[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 42 (Monday, March 17, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3810]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       AFFIRMING IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 91, which was 
submitted earlier today by Senators Santorum and Brownback.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the title of the 
resolution.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 91) affirming the importance of a 
     national day of prayer and fasting, and expressing the sense 
     of the Senate that March 17, 2003, should be designated as a 
     national day of prayer and fasting.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, and any statements relating to this 
matter be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 91) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                               S. Res. 91

       Whereas the President has sought the support of the 
     international community in responding to the threat of 
     terrorism, violent extremist organizations, and states that 
     permit or host organizations that are opposed to democratic 
     ideals;
       Whereas a united stance against terrorism and terrorist 
     regimes will likely lead to an increased threat to the armed 
     forces and law enforcement personnel of those states that 
     oppose these regimes of terror, and that take an active role 
     in rooting out these enemy forces;
       Whereas Congress has aided and supported a united response 
     to acts of terrorism and violence inflicted upon the United 
     States, our allies, and peaceful individuals all over the 
     world;
       Whereas President Abraham Lincoln, at the outbreak of the 
     Civil War, proclaimed that the last Thursday in September 
     1861 should be designated as a day of humility, prayer, and 
     fasting for all people of the Nation;
       Whereas it is appropriate and fitting to seek guidance, 
     direction, and focus from God in times of conflict and in 
     periods of turmoil;
       Whereas it is through prayer, self-reflection, and fasting 
     that we can better examine those elements of our lives that 
     can benefit from God's wisdom and love;
       Whereas prayer to God and the admission of human 
     limitations and frailties begins the process of becoming both 
     stronger and closer to God;
       Whereas becoming closer to God helps provide direction, 
     purpose, and conviction in those daily actions and decisions 
     we must take;
       Whereas our Nation, tested by civil war, military 
     conflicts, and world wars, has always benefited from the 
     grace and benevolence bestowed by God; and
       Whereas dangers and threats to our Nation persist, and in 
     this time of peril it is appropriate that the people of the 
     United States, leaders and citizens alike, seek guidance, 
     strength, and resolve through prayer and fasting: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) March 17, 2003, should be designated as a day for 
     humility, prayer, and fasting for all people of the United 
     States; and
       (2) all people of the United States should--
       (A) observe this day as a day of prayer and fasting;
       (B) seek guidance from God to achieve greater understanding 
     of our own failings;
       (C) learn how we can do better in our everyday activities; 
     and
       (D) gain resolve in how to confront those challenges which 
     we must confront.

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