President Bush Unveils Road Map for Peace in the Middle East

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.
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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.