I am disappointed that the Act cuts $93 million from my request for solar and renewable energy research programs.

I am pleased that in the omnibus appropriations bill, the Congress fully funds my request of $201 million for the Department of Transportation to implement the Vice President's September 9 recommendations.

I am also concerned by the cuts in funding for DOE departmental administration and program direction in civilian research and defense programs that may jeopardize the Department's ability to perform its missions and maintain its financial…

An unforeseen emergency exists which requires immediate military assistance to states currently participating in, and to states which may in the future participate in, ECOMOG.

I am pleased that the Act will provide for a significantly enhanced Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship and Management program that will continue DOE's strong commitment to ensuring the safety and reliability of the nuclear weapons…

Ratification of the Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences Abroad would help fill a void by providing a mechanism for the reciprocal transfer of persons incarcerated in prisons in OAS Member States.

Many of these workers stay on for years after they can retire, so buyouts will serve as an incentive for them to leave.

I am disappointed that one of my priorities— a ban on physician 'gag rules'—was not included.

This step will provide some help to individuals and States in preparing for the dramatic restriction of access to benefits that legal immigrants will face under the welfare reform bill.

I know the Attorney General shares my commitment to those important environmental laws.

It is important to the security interests of the United States that the aforementioned amount shall be reduced by $247 million.

I hereby authorize that such $247 million in loan guarantee authority shall remain available.

I am also pleased that the Congress provided $45 million to the International Nuclear Safety program, which assists nations of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in improving the safety of Soviet-designed nuclear reactors.

This intermodal project will speed the transportation of goods from these ports throughout the country and will also help sustain our Nation's competitive edge in Pacific Rim trade.

I recommend that the Senate promptly give its advice and consent to the ratification of this Convention, subject to an understanding and a reservation that are described in the accompanying State Department report.

This bill, together with the FY 1997 omnibus appropriations bill that I have also signed, provides an increase of $286 million over fiscal 1996 for FAA operations.

I am also pleased that the bill provides a $1.4 billion increase in funding for anti-drug programs.

I am disappointed that the Congress has funded unrequested increases for nuclear weapons management and related programs, while curtailing investments in important civilian activities.