ON SATURDAY, I signed into law H.R. 13871, the 1974 amendments to the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. This act provides workers' compensation benefits for Federal employees injured or killed in the performance of duty. Since the law was last amended over 8 years ago, a number of social and economic developments have made it necessary to update and revise the requirements regarding compensation benefits for injured Federal workers. I feel this new legislation meets those changing conditions.
This bill will provide for improved protection against rising costs for Federal employees and survivors who receive benefits. It also guarantees reemployment rights at the same or an equivalent position upon recovery within certain time limitations. Finally, the bill increases compensation benefits for survivors.
Therefore, I am pleased to sign this bill which will assure quality protection for a very deserving group of workers--the Nation's Federal employees.
Note: As enacted, H.R. 13871, approved September 7, 1974, is Public Law 93-416 (88 Stat. 1143).
Gerald R. Ford, Statement on Signing Legislation Revising Federal Employees' Compensation Benefits. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/256502