    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 9, 1996]
    [Page 1795]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Railroad Unemployment Insurance Amendments Act
    of 1996
    October 9, 1996

        Today I have signed into law H.R. 2594, the Railroad Unemployment
    Insurance Amendments Act of 1996, proving once again that when
    management and labor work together they make their businesses, their
    communities, and our working families stronger.
        This bill, which was supported by both labor and management, brings
    unemployment benefits for railroad workers in line with benefits for
    other workers. It also reduces the waiting periods for receiving
    unemployment and sickness benefits and increases the maximum daily rate
    for these same benefits.
        In short, this bill is good for the American economy and the
    American worker. I applaud rail labor and management and those at the
    Railroad Retirement Board, the Department of Labor, the Department of
    Transportation, the National Mediation Board, and all others who had a
    hand in helping to create the climate that has led to good relations and
    progress in the industry.

    Note: H.R. 2594, approved October 9, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    251.