[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S10778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE ELLIS ISLAND MEDAL OF HONOR

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary 
Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 334 and that 
the Senate now proceed to its consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will state the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 334) recognizing the Ellis Island 
     Medal of Honor.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, and that any statements related thereto be printed in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 334) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 334

       Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, established by the 
     National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations in 1986, pays 
     tribute to individuals of various ethnic origins who have 
     distinguished themselves through their contributions to the 
     United States;
       Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor has been awarded on 
     a bipartisan basis to 6 Presidents and numerous 
     Representatives and Senators;
       Whereas the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations is 
     the largest organization of its kind in the United States, 
     representing more than 5,000,000 family members and serving 
     as an umbrella group for more than 250 organizations that 
     span the spectrum of ethnic heritage, culture, and religion;
       Whereas the mandate of the National Ethnic Coalition of 
     Organizations is to preserve ethnic diversity, promote 
     equality and tolerance, combat injustice, and bring about 
     harmony and unity among all peoples;
       Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor is named for the 
     gateway through which more than 12,000,000 immigrants passed 
     in their quest for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, 
     and economic opportunity;
       Whereas the Ellis Island Medal of Honor celebrates the 
     richness and diversity of American life by honoring not only 
     individuals, but the pluralism and democracy that have 
     enabled the Nation's ethnic groups to maintain their 
     identities while becoming integral parts of the American way 
     of life;
       Whereas during the 15-year history of the Ellis Island 
     Medal of Honor, more than 1,500 individuals from scores of 
     different ethnic groups have received the Medal, and more 
     than 5,000 individuals are nominated each year for the Medal; 
     and
       Whereas at the 2002 Ellis Island Medal of Honor ceremony in 
     New York City, individuals from different ethnic groups will 
     be honored for their contributions to the rescue and recovery 
     efforts of September 11, 2001, the war against terrorism, and 
     the enhancement of the Nation's homeland security: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the Ellis Island Medal 
     of Honor for acknowledging individuals who live exemplary 
     lives as Americans while preserving the values of their 
     particular ethnic heritage.

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