Defers construction of missile defense shield to next president, citing technical flaws and diplomatic concerns. Vetoes Republicans' estate tax repeal. Attends Millennium Summit at the United Nations with more than 150 world leaders. The Clintons are cleared of criminal wrongdoing in Whitewater investigation, closing six-year probe. Releases 30 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserve, citing shortages.
Signs bill enacting normal trading status with China.
Terrorist bomb kills 17 sailors on the USS Cole, which had stopped to refuel in a Yemen port. Signs bill to combat international sex trafficking and forced labor. Visits Vietnam, marking the first presidential visit since Richard Nixon in 1969. In a recess appointment, puts the first black judge, Roger Gregory, on the bench of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Signs treaty to establish an international war crimes tribunal.