[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 809 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                          October 7 (legislative day, October 6), 2004.
Whereas high-quality after-school programs provide safe, challenging, engaging, 
        and fun learning experiences to help children and youth develop their 
        social, emotional, physical, cultural, and academic skills;
Whereas high-quality after-school programs support working families by ensuring 
        that their children are safe and productive after the regular school day 
        ends;
Whereas high-quality after-school programs build stronger communities by 
        involving the Nation's students, parents, business leaders, and adult 
        volunteers in the lives of the Nation's young people, thereby promoting 
        positive relationships among children, youth, families, and adults;
Whereas high-quality after-school programs engage families, schools, and diverse 
        community partners in advancing the well-being of the Nation's children;
Whereas ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of after-school 
        programs on October 14, 2004, promotes the critical importance of high-
        quality after-school programs in the lives of children, their families, 
        and their communities;
Whereas more than 28,000,000 children in the United States have parents who work 
        outside the home, and 14,300,000 children have no place to go after 
        school; and
Whereas many after-school programs across the Nation are struggling to keep 
        their doors open and their lights on: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a 
        national celebration of after-school programs; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the 
        communities of the Nation to engage in innovative after-school programs 
        and activities that ensure the doors stay open and the lights stay on 
        for all children after school.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.