[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 120 (Monday, July 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                               KIDS' DAY

                                 ______


                         HON. RONALD D. COLEMAN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 24, 1995
  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity today 
to discuss legislation that I want to introduce but am being prohibited 
from introducing due to House Rule XXII. A constituent of mine 
organized ``Kids' Day'' in El Paso 2 years ago. It has been an enormous 
success locally and I believe this type of holiday could have national 
success as well.
  Kids' Day in El Paso is celebrated on the second Wednesday of every 
May. The celebration includes participation by children in community 
service projects in conjunction with the business community and a 
parade in which children develop floats that depict their career goals. 
Kids' Day encourages children to share their energy and talents with 
their community through public service.
  Since children are one of this Nation's most precious resources and 
there is currently no holiday honoring the children of this Nation, I 
believe that National Kids' Day would be a wonderful opportunity for 
children to participate in an alternative to their traditional 
classwork and homework responsibilities by participating in community 
service, and an exploration of career opportunities.
  However, despite the possibilities of such a holiday, the majority of 
this Congress has voted to ban the introduction of such legislation 
that would be deemed ``commemorative.'' I have sought a ruling from the 
House Parliamentarian regarding such legislation and have been advised 
that most likely this legislation would violate rule XXII.
  I feel that it is most unfortunate when a constituent organizes and 
implements a good idea, relates this idea to her Congressman, and for 
no other reason than the fact that the idea is ``commemorative,'' her 
Congressman is prohibited from acting on the idea. The new rules 
implemented by the majority make accessibility to the Congress more 
difficult, something the American public clearly does not support.
  In closing, I would like to relate the words of my constituent, who 
expresses the goals of Kids' Day more eloquently than I am able to: 
``The components of Kids' Day are geared toward building a better 
community by instilling a deep sense of commitment and success in our 
children and students.''
  Although I am unable to propose that this worthwhile effort be 
undertaken by the Nation, I would still strongly urge individual 
Members to lead their local communities in organizing this type of 
holiday for all our Nation's children.


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