[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 56 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT ON THE MILLENNIUM SOCIETY ACT OF 1997

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                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Millennium Society Act of 1997. In less than 3 years the citizens of 
the United States and the world will be counting down to perhaps the 
most anticipated event in a thousand years, the new millennium.
  The Millennium Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation founded 
in 1979 with a membership spanning six continents. It is a non-profit, 
non-governmental, and non-political organization with the purpose of 
marking the year 2000 and celebrating the achievements of civilization. 
Also, since its incorporation, the Millennium Society has been raising 
funds to permanently endow the Millennium Scholars Program. This 
program is an international scholarship program that prepares young 
leaders from around the world by furthering their education, leadership 
abilities, cultural understanding, and dedication to freedom and peace. 
The Millennium Society is the longest standing organization formed 
solely to commemorate this historical event and has received the 
endorsements of a number of important and influential political leaders 
including President Clinton, Gen. Colin Powell, and former Presidents 
Carter, Reagan, and Bush.
  Title I of the bill recognizes the Millennium Society as the official 
organization of the United States to coordinate activities in the 
United States and around the world to celebrate the new millennium in a 
manner which encourages international peace, freedom, and 
understanding.
  Title II of the bill would authorize a sense of the Congress that the 
U.S. Postal Service should cooperate with the Secretary of the Treasury 
and the society to issue a postage stamp commemorating the end of the 
second millennium and the advent of the third millennium.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in passing this 
legislation. By supporting this legislation, this Congress has the 
opportunity to leave a legacy of learning for the leaders of tomorrow--
at no net cost to the Government.

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