May 17, 1999



PRESIDENT CLINTON AND VICE PRESIDENT GORE:
KEEPING THE CRIME RATE DOWN

“More community police on our streets and fewer guns in the hands of criminals have helped make our communities the safest they have been in a generation.”

President Bill Clinton
May 17, 1999

Today, President Clinton lauded preliminary data released last night by the FBI showing that the U.S. crime rate fell seven percent in 1998. The crime rate has now declined for seven consecutive years, due in part to more police in our communities and more restrictions to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. The President urged Congress to pass common-sense gun legislation, including a measure requiring background checks for all gun purchases at gun shows.

More Good News on Crime. Today, President Clinton lauded preliminary data released last night by the FBI showing a seven percent drop in violent and property crimes for 1998, including:

These figures indicate a decline in serious crime for seven years in a row.

Achieving Success with Crime Prevention Programs. The President said that falling crime rates help confirm that his strategy of more community police and fewer guns in the hands of criminals is working. His crime-fighting strategy has included:

Urging Congress to Pass Common-sense Gun Laws. Present law allows unlicensed sellers to sell guns at gun shows with no questions asked. The President urged Congress to pass legislation that would close the gun show loophole by requiring Brady background checks for all gun purchases at gun shows.



May 1999

May 31, 1999

May 21, 1999

May 24, 1999

May 18, 1999

May 25, 1999

May 26, 1999

May 5, 1999

May 27, 1999

May 6, 1999

May 8, 1999

May 12, 1999

May 10, 1999

May 13, 1999

May 28, 1999

May 19, 1999

May 11, 1999

May 14, 1999

May 20, 1999

May 15, 1999

May 17, 1999


President and First Lady | Vice President and Mrs. Gore
Record of Progress | The Briefing Room
Gateway to Government | Contacting the White House | White House for Kids
White House History | White House Tours | Help
Privacy Statement

Help

Site Map

Graphic Version

T H E   W H I T E   H O U S E