III 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 536 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 20, 2010 Ms. Snowe (for herself and Ms. Collins) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating June 1, 2010, as Declaration of Conscience Day in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the landmark Declaration of Conscience speech delivered by Senator Margaret Chase Smith on the floor of the United States Senate.

Whereas on June 1, 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith of the State of Maine, in her first major speech on the floor of the Senate, delivered a courageous and heroic speech responding to the contemptible actions and words of Senator Joseph McCarthy from the State of Wisconsin; Whereas in 15 minutes, Senator Smith accomplished a task that 94 of her male colleagues did not dare to attempt; Whereas Senator Smith had the will and integrity to speak out vigorously when silence was a safer course; Whereas through the power of her iconic words, Senator Smith challenged a giant of demagoguery, prompting financier and presidential advisor, Bernard Baruch, to say that “had a man made that speech, he would have become the next President of the United States”; Whereas Senator Smith, because of her bravery both in politics and in life, inspired millions of young girls, and became a role model for countless more women across the United States, who had never before thought that women could aspire to any kind of public office; Whereas Senator Smith was a legendary and undeniable force of civic good and political courage, whose bravery, civility, compassion, and integrity are woven indelibly into the fabric of the greatness of the United States; Whereas Senator Smith was a much-beloved and universally admired daughter of the State of Maine and forever the pride of Skowhegan, Maine, her birthplace and home; Whereas Senator Smith was a teacher, telephone operator, newspaper woman, office manager, secretary, wife, Congresswoman, and Senator; Whereas Senator Smith was the first woman to be elected to both Houses of Congress; and Whereas Senator Smith was— (1)a timeless leader for the State of Maine and the United States; (2)a friend to freedom and the public trust; (3)a fearless defender of democracy and the bedrock principles of democracy; and (4)above all else, a Stateswoman and public servant who belongs not just to the State of Maine and the United States, but to the ages: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)designates June 1, 2010, as Declaration of Conscience Day; (2)recognizes the 60th anniversary of the landmark Declaration of Conscience speech delivered by Senator Margaret Chase Smith; (3)honors the heroism of the immortal words and actions of Senator Smith; and (4)pays tribute to the integrity and courage of Senator Smith, which reverberates to this day.