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 1994.
11.15 :  Nomination of Shirley Chater

Contact:  HHS Press Office       (202) 690-6343
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 1994                 


             STATEMENT BY HHS SECRETARY DONNA E. SHALALA
                 ON THE NOMINATION OF SHIRLEY CHATER

     HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today praised President
Clinton's nomination of Dr. Shirley S. Chater to serve as
commissioner of Social Security when the Social Security
Administration becomes an independent agency next year.

     Dr. Chater is the current commissioner of Social Security, a
position she has held since Oct. 8, 1993.  Legislation passed by
Congress last year required the president to nominate a new
commissioner who, if confirmed by the U.S. Senate, will take office
on March 31, 1995, the day the agency becomes independent.

     "The president made a superb decision in nominating Dr. Chater. 
She possesses all of the leadership qualities the Social Security
Administration needs," said Secretary Shalala.  "She is a skilled
administrator who will be able to improve service to the more than
46 million people who receive Social Security benefits each month. 
She is a professional educator who will use those skills to help the
public better understand how Social Security works and rebuild
confidence in the program.  And she is a tireless advocate who will
speak out on behalf of Social Security's present and future
beneficiaries.

     "Shirley Chater has guided development of a plan to redesign
the agency's processes for handling disability claims, taken steps
to improve service to the public, and established a new mechanism to
provide every American worker with an annual statement estimating
future Social Security benefits.

     "She is also strongly committed to restoring fairness and
common sense to Social Security's programs for those who are
disabled by substance abuse.  In the past year, we have placed this
issue high on SSA's agenda, and Dr. Chater will follow through as
commissioner.  When we provide assistance in this area, our goal
must be to help individuals overcome alcohol and drug abuse, and
regain productivity.  Dr. Chater will keep her eye on the bottom
line of positive results for those we seek to help.  

     "There is no one more suited to be at the helm of the Social
Security Administration than Commissioner Chater as Social Security
enters a challenging new era."

     Secretary Shalala and Dr. Chater have worked closely together
during Dr. Chater's tenure in office on initiatives to achieve
swifter, more efficient service for Social Security beneficiaries
and claimants.  They are also working closely to ensure a smooth
transition to independent status for the Social Security
Administration.
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