    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [November 2, 1994]
    [Page 1963]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 1963]]

    Statement on Signing Veterans Benefits Legislation
    November 2, 1994

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 5244, the ``Veterans'
    Benefits Improvements Act of 1994'' and H.R. 3313, the ``Veterans Health
    Programs Extension Act of 1994.'' These bills address important areas of
    concern for our Nation's veterans.
        The primary purpose of H.R. 5244, the ``Veterans' Benefits
    Improvements Act of 1994,'' is to authorize compensation to Persian Gulf
    War veterans suffering from disabilities resulting from undiagnosed
    illnesses possibly incurred during service in the Persian Gulf theater
    of operations.
        Some of our Persian Gulf War veterans are suffering from illnesses
    that cannot be diagnosed based upon current available scientific and
    medical data. The lack of a diagnosis at this point, however, should not
    stop us from providing an expeditious and compassionate response to
    these veterans' needs. Our Nation is keenly aware of its responsibility
    to the brave men and women who so capably served our country during the
    Persian Gulf conflict. This legislation is designed to address their
    needs.
        The Act authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to compensate
    Persian Gulf War veterans who suffer chronic disabilities from
    undiagnosed illnesses that became manifest during or within a specified
    time after their service in the Gulf region. It also requires the
    Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a uniform and
    comprehensive medical evaluation protocol for veterans of the Persian
    Gulf conflict suffering from unexplained illnesses. I am pleased to say
    that this protocol has already been established. VA medical centers and
    facilities are currently providing appropriate medical assessment,
    diagnoses, and treatment to Persian Gulf War veterans.
        This Act will help to further our investigation into the adverse
    health consequences that may be associated with service in the Persian
    Gulf, including potential risks to the family members of our veterans,
    by requiring the VA to evaluate the health status of spouses and
    children of Persian Gulf War veterans. It also requires the VA to
    implement an outreach program for Persian Gulf War veterans, including a
    newsletter and a toll-free telephone number to provide information
    concerning available benefits.
        The ``Veterans Health Programs Extension Act of 1994,'' H.R. 3313,
    will extend the VA's authority to operate a number of veterans programs
    and activities. Significantly, this Act will extend the VA's authority
    to provide Persian Gulf War veterans with hospital, nursing home, and
    outpatient medical care for disabilities possibly incurred from exposure
    to toxic substances or environmental hazards during service in the
    Persian Gulf. It also extends the VA's authority to provide Vietnam
    veterans with hospital and nursing home care for disabilities, which may
    have resulted from exposure to dioxin. The Act also extends the VA's
    authority to provide priority health care services for disabilities
    possibly related to exposure to ionizing radiation during nuclear
    testing or during certain service in Japan following World War II.
    Finally, the Act also authorizes appropriations of $379.4 million for
    major medical facility construction and repair projects and 15.8 million
    for major medical facility leases for the VA.
        Because of the important benefits that this legislation will provide
    to our Nation's veterans and their families, I am very gratified to sign
    these two bills into law.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    November 2, 1994.

    Note: H.R. 5244, approved November 2, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
    446, and H.R. 3313, approved November 2, was assigned Public Law No.
    103-452.