[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 33 (Monday, August 22, 1994)]
[Page 1676]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Signing the Social Security Independence and Program 
Improvements Act of 1994

August 15, 1994

    Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4277, the ``Social Security 
Independence and Program Improvements Act of 1994.'' Fifty-nine years 
ago, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the original Social 
Security Act, creating one of the most important and successful 
Government programs of all times. With the enactment of H.R. 4277, we 
are beginning a new chapter in the history of the Social Security 
program, one which recognizes the program's importance by elevating the 
stature of the agency responsible for its administration. Once combined 
with a genuine reform of our health care system, we will have fulfilled 
the vision of the original architects of the Social Security system to 
provide Americans protection against the vicissitudes of old age and ill 
health.
    Establishing the Social Security Administration as an independent 
agency within the executive branch reflects my commitment to maintain 
the confidence of all Americans in the Social Security program. I 
sincerely hope that it will reassure those currently paying into the 
system that they too will receive benefits when they retire. For nearly 
60 years, the Social Security Administration has done an admirable job 
of carrying out its principal mandate: ensuring that Americans receive 
the Social Security benefits to which they are entitled. The agency's 
new status recognizes and strengthens our commitment to this tradition 
of public service.
    As I have stated many times, my Administration is committed to 
``putting people first.'' Consistent with this philosophy, I issued 
Executive Order 12862 directing public officials to ``embark upon a 
revolution within the Federal Government . . . to provide service to the 
public that matches or exceeds the best service available in the private 
sector.'' Establishing an independent Social Security Administration 
will enhance its ability to meet this goal and provide ``world class 
service'' to all Americans.
    I also want to highlight that H.R. 4277 includes important 
provisions designed to strengthen the integrity of the disability 
programs administered by the Social Security Administration. For 
example, recipients disabled due to substance abuse will now only 
receive benefits for a limited time (generally 36 months). These 
recipients must also undergo appropriate, available treatment.
    Finally, I must note that, in the opinion of the Department of 
Justice, the provision that the President can remove the single 
Commissioner only for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office raises a 
significant constitutional question. I am prepared to work with the 
Congress on a corrective amendment that would resolve this 
constitutional question so as to eliminate the risk of litigation.
    Again, I am pleased to approve H.R. 4277 and to reaffirm my 
commitment to carrying out the Social Security program for the benefit 
of our Nation's citizens.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
August 15, 1994.