[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[May 12, 1992]
[Pages 756-757]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Proposed Extension of the 
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program

May 12, 1992
    The President and the congressional Republican leadership jointly 
announced a proposal to extend the Emergency Unemployment Compensation 
Program from the current expiration date of July 4, 1992, to March 6, 
1993. Senate Republican leader Bob Dole, Senator Bob Packwood, and House 
Republican leader Bob Michel joined the President in announcing the 
extension.
    The proposal would continue the payment of a total of 46 weeks of 
benefits (which includes 20 weeks of extended benefits in high 
unemployment States) and 39 weeks of benefits (which includes 13 weeks 
of extended benefits in all other States) until January 2, 1993. 
Thereafter, these extended benefits would be paid for 10 weeks and 7 
weeks until March 1, 1993. Total costs of the new benefits are estimated 
to be $2.5 billion. These costs would be fully paid for by offsets 
contained in the President's 1993 budget.
    Further, the proposal directs that Adviso-

[[Page 757]]

ry Council on Unemployment Compensation to study and make 
recommendations on permanent unemployment compensation reforms by 
February 1, 1993.
    As previously announced, workers who are unemployed as a result of 
the disturbances in Los Angeles and who may not qualify for standard 
unemployment benefits will be receiving unemployment benefits through 
the Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program.
    The President stated, ``I urge the Congress to join us in setting 
aside partisan politics and moving expeditiously to pass this extension 
so that unemployed workers will know they can count on these benefits as 
the economy begins to recover.''