Clinton Defines His Points of Departure With GOP Proposals

President Clinton ticked off a list of differences with the Republican Congress on crime, education and national security Saturday. But he pledged to work with Republicans on other issues, saying: “It’s not all bad.”

Clinton, in his weekly radio address, marched through a series of Republican proposals in Congress that he said would hurt ordinary Americans. He said he would “keep doing everything in my power to fight against anything” that weakens opportunities.

House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Texas, in the GOP response to Clinton’s address, insisted Republicans were simply delivering on their “contract with America,” which he believes voters endorsed in the midterm elections.

Both sides offered themselves as advocates for a smaller federal government, greater accountability by Congress and increased flexibility for state and local governments.

“It’s not all bad,” Clinton said. “I agree with them that we need a smaller federal government.”

Nonetheless, sharp differences are emerging over how to reach that goal.

On crime, Clinton renewed his threat to veto House-passed legislation to scrap his plan to put 100,000 more police officers on the streets. He also criticized GOP education proposals, including a plan to limit the program that lets college students borrow money for tuition directly from the government.