Letter from the President

Although progress has been made in fighting violent crime, America remains far too violent with a violent crime rate among the highest in the industrialized world. Nationally, there were 12,658 murders in 1999, two-thirds of which were shooting deaths. For every fatal shooting, there were roughly three non-fatal shootings. A teenager is more likely to die from a gunshot than from all natural causes of death combined. This is unacceptable in America. For our children's sake, this Nation must reclaim our neighborhoods and streets.

We need a focused national strategy to ensure that every community vigorously combats the problem of gun violence. Project Safe Neighborhoods is an integral part of that strategy. It will establish a network of law enforcement and community initiatives targeted at gun violence and will involve an unprecedented partnership among all levels of government. It will increase accountability within our system, and it will send a clear message to criminals — you will do hard time for gun crimes.

To reduce gun violence, we must vigorously enforce existing gun laws. Project Safe Neighborhoods incorporates and builds upon successful programs all across America. This Administration is devoting nearly a half billion dollars over the next two years to hire new federal and state prosecutors to support investigators, to provide training, and to develop and promote community outreach efforts. Each newly appointed United States Attorney will certify to the Attorney General that a new comprehensive gun violence program has been implemented in your districts and report regularly on its progress. Your leadership and commitment are essential to the initiative's success, and I thank you in advance for your dedication to this important effort.

By bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement, Project Safe Neighborhoods will play a key role in reducing gun violence in America, and those who commit crimes with guns will find a determined adversary in my Administration.

Sincerely,

George W. Bush.