Bill Clinton actually said...

I regret that our fiscal situation does not permit granting Federal employees a pay increase greater than 2.4 percent.

I do not believe this will have any material impact on the quality of our work force.

I have determined that an alternative pay adjustment of 2.4 percent is appropriate for the 1996 pay raises under sections 5303 and 5304.

I urge both republicans and loyalists to do their part and seriously address the issue of decommissioning paramilitary weapons.