[Congressional Bills 103th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S.J. Res. 167 Referred in House (RFH)] 103d CONGRESS 2d Session S. J. RES. 167 _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES August 23, 1994 Referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service _______________________________________________________________________ JOINT RESOLUTION To designate the week of September 12, 1994, through September 16, 1994, as ``National Gang Violence Prevention Week''. Whereas the number of gang homicides has risen in Chicago alone from 38 in 1980 to 101 in 1990; Whereas the number of gang-related homicides as of 1991 stood at 1,051; Whereas, in the past decade, gang-related homicides and gang related drug trafficking has increased and spread to cities in all 50 States; Whereas, between the years 1989 and 1991, the number of gangs and gang members in the Nation's 79 largest cities doubled; Whereas the number of gangs as of 1991 stood at 4,881 which includes 249,324 members; Whereas gangs are now part of the crime problem in communities with populations as small as 8,000 citizens; Whereas many gangs are actively involved in drug trafficking, and some Los Angeles gangs have been linked to Colombian drug cartels; Whereas our youth are directly impacted by the rise in gang membership, with the average age of gang members being 19; and Whereas every effort needs to be made to reduce gang violence and steer our young people away from gangs and every citizen needs to be aware of the problem: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of September 12, 1994, through September 16, 1994, be designated as ``National Gang Violence Prevention Week'', and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. Passed the Senate August 19 (legislative day, August 18), 1994. Attest: MARTHA S. POPE, Secretary.