We ought to be able to slow the rate of inflation in ways that people won't notice.

America does not react well to this kind of pressure.

If we move too far too fast and we put a lot of these hospitals at risk, one of two things is going to happen.

This bill I veto today is a big downpayment on that Republican congressional budget.

I have repeatedly urged the Congress to pass promptly legislation raising the debt limit for a reasonable period of time to protect the Nation's creditworthiness and avoid default.

If America must close down access to quality education, a clean environment and affordable health care for our seniors, in order to keep the government open, then that price is too high.

Indeed, when Congress did not pass the 13 appropriations bills to fund the government for fiscal year 1996 by September 30, we agreed on a fair continuing resolution that kept the Government operating and established a level playing field.

This is only the third bill that I have been able to sign for this fiscal year.

The bill would severely limit the cash management options that the Treasury may be able to use to avert a default.

We are succeeding in slowing the rate of medical inflation.

I must veto this legislation.

Our condolences and prayers go out to the victims and their families.

I will continue to fight for my principles: a balanced budget that does not undermine Medicare, education or the environment, and that does not raise taxes on working families.

I am returning herewith without my approval H.J. 115, the Second Continuing Resolution for fiscal year 1996.

This bill would make it almost inevitable that the Government would default for the first time in our history.

It is critically important that the President not permit this budget to be passed in a backdoor way.

I have proposed a balanced budget without these cuts.

America can balance the budget without extreme cuts in Medicare, Medicaid, education or the environment—and that is what we must do.