Proclamation 7301.

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114 STAT. 3298 Proclamation 7301 of May 2, 2000 Older Americans Month, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Older Americans are a treasured link to our past. With courage, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family, community, and country, our older citizens helped to make the 20th century the American century. They preserved our freedom through the crucible of World War II; opposed Communist aggression in Korea and through the long, dark years of the Cold War; marched for Labor reform and civil rights; raised their families, volunteered in their communities, and often postponed their own dreams to fulfill the dreams of their children.

Their character, values, and patriotism laid the foundation for the peace and prosperity we enjoy today. Older Americans have indeed contributed much to the story of our past; and they have much still to offer our future. Today, people are living longer, more active, and more independent lives than ever before, and one in four Americans between the ages of 65 and 69 has a job, either part-time or full-time. Many older Americans want to work, are able to work, and have skills and experience that businesses need in today’s booming economy.

Recognizing the changing role of older men and women in our society, this year the Congress unanimously passed, and I was pleased to sign into law, the Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act of 2000, which ushers in a new era of opportunity for older Americans. Before passage of this landmark legislation, seniors who continued to work after age 65 risked having some of their Social Security benefits withheld until they stopped working or turned 70 years old. By eliminating this confusing and outdated retirement earnings test, the new legislation will ensure that millions of older workers who wish to continue working will be able to keep their full Social Security benefits regardless of their age or earning level.

It is appropriate that we enact this new law in the year when we celebrate the 65th anniversary of Social Security and the 35th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act. Millions of older citizens have been assisted by these programs, and, as the baby boom generation ages, millions more will be relying on them in this new century. To recognize the profound debt our Nation owes its older citizens, and to prepare wisely for the impact that increasing longevity will have on nearly every aspect of our society in the coming years, we must reaffirm our commitment to saving Social Security, strengthening Medicare—including a prescription drug benefit—and modernizing, improving, and reauthorizing the Older Americans Act.

We must also enact my Administration’s long-term care initiative, which, among other important measures, provides tax relief and support services to the millions of family caregivers who devote countless hours to helping older loved ones remain in their homes and communities. By doing so, we can both honor the immeasurable contributions that older men and women bring to our national life and ensure that they lead independent, active, fulfilling lives for many years to come.114 STAT. 3299 NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J.

CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2000 as Older Americans Month. I urge Government officials, business people, community leaders, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to celebrate the contributions older Americans have made, and continue to make, to the progress and prosperity of our Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7302 May 2, 2000 Jewish Heritage Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7302 of May 2, 2000 Jewish Heritage Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For centuries, Jews from every comer of the globe have come to America seeking the right to worship in freedom and to pursue their individual hopes and dreams in peace. For many, the journey was a desperate flight from oppression and persecution to a new life in a new country.

Bolstered by powerful family and community ties and drawing strength and hope from their ancient religious traditions, Jews in America not only survived the difficult transition, but also thrived. From science and the arts to business and the law; as teachers, physicians, journalists, judges, musicians, and policymakers; from neighborhood stores to the corridors of Congress; from the Armed Forces to the Supreme Court, generations of American Jews have succeeded in every sector of our society.

And the rewards of that success are shared by us all. Our Nation has benefited immeasurably from the character, values, and achievements of our Jewish citizens. Building on the Jewish tradition of hospitality toward strangers and acutely aware of the long and tragic history of prejudice and persecution against their people, Jews in America have committed themselves to tolerance, justice, human rights, and the rule of law. American Jews have shared their resources generously with health and human services programs, civil rights groups, educational institutions, arts organizations, and so many more.

In communities across our Nation, in small towns and big cities, synagogues and yeshivas have become centers of community service and civic responsibility. During Jewish Heritage Week, let us acknowledge and give thanks for the many contributions that Jews have brought to our national life and character, and let us celebrate the rich religious and ethnic threads that Jewish men and women have woven into the tapestry that is America. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7 through May 14, 2000, as Jewish Heritage Week.

I urge all Americans 114 STAT. 3300to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7303 May 4, 2000 National Day of Prayer, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7303 of May 4, 2000 National Day of Prayer, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our Nation’s history, Americans have come before God with humble hearts to ask forgiveness, to seek wisdom, and to offer thanksgiving and praise.

The framers of our democracy, on a quest for freedom and equality, were fueled by an abiding faith in a just and loving God, to whom they turned often for guidance and strength. Succeeding generations of Americans, striving to preserve that freedom in the face of challenges posed by enemies abroad or conflict at home, also turned their hearts and minds to God in prayer. Today, whether celebrating the special moments in our lives, searching for strength and meaning in the face of problems or grief, or simply giving thanks for the blessing of a new day, Americans continue to use the powerful medium of prayer.

Now more than ever, Americans treasure our religious freedom, which embraces the many diverse communities of faith that have infused our society and our cultural heritage through more than two centuries. Millions of Americans gratefully sustain the tradition of prayer in churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other houses of worship across our country. And we continue to rely on our faith as a pillar of strength, even in this era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. We pray for the spirit of reconciliation, so that we may overcome the divisions of race, religion, culture, and background that have scarred our society in recent years.

We pray for the spirit of compassion so that we will reach out to others who have not shared equally in this world’s bounteous blessings—those here at home who struggle for economic and educational opportunity and those around the globe whose lives have been darkened by the shadows of poverty, oppression, natural disaster, or disease. And we must always pray for wisdom—the wisdom to raise children with strong values and loving hearts; the wisdom to live in harmony with our environment and to preserve its health and beauty for the benefit of future generations; and the wisdom to keep America the world’s greatest hope for freedom, peace, and human dignity in the 21st century.

The Congress, by Public Law 100–307, has called on our citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society and to honor the religious diversity our freedom permits by recognizing annually a “National Day of Prayer.”114 STAT. 3301 NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 4, 2000, as a National Day of Prayer. I encourage the citizens of this great Nation to pray, each in his or her own manner, seeking strength from God to face today’s challenges, seeking guidance for tomorrow’s uncertainties, and giving thanks for the rich blessings that our country has enjoyed throughout its history IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7304 May 5, 2000 Global Science and Technology Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7304 of May 5, 2000 Global Science and Technology Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation At its core, science is an international endeavor. The fundamental workings of nature—the function of a gene, the quantum behavior of matter and energy, the chemistry of the atmosphere—are not the sole province of any one nation.

At the same time, many of the greatest challenges our Nation faces are of global concern. Issues such as poverty, disease, pollution, and sustainable energy production transcend national boundaries, and their solutions require international collaboration. With the advent of the Internet and the revolution in communications technology, such cooperation is more achievable—and more productive—than ever before. In recent years, America has participated in numerous scientific endeavors that illustrate the feasibility and the benefits of international cooperation.

For example, as one of 16 participating nations, we are advancing the frontiers of space exploration through a partnership to build the International Space Station. Working together in the unique environment of space, we will strive to solve crucial problems in medicine and ecology and lay the foundations for developing space-based commerce. We are also participating in an international scientific effort to map and sequence all human chromosomes. With the completion of the Human Genome Project, we will have unprecedented knowledge about the cause of such genetic diseases as muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer’s and greater hope of preventing them in the future.

Since the 1980s, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization, American scientists have been working with hundreds of scientists around the world to identify, understand, and raise public awareness about the threat to our planet’s ozone layer. Our collaborative efforts have led to an international agreement to eliminate nearly all production of offending chemicals in industrialized countries and to work to reduce their production in developing countries.114 STAT. 3302 Our Nation continues to reap rewards from these and other important international scientific efforts.

We benefit enormously from the large and growing international scientific community within our borders. For generations, the world’s brightest scientists have come to our country to study and conduct research, and many choose to remain here permanently. From Albert Einstein to four of this year’s Nobel laureates, foreign-born scientists in America have made extraordinary contributions to science and technology and have played a vital role in the unprecedented prosperity and economic growth we have experienced in recent years.

The great French scientist Louis Pasteur noted more than a century ago that “science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity. and is the torch which illuminates the world.” During Global Science and Technology Week. America joins the world community in celebrating the immeasurable benefits we have enjoyed from international scientific collaboration and looks forward to a future of even greater achievements. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 7 to May 13, 2000, as Global Science and Technology Week.

I call upon students, educators, and all the people of the United States to learn more about the international nature of science and technology and the contributions that international scientists have made to our Nation’s progress and prosperity. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7305 May 10, 2000 Mother’s Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7305 of May 10, 2000 Mother’s Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation We are living in a new century and a new age, where the revolution in communications technology is changing almost every aspect of human experience.

But even in this new era of global connections, there is perhaps no more powerful link than the love between mother and child. That bond is a child’s first experience of the world, and that love is often the deepest source of the self-esteem, courage, and character that children need to thrive. Mothers are their children’s first teachers; they are their inspiring role models whose generosity, compassion, and unconditional acceptance give children the strength and encouragement to reach their fullest potential and to make their own contributions to their families, communities, and country.

Even in this age of spectacular technological advances, mothers still face the daunting challenges of balancing the responsibilities of home 114 STAT. 3303and work and meeting the changing emotional, educational, and physical needs of their children. Mothers strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment. They help their children navigate the often stormy waters of an increasingly complicated world. They teach their children to approach conflict with words, not violence; to cherish the richness of our diversity and reject prejudice in any form; and to believe in themselves.

Each year we set aside this special day to acknowledge all that our mothers—whether biological or foster, adoptive or stepmothers—have given us. It is a time to reflect on all we have gained from their unwavering care, guidance, and sacrifice, and a time to express openly our deep gratitude and abiding love. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 770), has designated the second Sunday in May of each year as “Mother’s Day” and requested the President to call for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 14, 2000. as Mother’s Day. Whether we are able to share this special day with our mothers in person or are blessed only with our memories of their love, in our hearts they remain with us always. I urge all Americans to express their love and respect for their mothers on this day, to speak the words of appreciation we too often neglect to say, and to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7306 May 11, 2000 National Equal Pay Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7306 of May 11, 2000 National Equal Pay Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Long before President Kennedy signed into law the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women had proved their ability to contribute to America’s labor market.

During World War II, when labor shortages offered women an unprecedented opportunity to work outside the home, women excelled at jobs traditionally reserved for men. Yet, despite their enormous contribution to maintaining American production lines, women in the workforce were paid less than their male counterparts. For most of our Nation’s history, in fact, women have served within a sharply segregated workforce, enjoying fewer educational and training opportunities than men and struggling all too often to disprove confining stereotypes about their roles and capabilities.

But throughout the decades, women of courage, energy, and determination have continued to enter the workforce and open doors of opportunity for succeeding generations. Today, more women are in the labor force than ever before; the female unemployment rate is at its lowest in more than 40 years; the poverty rate for households headed by women is the lowest 114 STAT. 3304ever recorded; and the pay gap has narrowed substantially since 1963. Despite these gains, the battle for equal pay for women is far from over.

Although 37 years have passed since the passage of the Equal Pay Act, the average woman today must still work an additional 17 weeks a year to earn what the average man earns. That pay gap grows wider as women grow older, and it is widest for women of color. African American women earn 64 cents for every dollar earned by white men, and Hispanic women earn just 55 cents. While some of these disparities can be attributed to differences in education, experience, and occupation—which themselves often reflect troubling inequities—several studies confirm that a significant pay gap persists even after we account for these factors.

My Administration has worked hard to ensure that every American is treated with fairness and dignity in the workplace, and this year I proposed a $27 million equal pay initiative in my fiscal year 2001 budget to combat unfair pay practices against women. This initiative includes $10 million in funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

(EEOC)to identify more quickly and respond more effectively to wage discrimination. The initiative would also enable the EEOC to launch a public service campaign to educate employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities under equal pay laws. In addition, the initiative includes funding for the Department of Labor to train women for jobs they have not traditionally held, such as those in the high-paying technology sector, and to help employers recruit and train qualified women for nontraditional occupations. I have also urged the Congress to strengthen existing wage discrimination laws by promptly passing the Paycheck Fairness Act. This proposed legislation would provide increased penalties for equal pay violations; prohibit employers from punishing employees who share salary information with coworkers; and provide funding for research on wage discrimination and for increased training for EEOC employees who work on wage discrimination cases. Throughout the decades, working women have persevered in their struggle for equal pay, buoyed by an unshakable faith in their own skills and self-worth and a firm commitment to the ideals of our democracy. On National Equal Pay Day, I urge all Americans to join the crusade to secure equal pay for women and to create a just and honorable work environment in which all our citizens are rewarded fairly for their talents, experience, and contributions. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 11, 2000, as National Equal Pay Day. I call upon government officials, law enforcement agencies, business leaders, educators, and the American people to recognize the full value of the skills and contributions of women in the labor force. I urge all employers to review their wage practices and ensure that all their employees are paid equitably for their work. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence114 STAT. 3305of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7307 May 11, 2000 Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7307 of May 11, 2000 Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From our earliest days as a Nation, America has been blessed with citizens of courage and character who have dedicated their lives to keeping the peace in our communities. Five years after the creation of the U.S. Marshals Service in 1789, U.S. Marshal Robert Forsyth was shot and killed in the line of duty. He was the first of more than 14,000 law enforcement personnel since that time to give his life to uphold the law and protect the people he was sworn to serve. Our Nation owes a lasting debt of gratitude to the men and women of our law enforcement community who, each day, put their lives at risk to protect us and ensure the safety of our families and homes. Because of their skill, valor, and commitment, we have begun to turn the tide on crime in America. The murder rate is at its lowest level in more than 30 years, and the overall crime rate is at its lowest point in 25 years. There are many reasons for this progress, but police chiefs, policymakers, and citizens alike agree that the dedication of our law enforcement officers and the spread of community policing have been critical factors. Today, in cities and communities across America, residents and police officers are working in partnership, forming neighborhood watch organizations, banding together against drug dealers and gangs, and building connections that are the core of community life and the foundation of a civil society. Unfortunately, we need look no further than the tragic losses suffered by law enforcement officers to recognize the risks that these brave men and women face every day. Last year, 50 police officers were struck down in the line of duty, and another 84 lost their lives in accidents. For these heroes, the safety of their fellow citizens was their purpose and passion, and they made the ultimate sacrifice to fulfill their duty. We can never repay these gallant men and women for their service or adequately comfort their families. We can only honor their memory—not only in words and ceremony, but in our determination to promote justice, uphold the law, and preserve the peace and safety they helped purchase with their lives. By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962 (76 Stat. 676), the Congress has authorized and requested the President to designate May 15 of each year as “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls as “Police Week,” and, by Public Law 103–322 (36 U.S.C. 136), has directed that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2000, as Peace Officers 114 STAT. 3306Memorial Day and May 14 through May 20, 2000, as Police Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe these occasions with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities. I also request the Governors of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag of the United States be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also invite all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7308 May 15, 2000 National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7308 of May 15, 2000 National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout the past century, America’s national transportation system has played a crucial role in strengthening our economy, protecting our safety, and improving the quality of life for all Americans. Interconnecting networks of railroads, ports, and waterways have transported millions of passengers and billions of dollars’ worth of freight. Our national highway system connected cities to rural communities and people to jobs. The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane gave birth to a world-class aviation system that revolutionized travel, created new industries, and brought the nations of the world closer. The quality and versatility of all these modes of transportation gave our Nation a powerful defense tool as well, enabling us to move troops and materiel swiftly and efficiently in times of conflict and crisis. Now, as we begin a new century, our national transportation system must embrace exciting new possibilities and new challenges. One of the most important of those challenges is safety. Advances in technology offer us great hope for progress in reducing accidents and fatalities. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration is working in partnership with the airline industry, pilots, technicians, and air traffic controllers to use improved forecasting and new communications technology to detect severe weather sooner, to let pilots and passengers know promptly about anticipated delays, and to centralize air traffic decisionmaking during severe storms in order to reduce delays. Automobile manufacturers are also using new technologies and design innovations—from stronger metals to new safety lights to advanced brake technology—to prevent accidents and save lives. Another of our great transportation challenges is to develop alternative fuels and clean energy sources that will not harm our environment. Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order to ensure the Federal 114 STAT. 3307Government’s leadership in reducing petroleum consumption and promoting the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). By developing and using AFVs. we can reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants, enhance our Nation’s energy self-sufficiency by reducing the demand for imported oil, and create new products and jobs. If we make wise and informed choices today and in the years to come, we can make our communities more livable, give our citizens greater choice and mobility, protect our environment, and help create a truly global community. The 20th century was indeed a golden age for transportation; the 21st century can be an even brighter one. In recognition of the importance of our Nation’s transportation system to our national security and economic health, and in honor of the many dedicated men and women who have ensured its continued excellence through the years, the United States Congress, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957 (36 U.S.C. 120), has designated the third Friday in May of each year as “National Defense Transportation Day” and, by joint resolution approved May 14, 1962 (36 U.S.C. 133), declared that the week during which that Friday falls be designated “National Transportation Week.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 19, 2000, as National Defense Transportation Day and May 14 through May 20, 2000, as National Transportation Week. I urge all Americans to observe these occasions with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7309 May 18, 2000 National Safe Boating Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7309 of May 18, 2000 National Safe Boating Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Living in a country bordered by oceans and blessed with abundant lakes and rivers, Americans have made recreational boating one of our Nation’s most popular pastimes. Each year, more than 74 million Americans take to the water with family and friends to relax and enjoy the beauty of the natural world. But each year, for too many Americans, boating ends in tragedy. Most boating-related injuries and deaths are the result of human error and poor judgment, caused, for example, by excessive speed, failure to follow safe navigation rules, and drinking or taking drugs while operating watercraft. These injuries could easily be prevented by using common sense and making safety the first priority. Boating accidents can occur at any time—whether the water is smooth or turbulent and whether the boater is experienced or a novice. One of the best ways to make a recreational boating experience safe and enjoyable 114 STAT. 3308is to ensure that everyone on board always wears a life jacket. To reinforce this lifesaving message, the National Safe Boating Campaign has once again selected the theme “Boat Smart from the Start! Wear Your Life Jacket!” for this year’s observance. Recreational boating organizations, including the National Safe Boating Council and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, other Federal agencies, and State and local governments, are continuing to promote safety through education by emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and practicing boating and water safety. In recognition of the importance of safe boating practices, the Congress, by joint resolution approved June 4. 1958 (36 U.S.C. 131), as amended, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim annually the 7-day period ending on the last Friday before Memorial Day as “National Safe Boating Week.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 20 through May 26, 2000. as National Safe Boating Week. I encourage the governors of the 50 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to join in observing this occasion and to urge all Americans to use safe boating practices throughout the year. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7310 May 19, 2000 World Trade Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7310 of May 19, 2000 World Trade Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The prosperity the United States enjoys today is due, in no small part, to our strong trading relationships with other nations. The World Trade Organization, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and 270 other agreements have helped us to open new markets for U.S. products and services, create thousands of new jobs, and keep our economy growing without inflation. The African Growth and Opportunity Act and the United States Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act that I signed into law this week will build on this progress by lowering trade barriers and strengthening our economic partnership with nations in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean basin. The theme of World Trade Week this year, “Working the Web of Trade,” reflects the particular importance of the Internet as a new and rapidly accelerating factor in world trade. The Internet holds enormous commercial potential and brings extraordinary opportunities directly into homes and workplaces across the United States and around the world. Linking businesses and consumers more quickly and directly than ever before, the worldwide web is a powerful tool, available 24 114 STAT. 3309hours a day. 7 days a week, that allows even the smallest company to conduct business on a global scale. My Administration has worked hard to encourage America’s businesses and workers to embrace this worldwide web of opportunity and its potential to enhance productivity at home and access to markets abroad. By investing in research and development, improving the quality of science and mathematics education in our schools, teaching workers new skills to fill jobs in the technology sector. and keeping e-commerce fair, safe, and competitive, we can stimulate our export industries, sustain this remarkable period of growth and prosperity, and ensure America’s continued leadership in the global economy. This week, when the Congress takes up legislation to grant Permanent Normal Trade Relations status to the People’s Republic of China, it will have an opportunity to further the progress we have made in building strong trading relationships. PNTR for China will increase America’s competitiveness in the global marketplace, reduce tariffs, and give American workers and farmers unprecedented access to China’s more than one billion consumers. World trade, whether conducted in person. on paper, or on line, remains a cornerstone of American economic growth. But even more important. trade plays a vital role in improving opportunity and prosperity around the globe. Free and fair international trade is one of the most effective tools we have to bring people together, raise living standards in developed and developing nations alike, promote human dignity, and improve long-term prospects for democracy, stability, and world peace. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 21 through May 27, 2000, as World Trade Week. I invite the people of the United States to observe this week with events, trade shows, and educational programs that celebrate the benefits of international trade to our economy and our world, IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7311 May 19, 2000 Small Business Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7311 of May 19, 2000 Small Business Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The men and women who own and operate our Nation’s 25 million small businesses have made, and continue to make, an indispensable contribution to America’s economic strength and success. These entrepreneurs possess many of the characteristics that have always defined the American spirit: a fierce independence, an extraordinary work 114 STAT. 3310ethic, and an uncompromising commitment to building a better life. Taking risks to fulfill their dreams. they have made a profound and positive impact on the lives and futures of their fellow citizens. America’s small business owners represent more than 99 percent of all employers, and they employ more than half of the private sector workforce. They create 80 percent of the new jobs in our economy, and last year they generated 51 percent of our Nation’s gross national product—more than $16 trillion. Small business owners are leaders in innovation, creating a wellspring of new technology, new products, and more effective business processes. Recognizing the important role small businesses play in the life of our Nation and in the vitality of our economy, my Administration is committed to continuing and expanding their success so that more Americans have the opportunity for prosperity and a secure future for themselves and their families. By balancing the Federal budget, we freed up capital for starting and expanding small businesses. We have put in place policies and programs that grant tax and regulatory relief and expand access to capital and overseas markets for small businesses. And we have strengthened America’s workforce through investment in education, training, and improved benefits. Through the Small Business Administration, we guaranteed more than $12 billion in loans to nearly 50 thousand companies last year alone; opened the door to $4.2 billion in venture capital investment for 2.000 companies; and provided management and technical assistance to more than 900,000 small businesses. Through our New Markets Initiative and our efforts to bridge the digital divide, my Administration is helping to create opportunities for small businesses by promoting public and private sector investment in underserved communities and expanding e-commerce capability. During Small Business Week, we salute America’s millions of small business owners; men and women of courage and initiative whose future is limited only by their imagination and whose success has created better lives for us all, NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 21 through May 27, 2000, as Small Business Week. I call upon government officials and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that celebrate the achievements of small business owners and encourage the development of new enterprises. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7312 May 22, 2000 National Maritime Day, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

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