[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9783-S9785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S9783]]
              NATIONAL 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM WEEK

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, my wife and I have four kids and 11 
grandkids. My youngest daughter Katie is the chairman of the Jesse 
Helms Fan Club. Katie, who looks like she is about 14 or 15 years old, 
is in her thirties. She just had her second baby. She has, I say to my 
good friend, Senator Helms, prominently framed as you walk in to her 
home a picture of Senator Helms holding her first baby, Baby Kate. You 
see, I have a wife named Kate, a daughter named Kate, and a 
granddaughter named Kate. The picture is prominently displayed in her 
living room.
  She talks about this wonderful, gentle man in Washington who is 
different than anybody else we have known in Washington. She says he 
has to be the most lovable man in the history of Washington, DC.
  Jesse, I say to you, that is not just one little girl talking. She 
speaks for so many people.
  Since one of the programs that Senator Helms has always held up and 
said is the greatest program because it does not involve Government 
dollars, it involves putting into the hands of young people in America 
the ideals that made this country great, I thought it would be 
appropriate if we adopt S. Con. Res. 143, which is the 4-H resolution. 
The Senator from North Carolina has been such a prominent part and one 
of the first cosponsors of this resolution. So let's adopt this 
resolution on Jesse Helms Appreciation Day.
  My resolution, S. Con. Res. 143, designates next week, October 6 
through 12, as the ``National 4-H Youth Development Program Week.''
  The 4-H Youth Development Program sponsors clubs in rural and urban 
areas in every county throughout the Nation. As neighbors and 
colleagues, 4-H members and volunteers are making a difference by 
pledging the four Hs: their ``heads'' to a clearer thinking, ``hearts'' 
to greater loyalty, ``hands'' to larger service, and ``health'' to 
better living for the club, the community, the country, and the world.
  In an era when education is recognized as more important than ever, 
4-H offers a variety of training through its diverse programs. Young 
people gain experience and citizenship and civic education, 
communications and expressive arts, consumer and family sciences, 
environmental education and earth sciences, healthy lifestyle 
education, personal development and leadership, plants and animals, and 
science and technology; and it goes on.
  4-H has grown to over 5 \1/2\ million annual participants from all 
ethnic backgrounds, ranging from ages 5 to 19. 4-H clubs strengthen 
families and communities and foster leadership and voluntarism for 
youth and adults.
  I will say something about my State of Oklahoma. Turning to a survey 
of 22 counties in Oklahoma, 4-H members and volunteer leaders 
participated in 4 million hours of community service. No Government 
program told them to do that. They just did it out of their hearts 
because they had leadership they could look up to, the ultimate leader 
being Senator Helms in this case.
  Whitney Ferris, a 4-H club member and student at the Oklahoma State 
University, is one example of someone who has given back to her 
community. She has used skills she has developed through 4-H to conduct 
leadership development classes for Native Americans in the Chickasaw 
Nation. As a result of her efforts, Whitney is now working with other 
Native American tribes in Oklahoma to help them establish development 
workshops in order to learn skills that will make them tomorrow's 
leaders.
  That is what we are really talking about: tomorrow's leaders. We 
would like to produce more Jesse Helmses for this world.
  Other OSU students, who are also 4-H members, have won the 
prestigious Truman Scholarship for their outstanding academic and 
leadership skills.
  Recently, I supported 4-H by requesting funding for a national civic 
education program to be conducted by the National 4-H Council. This 
program is aimed at involving young people from all socioeconomic 
backgrounds in public policy and community involvement, with a special 
focus on community governance and leadership skills.
  I have also requested funding for an innovative Rural Health Outreach 
Program, which will be administered through the 4-H Youth Development 
Program.
  This program will develop, implement and evaluate an overall youth 
health promotion and awareness strategy designed to target youth and 
their families, particularly in rural America. It will also devise 
strategies to reach minority and disadvantaged youth and their 
families.
  4-H is changing the lives of America's youth for a brighter, better 
tomorrow and I am proud to recognize this important program.
  Congratulations, 4-H, on your good work and your centennial.
  I conclude by saying we have hundreds of thousands of kids around 
this country who are participating today and have participated in this 
program. I think that each one of them would look up to the top and see 
one person who really sets an example for what truly makes America 
great, and that would be our good friend Jesse Helms.
  I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged 
from further consideration of S. Con. Res. 143 and the Senate then 
proceed to its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report the concurrent resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 143) designating 
     October 6, 2002, through October 12, 2002, as ``National 4-H 
     Youth Development Program Week''.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
concurrent resolution.
  Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, I rise today in support of this 
resolution to designate next week as National 4-H Youth Development 
Program Week. 4-H is a wonderful organization that promotes 
volunteerism and leadership among this country's youth. With the 
participation of over 415,000 youth in New York State, 4-H is a 
wonderful organization devoted to enhancing the citizenship, 
leadership, and entrepreneurial abilities of youth.
  4-H educates the young people in our country by giving them the 
opportunity to learn by doing. 4-H empowers our youth in their local 
communities, and encourages them to be active and to give back to their 
community.
  In New York State, there are many 4-H clubs that are doing incredible 
things to help educate and shape our youth.
  In New York City young people learn more about science through the 
education programs of 4-H. In the middle of an urban area, they can 
learn about agriculture and the source of their food through 
horticulture and hydroponics projects.
  In Syracuse 4-Hers are participating in an Urban Delight program 
where young people participate in a farmers' market. They learn about 
where their food comes from and develop their entrepreneurial skills as 
vendors at the market.
  The Genesse County 4-H offers a Government internship program. Young 
people are paired with county legislators to learn more about local 
government. 4-Hers see first-hand the process of decisionmaking that 
occurs in their local government.
  On Long Island, afterschool 4-H programs are enriching the minds of 
young people through science and technology education. 4-Hers spend 
time in computer labs, learning about technology. 4-Hers are also 
participating in a science program thats taken a hands-on approach to 
learning chemistry by doing projects on topics such as water quality, 
oil slicks, and clothing fibers.
  In New York's North Country, 4-H is alive and well. Youth have 
developed their entrepreneurial skills through operating a fish 
hatchery. They also enrich their communication skills by choosing a 
topic of interest and making presentations at local, regional, and 
State events.
  4-H has made a commitment to be present on every military base. In 
particular, Jefferson County 4-H has partnered with the Army at Fort 
Drumm to provide educational opportunities to young people there. 
Members have access to national curriculum to provide them with the 
materials and information to pursue their interests.
  4-H is a strong link between a State academic research institution, 
Cornell

[[Page S9784]]

University, and the youth of New York. When West Nile Virus was 
detected in New York State, 4-Hers working with horses and other equine 
projects were concerned for the health of their animals. Because of 4-
H, information from the researchers at Cornell University was 
disseminated to these young people to better educate them on the 
disease and how to care for their animals.
  4-H does incredible things for the 415,000 youth involved in New York 
State. But it also provides incredible opportunities for adults to 
interact with young people. Over 22,000 adults have volunteered to help 
guide the young people and make 4-H programs so successful.
  I congratulate 4-H on 100 years of helping to shape this country's 
youth in a positive manner. With my colleagues, I am pleased to request 
that October 6-12 be designated as National 4-H Youth Development 
Program Week.
  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate the youth 
organization 4-H for its achievement in developing leadership among our 
youth for 100 years. I have always been impressed by the leadership and 
enthusiasm shown by members of the 4-H Program. More importantly, I 
have always been a firm believer in the goals and directives of the 4-H 
Program. Through participation in fairs and shows, camps, gatherings, 
conferences, Character Counts, and the international youth exchange, 
the 4-H Program helps young people develop important life skills, self-
confidence, and a better sense of the world around them.
  I was proud to cosponsor the National 4-H Program Centennial 
Initiative, which President Bush signed into law. This bill authorizes 
a grant to the National 4-H Council to conduct a program of discussions 
through meetings, seminars, and listening on a national, State, and 
local level on strategies for youth development. I can't think of a 
better way to commemorate the 4-H Centennial than enacting this 
legislation and looking ahead to the youth of our future.
  The 4-H Centennial Initiative is a wonderful example of a public-
private partnership to develop new strategies for youth development. As 
our economy becomes increasingly global and technology-oriented, we 
must ensure that our Nation's youth are well-prepared for the ever-
changing demands and challenges they will most certainly face. The 4-H 
Program has long been a developmental foundation for South Dakota 
youth, and I am pleased that this initiative will honor the celebration 
of the 4-H Centennial and enhance this program for the 21st century.
  Each time a young person recites the 4-H pledge, ``I pledge my head 
to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger 
service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my 
country, and my world,'' it reflects the important values and 
characteristics that guide 4-H members through their daily activities. 
These principles have helped 4-H become strong over the last 100 years, 
and they will set the course for 4-H in the future. It is with great 
honor that I have this opportunity to recognize such an outstanding 
youth organization. On behalf of all past and present members of 4-H, I 
congratulate the organization for its dedication, achievements, and 
continued success.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I would like to take this opportunity to 
acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the 4-H Youth Development Program 
and express my support for the ``National 4-H Youth Development Program 
Week.''
  Since its inception, 4-H has played an integral role in extending 
agricultural education to young people all over the country, 
particularly in rural areas like Wyoming. Being a former 4-H member has 
given me an even greater appreciation of one of America's longest 
serving youth development organizations. The four H's--head, heart, 
hands, and health--are precepts I have never forgotten. I still 
remember as a high school student traveling away from home for the 
first time to the National 4-H Congress and the positive impact this 
organization has had on my life.
  Today, there are over 60 million 4-H alumni world-wide, and the 
organization has expanded to meet new challenges of the 21st century. 
For example, 4-H provides a number of educational projects and 
activities in the areas of animal science, home economics, natural 
resources, handcrafts, as well as leadership and citizenship. Through 
these programs, young men and women have the opportunity to meet new 
friends, build self-confidence, learn to set and achieve goals, and 
develop a sense of pride as they ``learn by doing.'' These types of 
activities underscore the importance of personal development, as well 
as encouraging our youth to become involved in their community. I am 
pleased to note that more than 8,000 young people from the State of 
Wyoming have chosen to make 4-H a part of their lives.
  The motto of 4-H is ``To Make the Best Better.'' I know that the 
organization will continue to do just that and I commend their efforts 
to provide an even greater service to our country's most valuable 
natural resource, our young people. I am pleased to join Senator Inhofe 
and many of my other Senate colleagues in support of 4-H and this 
Concurrent Resolution.
  Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I rise today to speak on behalf of the 
resolution that Senator Inhofe of Oklahoma, myself, and others today 
offer to designate next week, October 6-12, 2002, ``National 4-H Youth 
Development Program Week''.
  I thank my colleague from Oklahoma for initiating this well-deserved 
tribute to 4-H for being such a positive influence on tomorrow's 
leaders--as it has done so well for the past century.
  Throughout the years I have met with many of Kansas's finest young 
people. Many of whom I have recommended for scholarships and awards, 
had the honor to nominate to one of the service academies, or had the 
chance to meet and visit with in person. I am impressed with the 
caliber and character that the young leaders in my state possess. Mr. 
President, I am equally impressed with the high percentage of these 
leaders who happen to also be members of 4-H.
  4-H is an organization that strives to ``Make the Best Better.'' I 
commend them for their efforts in providing tomorrow's leaders with the 
opportunity to apply the valuable leadership skills that they develop 
as 4-H members.
  Although 4-H began in rural America over a century ago and has grown 
to nearly 7 million members nation-wide, it has remained consistent in 
its focus of being a positive and motivating influence in the lives of 
America's youth.
  There is a reason that so many of the young leaders from my state 
happen to also be 4-H members. 4-H has given them the guidance, the 
resources, the support, and most importantly the courage to face all 
the challenges and responsibilities that being a leader involves.
  The events of September 2001 have taught us that tomorrow's leaders 
will continue to face new and difficult challenges. Therefore, Mr. 
President, I will also, in addition to offering well-deserved praise to 
4-H on a 100 years of success, issue 4-H the serious challenge to 
continue to work hard to keep the youth of today involved in their 
clubs and their communities, so that they may be prepared to assume the 
responsibility of leadership when they are called to do so.
  Mr. President, I'd like to again congratulate 4-H on a century of 
service to our nation's youth and I wish them another 100 years of 
success. I thank my colleagues. Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, today I rise to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the 4-H Youth Development Program and to thank my 
colleagues for their support a resolution introduced by Senator Inhofe 
and myself last month. The resolution designates the week of October 6, 
2002 as ``National 4-H Youth Development Program Week'' and it was 
adopted by unanimous consent today.
  Those who participate in 4-H pledge their heads for clearer thinking, 
their hearts to greater loyalty, their hands to larger service, and 
their health to better living for the club, the community, the country 
and the world.
  I have been a member, a leader and an employee of 4-H. The skills and 
talents I learned with 4-H are ones I still use today. When I was a 
girl I learned to raise small animals, like rabbits. I also learned 
photography, sewing, cooking and public speaking. Most importantly, 4-H 
gave me self confidence.
  This important program also taught me that adults need to share their

[[Page S9785]]

skills and knowledge with children, and I was happy to share what I had 
learned later as a 4-H leader. Eventually, I went to work for 4-H and 
set up an urban 4-H program in the south side of Lansing, MI where I 
learned organizational skills. We went door to door recruiting children 
to join as members and identified adults who were willing to volunteer 
and share their knowledge and skills with the children. Soon we had a 
number of groups on topics like auto mechanics, carpentry, sewing and 
gardening, as well as a sports program.
  I am proud that 4-H is celebrating its 100th anniversary. It is a 
pleasure to be one of the lead cosponsors of the bill designating a 
week in honor of 4-H. I wish this organization many more years of 
success, and I know that future generations of children and families 
will have a better quality of life because of 4-H.
  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution and preamble be agreed to; the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table; and that any statements regarding this matter be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 143) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The concurrent resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 143

       Whereas the 4-H Youth Development Program celebrates its 
     100th anniversary in 2002;
       Whereas members of the 4-H Youth Development Program pledge 
     their Heads to clearer thinking, their Hearts to greater 
     loyalty, their Hands to larger service, and their Health to 
     better living for the club, the community, the country, and 
     the world;
       Whereas the 4-H Youth Development Program sponsors clubs in 
     rural and urban areas throughout the world;
       Whereas 4-H Clubs have grown to over 5,600,000 annual 
     participants ranging from 5 to 19 years of age;
       Whereas 4-H Clubs strengthen families and communities;
       Whereas 4-H Clubs foster leadership and volunteerism for 
     youth and adults;
       Whereas 4-H Clubs build internal and external partnerships 
     for programming and resource development;
       Whereas today's 4-H Clubs are very diverse, offering 
     projects relating to citizenship and civic education, 
     communications and expressive arts, consumer and family 
     sciences, environmental education and earth sciences, healthy 
     lifestyle education, personal development and leadership, 
     plants, animals, and science and technology; and
       Whereas the 4-H Youth Development Program continues to make 
     great contributions toward the development of well-rounded 
     youth: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the 4-H Youth 
     Development Program;
       (2) commends such program for service to the youth of the 
     world;
       (3) designates October 6, 2002, through October 12, 2002, 
     as ``National 4-H Youth Development Program Week''; and
       (4) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling on the people of the United States to observe 
     ``National 4-H Youth Development Program Week'' with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican leader.
  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, parliamentary inquiry: Are we now in a 
period of time that has been set aside for the appropriate recognition 
of the great service of Senator Helms?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Republican leader is correct.

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