Statement by the Press Secretary

On Monday, December 15, 2003, the President signed into law:

H.J.Res. 80, which designates the day for the convening of the second session of the One Hundred Eighth Congress;

H.R. 1437, which revises without substantive change provisions of the United States Code related to public buildings, property, and works;

H.R. 1813, the "Torture Victims Relief Reauthorization Act of 2003," which reauthorizes the Torture Victims Relief Act of 1998;

H.R. 3287, which provides for the posthumous award of congressional gold medals in honor of Reverend Joseph A. DeLaine, Harry and Eliza Briggs, and Levi Pearson; and

S. 459, the "Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act of 2003," which provides that survivors of certain public safety officers who die of a heart attack or stroke after engaging while on duty in a non-routine stressful or strenuous physical activity would be eligible for the Public Safety Officers' benefits Program.