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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release September 4, 1999
                  TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
             TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
                 AND THE MAJORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE

September 3, 1999

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. Leader:)

As the Congress returns this coming week, I urge you to make it your first order of business to send me a juvenile crime bill that includes the Senate-passed gun measures.

The time is long past due to complete work on this bill. Before the Congress went on its recess, I asked the conferees to meet during the break and finish work on the bill. A full month has passed since the conferees first met, and I urge you now to finish the job and act immediately on this vital legislation.

The tragic shooting in Los Angeles just a few short weeks ago is the latest reminder that we must do all we can to keep guns out of the wrong hands. You have the opportunity to send me a balanced and bipartisan juvenile crime bill that helps prevent youth violence and includes the Senate-passed gun provisions to close the gun show loophole, require child safety locks for guns, and bar the importation of large capacity ammunition clips. These provisions will help save lives, and the Congress should make them the law of the land without further delay.

As millions of our Nations's children return to school, we have a responsibility to do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to keep them safe. The American people are waiting: don't let another day pass.

Sincerely,

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

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