[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 15 (Monday, April 13, 1998)]
[Pages 630-631]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message on the 30th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act

April 10, 1998

    Warm greetings to everyone celebrating the 30th anniversary of the 
enactment of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968--the Federal 
Fair Housing Act.
    Within a week of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the 
Congress passed and President Johnson signed into law this landmark 
legislation, which has helped countless Americans achieve the American 
Dream. The theme of this anniversary celebration, ``Many Neighborhoods--
One America,'' reflects the reality that people of diverse cultures and 
backgrounds can live together in harmony and reaffirm the American 
ideals of equality, opportunity, and freedom.
    By limiting housing choice, discrimination reduces the quality of 
life for many Americans. During the past three decades, we have made 
great strides in opening housing markets. But housing discrimination, 
although less apparent than in years past, still exists, and the need to 
enforce fair housing laws vigorously remains as urgent today as ever.
    My Administration is committed to building strong partnerships 
between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and local 
communities. I have proposed the largest single increase in HUD's civil 
rights enforcement programs in two decades. My proposal includes a 
significant increase in funding for HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives and 
Fair Housing Assistance Programs that, among other things, will combat 
racially motivated hate crimes related to housing. We are also seeking 
congressional approval to raise the Federal Housing Administration loan 
limit so that more Americans, including minorities and women, can become 
homeowners.

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    Working together, we can create a more just society that underscores 
our shared strengths instead of focusing on our differences. The Fair 
Housing Act continues to be an indispensable tool in these efforts, and 
as we celebrate its 30th anniversary, I call on all Americans to join me 
in making division and discrimination issues of the past, and to make 
America a stronger, better place to live for all of our people.
    Best wishes for a memorable anniversary celebration.
                                                  Bill Clinton