    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [February 22, 1995]
    [Page 243]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Compensation for Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans
    February 22, 1995

        Today, the country takes a long-overdue step to recognize the
    sacrifices of these Persian Gulf veterans. We are taking an
    unprecedented approach to assisting these veterans by providing
    compensation for conditions that have defied conventional diagnoses. We
    encourage any Persian Gulf veteran who is sick to file a claim, and we
    will automatically reopen previously denied claims as a result of this
    new law.
        I felt that we could not wait on science. For some Persian Gulf
    veterans like Michael Sills, medical science does not have answers
    today, but we must not and will not give up.
        Michael Sills and veterans like him who served their country
    honorably have earned our gratitude. And when they are sick, we must do
    what is right.

    Note: This statement was included in a White House statement announcing
    that the President met with Michael I. Sills, one of the first
    recipients of a compensation check awarded to Persian Gulf conflict
    veterans with chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses.