Clinton Signs $268-Billion Defense Spending Measure
President Clinton signed a $268-billion defense bill Tuesday even though it endangers fulfilling his campaign promise to save jobs at two military bases being closed in Texas and California.
White House officials would not elaborate on Clinton signing the bill, and he made no statement about it.
The legislation gives Clinton the power to kill the B-2 bomber program, requires him to give Congress a detailed report before extending U.S. troop deployment to Bosnia, fully funds the F-22, FA-18 E and F and Joint Strike Fighters and adds $720 million for a fourth Aegis destroyer.
Before the 1996 election, Clinton promised voters in Texas and California that he would preserve jobs at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento and Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, by allowing private contractors to continue on site after the bases closed.
The legislation he signed Tuesday does not allow that, although it does provide for open bidding for some military maintenance work.
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