[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.