Church Fires: The White House Plan

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WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Clinton outlined the Administration's plan to prevent more church burnings in a White House meeting with governors, police, and prosecutors from seven Southern states. The Administration pledged to raise $10 million for church rebuilding efforts and more than $20 million to intensify federal law enforcement arson investigations. The White House also reassured the attendees that federal investigators would cooperate fully with any state and local law enforcement efforts to combat the fires. The President got a boost from the Senate, which introduced a bill Wednesday, similar to one passed unanimously Tuesday night in the House, that makes it easier for federal authorities to prosecute arson. Meanwhile, two black men were arrested and charged with arson in connection with one of the fires in North Carolina. Investigators say that the crime was not racially motivated. -->