09/10/2000
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"You represent the best of our country, our best hope for the future."
"We will never forget your fight for our freedom."
"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."