    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 2003)]
    [Pages 422-423]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation on the Faith-Based Initiative

    April 9, 2003

        I commend the Senate for acting in a bipartisan way to pass
    legislation that will help us meet our shared goal of better serving
    Americans in need. This legislation contains key elements of the Faith-
    Based Initiative that I proposed more than 2 years ago to encourage more
    charitable giving and rally the armies of compassion that exist in
    communities all across America.
        America's charities face tough times, and we can do more to support
    their efforts. I look forward to continuing to work with Congress to
    improve the CARE Act legislation, and I continue to urge Congress to
    take additional steps to end discrimination against faith-based
    organizations that have a proven record of helping people in need
    realize a better life.

    [[Page 423]]