Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4153

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

118 STAT. 4123 PROCLAMATION 7775—APR. 23, 2004 addressing issues such as cybercrime, identity theft, hate violence, and stalking. It has also expanded its services to help victims of domestic and international terrorism. While our Nation works to prevent terrorist activities, we also continue to wage a war against other crimes. In fighting violent crime, we battle the problems of drug abuse, gun violence, and other threats to our safe- ty. We must ensure that when crimes do occur, we always protect the rights of victims. For this reason, my Administration continues to en- dorse the bipartisan Crime Victims’ Rights Amendment. By allowing victims of violent crime to be present and heard at public proceedings and by giving them access to information, such an amendment would guarantee victims’ inclusion in the criminal justice process without threatening the rights of defendants. While the Congress considers this amendment, my Administration con- tinues to support important resources for victims and public safety. We have directed funding to improve the use of DNA technology to solve crime and identify missing persons; we are employing multiple agency resources to aid victims of trafficking who are forced into slavery and prostitution; and we are encouraging faith-based organizations to pro- vide spiritual and material sustenance to those who have suffered and lost. This month, I was pleased to sign into law the Unborn Victims of Vio- lence Act of 2004, which creates a separate offense under Federal law for death or injury to an unborn child, in addition to any charges relat- ing to the mother. Across our country, victims are being better served and better protected, but more can be done. I encourage every commu- nity to show compassion to victims and their families by providing them with the support they need. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 18 through April 24, 2004, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. I en- courage all Americans to embrace the cause of victims’ rights and help to advance it throughout our society. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7775 of April 23, 2004 Jewish Heritage Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Jewish Heritage Week commemorates the rich history of the Jewish people and the many contributions Jewish Americans have made to our Nation. This year marks the 350th anniversary of the first perma- nent Jewish settlement in North America, in what is known today as VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4