August 2, 1982
I reluctantly am signing H.R. 6663, a bill delaying the effective date of amendments to rule 4 of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
I sign this bill with reluctance because the United States Marshals Service needs prompt relief
from the burden of serving process for private parties in civil actions, relief these amendments
would provide. I understand, however, that time demands affecting Congress this year simply
have not allowed it to complete timely review of these amendments. I am confident that Congress
will promptly review these rule 4 amendments, as well as amendments to 28 U.S.C. 569(b) and
1921 proposed by this administration, thereby providing a comprehensive solution to the
problems associated with service of private process by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Note: As enacted, H.R. 6663 is Public Law 97 - 227, approved August 2.