[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 51 (Tuesday, May 3, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         NATIONAL WALKING WEEK

  Mrs. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Post Office and Civil Service be discharged from further 
consideration of the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 146) 
designating May 1, 1994, through May 7, 1994, as ``National Walking 
Week,'' and ask for its immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate joint resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I do not 
object, but would simply like to inform the House that the minority has 
no objection to the legislation now being considered.
  Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I rise today to 
offer my support for Senate Joint Resolution 146, a joint resolution 
designating May 1, 1994, through May 7, 1994 as National Walking Week. 
I would like to commend the gentleman from Pennsylvania Mr. Paul 
McHale, for all of his hard work in bringing this joint resolution to 
the floor.
  Mr. Speaker, the medical profession has established that walking 
protects against high blood pressure as well as cholesterol problems, 
and other factors leading to heart disease. In addition, walking has 
been found to protect against adult onset of diabetes; protect against 
osteoporosis by strengthening bones; offers protection against several 
forms of cancer; and has been declared as a safe and dependable way for 
overweight individuals to lose weight.
  Therefore, Mr. Speaker, this joint resolution encourages walking and 
community spirit, while promoting pedestrian safety and accessibility 
for walkers throughout our communities.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this joint resolution 
and to support all appropriate activities and ceremonies observing 
National Walking Week.
  Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the Senate joint resolution, as follows:

                             S.J. Res. 146

       Whereas medical authorities have established that walking--
       (1) powerfully protects against high blood pressure, 
     cholesterol problems, and other factors that can contribute 
     to heart disease;
       (2) protects against adult onset (Type II) diabetes;
       (3) builds strong bones and protects against osteoporosis, 
     the weak-bone disease that afflicts millions of older women:
       (4) probably offers protection against several forms of 
     cancer that are believed to be preventable through regular 
     and moderate exercise; and
       (5) is a safe and dependable way for millions of overweight 
     people to lose weight without stringent dieting;
       Whereas the failure to exercise regularly, such as walking, 
     has been identified as the single greatest risk factor for 
     heart disease;
       Whereas the designation of ``National Walking Week'' will 
     help promote the issue of pedestrian access and safety;
       Whereas areas of America are becoming inaccessible or 
     unsafe for walkers, so the benefits of this activity are 
     being blocked;
       Whereas people should be able to walk anywhere in their 
     community, within reason; and
       Whereas walking encourages community spirit and safety: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That May 1, 
     1994, through May 7, 1994, is designated as ``National 
     Walking Week''. 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.

  The Senate joint resolution was ordered to be read a third time, was 
read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on 
the table.

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