[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E392-E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                HONORING THE CONGRESSIONAL AWARD PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. W.J. (BILLY) TAUZIN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 22, 2000

  Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me today in 
recognizing The Congressional Award and the thousands of young 
Americans and adult advisors who participate in this truly outstanding 
youth program. The Congressional Award is our own, United States 
Congress' own, award program for America's youth. The Congressional 
Award is a public private partnership created by Congress to promote 
and recognize achievement, initiative and service in America's youth. 
The Congressional Award provides a unique opportunity for young people 
to set and achieve personally challenging goals that build character 
and foster community service, personal development and citizenship.
  A 1986 recipient of The Congressional Award Gold Medal, John M. Falk 
in commenting on The Congressional Award said the following:

       The United States Congress, through the Congressional 
     Award, has made a lasting and positive impact on every young 
     person to receive this Award by simply recognizing and 
     encouraging their service to our communities, their 
     initiative and their unique achievements.
       The Congressional Award is a true public private-
     partnership that is premised upon the very basic concept that 
     by recognizing and encouraging young people to give of 
     themselves to their communities and their neighbors, not only 
     will our communities be better off but so will our young 
     people by the very nature of the experience--hopefully for 
     the rest of their lives.
       The power and importance of the Congressional Award draws 
     from the fact that truly any young person willing to accept 
     the challenge can earn the Award. If you speak with a former 
     Award recipient you will quickly learn how their lives have 
     been changed in very positive ways by building self esteem 
     and leadership skills, encouraging initiative and reinforcing 
     the value of service to others. The Congress has every right 
     to be proud of this bipartisan program and the manner in 
     which they have directly enriched the lives of thousands of 
     young Americans since 1979.

  On Wednesday, March 22, 2000 The Congressional Award Foundation will 
hold its Annual Gala at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center to 
celebrate 20 years of service and commitment to America's youth. I 
encourage all of my colleagues to support this program and join in the 
celebration. In addition, I would add special thanks to our private 
sector partners who make The Congressional Award possible through their 
support; they are:

            2000 Congressional Award Gala Steering Committee

     Gala Chair
     Glaxo Wellcome, Inc.
     Gala Co-Chairs
     FDX Corporation
     National Association of Broadcasters
     National Broadcasting Company
     Steering Committee
     Abbott Laboratories
     Allied Domecq
     American Airlines
     AT&T
     Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
     Bank of America NT & SA
     Black, Kelly, Scruggs & Healey
     The Boeing Company
     Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
     Chevron Corporation
     Cinergy Corporation
     Colombian Flower Council
     Comsat Corporation
     Centennial Communications
     CSX Corporation
     Discovery Communications, Inc.
     General Dynamics
     General Motors
     Halliburton Company
     International Council of Cruise Lines
     International Paper Company
     Korn/Ferry International
     Lockheed Martin Corporation
     Marriott International, Inc.
     MCI WorldCom Corporation
     National Mining Association
     National School Boards Association
     Philip Morris Companies, Inc.
     Pfizer, Inc.

[[Page E393]]

     Prudential Insurance Company
     RAG American Coal Holding, Inc.
     Southern Company
     Thomas D. Campbell & Associates
     Thompson Creek Metals
     UST Public Affairs, Inc.
     Wachovia Corporation
     The Willard Group
     The Williams Company, Inc.


  The support of these private sector sponsors has enabled The 
Congressional Award National Office to create exciting new partnerships 
with schools and youth organizations across the nation.
  Thousands of new participants will enjoy the benefits of 
participation in the Congress Award thanks to their efforts. I commend 
them for it.

                          ____________________