VOLUME No: 49 Issue No: 1

Washington, D.C. - May 2, 2003

President Bush Unveils Road Map for Peace in the Middle East

Yesterday, the Bush administration unveiled the "road map"
to peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The plan is inline with
his vision of almost a year ago where the President spoke out for the
creation for a Palestinian state as early as 2005, where Palestinians
and Israelis are "living side by side in peace and
security."

The roadmap is dependant on the good faith, cooperation, and
contribution of both sides. Secretary of State Colin Powell is
slated to travel to the region next week in order to facilitate the
interaction between the two parties as they work for peace.

The main aspects of the plan call for the Palestinians to cease
violence and accept Israel's right to exist in addition to
undertaking democratic reforms. The plan requires Israel to freeze
Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and the west Bank additionally
Israel must ease restrictions on Palestinians. Israel must also agree
to withdraw forces from Palestinian cities and accept a future
Palestinian state existing side by side.

Senate Confirms Sutton

In a 52-41 vote judicial nominee Jeffery S. Sutton was confirmed for
the 6th U.S Circuit Court of appeals. The confirmation of Sutton
comes in the wake of a filibuster against another nominee, Pricilla
Owen a justice of the Texas Supreme Court, to the 5th U.S Circuit
Court. There already been 4 cloture votes on nominee Miguel Estrada,
but this week the nomination of Justice Owen was also subject to a
cloture vote. Minority Leader Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD) has stood
firm, despite scolding from the President on the filibusters. 5 out
of the 11 President Bush has nominated, to Federal courts, have yet
to be confirmed. Next month will mark the second anniversary of the
nominations of Justice Owens and Mr. Miguel Estrada.

President Bush Signs Child Protection Bill

President Bush signed a child protection bill this week that
encourages states to further develop Amber Alert systems by federally
matching funds. The legislation named "Protection Act of
2003" also enhances penalties for youth abductions and child sex
crimes, boosts funding for missing and exploited children programs
and cracks down on child pornography, including images created
digitally.

President Bush said the measure "marks important progress in the
protection of America's children." An Amber Alert coordinator at
the Justice Department will assist states and has been designated $10
million in funding.

The Amber alert system is named after Amber Hagerman, a 9 year old
kidnapping and murder victim from Texas. The system informs the
public by radio, television, roadside electronic billboards and
emergency broadcast systems about kidnapping suspects and victims
shortly after being reported.

"No child should ever have to experience the terror of abduction
or worse. No family should ever have to endure the nightmare of
losing a child. Our nation grieves with every family that has
suffered unbearable loss. And our nation will fight threats against
our children," President Bush concluded.