    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [March 20, 1996]
    [Page 483]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 483]]

    Statement on Signing Tax Benefit Legislation for Military Personnel
    Serving in Operation Joint Endeavor
    March 20, 1996

        Today, in recognition of the sacrifices members of the U.S. Armed
    Forces are making in and around Bosnia, I signed a bill extending
    special tax benefits to military personnel serving in Bosnia and
    Herzegovina, Croatia, and Macedonia.
        During Vietnam and the Gulf war, tax relief was granted to
    individuals serving in ``combat zones.'' By extending similar tax
    benefits to those supporting peace efforts in the former Yugoslavia,
    this legislation recognizes the unique hardships and risks members of
    the U.S. Armed Forces face in non-combat missions like the one in
    Bosnia.
        I wish to thank Congress for their overwhelming support and timely
    passage of this legislation and also for their recognition of the
    hardships encountered by American troops serving in Operation Joint
    Endeavor.

    Note: H.R. 2778, approved March 20, was assigned Public Law No. 104-117.