[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 591 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         June 21, 2004.
Whereas, since our Nation's founding, community banks have supported their 
        communities as they prospered and grew, and today more than 8,700 
        community banks continue the tradition of giving back to their local 
        communities through nearly 40,000 banking offices;
Whereas, with more than $2,275,000,000,000 in assets, community banks know that 
        when money stays in town it becomes a renewable resource, creating an 
        economic cycle that constantly revitalizes and stimulates local 
        communities;
Whereas community banks are working citizens in their communities in every sense 
        of the word with more than 514,000 full-time and part-time employees;
Whereas these banks have made significant contributions to the economic well-
        being of our Nation through their financial support, their dedication as 
        good neighbors and, above all, their service as financially sound and 
        reliable sources of economic lifeblood in our communities;
Whereas the Nation's community banks focus on the prosperity of individuals and 
        small businesses in their hometowns and have reinvested, on average, 95 
        percent of their loan portfolio in their own communities through home 
        mortgages and small business, agricultural, and student loans;
Whereas community banks play a significant role in local economic development 
        efforts by financing new businesses and stimulating the economy to 
        produce jobs and new opportunities and, as a group, they contribute an 
        important and strong part of the Nation's economic fabric;
Whereas community banks have made nearly 3,160,000 loans to small businesses, 
        totaling over $275,500,000,000 and nearly 720,500 loans to small farms, 
        totaling nearly $37,500,000,000;
Whereas community banks also enjoy the trust of their customers; indeed, 
        community banks are just neighbors are helping neighbors build their 
        homes, save for higher education, plan for retirement and fulfill other 
        dreams; and
Whereas community banks have long helped in the development of our communities 
        and the Nation as a whole, and are fully prepared to make many more 
        contributions: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That--
            (1) the House of Representatives expresses its gratitude for the 
        contributions made by America's community banks to the Nation's economic 
        well-being and prosperity; and
            (2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
                    (A) a ``Community Banking Month'' should be designated to 
                raise public awareness of, and public appreciation for, the 
                contributions of the helpful institutions that are our Nation's 
                community banks; and
                    (B) the President should issue a proclamation calling on the 
                people of the United States to observe the month with 
                appropriate programs and activities.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.