    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [August 15, 1994]
    [Pages 1471-1472]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Social Security Independence and Program
    Improvements Act of 1994
    August 15, 1994

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4277, the ``Social Security
    Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994.'' Fifty-nine years
    ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the original Social
    Security Act, creating one of the most important and successful
    Government programs of all times. With the enactment of H.R. 4277, we
    are beginning a new chapter in the history of the Social Security
    program, one which recognizes the program's importance by elevating the
    stature of the agency responsible for its administration. Once combined
    with a genuine reform of our health care system, we will have fulfilled
    the vision of the original architects of the Social Security system to
    provide Americans protection against the vicissitudes of old age and ill
    health.
        Establishing the Social Security Administration as an independent
    agency within the executive branch reflects my commitment to maintain
    the confidence of all Americans in the Social Security program. I
    sincerely hope that it will reassure those currently paying into the
    system that they too will receive benefits when they retire. For nearly
    60 years, the Social Security Administration has done an admirable job
    of carrying out its principal mandate: ensuring that Americans receive
    the Social Security benefits to which they are entitled. The agency's
    new status recognizes and strengthens our commitment to this tradition
    of public service.
        As I have stated many times, my Administration is committed to
    ``putting people first.'' Consistent with this philosophy, I issued
    Executive Order 12862 directing public officials to ``embark upon a
    revolution within the Federal Government . . . to provide service to the
    public that matches or exceeds the best service available in the private
    sector.'' Establishing an independent Social Security Administration
    will enhance its ability to meet this goal and provide ``world class
    service'' to all Americans.
        I also want to highlight that H.R. 4277 includes important
    provisions designed to strengthen the integrity of the disability
    programs administered by the Social Security Administration. For
    example, recipients disabled due to substance abuse will now only
    receive benefits for a limited time (generally 36

    [[Page 1472]]

    months). These recipients must also undergo appropriate, available
    treatment.
        Finally, I must note that, in the opinion of the Department of
    Justice, the provision that the President can remove the single
    Commissioner only for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office raises a
    significant constitutional question. I am prepared to work with the
    Congress on a corrective amendment that would resolve this
    constitutional question so as to eliminate the risk of litigation.
        Again, I am pleased to approve H.R. 4277 and to reaffirm my
    commitment to carrying out the Social Security program for the benefit
    of our Nation's citizens.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    August 15, 1994.

    Note: H.R. 4277, approved August 15, was assigned Public Law No. 103-
    296.