[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 822 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 822

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                      October 13, 2009.
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 29 States require high school students to take a class in civics or 
        government;
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
    Resolved, 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 in high schools and institutions of higher education to 
        learn about Christopher Columbus' discovery of the Americas and United 
        States history.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.