[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[February 7, 1992]
[Pages 215-216]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Bill

February 7, 1992
    Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4095 to extend and increase 
the benefits available under the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 
program. These benefits are financed in a manner consistent with the 
discipline of the budget agreement and long-term economic growth.
    The 13 additional weeks of unemployment benefits provided by this 
legislation means real help to unemployed workers and their families 
during these tough times. It means getting checks into the hands of men 
and women to help pay the mortgage or the grocery bill, make the car 
payment or meet the daily expense of raising a family--at the same time 
they're seeking new employment.
    As Americans who watched my State of the Union Address last week 
might remember, I called for swift enactment of this legislation. The 
bill I am signing today demonstrates clearly that when the Congress 
wants to act expeditiously it can. When the Congress and the 
Administration work in common cause, we can accomplish great things.
    The greatest challenge we have before us now is getting the economy 
moving again. I have offered an immediate action plan to the Congress. 
The best thing the Congress can do for the American people is pass this 
action plan--and pass it by March 20, the deadline I announced in the 
State of the Union.
    Yes, it's a political year. But we are in a window of opportunity 
right now--we can put partisanship aside--we've got 42 more days. The 
American people deserve action

[[Page 216]]

now, and it's time for the Congress to enact the plan we have put 
forward.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
February 7, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 4095, approved February 7, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-244.