[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 29 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[Page 1389]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Report Entitled ``America's Children: Key National 
Indicators of Well-Being''

July 15, 1998

    Today, my administration released an important report card on our 
Nation's children, ``America's Children: Key National Indicators of 
Well-Being.'' Last year I called for this yearly report to provide the 
American people with a portrait of our children in critical areas such 
as health, education, and economic security.
    In this second annual report, we find much to be grateful for--
infant mortality is at an all-time low; the number of children with high 
blood lead levels, which can cause IQ or behavioral problems, has 
declined dramatically; more toddlers are up-to-date on their 
immunizations; more children are entering preschool, improving in math, 
and moving on to graduate from college; teen pregnancy has decreased; 
and a majority of parents are reporting that their children are in very 
good or excellent health. These strides reflect strategic investments in 
our Nation's children, which have always been central to my agenda to 
prepare America for the 21st century.
    The report released today also demonstrates that we must now commit 
ourselves to making further progress for our children. Unfortunately, 
substance abuse and cigarette smoking among children are at unacceptable 
levels; reading scores are stagnant; and too many of our Nation's 
children live in poverty.
    We have demonstrated that we can work on a bipartisan basis to 
address the challenges our children face. That's why, as I said 
yesterday, I am extremely disappointed that some in Congress have taken 
actions that threaten to undermine the important progress we have made 
by failing to provide critical investments for our young people. Our 
children deserve progress, not partisanship. As we pause to consider 
this report card on our children, I urge Members of Congress to work 
together to build a stronger future for our Nation's children.