THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 30, 2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Today I have signed into law H.R. 1654, the "National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2000."
I commend the bipartisan efforts of the Congress to pass a NASA
authorization bill that funds my Administration's priorities, including
building the International Space Station, improving Space Shuttle safety,
reducing the cost of access to space through the new Space Launch
Initiative, and investing in outstanding science and technology.
I am disappointed, however, that this bill falls short of enabling
NASA to conduct the most balanced, efficient, and effective space program.
My Administration communicated significant objections and concerns with
H.R. 1654 as it progressed through the legislative process. This bill
satisfactorily addresses many of the key concerns; however, it limits
NASA's flexibility to pursue a promising commercial habitation module for
the International Space Station. It also includes several other
objectionable provisions and fails to include all but one of the fourteen
legislative provisions proposed by my Administration.
I have signed this bill today because it authorizes funding for a
robust space and aeronautics program for the Nation.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
THE WHITE HOUSE,
October 30, 2000.
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