Clinton takes credit for boosting employment

March 9, 1996
Web posted at: 4:00 p.m. EST

(CNN) -- President Clinton, whose 1992 campaign mantra was: "It's the economy, stupid," is again focusing on the economy in a campaign year.

In his weekly radio address Saturday, Clinton credited the policies of his administration with creating 8.4 million new jobs. He reminded voters that a little more than three years into his four-year term, the nation has exceeded his 1992 jobs-creation goal by 400,000 jobs.

"The American job engine is in high gear," Clinton said. "It's no time to slam on the brakes or make the same old wrong turns. Let's do the right things for the American people and keep our economy moving forward."

The president also noted a significant deficit reduction in the last four years from $290 billion to $164 billion.

Deficit reduction has in turn reduced interest rates which have helped boost home ownership to a 15-year high, he said.

Clinton said his administration also has expanded U.S. trade opportunities, invested in education and cuts taxes for 17 million families.

On another note, he urged Congress to break the impasse over the federal budget and avoid another government shutdown. (456K AIFF sound or 456K WAV sound)

"It is time for Congress to put policies aside and get this balanced budget done," he said, adding that he hopes to balance the budget in seven years and eliminate the deficit entirely without under-funding health insurance, education or environmental programs.

Republicans turned their attention to crime in their weekly radio address, promoting their crime bill which is to come before the House this week.

Delivering the address for the GOP, Illinois Rep. Michael P. Flanagan accused Clinton and "Washington liberals" of doing little to combat crime. (314K AIFF sound or 314K WAV sound)

"The House will vote next week on a crime bill that makes the death penalty a real tool for law enforcement, that deports convicted aliens and that combats domestic and international terrorism," he said.

Flanagan said the House bill addresses terrorism by increasing penalties for burning or bombing federal property. It also would prohibit members of foreign terrorist organizations from receiving U.S. visas.

• Transcript of Clinton's radio address
• Transcript of GOP radio address

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