[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 11, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3550-S3551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 79--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF MARCH 9 THROUGH MARCH 15, 
                 2003, AS ``NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT WEEK''

  Mrs. HUTCHISON (for herself, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. 
Clinton, Mrs. Feinstein, Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Snowe, Ms. 
Murkowski, Mr. Bayh, Mr. Warner, Mr. Allen, Mr. Kohl, Mr. Inhofe, and 
Mr. Lugar) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                               S. Res. 79

       Whereas March 12, is the anniversary of the founding of the 
     Girl Scouts of the United States of America;
       Whereas by fostering in girls and young women the qualities 
     on which the strength of the United States depends, the Girls 
     Scouts has significantly contributed to the advancement of 
     the United States;
       Whereas the Girl Scouts is the preeminent organization for 
     girls, dedicated to inspiring girls and young women to become 
     model citizens in their communities with the highest ideals 
     of character, conduct, and service to others;
       Whereas the Girls Scouts, through its prestigious program, 
     offers girls ages 5 through 17 a wealth of opportunities to 
     develop strong values and skills that serve girls well into 
     adulthood; and
       Whereas on March 16, 1950, the Girl Scouts became the first 
     national organization for girls to be granted a Federal 
     charter by Congress: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week of March 9 through March 15, 2003, 
     as ``National Girl Scout Week''; and
       (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation 
     designating such week as ``National Girl Scout Week'' and 
     calling on the people of the United States to observe the 
     anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of 
     America with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I rise today to submit an important 
resolution recognizing the Girl Scouts of America.
  On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low assembled 18 girls in 
Savannah, Georgia for the first Girl Scout meeting. Girl Scouts of 
America has a current membership of nearly four million girls and adult 
volunteers.
  It is the preeminent organization in the United States committed to 
inspiring girls and young women with the highest ideals of character, 
conduct, and service to others.
  As the first National organization for girls to be granted a Federal 
charter by Congress, Girl Scouts offers girls of all ages, races, and 
socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to grow, develop friendships, 
and gain valuable life experiences.
  The Girl Scout initiatives has enabled more than 50 million women in 
the United States to participate in community service projects, 
cultural exchanges, athletic events, and educational activities that 
teach self-confidence, responsibility, and integrity.
  Girl Scout initiatives have reflected the Nation's changing social 
and economic climate. For example, the National organization recently 
began a campaign to encourage girls to develop an interest in math, 
science, and technology as a way to create greater diversity in the 
workforce and to help bridge the techno-gender divide.
  Today, one in nine girls is a member of the Girl Scouts, and over 
two-thirds of our female doctors, lawyers, educators, and community 
leaders were once Girl Scouts. I am proud to say that I, too, was a 
Girl Scout.
  I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues in introducing this 
legislation, which would designate the week beginning March 9, 2003, as 
``National Girl Scout Week.''
  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I am very proud to join Senator 
Hutchison

[[Page S3551]]

in submitting this Resolution to designate March 9 through March 15 as 
National Girl Scout Week. As former girl Scouts, we are so grateful for 
what Scouting has meant in our lives--and in the lives of millions of 
girls.
  Girl Scouts put their values into action. As a Girl Scout, you 
participate in a broad range of activities--from taking nature hikes to 
taking in the arts. You serve in local food banks and learn about 
politics. As your skills grow as a Girl Scout, so does your self-
confidence. The badges you earn serve as symbols for success, 
leadership, accomplishment, and service in your community. With help 
from the Girl Scouts, you can develop into a solid citizen in mind, 
body and spirit.
  As a Girl Scout, you also learn values and attitudes that serve as 
good guides throughout life. You learn the importance of treating other 
people fairly and with the dignity they deserve. You develop the 
confidence to know that you can reach your goals. You learn to be a 
leader.
  In today's hectic and uncertain world, Scouts are more important than 
ever. Young girls and boys need before and after school activities that 
are safe, educational, and fun. They need adult role models like the 
girl Scouts, who are dedicated to helping young people. They need to 
learn the high ideals of leadership, service, character, and good 
conduct. In sum, America needs the Girl Scouts to help us maintain a 
civil society.
  I applaud the Girl Scouts for what you do to help girls and to help 
communities. I thank you for what you meant to me and what you do for 
millions of young women across the country. I hope the Resolution that 
Senator Hutchison  and myself have introduced here today raises more 
public awareness of the good works that you do.
  Congratulations to the Girl Scouts on your 91st anniversary. I am so 
proud of who you are and what you do.

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