[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 137 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING POSTAGE WAIVER BILL FOR DONATIONS TO ``AMERICA'S FUND FOR 
                           AFGHAN CHILDREN''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2001

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, on October 11, 2001, President Bush 
announced the establishment of the ``America's Fund For Afghan 
Children'' and asked America's children to send one dollar to the 
children of Afghanistan. In order to enhance the impact of our 
children's charitable contributions, I am introducing legislation to 
waive U.S. postage for donations to this fund.
  The ``America's Fund For Afghan Children,'' will be overseen by the 
American Red Cross, will provide America's children, who are blessed 
with so much, with the opportunity to reach out to aid the innocent 
children of Afghanistan who suffer constant oppression, chronic 
malnourishment and grossly inadequate medical care.
  Mr. Speaker, because I believe that we, in Congress, can play a vital 
role in ensuring that none of the money that is raised by our youngest 
citizens is consumed by postage. This measure encourages participation 
in this worthwhile endeavor and advances the President's effort to 
provide America's children with a tangible way to bring much needed 
humanitarian relief to the children of Afghanistan. Under this measure, 
donations sent to the following address would be delivered free of 
postage: America's Fund for Afghan Children, The White House, 1600 
Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20509-1600.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to pass this legislation that sends the 
message that the U.S. Congress supports their efforts to help the 
children of Afghanistan.

                          ____________________