Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, June 18, 1993 TAG: 9306180136
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Clinton also claimed success in the U.N. military campaign against a Somali warlord. The action is "over and it was a success," he said, adding that the international military action had "crippled the forces" of Gen. Mohamed Farrah Aidid.
"Here at home America's on the move. The last few days have been impressive," Clinton said, citing congressional movement this week on three of his initiatives: legislation to cut the deficit, reform political campaign funding and implement a program of national service.
Borrowing a tactic favored by Ross Perot, Clinton used two large charts to illustrate his arguments for Congress to pass his economic program.
"I have tried to tell the truth to the American people, and if this plan passes you will see a continuation of the last several months" in which interest rates moved lower and thousands of new jobs were created, he said.
On Somalia, Clinton told the news conference - his first during prime television time - that Gen. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had "reported to me this afternoon that this operation was over and was a success."
He said the US-led operation had "sought to preserve the credibility of peace keeping in Somalia and around the world. Our objectives were clear," he said. "In this battle, heroism knew no flag."
Clinton said he remains optimistic Congress can pass a health-care reform plan this year, even though unveiling the package has been repeatedly put off while he presses for enactment of his deficit-reduction plan.
He predicted a public outcry from American people and businesses worried about their health insurance coverage and costs will increase pressure for passage of the plan.
"Whenever the debate begins in earnest, you will see the prospects of passage intensify, not diminish," he said.
by CNB