    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [October 13, 1994]
    [Pages 1746-1747]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment
    Rights Act of 1994
    October 13, 1994

        I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 995, the ``Uniformed Services
    Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.''
        Today there are members of the National Guard and Reserve, including
    Coast Guard Reservists, on active duty supporting operational missions.
    As their Commander in Chief, it is

    [[Page 1747]]

    timely for me to sign a bill that will clarify and strengthen their
    right to return to the civilian positions they held before going on
    active duty without any loss of seniority, status, or pay.
        The ``Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of
    1994'' revises, improves, and clarifies the existing veterans
    reemployment rights statute, which was first enacted in 1940. Since that
    time, a confusing and cumbersome patchwork of statutory amendments and
    judicial constructions have made the law difficult for employers to
    understand.
        Among other changes, H.R. 995 extends coverage for the first time to
    the Coast Guard and Public Health Service Reserve components. It also
    entitles service members to continued health insurance coverage under
    their employer's plan for up to 18 months of military leave and makes
    explicit the rights of reemployed service members under their pension
    plans.
        My Administration is committed to enforcing the reemployment rights
    of service members. This Act is key to the achievement of that goal.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    October 13, 1994.

    Note: H.R. 995, approved October 13, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
    353.