[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[October 29, 1992]
[Page 2090]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2090]]


Statement on Signing the Veterans Benefits Act of 1992
October 29, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 5008, the ``Veterans Benefits Act 
of 1992.'' This bill, which is a landmark in veterans' legislation, 
reflects America's continuing recognition of the invaluable 
contributions that veterans and their families have made to our Nation. 
It includes a major reform of the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation 
(DIC) program and significant improvements in a variety of other 
veterans' benefits.
    H.R. 5008 brings a new measure of fairness to the DIC program, which 
provides benefits to the surviving spouses and children of those who die 
in service or whose deaths after service are related to their service-
connected disabilities. Under current law, DIC benefits are based on 
military rank and length of service. As a result, survivors who have 
experienced the same misfortune--a service-connected death--receive 
widely differing payments.
    H.R. 5008 replaces this inequitable system with one in which 
surviving spouses receive the same basic monthly payment of $750. This 
is $134 more than the current minimum DIC payment. Recognizing the 
effect that total disability can have on a family's income, the bill 
provides an additional $165 per month to families of certain service-
disabled veterans. For families with children, the current per child 
benefit is increased, almost tripling by fiscal year 1995.
    Education benefits available under the Montgomery GI Bill also 
increase under H.R. 5008. Our Nation has a proud tradition of assisting 
veterans in the smooth transition from military to civilian life through 
educational and training assistance. Indeed, the GI Bill programs have 
been widely acclaimed as the best investment America has made. These 
programs have promoted quality education for our country's veterans, 
providing them the opportunity to be the best that they can be. This 
Nation remains committed to these programs.
    I am also gratified that H.R. 5008 benefits our veterans in many 
other ways. It improves the Department of Veterans Affairs programs of 
educational assistance, vocational rehabilitation and training, and 
insurance. In addition, H.R. 5008 restores eligibility for Veterans 
Readjustment Appointments with the Federal Government to all Vietnam-era 
veterans through December 31, 1995.
    I have often said that we must remember a statement made by 
President Kennedy: ``A nation reveals itself not only by the men and 
women it produces, but by the men and women it remembers.'' On behalf of 
the American people, I am proud to sign this bill that expresses our 
Nation's gratitude and continuing commitment to our veterans and their 
families.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
October 29, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 5008, approved October 29, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-568. This statement was 
                        released by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
                        October 30.