Reagan Signs African Aid Bill

President Reagan today signed legislation providing $1 billion in additional aid for drought-stricken Africa, but said it is substantially more than he asked for and he will guard against spending more money than can be used.

“Misuse of assistance is particularly unacceptable when human lives are at stake,” said Reagan, who originally requested $235 million in emergency food assistance and $25 million more for non-food aid. The amount approved by Congress, he said, “substantially exceeds the Administration’s current estimate of need.”