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February 1995- [First Anniversary of Brady Bill Implementation] [2]
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�President·· William J·: Clinton
First Anniversary of·
Brady Bill Impl·ementation
February ·2s, 1.995 ·
Vice President
Gore, Attorney General Reno, Secretar~
Rubin, Kentucky State Police
,
Commissioner· Jerry Lovitt· (just back
from a weekend tour in the Kentucky
Army National· Guard, where he is a
Chief Warrant Officer~
[Jim Brady
acknowledgment in first- paragraph)]
[Acknowledgments:
1
(
�I
want to say a special word about a ·
man who has always understood his
responsibility to the
and to his country.
dedicate~
larg~r
community
Jim Brady
his life to public service.
In no small measure because he did,
fourteen
years ago, his life was
'
.
changed forever.
In spite of all the
hardship and pain that fbllowed, he
never looked back, but instead, fbught
on, determined to do hi.s part to
prevent the tragedy that struck him
from striking again.
Thank you, Jim.
2
�..
0
In many ways, Jim and Sarah Brady
are exactly what I'm talking about when
I talk about the New Covenant.
I
believe the best way f6r us to preserve
the American Dream for all Americans is
to build a new partnership in our
country: between Americans and theirgovernment, and· especially, .Americans·
with. their communities and each other.
I call that partnership the New
Covenant.
3·
�Governmentls responsibility is to
expand opportunity while shrinking
bureaucracy; to empowerl peo:R1e t·o make
the most of their own lives·; and to
enhance our security, not just abroad,
but at home.
demand~more
At the same time, we must
responsibility ftom every
citizen in return -- responsibility
our country, f·or our communi ties,
our families and ourselves.
4
for
f~or
�f
A crucial part of our job in
Washington is to help arm theAmerican
people
and America's police officers
-- to fight crime and violence.
The
Brady Bill may be one·of the things r·
am most proud of aB President.
Today
marks the end of its first fbll year in
effect.
We put
~n
end to seven years .
of politics-as-usual to pass the Brady
Bill in 1993.
Now,·a year after it was
implemented, we know the Brady Law
works.
5
�- -National estimates show that over
40,000 convicted felons, fugitives,.
drug dealers, and gang_members were
prevented ftom purchasing a handgun ih
the Brady Law's first e.leven months.
According to a recent study by
the~
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
-·
Firearms, that's only about 3· and a
. ·,.
half percent of- all the people who
applied to buy handguns.
Contrary to
the alarmist claims of some special
interests,
6
�- -the Brady Law isn't inf-ringing on t-he·
rights of legitimate handgun owners.
It's doing exactly what it was designed
to do-- keepiri~ weapons out of·the
hands
of·
criminals. •·
There are thousands of examples
around the country of its success.
me· share three of· them with you.
L~t
Ih
March 1994, the Brady Law stopped·a
handgun purchase by a man in Kansas
under a restraining order for allegedly
stalking his wife and threatening to
kill her.
•.
7
�-
----
- - - - - - - -
In April, the Brady Law led to the
arrest of a
Te~as
susp~cted
drug dealer in
with outstanding warrants for
possession of cocaine and heroin with
in~entr
to distribute.
In November, the Brady Law helped t·o
catch two gang members, both convicted
felons, who traveled from California to
Nevada to purchase weapons ..
These are the people the Brady Bill
was meant to stop -- law-abiding
Americans are the people the Brady Bill
was meant to protect.
8
�- -The test for the Brady Bill was simpl-e
could it save one life?·
Protect one
.
'
child walking home ftom school, so she
would feel a little safer?
Could it
spare one woman .from abuse?
I_f it·.
could, it would be a success.
done all of these
over.
thing~
It has
many times
The Brady Bill' has passed with
flying.colors.
After years and years of the same
-
.
old Washington excuses and tired old
partisan politics,
9
�..
- -the last Congress stood up to the
special interests and stood up fbr the
American people . . Theyheard the ple.as
of countless victims and answered the
call of America's police officers.
They passed the Brady Bill and they
banned 19 ·deadly assault· weapons.
s:·ome
of them laid down their seats to do, ·i.t·, ·
but America is safer .for their courage.
As well as these two laws are
working, some people in Cbngress
actually want to take back.
10
�- -r
will not let anyone take th·is
protection away from the American
people.
Mark my_ words: The Brady Bi·ll.
and the A:ssaui·t.
Weap~ns
Ban are
working, and they_ are liere to stay.
Thank you.
11
�A new study shows that the Brady Law
is doing what it is designed to do -keeping handguns out of the reach of
criminals, while not unduly infringing
on the rights of gun-owners.
A NEW STUDY SHOWS BRADY LAW WORKING
Today, President Clinton will mark the end of the first full year of the Brady Law by
meeting with Jim Brady in the Oval Office. The President will reference a new ATF study
· showing that the Brady Law, one of the President's signature accomplishments, is keeping
guns out of the hands of the small percentage of people who use them criminally. In its first
year alone, the study showed that in targeted areas: ·
•
More than 15,500 persons had their applications to buy handguns denied.
•
That includes denials 4,365 convicted felons and 945 fugitives.
Tobacco and Firearms study.]
[Bureau of Alcohol,
A CBS Evening News study showed even more dramatic numbers of denials to criminals.
After years of partisan wrangling and no action, the last Congress stood up to special
interests and did the right thing by passing the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons ban. The
President will fight any effort by this
Congress to repeal those laws.
The President is working to stop the
Balanced Budget Amendment, which faces a
�f
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\_
President William J. Clinton
First Anniversary of
Brady Bill Implementation
February 28, 1995
,
,
I
[Acknowledgments: Vice President Gore, Attorney General Reno, Secretary Rubin,
Kentucky State Police Commissioner Jerry Lovitt (just back from a weekend tour in the
Kentucky Army National Guard, where he is a Chief Warrant Officer. [Jiin Brady
acknowledgment in first paragraph)]
. I want to say a special. word about a man who has always understood his responsibility
to the larger community and to his country. Jim Brady dedicated his life to public service.
In no small measure because he did, fourteen years ago, his life was changed forever. In
spite. of all the hardship and pain that followed, he .never looked back, but instead, fought on,
determined to do his part to prevent the tragedy that struck him from striking again. Thank
you, Jim.
.
. In many ways, Jim and S~mih Brady are. exactly what I'm talking about when I talk
about the New Covenant. I believe the b~st way for us to preserve the American Dream for·
all Americans is to build a new partnership in our country: b~tween Am'ericans cm.d their
government, and especially, Americans with their communities and eafh other. I call that
.partnership the New Covenant.
Government's responsibility is to expand opportunity while shrinking bureaucracy; to
.empow:er people to make the most of !heir ·own lives; and to enhance. our security, rtot just
abroad, but at home. At the same time, we must demandmore responsibility from every .
citizen in return -- responsibility for our country, for our communities, for our families and
ourselves·. .
.
.. .
.
.
.
._ ·
A crucial part of our job in ·washington is to help arm the American people :._ and
America's police officers -- to fight crime and violence.' The Brady Bill may be one of the
things I am most proud of as President. Today marks the ~nd of its first full year in effect.
We put an end to seven: years of politics-as-usual to pass the Brady Bill in 1993.
Now, a year after. it was implemented, .we know the Brady Law works. National
estimates show that over- 40,000 convicted felons, fugitives, drug dealers, and gang members
were prevented from purchasing a handgun in the Brady Law's first eleven months.
,
I
According to a rece~t study by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fi~earms, that's
only about 3 and a half percentrof all the peopl-e who applied to buy handguns. Contrary to
the alarmist ~laims of some. special interests: the Brady Law isn't infringing on the rights of.legitimate handgun owners. It's doing exactly what it was ·designed to do -- keeping weapons
· out of the hands of criminals.
1
--------------------------'---------'------------'--'------------'--------'-_j
�- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There are thousands of exa~ples around the country of its success. Let me share three
of them with you., In March 1994, the Brady Law stopped a handgun . purchase by a man in
Kansas under a restraining order for allegedly stalking
his- wife and threatening to kill her.
'
~
. In April, the Brady Law led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Texas with
outstanding warrants for possession of cocaine and heroin with intent'to distribute.
In .November, the Brady Law helped to catch two g~g m~nibers, both convi~ted
felons, who traveled from California to Nevada to purchase weapons::~
. These ar~ the P'eople the Brady Bill wa.S meant to stop -- iaw-abiding Americans are
the people the Brady Bill was 'meant to protect. The test for the Brady Bill was simple -- ·
could it save one life? Protect one child walking home from school, so she would feel a little
safer? Could it spare one woman from abuse?. If it could, it would be a success. It has 'done
·.all of these things many. tiJ:VeS over. The Brady Bill has passed with flying c.olors. "
.
'
After years and years of the same· old Washington, excuses and tired old partisan
politics; the last Congress stood up to the special interests and stood up for the American
people. They heard the.pleas of countless victims and answered the call of America's police
officers. They passed the Brady Bill and they banned 19 deadly .assault weapons. Some· of
them laid down their seats. to do it, ·but· America is· safer for their courage.
As well ·as these two laws are working, some people in Congress actually- wl;int to take ·
back. I will not let anyone take this protection away from the American people. Mark my
words: The Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban are working, and
stay.
Thank you.·
2
the~
are here to
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02/27/95 '
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FACSIMILE COVER SHEET
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OFFICE OF THE
·UNDER SECRETARY FOR ENFORCEMENT;DEPA:...~TMENT OF THE .T~ASURY .
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Phone: (202) 622-0240
·- Fax:. (202) 622-5040
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Brady Law Anniversary
· February 28, 1995 , ·
Most important 3 points about
'
Brady:
· The Brady Law is working by every measure available. It is stopping convicted
criminals and other prohibited persons from g~tting handguns, not by the tens,
hundreds, or thousands, but by the' tens. of thousands .a year,· up to 41,000 this year
·
· ·
alone.
-The Brady law works by empowering state and- local p~lice in the ·fight against violent
crime. Every Brady check that reveals a criminal .record or other prohibited status
information tells loc~ or state police agency about a convicted criminal trying to get
a handgun in. their jurisdiction. ·
·'
a
Brady is not preventing law. abiding citizens from bu):ing_ a firearm .. l.xlo:k at the
· number of checks being run: local and state police are doing hundreds of thousands of~
che_cks, but onJy small percent-- no more than 3.5% ·- aie being stopped. :Brady is
like security at airports. A slight inconvenience is worth the protection that all of us
' are getting from preventing potentially dangerous persons from getting jmmediate '
access. to handguns.
·
·
a
. ·Law abiding citizens who want to buy a handgun can do s~. Persons who are
a threat to those citizens cannot go to the same gun store and arm themselves.
Thi~ is a law against criminals" What Brady does is put the balance of safety
on the side of law abiding citizens. ·
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Questio~s
& Answers
Brady Law Anniversary
February 28, 1995
Q.
Your repon: shows. that a· lot of people are being_ prev:ented from ~uying
handguns. But you are not reporting that the OVERALL VIOLENT CRIME
RATE in the _nation's cities bas gone doll'n. The Brady Law hasn't really had an
~~cth~H?
A.
.
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This bill makes a difference. This is the first year we have had a_ nationwide check
on gun purchases. We know that it has stopped up _to 41,000 potentiallydangerous
people from buying a gun from a dealer. This law dries up a significant source of
guns to criminals, a source that has been available for the more than 20 years since
the Gun Control Act ofl96_8. As the implementation continues, and the checks
become quicker and easier, then these.checks, combined with the other elements pf
our anti-cnme strategy, should have a positiv~ impact on the violent crirrie rate.
6 questions
on BLACK MARKETS. SECONDARY MARKETS.
LOOPHOLES:
Q.
Doesn't this law 111ean that gun buyers will just get their guns.from the streets?
Haven't you created a new black market?
A.
Tens of thousands. of prohibited buyers have been brazenly ·shopping in the federally
licensed retail stores. These pur:chasf!S are now ~topped. By forcing felons out of our _nation's licensed gun stores; we make harder to· felons to get guns and· free up ··
resources for law enforcement to go_ after illegal gun traffickers.
· Q.
A.
Reports show gun thefts are on the increase. Haven~t you created a new
·
·
. problem?'
The Brady law made stealing firearms a federal crime for the first time.' Our Crime
Bill made· reporting those thefts· mandatory for the first time. Law enforcement now
has critical information it needs to go after illegal traffickers who sen· guns-to drug
dealers and felons who cannot buy them in stores: We've put in place tough laws .to
· deal.with gun ~efts.
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Isn't this like Prohibition where you are
with people's r;ights?
·
cr~ting
.,
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•
more violence by interfering
The-Brady law is not like Prohibition. Prohibition failed because it prohibited nori~
offenders from buying alcohol. ·_The Brady law. does not outlaw gun sales. It outlaws
gun salesto potentially dangerous persons .:._ felons, fugitives, drug dealers, and
suspeeted stalkers;
·
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Q.
In tbe fU'St draft of the Crime Bill you supported~ pawnshops had to do checks
on redeemed guns. ·Under the final version you supported, redemptions aren~t
subject to checks. Isn't this a loophole you want to see closed?
A.
The pawnshop exemption included in the Crime Bill only applies to original owners
redeeming their own gun. New buyers still go through. a check. In addition we ate ·
continuing to monitor the effect of the pawn'shop exemption.
Q.
People can still buy guns from their neighbors with' no background check,. or buy
. one at a gun show or flea market from a no'n-licensed individual. Aren't these
loopholes that gut the law?
·
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A.
There are millions of guns in the hands of law abiding citizens.' La~ .abiding citizens
_with guns, are not selling their guns to drug dealers and fugitives. Right now, ATF is
working with police all around the country on illegal sales in places like gun shows. _
Like pawnshop. sales to owners, this is a iliarket we will have to ·monitor for abuses .. '
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Q.
A. .
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The Crime Bill includes,a federal prohibition against a person under certain
restraining orders from buying or possessing fireanns. · Bllt the Brady Conn does
. not aSk for INFORMATION ON RESTRAINING ORDERS. Why haven't you,
amended the Brady Conn to· reflect the impQrtant protection given to women? .
While .it may not be on. that form, the evidence in front of us is that local police are ·
aware of the prohibition and are responding effectively, This is the kind of technical
be worked out over time.
issue that will
.
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Q.
.You have reported very few FEDERAL PROSECUTIONS for filling out the
Brady fonn falsely. Why aren't you enforcing the law and doesn't this mean it
isn't working? [NRA tack]
A.
I have a report·in front of me that says ·that thousands of fugitives and felons and
many persons under stalking-related restraining orders have been stopped from buying·
handguns. It reports on arrests of people for violations of local, state, and federal
law. It says that up to41,000 prohibited persons were stopped from buying a
handgun in Brady states, arid ATF estimates that there were over 30,000 in states .
with Brady~equivalent checks. This is overwhelming evidence is. that the law is
working very very well. The facts clearly show this law is d<;:~ing the job -..ye intended
it to do.
·
·
In addition. there have been federal prosecutions already, there are federal_cases
under investigation that will iikely lead. to prosecutions, and there. will be more
investigations and· prosecutions in the fut1Jre.
3
�02)27/95
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,16:01 ' . '5'9 202 6225040
You are not doing very weD in CO'QRT CHALLENGES.,, Five district courts
have said that the requiring a criminal records check on prospective gun
purchasers violates the Tenth Amendment. Doesn't this mean the Brady hiw is' in
trouble?'
A.
No. All six courts in which local sheriffs have· filed challenges have sustained the
constitutionality of the law. 'The Tenth Amendment ruling in five of these courts only
means. that the federal government cannot mandate that the local chief has to run a
records check on the Brady form. The over.vhelming evidence is that around the
country local chiefs are finding Brady checks to be a powerful tool and are using it
. . effectively to protect citizens. Finally, we're·very confident that as the cases move
.·. 'through the courts, we ~ill prevail.
Is there a HASSLE FACTOR here? 'In some cities there ~re r~ports that would
· be gun .buyers are stopped from buying a ,gun for minor ,infractions such as
error iii filling out the form? Isn't this
unpaid parking tickets or because of
Jaw .interfermg with law abiding citizen purchases?
·
an
A.
Remember. that the law provides that if a citizen is in demonstrable danger, local law
enforcement can. authorize them to obtain.a handgun without any further background
check or w~tting period. Beyond that, buyers and dealers have an obligation tO fill
out the form correctly, and we all as citizens have 'the responsibility of meeting.our
civic obligations. The Brady law helps lo.cal law enforcement to do it~ job .. I am
confident tha~ local law enforcement officials answerable to their communities will
exerCise common sense in enforcing this Jaw.
Q.
Reports are showing that the Brady bill has put tens of thousands of GUN
DEALERS OUT OF· BUSINESS by increasing license fees and inlposing new ·
obligations. Isn~t this more harassment of law abiding small business and sinall
arms buyers?
,
·
A. ·
No. What we have don~ with the support of gun deMers is·to erysure the integ.ri,ty of .
. · the system by which dealers are licenseA:i. All you have to do to· get a license is to ·
properly identify, yourself, and to be able to operate in compliance with local,. state,
. and. federal law.· The people who are losing their licenses are people who cannot
·meet these v_ery reasonable standards. The fees help pay for law enforcement that
~rot~ts law abiding citizens.
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·4 g·uestions on tougher enforcement:
Q.
A..
'Q.
Are the Brady checks and Brady equiYalent checks CATCHING ALL THE ·
PROHffi11'~ PERSONS.?
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. No they are not. Brady is working very well and,; because of the unique federal state
partnership that it has created, we can expect it to work better in the future. The law
~ permits a check that local and state law enforcement. can reasonably do ":'ith the
resources· available to them. But we have a long way to go. Millions of dollars are .
. being spent to upgrade the completeness, timeliness, and access by law enforcement '
to criminal justice records. Attorney General Reno is working yery hard every day to
improve the record keeping systems that will be accessible through the in_sta-checks ...
··The Brady law. requires transition to an INSTA~·CHECK SYSTEM.. Many stat~
have such a system already or are moving in that direction~ . Doesn't this defeat
the purpose of pro.v~ding for a .cooling off period of S days?
A.·
The Brady law is not a waiting period la~. It is a background check law, and it
mandates a transition to an insta-check system. The evidence is overwhelming that
background cheeks are the most effective means of stopping offenders and letting
people cool off. When a.person under. a restraining order for·threateriing to kill his
wife atte~pts to buy a handgun and gets contacted by the police, there is a cooling off
effect. When a person goes in to buy a handgun and is prohibited by state law and
gets arrested for it, or when a fugitive is apprehended, their ability and desire to buy
a handgun is cooled off ·. Knowing that' a report will be made to the local police will
hav~ a chilling effect on a perso~. who has an impulse to buy a handgun for d~gerous
purposes.
Q•
Do you support Brady ll?
\
A.
We have to. set priorities~ · We need. to do what :is r~sonable ·and ~xarr.ine how this
works before :we propose additional laws· that· affect American dtizens. The Brady
Bill has stopped tens Of thousands of potentially, dangerous persons from buying ·
handguns. We have to let this law take hold before we look at what needs to be done
further .. And the Brady Law is only a part ofour anti-crime strategy. We are also
· focusing on the assault weapons ban, and on fighting congressional· efforts to /
compromise the country's capacity to fight crime. ·
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16:02
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How does Brady protect. citizens when local police do_ not respond to the
.
information on it? (For instance, Brady check shows that i.d. is from murder
victim. Seller denies
but local police fail to rea~t. Pres~mptive murderer ·
get~ away. Such stories are un~oubtedly out there.)'
gun,
A:
Before Brady, ·local police ·would· not even . hav,e had the opportunity to act' on
· information about felons, drug dealers, and stalkers. Any law will break do:wn if .
.
there is a failure by the law enforcement agency. I am certain that loc31 police are
· doing the best job they can. We have many examples of responsive, effective ~ctioris1
by local enforcement. The fact that in isolated instances the response is questionable
1
does not challenge the effective of this Ia~ and the tool it provides local law
enforcement..
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16:03
committing some terrible crimes.
-it
We
work under the premise most gun buyers are good, hon~st·
people.
They are. 'We found
1:93
out of every
200
people had
I
no problems passing the packground.check.
Brady is like security at airports.
way.
I look at it this
The. slight ,
inconvenience is ~orth the protection all of us·are getting~
~aving m~ntioned the numbers;'
let irie' say this: . the' :story of·
Brady is also in th~ real life police investigations behind the
numbers.
We'll hear about some of those today, too.
But one last point I want to make is this:
by empowering state and local police.
Brady also works·
Every check that reveals
a
criminal reco'rd .tips off a. cop that a criminal is trying to get a.
handgun ·in their jurisdiction.
I ·doubt they're buying guns.to go
duck hunting.
So, I _don't know how anyone can pick up this report (hold up
·~
report) ....
and not say:
the Brady
It is my pleasure.to·introduce·someone who.r.ha:ve start;.ed
working very closely with, the Attorney General. ('General Reno'?
-30- .
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President William J. Clinton
Radio Address to the Nation
February 18, 1995
.1
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"i
Good morning. I'm joined today by the Houston
Rockets -- last year's National Basketball Association
champs. I'm glad they're here, because.J think team
sports reflect America at its best. Anyone can rise as
far as their God-given talents and hard work will take
them. That doesn't mean everybody can lead the NBA
. in scoring -- the American Dream doesn't guarantee
results for anybody. But it does mean that the
.opportunity is there, if you're willing to sweat, and
struggle,· and do your very best. At the same time, for
teams to really succeed, people have to work together.
2
�~~-------------~
Hakeem Olajuwon will probably be the first to admit
that stars can break records, but only teamwork wins
championship rings.
That's what I mean when I talk about a New
Covenant in America. Government's job is to expand
opportunity while shrinking bureaucracy; to empower
people to make the most of their own lives; and to
enhance security, not just abroad, but at home, too. At
the same time, we must demand more responsibility
from every citizen in return -- not just for ourselves and
our families, but for our community and our country.
Like any sports team, we're all in this together.
3
�I know that the American people ·want us to work
together in Washington. I've reached out to the
Republican Congress. There are many areas where we
can work together·to improve the lives of hardworking
Americans: is.sues like reducing unfunded mandates on
state and local governments; the line-item veto; giving
more flexibility to the states to reform welfare and
health care.
But there is no question that we still have our
differences. And when we do, I'm going to judge a
policy on whether it helps hardworking Americans and
their families.
4
�>·
If it does, I'll support it, I'll fight for it, I'll sign it into
law. But I will oppose any effort that isn't really in
their interest.
,Just this week, we have seen where some of those
differences lie. When I ran for President, I promised to
cut 100,000 bureaucrats and use the money to put
100,000 new police officers on the streets. We're
keeping that promise --enabling half the police
departments in America to hire over 16,000 police
officers in the four months since the Crime Bill took
effect.
5
�Incredibly, Republicans in the House of
Representatives voted to .replace our guarantee to put
100,000 police on the street with a blank check that has
no guarantees at all. I am all for reducing bureaucracy
-- communities can apply for police money with a one- .
page, eight-question application .. But I know that the
American people want more police on the street; they
· know it's the best crime-fighting tool there is. I'm
going to work with the Senate to fix the House
'
proposal. But I will veto any effort to repeal or
undermine our 100,000 police promise.
6
�As we enter the 21st century, education and
r
training are the keys to opportunity for every
American. That's why we reformed the student loan
system by eliminating the middlemen, saving taxpayers
$12.Billion a year and making college more affordable.
We reformed Head Start and expanded it by 30,000
children. We're helping young people who don't
choose college learn the skills .they need to get and keep
high-paying jobs.
Republicans ought to support these things -- instead
they want to cap them, slow them, or stop them
altogether.
7
�c.
'
But creating opportunity for people who take
·responsibility for themselves is exactly what
government should be doing. Republicans see
education as just another place to cut and gut. I
certainly want to cut government -- but I am not going
to do it at the expense of our children's skills and
education.
Finally, this week our Administration opposed
Republican efforts to force the government to spend
billions on a Star
W~rs
type defense system --diverting
resources from high-priority areas and threatening the
Anti-Ballistic Missile. Treaty.
8
�I was gratified that Democrats --and ·some Republicans
--had the courage to defeat this unacceptable, and.
unconstitutional, infringement on the President's
authority. America's security must never be about
Republicans and Democrats, about who is President and
who controls Congress. National security should never
be a partisan issue. I will not allow Congress to
jeopardize our security by making it one.
Our job -- no matter our party -- is to work
together to move America forward, preserving the
American Dream for all Americans.
9
�·)
That's why I proposed the Middle Class Bill of Rights - to cut taxes to help
American~
invest in their familes
and in their skills and education. That's why I want to
increase the minimum wage -- so people who take the
responsibility to work fulltime can earn a living doing
it.
I will fight for every idea, every proposal, every
piece of legislation that strengthens the American
Dream -- but I will do everything in my power to fight
against anything that weakens it.
Thanks for listening.
10
�- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - -
'
-)
..
-'.1
President William J. Clinton
Radio Address to the Nation
February 18, 1995
1
�Good morning. I'm joined today by the Houston
Rockets -- last year's National Basketball Association
champs. I'm glad they're here, because I think team
sports reflect America at its best. Anyone can rise as
far as their God-given talents and hard work will take
them. That doesn't mean everybody can lead the NBA
in scoring .:._ the American Dream doesn't guarantee
results for anybody. But it does mean that the
opportunity is there, if you're willing to sweat, and
struggle, and do your very best. At the same time, for
teams to really succeed, people have to work together.
2
�I
Hakeem
Olajuw~n
will probably be the first to admit
that stars can break records, but only teamwork wins
championship rings.
That's what I mean when I talk about a New
Covenant in America. Government's job is to expand
. opportunity while shriQking bureaucracy; to empower
people to make the most of their own lives; and to
enhance security, not just abroad, but at home, too. At
the same time, we must demand more responsibility
from every citizen in return -- not just for ourselves and
our families, but for our community and our country.
Like any sports team, we're all in this together.
3
�\·
I know that the American people· want us to work
together in Washington.· I've reached out to the
Republican Congress. There are many areas where we
can work together to improve the lives of hardworking
Americans: issues like reducing unfunded mandates on
state and local governments; the line-item veto; giving
more flexibility to the states to reform welfare and
health care.
But there is no question that we still have our
differences. And when we do, I'm going to judge a
· policy on whether it helps hardworking Americans and
their families.
4
�--------------------------------------
If it does, I'll support it, I'll fight for it, I'll sign it into
law. But I will oppose any effort that isn't really in
their interest.
Just this week, we have seen where some of those
differences lie. When I ran for President, I promised to
cut 100,000 bureaucrats and use the money to put
100,000 new police officers on the streets. We're
keeping that promise -- enabling half the police
departments in America to hire over 16,000 police
officers in the four months since the Crime Bill took
effect.
5
�~·
Incredibly, Republicans in the House of
Representatives voted to replace our guarantee to put
.
'
100,000 police on the street with a blank check that has
no guarantees at all. I am all for reducing bureaucracy
-- communities can apply for police money with a onepage, eight-question application. But I know that the
American people want more police on the street; they
D
.
know it's the best crime-fighting tool there is. I'm
going to work with the Senate to fix the House
proposal. But I will veto any effort to repeal or
undermine our 100,000 police promise.
6
�As we enter the 21st century, education and
training are the keys to opportunity for every
American. That's why we reformed the student loan
system by eliminating the· middlemen, saving taxpayers
$12 Billion a year and making college more affordable.
We reformed Head Start and·expanded it by 30,000
children. We're helping young people who don't
choose. college learn the skills they need to get and keep
high-paying jobs.
Republicans ought to support these things -they want to cap them, slow them, or stop them
altogether.
7
instea~
�But creating opportunity for people who take
responsibility for themselves is exactly wJtat
government should be doing. Republicans see
education as just another place to cut and gut. I
certainly want to cut government -- but I am not going
to do it at the expense of our children's skills and
education.
Finally, this week our Administration opposed
Republican efforts to force the government to spend
billions on a Star Wars type defense system -- diverting
resources from high-priority areas and threatening the
Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty.
8
�I was gratified that Democrats -- and· some Republicans
-- had the courage to defeat this unacceptable, and
unconstitutional, infringement on the President's
authority. America's security must never· be about
Republicans and Democrats, about who is President and
who controls Congress. National security should never
be a partisan issue. I will not allow Congress to
jeopardize our security by making it one.
Our job -- no matter our party -- is to work
together to move America forward, preserving the
·American Dream for all Americans.
9
�That's why I proposed the Middle Class Bill of Rights - to cut taxes to help Americans invest in their familes
and in their skills and education.
T~at' s
why I want to
.
increase the minimum wage -- so people who take the
responsibility to work fulltime can earn a living doing
it.
I will fight for every idea, every proposal, every
piece of legislation that strengthens the American
. Dream -- but I will do everything in my power to fight
against anything that weakens it.
Thanks for listening.
10
�.....
'
President William J. Clinton
Radio Address to the Nation
February 18, 1995
Good morning. I'm joined today by the Houston Rockets-- last year's National
Basketball Association champs. I'm glad they're here, because I think team SPQrts reflect
America at its best. Anyone can rise as far as their God-given talents and hard work will
take them. That doesn't mean everybody can lead the NBA in scoring -- the American
Dream doesn't guarantee results for anybody. But it
mean that the opportunity is there,
if you're willing to sweat, and struggle, and do your very best. At the same time, for teams
to really succeed, people have to work together. Hakeem Olajuwon will probably be the first
to admit that stars can break records, but only teamwork wins championship rings.
m
That's what I mean when I talk about a New Covenant in America. Government's
job is to expand opportunity while shrinking bureaucracy; to empower people to make the
most of their own lives; and to enhance security, not just abroad, but at home, too. At the
same time, we must demand more responsibility from every citizen in return -- not just for
ourselves and our families, but for our community and our country. Like any sports team,
we're all in this together.
I know that the American people want us to work together in Washington. I've
reached out to the Republican Congress. There are many areas where we ~ work together
to improve the lives of hardworking Americans: issues like reducing unfunded mandates on
state and local governments; the line-item veto; giving more flexibility to the states to reform
welfare and health care.
But there is no question that we still have our differences. And when we do, I'm
going to judge a policy on whether it helps hardworking Americans and their families. If it
does, I'll support it, I'll fight for it, I'll sign it into law. But I will oppose any effort that
isn't really in their interest.
Just this week, we have seen where some of those differences lie. When I ran for
President, I promised to cut 100,000 bureaucrats and use the money to put 100,000 new
police officers on the streets. We're keeping that promise-- enabling half the police
departments in America to hire over 16,000 police officers in the four months since the
Crime Bill took effect.
Incredibly, Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to replace our
guarantee to put 100,000 police on the street with a blank check that has no guarantees at all.
I ari1 all for reducing bureaucracy --communities can apply for police money with a onepage, eight-question application. But I know that the American people want more police on
the street; they know it's the best crime-fighting tool there is. I'm going to work with the
Senate to fix the House proposal. But I will veto any effort to repeal or undermine our
100,000 police promise.
As we enter the 21st century, education and training are the keys to opportunity for
1
�every American. That's why we reformed the student loan system by eliminating the
middlemen, saving taxpayers $12 Billion a year and making college more affordable. We
reformed Head Start and expanded it by 30,000 children. We're helping young people who
don't choose college learn the skills they need to get and keep high-paying jobs.
Republicans ought to support these things -- instead they want to cap them, slow
them, or stop them altogether. But creating opportunity for people who take responsibility
for themselves is exactly what government should be doing. Republicans see education as
just another place to cut and gut. I certainly want to cut government -- but I am not going todo it at the expense of our children's skills and education.
Finally, this week our Administration opposed Republican efforts to force the
government to spend billions on a Star Wars type defense system -- diverting resources from
high-priority areas and threatening the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. I was gratified that
Democrats -- and some Republicans -- had the courage to defeat this unacceptable, and
unconstitution~, infringement on the President's authority. America's security must never be
about Republicans and Democrats, about who is President and who· controls Congress.
National security should never be a partisan issue. I will not allow Congress to jeopardize
our security by making· it one.
Our job-- no matter our party --is to work together to move America forward,
preserving the American Dream for all Americans. That's why I proposed the Middle Class
Bill of Rights -- to cut taxes to help Americans invest in their familes and in their skills and
education. That's why I want to increase the minimum wage-- so people who take the
responsibility to work fulltime can earn a living doing it.
I will fight fQr every idea, every proposal, every piece of legislation that strengthens
the American Dream -- but I will do everything in my power to fight against anything that
weakens it.
Thanks for listening.
2
�President William J. Clinton
Radio Address to the Nation
February 18, 1995
Good morning. I'm joined today by the Houston Rockets-- last year's National
Basketball Association champs. I'm glad they're here, because I think team sports reflect
America at its best. Anyone can rise as far as their God-given talents and hard work will
take them. That doesn't mean everybody can lead the NBA in scoring -- the American
Dream doesn't guarantee results for anybody. But it
mean that the opportunity is there,
if you're willing to sweat, and struggle, and do your very best. At the same time, for teams
to really succeed, people have to work together. Hakeem Olajuwon will probably be the first
to admit that stars can break records, but only teamwork wins championship rings.
m
That's what I mean when I talk about a New Covenant in America. Government's
job is to expand opportunity while shrinking bureaucracy; to empower people to make the
most of their own lives; and to enhance security, not just abroad, but at home, too. At the
same time, we must demand more responsibility from every citizen in return -- not just for
ourselves and our families, but for our community and our country. Like any sports team,
·
we're all in this together.
I know that the American people want us to work together in Washington. I've
reached out to the Republican Congress. There are many areas where we gn work together
to improve the lives of hardworking Americans: issues like reducing unfunded mandates on
state and local governments; the line-item veto; giving more flexibility to the states to reform
welfare and health care.
But there is no question that we still have our differences. And when we do, I'm
going to judge a policy on whether it helps hardworking Americans and their families. If it
does, I'll support it, I'll fight for it, I'll sign it into law. But I will oppose any effort that
isn't really in their interest.
Just this week, we have seen where some of those differences lie. When I ran for
President, I promised to cut 100,000 bureaucrats and use the money to put 100,000 new
police officers on the streets. We're keeping that promise -- enabling half the .police
departments in America to hire over 16,000 police officers in the four months since the
Crime Bill took effect.
Incredibly, Republicans in the House of Representatives voted to replace our
guarantee to put 100,000 police on the street with a blank check that has no guarantees at all.
I am all for reducing bureaucracy --communities can apply for police money with a onepage, eight-question application. But I know that the American people want more police on
the street; they know it's the best crime-fighting tool there is. I'm going to work with the
Senate to fix the House proposal. But I will veto any effort to repeal or undermine our
100,000 police promise.
As we enter the 21st century, education and training are the keys to opportunity for
1
�every American. That's why we reformed the student loan system by eliminating the
middlemen, saving taxpayers $12 Billion a year and making college more affordable. We
reformed Head Start and expanded it by 30,000 children. We're helping young people who
don't choose college learn the skills they need to get and keep high-paying jobs.
·
Republicans ought to support these things-- instead they want to cap them, slow
them, or stop them altogether. But creating opportunity for people who take responsibility
for themselves is exactly what government should be doing. Republicans see education as
just another place to cut and gut. I certainly want to cut government -- but I am not going to
do it at the expense of our children's skills and education.
Finally, this week our Administration opposed Republican efforts to force the
government to spend billions on a Star Wars type defense system -- diverting resources from
high-priority areas and threatening the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. I was gratified that
Democrats -- and some Republicans -- had the courage to defeat this unacceptable, and
unconstitutional, infringement on the President's authority. America's security must never be ,
about Republicans and Democrats, about who is President and who controls Congress.
National security should never be a partisan issue. I will not allow Congress to jeopardize
, our security by making it one.
Our job --no matter our party ~-is to work together to move America forward,
preserving the American Dream for all Americans. That's why I proposed the Middle Class.
Bill of Rights -- to cut taxes to help Americans invest in their familes and in their skills and
education. That's why I want to increase the minimum wage-- so people who take the
responsibility to work fulltime can earn a living doing it.
I will fight for every idea, every proposal, every pieCe of legislation that strengthens
the Amencan Dream -- but I will do everything in my power to fight a~ainst anything that
weakens it.
Thanks for listening.
2
�·---·
-
··---
"'
President. William J. Clinton
Radio Address to the Nation
February 25, 1995
(
1
f
�Good morning. I believe our responsibility, in this
time of change, is to preserve the American Dream for
)
-
those who come after us, and to enter the next century_
still the strongest country on earth.
Part of our obligation is to be fiscally responsible ..
That's exactly what I've done with each budget I've
submitted to Congress: cutting government, cutting ·the
deficit, and investing in the American people to
strengthen their economic future.
Two years ago, when 1 submitted my first budget,
some argued that it was impossible to dramatically
reduce the deficit and create jobs at the same time.
2
�-
---····--·--
'•
Two years later, the facts have. silenced the naysayers.
We have cut the deficit by over $600 Billion; my
new budget will cut it another $80 Billion. My 1993.economic plan cut over 300 domestic programs;. my
new budget· eliminates or consolidates 400. more. .And
'
'
since I took· office, the economy has created almost 6
Million new j ()bs.
I remain committed to cutting the deficit, and
moving toward a balanced budget -- but ram opposed'
to a dangerous device like the balanced budget
amendment· now before Congress.
3
�--
~·
.____..._ -·-
Deficit reduction is fiscal responsibility, but a balanced ·
budget amendment is fiscal and constitutional
irresponsibility.
We'·re fortunate that today;s economy is strong_. ·
But when the economy is weak, many people need·a::· ·
'
little help, like unemployment insurance, to get bacK on·
. J,
-
.
·..
. ;
their feet. And the last thing they need is a, tax hike .. · ·
.
,.;,._..
But a ·balanced budget amendment. will force us ·.to. rais~
.
.
taxes or cut services every time the economy is weak. ·
That kind of fiscar policy makes a small recession
worse; it's what helped to turn the economic slowdown
.•
in the 1930's into the Great Depression.
4
�-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
.
-4
According to the Treasury Department, if a
balanced budget amendment had been in effect in 1992,
during the height of the last recession, another 1. s~
Million people would have lost their jobs.
A balanced budget amendment would wreak havoc
with the system our Founders created. The
Constitution clearly establishes that budgetary choices
should be· made by. our elected representatives. But
under a balanced budget· amendment, budget decisions
c~uld
end up. being made by judges who aren't even
elected. That's why an army of constitutional scholars
from .every part of the political spectrum, ...
5
�... from Robert Bork to Lawrence Tribe, has advised the
Senate to defeat the balanced budget Amendment. We
· should not lightly fool with the sanctity of the
Constitution.
Passing a balanced budget amendment does not
balance the budget. It only requires Congress. to come ·
up with a drastic combination of cuts and tax hikes to
'
get there
'
by a certain date. The new Congress has been
here over fifty days, but the Republican leadership has
offered no serious ·explanation. of how to balance the
.
budget by 2002, as they're proposing. That's
unacceptable.
6
�'
.
In many ways, the federal budget is a statement··
about our priorities as a nation. . The American people
'
'
have a right to know what would be cut, and how it·
would affect them. Only recently have Republicans
started to make .their priorities
clear~
I will work with
them on many things, but I believe that some
Republican priorities are m.ean-spirited and run counter
to the best traditions of America. I .disagree
w~th
them,
and 1 think the American people do too.
'
We should not take school lunches away from .
children. But the Republicans have proposed to do
exactly that.
7
�- -
'
~
This is a program that's done a world of good for
millions of children from all backgrounds across
America since Harry Truman was President. It would
be a terrible mistake to· take it away.
We should not dramatically increase the cost
of~
college tuition for millions of students. But the
Republicans have proposed to eliminate the student loan
-
subsidy and start charging interest on loans to students
.
-,......,
while they're still in college. We need more people
'
.
going to college at lower costs, not fewer people going_
to college at higher costs. ·
8
.
�------------------
- - - - - - - - -
..
__ ___- -·
..-.___.
.
And we must uphold- our
resp~nsibility
to care for
elderly Americans. Itis important to i:ne, and it is
important to, most people in this country. But
Republicans are suggesting dramatic cuts in Medicare
and other services to our oldest citizens.
These are some of the Republican targets for cuts if_a balanced budget amendment is adopted. lbelieve·
they are the wrong choices for America. 1 was sent·
here to stand up for our children, and- for people who
work to make the most of their lives. 1 am not going to
let them down.
9
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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Jonathan Prince
Creator
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Office of Speechwriting
Jonathan Prince
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1993-1998
Is Part Of
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<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36296" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7763293" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Identifier
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2006-0466-F
Description
An account of the resource
Jonathan Prince served in various capacities during the two terms of the Administration. He was one of President Clinton’s speechwriters, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and directed the public relations effort related to the fallout from the bombing of refugees by NATO forces during the war in Kosovo. This collection consists his speechwriting files which contain speech drafts, handwritten notes, memoranda, correspondence, publications, and schedules. Prince wrote most of President Clinton’s radio addresses from 1993-1997. He also specialized in dealing with domestic issues such as crime, gun control, unemployment, urban development, and welfare.
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Extent
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187 folders in 11 boxes
Text
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Original Format
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Paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
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February 1995 – [First Anniversary of Brady Bill Implementation] [2]
Creator
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Office of Speechwriting
Jonathan Prince
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0466-F
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 5
<a href="http://www.clintonlibrary.gov/assets/Documents/Finding-Aids/2006/2006-0466-F.pdf" target="_blank">Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7763293" target="_blank">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
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Adobe Acrobat Document
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Reproduction-Reference
Date Created
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12/15/2014
Source
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42-t-7763293-20060466F-005-008-2014
7763293