[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 16, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S5020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

                                 ______
                                 

 SENATE RESOLUTION 90--DESIGNATING JUNE 3, 2001, AS ``NATIONAL CHILD'S 
                                 DAY''

  Mr. GRAHAM (for himself, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Bond, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Breaux, 
Mr. Brownback, Mr. Carper, Mr. Cleland, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Craig, Mr. 
Crapo, Mr. DeWine, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Edwards, Mr. 
Ensign, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Feingold, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Grassley, Mr. 
Hagel, Mr. Hatch, Mr. Hollings, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Inouye, Mr. Johnson, 
Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Kerry, Mr. Kohl, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Levin, Mr. 
Lieberman, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. McCain, Ms. Mikulski, Mrs. Murray, Mr. 
Nelson of Florida, Mr. Reid, Mr. Rockefeller, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. 
Schumer, Mr. Sessions, Mr. Smith of Oregon, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Specter, Ms. 
Stabenow, Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. Torricelli, Mr. Voinovich, Mr. 
Warner, Mr. Wellstone, and Mr. Wyden) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

                               S. Res. 90

       Whereas June 3, 2001, the first Sunday of June, falls 
     between Mother's Day and Father's Day;
       Whereas each child is unique, is a blessing, and holds a 
     distinct place in the family unit;
       Whereas the people of the United States should celebrate 
     children as the most valuable asset of the United States;
       Whereas the children represent the future, hope, and 
     inspiration of the United States;
       Whereas the children of the United States should be allowed 
     to feel that their ideas and dreams will be respected because 
     adults in the United States take time to listen;
       Whereas many children of the United States face crises of 
     grave proportions, especially as they enter adolescent years;
       Whereas it is important for parents to spend time listening 
     to their children on a daily basis;
       Whereas modern societal and economic demands often pull the 
     family apart;
       Whereas, whenever practicable, it is important for both 
     parents to be involved in their child's life;
       Whereas encouragement should be given to families to set 
     aside special time for all family members to engage together 
     in family activities;
       Whereas adults in the United States should have an 
     opportunity to reminisce about their youth to recapture some 
     of the fresh insight, innocence, and dreams that they may 
     have lost through the years;
       Whereas the designation of a day to commemorate the 
     children of the United States will provide an opportunity to 
     emphasize to children the importance of their developing an 
     ability to make the choices necessary to distance themselves 
     from impropriety and to contribute to their communities;
       Whereas the people of the United States should emphasize to 
     children the importance of family life, education, and 
     spiritual qualities;
       Whereas because children are the responsibility of all 
     people of the United States, everyone should celebrate 
     children, whose questions, laughter, and dreams are important 
     to the existence of the United States; and
       Whereas the designation of a day to commemorate our 
     children will emphasize to the people of the United States 
     the importance of the role of the child within the family and 
     society: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates June 3, 2001, as ``National Child's Day''; 
     and
       (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling 
     on the people of the United States to observe the day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
that designates June 3, 2001, as National Child's Day.
  National Child's Day celebrates the children of this country, 
recognizing them as one of our nation's most valuable resources, a 
resource that should be cherished and protected. Too often, we tell the 
world that children are our future, and yet our actions do not always 
convey our belief in the statement. Children are often made to feel 
that their challenges, concerns, and ideas are not valid. National 
Child's Day shows the children of our country that we recognize the 
value of each of our children and the contributions they make to this 
great nation.
  It is important therefore, that we establish a day of national 
admiration. This simple, yet important, resolution will ensure that our 
children receive the message of love, support, and encouragement they 
deserve.
  Nearly 5 million children return to an empty home after school each 
week while their parents work because most communities lack adequate 
after-school programs. These children are more likely to engage in a 
host of risky behaviors that threaten their future.
  Many children face crisis of grave proportions. Sadly, over 5 million 
American children go to bed hungry at night. There has been an increase 
in the number of children in or in need of foster care services. Our 
children deserve more, and we must make a commitment to reverse these 
trends. When we fail to invest in our children, we fail to invest in 
our country.
  National Child's Day focuses on children's accomplishments and 
addresses their needs. The establishment of a National Child's Day will 
encourage families to spend more quality time together and will 
highlight the special importance of the child in the family unit.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in establishing June 3, 2001, as 
National Child's Day.

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