Bill Clinton: “On February 17, I unveiled my national economic strategy to increase growth and job creation, to reduce the deficit and…”

“On February 17, I unveiled my national economic strategy to increase growth and job creation, to reduce the deficit and lower interest rates. The plan reflects my belief that the United States had to address long- standing economic problems so we could expand growth and opportunity for all Americans. The long-term portion of the plan is nearing completion by the Congress. The House and Senate have adopted versions of the plan that reduce the deficit by $500 billion while providing needed investments in our country's future strength and job creating ability. However, the short-term component, a jobs bill designed to keep the recovery on track, was not adopted by the Congress. While there are some optimistic signs--lower long-term interest rates, the lowest mortgage rates in twenty years, and the creation of nearly one million jobs since January--I am not satisfied with the performance of the economy, many Americans are still hurting, and others are uncertain about the future. Because too many Americans are still without meaningful work, I was pleased to sign into law last night a modest job creating bill, H.R. 2118, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1993. This Act funds a variety of critical programs, including key targeted investments that I requested in February.…”