04/29/1999
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"They forged the international institutions, the economic institutions, the United Nations, and NATO, that brought 50 years of security and prosperity to our Nation, to Europe, and to Japan."
"I regret that our fiscal situation does not permit granting Federal employees a pay increase greater than 2.4 percent."
"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 do not believe this will have any material impact on the quality of our work force."