[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 78 (Tuesday, June 16, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H4575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            YOUTH IN ACTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Metcalf) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, over the recess I had opportunity to visit 
Youth in Action in Mount Vernon, Washington, which is a city in my 
district. Youth in Action was created in Washington State to encourage 
school age children living in multifamily housing to participate in 
afterschool programs.
  While most parents would like to spend more time with their children, 
many parents are unable to do so because of their demanding jobs. The 
Youth in Action program provides adult supervision and engages children 
in activities while parents are at work.
  More importantly, these adults serve as positive role models to 
children whose parents are not able to be present. Our children are not 
the sole beneficiaries. Our communities also benefit with lower crime 
rates, decreased vandalism, and reduction in property damage. Programs 
such as Youth in Action help encourage children to excel and be active 
in positive situations at an early age.
  Mr. Speaker, it is during these formative years that we can have the 
most influence on these children by instilling values and building 
positive character traits.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Youth in Action for providing 
this essential service to children of our community, children who may 
need inspiration.

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