolutely no capacity to afford things like verse group of schoolkids in our Nation’s his- this unless we do it. We started in ’94. Only tory and because even though the school 14 percent of our schools and 3 percent of 2602 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 our classrooms were connected to the Inter- aren’t performing. It works, and we ought net. Because of the leadership of the Vice to do more of it. President and getting the E-rate, which al- The only other thing I would say that’s lows even the poorest schools in North Caro- highly relevant to this is, you can’t get blood lina a 90 percent discount so they can hook out of a turnip. If you’re going to spend on, we have gone from 14 percent of our money, you’ve got to have the money to schools to 95 percent of our schools con- spend. And that’s the other big issue in this nected to the Internet; from 3 percent of our election. I don’t want to get into a political classrooms to 65 percent of our classrooms debate about the structure of tax programs connected to the Internet. So we’re moving or even how the Social Security should be this thing a long way. reformed. I have my own ideas, but someone And our basic philosophy is, then, that we else will have to make that decision. But I should not micromanage what the schools do just want to make a basic point here that I but that we should target the funds, since think is fundamental to this. it’s only 7 percent, to the areas that the edu- People ask me all the time, ‘‘We have such cators and the research says will have the big- a great economy, and you and Bob Rubin gest impact. and Lloyd Bentsen and Gene Sperling, Now that’s the real fundamental debate in you’ve got all these wizards coming in. What this election. And if you listen to—both sides great new idea did you bring to economic say they’re for accountability, and they are. policy?’’ And I always give a one-word an- And as I’ve said, I think our accountability swer, ‘‘Arithmetic.’’ I brought arithmetic to proposal that our candidate for President, Washington. That’s the great thing I got out Vice President Gore, and the others have of living way out there in the hinterlands. embraced is better. And I believe Jim and I still thought 2 and 2 was supposed to add Paul agree with me, but we don’t have to up to 4. And a rosy scenario was not any argue that out. The point is, that’s the good news. The good news is that the American good until the money came in. That old Cuba people believe that there should be higher Gooding line ‘‘Show me the money’’ is still standards and accountability. a pretty good line when you’re making— But we believe it ought to be account- [laughter]. ability-plus—plus funds for 100,000 new So what does that all have to do with this teachers for smaller classes in the early election and education? If you want States grades; plus a tax credit to help to cut the to be able to progress in education, they have costs of raising bond issues to build or mod- to have the funds to do it, which means you ernize schools; plus funds to help repair have to have continued prosperity, because 5,000 schools a year. We’ve got $100 billion when people are prosperous, they send tax school construction and repair deficit in money to the State. And if you want the Fed- America today. I bet you there is—no telling eral Government to do it, you have to con- how many schools in North Carolina and tinue the prosperity. And the most important Kentucky, where the kids are going to thing we can do, I believe, is to continue a schools in housetrailers or where big closets formula that says, find new markets for have been converted to classrooms or where American products and services; keep invest- old buildings are so old they can’t—I’ve been ing in America’s productive capacity, edu- in schools that are so decrepit they can’t even cation, and technology and science; and keep be wired for the Internet. paying down the debt down and make Amer- So we have standards and accountability, ica debt free. plus the tools to do the job. And I think that Why? Because it keeps interest rates is consistent with the stunning record of Jim lower. In a global economy, where a trillion Hunt. If you look at what he’s done, he’s dollars crosses national borders every day, gone out there and given local communities the interest rates people pay for homes and the tools they need to give children early college loans and car payments in North childhood education, access to health care, Carolina are affected by whether or not this and strategies to turn around schools that Nation is a fiscally responsible Nation. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2603

So whatever you think about the details can’t pay off the debt—let me just tell you of these competing tax cuts or Social Security what that is. That’s $390 billion in lower plans, here is the bottom line: You cannot home mortgages, $30 billion in lower car pay- have a $11⁄2 trillion tax cut, a $1 trillion Social ments, $15 billion in lower college loan pay- Security privatization program, and several ments, plus lower credit card payments, plus hundred billion dollars worth of promises un- lower business loan costs, which means more less you go back into deficits. The big argu- new businesses, more employees, higher ment for our side, for Vice President Gore profits, and a bigger stock market. It’s a tax and Senator Lieberman, is, we say, ‘‘Look, cut for everybody. Getting this country out we’re going to have a smaller tax cut. We of debt is a tax cut for everybody. think it’s better because we try to target it So that’s what—when you go back home to education and long-term care and child in North Carolina and people talk to you care and retirement savings, but it can’t be about, the next 2 weeks, about how this fits much bigger than this because we’ve got to into the decision you have to make in North invest in education and health care and the Carolina, talk to them about arithmetic and environment and defense, and we’ve got to economics and talk to them about account- keep paying off the debt.’’ ability-plus and tell them that Jim Hunt de- Now, that’s the big issue. It’s not—I prom- serves a worthy successor. ise you, it’s more important—the arithmetic Thank you, and God bless you. issue is more important than the details of who’s got the better Social Security plan or NOTE: The President spoke at 1:25 p.m. in the the details of who’s got the better tax plan, Monticello Room at the Jefferson Hotel. In his remarks, he referred to former Treasury Secre- even though I think our side does, and I’d taries Lloyd Bentsen and Robert E. Rubin; Gov- be happy to debate it—the arithmetic issue, ernor Hunt’s wife, Carolyn; Republican Presi- the big thing here. dential candidate Gov. George W. Bush; and actor The other thing you need to remember Cuba Gooding, Jr. is—and we’ve shown it for 8 years—you can say, ‘‘Well, I’m going to spend this much money over the next 10 years.’’ But if the Remarks on the Legislative Agenda money doesn’t come in, you don’t have to for School Construction and spend it. But if you give it all away in a tax Education cut on the front end or the privatization pro- October 24, 2000 gram, on the front end, it’s gone. And you’re certainly not going to go get it back when Well, first, let me thank Glenda Parsons. the economy turns down. I thought that she was eloquent, insistent, So you’re going to have a big Governor’s comprehensive, and enlightening for any- race in North Carolina. The ability of the body that hasn’t heard about this issue and next Governor—and you know who we all why it matters. And let me thank Secretary hope it will be and believe it will be—but Riley for pointing out that the Federal Gov- his ability to follow in Jim Hunt’s footsteps ernment helps States and localities build will rest in no small measure on the success roads and highways and prisons, and schools of the North Carolina economy, in gener- are the most important network to the 21st ating jobs, generating opportunity, in gener- century of all. ating revenues to turn around and put in edu- Let me thank you, sir, in a larger sense, cation. for nearly 8 years of service now, during So that’s my pitch to you. I think account- which you have reduced the paperwork bur- ability-plus is better than accountability- den on local school districts and States but minus in education. And I think arithmetic mightily increased the level of assistance we still works in economics. And I know if we are giving them to do the things that work. just keep interest rates one percent lower a That’s one reason—along with the out- year over the next decade, which is what I standing work being done at the State level believe the difference will be in paying off by people like Governor Patton from Ken- the debt and going back to deficit so you tucky, who is here with us today, and local 2604 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 educators—that the test scores are up, the 2000 fiscal year is the largest in American dropout rate is down, the college-going rate history, $237 billion. This is the third surplus is up. We’re moving in the right direction, in a row, the first time our Nation has done and Dick Riley deserves his fair share of that in 51 years, since 1949, when Harry Tru- credit for that, and I thank him very much. man was President. I would like to thank the extraordinary It’s worth remembering, I think, that when array of Members of Congress who are here, Vice President Gore and I took office in including the Democratic leaders of the Sen- 1993, the deficit was $290 billion. The debt ate and the House, Senator Daschle and had quadrupled in 12 years. Economists pre- Congressman Gephardt. I would like to dicted that this year, instead of a $237 billion thank the people from the administration surplus, we would have a $455 billion deficit. who are here who have worked with us to Working together, we turned that around, help to develop this very important proposal, not by chance but by choice. including Secretary Larry Summers and Jack Now to the moment at hand. What are Lew and Sylvia Mathews from the Office of we going to do with our prosperity? What Management and Budget. are we going to do with our surplus? It is I want to thank the people who are here not the Government’s surplus. It is the peo- from the DC City Council and the coalition ple’s surplus. How shall we apply it to our to Rebuild America’s Schools, teachers, ad- common goals and needs and challenges? I ministrators, architects, members of the con- feel very strongly that we ought to first make struction trades, and many others. And I also a commitment to keep the prosperity going want to thank the people who came out here by paying the debt down over the next 12 all morning, building our new schoolhouse. years, to keep interest rates down. We wanted people to have a little red school- Then I think we ought to take what’s left house here to emphasize what this is about. and have a tax cut we can afford, that focuses And our special guests from Brent Elemen- on sending our kids to college, providing our tary School, let’s welcome them here. kinfolks with long-term care who need it, The little red schoolhouse behind me was helping working families with child care, and erected as evidence of the commitment of helping all Americans save for retirement, all of us here to give our children the safest because savings rates are not high enough and best schools in the world. In its unfin- in our country today. And I think we ought ished state, it’s also a symbol of the unfin- to save some money to invest in education ished work still before the Congress. Nearly and in health care, in science and technology, 2 months into the new school year, the ma- in the environment and defense, in the future jority leadership still hasn’t given a single of America. dime for school construction and moderniza- So, in other words, there are big opportu- tion, not even enough to build a one-room nities and big challenges out there, but I be- schoolhouse. lieve we have to first stay with what got us Week after week now, I’ve been signing here: Pay down the debt; strengthen the So- continuing resolutions to give Congress more cial Security and Medicare systems for the time to work on this year’s budget. But the aging of America when all people like me, time for tardy slips is over. It’s time for the the baby boom generation, become too old leadership to put progress before partisan- to work, and we don’t want to be a burden ship and address at last the needs of our on the rest of you. And we need to then seize schools and our children. this opportunity to take the money that’s left For nearly 8 years now, we’ve worked hard to invest in our future, especially in edu- to turn our economy around. We’ve replaced cation. record deficits with record surpluses. We You’ve heard what has already been said, now enjoy the longest economic expansion but I think it’s worth reiterating. We have in history. Today we received even more the largest, most diverse student body in his- good news about the economy. According to tory. They are in overcrowded classrooms, our Treasury Department and the Office of but a lot of things are going right in America. Management and Budget, the surplus for the Reading and math scores are up; Hispanic Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2605 and African-American students are taking ad- So this is a national challenge. They’re bad vanced placement courses in record num- for our children’s education. I might also say bers—over the last 6 years, a 300 percent that they can be quite bad for our children’s increase for Hispanic students, a 500 percent health, especially if they have asthma or if increase for African-American students; the they have other disabilities. And this is some- college-going rate at a record high, because thing I think that has been underestimated. we have provided more college assistance in- You know, just the cost in education days crease than any time since the GI bill. So of asthma in our children is staggering a lot of things are going well. SAT math throughout the United States today. We scores are the highest since 1969, when we ought not to be sending the kids into school went to the Moon. But we have more to do. buildings that make it worse. And I want to focus on this today. Now, I have asked Congress to send me And let me just say one other thing I would an education bill that does the following: like to say, because I really want to thank First, give us $1.3 billion to fix up thousands the Vice President for this. When we started of schools in desperate need of repair right in 1994 with a goal to hook up all of our now. And let’s do that over 5 years. We can classrooms and schools to the Internet, only repair 5,000 schools a year over 5 years. It 14 percent of the schools and 3 percent of would be a big thing to do, and it would help the classrooms in America were hooked up. a lot. Now, 95 percent of the schools and 65 per- Second, I have asked Congress to enact cent of the classrooms are hooked up, thanks the bipartisan—and I emphasize bipar- in no small measure to an idea Al Gore led tisan—school construction tax proposal, to provide $25 billion in school construction our fight for, the E-rate, which gives dis- and modernization bonds. Now, you just counts of up to 90 percent to low-income heard Glenda explain why Loudoun County schools so that all of our schools can afford couldn’t bear this burden alone. Even coun- to hook on. ties where the average income of the school Now, what’s all that got to do with why parents may be above average, there is a limit we’re here? The average public school build- to how much you can do. They’ve got to build ing in America is 42 years old. Decades of 23 schools in 6 years? Can you imagine how use have taken their toll: leaking roofs, bro- much construction that is? That’s in one ken boilers, crowded trailers. It’s hard to school district. That’s just one. We estimate educate kids in schools that are falling down. the deficit in school repair and school con- Some of our schools are so old, they literally struction in America, given the condition of cannot be wired for Internet access. I have the buildings, the size of the population, and been in schools where, when one room the projected population over the next 5 works—that is, if they turn on all the lights, years, is somewhere between 110 and 125 and they’re using the lab, and then somebody billion dollars. logs onto the net in one room, it will literally I don’t think it’s too much to ask the Fed- short out everybody else in the school build- eral Government, at a time of record sur- ing. You also need to know, there are build- pluses, to provide $25 billion in school con- ings in New York that are still being heated struction and modernization bonds. It will with coal in coal-fired furnaces. The average help to build or modernize 6,000 schools. In school building in Philadelphia is 65 years the process, it will create some good jobs. old, and about the same in New Orleans. It will be especially helpful in the poorest So those of us that have been around the areas of our country, like Native American country looking at this know that you’ve got communities and others with greater needs the problem of the old schools, and then all and the total inability to raise the money at the places we’ve been—including the small- the local level. est place I’ve been with a lot of trailers was And third, Congress should follow through the community of Jupiter, Florida, which is on our proposal to help fund 8,000 after- not very big, and they had a dozen trailers school and summer school programs, to help outside one school. $2.5 million kids boost their test scores, stay 2606 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 out of trouble, and get more involved in their went from 12 to 57 percent in reading, from communities. If you think about how over- 5 to 70 percent in math, from zero to 63 crowded these schools are, it is more impor- percent in science. That’s one place, one of tant than ever that we allow them to stay the best elementary schools in his entire open in the afternoon and to provide summer State. We can do that everywhere, and we programs, so that the kids that may not get should. it during the daytime, when they’re being I mean, I have very strong feelings about crammed in, pushed around, and can’t even this. These kids deserve a decent place to sit down for lunch, according to Glenda, at go to school because they can all learn. I was least to have the ability to stay late or come in Harlem the other day in a school that 2 back in the evening or come in on the week- years ago—listen to this—2 years ago had 80 end or be involved in the summer program percent of the kids doing reading or math that will make sure they don’t fall behind. below grade level. Two years later, a new So that’s also a very important part of this. principal, new morale, school uniforms— Fourth thing I’d like to urge them to do something I like—high standards, in 2 years is to provide $1.75 billion to help pay for they went from 80 percent doing reading and almost 50,000 teachers to reduce class sizes math below grade level, to 74 percent doing in the first grades, the next big step of our reading and math at or above grade level, 100,000 teacher program to reduce class size a total turnaround. You can do this. We can in the early grades. We know that new quali- do this all over America. fied teachers can help children learn. But it is illusory to think that we can tell And finally, I ask Congress to support our all these kids and their parents they’re the initiatives to improve teacher training, in- most important things in the world to us, crease accountability, and to turn around fail- ‘‘But here, go to school in broken windows ing schools or shut them down and open and leaky roofs, and sit in this closet some- them under new management. We have where, or go out into a busted trailer, and here—I will say again what I said at lunch: we’ll get around to you when we can.’’ And Governor Patton is exhibit A. meanwhile, we’ve got all the money in the I have been working on this for 22 years world to spend on roads and airports, be- now. I was there when, under the Reagan cause they’ve got a bigger lobby than little administration, Secretary Bell issued the ‘‘Nation at Risk’’ report, a brilliant report. I kids do. was there when President Bush invited all Now, this is not complicated here. We the Governors to Charlottesville, Virginia, have fooled around with this for 2 years, and and we had a summit and established goals the problem is just getting bigger. So I say, for the Nation. And I helped to write that before Congress goes home, let’s do this for document, and it was a great and moving the kids in the future. meeting. But I can tell you something. If At the end of World War II when my gen- somebody asked me what’s changed in the eration was starting schools, the National years since, I’ll tell you what’s changed: We Government under President Truman, with actually know now that failing schools can Republican as well as Democratic support, be turned around, and we know how to do did not hesitate to help our children find the it, and we didn’t before. And so I want to space to go to school. emphasize this. In a world where education is even more I was in a school in western Kentucky with important than it was then, where the stu- Paul Patton that was one of the worst schools dent body is even bigger, and where it is in Kentucky 4 years ago, where only 12 per- much more diverse, in a world that is much cent of the kids were reading at or above more interconnected, there can be nothing grade level, 5 percent of the kids were doing more important than actually acting like we math at or above grade level, no kids were say we believe, that our kids are the most doing science at or above grade level. And important thing in the world to us. Let’s do under the system he put in place, that we it with the school construction proposal. want for America, in 3 years the numbers Thank you very much. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2607

NOTE: The President spoke at 3 p.m. on the South in small businesses, and legal immigrants. I Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, he re- also urge the Congress to pass legislation ferred to parent Glenda Parsons of Loudoun streamlining the enrollment of uninsured County, VA, who introduced the President. children in health insurance programs. Tak- ing these long overdue steps will bring us Statement on Signing the Breast and closer to our larger goal—ensuring that every Cervical Cancer Prevention and American has access to high quality, afford- able health insurance. Treatment Act of 2000

October 24, 2000 NOTE: H.R. 4386, approved October 24, was as- signed Public Law No. 106–354. Today I am extremely pleased to sign the ‘‘Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000,’’ which invests over Proclamation 7369—United Nations $990 million over 10 years in an important Day, 2000 new health option for thousands of low- income, uninsured women with breast or cer- October 24, 2000 vical cancer. I was proud to include it in my By the President of the United States FY 2001 budget, and I am proud to sign this of America bipartisan legislation into law. Women without health insurance are 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer A Proclamation than those who are insured. Not only are they Fifty-five years ago, the United States less likely to be screened, but the course of played a leading role in founding the United treatment they elect is often affected by their Nations, and the treaty creating the U.N. was ability to pay for services. This important leg- signed in San Francisco. Today, we are proud islation will expand the limited treatment op- to serve as host country for the United Na- tions now available to low-income, uninsured tions, whose headquarters in New York City women with breast cancer who are in the stands as an enduring symbol of the promise unique situation of learning about their con- of international peace and cooperation. dition through federally sponsored screening The United States remains fully com- programs. mitted to the principles of the United Na- The new assistance today’s action will pro- tions Charter, and we support efforts to make vide for thousands of women with breast or the U.N. a more effective tool to meet the cervical cancer continues my administration’s challenges of our changing world. Many of longstanding commitment to breast and cer- those challenges—poverty, disease, ethnic vi- vical cancer research, prevention, and treat- olence, and regional conflict—recognize no ment. It builds on a record of administration borders and can only be addressed by nations achievements that includes legislation to en- working together with shared resources and sure the quality of mammograms and prevent common goals. The United Nations is drive-by mastectomies, increasing access to uniquely positioned to facilitate such collabo- cancer clinical trials, and increasing funding rative efforts. for breast and cervical cancer research, pre- Today, more than half the world’s people vention, and treatment from $283 million to live under governments of their own choos- over $620 million during my administration. ing, an achievement that reflects the role the As important as today’s achievement is, we U.N. has played as a steadfast peacemaker have many health care issues that still must and staunch advocate of international human be addressed. I urge the Congress to pass rights. But three- fourths of those people live additional coverage expansions including a in developing countries, and more than a bil- new, affordable health insurance option for lion of them live in abject poverty. Through parents and new health insurance options for agencies such as the World Bank and the Americans facing unique barriers to cov- International Monetary Fund, the U.N. is erage, such as those aged 55 to 65, workers working to address this gap between the 2608 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 world’s richest and poorest countries by sup- In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set porting comprehensive debt relief and pro- my hand this twenty-fourth day of October, viding billions of dollars in loans and grants in the year of our Lord two thousand, and to developing nations for projects that pro- of the Independence of the United States of mote health, nutrition, education, entrepre- America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. neurship, and civil society. William J. Clinton While the devastating world wars of the 20th century are now a part of history, ethnic [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, and regional conflicts continue to threaten 8:45 a.m., October 26, 2000] global stability and contribute to human mis- NOTE: This proclamation was published in the ery. Millions of innocent people have lost Federal Register on October 27. their lives in such conflicts, and millions of families have been driven from their home- lands to seek refuge in neighboring nations. Remarks on Signing the Jordan- Through its international diplomacy efforts, United States Trade Agreement peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian October 24, 2000 assistance, the United Nations serves as a beacon of hope for countries torn apart by The President. Thank you very much. ethnic, religious, or regional strife. Your Majesty and members of the Jordanian In September of this year, the leaders of delegation; Senator Lugar; Senator Moy- 189 countries came together in New York nihan; Representatives Bonior and Levin; at the United Nations Millennium Summit. Secretary Cohen and other members of the This unprecedented gathering of inter- administration. national leaders reaffirmed that the impor- Let me begin by saying a special word of tance of the U.N.’s mission is undiminished appreciation to Dr. Mohammad Halaiqa and after more than 5 decades of extraordinary to our Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky for challenge and global change. the work they did on this agreement. As we observe United Nations Day this The American negotiators, led by Cath- year, let us celebrate the spirit of inter- erine Novelli, and their Jordanian counter- national cooperation and dedication to peace parts have labored hard over these last few enshrined in the U.N. Charter. For 55 years, months and around the clock this past week- the United Nations has led the world in ad- end, something that seems to be the order dressing international security problems and of the day for us lately, to conclude this very promoting human rights and human dignity. important agreement. Today we reaffirm our commitment to this Most of all, it is a great honor to welcome vital institution and pledge to work with King Abdullah to the White House again. He other member nations to ensure that the is a voice of reason and calm in a region ur- U.N. is equipped with the resources it needs gently in need of both. His leadership has to remain a powerful instrument of the inter- been especially important over these last dif- national community and an effective force ficult weeks, which have brought such suf- for the common good. fering and loss in the Middle East, and Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, thrown into sharp relief the choices facing President of the United States of America, all people in the region. by virtue of the authority vested in me by Down one path lie the enormous chal- the Constitution and laws of the United lenges of building a lasting, secure peace and States, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2000, the concomitant enormous benefits. Down as United Nations Day. I encourage all the other path lies more bloodshed, more ha- Americans to educate themselves about the tred, more shattered lives and broken activities and accomplishments of the United dreams. Nations and to observe this day with appro- Though the path of peace is steep and has priate ceremonies, programs, and activities become steeper these last few weeks, in the devoted to enhancing international coopera- long run it is the only path that offers the tion. peoples of the Middle East hope for a normal Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2609 life as part of the modern world. That is the and environmental protections, a landmark path Jordan has chosen consistently. achievement for which the negotiators on It is critically important that the United both sides deserve extremely high praise. States stand with Jordan and leaders like For the United States, this follows through King Abdullah, struggling to give their peo- on our commitment to insure that the drive ple prosperity, standing for peace, under- toward globalization reinforces protections standing that the two pursuits go hand in for our workers and for air, water, and other hand. natural resources. The first trade agreement As hard as that may be, there must be an to have undergone an environmental review end to the violence, and the Israelis and Pal- under a new U.S. policy requiring such anal- estinians must find a way out of confrontation yses. This trade agreement is one that all back to the path of peaceful dialog, and they Americans can be proud of. must do it sooner rather than later. For in For Jordan, it represents a farsighted com- the Middle East, as we have all learned, time mitment to worker and environmental pro- does not heal wounds, it simply rubs more salt in them. The issues do not change. They tection that is very much in keeping with Jor- just get harder to resolve. dan’s visionary commitment to peace. In to- The agreement we are about to sign will day’s world, developing countries can achieve establish free trade between the United growth without making some of the mistakes States and Jordan. It is a good and important developed nations made on our path to in- agreement, one that I hope Congress will dustrialization. In the information age, the support on a bipartisan basis. It will be good byproduct of the industrial age, the idea that for the United States, good for Jordan, good to grow more you had to exploit both workers for the long-term prospects for peace in the and the environment, is simply no longer Middle East. It will eliminate duties and true. break down commercial barriers to trade be- Today it is possible to grow an economy tween our two nations in both products and faster, while protecting air, water, and keep- services. ing children in school. This trade agreement Under King Abdullah’s leadership, Jordan embodies that big idea. Now we must turn already has made impressive strides in mod- our energies to implementing it as soon as ernizing its economy, opening its markets, possible. The insistent voices urging us to promoting the well-being of its people. This build a future that is healthier, more just, agreement will help to accelerate that more prosperous, and more peaceful are not progress. It will also cement the bonds of patient, nor should they be. This is a very friendship that already exist between Jordan good day. and the United States. Again, let me extend my congratulations The record is clear that open trade creates to the negotiators, my thanks to the King of opportunities, raises prosperity, and can lift Jordan and his Government and my great lives in every country. Nowhere is this more hope that this will be the beginning of even apparent than here in the United States, stronger bonds between our people and a where our exports in open markets have helped to fuel the longest expansion in our real trend in modern commercial agreements history. Nowhere are the benefits of trade among good people and good nations every- more critically needed than in the Middle where. East. By opening markets, we can help to Now, I’d like to invite His Majesty to come ease poverty that makes peace hard to up here and make a few remarks. achieve and harder still to sustain. Today’s agreement is remarkable in an- NOTE: The President spoke at 6:52 p.m. in the other respect as well. Even if it didn’t have East Room at the White House. In his remarks, a thing to do with peace, we would still be he referred to Deputy Prime Minister Moham- here, because it is the first free trade agree- mad Halaiqa of Jordan. The transcript released ment ever signed by the United States which by the Office of the Press Secretary also included incorporates into the body of the text labor the remarks of King Abdullah II of Jordan. 2610 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Remarks at a People for the Congress finds the national interest, or American Way Reception whether we will have a new form of ultra- October 24, 2000 conservative judicial activism that rejects the Government’s rights or authority to protect Thank you very much, Ralph. I want to the rights of our citizens and the interests thank you and your predecessor, Carole of our citizens. Shields, and the other board members of the For 8 years now, I have worked to ensure People for the American Way. I thank Rep- that our courts at all levels are filled with resentative Sheila Jackson Lee from Houston judges who are qualified, fair, reflect our Na- for joining us tonight. Where are you, Sheila? tion’s diversity, and uphold and enforce our She’s here somewhere—right there. Thank laws. Since 1993, I’ve had the honor to ap- you. And I want to thank Mary Frances point more women and minorities to the Berry. You know, we go back to the Carter Federal bench than any previous President, administration together. We’ve been friends almost half of my judicial appointees. But I’m for way over 20 years, and now she’s the also gratified to know that they have garnered Chair of our U.S. Commission on Civil the highest percentages of top ABA ratings Rights. She’s done a magnificent job. [Ap- of any group of Presidential appointees in plause] Thank you. nearly 40 years, which shatters the myth that I smiled when I walked in and put my arm you can’t have diversity and excellence at the around her. I said, ‘‘Mary Frances, that gray same time. hair looks a lot better on you than it does In spite of the fact that study after study on me.’’ And we concluded that we had both after study have shown how qualified these earned every one of ours in the last 8 years, people are, and I might add, how relatively and we’re proud to have them. So thank you, nonideological and mainstream, a number of Mary Frances Berry. Thank you. my appointees, especially in election years, I want to thank you for hosting this event. both in 1996 and this year—although in this I thank all of you for participating, because case, some of these go back the last 3 or 4 one of the great questions the American peo- years—have been denied a place on the ple will answer in this election is the future bench and in many cases even denied a hear- of the Supreme Court, the future of the Fed- ing for partisan political reasons, even though eral courts generally, and what the shape of it’s clear that they’re qualified. There are American life will be when it comes to the more than 40 pending judicial nominees cur- individual rights of American citizens, and rently. More than half of them are women potentially as important, the power of the and minorities. A study not very long ago United States Congress and the Federal Gov- showed that the women and minorities I ap- ernment to protect the American people pointed had to wait a whole lot longer for from all manner of things, in the face of a a hearing than guys that looked like me, and determined effort by what is already on occa- that they were much more likely to be de- sion a majority in the Supreme Court to limit nied. the ability of the Congress to do it. For example, even though the fourth cir- On a daily basis, Federal judges make de- cuit in our country, in southeastern United cisions that affect our everyday lives. Of States, has the largest percentage of African- course, they can decide at the Supreme Americans of any Circuit in the United Court level whether women continue to have States, no African-American has ever served the right to choose or if their fundamental on it. And there have been plenty of qualified rights to privacy will be eliminated; whether lawyers in the fourth circuit who happen to the Government can keep a safe environ- be African-American. Roger Gregory would ment for our children; whether we can keep be the first African-American. He’s not been guns out of schools; whether we can pass a given a hearing. law to protect women from violence; whether In the fifth circuit, which has, next to the we can ban hate crimes; and whether we can ninth circuit, the largest number of His- expect the States to cooperate with the Fed- panics, Enrique Moreno—graduated with eral Government and do their part if the great distinction from Harvard and is a native Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2611 of El Paso, and the judges in west Texas said in this Court for restricting the ability of Con- he was one of the three best lawyers in west gress, even a bipartisan majority in Congress, Texas—has been deemed unqualified for the to get the States to help implement public fifth circuit by the Republican Senators. And interest legislation that protects people. The I might say, the response from the other Re- Supreme Court threw out part of the Brady publican officials in Texas has been deaf- bill because it required the States to help ening silence. do things. It struck down part of the Violence The longest waiting appellate nominee is Against Women Act, and other laws. I’m sure Helene White of Michigan, who has been that people who are going to be part of this waiting for 3 years now. They include Kath- forum will talk more about this, and I don’t leen McCree Lewis, daughter of the civil need to go through this whole litany of cases. rights lion Wade McCree. She’d be the first But I can tell you that Justice Scalia and African-American woman to serve on the Justice Thomas, occasionally with three oth- sixth circuit. The people who can’t get a vote ers voting with them, have a view that is quite include Bonnie Campbell, former attorney different than the view that has prevailed in general of Iowa, who led our administration’s the country for the last 40 years about what efforts to pass the Violence Against Women Congress should be able to do to advance Act. the cause of civil rights and the environment Time and again I have asked the Senate and public health. Now, I have no doubt this leadership just to give these folks a vote. But view is honestly held, and I have no personal they did it once, when they rejected Ronnie criticism of them, but they do have a lifetime White, the first African-American State su- appointment and unlimited abilities, except preme court justice in the history of Mis- only by the cases that come before them, to souri, who was turned down for a Federal advance this view. And if they get one or judgeship, though he was superbly qualified, two more allies and their view prevails, we’ll on grossly political grounds. And the reaction have a philosophy of what the role of the of the public in Missouri and throughout the National Government in our country’s life is United States was predictable and quite hon- that will be coming out of the Supreme Court orable. And so the next strategy was that that will have as its only modern parallel what ‘‘People don’t like it very much when we vote prevailed in the 1930’s, until Franklin Roo- these folks down, so we’ll just let them die sevelt tried to pack the Court with the help in silence. We’ll just never have hearings.’’ of his majority leader from my home State, I’ve had, as you might imagine, a lot more Joe T. Robinson. And the public hated it, success in appointing Federal trial judges, and there was a terrible reaction, but after- but the Republican majority has been quite ward the Supreme Court began to uphold sensitive to the appellate courts because they the New Deal legislation. know they make a lot of policy, just like the And so we all want to pretend that there’s Supreme Court. And when they had the no politics in this, but there is certainly phi- White House the last time, they appointed losophy in this. There is philosophy in the a lot of very young people to those appellate appointments of Supreme Court Justices and courts, in the hope that by the time they got appellate court justices. And therefore, the it the next time, whatever they couldn’t pass Presidency is important, but the Senate races through Congress and whatever the Amer- are important as well, because they have to ican people wouldn’t put up with, they could confirm these folks. just do it through the courts, with people who And I don’t doubt for a moment that the had life tenure. main problems that the present majority in Now, we’re just a vote or two away from the United States Senate has with my nomi- reversing Roe v. Wade in the United States nees is probably not primarily race or gender; Supreme Court, and I think it’s inevitable they just know they’re not going to be as that the next President will have two appoint- right-wing as they think they ought to be. ments to the Supreme Court; could be more. And they can’t credibly claim that they would Beyond that, as I intimated in my opening be too liberal—whatever that is—but they remarks, there has already been a majority know that if they can just keep these folks 2612 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 from getting a hearing, over and over and crimination Act’’ that covers gay Americans over again, and then if they get lucky and as well as people of all races. But the anchors have the Senate and the White House, they’ll of the Republican Party in the Congress are be able to move the judiciary way to the right to the right of that, and they see this election and reinforce and accelerate the pace of deci- as their chance. sions restricting not only some individual Now, while it’s true that nobody can pre- rights under the judicially defined constitu- dict with any 100 percent precision how his tional right to privacy but also the ability of or her appointees will vote—thank goodness, the National Government to protect certain President Eisenhower didn’t really know vital interests. about Earl Warren and Bill Brennan— That’s what was inherent in the Brady bill, [laughter]—we’ve got a lot better feel for it the Violence Against Women Act, and any today than they did 40 years ago and a lot number of these other cases. And I said I better idea of what the issues are going to hope the people that come behind me will be. And I say this with all respect: We should actually go through in greater detail these all assume that the people running for Presi- cases, because I think a lot of Americans have dent and the people running for the Senate a general idea that the right to choose may and all these other races, that they actually be at stake in this election in the appoint- believe what they say, and therefore, if they ments to the Supreme Court, but what—I are elected, we should assume that they will think virtually no Americans, outside those act on their beliefs. who follow the day-to-day decisions of the As I have said repeatedly, the American Supreme Court, understand just how many people ought to view this election as a cele- of our other rights are at stake by virtue of bration: how to keep our economy going; the possibility of different Court appoint- how to extend it to people in places left be- ments. hind; how to keep the environment improv- So I come here just to sort of give you ing and the schools improving and more peo- good cheer and say how you’re doing a good ple getting health insurance and the welfare thing—[laughter]—and remind you of some- rolls and the crime rates going down. All the thing. The American people have normally indicators are right. The question is, how are gotten it right. That’s why we’re all around you going to make a truly good society out here after 224 years. Sometimes it takes an of this? And what kind of individual protec- agonizingly long period of time, but the story tions do we think should be out there? And of the United States of America is pretty what kind of group rules should be out there much an illustration A of Martin Luther in terms of the absence of discrimination and King’s eloquent statement that the arc of his- the presence of opportunity? tory is long, but it bends toward justice. So And because our country is in good shape I urge you to see your presence here as bend- today, we can have an honest, open debate. ers. You’re the people who are supposed to But it doesn’t serve anybody to pretend that make sure the arc keeps bending toward jus- these differences aren’t there when they, in tice. fact, are there. So what I hope will come Our country is a different place than it was out of your gathering here is a clear and 8 years ago. We’re remarkably more diverse, sharp understanding of the honest dif- as well as more prosperous. We’re learning ferences that are out there, of the kinds of to live together and work together and accept decisions that will be made and the appoint- each other in ways that we never did before. ments that will be made to all of our Federal You’ve now got more than two-thirds of the courts, beginning with the Supreme Court country and heavy majorities of people in but including the courts of appeals and the both political parties for a hate crimes bill district courts. And then you can do whatever that protects gay Americans as well as racial you want with it with the American people minorities and disabled people. It’s a big and in your own communities between now deal. That’s a big deal. You’ve got a majority and the election and thereafter. in the country and a majority of people in But I have to tell you that as someone who both parties for an ‘‘Employment Non-Dis- has been a law professor, been an attorney Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2613 general, related to the Federal courts as a along. Whenever anybody else thinks I’ve Governor, and then appointed people as a done a great job on a civil rights issue, I get President to all levels of the Federal judici- about a C-plus from her. [Laughter] But ary, it is my honest opinion that the incred- that’s her job. That’s her job. ibly energetic debate that is going on now Look—this is the last thing I’m going to at the Supreme Court level about the role say. This is a great country. Our diversity is of the National Government and the range making us greater, richer, and more inter- of personal-privacy-related individual rights esting. But if you look around the world at will only intensify in the years ahead and will all the trouble spots today, you see people be swung decisively one way or the other de- have a whole lot of trouble dealing with folks pending on the outcome of these elections. who have honest convictions that are dif- And to pretend otherwise is to be like an ferent from theirs, especially if they’re reli- ostrich with your head in the sand. gious convictions, or if they are of different So we don’t have to be hand-wringing, and racial and ethnic origins which lead them into we don’t have to overstate the case, and we different cultural patterns of life. The great don’t have to attack our adversaries. This is genius of America in the 21st century has America. We’ve always had people with dif- got to be how to take the most diverse society ferent views and different feelings and dif- we’ve ever had and the most diverse one in ferent convictions. But you’re here because the world—although, interestingly enough, you have a certain take on what the param- India is a pretty close competitor—and how eters of personal liberty have to be in order to celebrate all this diversity and, at the same for America to have a genuine community time, affirm our common humanity. Doing across all the lines that divide us. That’s how that in the context of all these cases that keep come you’re here. That’s how come you be- coming up to the Supreme Court requires long to this organization. So you have to un- a great deal of wisdom and understanding derstand with great detail and clarity what about what the real principles of our Con- is at stake, and then you have to be willing stitution require and how the real world to share it, because, as I said, the American works and an imagination about how it has people will make a decision in this election to work in the 21st century. which will shape the Supreme Court and the So you’re here discussing something pro- other Federal courts and the range of liberty foundly important. I just don’t want you— and privacy and the range of acceptable na- you don’t have to wring your hands about tional action for years to come. it, but you do have to get your telephone I think it is fair to say that with the single ringing when you go home. exception of a woman’s right to choose, Thank you, and God bless you. which is fairly high on the radar screen, most people have no earthly idea that any of these NOTE: The President spoke at 8:19 p.m. at the other issues are even at stake in this election. National Education Association, prior to a panel And a lot of people still don’t really believe discussion on the future of the Supreme Court. a woman’s right to choose is at stake in this In his remarks, he referred to Ralph G. Neas, election. But it is. So those of us who are president, and Carole Shields, former president, old enough to remember what it was like be- People for the American Way. fore Roe v. Wade, and those of us who care about things like the Violence Against Women Act and the Brady law and the other Remarks at a Reception for things that we believe make America a better Congressional Candidate country and are not so burdensome to ask Donald Dunn the States to walk along with us hand in hand October 24, 2000 and work with us, we have a big job to do in the next 2 weeks. Well, let me first of all say I’m delighted So again, Ralph, I thank you. Mary to see all of you here, and I’m delighted to Frances, I thank you for your leadership and be here, myself, for several reasons. I’d like your passion and for always prodding me to begin by thanking Ron and Beth Dozoretz 2614 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 for doing this, for their incredible generosity, is now deceased, but he was a great—he was and their support. a great friend of mine, and I loved him. I I’m here because I owe this guy. [Laugh- appointed his son United States attorney, and ter] You know, he started out with me as now he’s running for Congress, also in Utah. an intern; then he went to work in the White And his wife, Norma, was and remains a House; then he went out of the cocoon of friend of mine. the White House, into the administration. And I’ve always wanted to see the Demo- And then he actually—he could have stayed crats come back in the Intermountain West. here in a cushy job until I left, and then sort And it can be done. Fifty years ago, when of written it all up on his resume and gone everyone thought Harry Truman was de- out and made a lot of money in Washington feated in his race for President in 1948, one or New York or someplace. And instead, he of the reasons he won is that he swept the made the decision that I made half my life- Intermountain West, the most Republican time ago, when I turned down all the clerk- area of America today. And the reason he ships and all the things I was offered and won then is the same reason we lose today— I went home to Arkansas. so much of the Intermountain West belongs And when I ran for Congress in 1974 in to the Federal Government. And in the be- Arkansas, I ran in a district where the pre- ginning, when all that was happening, it was vious Democratic candidate for President in just a boon to the people who lived there, the previous election had received 24 per- nothing but a source of income and grazable cent of the vote. So I know what he is going land and mines to be mined. through. [Laughter] And half the people Then, after the whole ownership of the thought I was a communist, because I was Federal Government had matured and the a Democrat. [Laughter] And it was in 1970, resources had to be managed—and some- so it was acceptable to have longer hair. times they had to say yes, as well as no, and [Laughter] sometimes the Federal Government was But I identify with this. And it was a real good at it, and sometimes they weren’t very rural district, and I just—I admire you so good at it—so, sort of a culture of having much for doing this. And nothing ever to hate the Federal Government that owned changes until someone like you steps out and all the land built up, so that now it’s sort takes a chance. I also want to say that some- of culturally unacceptable to be a Democrat, times things do change. because they all think we’re, by definition, And I always tell people—this is the first nuts. [Laughter] election since 1974 that I haven’t been on That’s sort of what’s happened. And the the ballot. And I think the really great cam- only way you can break that psychology in paigns of my life were the 1992 Presidential a State like Utah or Idaho or the other small- campaign; the 1982 campaign for Governor, er States, Montana, is if one person, like him, where I got reelected after I had been de- will go home and say, ‘‘Listen, this is my feated, and that had never happened before; place, too. I love it. Here’s where I stand. and that first campaign I ran for Congress. Here’s why I want to be in public office. I learned how to listen. I learned how other Here’s why I want to serve you.’’ people viewed Government. I learned the So I just want to tell you, I think you’ve richness and texture of the story that every got a chance to win, too. And you have person has. It made me believe completely changed your life. You have changed the lives in democracy. And I also learned that you of the people that have worked with you. And can turn a lot of people around if you take you have changed the district in which you the trouble to do it and you believe in them have worked forever, whatever happens. But and you give them respect to do it. I hope all the rest of you will take a little And I’m also glad to be here because I solace at what he’s done. really care a lot about Utah, and I honor the And let me just say one other thing. This heritage of Democrats in Utah. When I be- election is unfolding against the backdrop of came Governor in 1978, the Governor of the national election. I have always felt, I will Utah was a man named Scott Matheson, who say again—I’ve been saying this for 2 years. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 24 2615

I will say it one more time—when the votes things and what to do about the bad things. are counted on November 7th, Al Gore will And within a decade, maybe—certainly not be the next President of the United States. much longer—women will have little babies That’s what I believe, because in the end, that will have a life expectancy of 90 years. people will have to decide whether we want The world is going to change dramatically. to continue the economic prosperity and ex- And it’s very, very important that we keep pand it or adopt a whole different economic changing but in the right direction. theory that has already been tried once and I was looking at Don making his talk, and didn’t work as well as ours. They’ll have to I was trying to remember what I might have decide whether they want to continue to been like 27 years ago—half my lifetime ago, build on the social progress of the last 8 when I was your age. I’m quite sure I wasn’t years. Compared to 8 years ago, the crime nearly as well-dressed. [Laughter] Of course, rate is down; the welfare rolls are cut in half; we were all sort of cosmetically challenged the environment is cleaner. For the first time in the early seventies, if you’ve ever—[laugh- in a dozen years, fewer people are uninsured; ter]—most men wore clothes that looked like the schools are getting better, we have a they came off the seat covers of old 1950’s record number of people going on to college. automobiles. You have to decide if you want to build on I doubt if I made as much sense as you that or take down a lot of those policies. did, but I’m quite sure I was as optimistic And finally, the thing that makes those of and idealistic as you are. And what I want us who are Democrats, Democrats: Do we to say to all of you today is that I think that want to go forward together as one America? you’ll always be proud you gave this young Do we really believe that everybody counts, man a hand up when he needed it. And I everybody should have a chance, we all do hope you’ll look forward for other opportuni- better when we help each other? We ought ties to do the same for other young people. to have hate crimes legislation because hate crimes are bad for a society like ours, that This is a great country, but we have to keep has to accept everybody that obeys the law bringing young people into the system. We and plays by the rules. We ought to have have to empower them. We have to give equal pay enforcement because it’s bad in them a chance to serve. And we’ve got to a society like ours, where women and men keep changing in the right direction. both have to work, if the women don’t get I think he’s got a great career ahead of paid for what they do. We ought to grow to- him. I think he’s done a brave thing. And gether. I won’t be terribly surprised if lightening So I believe that the next 2 weeks will be strikes and he wins, because he’s always had a fertile period for him to go back to Utah a clear idea of what he was doing and he’s and put his message out there, because I always had a message that he could take out think the American people will begin to focus there that people who share his roots could on the big things. What has happened big hear. And I just want you to know I’m really in America in the last 8 years? He was a part proud of you. And I’m really grateful to all of it. He was there. We changed the eco- of you for helping him. nomic policy, the environmental policy, the And you remember what I told you about education policy, the health care policy, the this election. We’ve got 2 weeks. You get out crime policy, and the welfare policy of the there and tell people, whether it’s the race country. And compared to 8 years ago, every- for the House in Utah or the race for the thing is better. Senate in New York or the race for the White The question now is not whether we will House, there are three big questions: Do you change but how. This country is changing so want to keep this prosperity going and extend fast, the young women in this audience today it to people to who haven’t felt it, or abandon that haven’t had their children yet, within a it for a theory that won’t work, and it won’t decade they’ll be bringing home babies from pay down the debt? Do you want to keep the hospital with a little gene card that tells building on the social progress of the last 8 them all the good things and all the bad years, or reverse policies that are proving to 2616 Oct. 24 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 work? And do you think we ought to go for- our children deserve. Congress should pass ward together as one America? Those are the a budget that reduces class size in the early three great questions we have to ask and an- grades; that contains tax credits to repair old, swer. If people understand that those are the crumbling schools and build new, modern questions, I know what the answers will be, ones; a budget that invests in after-school and we’ll all be celebrating 2 weeks from to- programs that mean more learning, lower night. crime, and fewer drugs. It should ensure the Thank you, and God bless you. hiring of new, highly trained teachers, and help States turn around failing schools or NOTE: The President spoke at 9:42 p.m. at a pri- shut them down and open them under new vate residence. In his remarks, he referred to re- management. This Congress is not done, and ception hosts Ronald I. and Beth Dozoretz; and Jim Matheson, candidate for Utah’s Second this Congress will not be done until it accom- Congressional District, and his mother, Norma. plishes these objectives. We should also work Donald Dunn is a candidate for Utah’s Third Con- together to pass tax cuts for middle-class gressional District. Americans. You know, in budget talks the two sides often wind up talking past each other. It takes Remarks on Departure for New York a little extra effort to reach across the divide. City and an Exchange With So that’s what I’m trying to do today. I’m Reporters sending an offer to Speaker Hastert and Sen- October 25, 2000 ator Lott that says, let’s work together in good faith to achieve common ground on tax Budget/Legislative Agenda relief. The President. Good morning. I want to I’ve identified areas of agreement so Con- say just a few words about the budget and gress can pass a bill I can sign, tax cuts that the work we still have ahead of us if we want preserve fiscal discipline, help our people all our children to have a first-class edu- save for retirement or pay for long-term care, cation. help build and repair schools, and boost in- Way back in February, I sent to Congress vestments in our new markets, the places that a budget that keeps America on the path of have been left behind in our prosperity. fiscal discipline. It would strengthen Social These are tax cuts we should all be able to Security and Medicare, pay down the debt agree on, tax cuts to help America’s working by 2012, and make key investments in edu- families provide for the things that matter cation, health care, the environment, and na- most. tional security. It would also modernize There’s also more to do in the last days Medicare with a voluntary prescription drug of this session. Congress should be working benefit available and affordable to all seniors overtime to pass a voluntary Medicare pre- who need it. scription drug benefit, to raise the minimum That was in February. Now we’ve come wage, pass a real Patients’ Bill of Rights, ex- to the end of October, nearly a month past pand health coverage for the American peo- the end of the fiscal year, and we still have ple, and invest our Medicare resources wise- not seen from Congress a completed budget. ly, not just or overwhelmingly in the HMO’s, Four times they’ve asked me for an extension including those that don’t need it, but in of time to finish the work. Today the latest teaching hospitals, home health agencies, extension runs out, and Congress is about to rural and urban hospitals, and other health ask for another. But from this point forward, care providers. as I’ve said, I will agree only to a day-by- Congress should also pass a tough hate day extension, until Congress finishes the crimes bill. After all, there’s a bipartisan ma- job. jority for it in both Houses. It’s pretty hard From this point forward, Congress should to explain why it hasn’t come to my desk for work every day and every night to put signature. And Congress should insist on and progress over partisanship, to make the in- provide for fairness for legal immigrants and vestments in education our schools need and equal pay for women. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2617

These are our most pressing priorities. We ‘‘Immigration and Latino Fairness Act’’ can make progress on all of them. There’s Q. Mr. President—excuse me—the ‘‘Im- a huge piece of new evidence. Just in the migration and Latino Fairness Act’’ is some- last 24 hours, there has been a truly bipar- thing you have been pushing for. It’s sup- tisan and historic agreement on providing posed to come up in the State, Commerce, much-needed debt relief to the world’s poor- and Justice appropriations bill. How are the est countries. This initiative was supported negotiations going on between the White by a broad—in fact, the broadest imag- House and the Republicans, and will you inable—coalition of religious leaders. You all veto it, the appropriation, if it doesn’t contain remember when many of them came to the what you want? White House just a few days ago. The President. Well, as I said, I hope we This enables America to do something that can reach agreement on it. We’ve made some is good and just and manifestly in our inter- real progress, and the Republicans have ests. It will go a long way toward ensuring come some way toward our position on this. our leadership for progress and prosperity in I don’t think it’s enough, and I hope we can the 21st century world. It is something that do more. will be very important to leave to all of our Look, this is a very large issue. There are successors after this next election, something a lot of people in this country who came here in good faith under adverse circumstances. America can build on for years to come. They’ve lived here, worked here, paid taxes I am profoundly grateful to the leaders in here, established families here. And I believe both parties in Congress for reaching agree- we ought to go as far as we possibly can get ment on this. This is something every single this Congress to go to legitimize their pres- American should be very, very proud of. And ence and to do the other things that are in it is fresh evidence that when we work hard our initiative. So I’m working, and I think to put our differences aside and find com- that’s all I should say now. We’re in the proc- mon ground, we can in fact do it. I hope ess of negotiating this. the leadership of the Republican Party will join me and the Democrats to continue to Situation in the Middle East do this, to continue to put progress above Q. In the Middle East, can Yasser Arafat partisanship. And we’ll get an awful lot done be considered a reliable partner for peace for the American people in the next couple while he is releasing Palestinian militants of days. Then they can go home and have from jail and actually giving them decision- a good election over the differences. making roles? Can he be reliable? Thank you very much. The President. Well, as you know, part of what the parties agreed to at Sharm al- Sheikh was a certain specific set of security Government Shutdown measures which were, by agreement of the Q. Mr. President, are you prepared to risk parties, kept confidential. But I think it’s a government shutdown if you don’t get what quite important that, as I think it was re- you want? ported in the morning press, that I had a The President. I don’t think it will come conversation with Chairman Arafat. I talked to that. I mean, I think this agreement yester- with him and Prime Minister Barak yester- day—this is really big. This will be one of day. I talk to them several times a week now. the signal achievements of this Congress. And one of the things we need to do is to And it shows that, as has been the case since have people who are interested in violence we’ve been in this unusual relationship with off the streets and the people who are inter- the Republican majority and a Democratic ested in ending the violence out there doing President, that at the end, we can still get what they’re capable of doing. a lot done. So I hope it won’t come to that, A big part of what the parties recognized and I don’t think it will. at Sharm al-Sheikh was that it’s impossible to maintain this uneasy status quo, where Go ahead. we’ve come so far in the peace process, but 2618 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 the big and most difficult issues remain. We The central problem here is, there are can’t expect there to be a reliable peace proc- problems there. And I think that the Vice ess unless we can reduce the violence. That’s President and Senator Lieberman and the the real answer to your question. We would Democrats in Congress and the experts are like to see, and I think that the Israelis would perfectly capable of pointing them out. What like to see, a resumption of the peace proc- I’m most concerned about is that we don’t ess, but both parties have got to do what they get anyone locked into something that would said they’d do at Sharm and get the violence take us back to deficits. And you have to add down, so we can open up the possibility of up the cost of a tax cut and a privatization peace again. of Social Security and all the spending pro- Yes. grams. And if you do that, and the sum of it is more than $2 trillion, you’re in trouble. Social Security You’re back in deficits. You’ve got high inter- Q. Mr. President, the Democrats are est rates. about to launch a concerted campaign effort That’s the thing that I’ve tried to get the to discredit Governor Bush’s Social Security American people to focus on. We’ve got to proposals. I’m wondering if you plan to par- keep paying down the debt to keep the inter- ticipate in that effort. est rates down, to keep the prosperity going. The President. Well, I haven’t been asked But I think on the details of the plan, that’s to do that. To me, the major issue right something that should properly be left to the now—I had hoped we could get agreement candidates in this election. And I think that on Social Security reform, and I thought that Governor Bush can state his position, the Chairman Archer and I could actually make Vice President can state his, and the Mem- an agreement. But neither of us had enough bers of Congress on both sides can argue it support in our caucuses to do that. And this out without too much help from me. is one of those big issues that I think will have to be resolved in the next 4 years. Situation in the Middle East So I decided to do the next best thing, which is to make sure we could keep paying Q. Mr. President, do you think that Chair- the debt down and to offer the option to put man Arafat can still retain sufficient influ- about 10 years of savings on interest that we ence over his people to stop the violence in get because we’re not spending the Social the West Bank and Gaza? Security taxes now, which we did from 1983 The President. I think the violence can until a couple of years ago. We’re not spend- be dramatically reduced. I think that there ing the Social Security taxes now, so they’re are probably some people within the Pales- contributing to debt reduction. That means tinian territories, and probably some people our interest burdens are lower. And what I within Israel, that are not within total control think should be done at a minimum is that of Chairman Arafat or even the Israeli Gov- the interest savings should be applied to So- ernment. But I do think Chairman Arafat can cial Security. That way you could take it out dramatically reduce the level of violence. to 2054 and get it out beyond the life of the The problem, as I have been saying for baby boom generation, when, after that, the years and years to the people in the region, pressures on Social Security will begin to is that once you actually start a peace process ease because there will be fewer people re- and people’s expectations get built up and tired in relation to the number of people you have a commitment to peaceful resolu- working. tion of these issues, violence is no longer a Now, if they want to make other changes, very good tool to achieve political objectives. as I learned and as Mr. Archer learned when It always, in the end, will be counter- we tried to argue this through, there will have productive. Why? Because if you look at the to be a bipartisan coalition in Congress. And pattern, what you have to do is, you stir the I hope there will be fresh energy when you’ve people up—you get the people all stirred up got a new President, a new Congress, a new so that they believe that violent reactions are amount of time to work on that. legitimate—and then you can’t just turn mass Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2619 emotions on and off, like you can a water that in the end, the best guarantee of Israel’s tap. It’s just not that simple. security is a sustainable peace with all of her So I think that it’s very important—I think neighbors. He knew there would be bumps what we did at Sharm was to put at least along the road and that there would be points a speed bump on the road to the dramatic at which the process would be ragged. He deterioration of the situation. But I don’t made a decision that he was trying to go for think that we should ask ourselves whether the long-term security of Israel. And events he has 100 percent control, because the truth in the next several days will determine is, none of us know the answer to that, and whether or not we can get back on that path. nobody has 100 percent control of any situa- That’s my reaction. I think it can be done, tion. The real and fundamental question is, and I think the parties can do it, and I’m can the level of violence be substantially re- going to do my best to see what I can do duced by a sustained effort? If the parties to be helpful. But we’ve got to get the level do what they agreed to do at Sharm, the an- of violence down. This peace with the Israelis swer to that is a resounding yes. and the aspirations of the Palestinians can, Yes, ma’am. in the end, only be fulfilled by agreement. Q. Mr. President, to follow up on that We called at Sharm for a commission to question and one other question, you said that you do believe he is capable of reducing look into what happened, to try to make sure the violence. So are you saying that he hasn’t it shouldn’t happen again. We can do that, tried to do that? And secondly, there was a but the critical pillars for a good situation poll out today in Israel that showed that if in the Middle East are the absence of vio- there was an election today, Netanyahu lence and the presence of negotiations and would beat Barak 2-1. And are you con- continued progress. And those are the things cerned at all that in your attempts to be an that all the people should be focusing on. honest broker and the way the violence has Those are the things that I’ve been working continued that you’ve somehow sold out on every day for the last couple of weeks Barak, that he will no longer be a leader in now. Israel in a few weeks, in a few months from now, and that the peace process will inevi- Medicare Legislation tably be over once that happens? Q. On the tax package, the Republicans The President. Well, the short answer to yesterday said they are considering including your question is no, because he made the an increase in the minimum wage, which you decisions that he made—he made very cou- want, and a scaled-back school bond pro- rageous decisions, and he’s in a difficult posi- posal, which you also support. tion now because he’s getting the worst of both worlds. I mean, he reached out to the The President. A scaled-back what? Palestinians, and he showed enormous cour- Q. A scaled-back school bond proposal. age in doing so. And we did not get an agree- But they are also considering including the ment at Camp David, although it was, on bal- Medicare giveback, which you’ve threatened ance, quite a positive thing. to veto. Would that veto still hold if the tax I will say again, you can’t maintain this sta- package includes these provisions which you tus quo. We either have to shut the violence support? down and get back to the peace process, or The President. Well, it depends what the there is going to be at least a level of anxiety, Medicare thing looks like. The only thing that mistrust, and a worsening of relations, which bothered me about the Medicare issue is that I don’t think would be good for anybody. we were working along in a bipartisan way. But I think that—I will say what I said We had some differences. They want to give the day the Camp David talks ended. Prime what I think is too much money to the Minister Barak knew what he was doing. He HMO’s. They say they need to do it because took a big chance. He did it because after the HMO’s are dropping people, dropping years in the Israeli military, he reached the Medicare folks from coverage in their same conclusion that Yitzak Rabin reached, HMO’s. But if you look at the provision, the 2620 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 money goes to the HMO’s without any guar- even comes close. So I hope we can reach antee of continued coverage for Medicare agreement on it. patients who may have serious problems. Thank you. I’ve got to run. So the thing that bothers me about it is, you have a lot of other—look, we all have NOTE: The President spoke at 10:55 a.m. on the South Lawn at the White House. In his remarks, acknowledged that in the Balanced Budget he referred to Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Pal- Act of 1997, to achieve the savings we tar- estinian Authority; Prime Minister Ehud Barak geted we had certain specific changes in the and former Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu Medicare program which, number one, pro- of Israel; and Republican Presidential candidate duced greater savings than we estimated, or Gov. George W. Bush. than the Congressional Budget Office esti- mated, and did so at a cost to the health care providers which was unacceptable; and that Remarks at a Reception for there were substantial difficulties for urban Representative Gregory W. hospitals, for rural hospitals, for the teaching Meeks in New York City hospitals, for nursing homes, home health October 25, 2000 providers, hospice services, the whole range of things. Thank you very much. Thank you. Let me And I have no objection to the HMO’s say, first of all, I am delighted to be here being given consideration in this bill. The with Greg and Simone-Marie and their beau- tiful daughter. Chelsea and I were glad to only point I tried to make is that if you give come by, remembering when Chelsea was them as much money as the Republicans do, that age. Didn’t she do a good job of sitting you severely short the urban and rural hos- through her daddy’s speech? I thought it was pitals, the teaching hospitals, and these other fabulous. [Laughter] Right in the middle of providers that I just mentioned. the speech, she was looking at him. She said, So the question is, can we achieve some ‘‘Daddy.’’ So your name recognition is high balance here? I hope we can. This is a very where it needs to be. [Laughter] important thing. I sympathize with the Re- I am honored today by the presence of publican leadership in not wanting to let the the Manhattan Borough president, Virginia cost of this bill balloon out of control. And Fields, and Assemblywoman Vivian Cook and I offered to work with them on that. That Senator Malcolm Smith and our members of is something—a goal that we both share. But the council, Archie Spigner, Tom White, and this should be a question that’s decided Juanita Watkins. Let’s give them all a big strictly on the merits. This is not a political hand. [Applause] Thank you for being here. issue with me. You have all these folks; they I feel a great deal of gratitude today, and have people they have to care for. We made every day these days—I’m very grateful to a decision in ’98 to sign a balanced budget the people of New York for being so good bill, and they made a decision to pass it, to me and Hillary and Al and Tipper Gore, which had specific changes in the Medicare for your support in 1992 and 1996. I’m very program designed to produce an amount of grateful for Greg Meeks. He is an out- savings. The savings were greater, and ac- standing Congressman. He has supported cordingly, the loss to the providers was great- our economic initiatives, our education initia- er, and the quality of health care is, there- tives. He’s been a real champion for building fore, strained. one America, and I think he has a brilliant So what we need to do is just take this and limitless future in the House of Rep- on the merits. So I don’t want to turn this resentatives. into a big political fight. I just think this is Let me say to all of you, I know whenever one where the facts should get out, and we I do an event like this, in the parlance of should do what the facts indicate is the best my faith, I’m always preaching to the saved, balanced thing to do with the money we have or you wouldn’t be here. But I think that available for all the providers. And I simply it’s important in the last 2 weeks of this elec- don’t think that their proposal does that or tion that we reach out to other people, to Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2621 tell them how important it is to vote and what Now, only Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, Hil- is at stake here. lary, and Greg Meeks, that team, will make I have, as you know, more than a passing America debt-free, will keep paying down interest in the elections in New York this the debt until we’re debt-free in 2012, will year—[laughter]—because Hillary is running keep investing more in education and science for the Senate and because we now have a and technology, in solving the energy prob- home here, and I want it to be the leader lem, in the environment, and all the things of the country. New York kind of led the way that we need to be investing for our future, for us over the last 8 years, and I hope it and have a tax cut we can afford as opposed will continue to do so. to one that might be more attractive at elec- And I just would like to tell you that not tion time. only as President but as a soon-to-be citizen And this is very important, because on ev- who has spent a lifetime looking at this coun- erything else rests our ability to continue to try, studying it, hoping for the best, I think build our prosperity. I always say one of the it’s important that every American under- things that I wish the American people knew stand that there are really three great ques- is that if you pay down the debt and we keep tions in this election. There may be a thou- doing it, we’ll keep interest rates lower. One sand questions, but there are three that over- of the big reasons that the American econ- ride all others for me. omy turned around is, from the moment we announced our economic plan after the elec- And if I were sitting alone with any of you tion in 1992, interest rates started to drop; in a room and we were just having a con- the stock market was building; investment versation and there was no press coverage began to flow into America at record levels. and no particular political impact and you If you pay down the debt, as opposed to asked me what the election was about, I spend so much on a tax cut and privatization would tell you exactly the same thing. I think of Social Security and other spending that the first question is, how do we keep the we’ll be back in deficit, interest rates will be prosperity going and extend it to people and about a point lower a year for a decade. Do places that have been left behind? We have you know what that’s worth to ordinary peo- the longest economic expansion in our his- ple and to people who are in high-income tory, the highest homeownership in history, groups and to people who serve this lunch 22 million jobs, the lowest African-American today? Three hundred ninety billion dollars and Latino unemployment ever recorded, in home mortgages savings over a decade; the lowest female unemployment in 40 years, $30 billion in lower car payments; $15 billion welfare rolls cut in half. in lower college loan payments; lower credit We have done a lot of important things. card payments; lower business loans, which The Vice President has run our empower- means more businesses, more jobs, and a ment zone program, and thanks to Charlie better stock market. Rangel, one of them is here in New York. I think it is quite interesting that in the And we’ve worked hard to increase lending financial capital of America, New York City, to people who have been traditionally shut it’s one of the strongest places in the country out of access to capital. for the Gore/Lieberman ticket, because peo- And I’m grateful for all that. But there’s ple understand here that keeping interest a lot more we can do. We can keep the econ- rates low is more important to prosperity and omy going, and we can extend it to people to wealth creation and to keeping the expan- and places left behind. But in order to do sion going than having a large tax cut in the it, we have to, first of all, build on the strategy short run. that got us to this point, fiscal responsibility, And so I hope you’ll tell people that. We’ve investing in our people and our future, and got to keep the prosperity going. And if you selling more of our products and services want to do it, you’ve got to keep paying the around the world. That’s how we got here, debt down and then use what’s left for invest- and if we want to keep making progress, we ment in education and the future and for an have to do that. affordable tax cut. And the people who are 2622 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 on that program are Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, new management. That’s what I think ought Hillary, and Greg Meeks. That’s the first to be done. thing. You could find lots of exhibits here in New The second thing I want to say is, this York. I was in Harlem the other day, in a country is not just progressing economically; grade school that 2 years ago—listen to it’s progressing in other ways as well. Just this—2 years ago 80 percent of the kids were for example, the crime rate is at a 26-year doing reading and math below grade level. low. We have a cleaner environment, cleaner Enter new management, new policies, high air, cleaner water, safer drinking water, 3 expectations, accountability. Two years later times as many toxic waste dumps cleaned up now, same school, same neighborhood, same in our 8 years than in the previous 12 years kids, 74 percent of the kids are doing reading under two administrations of the other party. and math at or above grade level. We can We have, for the first time in a dozen years, do this. We can make all of our educational the number of people without health insur- system work. ance is going down, thanks to the Children’s That’s the second big question. The third Health Insurance Program, and New York big question, maybe most important of all, has been one of the best States in the country is whether we’re going to continue to build in enrolling kids. one America and be heavily involved in a And the schools are getting better. The positive way in the rest of the world. What dropout rate is down. The reading and math does that mean? To me, it means passing scores are up. The college-going rate is at strong hate crimes legislation, being against an all-time high. We have had, in the last racial profiling, passing employment non- 5 years, a 50 percent increase in children tak- discrimination legislation, passing the immi- ing advanced placement classes, but a 300 grant fairness legislation that is so important percent increase in Latino kids and a 500 that we’re fighting for now in the Congress, percent increase in African-American kids continuing to support AmeriCorps, our na- taking advanced placement classes in high tional service program, preserving a woman’s school, so they can go on to college. This right to choose, and having a Supreme Court is a big deal. that will protect the rights of the American Now, what should we do about this? I people, not restrict the right of Congress to think we have to continue to invest in what advance our public interests. works. And in every one of these areas—I Now, these are big, big issues. And if you won’t go through it, but in every one of these believe that it’s important to keep building areas, if you want to build on this progress, one America—and there are differences be- you’ve got to be for Gore/Lieberman, Hillary, tween the parties from top to bottom on and Greg, because there are differences be- these issues—if you agree with us, your only tween the two parties, and they would re- choice is Gore, Lieberman, Hillary, and verse the policies that we’ve had in education Greg. and health care, the environment and crime. So that’s my pitch to you. There are three So that’s the second big question. I think big issues in the election: Do you want to it’s a good thing that America’s a safer coun- keep the prosperity going and build on it, try. I think we ought to have more police give it to people and places left behind? Do on the street, not fewer. I think we ought you want to keep the progress going in the to have more teachers in the classroom. I environment, in crime, in education and think we ought to modernize our schools. I health care, and build on it? Do you want think we ought to have universal access to America to continue to be a model for har- preschool, after-school, and summer school mony, because we’re living with each other programs, for the kids who need it. And I in an increasingly diverse society? And I think now we know we can turn around fail- might say one other thing: Do you want us ing schools, we ought to give out this Federal to continue to be involved in the rest of the money in a way that every State has to iden- world? tify its failing schools and turn them around I’ve been working for the last 3 weeks to or shut them down and reopen them under try to end the violence in the Middle East, Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2623 stop the killing, and get the peace process of arrangements. And I’ve done everything going. We have worked successfully to end I could to turn our country around, to move ethnic cleansing in the Balkans. And I think us forward, and to pull us together and have it’s a good thing that we went there, and I the right approach toward the rest of the think it’s a good thing that we’re there now. world, toward Africa and Latin America, as Even though we only have 15 percent of the well as Europe and Asia, to really reach out troops in Kosovo and Bosnia, we’re important and be involved as a force for peace and pros- to the preservation of liberty there. perity. And I believe the best stuff is still I don’t know how many ethnic groups out there. there are in New York City that have known In my lifetime, our Nation has never be- in the past people who tried to wipe them fore enjoyed at once so much economic pros- off the face of the Earth, just because of their perity, social progress, with the absence of religion or their ethnic background. And we domestic crisis or foreign threat. This is the have to be a force for this around the world. chance of a lifetime to build the future of Why is the United States, for example, his- our dreams for our children. But in order torically so committed to the preservation of to do it—none of us can imagine what the Israel? Because we learned in World War II end results of all these scientific discoveries and we learned from the Holocaust survivors are going to be; none of us can see with abso- and their children and people who have lute clarity what the big new problems of the come here the terrible price we pay. We’ve next 10 years or 20 years will be. But we learned from our own racial history. We’ve know one thing: If we keep the prosperity learned from our own history with the Native going, if we build on the social progress, if American tribes what happens when people we keep building one America, if we keep can be denigrated, dehumanized, killed, and reaching out to the rest of the world, America walked away from and ignored, just because is going to do very well, indeed—the best of who they are. chance you may ever have in your lifetime So this is a big deal to me. I think building to build the future of our dreams for our one America and standing for these values children. And the answer is, I want you to around the world is the most important thing, tell everybody you know, Gore/Lieberman, even more important than keeping our pros- Hillary, and Greg. perity going, because Americans are smart Thank you, and God bless you. and they’re innovative. If they get in a tight, they’ll always figure out how to solve their NOTE: The President spoke at 1:37 p.m. at the problems as long as we have the right value Embassy Suites Battery Park. In his remarks, he system and as long as we believe everyone referred to Representative Meeks’ wife, Simone- Marie; State Senator Malcolm A. Smith; and New counts, everyone deserves a chance, and we York City Councilmembers Archie Spigner, all do better when we help each other. Thomas White, Jr., and Juanita E. Watkins. Rep- So if you want that kind of America, work- resentative Meeks is a candidate for reelection in ing for that kind of world, your choice is New York’s Sixth Congressional District. Gore/Lieberman, Hillary, and Greg. That’s my pitch, and I hope you agree. Let me just say one other thing. I know Remarks at a New York Democratic when the Vice President sometimes says, Assembly Campaign Committee ‘‘You ain’t seen nothing yet,’’ people say, Reception in New York City ‘‘Well, he’s running for office. What do you October 25, 2000 expect?’’ But I’m not running for anything. For the first time in 26 years, I’m not on The President. Thank you. the ballot. And I can tell you, I believe that. Audience members. Four more years! It takes a long time to turn a country around. Four more years! Four more years! [Laugh- It takes a long time, after a certain order in ter] the world goes away—in this case, the order The President. I’m just looking forward imposed by the cold war—to kind of figure to being a good, law-abiding taxpayer of New out how to make the most of the new set York. [Laughter] Let me say, Mr. Speaker, 2624 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

I thank you for inviting me here tonight and gram in school. So not surprisingly, they’re for your truly outstanding leadership. You’ve not doing very well. had a lonely post in a State with a Republican But that illustrates the point. The flip side Governor and a Republican Senate. And I is that no matter how well you try to do your have watched for years, long before I could job, if you have a lousy economy, it will be have known we’d be in the positions we’re harder for you. There won’t be as many tax- in today, where I’m out here campaigning payers, and there will be a lot more drain for a Senate spouse. [Laughter] And I admire on the State treasury. And if we make bad so much what you have done, and I was hon- decisions in terms of how these funds are ored to be invited to come by and be with allocated, it will be tough for you. you tonight. And I tried to be very, very sensitive to I thank our Democratic Chair, Judith that for the last 8 years. And I can give you Hope, and all the members of the assembly one example of that now, that our friend who are here. I feel so grateful to New York Congressman Engel, who also previously for many reasons—for the extraordinary sup- served in the New York Assembly, and he’s port that you have given to me and Al Gore here with us tonight, is helping me on. from 1992 on. Knowing that there would be In 1997, when we passed the Balanced 33 electoral votes in the can before we had Budget Act, because the Democrats had to worry about the rest has been an enor- taken all the tough decisions in ’93 alone, mous sense of psychological support for us without any help from the other party—when these past 8 years. the Vice President cast the tie-breaking vote I thank you for the uncommon kindness and began to turn this country around, some- and generosity that so many of you have shown to my wife in this very long campaign, thing I believe he’ll be rewarded for 2 weeks about a 16-month campaign she’s waged from yesterday—we knew we had to slow the now. And I think it will be successful, in no rate of growth of health care expenditures. small measure because people like you have And we agreed to take the estimates of the helped her. And I’m very grateful to you for Congressional Budget Office, just like your that. legislative budget operation here, about what I, also, as a lifelong baseball nut, I thank changes would be necessary to achieve a cer- you for giving us the best World Series in tain level of savings. 50 years. Now, we thought at the time that they had I want to say just two things seriously, if overestimated what had to be done. But we I might. First of all, as I think all of you know, all agreed to play by the same rules. We did I was a Governor for a dozen years before it in good faith, and we had a remarkable I ran for President, and I think I understand moment of bipartisan harmony. Now there the connection between the Federal and is 100 percent agreement that the changes State Government about as well as anybody. that we instituted in 1997 were too draconian I understand that no matter what we do in and that the Medicare programs are not Washington and how well we do it, the im- properly funded. And there is a bipartisan pact that our policies have on real people agreement to put $28 billion back into Medi- depends in part on how aggressively a State care. But we’re having a huge fight down does its job. there about how to allocate it. And our New York, for example, because you had friends in the Republican caucus basically a program to insure children previously, has asked the Democrats in Congress and the been one of the most successful States in en- representatives of the White House to leave, rolling children in our Children’s Health In- and they cut the money up and gave a third surance Program. And I know a lot of you of the money to the HMO’s, without any have been very active in that. I’ll give you— guarantees, I might add. The argument was the polar opposite case is the legislature in that all over America, especially in a lot of Arizona got a bill passed through the legisla- small towns in rural America, HMO’s were ture which literally prohibited the schools of dropping their Medicare recipients. That’s Arizona from enrolling children in the pro- true. But they put the money in without any Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2625 guarantee that they’ll take them back and We set aside the money to do that and keep them once they take them back. then say, with the money that’s left we’ll have So it has the feeling of a political decision a tax cut we can afford, that will focus on that won’t have a good policy impact. And the needs of working families, to educate it has the consequence of depriving urban their children, send them to college, for child hospitals, teaching hospitals, nursing homes, care, for long-term care for the elderly and home health care agencies, hospice oper- the disabled, for retirement savings, but we’ll ations, and a few other smaller health care have one we can afford and still have the providers of the funds they need to serve money we need to invest in education, health people on Medicare. care, the environment, national security, and So we’re in—one of the last-minute strug- our future. gles we’re in as we try to finish this congres- Now, that’s very important, because our sional session, already about a month late this friends on the other side say that we can af- week, is trying to get a fair share for New ford a trillion and a half dollar tax cut, a tril- York of these health care funds, but not just lion dollar Social Security privatization pro- for New York, for everybody in the country gram, and $500 billion worth of spending. that’s in the same situation you’re in. There is no way you can cram $3 trillion into a $2 trillion projected surplus—which won’t But it will have a lot to do with how well be that big, ask Eliot, there’s no way it’s going you can do your job in the coming year to be that big, not after this session of Con- whether we make the right decision or not gress—without going into deficit. in the next 48 hours. So I come here basically If you go into deficit, it means higher inter- as a Governor and as a President who has est rates. The Gore-Lieberman plan will keep 8 years of experience understanding that if interest rates about a percent lower for a dec- you do your job well, the policies I’ve fought ade. That’s worth $390 billion in lower home for will be validated. If you don’t, the impact mortgage payments, $30 billion in lower car of the policies will be severely limited. And payments, $15 billion in lower college loan I know that if we don’t do the right things payments, lower credit card payments, lower in Washington, we’re making your load an business loans, means more businesses, more awful lot heavier. So that’s why I’m honored jobs, and a higher stock market. This is not to be here. rocket science. This is elementary mathe- Now let me just say three things that I matics. You need to drive this home to every- promised myself I would say to every group body you talk to. It’s an issue in the Presi- I saw between now and the election. And dent’s race. It’s an issue in the Senate race. they’re the same things I would say if I were It’s an issue in the races for Congress, and sitting alone in a room with any of you and it will dramatically affect what you do in the you asked me why we should be supporting State Assembly for the next 4 years. Al Gore, Joe Lieberman, Hillary, Eliot, all The second issue is, are we going to build the Democrats. There are three great ques- on the progress we’ve made in bringing our tions that the voters will resolve in this elec- society together or reverse policy? Now, look, tion, whether consciously or unconsciously. in the last 8 years the welfare rolls have been Whether they vote or stay home, there will cut in half; there is a 26-year low in crime; be three great questions resolved. the environment is cleaner; the air is cleaner; One is, are we going to keep this prosperity the water is cleaner; the drinking water is going and extend it to the people who aren’t safer; we’ve cleaned up 3 times as many toxic a part of it yet? We say the first thing we’ve waste dumps. And we’ve proved you can do got to do is keep paying this debt down, be- it and grow the economy. We’ve got a decline cause the decision we made to get rid of the in the number of people who don’t have deficits in ’93 led to an immediate drop in health insurance, for the first time in a dozen interest rates, a big increase in the stock mar- years—again, thanks a lot to people like you ket, and people saved huge money on busi- who have made sure we enroll these children ness loans and everything else that requires in the Children’s Health Insurance Program. credit. And we have to keep doing that. And the schools are getting better: The drop- 2626 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 out rate is lower; the college-going rate is crazy for in the closing days of this legislative at an all-time high; the reading and math session. They’re for continuing our national scores are up. We know now how to turn service program. They’re for equal pay for around these failing schools. women. They’re for a woman’s right to So we have to decide, are we going to build choose and appointments to the judiciary on this prosperity, this progress? That’s what that will generally reflect the ability of legisla- Gore and Lieberman and Hillary and all the tive bodies, including the Congress to protect people running for Congress have advocated. the rights and the interests of the American They’ll give you more tools to help make the people. Now, that is a very important—[in- schools better, to help improve the health audible]. care system and provide insurance to people And this election will determine, there- who don’t have it, to provide a Medicare drug fore, whether we keep the prosperity going program, to pass a Patients’ Bill of Rights. and extend it to people who aren’t part of They’ll continue to make the environment it yet, whether we keep the social progress cleaner. They’ll continue to drive the crime going and build on it, and whether we con- rate down by putting more police on the tinue to build one America. Those are the street. three great questions. And I just hope that In every single one of these areas they’re every day you can, between now and elec- running against people who, in good con- tion, you will share those three points with science I think, want to reverse all these poli- as many people as you can, because this is cies. Now, it’s not like you haven’t had a test a great time. I’ve done as—I’ve worked as run here. You need to talk to people about hard as I could to turn the country around, that. We tried it our way. We tried it their to move it forward, to pull it together. But way. Our way works better. [Laughter] It when Al Gore says to you that the best is works. The evidence is in. yet to come and you ain’t seen nothing yet, And the third great question is whether when a person running for office says that, we’re going to continue to build one America it may sound like a campaign statement. But as we grow more diverse. Shelley mentioned I’m not running for anything for the first time the work that we’ve done in the Middle East in 26 years—[laughter]—and I believe that. and are doing. And that takes about half of every day I have now and most of the night. It takes a long time to turn a country We are, as ever, committed to the security around. All the best things are still out there. of the State of Israel and committed to the All the best things are still out there. That’s proposition that if it can be done honorably, what he and Joe Lieberman have been talk- the long-term security of Israel is best served ing about. That’s what Hillary has tried to by a just peace. It is very tough over there talk about in this election. And we may never now, and I’m doing what I can. have another chance in our lifetime to have Some of you mentioned the work we’ve a moment like this, that we can mold for our done in Ireland. I thank you for that. New children and our grandchildren. York also has a lot of people from the Balkans So I think you should all be happy; you who have commented to me in the last few should be confident; you should be proud weeks how grateful they are that Mr. to be members of the Democratic Party. And Milosevic is gone and that we ended ethnic you ought to go out there and bear down, cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo. every day between now and election, and But the point I want to make for tonight turn as many voters as you can here and in is that in order for the United States to con- New Jersey and in any other place in America tinue to do good around the world, we have where you know people that would be more to be good at home. We have to be an exam- likely to help us if they knew those simple ple of a genuine, tolerant, open society. And three things. And remember, not voting is the Democrats, therefore, are for the hate almost as bad as voting against us. crimes bill. They’re for the employment non- So turn them out, and we’ll have a great discrimination bill. They’re for immigration celebration in 2 weeks. fairness legislation that we’re fighting like Thank you. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2627

NOTE: The President spoke at 5:45 p.m. at the Nation’s historic economic growth and pros- Four Seasons Hotel. In his remarks, he referred perity. Hiring people with disabilities is not to Sheldon (Shelley) Silver, speaker, New York just the right thing to do. It’s good for busi- State Assembly; Judith Hope, chair, New York ness; it’s good for communities; and it’s good State Democratic Party; and former President Slobodan Milosevic of the Federal Republic of for all Americans. Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Statement on the Need for Statement on National Disability Congressional Action on the ‘‘Latino Mentoring Day and Immigrant Fairness Act’’ October 25, 2000 October 25, 2000 Today, on National Disability Mentoring It is long past time that we correct several Day, I commend the members of my admin- injustices and provide fairness in our immi- istration and the public and private organiza- gration system by enacting the ‘‘Latino and tions across the Nation that are conducting Immigrant Fairness Act.’’ This legislation is mentoring activities to help expand employ- a straightforward proposal to keep families ment opportunities for young people with together and to make our immigration poli- disabilities. I also applaud the young people cies more equitable. This legislation would participating in Mentoring Day and extend help individuals and their families who have my special congratulations to the winners of been living for many years in the United the Disability Mentoring Day Essay Contest. States and have developed strong ties to their Each participant has helped advance the goal communities to adjust their immigration sta- of today’s effort to expose young people with tus. My administration has been trying to ne- disabilities to a variety of career options, gotiate with Republicans, but unfortunately, while acquainting employers with the con- current Republican proposals would not help tributions that this future talent pool can most of the immigrants that would get relief make. under the ‘‘Latino and Immigrant Fairness I am pleased to report that my administra- Act,’’ and would perpetuate the current tion is taking specific actions to help more patchwork of contradictory and unfair immi- people with disabilities participate in the gration policies. These injustices should be workforce. These steps include new public- corrected by Congress before they adjourn private partnerships to close the digital divide this year. If these issues are not resolved, I for people with disabilities and a variety of will veto the Commerce, Justice, State appro- grants to advance the goals of the landmark priations. Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Im- provement Act I signed last year. I am also glad to report important progress Statement on the Irish Republican in both Federal and private sector initiatives Army’s Decision on Arms Inspections to hire more people with disabilities. First, October 25, 2000 the Federal Government is on track to meet the goal I announced on the 10th anniversary I was very pleased to learn today of the of the Americans with Disabilities Act to hire IRA’s announcement that it has decided to 100,000 more persons with disabilities over allow a repeat inspection of a number of its 5 years. Second, CEO’s of a dozen major arms dumps. This constitutes an important companies are leading the way by pledging and timely confidence-building measure as to support the recruitment, hiring, and pro- part of a process initiated by the IRA aimed motion of individuals with disabilities. at putting its arms completely and verifiably Together, these important steps represent beyond use. I welcome the IRA’s statement a powerful statement about what we can ac- that it has not broken off contact with the complish when Federal, State, and private de Chastelain Commission, and I hope dis- sector partners work together toward the full cussions with the Commission will resume inclusion of people with disabilities in our at the earliest possible opportunity. I urge 2628 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 all parties to work together and in coopera- services, including home delivered meals, tion with the British and Irish Governments nursing home ombudsmen, and employment to build on the genuine progress that has al- and transportation services that are essential ready been achieved in implementing the to preserve their dignity and independence. Good Friday accord, by restoring momentum I am also pleased that the House bill in- toward full implementation of all its provi- cludes the new National Family Caregiver sions within the agreed timeframe. Support Program, proposed by this adminis- tration to help hundreds of thousands of fam- Statement on the Bombing of ily members who are struggling to care for Civilians in Southern Sudan their older or disabled relatives. The Senate must do its part to pass this legislation with- October 25, 2000 out further delay. I am deeply concerned by reports that the Government of Sudan is bombing innocent Statement on Congressional Action civilians in the southern part of the country. on the Foreign Operations Last week Government aircraft dropped mu- Appropriations Legislation nitions on a village while an international re- lief agency was distributing food. Inter- October 25, 2000 national relief workers report that the Gov- ernment of Sudan has bombed civilian and I commend the House and Senate for humanitarian locations more than 60 times passing a foreign operations bill today that during the past year. supports our efforts to promote peace and Such egregious abuses have become com- stability around the world, in turn helping monplace in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, which to make our Nation more safe and secure. has already claimed over 2 million lives. If I am particularly pleased that this legisla- the Government of Sudan seeks to dem- tion funds our landmark initiative to provide onstrate to the international community that debt relief to the poorest of the world’s na- it is prepared to act according to international tions. Our commitment to debt relief gives norms and the rule of law, it must allow full these poorest countries a critical opportunity and immediate access for humanitarian orga- to combine reform with funds to reduce pov- nizations seeking to provide relief to Sudan’s erty and provide basic health care and edu- war-ravaged civilians. cation for their people. I applaud the efforts of all those across the political spectrum who Statement on House of joined forces to secure this vital funding. Representatives Action on I also am pleased that this legislation in- the Older Americans Act creases funding to fight HIV/AIDS. In na- tions around the world, HIV/AIDS is a lead- October 25, 2000 ing cause of death and is undermining dec- ades of effort to reduce mortality, improve I applaud the House of Representatives health, expand educational opportunities, for today’s overwhelming bipartisan vote to and lift people out of poverty. reauthorize the Older Americans Act (H.R. 782). Our Nation’s older Americans have This legislation also helps strengthen our been waiting for more than 5 years for Con- efforts to support democracy and stability in gress to approve this critical legislation. Now southeastern Europe, the Newly Inde- that the House has acted, it is imperative that pendent States, and other key regions. It in- the Senate pass this important legislation be- cludes additional resources to combat ter- fore it adjourns. rorism and nuclear proliferation. It also pro- The Older Americans Act is the corner- vides increases for our Peace Corps volun- stone of our Nation’s commitment to senior teers around the world and for the Export- citizens. Seniors all across the country rely Import Bank, which supports the export of on vital OAA in-home and community-based American products overseas. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2629

Finally, I am pleased that this legislation Executive Order 13172— commits additional critical funding for inter- Amendment to Executive Order national family planning organizations and 13078, To Expand the Role of the lifts the restrictions hampering their work National Task Force on Employment that I have strongly opposed in the past. of Adults With Disabilities To Include a Focus on Youth Message on the Observance of October 25, 2000 Diwali, 2000 October 25, 2000 By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the Warm greetings to Indian Americans United States, and in order to provide for across our country as you observe the festival improved access to employment and training of Diwali. for youth with disabilities, it is hereby or- This ancient and joyous holiday, with ori- dered that Executive Order 13078 of March gins in the Hindu faith, reflects both the 13, 1998, is amended by adding to section unity and the rich diversity of the people and 2 of that order the following new subsection culture of India. It is truly a ‘‘festival of to read as follows: ‘‘(h) To improve employ- lights,’’ marked by lighting candles and ment outcomes for persons with disabilities lamps, setting off firecrackers, and dressing by addressing, among other things, the edu- in vibrant colors. During Diwali, Indians of cation, transition, employment, health and all ages and backgrounds come together to rehabilitation, and independent living issues celebrate life, the triumph of good over evil, affecting young people with disabilities, exec- and the hope for happiness and prosperity utive departments and agencies shall coordi- that we all share. nate and cooperate with the Task Force to: America has become home to men and (1) strengthen interagency research, dem- women from countries across the globe, onstration, and training activities relating to whose skills and perspective have enriched young people with disabilities; (2) create a our culture, enhanced our economy, and public awareness campaign focused on access broadened our vision of the world. Diwali to equal opportunity for young people with presents all of us with an opportunity to re- disabilities; (3) promote the views of young flect on the many ways the talents, history, people with disabilities through collaboration and traditions of the Indian people have con- with the Youth Councils authorized under tributed to our national life and cultural her- the Workforce Investment Act of 1998; (4) itage and to give thanks for the extraordinary increase access to and utilization of health diversity that is one of our nation’s greatest insurance and health care for young people strengths. with disabilities through the formalization of Hillary and I extend best wishes to all for the Federal Healthy and Ready to Work a wonderful celebration. Interagency Council; (5) increase participa- William J. Clinton tion by young people with disabilities in post- secondary education and training programs; NOTE: An original was not available for and (6) create a nationally representative verification of the content of this message. Youth Advisory Council, to be funded and 2630 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 chaired by the Department of Labor, to ad- agency heads. Administrative support shall vise the Task Force in conducting these and be provided by the then-current chair. other appropriate activities.’’ (c) The purpose of the Task Force is to William J. Clinton coordinate and improve existing Federal ef- forts for the Valley, in concert with locally The White House, led efforts, in order to increase the living October 25, 2000. standards and the overall economic perform- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ance of the Valley. Economic development 11:42 a.m., October 26, 2000] efforts shall include consideration of the preservation or enhancement of the natural NOTE: This Executive order was published in the environment and natural resources of the Federal Register on October 27. Valley. Specifically, the Task Force shall: (1) analyze programs and policies of Task Executive Order 13173— Force member agencies that relate to Interagency Task Force on the the Valley to determine what changes, Economic Development of the modifications, and innovations should be considered, if any; Central San Joaquin Valley (2) consider statistical and data analysis, October 25, 2000 research, and policy studies related to the Valley; By the authority vested in me as President (3) develop, recommend, and implement by the Constitution and the laws of the short-term and long-term options for United States of America, and in order to promoting sustainable economic de- provide a more rapid and integrated Federal velopment; response to the economic development chal- (4) consult and coordinate activities with lenges of the Central San Joaquin Valley State, tribal, and local governments, (Valley), it is hereby ordered as follows: community leaders, Members of Section 1. (a) There is established the Congress, the private sector, and ‘‘Interagency Task Force on the Economic other interested parties, paying par- Development of the Central San Joaquin ticular attention to maintaining exist- Valley’’ (Task Force). ing authorities of the States, tribes, (b) The Task Force shall include the Sec- and local governments, and pre- retary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Com- serving their existing working rela- merce, the Secretary of Defense, the Attor- tionships with other agencies, organi- ney General, the Secretary of the Interior, zations, or individuals; the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of (5) coordinate and collaborate on re- Health and Human Services, the Secretary search and demonstration priorities of of Housing and Urban Development, the Task Force member agencies related Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Labor, to the Valley; the Secretary of Transportation, the Sec- (6) integrate Federal initiatives and pro- retary of the Treasury, the Director of the grams into the design of sustainable Office of Management and Budget, the Di- economic development actions for rector of National Drug Control Policy, the the Valley; and Administrator of General Services, the Ad- (7) focus initial efforts on pilot commu- ministrator of the Small Business Administra- nities for implementing a coordinated tion, the Administrator of the Environmental and expedited Federal response to Protection Agency, or their designees, and local economic development and such other senior executive branch officials other needs. as may be determined by the Task Force. (d) The Task Force shall issue an interim The Chair of the Task Force shall rotate an- report to the President by January 15, 2001. nually among the Secretaries of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Com- The Task Force shall issue its first annual merce in an order deter mined by those report to the President by September 15, Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2631

2001, with subsequent reports to follow an- passe on taxes. This offer does not contain nually for a period of 5 years. The reports everything that my Administration and Con- shall describe the actions taken by, and gressional Democrats would prefer; nor does progress of, each member of the Task Force it contain all that Congressional Republicans in carrying out this order. hope to see. Rather, it recognizes that both Sec. 2. Specific Activities by Task Force sides need to give a little in order to accom- Members and Other Agencies. The agencies plish bipartisan tax legislation this year and represented on the Task Force shall work to- that we should keep the overall tax cut size gether and report their actions and progress to an amount that ensures we continue on in carrying out this order to the Task Force our path of debt reduction and fiscal dis- Chair one month before the reports are due cipline. to the President under section 1(d) of this First, we can raise the minimum wage order. without eroding traditional worker protec- Sec. 3. Cooperation. All efforts taken by tions, while at the same time providing rea- agencies under sections 1 and 2 of this order sonable and targeted tax relief for small busi- shall, as appropriate, further partnerships nesses. Accordingly, in exchange for my pro- and cooperation with organizations that rep- posed minimum wage increase, I would ac- resent the Valley and with State, tribal, and cept the core elements of Speaker Hastert’s local governments. Sec. 4. Definitions. (a) ‘‘Agency’’ means offer on a small business tax package, costing an executive agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. approximately $30 billion over 10 years, pro- 105. vided that the FLSA and FUTA provisions (b) The Central San Joaquin Valley or are eliminated, the welfare-to-work tax credit ‘‘Valley’’ means the counties of Fresno, Kern, is extended, and modifications are made to Kings, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus, and the meals and entertainment deduction and Tulare in the State of California. amortization of reforestation expenses. I dis- Sec. 5. Judicial Review. This order does cuss your health care proposal later in this not create any right or benefit, substantive letter. or procedural, enforceable at law by a party Second, it is essential that the Labor/HHS against the United States, its agencies, its of- bill include the Rangel/Johnson proposal to ficers, or any person. build and modernize 6000 schools through William J. Clinton $24.8 billion in school construction financing, costing $8.5 billion over 10 years. Consid- The White House, ering the estimated need for $125 billion to October 25, 2000. meet our nation’s demand for safe and mod- [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, ern schools, this proposal is the least we 11:42 a.m., October 26] should do for our children. Third, the offer includes pension legisla- NOTE: This Executive order was published in the tion adopted by the House and Senate, cost- Federal Register on October 27. ing about $50–60 billion over 10 years, pro- vided that certain modifications that the Letter to Congressional Leaders on Treasury Department has discussed with the Bipartisan Tax Cut Legislation tax-writing committees are made to ensure that employer-provided pensions for workers October 25, 2000 are not harmed, to provide meaningful pro- Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Leader:) tections for workers affected by cash balance We are well beyond the time when Con- conversions, and to provide progressive sav- gress should have finished its work, with ings incentives for low- and moderate-in- many of our most important issues still left come workers. unresolved. It is crucial that we now take all Fourth, the package includes the tax and possible steps to find common ground. other incentives from the bipartisan New In that spirit, I would like to put forward Markets/Community Renewal legislation, at a consensus tax offer to help resolve the im- a cost of about $25 billion over 10 years, with 2632 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 some changes that we have previously dis- I cannot support your proposal to turn this cussed and other associated items upon into a deduction, on grounds of both equity which we can agree. This will be an historic and effectiveness, if you are willing to sup- commitment to expand the promise of free port our $3,000 tax credit, I would be willing enterprise and entreprenuership to our na- to agree to your proposal to provide an en- tion’s poor and underserved urban and rural hanced deduction for the purchase of private areas. long-term care insurance provided there are It is also important that we provide the appropriate consumer protections. This bi- bipartisan credit for vaccine research and partisan, long-term care package has already purchases, which will save lives and advance been endorsed by the AARP, the Alzheimer’s public health, costing about $1.5 billion over Association, and the Health Insurance Asso- 10 years. ciation of America. Finally, it is essential for our commitment In the spirit of compromise, I believe we to economic growth to include the replace- can work together quickly to pass this bal- ment of the Foreign Sales Corporation re- anced legislation that I can sign into law and gime, which has passed the House and Sen- that can benefit the American people. ate with broad bipartisan support, costing Sincerely, about $4.5 billion over 10 years. I believe the package I have outlined William J. Clinton above can be the basis for bipartisan con- sensus on a tax package. NOTE: Letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and While Congress has failed to send me a Trent Lott, majority leader of the Senate. An origi- strong, enforceable Patients’ Bill of Rights nal was not available for verification of the content and a voluntary Medicare prescription drug of this letter. plan for all seniors, I believe it is possible to forge a bipartisan agreement that would expand health care coverage for uninsured Remarks at a Birthday Tribute to working Americans. The best way to do this Hillary Clinton in New York City is through the FamilyCare plan that builds October 25, 2000 on the successful Children’s Health Insur- ance Program and expands affordable insur- Audience members. Four more years! ance to over four million parents. A deduc- Four more years! Four more years! tion for the purchase of private health insur- The President. Wait, wait, wait, wait. ance in the individual nongroup market is You’re off message. [Laughter] an inefficient and costly way to do coverage, Look at this guy. This is why I don’t have is far less equitable than other options that birthdays anymore. [Laughter] Has Tom use refundable tax credits, and could lead to Cruise had a great career, or not? Let’s give private employers dropping health coverage. him a hand. Isn’t he wonderful? [Applause] However, in the spirit of bipartisanship and Thank you. Bless you. breaking gridlock, I propose that your deduc- Now look, before I say anything else, I just tion be modified to a credit with necessary want you to know, if anybody has the consumer protections in the individual insur- remotest doubt that in about 90 days I’m ance markets and that the credit be coupled going to be perfectly happy to leave the with the bipartisan FamilyCare proposal. White House and come to New York and I further believe we should find a common be a real, honest-to-goodness New Yorker— agreement to ease the burden of long-term [laughter]—wait a minute—if you have any care on American families. The best means doubt about that, here’s what I have to say. to accomplish this goal is through our pro- Forget about it. [Laughter] Why are you posal to provide a $3,000 tax credit for people laughing? Why are they laughing? with long-term care needs or the families Robert DeNiro. Well, I told you. I told who care for them. This tax credit would pro- you, if you want to make it in this town, let’s vide immediate assistance to those burdened work on this. by these long-term care costs today. While Fuggedaboudit. [Laughter] Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 25 2633

The President. Forget about it. [Laugh- going to keep looking at me, and I’m going ter] to keep looking back, at least we ought to Mr. DeNiro. Fuggedaboudit. know each other’s names. I’m Hillary The President. Forget about it! Rodham. What’s your name?’’ Mr. DeNiro. No, no. Fuggedaboudit. I couldn’t remember my name. [Laughter] Whatsamaddawhityou? [Laughter] Now, that’s how we met. I say that to remove Fuggedaboudit. any doubt that she has the requisite aggres- The President. You talkindame? [Laugh- sion to be a good New Yorker. [Laughter] ter] I want to tell you that, for me, this is a Mr. DeNiro. Fuggedaboudit. birthday for Hillary that is filled with grati- The President. Hey, I know I just got tude. The people of New York have been here, but who was that guy, anyway? [Laugh- so wonderful to me in two Presidential elec- ter] Fuggedaboudit. [Laughter] tions and all the years in between. You have, I want to thank Robert DeNiro. He has for the last 16 months, opened your hearts been a wonderful friend to me and to Hillary. to her and given her a chance to make her And I just appeared between two guys that case. And I am so grateful to you. make more money in 8 minutes than I made You know, we’ve had a lot of fun here, in 8 years. [Laughter] Maybe they can get making fun of politicians, including me. And me into that apartment we talked about ear- it’s all been in fun. But I’d like to tell you lier tonight. [Laughter] something seriously. When I leave office, I have a role tonight. I’m going to play after 26 years of running for office or serving my role. I am campaigning hard out here for in public life, I will be more idealistic about Spouse in Chief. And I want to tell you that this country than I was the day I took the I met Hillary when she was 23 and I was oath of office as President, the day I took 24, and we were in law school. And I saw my first public office. her kind of moseying around the law school, And I’ve known a lot of people in politics, you know. And I’m embarrassed to say, for thousands of them, Republicans and Demo- all you young people who are still students, crats and the occasional independent. And I hate to admit this, but I was not totally on balance, I’ve found them to be good, hon- absorbed by my studies at that point in my est, hard-working people who love our coun- life. [Laughter] try and do what they think is right. And And so I saw Hillary kind of floating they’re better, on balance, than they get around the law school. And she was sort of played out in the popular press. But in all a presence there and a rather famous figure. these years, I have never, ever, ever known I was a scruffy guy who was stylistically chal- anybody that had the combination of intel- lenged. [Laughter] And so anyway, I had a ligence and heart and consistent caring and lot of sense not to speak to her. I knew, I persistence and ability to organize and ener- said, ‘‘If I talk to this woman, this is going gize other people and get things done that to be nothing but trouble. I am not going Hillary has. She’s the best I have ever known. to talk to her.’’ True story. And I am quite sure that if she hadn’t So one night I was in the library at Yale spent the last 30 years helping me and help- Law School, and this guy is trying to talk me ing children and families’ causes, starting or- into joining the Yale Law Review. And I said, ganizations and heading others, and always ‘‘I don’t want to be on the Law Review.’’ He doing things for other people and never ask- said, ‘‘But you get to clerk for the Supreme ing anybody until this election to do anything Court.’’ I said, ‘‘I don’t want to clerk for the for her, that she would have been doing this Supreme Court.’’ He said, ‘‘You’ll make more years ago. When we met and fell in love, I money.’’ I said, ‘‘I don’t give a damn about actually—I told her forthrightly that I almost that. I want to go home.’’ So he’s giving his hated for her to come home to Arkansas and best pitch, and I see Hillary all the way across start our life together because I thought she the library, and she sees me staring at her. had immense talent, and I felt that I some- And she put her book down, walked across how would be depriving her of a public ca- the library, and she said, ‘‘Look, if you’re reer. So for me, the feelings I have for all 2634 Oct. 25 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 of you for lifting her up and supporting her ment and integration; and the Federal and giving her a chance to serve this State Republic of Yugoslavia can now play its own and serve this Nation are almost inexpress- indispensable role in that effort. ible. At previous Stability Pact conferences, we It’s worth noting that this seat was held invited participation by the political opposi- not only by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, one tion in Serbia and by the democratic govern- of the great intellects and public servants of ment in the Republic of Montenegro, both the last 50 years, but also by Senator Robert of which had the courage to stand up to the Kennedy, who inspired me and so many peo- violence and corruption of the Milosevic re- ple of my generation to believe that we could gime. But we always kept open a chair for make a better country. And I want you to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Now the know that if you just keep working for 13 dramatic changes in Belgrade allow the chair more days, she is going to make you pro- for Yugoslavia to be filled. This is a major foundly proud that you have helped her in step towards realizing our shared vision of this. a region committed to peace, to healing the And on top of that, she looks pretty good wounds of war, and to taking its place in a to be 53 years old, wouldn’t you say? So I peaceful, undivided, and democratic Europe. want you to stand up with me and offer a toast to the next United States Senator from New York. Statement on the 2000 Annual Report on School Safety NOTE: The President spoke at 9:20 p.m. at the Roseland Ballroom. In his remarks, he referred October 26, 2000 to actors Tom Cruise and Robert DeNiro. A por- tion of these remarks could not be verified be- I am pleased that the 2000 Annual Report cause the tape was incomplete. on School Safety released today by the De- partments of Justice and Education shows that crime and violence in our Nation’s Statement on Admission of the schools continue to decline. Since 1992, rates Federal Republic of Yugoslavia of serious crime, including violent crime, Into the Stability Pact have declined steadily in our schools, and the October 26, 2000 number of non-fatal crimes in schools is down by more than 21 percent. Between I applaud today’s decision by the members 1992 and 1997, the number of students who of the Stability Pact to welcome the Federal report carrying a weapon to school decreased Republic of Yugoslavia as a new member. by 25 percent. School homicides, which re- Last month the people of Yugoslavia spoke main extremely rare, are also on the decline. clearly in support of democratic change. The This report provides encouraging data that response today from the international com- our efforts to protect our children are having munity is just as clear. We will stand with an impact. the new democratic government as it pursues Since Vice President Gore and I took of- economic and political reform, meets its fice, we have encouraged communities to international obligations, and works with come together to ensure that our schools are neighboring countries to promote lasting sta- safe places for learning. By making school bility throughout the region. safety a top priority, our administration has We helped launch the Stability Pact last helped provide more and better-trained po- year with a common understanding that an lice officers in schools, vastly increased fund- undivided, democratic, and peaceful Europe ing for after-school programs, required zero will be a reality only when the countries of tolerance for guns in schools, and funded southeast Europe are integrated with the rest more mentors and school counselors to help of the continent. To achieve this goal, the our kids stay on the right track. governments of the region are pressing ahead We owe it to our children to make sure with reforms; the international community is that crime in school continues to decline. We supporting the region’s economic develop- can continue our progress by supporting Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 26 2635 comprehensive, locally based efforts such as Statement on Reauthorization of the the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative. Older Americans Act Across the Nation, 77 communities have re- October 26, 2000 ceived $147 million under this innovative program to fund enhanced educational, men- Older Americans all across the country tal health, and law enforcement services. have reason to cheer today. After more than Programs such as this one allow us to pro- 5 years of congressional inaction, the Senate mote the healthy development of our stu- voted to approve legislation to reauthorize dents and to identify those children who may the Older Americans Act. I look forward to be having problems and get them the help signing this measure of vital importance to they need to turn things around. By working our Nation’s older Americans. together, we can continue our success in The Older Americans Act ensures that making America’s schools safe for each and seniors in every State have access to meals, nursing home ombudsmen, legal assistance, every student in our Nation. elder abuse prevention, employment and transportation services that are essential to Statement on Reaching the Nation’s their dignity and independence. Enactment Highest Homeownership Rate of the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000 will strengthen and improve these serv- October 26, 2000 ices. I am especially pleased that the final legis- Today I am proud to announce that our lation includes the National Family Care- Nation has broken a new record. According giver Support Program—a key administra- to the Department of Housing and Urban tion priority designed to provide respite care Development, America has reached its high- and other supportive services to help hun- est homeownership rates ever. This is tre- dreds of thousands of families who are strug- mendous new evidence that more and more gling to care for their older loved ones who American families are realizing the dream of are ill or disabled. owning their own home. Higher homeowner- I applaud the bipartisan leadership in the ship rates help build stronger families, create U.S. Senate for its outstanding efforts to ap- more stable communities, and raise living prove the Older Americans Act Amendments standards for all Americans. of 2000. Finally, and most important, I want Vice President Gore and I came to office to pay special tribute to the aging community committed to a strategy to make it easier for for its tireless commitment to the needs of American families to buy their own homes. older Americans. By providing record levels of homeownership loan assistance, increasing the availability of Letter to Congressional Leaders affordable housing, providing incentives to Transmitting a Report on save for a home purchase, and maintaining Counterdrug Assistance to Colombia our commitment to fiscal discipline that has and Neighboring Countries kept interest rates low, we have worked to ensure that every family has the opportunity October 26, 2000 to own their own home. I would like to par- Dear Mr. Chairman: ticularly thank Vice President Gore and Sec- I hereby report, in accordance with section retary Cuomo for their excellent leadership 3202 of the Military Construction Appropria- in working with families, especially in low- tions Act, 2001, on current U.S. policy and income and empowerment communities, to strategy for counterdrug assistance to Colom- help make homeownership a reality. bia and neighboring countries. The enclosed 2636 Oct. 26 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 report sets forth the rationale for expanded placement of the Foreign Sales Corporations support to Colombia and neighboring coun- regime, your legislation has substantial flaws tries and highlights the comprehensive initia- in several key areas. tives now underway in the Andean region in As I stated yesterday, I believe it is abso- support of the National Drug Control Strat- lutely essential that we do as much as pos- egy. sible to meet America’s need for safe and Colombia’s success in combating the modern schools. It is estimated that there threat of drugs is profoundly in the interest may be as much as a $125 billion dollar fi- of the United States. A peaceful, democratic, nancing gap in meeting the school construc- and economically prosperous Colombia will tion and modernization needs of our chil- result in a significant reduction of the supply dren. The bipartisan Rangel-Johnson pro- of illicit drugs and help promote democracy posal to finance $25 billion in bonds to con- and stability throughout the hemisphere. I struct and modernize 6,000 schools is, quite am proud of the bipartisan effort that has frankly, the very least we should do, given made our Colombian initiative possible. the magnitude of this problem and its impor- Sincerely, tance to America’s future. Unfortunately, William J. Clinton your proposal falls far short of the mark. We should not sacrifice thousands of modernized NOTE: Letters were sent to Jesse Helms, chair- schools to pay for inefficient tax incentives man, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; that help only a few. For example, the arbi- Ted Stevens, chairman, Senate Committee on Ap- trage provision encourages delay in urgently propriations; Benjamin A. Gilman, chairman, needed school construction and would dis- House Committee on International Relations; and proportionately help wealthy school districts. C.W. Bill Young, chairman, House Committee on Appropriations. An original was not available for On health care, my offer sought to lay a verification of the content of this letter. path to common ground by coupling both of our priorities on health and long-term care. Unfortunately, your health care pro- Letter to Congressional Leaders on posal completely ignores our proposal to Bipartisan Tax Cut Legislation cover millions of uninsured, working Ameri- October 26, 2000 cans. Instead you put forward a series of tax cuts that, particularly when standing alone, Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Leader:) would be inequitable, inefficient, and even Thank you for your letter yesterday re- potentially counterproductive health care sponding to my proposed consensus tax pack- policy. For example, while our FamilyCare age. As I said yesterday, I believe we all have proposal would expand coverage to 4 million a responsibility to make every possible effort uninsured parents at a cost of slightly over to come together on a bipartisan agreement $3,000 per person, your proposal would pro- on tax relief and Medicare/Medicaid that will vide additional coverage to one-seventh the maintain fiscal discipline and serve the inter- people at six times the cost per person. More- ests of all the American people. That is why over, your proposal would give the least as- I put forward a good faith offer yesterday sistance to moderate-income families that that sought to reflect our differing priorities need help the most, while even raising con- in a balanced manner. I was disappointed, cerns that those with employer-based cov- however, that, without any consultation with erage today could lose their insurance. me or Congressional Democrats, you chose Similarly, on long-term care, I offered to to put forward a partisan legislative package embrace your proposed deduction for long- that ignores our key concerns on school con- term care insurance in exchange for inclusion struction, health care, and pensions policy. of my proposal to give families, who are bur- If this current tax and Medicare/Medicaid dened today by long-term care needs, a package is presented to me, I will have no $3,000 tax credit. Unfortunately, your legisla- choice but to veto it. tion ignores the bipartisan package I sug- While we have already reached substantial gested and instead would provide half the agreement in important areas, such as re- benefits of my proposal for financially Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 26 2637 pressed families trying to provide long-term NOTE: Letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, care for elderly and sick family members. Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Surely we can agree on this bipartisan com- Trent Lott, majority leader of the Senate. An origi- promise that has already been endorsed by nal was not available for verification of the content a broad array of members of Congress, advo- of this letter. cates for seniors and people with disabilities, and insurers. Similarly, I am perplexed that Letter to Congressional Leaders on we cannot agree to include the bipartisan Commerce, Justice, and State credit for vaccine research and purchases Appropriations Legislation that is essential to save lives and advance public health. October 26, 2000 I also am disappointed that you have made virtually no attempt to address the concerns Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Leader:) my Administration has expressed to you I am writing to raise my serious concerns about the pension provisions of your bill. By with the FY 2001 Commerce, Justice, and dropping the progressive savings incentives State appropriations bill that was filed this from the Senate Finance Committee bill, you morning as part of the FY 2001 District of have failed to address the lack of pension cov- Columbia conference report. Although nei- erage for over 70 million people. Moreover, ther my Administration nor virtually any employers may have new incentives to drop Member of Congress has had an opportunity pension coverage for some of the low- and to review this bill, it is our understanding that moderate-income workers lucky enough to it fails to adequately address a number of have pension plans today. high-priority issues that the Administration Finally, I remain deeply concerned that has previously brought to your attention. your Medicare and Medicaid refinement Therefore, I have no choice but to veto this proposal continues to fail to attach account- bill. ability provisions to excessive payment in- It is our understanding that this bill fails creases to health maintenance organizations to redress several injustices in our immigra- (HMOs) while rejecting critical investments tion system as called for by the Latino and in beneficiaries and vulnerable health care Immigrant Fairness Act. Those provisions providers. Specifically, you insist on an un- would help normalize the immigration status justifiable spending increase for HMOs at of individuals and their families who have the same time as you exclude bipartisan poli- been living for many years in the United cies such as health insurance options for chil- States, and, as such, would restore fairness dren with disabilities, legal immigrant preg- and equity to our immigration laws. Current nant women and children, and enrolling un- Republican proposals would not help most insured children in schools, as well as needed of the people who need relief and would per- payment increases to hospitals, academic petuate the current patchwork of contradic- health centers, home health agencies, and tory and unfair immigration policies. other vulnerable providers. Congress should In addition, it is our understanding that not go home without responding to the ur- this bill fails to provide the resources needed gent health needs of our seniors, people with for the Department of Justice to let justice disabilities, and children and the health care work its course by pursuing tobacco litigation providers who serve them. to address the need for tobacco companies A far better path than the current one is to bear responsibility for the staggering costs for Congressional Republicans, Democrats, of tobacco-related illnesses. Congress should and my Administration to come together in not block the judicial process, especially in a bipartisan process to find common ground a matter that is of supreme importance to on both tax relief and Medicare/Medicaid re- the public health and the public interest. finements. This bill also fails to include hate crimes Sincerely, legislation that would cover crimes motivated by bias on the basis of a victim’s gender, dis- William J. Clinton ability, or sexual orientation. Both the House 2638 Oct. 26 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 and Senate have had bipartisan votes indi- Senate minority leader. An original was not avail- cating their support for strong hate crimes able for verification of the content of this letter. legislation and it should become law this year. The bill fails to address in any meaningful Remarks on the Budget and the way the real privacy concerns about Social Legislative Agenda and an Exchange Security numbers raised by the Administra- With Reporters tion. Regrettably, it does not include needed October 27, 2000 protections against the inappropriate sale and display of individual citizens’ social security The President. Good morning—good numbers. Moreover, the bill creates loop- afternoon. [Laughter] Don’t tell anybody I holes that seriously undermine the goal of didn’t know what time it was. [Laughter] the legislation to protect privacy. In addition, I would like to say a few words about the by not reauthorizing the Violent Crime Re- budget, the progress we have made, and the duction Trust Fund, the bill fails to support work still to be done in this Congress. successful Federal efforts to protect critical The appropriations bills we pass every year law enforcement funding and reduce violent do a lot more than keep our Government crime. running. They tell us something very basic We also understand that a range of anti- about our priorities as a nation. There’s no environmental, anti-competitive, and other great secret to getting things done around damaging riders have been under consider- here. When we put progress over partisan- ation and may have been added to this bill. ship, we get results. When we work together, I urge Congress to refrain from adding riders we get results. that would reward special interests at the ex- For example, I just signed a very fine VA/ pense of the public interest. I also urge Con- HUD appropriations bill, along with the en- gress to drop the rider that would prevent the Federal Communications Commission ergy and water appropriations bill. It includes from licensing new low-power FM radio sta- some impressive advances for the American tions to provide for a diversity of voices in people: 79,000 housing vouchers to help peo- communities around the country. And re- ple move from welfare to work; more support grettably, Congress has attached a deeply for housing for the elderly and disabled; in- flawed Commerce, Justice, and State bill to vestment for our economic empowerment an otherwise signable District of Columbia agenda that the Vice President has led, in- bill. cluding empowerment zones and community I urge the Congress to complete its work development banks; more funds for by sending me acceptable bills. I regret that AmeriCorps; funds for climate change re- the bipartisan discussion to resolve these search and technology in the Energy Depart- issues in this bill were abandoned. The re- ment; funds to support our space program; cent passage of several other appropriations the largest increase ever in the Veterans Ad- bills shows that when we work together and ministration and in the National Science Congress puts progress over partisanship, we Foundation, something that is critically im- are able to deliver real results for the Amer- portant to our future; and adequate funding ican people. It is long past time for Congress for FEMA to meet our national emergencies. to do the same for the Commerce, Justice, The energy and water bill also contains and State bill and to produce a bill I can funds for climate change technology and re- sign. search in solar and renewable energies. Sincerely, These things will have a direct, positive im- pact on our long-term energy future and help William J. Clinton us to become less dependent on and less vul- NOTE: Letters were sent to J. Dennis Hastert, nerable to supply interruptions and price ex- Speaker of the House of Representatives; Richard plosions in oil. This is very, very important. A. Gephardt, House minority leader; Trent Lott, Now, I could say the same thing about the Senate majority leader; and Thomas A. Daschle, Interior bill I signed the other day, which Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 27 2639 many of you were here for, the largest appro- posed to repair old and crumbling schools priation for land preservation ever in our and build new ones. Unfortunately, the ma- country’s history for our lands legacy initia- jority’s inefficient tax incentives help only a tive. And the foreign operations bills, which few, and ironically, most of the help would the Congress has passed in a completely bi- go to the schools and school districts that partisan way, funds the debt relief initiative need it the least. for the poorest countries in the world, which This bill is unfair to hospitals, to commu- is one of the most significant achievements nity providers, and to patients. It is a massive in the international arena in years and years give-away to the HMO’s, tens of billions of for the United States and, I believe, for years dollars at the expense of teaching and rural to come will provide a foundation upon hospitals, home health agencies, and other which my successors, whoever they are, will community providers who really need the build to help advance America’s interests and help. And even though they are spending the build a more peaceful world. Medicare resources, their plan allows the So we can do things that really matter HMO’s to take the money and then abandon around here, even though we have dif- the Medicare patients, which is the alleged ferences. Do I agree with every little thing pretext for giving them so much of this in these bills? No, I do not. Did I get every- money, that they’ve been dropping people thing I wanted in these bills? I did not. But from their Medicare program out in, espe- we all worked together, and we had some cially in the rural areas of our country over remarkable successes. the last couple of years. Now still, here we are, almost a month past Now, we have to make improvements in the end of the fiscal year, and there are still the Medicare and Medicaid allocations here. some very vital work to be done by Congress. At the same time, the majority is blocking And I have the feeling that the congressional bipartisan proposals to extend health care majority has not yet decided whether to wrap up with more progress or score partisan coverage for children and pregnant women points and leave town, and that would leave who are legal immigrants or to expand cov- vital national needs unmet. erage for children with disabilities. Just an Two days ago I made a good-faith offer hour ago I met here at the White House with to the Republican leadership. I said, let’s a group of Americans with disabilities who work together to meet our most pressing out- lead various groups across our Nation. They standing priorities and pass responsible tax have a vital interest in adequate funding for relief for middle class families and small busi- home- and community-based services in this ness. The answer I got was disappointing. In- Medicare-Medicaid allocation bill, a need the stead of meeting us on common ground, in- that Republican bill grossly shortchanges be- stead of working with the White House or cause it disproportionately gives the money congressional Democrats, the Republican to the HMO’s. leadership closed its doors to compromise, The priorities of this leadership bill do not literally closed the doors to compromise. reflect the priorities and needs of the Amer- They crafted their own partisan tax pack- ican people. The bill is unfair to seniors. The age and passed it last night on a party-line tax package the House passed last night aban- vote. The Republican tax package fails to dons my bipartisan approach to providing sig- meet the test of fairness to our children, our nificant, long-term care relief for families’ seniors, or the millions of Americans without long-term care costs. It also fails to address health care coverage. If it reaches my desk the lack of pension coverage for more than in its present form, I will have no choice but 70 million hard-working Americans. to veto it. So again, I ask Congress: Send me a tax Congress has to get back to work on this, bill that helps us build new schools and repair so let me be clear about my concerns. First, old ones; a bill that helps our workers, all the bill is unfair to children. We can’t expect of them, save for retirement; a bill that ex- to lift them up if we put them in schools pands long-term health care coverage for that are falling down. That’s why I’ve pro- Americans who need it; a fair tax bill. 2640 Oct. 27 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

I also want to raise the minimum wage but passed—and it should have passed—I didn’t not with a Republican bill that stacks the say a word of criticism in my remarks about deck against American workers. The leader- it because we’re continuing to work together ship should not play games with the min- in a bipartisan fashion. imum wage. They should stop holding it hos- What happened with this Commerce/ tage to tax breaks for special interests, stand State/Justice bill and the immigration issues up for working Americans, and send me a and the other issues and this tax bill is that bill I can sign. We can do that and still have the Republicans basically kicked the Demo- appropriate small-business tax relief. crats and the White House out of the room. There is more we should do and some And they came up with a bill, and then they more things we must do. We certainly should called us and said, ‘‘Now, we took care of pass the voluntary Medicare prescription this, that, or the other concern of yours. Now drug benefit and a real Patients’ Bill of you guys just be cooperative and sign off on Rights. And we must pass fairness for Latino what we have decided to do. The leadership immigrants. We have a hate crimes legisla- has decided this is the only bill we can get tion we ought to pass. And they’ve had a bill past our rightwing, and you’ll just have to there that has enormous bipartisan support take it.’’ throughout the country to strengthen the Well, that’s not the way to go. I have never equal pay laws for women. tried to play politics with this in this year. Again I say, there’s no secret to getting Look, I bragged on them today. Every time things done. We have to work together. Look we do something in a bipartisan way, I try at the VA/HUD bill I just signed, the energy to give credit where credit is due. I have bent and water bill. Look at the Interior bill. Look over backwards for 8 years here to work with at the foreign operations bill. This Congress both Republicans and Democrats. But I will has done some good things. But whenever not bend over backwards to be run over, not the Republicans shut the Democrats and the White House out and go behind closed doors because of me or the Democrats in Congress and try to make an agreement among them- but because it’s not good for the American selves for the benefit of the elements in the people. rightwing of their caucus, we wind up with Now look, we just have these two appro- a bill that is unacceptable to the American priations bills, and we have the tax legislation, people. and we have to put some money back into So I’m here. I’m prepared to keep work- health care. And we can do this, but we’re ing. But as we celebrate these good days, we going to have to do it together. We can’t ought to finish the business of the public in just—we can’t have our Republican friends the right way. say, ‘‘Hey, we’re having a really tough time Thank you very much. getting agreement within our caucus, so you guys have to go away, and we’ll go in our Need for Bipartisan Approach caucus, and we’ll try to fight it out with each Q. Mr. President, the leadership says it’s other, and whatever we can live with by our- you that’s playing politics, trying to help the selves, the rest of you have got to take.’’ Now, Vice President and the Democrats who are that is what happened. That is the fact. running. It is true that the bills are not as awful The President. Well, look at the facts. The as they once were. It is true that they took problem with that charge is, it doesn’t stand some things out. But the bills are not what up to the facts. I have signed every appro- they would be if they were like all the other priations bill that has been the product of appropriations bills, the products of a gen- a bipartisan process, every single one. The uine bipartisan negotiation. That’s all I’m only one we don’t have now is the Labor/ asking for. That’s all I’ve ever asked for. And HHS bill which contains the education budg- like I said, in these bills that I signed today, et of the country, which is the most impor- there are hundreds, literally hundreds, of tant one, but we’re making real progress projects that the Members wanted that I did there. If you notice, even though it hasn’t not support. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 27 2641

They cut back on the investment in some Situation in the Middle East things that I thought were important. But Q. Four more Palestinians died this morn- when you sit down and negotiate with peo- ing in clashes with Israeli troops. Are you ple, you have a good-faith obligation to try trying even harder now to try to arrange sep- to come to agreement. We honored that, and arate meetings with Prime Minister Barak we got the agreement. And I’m very, very and Chairman Arafat, or do you think that pleased with these bills. But the ones that violence still has to stop before there is even are still out there, they do more harm than any point in bringing them here? good, and we need to clean them up. And The President. I think there has to be a we need to do it in a hurry so they can get much lower level of violence before they out of town and go on about their business. could meet together and talk about the long- Q. Mr. President, the Senate majority term prospects for peace. I worked on this leader says that the tax cut bill gives you 80 for several hours yesterday, and we obviously to 90 percent of what you wanted and what keep up with it. And I’m very disturbed about you were asking for and that no President today, because we actually had 2 or 3 good should expect to get 100 percent of what he days here, where there was very little vio- wants. lence. The President. I agree nobody should ex- We’re trying to get to the bottom of seeing pect to get 100 percent, but I don’t agree what happened and see what, if anything, we that it’s 80 to 90 percent. I explained what can do to undermine the causes of today’s I thought was the matter with it. That’s just violence so that it won’t recur. But we’ve got not a—I do not believe that is an accurate to get the level of violence down before there characterization of the tax bill. And again I can be a resumption in negotiations. say, you know, whenever I’m involved in a In terms of who comes here when, that peace process around the world, I hear the is still subject to discussion. We’re talking to same sort of thing. If people aren’t talking the Israelis. We’re talking to the Palestinians. to each other, they say, ‘‘Well, why don’t they We’re talking with others around the world, like this? This is more or less what they’ve and—look, I’m working really hard on this. asked for.’’ And it’s very important that you I’m frustrated—I’m just as frustrated as you understand what happened. are, and it’s heartbreaking. We’ve just got to try to get a hold of it, and I—but don’t lose On these bills, unlike the other work we sight of the fact that we had 3 pretty good have done, they sent the Democrats and the days. And I would say to the people in the White House out of the room, because they region not to lose sight of the fact that we were having trouble agreeing among them- did, and tomorrow needs to be a good day, selves. Once they made an agreement among not a bad day, because of what happened themselves and made some changes based today. on objections we had raised, they said, ‘‘Well, why aren’t you happy?’’ And again I would Budget say, all we need—if we get a negotiation, we Q. Mr. President, are you in danger of will have a compromise bill that will be an playing into Governor Bush’s hands on this honorable compromise. budget battle? After all, Governor Bush has But you all know this is so, because you run largely on the premise that he can get follow this. The way these bills were pro- things done—as a Washington outsider, he duced, the tax bill and the Commerce/State/ can come in here and break gridlock. Now, Justice appropriations, was different from the you’re threatening to veto. way all the other bills were produced. Today The President. Well, first of all, let’s have we had Senator Mikulski in here, a Democrat a little reality therapy here. You know, I said from Maryland, Congressman Walsh, a Re- that I would do that, and I have. I kept wait- publican from New York in here talking ing for someone to point out—some of you about what they did together on the VA/ to point out when they kept saying, ‘‘The par- HUD bill. That’s the way we need to get tisanship is terrible in Washington, and noth- this done. ing ever gets done’’—well, let me just point 2642 Oct. 27 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 out—since they came in, it is true that they an example of legislation that’s so stuffed shut the Government once down because I with pork that next year we may not have wouldn’t agree to abolish the Department of an on-budget surplus, and whoever succeeds Education and agree to the biggest Medicare you in office won’t have enough money for cost increases on recipients in history and the their proposals. And I’m wondering, how can biggest education and environmental cuts in you sign a bill like that and say it’s a fine history. bill, when it has so many pork-barrel projects But when that was over, look what’s hap- in it? pened: We had a bipartisan welfare reform The President. Well, the one thing bill that passed with big majorities in both about—first of all, it does have too many houses of both parties; we had a bipartisan pork-barrel projects, for my taste, but that’s balanced budget bill that passed with big ma- what the Republicans wanted. If I wanted jorities in both Houses in both parties, in- to get the money to help people move from cluding the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- welfare to work and have housing, if I wanted gram, the biggest increase in children’s to get the funds to help create—continue to health in 35 years. We had a bipartisan Tele- help create jobs in poor areas that have been communications Act that provided the E-rate left out and left behind, and the other things that has taken us to 95 percent of our schools that are in the VA/HUD bill, they were also now hooked up to the Internet, created thou- willing to—you know, they never agreed with sands and thousands of businesses, hundreds me and the Vice President on global warming of thousands of new jobs. We’ve had 100,000 before, and they came in and really sup- police. We’ve had 100,000 teachers. We’ve ported our budget for research and develop- gone from zero to serving 800,000 kids in ment and new energy technologies. after-school programs, all done in an entirely And most of these projects—I saw an arti- bipartisan way. I just went over this breath- cle in the press today that estimated that this taking litany of things that were done at the spending in this Congress would reduce the end of this negotiation process in a purely projected surplus by $900 billion. Let me just bipartisan way. say, I don’t—it will reduce the projected sur- Now, the only thing I have objected to is plus, but I think it’s by more like half that, the unipartisan, if you will, the single-party and let me explain why. production of a tax bill and one appropria- Because the one thing about these so- tions bill. That’s it. And I don’t think that called pork-barrel projects—and I’ve found party should seek to—should be able to ben- in Washington and in life, a pork-barrel efit from their failure at bipartisanship. project is the other guy’s project. It’s never Let me just give you another example. We yours. If it’s the project in your hometown, have a bipartisan majority in this Congress, it’s the greatest thing you ever saw. But they in both Houses, for hate crimes, for a good are—because they are capital projects, they school construction bill, for a minimum wage are not repeating. So the assumption that this increase, for a Patients’ Bill of Rights, for erodes almost half the surplus is based on campaign finance reform. Now, it’s not bi- the fact that you’d have this rate of increase partisanship that is keeping those bills from every year to sustain that. And that does not passing. It is the leadership of the other party have to be the case, because a lot of these in the Congress blocking a bipartisan major- projects are—you know, they got the fund- ity. I fail to see how you could argue that ing, and they’ll do the project, and they don’t the voters ought to reward people for cre- have to repeat it next year. And that’s the ating the problem that they are complaining difference in that. about. I think that’s a pretty hard sell. So I do think that the estimated surplus Yes, sir, go ahead. This gentleman has had will have to be reduced, but I think that the his hand up. assumption that these spending projects re- quire us now to assume that spending will Pork Barrel Projects increase by this amount every year for a dec- Q. Thank you. Critics of spending, of Fed- ade, I do not agree with that. And it eral spending, identified the VA/HUD bill as shouldn’t, and we shouldn’t. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 27 2643

Peru ment over the Aegean and Cyprus, Ankara Q. Mr. President, you’ve always been in- has become more aggressive against the terri- terested in promoting democracy in Latin torial integrity of Greece and the Republic America and fighting drugs. There is a prob- of Cyprus in the last days. May we have your lem now in Peru, in which the ex-head of comments? intelligence went to Panama, has returned. The President. I don’t know if I can com- President Fujimori supposedly is looking for ment on what’s happened in the last few him, and the situation—political situation in days, simply because I’ve been so over- Peru is really very perilous. What do you whelmingly involved in the Middle East. But think is going to happen, and what can the I can say that one of the relatively small num- United States and the OAS do to help it out? ber of real disappointments I have after 8 The President. Well, I don’t know what’s years of working in the foreign policy field going to happen. I’m following it closely, and is that I have not made more progress in I don’t know. I think what we have to do helping to resolve the Cyprus issue, because is to continue to support democracy and the I have always felt that Turkey should be inte- rule of law in whatever way is appropriate. grated into Europe. I have always felt that I don’t know that I can say much more than Turkey and Greece should be natural allies that right now. because they’re allies in NATO. I’ve seen them work together. Situation in the Middle East I think the whole world was profoundly Q. One more on the Middle East. How moved by the way that the Greeks and the can you have peace in the Middle East until Turks responded to each other’s human you train the younger generations of both losses in the earthquakes, and basically to see Palestinians and Israelis to stop hating each entrenched and unmovable positions in Cy- other? prus in what really ought to be a fairly The President. Well, you know, that’s— straightforward problem to solve, keep them I must say, that’s what the Seeds of Peace apart, and keep Turkey more at arm’s length program was about and a lot of these young from Europe, I think it’s a price not worth Palestinians and young Israelis, along with paying, and I think it’s a very sad thing. I other young Middle Easterners I’ve met, still hope it can be resolved. young Jordanians and young Egyptians, in There is actually some chance we can the Seeds of Peace program, young people make a little progress before I can leave of- from other Arab countries. fice. If we don’t, it’s something I will keep I think, obviously, a big part of what is an interest in and would be willing to keep driving these demonstrations is a profound working for even after I’m gone from here, alienation of young people in the Palestinian because it just—it makes no sense in the larg- community who have not seen any economic er context of the future of Greece, the future benefits from peace over the last 8 years, and of Turkey, and the future of the Cypriots, who despair that it will ever actually be com- themselves, to maintain this present impasse pleted. I think finding a way to reach out with all the bad feelings and conflicts and to the young and give them some more posi- estrangements that it has brought us. tive contact with each other across the lines that divide them is very important. Week Prior to the Election I think one of the best things I’ve seen in the whole region over the last 8 years is Q. Mr. President, if this budget process this Seeds of Peace program and what these drags on into next week, are you concerned young people have done together. And that that it could cut into your efforts to get out kind of dialog is what has to replace the bul- the vote and energize the base for the Demo- lets and the rocks. crats? It’s a busy week next week. The President. Well, the most important Greece, Turkey, and Cyprus thing I can do is to do my job. And events Q. Mr. President, despite your personal around the world could also cut into that. involvement for a Greek-Turkish rapproche- We just have to see what’s going to happen. 2644 Oct. 27 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

As I have said to you all along, I’ve always There are certain things I think I can speak been happy to do what I could basically to with some credibility on, like the budget and go out and say what I believe, which is that the need to resist some of the extremist im- the country is in better shape than it was pulses in the Republican caucus. But by and when I took office, that we’re moving in the large, what I want to do is just tell the Amer- right direction, and I hope we’ll build on that ican people this is a chance of a lifetime to instead of reversing it. build the future of our dreams for our kids, And this ought to be a happy election for and you all ought to show up to vote. the American people. They ought to be out We may never have another election like there excitedly debating the differences. But this where we’ve got this much prosperity I think the Vice President and Senator and this much progress with the absence of Lieberman have made a very good case for domestic crisis or foreign threat to our secu- themselves, and I think they will continue rity. It may not happen again in our entire to do that. And I will do what I can to help, lifetime. And that’s the message I hope I’ll in terms of explaining to people how impor- get to go out and deliver, and I’ll do every- tant it is that they go vote. thing I can to do it. But the votes will be won or lost by the President’s Role in 2000 Campaign candidates in the ongoing, sort of 24-hour debate that will happen between now and Q. [Inaudible]—were out there doing it now? election day. I would like to be helpful be- The President. That’s not true. No, that’s cause I believe what we’ve done is important, not true. I’ve seen some of these stories, and and I think the progress should be continued. I have to tell you, since August, I told—I I think it’s very important that we not get was talking to Bill Daley yesterday, and he into a budget where the numbers don’t add was reminding me, he said, ‘‘You first told up and we get back into deficit. I think it’s me in August that you should stay in Wash- very important that someone be here in this ington and do your job with the Congress job to restrain the impulses of the rightwing and do your job with the country until the of the Republican Congress if they should last week or so of the campaign, except for stay in the majority in either House. the work you could do at night, helping to I think that—you know, all this is impor- raise funds for the Congress and the Senate tant. But the first thing I’ve got to do is, do and the Democratic Party.’’ And that’s pretty what the American people hired me to do, much what I have done. because they’re going to make their decisions You know, as I said, I’ve actually experi- based on their own evaluations of the can- enced this in my former life, when I was a didates and the arguments they make. Governor. And the stories that imply that I I may be the only person here who has have disagreed with that up to now are just ever been on the other side of this, because not accurate. I believe that I have been doing I was a Governor for a dozen years when what I should be doing, the work of the coun- there were Republican Presidents who would try. The political work I have done, even for come to my State from time to time in elec- my wife, I have done in a way that was con- tion season. I can say my sense was, when sistent with, first of all, getting this work they came, that they did help get their own done. voters out but that the electorate who were Now, when you get down to the last week undecided, who were listening, were listen- or so, I think the American expect everybody ing more to what my opponent and I were to get out and kind of mix it up, and they saying than to what the President said about want us all to be out there. But make no us. That’s where I think we are here. mistake about it, they’re going to make their So my role has got to be, go out and tell judgments overwhelmingly based on what the people this country is in great shape, and these candidates say to them. we’re in better shape than we were 8 years And I think the Vice President has been ago. We’re moving in the right direction. I doing a great job, and I feel comfortable. I hope we won’t take a U-turn. just want to make sure the American people Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 / Oct. 27 2645 understand what the stakes are and under- The President. Well, the answer to the stand how truly unique this moment in his- last question is, I have not made a decision tory is. You know, most voters are now yet. But I was very pleased with the reception younger than me, and most people—a lot of that Secretary Albright received, and I hope voters will vote who have never lived in any- that the North Koreans were pleased with thing other than a time of economic expan- the reception that General Cho received sion, declining crime and welfare rolls, an im- here. And we’re talking about those things. proving economy, increasing college-going, If I could just take a minute, I think it’s and all these things that have been hap- important for the American people to under- pening. And you know, they may think it’s stand just how far this issue has come, and just—that’s the way things are, and so they yet what is still out there. When I became don’t have to factor all that into their voting. President, and I began to get—after the elec- I’ve lived long enough to live through tion, just as the new President-elect will find, many different cycles of life in America, and I got all these briefings, and we went through so I just want to get out there and make sure all the national security stuff. The general everybody understands what a unique mo- consensus was that the most dangerous prob- ment it is. But if I have to do it from here, lem I was facing in late 1992 was North Ko- as I’m doing it today, because my job re- rea’s nuclear program and that it could lead quires me to stay here, I’ll stay here until to the development of not only nuclear weap- election day, if I have to, to do right by the ons, which would imperil the Korean Penin- American people, because my first job is to sula and our then about 40,000 soldiers take care of them. there—we have slightly fewer now—but that Q. Mr. President, your feelings are not in the worst of all worlds, they might develop hurt? You’re not angry? nuclear weapons and sell them to others, along with missiles, which would be dev- The President. I have always believed that astating to the whole future of arms control. what I should do is to do my job here. When And what happened? We got an agree- I can go out at night and on the weekends ment to end the nuclear program. The Japa- to help the House and Senate Members raise nese supported it. The South Koreans strong- money, I should do that, or help our party. ly supported it. We got other countries to I should go to the Democratic Convention, kick in a little money. We’ve worked on it. make the best speech I could about giving We’ve continued to negotiate over missile an account of the last 8 years, and then I testing and technology with them. And we should do whatever I could to help increase refused to have an independent relationship the turnout and make sure the stakes in the except on arms control issues, in the absence election were understood in the last week or of some improving relationship between 10 days or so. North and South; the present President, Kim That’s exactly what I thought should be Dae-jung gets elected in South Korea, breaks done. So I actually feel quite good about this. this long icy relationship, justifiably wins the And I think—what I want to see the Amer- Nobel Peace Prize. I was elated for him. And ican people have here is great clarity in what then they come here; we go there. So let the choice is and what the consequences are, me just remind you, we are a long, long way and I think they’re getting more and more in the right direction, compared to where we clarity with every passing day. So I feel good were back in January of ’93. about that. But we still have substantial concerns in the missile area, as you pointed out. We’re North Korea working on it, and that’s all I think I should Q. Mr. President, one on Korea. Is it your say now. We’re working on it, and I haven’t made a decision on the trip. intention that if you made a personal trip to Thank you. North Korea now, do you think it would re- sult in specific steps to have them reduce NOTE: The President spoke at 1:10 in the Rose their missile production and export of missile Garden at the White House. In his remarks, he technology, and do you intend to go? referred to Prime Minister Ehud Barak of Israel; 2646 Oct. 27 / Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Chairman Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Author- of the President’s Advisory Council on the ity; Republican Presidential candidate Gov. Arts of the John F. Kennedy Center for the George W. Bush; former Chief of Intelligence Performing Arts. Vladmiro Montesinos and President Alberto The President announced his intention to Fujimori of Peru; National Defense Vice Chair- nominate Kenneth Lee Smith to be Assistant man Cho Myong-nok of North Korea; and Presi- dent Kim Dae-jung of South Korea. Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at the Department of the Interior. October 25 In the morning, the President traveled to Digest of Other New York City, and in the evening, he re- White House Announcements turned to Washington, DC, arriving after midnight.

The following list includes the President’s public October 26 schedule and other items of general interest an- The President announced the nomination nounced by the Office of the Press Secretary and of Isaac C. Hunt, Jr., to be Commissioner not included elsewhere in this issue. of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The President announced his intention to nominate George (Buddy) Darden to be a October 21 member of the Board of Directors of the In the morning, the President traveled Overseas Private Investment Corporation. from Lowell, MA, to Indianapolis, IN, and The President announced his intention to in the afternoon, he returned to Washington, appoint Christopher B. Galvin as a member DC. of the President’s National Security Tele- October 22 communications Advisory Committee. In the morning, the President traveled to The President announced his intention to Johnson City, NY. Later, he had a telephone nominate Gerald S. Segal to be a member conversation with Prime Minister Ehud of the National Council on Disability. Barak of Israel concerning the Middle East The President announced the nomination peace process. In the afternoon, he traveled of Maria Otero to be a member of the Board to Alexandria Bay. In the evening, he trav- of Directors of the U.S. Institute of Peace. eled to Hempstead and New York City, and The President announced the nomination later returned to Washington, DC, arriving of James A. Dorskind to be General Counsel after midnight. at the Department of Commerce. The President announced his intention to October 23 appoint Secretary of State Madeleine K. In the morning, the President traveled to Albright, Secretary of Defense William S. Kingston, NY, and later, he traveled to Cohen, Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Her- Queens and New Rochelle. In the evening, man, Office of Management and Budget Di- the President returned to Washington, DC, rector Jacob J. Lew, Deputy Secretary of arriving after midnight. Commerce Robert L. Mallett, R. Thomas Buffenbarger, Vance D. Coffman, Philip M. October 24 Condit, Ann R. Markusen, and David C. In the evening, the President met with Mowery as members of the National Com- King Abdullah II of Jordan in the Yellow mission on the Use of Offsets in Defense Oval Room at the White House to discuss Trade. the Middle East peace process. The President announced his intention to October 27 appoint Jeffrey Akaka, Glenn T. Fujiura, and The President declared a major disaster in Jose R. Rodriguez as members of the Presi- Arizona and ordered Federal aid to support dent’s Committee on Mental Retardation. State and local recovery efforts in the area The President announced his intention to struck by severe storms and flooding on Oc- appoint Diane Josephy Peavey as a member tober 21 and continuing. Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 2647

The President announced his intention to Kenneth Lee Smith, appoint John T. Chambers as a member of of Arkansas, to be Assistant Secretary for the President’s National Security Tele- Fish and Wildlife, Department of the Inte- communications Advisory Committee. rior, vice Donald J. Barry, resigned. The White House announced that the President will travel to Louisville, KY, and Submitted October 26 New York City on October 31, to McLean, S. Elizabeth Gibson, VA, on November 1, to Los Angeles, CA, of North Carolina, to be U.S. Circuit Judge on November 2, and to Oakland, CA, on No- for the Fourth Circuit, vice Samuel James vember 3. Irvin III, deceased. Isaac C. Hunt, Jr., of Ohio, to be a member of the Securities Nominations and Exchange Commission for the term ex- piring June 5, 2005 (reappointment). Submitted to the Senate Gerald S. Segal, The following list does not include promotions of of Pennsylvania, to be a member of the Na- members of the Uniformed Services, nominations tional Council on Disability for a term expir- to the Service Academies, or nominations of For- ing September 17, 2003, vice Shirley W. eign Service officers. Ryan, term expired. Withdrawn October 26 Submitted October 25 Marc Lincoln Marks, George Darden, of Pennsylvania, to be a member of the Fed- of Georgia, to be a member of the Board eral Mine Safety and Health Review Com- of Directors of the Overseas Private Invest- mission for a term of 6 years expiring August ment Corporation for the remainder of the 30, 2006 (reappointment), which was sent to term expiring December 17, 2000, vice Zell the Senate on June 8, 2000. Miller. George Darden, of Georgia, to be a member of the Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Invest- Checklist ment Corporation for a term expiring De- of White House Press Releases cember 17, 2003 (reappointment).

James A. Dorskind, The following list contains releases of the Office of California, to be General Counsel of the of the Press Secretary that are neither printed as Department of Commerce, vice Andrew J. items nor covered by entries in the Digest of Pincus, resigned. Other White House Announcements. Lois N. Epstein, of New York, to be a member of the Chem- Released October 23 ical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- for a term of 5 years, vice Devra Lee Davis, retary Jake Siewert resigned. Released October 24 Maria Otero, Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- of the District of Columbia, to be a member retary Jake Siewert of the Board of Directors of the U.S. Insti- tute of Peace for a term expiring January 19, Transcript of a press briefing by U.S. Trade 2003, vice Theodore M. Hesburgh, term ex- Representative Charlene Barshefsky on the pired. Jordan-U.S. Trade Agreement 2648 Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Announcement: United States and Jordan H.R. 2833 / Public Law 106–319 Sign Historic Trade Agreement Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area Act of 2000 Released October 26 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- H.R. 2938 / Public Law 106–320 retary Jake Siewert To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 424 South Michigan Statement by the Vice President on the need Street in South Bend, Indiana, as the ‘‘John for congressional action on legislation to save Brademas Post Office’’ the Everglades Statement by the Press Secretary on the pro- H.R. 3030 / Public Law 106–321 posed Republican tax cut legislation To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 757 Warren Road Announcement of nomination for U.S. Court in Ithaca, New York, as the ‘‘Matthew F. of Appeals Judge for the Fourth Circuit McHugh Post Office’’ Released October 27 H.R. 3454 / Public Law 106–322 Transcript of a press briefing by Press Sec- To designate the United States post office retary Jake Siewert located at 451 College Street in Macon, Georgia, as the ‘‘Henry McNeal Turner Post Statement by the Press Secretary on the es- Office’’ tablishment of the National Commission on the Use of Offsets in Defense Trade and the H.R. 3745 / Public Law 106–323 President’s Council on Offsets in Commer- Effigy Mounds National Monument Addi- cial Trade tions Act Letter from Chief of Staff John Podesta to Senator Orrin G. Hatch on proposed immi- H.R. 3817 / Public Law 106–324 gration legislation To dedicate the Big South Trail in the Co- manche Peak Wilderness Area of Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado to the legacy of Jaryd Atadero

Acts Approved H.R. 3909 / Public Law 106–325 by the President To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4601 South Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, Illinois, as the Approved October 19 ‘‘Henry W. McGee Post Office Building’’ H.R. 2302 / Public Law 106–315 H.R. 3985 / Public Law 106–326 To designate the building of the United To redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 307 Main States Postal Service located at 14900 South- Street in Johnson City, New York, as the west 30th Street in Miramar, Florida, as the ‘‘James W. McCabe, Sr. Post Office Build- ‘‘Vicki Coceano Post Office Building’’ ing’’ H.R. 2496 / Public Law 106–316 H.R. 4157 / Public Law 106–327 To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Con- To designate the facility of the United States servation and Design Program Act of 1994 Postal Service located at 600 Lincoln Avenue in Pasadena, California, as the ‘‘Matthew H.R. 2641 / Public Law 106–317 ‘Mack’ Robinson Post Office Building’’ To make technical corrections to title X of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 H.R. 4169 / Public Law 106–328 To designate the facility of the United States H.R. 2778 / Public Law 106–318 Postal Service located at 2000 Vassar Street Taunton River Wild and Scenic River Study in Reno, Nevada, as the ‘‘Barbara F. Vucano- Act of 2000 vich Post Office Building’’ Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000 2649

H.R. 4226 / Public Law 106–329 H.R. 4554 / Public Law 106–339 Black Hills National Forest and Rocky To redesignate the facility of the United Mountain Research Station Improvement States Postal Service located at 1602 Act Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- vania, as the ‘‘Joseph F. Smith Post Office H.R. 4285 / Public Law 106–330 Building’’ Texas National Forests Improvement Act of 2000 H.R. 4615 / Public Law 106–340 To redesignate the facility of the United H.R. 4286 / Public Law 106–331 States Postal Service located at 3030 Mere- Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Es- dith Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska, as the tablishment Act ‘‘Reverend J.C. Wade Post Office’’ H.R. 4435 / Public Law 106–332 To clarify certain boundaries on the map re- H.R. 4658 / Public Law 106–341 lating to Unit NC-01 of the Coastal Barrier To designate the facility of the United States Resources System Postal Service located at 301 Green Street in Fayetteville, North Carolina, as the ‘‘J.L. H.R. 4447 / Public Law 106–333 Dawkins Post Office Building’’ To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 919 West 34th H.R. 4884 / Public Law 106–342 Street in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ‘‘Sam- To redesignate the facility of the United uel H. Lacy, Sr. Post Office Building’’ States Postal Service located at 200 West 2nd Street in Royal Oak, Michigan, as the ‘‘Wil- H.R. 4448 / Public Law 106–334 liam S. Broomfield Post Office Building’’ To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3500 Dolfield Ave- S. 1236 / Public Law 106–343 nue in Baltimore, Maryland, as the ‘‘Judge To extend the deadline under the Federal Robert Bernard Watts, Sr. Post Office Build- Power Act for commencement of the con- ing’’ struction of the Arrowrock Dam Hydro- electric Project in the State of Idaho H.R. 4449 / Public Law 106–335 To designate the facility of the United States Approved October 20 Postal Service located at 1908 North Ellamont Street in Baltimore, Maryland, as H.J. Res. 114 / Public Law 106–344 the ‘‘Dr. Flossie McClain Dedmond Post Of- Making further continuing appropriations for fice Building’’ the fiscal year 2001, and for other purposes H.R. 4484 / Public Law 106–336 To designate the facility of the United States S. 2311 / Public Law 106–345 Postal Service located at 500 North Wash- Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000 ington Street in Rockville, Maryland, as the Approved October 23 ‘‘Everett Alvarez, Jr. Post Office Building’’ H.R. 4517 / Public Law 106–337 H.R. 4475 / Public Law 106–346 To designate the facility of the United States Making appropriations for the Department Postal Service located at 24 Tsienneto Road of Transportation and related agencies for in Derry, New Hampshire, as the ‘‘Alan B. the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, Shepard, Jr. Post Office Building’’ and for other purposes H.R. 4534 / Public Law 106–338 H.R. 4975 / Public Law 106–347 To redesignate the facility of the United To designate the post office and courthouse States Postal Service located at 114 Ridge located at 2 Federal Square, Newark, New Street, N.W. in Lenoir, North Carolina, as Jersey, as the ‘‘Frank R. Lautenberg Post Of- the ‘‘James T. Broyhill Post Office Building’’ fice and Courthouse’’ 2650 Administration of William J. Clinton, 2000

Approved October 24 H.R. 4275 / Public Law 106–353 Colorado Canyons National Conservation H.R. 1509 / Public Law 106–348 Area and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Act of 2000 To authorize the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation to establish a memo- H.R. 4386 / Public Law 106–354 rial in the District of Columbia or its environs Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and to honor veterans who became disabled while Treatment Act of 2000 serving in the Armed Forces of the United States H.R. 4613 / Public Law 106–355 National Historic Lighthouse Preservation H.R. 3201 / Public Law 106–349 Act of 2000 Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic H.R. 5036 / Public Law 106–356 Site Study Act of 2000 Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Amendments Act of 2000 H.R. 3632 / Public Law 106–350 Golden Gate National Recreation Area S. 1849 / Public Law 106–357 Boundary Adjustment Act of 2000 White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic Rivers System Act H.R. 3676 / Public Law 106–351 Approved October 26 Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains Na- tional Monument Act of 2000 H.J. Res. 115 / Public Law 106–358 Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2001, and for other purposes H.R. 4063 / Public Law 106–352 Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front H.J. Res. 116 / Public Law 106–359 National Historical Park Establishment Act Making further continuing appropriations for of 2000 the fiscal year 2001, and for other purposes