The 1996 NASA announcement was released at a critical time for Clinton. The press was killing him over some scandal (I forget which one). Many on FR thought NASA was directed to release the information at that time. Not very likely. It didn't get the kind of media attention that would distract from anything. Besides, Bubba had so many scandals you could say this about practically anything the government did during his tenure.
It did push Clinton off the front page. Remember it distinctly. There was a collective groan on Free Republic when it occurred. Perhaps it was a coincidence but there were too many coincidence during his reign of corruption. I don't believe NASA was immune to his rot.
Perhaps someone else remembers what was happening that week.