Bill Clinton actually said...
Because terrorist activities continue to threaten the Middle East peace process and vital interests of the United States in the Middle East, the national emergency declared on January 23, 1995, and the measures made effective on January 24, 1995, to deal with that emergency must continue in effect beyond January 23, 2001.
Context
Notice--Continuation of Emergency Regarding Terrorists Who Threaten To Disrupt the Middle East Peace Process
01/18/2001