[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 135 Referred in House (RFH)]

103d CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. J. RES. 135


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           November, 1, 1993

       Referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
Designating the week beginning October 25, 1993, as ``World Population 
                           Awareness Week''.

Whereas the population of the world today exceeds 5.5 billion and increases at 
        the rate of some 100 million per year;
Whereas more than 90 percent of world population growth occurs in developing 
        countries, those least able to provide even basic services for their 
        citizens;
Whereas rapid population growth and overconsumption are major deterrents to 
        sustainable development;
Whereas 40 countries with 40 percent of the population of the developing world 
        are currently unable to provide enough food for their inhabitants to 
        meet average nutritional requirements;
Whereas the global community has for more than 25 years recognized the basic 
        right of individuals to voluntarily and responsibly determine the number 
        and spacing of their children;
Whereas expanded accessibility to family planning has led to a world with 400 
        million fewer people than there might have been;
Whereas at least one-half of the women of reproductive age in developing 
        countries want to limit the number of their children, but lack the means 
        or ability to gain access to modern family planning methods;
Whereas numerous studies provide compelling evidence of a strong correlation 
        between a smaller desired family size and the elevation of the status of 
        women, especially through opening educational and employment 
        opportunities; and
Whereas preparations are underway for the 1994 International Conference on 
        Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo, Egypt, focusing world 
        attention on the integral linkage between population, sustained economic 
        growth and sustainable development--more specifically, the importance of 
        family planning, the role of women, the effects of migration, the need 
        for increased resources, and the devastation caused by AIDS: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the week beginning 
October 25, 1993, is designated as ``World Population Awareness Week,'' 
and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation 
calling upon the people of the United States to observe such a week 
with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

            Passed the Senate October 29 (legislative day, October 13), 
      1993.

            Attest:

                                             WALTER J. STEWART,

                                                             Secretary.