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Abolished Restrictions on Medical Research and the Right to Choose
As his first executive actions, President Clinton revoked the Gag Rule, which prohibited abortion counseling in clinics that receive federal funding to serve low-income patients. -
Family and Medical Leave Act
The Family & Medical Leave Act — the first piece of legislation the President signed into law — has enabled millions of workers to take up to 12 weeks unpaid leave to care for a new baby or ailing family member without jeopardizing their job. -
Reinventing Government" Initiative Launched
President Clinton asked Vice President Gore to head the National Performance Review aimed at making government work better for less. -
Childhood Immunizations
The President launched a major childhood immunization effort to increase the number of children who were being immunized. Since 1993, childhood immunization rates have reached all-time highs, with 90 percent or more of America's toddlers receiving critical vaccines for children by age 2. -
Motor Voter Registration Signed
The Clinton Administration made it easier for millions of Americans to register to vote by allowing registration at the same time they get a driver’s license. -
Clinton-Gore Deficit Reduction Plan Enacted
Passed without a single Republican vote, the Clinton-Gore Administration’s economic plan established fiscal discipline by slashing the deficit in half — the largest deficit reduction plan in history — while making important investments in our economic future, including education, health care, and science and technology research. -
Student Loan Reform
The Clinton-Gore Administration created the Direct Student Loan Program, which cut red tape and administrative costs by eliminating subsidies and bureaucracy in the Student Loan Program -
Childhood Immunization Initiative
In 1992, less than 60 percent of two-year-olds were fully immunized — the third lowest rate in the Western Hemisphere. -
AmeriCorps Community Service Initiative Enacted
AmeriCorps allows individuals to serve communities across the country while earning money for college or skills training programs. -
Brady Act Signed
After seven years of debate under previous administrations, the President signed legislation requiring a background check before the purchase of a handgun and establishing a National Instant Check System. -
NAFTA Ratified
President Clinton worked to pass bipartisan legislation implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement, creating the world’s largest free trade zone. -
Goals 2000 Education Standards Enacted
This legislation provided assistance to states to implement high standards and challenging curricula to help all children succeed. -
Head Start Reform and Creation of Early Head Start
President Clinton and Vice President Gore advocated for legislation increasing Head Start participation and quality. The new bill established minimum performance standards, strong accountability and created the Early Head Start program for children aged 0 to 3. -
Crime Bill Signed
Enacted the Clinton-Gore Administration’s tough and smart crime fighting strategy. The Bill contained tougher penalties, including "three strikes and you’re out" legislation, helped states build more prisons and increased prevention and victims rights. -
Assault Weapons Ban
President Clinton and Vice President Gore overcame intense opposition by the gun lobby to ban 19 of the most dangerous assault weapons.