Statement on Veterans Compensation Adjustment Act of 2000

(EXCERPT) THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release November 1, 2000

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 4850, the "Veterans'

Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2000." The Act directs

the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide a cost-of-living

adjustment (COLA) in benefits for service-disabled veterans and their

surviving spouses and children, effective December 1, 2000. It

provides for higher payments of disability compensation to veterans

who suffer from service-connected disabilities and for higher payments

of dependency and indemnity compensation for the surviving spouses and

children of servicemembers and veterans whose deaths were

service-connected. Consistent with the proposal in my Fiscal Year 2001

Budget, the COLA in these benefits is equal to the one that will be

provided under current law to Social Security beneficiaries and

veterans pension recipients: 3.5 percent. This Act ensures that the

value of these well-deserved benefits will keep pace with inflation.

This group of American citizens deserves our Nation's gratitude,

particularly those who have suffered disability or have made the

supreme sacrifice while serving their country and protecting our

freedom. This Act expresses our appreciation for and continued

commitment to these brave men and women.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON

THE WHITE HOUSE, November 1, 2000.