Bill Clinton: “Well, I don't want to comment on the specific recommendation. Let me say this: I believe that every American has a stake…”

“Well, I don't want to comment on the specific recommendation. Let me say this: I believe that every American has a stake in seeing the District of Columbia succeed. And the kind of netherworld, almost, relationship it has with the Federal Government has been a mixed blessing. And we have tried over the last 4 years to intensify our efforts--I know Secretary Cisneros, for example, has done a lot of work to try to reduce homelessness here. But I believe that one of the things I should be doing in the next 4 years is to make a more disciplined, organized effort and try to forge a partnership with the Congress--I know Speaker Gingrich, at various times, has expressed an interest in this--to try to do more to help the District of Columbia to be the kind of city it ought to be. And I intend to put a real priority on it. But I don't want to get into a dollar discussion now because I don't know enough about it to have an informed opinion. Thank you. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. [Laughter]”