Bill Clinton

I would never criticize anyone taking vigorous action against terrorism.

The real question is whether or not the nature of this uprising in Chechnya can be solved exclusively by a military strategy.

Let us pause to give thanks for that bounty.

Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the United States.

This budget strengthens America's role of leadership in the world by paying our dues and arrears to the United Nations.

This budget is a victory, and a hard-won victory, for the American people.

We come together for many reasons, first, to reaffirm our commitment to the OSCE, a unique institution grounded in the principle that the root of human insecurity is the denial of human rights.

I urge Congress to work with me in meeting these goals in the same bipartisan spirit it took to reach this very important budget agreement.

The people who live in these crossroads face truly momentous challenges.

As we prepare to enter the 21st century, we recognize that rural America will continue to be a cornerstone of our national prosperity.

Thus, FY 1998 was a very successful one for U.S. aeronautics and space programs.

I am pleased to transmit this report on the Nation's achievements in aeronautics and space during Fiscal Year (FY) 1998.

I believe we can maintain our fiscal discipline, continue to pay down our national debt, and still make the investments we must in our people and our future.

I am pleased that yesterday in Brussels the international community pledged over $1 billion in new assistance to consolidate peace and promote economic recovery in Kosovo.

In other words, in order to isolate and undermine the terrorists, there must be a political dialog and a political settlement, not with terrorists but with those who are willing to seek a peaceful resolution.

The budget makes America a safer place.

Let me just say this in closing.

I call upon all Americans to join together in an effort to educate our children about the dangers of tobacco use.

I welcome European Commission President Prodi's intention to have the EC provide nearly 12 billion euros (approximately $12.5 billion) of assistance to the region during 2000-2006.

It is a victory for all who agree that America should meet our responsibilities and maintain our leadership in the world.

I call upon all Americans, in rural and urban communities alike, to recognize the achievements of all those who work together to promote America's agricultural abundance.

I encourage all Americans to create a healthy, tobacco-free environment for themselves, their children, and their fellow citizens.

We want to see Russia a stable, prosperous, strong democracy with secure borders, strong defenses, and a leading voice in world affairs.

I am very pleased that our administration and the Congress have reached agreement on the first budget of the 21st century.

It strengthens our efforts to preserve natural areas and protect our environment.