    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 30, 1999]
    [Pages 2170-2171]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living
    Adjustment Act of 1999
    November 30, 1999

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 2280, the ``Veterans
    Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 1999,'' which provides a
    2.4 percent cost-of-living adjustment in benefits for service-disabled
    veterans and their surviving spouses and children. It provides for
    increased rates in payments of service-connected disability compensation
    to veterans who suffer from service-related disabilities and in payments
    of dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouses and
    children of service members and veterans whose deaths are service-
    related. The increased benefit rates will take effect on December 1,
    1999. This legislation,

    [[Page 2171]]

    derived from an Administration proposal, ensures that the value of these
    well-deserved benefits will keep pace with increases in consumer prices.
        As a country, we must remember those veterans who gave of themselves
    to assure the continued protection of this great Nation. The freedoms
    and liberty that we enjoy as citizens depend on the men and women in our
    Armed Forces. In a tangible way, this legislation expresses the
    gratitude of the Nation for the sacrifices our veterans have unselfishly
    endured.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    November 30, 1999.

    Note: H.R. 2280, approved November 30, was assigned Public Law No. 106-
    118.