    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2002]
    [Page 806]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Proposed Charity Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment Legislation
    May 15, 2002

        I was pleased to meet this morning with the leadership of the United
    Jewish Communities (UJC). We share a strong commitment to see passage of
    the CARE (``Charity Aid, Recovery, and Empowerment'') Act. The UJC and
    more than 1,600 other organizations--ranging from America's Second
    Harvest to the YMCA--support this important piece of legislation, which
    will spur charitable giving and create a more level playing field for
    faith-based and community organizations.
        America should stand by the charities that support people in need
    and in crisis. Giving to many charities--and particularly to social
    service organizations--is down, while the demands on them remain great.
    The Senate should pass the CARE Act, and the Congress should send me
    legislation that I can sign that will help support the vital work of
    thousands of faith-based and community-based charities across America.