III 109th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 561 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 7 (legislative day, September 6), 2006 Mr. Reid (for himself, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Frist, Mr. Burns, Mr. Byrd, Mr. Salazar, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Lieberman, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Nelson of Florida, Mr. Dayton, and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the month of September 2006, as Rural America Month.

Whereas more than 55 million people live in rural areas of the country; Whereas rural areas make up eighty percent of the United States landscape; Whereas our rural communities are diverse, dynamic engines for growth in America; Whereas the contribution of rural Americans to the national economy is invaluable; Whereas rural America's natural renewable resources can help our Nation break its dangerous reliance on foreign oil; Whereas rural America's farmers and ranchers feed families across the country and around the globe while being stewards of our land and natural resources; Whereas rural Americans look to their local police officers, firefighters, EMTs and National Guard to keep them safe in times of national emergencies; Whereas the highest concentrations of veterans are found in rural counties; Whereas rural Americans deserve access to affordable health care; Whereas rural Americans deserve the finest education we can offer; Whereas rural America is a key part of our growing information highway; and Whereas Americans in rural areas reflect values that make America great—community, service, hard work, family, and responsibility—their contributions should be recognized and commended: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates the month of September 2006, as Rural America Month; and (2)encourages the people of the United States to observe Rural America Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities during the month of September.