    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [February 9, 1995]
    [Page 188]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting Proposed Legislation To Settle the
    Major League Baseball Labor Dispute
    February 9, 1995

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I am pleased to transmit for your immediate consideration and
    enactment the ``Major League Baseball Restoration Act.'' This
    legislation would provide for a fair and prompt settlement of the
    ongoing labor-management dispute affecting Major League Baseball.
        Major League Baseball has historically occupied a unique place in
    American life. The parties to the current contentious dispute have been
    unable to resolve their differences, despite many months of negotiations
    and the assistance of one of this country's most skilled mediators. If
    the dispute is permitted to continue, there is likely to be substantial
    economic damage to the cities and communities in which major league
    franchises are located and to the communities that host spring training.
    The ongoing dispute also threatens further serious harm to an important
    national institution.
        The bill I am transmitting today is a simple one. It would authorize
    the President to appoint a 3-member National Baseball Dispute Resolution
    Panel. This Panel of impartial and skilled arbitrators would be
    empowered to gather information from all sides and impose a binding
    agreement on the parties. The Panel would be urged to act as quickly as
    possible. Its decision would not be subject to judicial review.
        In arriving at a fair settlement, the Panel would consider a number
    of factors affecting the parties, but it could also take into account
    the effect on the public and the best interests of the game.
        The Panel would be given sufficient tools to do its job, without the
    need for further appropriations. Primary support for its activities
    would come from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, but
    other agencies would also be authorized to provide needed support.
        The dispute now affecting Major League Baseball has been a
    protracted one, and I believe that the time has come to take action. I
    urge the Congress to take prompt and favorable action on this
    legislation.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    February 8, 1995.