Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4165

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118 STAT. 4135 PROCLAMATION 7787—MAY 14, 2004 aster plan, creating a disaster supply kit, and staying aware of current weather situations. While citizens make preparations to keep themselves safe, the Federal Government is maintaining our commitment to improve forecasts to provide advance warning and to coordinate effective emergency re- sponse. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is also working on a plan to better position dis- aster equipment and supplies, so Federal resources to support local emergency services arrive quickly. While no policy can eliminate the threat that hurricanes pose to lives and property, cooperation among citizens and Federal, State, and local officials can reduce the dangers and provide a more effective response to these storms. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 16 through May 22, 2004, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week. I call upon government agencies, private organizations, schools, news media, and residents in hurricane-prone areas to share information about hur- ricane preparedness and response, and to implement steps to minimize storm damage and save lives. I also call upon Americans living in the coastal areas of our Nation to use this opportunity to learn more about how to protect themselves against the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- ty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7787 of May 14, 2004 Small Business Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners are vital to our Nation’s economic growth and prosperity. We celebrate Small Business Week to applaud the efforts of America’s small busi- ness men and women in our communities. Small businesses are a central part of America’s economy. They create approximately 70 percent of new private sector jobs in this country. As our Nation’s economy continues to grow stronger, we must encourage their spirit of enterprise. To help small businesses invest and create more jobs, we have de- creased the tax burden. We have given small business men and women a fair chance to bid on government contracts. We have a plan to create more opportunity for America’s small businesses and workers by mak- ing health care costs more affordable and predictable; streamlining reg- ulations and paperwork requirements; reducing frivolous lawsuits; VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4