[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 125 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H5934-H5936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   EXPRESSING SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL 
                         CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 204) expressing the sense of 
Congress regarding the establishment of National Character Counts Week.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 204

       Whereas the well-being of the Nation requires that the 
     young people of the United States become an involved, caring 
     citizenry with good character;
       Whereas the character education of children has become more 
     urgent as violence by and against youth increasingly 
     threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the 
     people of the United States;
       Whereas more than ever, children need strong and 
     constructive guidance from their families and their 
     communities, including schools, youth organizations, 
     religious institutions, and civic groups;
       Whereas the character of a nation is only as strong as the 
     character of its individual citizens;
       Whereas the public good is advanced when young people are 
     taught the importance of good character and the positive 
     effects that good character can have in personal 
     relationships, in school, and in the workplace;
       Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not 
     automatically develop good character and that, therefore, 
     conscientious efforts must be made by institutions and 
     individuals that influence youth to help young people develop 
     the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good 
     character;

[[Page H5935]]

       Whereas, although character development is, first and 
     foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith 
     communities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service 
     organizations also play an important role in fostering and 
     promoting good character;
       Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents, 
     youth, and community leaders to recognize the importance of 
     character education in preparing young people to play their 
     role in determining the future of the Nation;
       Whereas effective character education is based on core 
     ethical values which form the foundation of democratic 
     society;
       Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness, respect, 
     responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty;
       Whereas elements of character transcend cultural, 
     religious, and socioeconomic differences;
       Whereas the character and conduct of our youth reflect the 
     character and conduct of society; therefore, every adult has 
     the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and 
     every social institution has the responsibility to promote 
     the development of good character;
       Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations, 
     especially those who have an interest in the education and 
     training of the young people of the United States, to adopt 
     the elements of character as intrinsic to the well-being of 
     individuals, communities, and society;
       Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the 
     need, and have taken steps, to integrate the values of their 
     communities into their teaching activities;
       Whereas the establishment of National Character Counts 
     Week, during which individuals, families, schools, youth 
     organizations, religious institutions, civic groups, and 
     other organizations would focus on character education, would 
     be of great benefit to the Nation; and
       Whereas the week beginning October 15, 2001, and the week 
     beginning October 14, 2002, are appropriate weeks to 
     establish as National Character Counts Week: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) a National Character Counts Week should be established 
     to promote character education; and
       (2) the President should issue a proclamation calling upon 
     the people of the United States to--
       (A) embrace the elements of character identified by their 
     local schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, 
     respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and 
     honesty; and
       (B) observe such a week with appropriate ceremonies, 
     programs, and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Solis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher).


                             General Leave

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the concurrent resolution now under consideration, H. Con. 
Res. 204.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Kentucky?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 204, 
expressing the sense of Congress regarding the establishment of 
National Character Counts Week and would like to thank the gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) for 
introducing this resolution and in their efforts regarding character 
education.
  With the growing concern for the safety of students and teachers, 
many have looked to character education in the schools as a solution. 
Making appropriate and good choices in life relies upon strong 
character, yet some children do not get much guidance or support for 
character development. Supporting the ethical, social and emotional 
development of children will help to create better schools and a more 
compassionate and responsible society.
  In the past, those who have helped parents reinforce the values of 
their children, neighbors, coaches, teachers, guidance counselors, and 
many others would not necessarily have recognized their role as a 
character educator. It was just something that friends and family did 
to foster a sense of community among its youngest members. 
Unfortunately, in an increasingly transient society, where both parents 
often work, this traditional model has been abandoned. As a result, it 
now seems that some children lack the basic values that would not only 
help them avoid such things as unwanted pregnancies, drugs, school 
violence, and alcohol problems, but also teach them the importance of 
being respectful and honest.
  Today, every teacher and every student can articulate the 
consequences of this neglect. The recent rash of school shootings is 
one example, but so is the low voter turnout among young people and 
their lack of involvement in community organizations. As a result, many 
Americans are looking to character education as one possible solution 
to the problems that plague our classrooms and our communities.
  Research indicates that character education can help improve behavior 
as well as academic achievement.
  A University of Illinois study of four schools using the ``Positive 
Action'' character development program found that the average number of 
incidents requiring disciplinary referral dropped by 74 percent after 
one year, and achievement scores improved by an average of 28 
percentage points.
  Standardized test scores of students exposed to the ``Responsive 
Classroom'' program, which emphasizes good character, increased 22 
percent on average, versus just three percent for students not 
participating in the program.
  A 1997 study demonstrated that students trained in ``Second Step,'' a 
character-based violence prevention program, used less physical 
aggression and engaged in more pro-social interactions than peers who 
were not exposed to the character curriculum.
  I applaud the efforts of President Bush to improve the academic 
achievement of our Nation's youth and his plan or improving our 
students' character. As Governor Bush noted in 1999, yes, we want our 
children to be smart and successful, but even more, we want them to be 
good and kind and decent. Yes, our children must learn how to make a 
living, but even more, they must learn how to live and what to love. 
``Intelligence is not enough,'' said Martin Luther King, Jr. 
``Intelligence plus character, that is a true goal of education.''
  To continue the President's focus on character education, this 
resolution expresses the sense of Congress regarding the establishment 
of National Character Counts Week. This resolution is simple and 
straightforward. It expresses the sense of Congress that a National 
Character Counts Week should be established to promote character 
education; and, two, the President should issue a proclamation calling 
upon the people of the United States to embrace the elements of 
character identified by their local schools and communities, such as 
trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, 
citizenship, and honesty; and observe such a week with appropriate 
ceremonies, programs, and activities.
  I urge all my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 204.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Smith) and the many other bipartisan cosponsors of House Concurrent 
Resolution 204 in urging our Members to support this important 
resolution today.
  Character education can play a vital role in shaping the lives and 
values of our children. However, character education is not a 
substitute for good parenting or meant to take the place of good 
parenting. It is simply another tool our communities and schools can 
use to facilitate the development of a young person's moral character.
  Many schools in the Los Angeles County area have recently taken up 
the cause of character education. Schools in my district are placing 
new emphasis on teaching young people about respect, responsibility, 
caring, citizenship and honesty.
  Recent incidents remind us about the need for character education 
among our young people. Unfortunately, in the last few weeks, in my own 
community, in the City of San Gabriel, a shopkeeper who had been a 
store owner there for over 20 years and a pillar of the community was 
shot to death at 3 p.m. in the afternoon by some young individuals.
  People have attacked and harassed individuals who look to be 
different or speak a different language or share a different religion. 
Young women in my district attending a local community

[[Page H5936]]

college were recently harassed because they attended college wearing a 
Muslim scarf of over their head.
  And even before the tragedies of September 11, the City of Azusa, 
also in my congressional district, has been home to many hate crimes, 
Latinos and African American youth attacking each other.
  This has gone on for too long. I hope that further emphasis on 
responsibility, good citizenship, tolerance, and understanding will 
help to stem the tide of hate crimes in this country.
  House Concurrent Resolution 204 expresses the sense of Congress that 
a National Character Counts Week should be established and that the 
President should issue a proclamation on the topic of character 
education. The establishment of a National Character Counts Week will 
provide families, parents, children, students, community-based 
organizations, and civic groups the ability to focus on character 
education and its many benefits.
  In closing, I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith) for 
his leadership on this issue and urge the Members to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Smith).
  Mr. SMITH of Texas. First, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman 
from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher) for yielding me this time, and I also want 
to thank him for his help in passing this resolution, which I 
introduced last July.
  Mr. Speaker, a good definition of character is summed up in the old 
saying ``Character is what you do when no one is looking.''

                              {time}  1415

  Men and women of character are guided by standards of right and 
wrong. They do not look to others for approval or bend to peer 
pressure.
  National polls indicate that moral concerns and family decline are 
some of the most important problems facing the country today. Too many 
of our children grow up in a culture that acknowledges no right or 
wrong.
  Americans are concerned about the quality of their children's 
education. They are also troubled about the decline in our Nation's 
values and its effect on our children. Although parents should be the 
primary developers of character, educators play an increasingly 
important role. Communities across the Nation recognize that character 
education is an integral part of a well-rounded curriculum.
  Our Nation's teachers are aware that character education can 
establish standards for behavior.
  President Bush has made character education an important component of 
his education reform bill. By allocating funds to character education, 
States, local education agencies, parents, and students will have an 
opportunity to promote character and values. This resolution will 
encourage schools to embrace character education. It designates the 
third week of October of this year and 2002 as ``National Character 
Counts Week.''
  I hope children across the Nation will participate in character-
building activities in their schools. It is imperative that we teach 
our children the values that strengthen their character and make our 
country strong. To reap the rewards of a virtuous society, we must 
first sow the seeds of character when we educate our children.
  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to just reiterate that this is a 
good bill and ask my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, let me just close before I yield back the remainder of 
my time.
  In light of the recent events, it seems even more appropriate to 
quote Dr. Martin Luther King. Let me read his quote. ``The function of 
education, therefore, is to teach one to think intensively and to think 
critically. But education which stops with efficiency may prove the 
greatest menace to society. The most dangerous criminal may be the man 
gifted with reason and no morals. We must remember that intelligence is 
not enough. Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true 
education.''
  Mr. BUYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this Resolution, House 
Concurrent Resolution 204, legislation establishing a national 
``Character Counts Week'' sponsored by my friend from Texas, Mr. Lamar 
Smith.
  Today, the vast majority of Americans share a respect for fundamental 
traits of character, honesty, compassion, justice, courage, and 
perseverance. Yet, in today's world, all children face great 
uncertainties in a complex and sometimes troubled society.
  Positive character traits are not always readily apparent and easy 
for them to grasp or learn. When children are young, it can be 
difficult to decipher between what is right and what is wrong. 
Therefore, our challenge is to provide youths with the self-esteem, 
stamina, and support they need to survive, be successful, and develop 
into strong, competent, caring, and responsible citizens.
  This resolution encourages the establishment of a ``Character 
Counts'' week, geared towards educators, students and communities to 
become more involved in the development of positive character traits.
  Life consists of a series of choices. Every choice you make helps to 
define the kind of person you choose to be. Good character requires 
doing the right thing even when it is costly, risky, or when no one is 
looking. With all the pressures youths face today, how can we, as 
lawmakers, encourage our children to do the right thing, while so many 
elements in our culture say the complete opposite?
  That is why it is so important for Congress to pass this resolution. 
Character education is about celebrating what is right with young 
people while encouraging and enabling them to develop knowledge and 
life skills for enhancing ethical and responsible behavior. I urge my 
colleagues to join with me in support of this measure.
  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, ``character.''
  Webster's New World Dictionary, Third college Edition defines 
``character`` as ``moral strength, self-discipline, fortitude.''
  The pillars which guide ethical decision-making, which make up 
character are: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, 
caring, citizenship.
  Trustworthiness includes morality, honesty, truthfulness, sincerity, 
candor, loyalty and integrity.
  Respect includes civility, courtesy and decency.
  Being responsible means being in charge of our choices and, thus, our 
lives. It means being accountable for what we do and who we are.
  Fairness involves issues of equality, impartiality, proportionality 
and openness.
  Caring is ultimately about our responsibilities toward other people. 
A person who really cares feels an emotional response to both the pain 
and pleasure of others.
  The concept of citizenship includes civic virtues and duties that 
prescribe how we ought to behave as part of a community. The good 
citizen gives more than he or she takes.
  As leaders of this great nation, especially at this time, we must be 
examples of strong, moral unblemished character and encourage the young 
people of this nation to replicate these attributes in all their ways 
and conduct.
  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the remainder of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Miller of Florida). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Fletcher) that 
the House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. 
Con. Res. 204.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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