THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

              STATEMENT BY CHIEF OF STAFF LEON E. PANETTA
                   ON CONTINUING RESOLUTION AGREEMENT

The continuing resolution agreed to by the Administration and the Congressional leadership will enable us to continue providing important services for the American people while Congress takes the time it needs to complete work on fiscal year 1996 appropriations.

The agreement provides funding on a temporary basis at an overall level close to that proposed by the Congress, but it does not accept the proposals of the Congressional majority for drastic cuts in education, environmental protection, and other priorities important to the President and the American people.

There has been too much irresponsible talk about using the threat of government shutdown or default to force a particular set of priorities on the American people. This continuing resolution will establish a level playing field, extending the deadline for Congress to do its job and allowing us to resolve the significant differences that remain over budget issues. We should be able to do that without victimizing the American people or damaging our economy in the process.

The President wants us to work together to achieve common ground on a balanced budget. This process shows that we can work together. The President has proposed a balanced budget grounded in the fundamental American values of opportunity, family, community, and responsibility. This is common ground that all Americans share, and it is our hope that we can agree on a budget that reflects these values.

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