[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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