    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [June 4, 2004]
    [Pages 991-992]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Passage of Worker Reemployment
    Accounts Legislation
    June 4, 2004

        I commend the House for passing the ``Worker Reemployment Accounts
    Act,'' which establishes a pilot program for Personal Reemployment
    Accounts.
        Personal Reemployment Accounts are an important reform in Federal
    job training, because workers decide how to use the funds to maximize
    their likelihood of securing a job. A Personal Reemployment Account
    gives unemployed Americans additional choices and flexibility to help
    them return to work more quickly. They can use funds from their account
    to pay for what they need most to help find a job--special training,
    childcare, transportation, relocation assistance, or a combination of
    these. Finally, there is a reemployment bonus that lets workers who
    return

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    to work quickly keep any leftover funds from their account.
        These innovative accounts that I proposed last year put
    decisionmaking and resources directly in the hands of individuals who
    need the most help getting back to work. I urge the Senate to pass this
    important legislation so that we can help every American who wants to
    work find a job.