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Technology for Economic Growth: President's Progress Report, November 1993
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NEW
YEAR ONE: THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION
A WRAP-UP
"Our democracy must be not only the envy of the world but the engine of our own renewal.
There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."
"Profound and powerful forces are shaking and remaking our world, and the urgent question
of our age is whether we can make change our friend and not our enemy. This new world has
already enriched the lives of millions of Americans who are able to compete and win in it.
But when most people are working harder for less; when others cannot work at all; when the
cost of health care devastates families and threatens to bankrupt our enterprises, great and
small; when the fear of crime robs law-abiding citizens of their freedom; and when millions
of poor children cannot even imagine the lives we are calling them to lead - we have not
made change our friend. We know we have to face hard truths and take strong steps."
(Inaugural Address)
From day one, President Clinton and Vice President Gore have proven that the gridlock that
paralyzed Washington, D.C. for years could be broken. In one year, they have accomplished many
of the principles and priorities laid out by the President:
o
The Economic Package. Signed into law on August 10, 1993
o
National Service. Signed into law on September 21, 1993
Crime Bill. Passed both Houses by November 19, 1993
The Brady Bill. Signed into law on November 30, 1993
o
Family and Medical Leave Act. Signed into law on February 5, 1993
0
NAFTA. Signed into law on December 8, 1993
o
Campaign Finance. Passed both Houses by November 22, 1993
o
Health Care Reform. Introduced on October 22, 1993
o
GATT. Agreement reached on December 15, 1993. To be introduced this spring.
REBUILDING THE ECONOMY
"We have to ask everyone to contribute something to get the job done. But we're
going to ask the most from those who got the most and gave the least during the
past dozen years, those at the top of ladder. And we're going to do everything we
can to protect people who are suffering the most from declining incomes and
vanishing jobs, the middle class and the working poor. " (First Radio Address)
MORE JOBS
Job creation is up for the first time in years. Since the Clinton Administration took office nearly
1.7 million new private sector jobs have been created over half a million more than during the
entire four years of the Bush administration.
Unemployment dropped to 6.4 percent in December, 1993 -- a three-year low.
In the first year of the Clinton administration, the economy has generated 164,000 new
payroll jobs per month - four times the average pace over the last four years.
LOWER INTEREST RATES
American consumers are benefitting from low interest and mortgage rates that make buying a
home easier and ease the burden on those who already pay their mortgages.
Interest rates have fallen sharply. In the last year, 10 year rates have dropped over a full
percentage point to 5.77%, and 30 year rates have dropped well over a point to 6.25%.
Thirty year mortgage rates are down from 8.34% a year ago to 7.19% a 25 year low.
As a result of these low rates, more than 5.4 million Americans have refinanced their homes
in 1993 for a savings of $10 billion just this year. A homeowner with a $100,000 mortgage
who refinances and saves 2 percentage points will save $1700 per year.
Since January, housing starts climbed from 1.17 million to 1.43 million in November -- the
highest level in over six years. Construction spending is up 10% over previous years and
existing home sales are the highest in 14 years.
As a result of the low rates, business investment is surging. In the third quarter of 1993,
spending on producers' durable equipment up 15% over 1992 Over the past year, spending
for producers' durable equipment has expanded at the fastest pace since 1984.
HISTORIC DEFICIT REDUCTION
Passed the single largest deficit-cutting plan in history -- over $500 billion over five years.
Created a Deficit Reduction Trust Fund that locks up at least $496 billion for the sole
propose of cutting the deficit.
The deficit reduction package included $255 billion in specific spending cuts and an
unprecedented "hard freeze" a 12 percent real reduction on all discretionary spending.
The President's additional spending reduction bill cutting $37 billion in spending was also
passed.
HELPING SMALL BUSINESS
Made new tax cuts available to over 90% of small businesses. The economic package
increases by 75 percent the maximum expensing of investment and provides a new targeted
capital gains cut for long-term investments in small businesses tax incentives that will
create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next five years.
Signed the Small Business Guaranteed Credit Enhancement Act of 1993, increasing the
availability of SBA guaranteed loans.
Initiated aggressive action to alleviate the credit crunch on small and medium sized
businesses by issuing over 10 regulatory initiatives to reduce burdens on banks, creating
greater access to credit.
EXPANDING MARKETS FOR U.S. EXPORTS
Passed the North American Free Trade Agreement ensuring that Americans will take a
leadership role in the expanding global economy. Negotiated a successful General
Agreement on Tariffs and Trades that will lower trade barriers among over 170 nations and
save American consumers billions of dollars.
Served interests of American workers and businesses by making economic issues a foreign
policy priority; coordinated G-7 growth policies at Tokyo Summit, agreed with Japan on
framework for trade talks, convened first-ever APEC leaders meeting and made efforts to
reach a successful GATT agreement.
Instituted a tough new approach to trade, ensuring that our economic and trade agreements
protect the environment and the well-being of workers.
Relaxed export controls on $37 billion worth of American products that support high-wage
American jobs.
HELPING COMMUNITIES
Created nine Economic Empowerment Zones and 95 Enterprize Communities. The plan
gives local communities the incentives and regulatory flexibility to work with the private
sector in developing comprehensive economic development strategies.
Transmitted to Congress the Community Development Banking and Financial
Institutions Act of 1993, which creates a $382 million federal fund to subsidize
community development banks.
Introduced the Housing and Community Development Act of 1993, revamping rent policy
for public housing tenants and making home ownership easier for low income Americans.
Instituted the Defense Reinvestment and Conversion Initiative, which implemented $1.7
billion in specific defense conversion programs for 1993. The package includes funding for
worker training and adjustment, investing in hard-hit communities, and the Technology
Reinvestment Project, a federal "dual-use" technology effort to help small defense firms
transition to commercial markets.
SAFER STREETS
"We must pass a tough crime bill. I support an initiative to put 100,000 more police
officers on the street -- to provide boot camps for first-time non-violent offenders, for
more space for the hardened criminals in jail and I support an initiative to do what we
can to keep guns out of the hands of criminals." ( Joint Session Address)
THE BRADY BILL
President Clinton signed the Brady Bill on November 30, 1993 -- breaking seven years of
gridlock
100,000 NEW POLICE OFFICERS
To give local and state officials the tools they need to stop crime, The President's tough
crime bills, passed by Congress, will put 100,000 more police officers on the streets, reduce
gun violence and place heavy emphasis on community policing.
SAFER SCHOOLS
Expanded funding for the SAFE Schools Initiative. The President proposed and the Senate
passed strong new measures as part of the crime bill to make our nation's schools safer.
STOP DRUGS
Elevated the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to Cabinet rank.
Signed an Executive Order reaffirming the Office of Drug Policy's agency-wide jurisdiction
over drug policy, including issues involving national security. This order also enhances the
office's role in the budget process, enabling it to work with OMB to ensure that the
President's priorities on this issue will be met.
Devised policies to more effectively combat international drug trafficking, moving away
from interdiction strategy to a more balanced approach targeting drug cartels and
cooperating with democratic governments in the hemisphere.
MORE PRISONS
The crime bill will fund the construction of new prisons to make sure that criminals stay
behind bars.
HELPING FAMILIES
"...There is a lot more we need to do to help people trapped in welfare move to work
and independence; to strengthen child support enforcement; to reward those who work
40 hours a week and have children at home with an increase in the earned income tax
credit so we can really say we're rewarding work instead of dependence - -- to immunize
all the children of this country so more parents won't have to take advantage of family
leave because their children will be well, and strong, and healthy." (Family and Medical
Leave Act signing)
TAX CUTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES (EITC)
Expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit by $21 billion over five years to lift working
families out of poverty with incentives to work. This year, 14 million families will receive
$13 billion in benefits from the EITC. When fully implemented, over 20 million households
with incomes of $27,000 or less will benefit.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Signed the Family and Medical Leave Act, providing up to 12 weeks of unpaid job-
protected leave for employees to care for family members. As a result, Americans will not
have to face the difficult choice between caring for their families or keeping their jobs.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Funded the Family Preservation and Support Initiative to help prevent child abuse and help
parents learn the skills and tools they need to raise their children
HEAD START
Substantially increased funding for Head Start by $550 million, allowing 100,000 additional
children to participate in the program.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Signed a comprehensive Child Immunization Plan which will provide vaccines, free of
charge, to six million additional American children.
UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Passed the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1993, extending unemployment
benefits for up to 26 weeks for victims of the recession and providing $4 billion in
emergency unemployment compensation to approximately 1.9 million unemployed American
workers. Quick action on the unemployment benefits bill kept 250,000 to 300,000
unemployed Americans from falling through the safety net each week.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Fully funded the special supplemental food program for Women, Infants and Children,
increasing average participation by 300,000 families, and enacted key provisions of the
Mickey Leland Act, broadening food stamp assistance for poor families with children.
NATIONAL SERVICE AND EDUCATION
"Every young American ought to be able to go to college without regard to income...
Every American ought to be able to pay back that college education at the school of his
or her own choice with two years of service to our country here at home, dealing with
the problems of America here at home. (Georgetown University Address)
NATIONAL SERVICE ACT
Signed into law a National Service Plan enabling 100,000 Americans to serve their
communities and our country and earn credit toward higher education. The AmeriCorps
participants will directly address the nation's critical needs such as education, human
service, public safety and environmental clean up.
AFFORDABLE EDUCATION
Signed the Student Loan Reform Act of 1993 making college more affordable to more
students and saving taxpayer money through direct Federal lending and income contingent
loans. Eliminating the "middle man" will reduce the cost of loans saving $3 billion over
the next five years and $2 billion each year after.
SUMMER JOBS
Enacted the 1993 Summer Youth Employment and Training Program which provided
700,000 disadvantaged young people with a chance to do meaningful community work, gain
labor market skills and earn money.
JOB TRAINING
Introduced the School-to-Work Act Opportunities Act, providing funding to states and
communities to develop and implement training programs and establish national standards
for such programs.
BETTER SCHOOLS
Introduced the "Goals 2000: Educate America Act," a comprehensive national education
reform program, and the "Improving America's Schools Act."
Signed an Executive Order on Historically Black Colleges and Universities mobilizing a
federal effort to foster the development and success of colleges and their graduates.
RESTORING TRUST IN GOVERNMENT
"I think it is clear to every American including every member of Congress of both
parties that the confidence of the people who pay our bills and our institutions in
Washington is not high. We must restore it. We must begin again to make
government work for ordinary taxpayers, not simply for organized interest groups."
(Joint Session Address)
MOTOR VOTER BILL
The President signed the National Voter Registration Act, making it easier for 70 million
unregistered Americans to register to vote.
OPENING THE RECORD ON HUMAN RADIATION EXPERIMENTS
The Clinton Administration is committed to an honest and open approach to investigating
Cold War-era government sponsored radiation experiments. The White House has formed
an interagency coordinating group to investigate the experiments.
FEMA REORGANIZATION AND DISASTER RESPONSE
FEMA has greatly improved the quality of service to victims of natural disasters,
coordinating efficient federal responses to nearly 80 declared emergencies this year.
President moved quickly to provide $6.3 billion in emergency assistance to victims of the
flooding in the Midwest and $207 million to people affected by hurricanes. Quick action
was also taken to make federal resources available to those in localities and municipalities
suffering devastation.
REDUCING COSTS TO TAXPAYERS
President Clinton reduced the White House staff -- 25% fewer staff than the previous
Administration.
Conducted the National Performance Review which provides over 1200 recommendations to
make government work better and cost less. These recommendations will trim the
government's payroll by 252,000 jobs and streamline government operations. It will cut red
tape, abandon the obsolete, eliminate duplications and end special privileges saving
taxpayers $108 billion over five years.
Ordered a reduction in federal perks, removing taxpayer subsidies of executive dining
rooms, limiting use of government aircraft and restricting uses of government vehicles.
Signed the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 requiring agencies to develop
strategic plans and performance measures to improve federal program effectiveness and
public accountability.
AN ADMINISTRATION THAT LOOKS LIKE AMERICA
Appointed the most diverse Cabinet and Administration in history. The Cabinet is 29%
African-American and 14% Hispanic, and six women occupy cabinet-level posts.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND LOBBYING REFORM
Passed sweeping campaign finance reform bills providing partial public funding of House
campaigns for candidates who agree to comply with federal spending caps and limits the
aggregate amounts candidates can receive from PACs and individual contributors. The
Senate bill limits congressional campaign spending, PAC contributions and bans the use of
"soft money" in federal campaigns.
Signed Executive Order, within minutes of taking office, imposing the strictest
Administration ethics code in history -- forbidding senior appointees from lobbying for up to
five years after leaving government.
Eliminated the tax deduction for lobbying expenses.
COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE REFORM
We must make this our most urgent priority, giving every American health security--
health care that can never be taken away, health care that is always there Now,
these, my fellow Americans, are the principles on which I think we should base our
efforts: Security, simplicity, savings, choice, quality and responsibility. (Health Care
Address)
HEALTH SECURITY
Delivered to Congress the President's Health Security Act of 1993, a comprehensive plan to
reform the nation's health care system to ensure that every American has access to good,
affordable health care. The plan embraces six principles: security, savings, quality, choice,
simplicity and responsibility. Under the Clinton plan, every American will have the right to
chose their doctor and will be issued a Health Security card that guarantees them a
comprehensive set of benefits.
RIGHT TO CHOOSE
Revoked the Reagan/Bush restrictions on abortion counseling ("the gag rule"), abortions in
military hospitals, "Mexico City" policy and RU-486 imports.
IMPROVING MEDICAL RESEARCH
Signed the National Institutes of Health Revitalization Act, removing the federal ban on
fetal-tissue transplants and research, establishing the Offices of Women's Health Research,
Minority Health Research and Alternative Medicine, and consolidating the direction and the
budget of AIDS research.
AIDS
Increased Ryan White Act funding for outpatient AIDS care by $231 million to $579
million for FY94, and proposed a 20% increase in NIH spending for AIDS research.
Appointed first ever AIDS czar to focus on consolidating federal resources and funds to find
a cure and address the issues of AIDS.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
"The American people yearn to move beyond the false choices that the last few years have
imposed upon us. For too long we have been told that we have to choose between the
economy and the environment; between our jobs; between our obligations to our own people
and our responsibilities to the future and to the rest of the world; between public action and
private economy.... America can maintain our lead in the world economy by taking the lead to
preserve the world environment." (Earth Day Address)
CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN
Introduced an innovative and comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan that saves
government and industry money, spurs economic growth, creates jobs, and addresses the
most threatening environmental issue: global warming.
FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN
Developed a Forest Management Plan that finally broke the gridlock on forest issues.
Today federal agencies are working together and with those who live and work in the region
to implement the plan and restore the economic and environmental health of the Pacific
Northwest.
WETLANDS
Introduced a wetlands plan to protect the most prolific ecosystems in the world. Wetlands
filter and cleanse water, and buffer against flooding. The Administration's package reflects
the vital need for effective protection and restoration of the nation's wetlands, and advocates
much needed reforms to increase the fairness and flexibility of Federal regulatory programs.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
The President signed a number of executive orders to lead by example, and use the
government's enormous purchasing power to drive markets for more environmental products
while saving taxpayers money:
- Recycled paper and environmentally preferable goods for Federal purchases.
- Alternative-fuel vehicles for federal fleets.
- Energy-efficient computers for all government uses.
- Accelerated government phase-out of ozone-depleting chemicals.
- Pollution Prevention Federal facilities to cut toxic emissions 50% and report
them under Right to Know laws.
BIODIVERSITY
The President signed the Biodiversity Convention reversing the previous Administration's
stance. The Administration engaged industry and the environmental community to resolve
their concerns, and the United States signed the treaty in June. Recognizing the importance
of preserving genetic resources, the biotechnology industry has widely praised the
President's leadership.
RE-AFFIRMING AMERICA'S GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
"With the Cold War over, many people ask whether the United States plans to retreat or
remain active in the world; and if active, to what end...We cannot solve every problem, but
we must and will serve as a fulcrum for change and a pivot point for peace." (United Nations
General Assembly Address)
PROMOTING DEMOCRACY, MARKET REFORM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Led support for democracy and market reform in Russia and other former Soviet states
through bilateral/multilateral aid and firm support for reformers. Created Gore-
Chernomyrdin Commission to cooperate in space, energy, defense conversion and other
areas. Secured repeal of many outdated Cold War laws.
Restored U.S. consensus on China policy for the first time since Tiananmen Square, setting
the basis for dialogue to secure improved Chinese behavior on human rights, non-
proliferation and trade
Supported South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy, including non-racial
elections in April 1994, through diplomacy, aid and lifting of sanctions.
Promoted efforts to restore democracy and President Aristide to Haiti through helping to
negotiate the Governor's Island agreement; adopted tough international sanctions when the
military in Haiti reneged on its commitments.
MIDDLE EAST PEACE
Reinvigorated Middle East peace process, leading to historic White House signing between
Israel and the PLO. Enlisted international support for process, including $2 billion pledged
at the Washington Conference. The signing signalled the beginning of the end of years of
bi-partisan foreign policy in the Middle East.
RELIEVING HUMAN SUFFERING
Provided relief to Bosnia through longest humanitarian airlift in our history; promoted peace
talks, enforced the "no-fly zone" and sanctions against Serbia, and secured NATO's firm
commitment to air strikes if needed to ensure relief and prevent Sarajevo's strangulation.
Resisted calls for precipitous pull-out from Somalia, allowing Somalia the opportunity to
prevent a return to the chaos which caused 350,000 deaths before our entry. Attacks on
US/UN forces have declined and a commission of inquiry has been established to hold
accountable those responsible for attacks on U.N. forces.
COMBATTING TERRORISM
Attacked Iraqi intelligence headquarters in response to Iraqi sponsored plot to assassinate
President Bush; imposed new US/UN sanctions on Libya to press for those implicated in
Pan Am 103 bombing to be brought to justice; adopted policy of "double containment" of
Iran and Iraq.
TOUGH STAND ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Adopted new policies to combat illegal immigration through cooperation with foreign
governments and new enforcement, while facilitating legal immigration.
STREAMLINING AND REFORM OF AID
Proposed the most comprehensive restructuring of foreign aid since the Kennedy
Administration, leaving behind Cold War baggage and promoting economic growth,
democracy, peace, sustainable development and humanitarian relief. Committed to maintain
assistance at current levels to Israel and Egypt.
COMMITMENT TO A STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE
Completed the "Bottom Up Review," the first comprehensive strategic review of defense
needs for the post-Cold War world. The process provides a road-map to maintaining strong
national security while identifying substantial defense savings.
Initiated the first review of nuclear posture since the end of the Cold War, including policy
doctrine, force structure, operations and safety.
STRENGTHENING SECURITY TIES
Proposed and won approval by NATO and the East European nations of a "Partnership for
Peace" to adapt NATO to our new European security requirements by offering former
Soviet republics and Central/East European nations closer ties with NATO. Called for
NATO Summit, to take place in January 1994.
EFFORTS TO STOP WEAPONS PROLIFERATION
Signed a comprehensive de-nuclearization treaty with the Ukraine that will eventually
eliminate more than 1500 warheads aimed at the United States today.
Adopted a comprehensive non-proliferation and export control policy, and acted firmly to
combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction by North Korea, Iran, Iraq, China and
others. Announced counter proliferation initiative to combat emerging missile, nuclear,
biological and chemical weapons threats.
Signed framework with Russia for military partnership and accelerated destruction of further
nuclear weapons. Worked with other former Soviet states on securing their commitment to
control and deactivate nuclear weapons.
Suspended nuclear testing and began work with other governments to achieve a
Comprehensive Test Ban treaty by 1996. Obtained Senate approval for Open Skies Treaty
and sent to Senate the Chemical Weapons Convention, which would ban an entire class of
weapons of mass destruction.
WORKING WITH CONGRESS
"If we work hard and if we work together, if we rededicate ourselves to creating jobs,
to rewarding work, to strengthening our families, to reinventing our government, we
can lift our country's fortunes again. There's so much good, so much possibility, so
much excitement in this country now that if we act boldly and honestly as leaders
should, our legacy will be one of prosperity and progress. This must be America's new
direction. Let us summon the courage to seize it." (Joint Session Address, February 17,
1993)
LEGISLATIVE SUCCESS: Even before the tough vote on NAFTA, studies showed that the
President had a remarkable legislative record. Congressional Quarterly found that legislation on
which the President took a stand passed 88.6 percent of the time, the highest first-year success rate
since Eisenhower in 1953. A Fordham University study found that the President won tough votes
at a higher rate: 91.3 percent of the tough votes in the House and 92.6 percent in the Senate, better
than the record of President Johnson in 1965.
BI-PARTISANSHIP, NO VETOES, MORE DEBATE, OPEN LINES OF
COMMUNICATION. Bi-partisanship support was crucial to the passage of key legislation such
as National Service, NAFTA, the Family and Medical Leave Act and flood relief. For only the
second time in 60 years, there has been no Presidential veto. Important legislation that had
previously been vetoed by President Bush -- the Family and Medical Leave Act, Motor-Voter --
was signed into law. Congress spent 40 percent more time -- 1,920 hours --in session than during
Reagan's first year. In the spirit of open communication, the President made 15 trips to Capitol
Hill this year.
Clinton Presidential Records
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TECHNOLOGY
FOR ECONOMIC
GROWTH:
PRESIDENT'S
PROGRESS
REPORT
STATEMENT PRES THE OF SEAL OF UNUM STATES THE UNITED
November 1993