[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 20, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 127--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT 
   THE PRESIDENT SHOULD DESIGNATE SEPTEMBER 11 AS A NATIONAL DAY OF 
               VOLUNTARY SERVICE, CHARITY, AND COMPASSION

  Mr. SCHUMER (for himself, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Lieberman, and Mrs. 
Boxer) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions:

                            S. Con. Res. 127

       Whereas across the United States and around the world, 
     people of all ages and walks of life collectively witnessed 
     an event of immense tragedy on September 11, 2001;
       Whereas the events of that day instantly transformed many 
     lives, some through personal loss and many others through an 
     unfamiliar sense of individual and national vulnerability;
       Whereas an unprecedented, historic bonding of the people of 
     the United States arose from the collective shock, unifying 
     the United States in a sustained outpouring of national 
     spirit, pride, selflessness, generosity, courage, and 
     service;
       Whereas on that day and the immediate days that followed, 
     many brave people heroically, tirelessly, and courageously 
     participated in an extraordinarily difficult and dangerous 
     rescue and recovery effort, in many cases voluntarily putting 
     their own well-being at risk;
       Whereas September 11 will never and should never be just 
     another day in the hearts and minds of all people of the 
     United States;
       Whereas the creation of memorials and monuments honoring 
     the lives lost on September 11, 2001, as well as the efforts 
     of those who participated in rescue and recovery and 
     voluntary service efforts, are necessary, proper, and 
     fitting, but alone cannot fully capture the desire of the 
     United States to pay tribute in a meaningful way;
       Whereas it is fitting and essential to establish a lasting, 
     meaningful, and positive legacy of service for future 
     generations as a tribute to those heroes of September 11, 
     2001;
       Whereas many citizens wish to memorialize September 11 by 
     engaging in personal and individual acts of community service 
     or other giving activities as part of a national day of 
     recognition and tribute; and
       Whereas to lose this opportunity to bring people together 
     for such an important endeavor would be a tragedy unto 
     itself: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That--
       (1) it is the sense of Congress that the President should 
     designate September 11 as an annually recognized day of 
     voluntary service, charity, and compassion; and
       (2) Congress urges the President to issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States to observe this 
     day with appropriate and personal expressions of service, 
     charity, and compassion toward others.
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  SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 128--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS 
    REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF LIFE INSURANCE, AND RECOGNIZING AND 
           SUPPORTING NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE AWARENESS MONTH

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska (for himself and Mr. Chambliss) submitted the 
following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
the Judiciary:

                            S. Con. Res. 128

       Whereas life insurance is an essential part of a sound 
     financial plan;
       Whereas life insurance provides financial security for 
     families in the event of a premature death by helping 
     surviving family members to meet immediate and longer-term 
     financial obligations and objectives;
       Whereas nearly 50,000,000 Americans say they lack the life 
     insurance coverage needed to ensure a secure financial future 
     for their loved ones;
       Whereas recent studies have found that when a premature 
     death occurs, insufficient life insurance coverage on the 
     part of the insured results in three-fourths of surviving 
     family members' having to take measures such as working 
     additional jobs or longer hours, borrowing money, withdrawing 
     money from savings and investment accounts, and, in too many 
     cases, moving to smaller, less expensive housing;
       Whereas individuals, families, and businesses can benefit 
     greatly from professional insurance and financial planning 
     advice, including the assessment of their life insurance 
     needs; and
       Whereas the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for 
     Education (LIFE), the National Association of Insurance and 
     Financial Advisors (NAIFA), and a coalition representing 
     hundreds of leading life insurance companies and 
     organizations have designated September 2004 as ``Life 
     Insurance Awareness Month'', the goal of which is to make 
     consumers more aware of their life insurance needs, seek 
     professional advice, and take the actions necessary to 
     achieve the financial security of their loved ones: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of ``Life 
     Insurance Awareness Month''; and
       (2) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling 
     on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, 
     nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the 
     people of the United States to observe ``Life Insurance 
     Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and activities.

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