[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 43 (Tuesday, April 19, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 19, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        CIVIL WAR HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______


                   NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS RIGHTS WEEK

  Mr. BRYAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary 
Committee be discharged, en bloc, from consideration of the following 
joint resolutions: Senate Joint Resolution 161, designating ``Civil War 
History Month,'' and Senate Joint Resolution 174, designating 
``National Crime Victims Rights Week,'' and the Senate then proceed, en 
bloc, to their immediate consideration; that the joint resolutions be 
deemed read three times, passed, the motions to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, en bloc; that the preambles be agreed to, en bloc; further, 
that any statements relative to the passage of these joint resolutions 
be placed in the Record at the appropriate place; and the consideration 
of these items appear individually in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  So the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 161) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The joint resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:

                             S.J. Res. 161

       Whereas the period of American history known as ``The Civil 
     War'' is universally recognized as one of the most 
     significant landmark eras in our Nation's heritage;
       Whereas, the continuous growth of public awareness of and 
     interest in the Civil War period remains an integral part of 
     America's cultural heritage;
       Whereas, the study, preservation, and interpretation of 
     literature and sites associated with this period is imbedded 
     in the educational and cultural heritage of our country;
       Whereas, the beginning of the Civil War occurred in April 
     1861, with the firing on Fort Sumter in Charleston, South 
     Carolina, and the effective ending of the Civil War occurred 
     in April 1865, with the surrender of the Army of Northern 
     Virginia at Appomattox, Virginia, making April the most 
     important month of the year in Civil War History; and
       Whereas, the heritage of the Civil War deserves the 
     attention and respect of all individuals in the United 
     States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 
     1994, is designated as ``Civil War History Month''. The 
     President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe the 
     month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  So the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 174) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The joint resolution, with its preamble, is as follows:

                             S.J. Res. 174

       Whereas public opinion polls clearly indicate that crime 
     and violence is the number one concern among all United 
     States citizens;
       Whereas six million four hundred thousand violent crimes 
     are committed each year in the United States;
       Whereas every minute in the United States, four women are 
     battered, one woman is raped, six children are abused, and 
     one person is robbed;
       Whereas there is a crucial need to provide crime victims 
     with quality programs and services to help them recover from 
     the devastating psychological, physical, emotional and 
     financial hardships resulting from their victimization;
       Whereas there are ten thousand public and private agencies 
     and organizations in the United States that are dedicated to 
     improving the plight of crime victims;
       Whereas victims play an indispensable role in bringing 
     offenders to justice and thus preventing further violence;
       Whereas law abiding citizens are deserving of rights, 
     resources, restoration and rehabilitation;
       Whereas victim service providers, counselors and advocates 
     should enjoy full support from all public and private 
     institutions, entities and individuals in their efforts to 
     render critical assistance to those whom our Nation failed to 
     protect;
       Whereas the Nation's victims' rights movement and allied 
     professions deserve recognition for their tireless efforts on 
     behalf of victims of crime and their struggle to reduce 
     senseless violence in America; and
       Whereas whether measured in dollars, domestic tranquility, 
     dread or death, crime represents the greatest threat to 
     Americans and America: now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 24 
     through 30, 1994, be designated as ``National Crime Victims' 
     Rights Week'', and the President is authorized and requested 
     to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United 
     States to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.

                          ____________________