Taking Lives (2004)

[Princesex Voskamp]

NationalHIV Testing Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

Aa Proclamation Every day, 8,000 lives are lost in the global AIDS pandemic. In ourcountry, nearly 1 million people are infected with HIV, andapproximately 40,000 more contract it each year. National HIV TestingDay is an opportunity for Americans to increase their awareness of thisterrible disease and to get tested for HIV/AIDS. By working togetherto end this pandemic, our Nation's citizens contribute to a brighterfuture for themselves and for people around the world. New drugs and new treatments are bringing hope and enhancing thequality of life for those who are affected by HIV/AIDS. However, theseadvances can only help individuals if they know their HIV status. TheNational HIV Testing Day theme, "It's better to know," highlights theimportance of education in helping people make healthy decisions aboutpreventing and treating HIV/AIDS. Approximately one-quarter of peoplewho are HIV positive do not know that they are carriers. Withoutknowing their status, they cannot get the treatment they need and mayunknowingly spread new infections. Today, testing is easier thanever. It is imperative that those at risk for HIV/AIDS get tested. To reach out to HIV/AIDS sufferers in need, I recently announced$20 million in immediate new funding to deliver lifesaving drugs toAmericans who are awaiting them. I have proposed in my 2005 budget tospend more than $17 billion here at home to expand prevention effortssuch as regular testing and abstinence education, care and treatment,and research efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. In addition, this budgetproposal doubles funding for abstinence-only programs, becauseabstinence is the only sure way to avoid sexually transmitteddiseases. My Administration is working through the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention's Advancing HIV Prevention initiative toencourage routine testing as a normal part of health care. At-riskindividuals who make the decision to get tested are taking a steptoward saving their own lives and the lives of others. My Administration is also fully engaged in the global fight againstHIV/AIDS. I have proposed a record $15 billion over 5 years to combatthe spread of HIV/AIDS around the world, with a focus on some of thehardest-hit countries of Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia. This moneywill be used to prevent 7 million new infections, treat 2 millionHIV-infected people with life-extending drugs, and care for 10 millionindividuals impacted by this disease, including orphans. And, working with international partners, we will supportintensified research to create a vaccine and find a cure. While AIDSremains a source of great suffering for many individuals, worldwideefforts are bringing us closer to the day when AIDS will be defeated. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United Statesof America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitutionand laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 27, 2004, asNational HIV Testing Day. I encourage the American people to supportthe battle against HIV/AIDS. I also urge those at risk to get testedfor the disease and to learn more about how to end this health threatin America and around the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixthday of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of theIndependence of the United States of America the two hundred andtwenty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH# # #

On the 14th anniversary of this landmark legislation, we recognize the important progress the ADA has brought about for our citizens and our Nation. Today, individuals with disabilities are better able to develop meaningful skills, engage in productive work, and participate fully in society. Yet, our work is not finished. The millions of Americans with disabilities continue to face both physical barriers and false perceptions. Removing those obstacles requires a determined and focused commitment to the goals of the ADA: equality of opportunity, economic self-sufficiency, full participation, and independent living.

My administration continues its work to achieve these goals. My New Freedom Initiative, announced in February 2001, sets out a comprehensive strategy for the full integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of American life. The Department of Justice has established the ADA Business Connection to build partnerships between the business community and people with disabilities. This program helps increase voluntary compliance with the ADA and brings individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of our economy. Through Project Civic Access, we have reached agreements with cities and towns across the country to ensure that people with disabilities are integrated into community life. In addition, I have signed executive orders that remove barriers to equal opportunities faced by people with disabilities.

On July 22, 20004, I signed an Executive Order that makes government agencies responsible for properly taking into account agency employees and customers with disabilities in emergency preparedness planning and coordination with other government entities. To help coordinate this effort, the Executive Order establishes the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities.

I also signed an Executive Order on February 24, 2004, to improve transportation for people who are transportation-disadvantaged, including people with disabilities. This order helps Federally assisted community transportation services provide seamless, comprehensive, and accessible transportation services to people who rely on transportation services for their lives and livelihood.

My Administration has also begun implementing the recommendations of the New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. The Commission was established by Executive Order and its report lays out steps that can be taken to improve mental health services and support for people of all ages with mental illness.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, 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 July 26, 2004, as a day in celebration of the 14th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make to America and to renew our commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

"11.7.4 Sports Other Than Football -- Limitations on Number -- Off-Campus Recruiting. There shall be a limit on the number of coaches who may be employed by an institution and who may contact or evaluate prospects off-campus at any one-time in each sport (other than football) as follows:

Source: NCAA Division I Board of Directors [Management Council (Championships/Competition Cabinet)(Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet) (Women's Basketball Issues Committee) (Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee) (Subcommittee on Recruiting) (Developed by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and introduced by the NCAA Division I Management Council to assess membership comment without taking a position on the merits of the proposal)].

Rationale: With the recommendation to increase the number of evaluation days to 85, this proposal will alleviate some of the increased travel burden placed on the coaching staff as the recruiting duties will now be divided among three coaches instead of two coaches. This recommendation also allows coaches to balance both their personal and professional lives. It permits each institution the flexibility to design a recruiting calendar that best fits the needs of its own respective program. Consistent with the NCAA's emphasis on student-athlete well-being, this proposal will also enhance student-athlete welfare by maintaining the level of coach and student-athlete interaction necessary to adequately mentor student-athletes throughout the academic year.

Position Statement(s): Championships/Competition Cabinet Based on a recommendation from the Playing and Practice Seasons Subcommittee, the cabinet agreed to support the proposal and its rationale as drafted. Women's Ice Hockey Committee The committee supports the proposal and recognized the flexibility this proposal provides by allowing institutions to elect the number of coaches and time at which they will go out recruiting. The committee noted this proposal will result in more efficient recruiting without adding additional expense. Academic/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet The cabinet unanimously supports the proposal and agrees with the sponsor's rationale.

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