Bill Clinton: “Appropriations Act of 1996 April 26, 1996 Today I have signed into law H.R. 3019, the ``Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions…”

“Appropriations Act of 1996 April 26, 1996 Today I have signed into law H.R. 3019, the ``Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996.'' This bill helps us move toward a balanced budget in a way that honors our Nation's values by protecting our commitments to education and training, the environment, law enforcement, science and technology, and national service. It restores $5.1 billion of the $8.1 billion I had sought for these priorities over levels in the appropriations bills that I had rejected. In addition, H.R. 3019 provides emergency disaster funding as well as funding for our troops in Bosnia and for the furtherance of the Middle East peace process. We should have reached this conclusion 7 months ago, at the beginning of the fiscal year instead of more than halfway through it. Unfortunately, the Congress passed versions of the appropriations bills that were far outside of the mainstream, leaving me no choice but to veto them. Rather than move quickly to reach a compromise such as the one achieved with this legislation, the Congress shut the Government down twice and then I had to sign a record 13 continuing resolutions funding the Government. The extent of conflict and delay was unprecedented. It should never happen again. Nonetheless, 7 months later, we have a bill we can all be proud of, one that achieves savings, protects investments, and avoids outcomes that could have been disastrous for our environment and our people.…”