Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1998

Our Nation gratefully honors General John Shalikashvili.

I'll miss a lot of things about Shali, but perhaps most of all I'll miss the integrity he always displayed in being my closest military adviser.

I have today signed into law H.R. 2016, the 'Military Construction Appropriations Act, 1998.'

Our Nation is safer, our Armed Forces are stronger, and our world is a better place because of your service.

His service to our Nation, spanning 39 years, rises from the ranks of Army private to the highest military office in the land.

Our military promotes equality by rewarding merit without regard to race or gender and sets an example for every American.

At the heart of America's power is our military strength and will.

Our Armed Forces maintain America's status as the indispensable nation.

Secretary Perry's many trips abroad were as much about checking in with our troops and their families as they were about meeting with defense ministers and military leaders in other lands.

Today we salute their service, honor their sacrifice, thank them for supporting this Nation in every hour of need.

This bill makes good on our pledge to keep our Armed Forces the best trained, best equipped fighting force on Earth.

Our troops have more than earned that.

This provision is blatantly discriminatory and highly punitive to service members and their families.

I am strongly opposed, as is the Department of Defense, to the provision requiring the discharge of military personnel living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

I am committed to ensuring full benefits to these service members and their families.

I wish every American could see firsthand what the men and women of our military are accomplishing under very difficult conditions.

We mourn the passing today of Adm. Arleigh A. Burke, U.S. Navy (Retired).