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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 3, 1999

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Democratic Leader Gephardt and I had a good meeting this morning. He and I discussed his decision and I feel he made the choice for the right reasons. I am pleased he will continue to focus on an agenda that will strengthen our nation for the 21st Century: saving Social Security and Medicare, strengthening public education, maintaining a strong economy, passing a Patients' Bill of Rights.

Dick has been a key ally for the past six years, and I know he will continue to be for the next two. His leadership has been central to so many of the successes the nation has enjoyed these past six years: from the 1993 economic plan to Family and Medical Leave to expanding health care coverage and raising the minimum wage.

Finally, on a personal level, Hillary and I value Dick and Jane's friendship and look forward to Dick's continued leadership.

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