[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 26 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1430-S1431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT WEEK

  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 273, 
submitted earlier by Senator Hutchison of Texas.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 273) designating the week beginning 
     March 11, 2000, as ``National Girl Scout Week.''

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, this year commemorates the 88th 
anniversary of the founding of this outstanding organization and 
designates the week of March 11, 2000 as National

[[Page S1431]]

Girl Scout week. I am joined in supporting this resolution by Senator 
Mikulski and Senator Hatch.
  On March 16, 1950, the Girl Scouts of the United States of America 
became the first national organization for girls to be granted a 
Federal charter by Congress.
  The Girl Scout Organization has long been dedicated to inspiring 
girls and young women with the highest ideals of character, conduct, 
and service to others to that they may become model citizens in their 
communities. It is not easy growing up, particularly in today's 
society. The Girl Scouts is one organization that has consistently 
guided young women in their formative years.
  For 88 years, the Girl Scout movement has provided valuable 
leadership skills for countless girls and young women across the 
nation. Today, overall membership in the Girl Scouts is the highest it 
has been in 26 years, with 2.7 million girls and over 850,000 adult 
volunteers. I am proud to say that I, too, was a Girl Scout.
  I am pleased to be joined by Senator Mikulski in support of this 
legislation which designates the week beginning March 11, 2000, as 
``National Girl Scout Week.'' I ask our colleagues to join us.
  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I proudly rise today to pay tribute to the 
Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. on the occasion of the 88th anniversary of 
its founding. To honor an organization that gives back so much to our 
communities, Congress has established March 12-18 as National Girl 
Scout Week.
  Created in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Law, the first Girl Scout group 
consisted of only 18 girls. Since then, the Girl Scouts have evolved 
into the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world. Nearly 
3.5 million active members strive toward excellence in character, 
conduct, patriotism and service--attributes that are vital to a young 
person's development. The Girl Scouts have given direction to over 40 
million American women throughout its rich 86-year history.
  Girl Scouting empowers young women from every background with the 
tools they will need to be the outstanding leaders of the future. For 
example, we all know about those famous Girl Scout cookies. I have 
certainly enjoyed my fair share. Through their annual cookie sales, 
girls learn valuable life lessons in goal setting, money management, 
and community involvement.
  Of course, there is much more to scouting than the sale of cookies, 
such as the organization's long tradition of serving others without the 
expectation of reward. Girls are encouraged to incorporate service into 
their lives, whether it takes the form of common, everyday acts around 
the house or community service work outside the home. Instilled with 
compassion for others, Girl Scouts head into the world as caring, 
valuable members of society.
  Additionally, I take this opportunity to commend the 850,000 adult 
volunteers who serve as leaders for the Girl Scouts. Their devotion to 
providing opportunities for girls to meet their potential is 
unparalleled. In my home state of Minnesota, nearly 20,000 volunteers 
devote their time and energy to over 60,000 Girl Scouts. Clearly, 
without these dedicated volunteers, the Girl Scouts would not provide 
the effective leadership it offers today.
  For 88 years, the members and adult volunteers of the Girl Scouts of 
the U.S.A. have worked tirelessly for the betterment of this nation. I 
congratulate them on their achievements and wish for them a prosperous 
future as the Girl Scouts continue to nurture the lives of America's 
young women.
  Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, and any statements relating to the resolution be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 273) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 273

       Whereas March 12, 2000, is the 88th anniversary of the 
     founding of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America;
       Whereas on March 16, 1950, the Girl Scouts of the United 
     States of America became the first national organization for 
     girls to be granted a Federal charter by Congress;
       Whereas through annual reports required to be submitted to 
     Congress by its charter, the Girl Scouts of the United States 
     of America regularly informs Congress of its progress and 
     program initiatives;
       Whereas the Girl Scouts of the United States of America is 
     dedicated to inspiring girls and young women with the highest 
     ideals of character, conduct, and service to others so that 
     they may become model citizens in their communities;
       Whereas the Girl Scouts of the United States of America 
     offers girls aged 5 through 17 a variety of opportunities to 
     develop strong values and life skills and provides a wide 
     range of activities to meet girls' interests and needs;
       Whereas the Girl Scouts of the United States of America has 
     a membership of nearly 3,000,000 girls and over 900,000 adult 
     volunteers, and is one of the preeminent organizations in the 
     United States committed to girls growing strong in mind, 
     body, and spirit; and
       Whereas by fostering in girls and young women the qualities 
     on which the strength of the United States depends, the Girl 
     Scouts of the United States of America, for 88 years, has 
     significantly contributed to the advancement of the United 
     States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week beginning March 11, 2000, as 
     ``National Girl Scout Week''; and
       (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation 
     designating the week beginning March 11, 2000, as ``National 
     Girl Scout Week'' and calling on the people of the United 
     States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.

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