    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [October 6, 1993]
    [Pages 1696-1697]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993
    October 6, 1993

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 20, the ``Hatch Act Reform
    Amendments of 1993.''
        For too long, the rights of Federal and postal workers to express
    themselves and fully participate in our political process have been
    curtailed. Federal law currently penalizes public servants by limiting
    their political participation outside the Federal workplace. People who
    devote their lives to public service should not be denied the right to
    participate more fully in the democratic process. This law moves us in a
    more sensible direction.
        The passage of H.R. 20 is primarily due to the steadfast efforts of
    many Members of Congress and the Federal and postal employees and their
    representatives. The Hatch Act reforms in this bill will provide Federal
    and postal employees the opportunity to exercise their citizenship more
    fully and freely for the first time in over 50 years.
        At the same time, this Act spells out the rights and
    responsibilities of Federal and postal workers. While employees will now
    be allowed to volunteer on their own time for the candidate of their
    choice, all political activity in the Federal workplace will be
    prohibited, including the wearing of campaign buttons.
        Further, not only does H.R. 20 continue prohibitions against
    soliciting political contributions from the general public and
    subordinate employees, but it also strengthens the criminal penalties
    for those convicted of abusing their official position. This balanced
    measure will ensure Americans fair and impartial administration of
    Federal laws, while providing Federal and postal employees the rights
    that are essential to their independent exercise of personal choice.
        H.R. 20 also includes a likewise overdue provision for the
    garnishment of Federal pay to repay private debt. We already have the
    authority to offset the salaries of Federal employees for Federal debt,
    and we use it. In presenting his National Performance Review report,
    Vice President Gore expressed his faith in the quality and integrity of
    Government employees. He and

    [[Page 1697]]

    I share that faith. This new provision of law will ensure that those few
    Federal workers who fail to pay their private debts will no longer be
    able to hide behind their Federal employment to escape their personnel
    financial responsibilities.
        As a candidate, I strongly supported the much needed reforms
    contained in H.R. 20. It gives me great pleasure to sign this bill into
    law. I look forward to the infusion of Federal and postal employee
    energy, expertise, and dedication into our political system that this
    bill makes possible.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    October 6, 1993.

    Note: H.R. 20, approved October 6, was assigned Public Law No. 103-94.