Bill Clinton: “Act for Fiscal Year 1999 October 17, 1998 I have today signed H.R. 3616, the ``Strom Thurmond National Defense…”

“Act for Fiscal Year 1999 October 17, 1998 I have today signed H.R. 3616, the ``Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999.'' This Act authorizes Fiscal Year 1999 appropriations for military activities of the Department of Defense, military construction, and defense activities of the Department of Energy. Naming this Act in honor of Senator Thurmond is a well- deserved and appropriate tribute. Senator Thurmond served for 36 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. During his more than 40 years of Senate service, his primary legislative focus has been the national defense of this country and the well-being of our service members and veterans. This Act provides for a strong national defense and supports our commitment to a better quality of life for our military personnel and their families. Although I have reservations about some of the provisions of the Act, it authorizes funds for many defense readiness and modernization priorities. By providing the necessary support for our forces, it will ensure continued U.S. global leadership. I am especially pleased that the Act authorizes $1.9 billion in emergency funding for peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. Moreover, the conferees' revisions to the Act satisfactorily addressed several objectionable provisions that were included in earlier versions.…”