Modern America 1982—Present PART 2 OF 5 Chapter 37— Modern America 1982—Present PART 2 OF 5

William Clinton 42nd President 1993 – 2001 Party: Democratic Home State: Arkansas Vice President: Al Gore

William Clinton Lawyer by trade and former governor of Arkansas. Domestic Lawyer by trade and former governor of Arkansas. Signed the Brady Bill, imposing a waiting period and stiffer licensing fees for handgun purchases. Initiated sweeping welfare reform in 1996 that included a provision allowing states to set their own welfare guidelines. Became the second United States president to be impeached (the other, Andrew Johnson in 1868). President during the World Trade bombings (February, 1993).

William Clinton Foreign Achieved ratification of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1993 between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Sent in peace-keeping forced into the former Yugoslavia to prevent ethnic cleansing and genocide.

World Trade Center Bombings On February 26, 1993, a van with bombs in it was left in the parking garage of the World Trade Center (Tower One) and was detonated killing six people and wounding over 1,000 others. The suspects were linked to Al Qaeda (a terrorist group whose leader is Osama Bin Laden) were caught, tried, and convicted.

Clinton’s Domestic Policy President Clinton signed the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 which guaranteed most full-time employees up to twelve workweeks for unpaid leave annually for the birth or care of a newborn, to recover from serious illness, or to care for an immediate family member.

Clinton’s Domestic Policy Clinton signed the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act of 1993 or “Brady Bill” which placed a five-day waiting period on sales of handguns, banned certain assault weapons, and funded $30 billion for crime fighting. James Brady was shot in 1981 during the failed Reagan assassination attempt and supported the Bill.

Healthcare Reforms Fail Clinton underestimated the nation’s faith in the federal government’s ability to run healthcare. Though Clinton did not support socialized medicine, he did believe reform was needed to secure some form of universal healthcare. A bill, which was drafted by a healthcare task force (headed by Hillary Clinton), never won Congressional support and was defeated in 1993.

Republicans Win Control of Congress In 1994, the Republicans won control of both houses of Congress and elected Newt Gingrich (R-GA) as Speaker of the House. Gingrich’s strategy was bold and aggressive and did not involve compromising with Democrats.

“Contract with America” The Republican galvanized with the “Contract with America” (a plan that attacked big government, and emphasize patriotism and strong family values). The plan also called for a balanced federal budget, welfare reform, tax-cuts to the middle class, decrease of the federal bureaucracy, and term limits for Congress. The Republicans believed that the federal government was too big, wasteful, and liberal.

A Booming Economy Once in office, the Republicans began getting many of the goals of the Contract with America were implemented. Clinton also initiated some of his own plans as he signed legislation to balance the federal budget, increased federal funds for law enforcement, and reformed welfare. By 1996, a soaring economy, low unemployment, and low inflation meant that few Americans wanted to change leadership in either Congress of the Presidency.

Presidential Election of 1996 The Democratic Party nominated the incumbent President Bill Clinton. The Republicans nominated a World War II hero and moderate Republican, Senator Robert Dole. The Reform Party nominated H. Ross Perot for a second straight presidential election. Clinton won the election, but Republicans maintained a control of both houses of Congress.

Presidential Election of 1996

Presidential Election of 1996 Bill Clinton H. Ross Perot Robert Dole

Scandals The first major scandal involved Hillary and Bill Clinton making investments in the Whitewater Development Corporation back in the 1970s and 1980s. Kenneth Starr was appointed to investigate the Whitewater land deals, but no criminal charges were filed against the Clintons.

Impeachment The scandal which would lead to impeachment in 1999 involved a sexual harassment suit filed against President Clinton while he was serving as Arkansas governor. Clinton denied having any relations with a White House intern (Monica Lewinski), and then admitted that he had lied about the affair. Starr recommended impeachment proceedings to charge President Clinton with perjury and obstruction of justice.

Impeachment In 1998, impeachment (bringing official charges against a public servant) against Clinton was led by Republicans in the House of Representatives. In 1999, the Senate failed to remove President Clinton by the necessary two-thirds (67 Senators) requirement.