Bill Clinton: “Accountability Act October 26, 1996 I am pleased to sign in law H.R. 3452, the ``Presidential and Executive Office…”

“Accountability Act October 26, 1996 I am pleased to sign in law H.R. 3452, the ``Presidential and Executive Office Accountability Act.'' This Act broadens the workplace protections available to employees in the White House and Executive Office of the President (EOP). My Administration supported this legislation and worked hard with the Congress to secure its passage. This Act is closely modeled on the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, which, in a comprehensive manner, has guaranteed employees in the legislative branch the protections of 11 basic workplace laws, including civil rights, labor, and health and safety laws. This Act applies those 11 workplace laws to the employees of the agencies and offices of the EOP, includ- ing the White House. In contrast to the Congressional Accountability Act, however, most of these 11 workplace laws already apply to EOP employees, as a matter of law or policy. This Act will, therefore, have a less dramatic impact than the Congressional Accountability Act on the employees it protects. Nevertheless, it is still a welcome broadening of existing protections. There were three principles that guided my Administration in announcing support for H.R. 3452 shortly after it was introduced. First, the Nation's leaders should abide by the same laws that the people must follow. Second, such laws must not infringe on basic constitutional principles, including separation of powers.…”