    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 7, 2001]
    [Pages 1358-1359]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on Proposed ``Armies of Compassion''
    Legislation
    November 7, 2001

    Dear Mr. Leader:
        Since September 11, Americans have come together to help meet our
    national needs in this time of great crisis. They have given more than
    $1 billion to disaster relief efforts and many Americans have
    volunteered their time. Although individual generosity is evident
    everywhere, thousands of our Nation's charities, paradoxically, have
    been suffering. Donations to organizations not directly involved in
    disaster relief have declined dramatically. Soup kitchens are low on
    food. Mentoring programs for needy children are low on dollars.
    America's charities have stood by America--it is now time for America to
    stand by her charities, as they suffer from the economic consequences of
    September 11.
        I believe the Congress must address these issues now. We must pass
    and sign into law an ``Armies of Compassion'' bill this year that
    encourages and supports charitable giving, removes unneeded barriers to
    government support for community and faith-based groups, and authorizes
    important initiatives to help those in need. The House of
    Representatives has already advanced key elements of this agenda, and
    Senators Santorum and Lieberman have made great strides on consensus
    legislation.

    [[Page 1359]]

    I believe the Congress needs to come together before recess to consider
    a bill that would:

         Provide incentives for charitable giving, such as the non-
                itemizers deduction for charitable contributions, tax-free
                distributions from IRAs, the charitable deduction for
                contributions of food, and Individual Development Accounts
                (IDAs) to help low-income individuals save money;
         Provide for equal treatment of community and faith-based
                charities, an expedited process for grassroots groups to
                become 501(c)(3) organizations, and a Compassion Capital
                Fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building
                for community and faith-based groups; and
         Provide support to populations in need, such as the more
                than 2 million children with a parent in prison.

        As you know, there is strong bipartisan support for these important
    measures. I hope that the Senate will find time to take up and pass
    these provisions before the Congress adjourns this year.
            Sincerely,

                                                              George W. Bush

    Note: Letters were sent to Thomas A. Daschle, Senate majority leader;
    and Trent Lott, Senate minority leader. An original was not available
    for verification of the content of this letter.