IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 815 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 8, 2009 Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform RESOLUTION Expressing support for recognition of Christopher Columbus and his role in the history of the United States and recognizing the importance of students learning about Christopher Columbus and the heritage and history of the Nation.

Whereas Columbus Day is celebrated the second Monday in October every year to honor Christopher Columbus; Whereas Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas on October 12, 1492, and is credited with initiating the European colonization of the Americas; Whereas tributes and memorials to Christopher Columbus exist today in almost every State in the Nation; Whereas the discovery and colonization of the Americas is an integral part of the history and heritage of the United States; Whereas according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2006, less than half of the country’s high school seniors had a basic knowledge of United States history; Whereas nearly half of the States in the Nation no longer require the teaching of civics and United States history; Whereas a proficient knowledge of the history and heritage of the United States is important to promoting additional civic involvement; and Whereas educating today’s young people about the history and heritage of the United States is essential to creating an informed generation of citizens: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the recognition of Christopher Columbus and his role in the discovery and history of the United States; (2)recognizes that it is important for young people to learn about Christopher Columbus and the discovery, heritage, and history of the Nation; and (3)encourages all people to take advantage of educational opportunities to learn about Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Americas and United States history.