[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 107 (Wednesday, July 31, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S7747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 312--RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF AMERICAN HISTORY 
           AND DESIGNATING JULY AS ``AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH''

  Mr. DeWINE (for himself and Mr. Leiberman) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

                              S. Res. 312

       Whereas July is an important month in American history 
     because of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and 
     various other events that have added to the rich heritage of 
     our Nation;
       Whereas learning American history is vital to attaining 
     citizenship in our democratic republic;
       Whereas we must encourage Americans of all ages and 
     ethnicities to learn about the history and heritage of the 
     United States;
       Whereas the Senate recognizes the historical achievements 
     and contributions of Americans from all walks of life, races, 
     and ethnic groups;
       Whereas an individual who has a strong knowledge of 
     American history is likely to have a deeper appreciation of 
     the need for historic preservation of properties, building, 
     and artifacts;
       Whereas many of the educators, parents, and concerned 
     citizens of our Nation have cited a lack of American history 
     knowledge in students of all ages from across the country;
       Whereas surveys have shown that the next generation of 
     American leaders and citizens is in danger of losing a 
     fundamental knowledge of American history;
       Whereas 1 survey showed that only 23 percent of college 
     seniors could correctly identify James Madison as the 
     ``Father of the Constitution'', and 26 percent of those same 
     students mistakenly thought that the Articles of 
     Confederation established the division of powers between the 
     States and the Federal Government; and
       Whereas Congress affirmed its commitment to the teaching of 
     American history by appropriating $100,000,000 to teaching 
     American history through the Leave No Child Behind Act of 
     2001 (Public Law 107-110): Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates July as ``American History Month'';
       (2) recognizes that ``American History Month'' is an 
     important time to recognize, reflect, and affirm the 
     importance of learning and appreciating the history of the 
     United States; and
       (3) encourages parents and educators to actively expose 
     children to the importance of American history and historic 
     preservation.

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