It is wrong for the Congress to shut the Government down just to make a political point the week before Christmas.

The cycle must be broken.

I am also directing you to take all appropriate steps to encourage States to adopt and implement the same policies that we are initiating at the Federal level.

The bill makes wrong-headed choices with regard to the management and preservation of some of our most precious assets.

I am returning herewith without my approval H.R. 1977, the 'Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1996.'

It does not reflect my priorities or the values of the American people.

These incentives—commonly referred to as 'coerced abstinence'—should be applied at the earliest possible stage in a person's interaction with the criminal justice system—following arrest.

This bill is unacceptable because it would unduly restrict our ability to protect America's natural resources and cultural heritage.

We know that reducing drug use will require everyone's effort.

I cannot permit it to happen.

I'm proud of our antidrug strategy.

This is short-sighted and unwise.

We can't tolerate a revolving door of criminal drug abusers in our system.

I am eager to work with the Congress to reach agreement on a balanced budget plan.

It cuts funding of the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities so deeply as to jeopardize their capacity to keep providing the cultural, educational, and artistic programs that enrich America's communities large and small.

Continued drug use is unacceptable.

We owe that to the American people.

Once they've been arrested, we must stop them from repeating their crimes.