[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                        YEAR OF THE GRANDPARENT

  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. 198) 
designating 1995 as the ``Year of the Grandparent,'' 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. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I do not 
object, but I would simply inform the House that the minority has no 
objection to the legislation now being considered.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of Senate 
Joint Resolution 198 which designates 1995 as the ``Year of the 
Grandparent.''
  Mr. Speaker, in lieu of the ever-increasing breakdown of family 
values and lack of the parental presence, it is in the best interest of 
this Congress to promote and support the crucial role that grandparents 
play in our youth's development.
  The steady increase in reported child abuse and neglect is one of the 
past decade's most troubling trends. More than 2.9 million children 
were reported abused or neglected in 1992. Experts believe that 
increasing economic stress on families and crises caused by drugs and 
violence have fueled the rise in abuse and neglect.
  Additionally, an increasing number of children are growing up in a 
home where both parents work. Children are spending more time in a day 
care setting, at an earlier age. In many instances, grandparents have 
taken on the role of day care provider. Grandparents provide the 
nurturing support that grandchildren need, as well as providing the 
support system for their own children.
  Mr. Speaker, it is vital that we recognize the sacrificial and far-
reaching impact that grandparents have made throughout our society.
  Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to give grandparents the 
recognition they deserve, by declaring 1995 as the ``Year of the 
Grandparent.''
  Mr. PORTER. 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. 198

       Whereas grandparents bring a tremendous amount of love and 
     power for good into the lives of their grandchildren;
       Whereas grandparents, in partnership with parents, help 
     deepen every child's roots and strengthen every child's wings 
     so that every child may soar into adulthood with a glad heart 
     and a confident spirit;
       Whereas grandparents are a strong and important voice in 
     support of the happiness and well-being of children;
       Whereas grandparents often serve as the primary caregivers 
     for their grandchildren, providing a stable and supportive 
     home environment;
       Whereas grandparents should be acknowledged for the 
     important role they play within families, and for the many 
     and varied contributions they make to enhance and further the 
     value of the family and family traditions;
       Whereas public awareness of and appreciation for the 
     contribution of grandparents should be strengthened;
       Whereas grandparents should be encouraged to continue as a 
     vital force in the shaping of American families today and 
     into the future;
       Whereas the Nation acknowledges the contributions of 
     grandparents by celebrating National Grandparents Day each 
     September; and
       Whereas there should be a year-long national celebration of 
     grandparents and grandparenting: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That 1995 is 
     designated the ``Year of the Grandparent'', and the President 
     is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling 
     on the people of the United States to observe that year with 
     appropriate programs, 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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