[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 129 (Sunday, October 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S11012-S11017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[[Page S11012]]
SUPPORTING GOALS OF RED RIBBON WEEK
______
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL DAY
______
NATIONAL CHILDHOOD LEAD POISONING PREVENTION WEEK
______
CONGRATULATING SPACESHIPONE TEAM FOR ACHIEVING HISTORIC MILESTONE IN
HUMAN SPACE FLIGHT
______
AMERICAN MUSIC MONTH
______
HONORING YOUNG VICTIMS OF SIXTEENTH STREET BAPTIST CHURCH BOMBING
______
NATIONAL CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK
______
RECOGNIZING SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF PEOPLE AND GOVERNMENT OF
AFGHANISTAN SINCE EMERGENCY LOYA JIRGA WAS HELD JUNE 2002 IN
ESTABLISHING FOUNDATION AND MEANS TO HOLD PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ON
OCTOBER 9, 2004
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 455 through S. Res. 462, which
were introduced earlier today, en bloc.
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection?
Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I
respectfully wish to raise the issue this morning to the leader because
I know he has been trying very hard, along with our leader, Senator
Reid, to move this process along. I am here this morning because I want
the leader to know that I want to work with him to do that. Since
Wednesday night I have had, along with other Senators, an objection to
the Guard and National Reserve being left out of the tax bill.
My question is to the leader, and I know he wants to move forward,
but with the chairman of the Finance Committee, could he at least give
some indication of his willingness to work through this day for the
next couple of hours to see if we can take that matter up by voice
vote, taking no time for debate, because it has been cleared? Would
that be possible for him to consider as we move through the day?
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I am happy to consider it, as we have been
considering it this morning, last night, and yesterday. We will
continue to work with the Senator. There are no commitments to be made
at this point because there are objections.
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Is there objection to the request?
Ms. LANDRIEU. Reserving the right to object, I am prepared to not
object to this request at this time this morning, but I want to let the
leadership know, respectfully, the Republican leadership and the
Democratic leadership, that I am prepared to stay here today and object
throughout the day if this situation cannot be resolved some way on
behalf of the Guard and Reserve officers. But I will not object at this
time.
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The clerk will report the titles of the resolutions en bloc.
The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 455) supporting the goals of Red
Ribbon Week.
A resolution (S. Res. 456) designating October 14, 2004, as
Lights on Afterschool Day.
A resolution (S. Res. 457) designating the week of October
24, 2004, through October 30, 2004, as National Childhood
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
A resolution (S. Res. 458) congratulating the SpaceShipOne
team for achieving a historic milestone in human space
flight.
A resolution (S. Res. 459) designating November 2004 as
American Music Month to celebrate and honor music
performance, education, and scholarship in the United States.
A resolution (S. Res. 460) honoring the young victims of
the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing, recognizing the
historical significance of the tragic event, and commending
the efforts of law enforcement personnel to bring the
perpetrators of this crime to justice on the occasion of its
40th anniversary.
A resolution (S. Res. 461) designating the week beginning
October 17, 2004, as National Character Counts Week.
A resolution (S. Res. 462) recognizing the significant
achievements of the people and Government of Afghanistan
since the Emergency Loya Jirga was held in June 2002 in
establishing the foundation and means to hold presidential
elections on October 9, 2004.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolutions, en bloc.
S. RES. 455
Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today in support of this
resolution that commemorates the annual Red Ribbon Week. The purpose of
Red Ribbon Week is to educate and advocate a commitment to a drug-free
life style. Red Ribbon Week also remembers the contribution of one
soldier in the war against drugs, DEA Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki''
Camerena. I am honored to seek the Senate's recognition and support
again for the Annual Red Ribbon Campaign.
In my State of Alaska, Red Ribbon Week will be a Statewide
celebration involving thousands of school children and those people and
organizations who care about the welfare of our children and community.
On October 22, the City of Anchorage of will celebrate with a series of
Red Ribbon events coordinating with the Alaska Federation of Natives,
the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska State Troopers, the Mayor of
Anchorage, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska, many PTA groups and many
others across the community.
Throughout the week, Alaskans will be encouraged to show gratitude
for all the lives that remain drug free, pledge to live a safe and
drug-free life and remember those we have lost in the fight against
drugs.
The Red Ribbon Week Campaign was started in 1988 by the Federation of
Parents. It was organized as a 8-day event and was then chaired by
President and Mrs. Reagan. The event began as a tribute to DEA Special
Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camerena who was kidnapped, tortured, and
murdered by drug traffickers in 1985. I suggest to those who advocate
that drugs are a victimless crime talk to the widow and children of
Agent Camerena. His sons, Erik and Enrique, Jr. continue to honor their
father and work to help children and families that are victims of
crimes. His death has become symbolic of the cost of illicit drugs.
The Red Ribbon which we put on is a symbol of zero tolerance for
illegal drug use and a commitment to drug abuse prevention. The ribbon
will be worn or displayed in the up coming Red Ribbon Week by millions
of Americans in an act of unity and remembrance of Agent ``Kiki''
Camerena.
Illicit drugs, the abuse of drugs, and the business of illegal drugs
are not a private matter. Drugs harm children. Drugs harm our
communities. Illegal drugs only facilitate dependency, addiction and
the breakdown of the families.
Alaska has the highest rates of domestic violence in the Nation and
one of the highest rates of sexual assault in the Nation. According to
the Anchorage Police Department in almost 80 percent of these cases
alcohol and drugs were contributing factors to these crimes. In one
rural area of Alaska, 97 percent of all the domestic cases involve
drugs or alcohol.
We must encourage our children to make better choices by making the
same commitment in our own lives. We as parents and leaders must set
good examples.
Our children are growing up in a community that continues to send
confusing and mixed signals. Our children are confronting difficult
choices on a continuous basis. The popular idols in the media, the
movies, television, and music often encourage them to make the wrong
decisions. The Red Ribbon Campaign is one effort to help our children
make the right decisions.
I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this resolution to help
illustrate the Senate's commitment to ensure our children are safe and
to encourage all people to live a healthy drug-free life.
S. RES. 456
Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today in support of designating
October 14, 2004 as Lights On Afterschool Day. Next Thursday will serve
as a national celebration of afterschool programming, a day to
celebrate the initiatives that offer quality afterschool programs in
the lives of children, their families and their communities. On
[[Page S11013]]
this day, communities around our Nation will engage in innovative
afterschool programs and activities to ensure that the lights stay on
and the doors stay open for all children after school.
Quality afterschool programs provide safe, engaging and fun learning
experiences to help children and youth develop their social, emotional,
physical, cultural and academic skills. Such programs also support
working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive
after the regular school day ends. Afterschool programs also build
stronger communities by involving our students, parents, business
leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of our young people, thereby
promoting positive relationships among children, youth, families and
adults. The welfare of our children is also advanced because of the
engagement of the families, schools and diverse community partners.
More than 28 million children in the United States have parents who
work outside the home, and 14.3 million of them have no place to go
after school. In addition, many afterschool programs across the country
are facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced to
close their doors and turn off their lights.
I implore my colleagues to support designating October 14, 2004, as
Lights On Afterschool Day, and ask the President to issue a
proclamation calling on the communities of this Nation to engage in
innovative afterschool programs and activities for all children after
school.
S. Res. 457
Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I, Senators Collins, Mikulski, Bond
and over 35 cosponsors are supporting a resolution designating the week
of October 24-30, 2004 as National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Week.
The need to combat the severe threat of lead poisoning to our
children's health has never been greater. It is estimated that 25
million homes nationwide have lead hazards. Many of those homes were
built before 1950 when paint contained as much as 50 percent lead.
Peeling chips and dust from deteriorating lead-based paint are the most
common sources of childhood lead poisoning. According to the latest
national health estimates, nearly half a million children under the age
of 6 suffer from lead poisoning, with these children eight times more
likely to come from low-income working families than wealthy families.
Unfortunately, except for severely poisoned children, there is no
medical treatment for this disease. Even then, for severely poisoned
children treatment may only reduce the level of lead present in the
body, not reverse the harm already caused. Research shows that children
with elevated blood lead levels are seven times more likely to drop out
of high school and six times more likely to have reading disabilities.
In addition, it costs an average of $10,000 more a year to educate a
lead poisoned child.
We need to find the will and the resources to eradicate childhood
lead poisoning in this country. Designating the week of October 24,
2004 through October 30, 2004 as ``National Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week'' will help shine a light on this terrible problem,
energize the Federal Government into playing a more active role in
eliminating, and help improve local, State and Federal cooperation on
this issue. With concerted effort, we can eliminate the tragedy of
childhood lead poisoning so that no family in our country has to live
in unsafe housing. I am committed to addressing this crisis, and I
believe this resolution can encourage more communities to focus on
solving this terrible problem.
s. res. 458
Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, October 4, 2004, marked a historic
milestone in human space flight. On that day, SpaceShipOne became the
first privately funded space vehicle to escape from and safely return
to Earth twice within 2 weeks, thereby winning the Ansari X Prize. The
craft also broke the record for maximum altitude achieved by a plane,
which was set by the X-15 in 1963. This is a truly landmark
achievement, and its designer, Burt Rutan, as well as its test pilots
Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie, are to be commended along with the rest
of the SpaceShipOne team for their extraordinary courage and ingenuity.
The Ansari X Prize was established to jumpstart the space tourism
industry, to inspire and educate students, to focus public attention
and investment capital on this new business frontier, and to challenge
explorers and rocket scientists around the world. It has already
achieved each of these goals, and without a penny of Government
funding. The $10 million prize was modeled after the $25,000 Orteig
Prize won by transatlantic aviator and American legend Charles
Lindbergh in 1927. It should be noted that the Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency, DARPA, uses a similar prize model to
accomplish many of its mission-oriented breakthroughs. So perhaps given
the success of this approach in unleashing the potential of America's
brightest minds, we should use it to tackle other areas of research
critical to our nation's future as well.
As for the cost, one of this competition's most amazing results is
the potential of a dramatically reduced price tag for human space
flight. The total investment in SpaceShipOne was reportedly just over
$20 million from the drawing board to yesterday's success, which is
currently far less than the cost of a single Government-sponsored human
mission. More affordable technology will lead to applications that
could only be imagined until now.
I eagerly look forward to the annual competition for an X Prize Cup,
which begins in 2006 at White Sands Missile Range outside Las Cruces in
my home State of New Mexico. This competition will build on the success
of the original X Prize to foster the early evolution of commercial
human space flight, and make the dream of space travel a reality that
anyone can achieve.
To commemorate the tremendous talent and vision demonstrated by the
SpaceShipOne team, today Senators McCain, Hollings, Brownback, Domenici
and I are introducing this Senate resolution. I hope that other Members
of the Senate will join us in honoring their remarkable
accomplishments.
S. Res. 459
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the resolution
with my colleague, Senator Lamar Alexander, designating November, 2004,
as American Music Month.
Of all the creative and artistic contributions our Nation has offered
to the world in its short history, our music is perhaps the most
definitively American aspect of our culture.
America's vast and profound repertoire of music expresses our
country's vital cultural and social identities and empowers us to
preserve our past and pursue our future; it transforms our wondrous and
harsh experiences into potent messages that freely declare democratic
choice and freedom of expression; it inspires social justice, enlivens
collective action, and reflects our Nation's dynamic social movements.
Senator Alexander and I ask our colleagues to join with us in
recognizing American musical heritage as an expression of this
country's democratic freedoms and indomitable spirit.
Several prominent music organizations and their members have been
celebrating American Music Month in November for many years. The
contributions of these groups, in music education, preservation,
scholarship, promotion and performance, should be highlighted during
American Music Month. They help us experience and appreciate our
Nation's musical heritage.
The Society for American Music, first named in honor of Oscar G.T.
Sonneck, early director of the music division in the Library of
Congress and pioneer scholar of American music, strives to stimulate
the appreciation, performance, creation, and study of American music
and its cultures in all their diversity.
The MENC: The National Association for Music Education was
established in 1907 to advance music education by encouraging the study
and making of music to celebrate and preserve our cultural heritages.
Today it includes a membership of more than 100,000 active music
teachers, university faculty and researchers, college students
preparing to be teachers, high school honor society members, and music
afficianados.
The College Music Society actively promotes music teaching and
learning, music research and dialogue, and diversity and
interdisciplinary interaction among cultural institutions.
[[Page S11014]]
The Music Library Association provides a forum for study and action
on issues that affect music libraries and assures that users of music
materials are well served by their libraries.
The American Musicological Society was established in 1934 as a body
of scholars devoted to the advancement of research in the various
fields of music as a branch of learning and scholarship.
The organization Americans for the Arts, created in 1996 as a result
of the merger of the National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies and the
American Council for the Arts, is dedicated to representing and serving
local communities and creating opportunities for every American to
participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.
The United States Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress
in 1798 and represents America's oldest professional musical
organization. Its primary mission is to provide music for the President
of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. November
2004 marks the sesquicentennial of the birth of John Philip Sousa,
director of the Marine Band from 1880 to 1892. Sousa brought ``The
President's Own'' to unprecedented levels of excellence and shaped the
band into a world-famous musical organization. The band continues to
maintain Sousa's standard of excellence for the performance of America
music today, through White House performances, public concerts, and
national tours.
In June of 2004, the Illinois House of Representatives adopted a
measure similar to that which we offer today. Approval by the Senate
will be an important step toward the national recognition of this month
of celebration. I urge the Senate to pass this resolution in a timely
fashion so that we can properly honor American Music in all its forms.
s. res. 461
Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today to support, with my friend
Senator Dodd this resolution regarding National Character Counts
Week.'' Our resolution says the week of October 17th of this year will
be known across the country as National Character Counts Week.
Nearly a century ago President Theodore Roosevelt said the following
about character:
Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the
life of an individual and of nations alike.
I submit that character truly does transcend time as well as
religious, cultural, political, and socio-economic barriers. I believe
our country is having a renewed focus on character and this sends a
wonderful message to Americans, and will help those of us involved in
character education reinvigorate our efforts to get communities and
schools involved.
I say that because a number of years ago we started this approach to
character education called ``character counts.'' Senators Nunn, Dodd
and I first submitted the resolution that has now passed the Senate on
innumerable occasions. The resolution simply declares that for all of
America, one week during the year will be known as National Character
Counts Week.
Frankly, we hear a lot about how we should help our young people
growing up in this often difficult society. However, I believe the key
is finding those ideas and programs that work. We all understand that
there are certain people who have the primary responsibility to care
for our children like mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents. We
are not in any way talking about negating that responsibility of
raising a child with good values. However, we have found the teachers
in our schools have been yearning for something they could teach our
children that for some reason had been eliminated from both the public
and private school agenda curriculum. It is sometimes referred to as
character education.
I choose to speak about the ``character counts'' program that is
being used in many public schools in our country, and certainly in my
State of New Mexico where teachers embrace the six pillars of
character. The values comprising the six pillars are everyday concepts
that Americans across this land wish their children would have and hope
America will keep. They are simply: trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. They transcend
political and social barriers and are central to the ideals on which
this Nation was built.
I could speak for hours about the 200,000 New Mexico schoolchildren
in public, private and parochial schools learning about good character.
About 90 percent of the grade school children, and a significant
portion of the others, are now participating in character education
programs that simply and profoundly bring them into contact with each
of these Pillars one month at a time.
So if one walks the halls of a grade school in Albuquerque, they
might see a sign outside that says, ``This Is Responsibility Month.''
And all the young people will be discussing the concept of
responsibility in their classrooms, and they will put up posters
saying, ``responsibility counts.'' At the end of that month they may
have an assembly where responsibility will be discussed by all the
kids, and awards will be given to those demonstrating the most
responsibility. The next month it might be ``respect.'' The month after
that it might be ``caring.''
I could go on for quite some time talking about ``character counts''
in New Mexico. The bottom line is that I believe it is working in New
Mexico and other parts of the country. Consequently, I think we need to
salute the efforts already underway and encourage even more character
education across our country.
So today, Senator Dodd and I are here to submit a resolution to
accomplish just that and hopefully our renewed effort will bring
together even more communities to ensure that character education is a
part of every child's life.
I hope that my colleagues will support this effort.
Mr. DODD. Mr. President. today I join my friend and colleague from
New Mexico, Senator Domenici, in support of a resolution declaring next
week National Character Counts Week. Senator Demenici and I have worked
together for many years on the issue of character education and hope
that by designating a special week to this cause, students and teachers
will come together to participate in character building activities in
their schools. In 1994, Senator Domenici and I established the
Partnerships in Character Education Pilot Project and have worked
regularly since then to commemorate National Character Counts Week. I
am pleased that we are continuing our efforts today to help expand
States' and schools' abilities to make character education a central
part of every child's education.
Our schools may be built with the bricks of English, math and
science, but character education certainly is the mortar. Character
education means teaching students about such qualities as caring,
citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, and
other qualities that their community values.
Character education provides students a context within which to
learn. If we view education simply as the imparting of knowledge to our
children, then we will not only miss an opportunity, but will
jeopardize our future. Character education is not a separate subject,
but part of a seamless garment of learning. Taking this to heart,
teachers and administrators at the Ivy Drive Elementary School in
Bristol, CT, incorporate the fundamentals of character education into a
school wide program. In its eighth year, the Character, Assets &
Resiliency Education, C.A.R.E, program integrates several pillars of
character into daily lessons and special events. This year Ivy Drive
chose ``swimming to success'' as their theme to build on the previous
year's ``lets go fishing'' giving each child the opportunity to focus
on the fundamentals of character education.
Two Hartford, CT Elementary Schools, Burr Elementary and Kennelly
Elementary, recently demonstrated outstanding community service through
their character education program. Supervised by their teachers,
students raised close to $1000 in financial support for the family of a
fifth grade student who died of leukemia. In doing so, they implemented
the character pillars of caring, citizenship, and diligence.
The New Haven Public Schools recently implemented a 4-year character
education curriculum within a pre-existing social development program.
Grades K-3 experience the ``incredible
[[Page S11015]]
years'' curriculum, focusing on social skills and peer relations
through service learning, community outreach, and teacher and parent
training. A total of 700 character related lessons were taught in 2003-
2004. Community service projects included visits to the central
firehouse, local animal shelter and elderly care home.
Character education programs work. Schools across the country that
have adopted strong character education programs report better student
performance, fewer discipline problems, and increased student
involvement within the community. Children want direction, they want to
be taught right from wrong. The American public wants character
education in our schools, too. Studies show that about 90 percent of
Americans support schools teaching character education.
As all education policy should be, character education is bi-
partisan. This year we have 31 cosponsors to our resolution, cosponsors
on both sides of the aisle. Character education is also actively
supported by a number of national education and youth organizations
including 4-H and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Character
education can and is being incorporated into children's lives in and
outside of the classroom.
This measure provides a helping hand to our schools and communities
to ensure those children's future are bright and filled with
opportunities and success. Character education not only cultivates
minds, it nurtures hearts. While our children may be one quarter of our
population, they are 100 percent of our future.
s. res. 462
Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise today in support of a resolution
recognizing the landmark Presidential elections that took place in
Afghanistan on Saturday, October 9, 2004.
My colleagues Senators Lugar, Biden, Leahy, McCain, Sununu and Dodd
join me as original co-sponsors of this resolution.
The Government and people of Afghanistan deserve our praise and
recognition for their achievements since the emergency Loya Jirga of
June 2002. The process leading to this historic election has not always
been easy. Warlords and Taliban members have sought to intimidate
voters and disrupt the process. But the government of President Hamid
Karzai and the people of Afghanistan have not been deterred. More than
10.5 million Afghan citizens have been reported registered to vote,
reflecting the courage and commitment of Afghans to a democratic
future. Over 40 percent of those registered are women.
The Afghanistan Freedom Support Act of 2002, P.L. 107-327, expressed
the U.S. Congress's support for the development of democratic
institutions and a fully representative government in Afghanistan that
respects religious freedom and the rights of women. The Presidential
election this week is a critical benchmark for America's commitment to
a long-term partnership with Afghanistan for responsible governance and
a more peaceful future.
America's interests in Afghanistan are linked to our wider regional
objectives in the war on terrorism, and in promoting security and more
open political and economic systems throughout the greater Middle East
and Central Asia.
Presidnet Bush said on June 15, 2004, that ``the world and the United
States stand with [the people of Afghanistan] as partners in their
quest for peace and prosperity and stability and democracy.''
I ask the Senate to recognize the historic achievement of the Afghan
people in holding Presidential elections this past Saturday, and to
join the co-sponsors of this resolution and me in expressing our
continued support for the people of Afghanistan.
Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed;
the preambles be agreed to; the motions to reconsider be laid upon the
table, en bloc.
The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolutions (S. Res. 455 through S. Res. 462) were agreed to, en
bloc.
The preambles were agreed to, en bloc.
The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:
S. Res. 455
Whereas the Governors and Attorneys General of the States,
the National Family Partnership, Parent Teacher Associations,
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and more than 100 other
organizations throughout the United States annually cosponsor
Red Ribbon Week during the week of October 23 through October
31;
Whereas a purpose of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to
commemorate the service of Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena, a Drug
Enforcement Administration special agent who died in the line
of duty while engaged in the battle against illicit drugs;
Whereas Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and
celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's
memory and further the cause for which he gave his life;
Whereas the objective of Red Ribbon Week is to promote
drug-free communities through drug prevention efforts,
education, parental involvement, and communitywide support;
Whereas drug and alcohol abuse contributes to domestic
violence and sexual assaults, and places the lives of
children at risk;
Whereas drug abuse is one of the major challenges our
Nation faces in securing a safe and healthy future for our
families and children; and
Whereas parents, youth, schools, businesses, law
enforcement agencies, religious institutions, service
organizations, senior citizens, medical and military
personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the
United States demonstrate their commitment to drug-free,
healthy lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons
during this weeklong celebration: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the goals of Red Ribbon Week;
(2) encourages children and teens to choose to live a drug-
free life; and
(3) encourages all people of the United States to promote
drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention
activities to show support for healthy, productive, drug-free
lifestyles.
S. Res. 456
Whereas quality afterschool programs provide safe,
challenging, engaging, and fun learning experiences to help
children and youth develop their social, emotional, physical,
cultural, and academic skills;
Whereas quality afterschool programs support working
families by ensuring their children are safe and productive
after the regular school day ends;
Whereas quality afterschool programs build stronger
communities by involving students, parents, business leaders,
and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby
promoting positive relationships among children, youth,
families, and adults;
Whereas quality afterschool programs engage families,
schools, and diverse community partners in advancing the
welfare of children;
Whereas ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration
of afterschool programs on October 14, 2004, promotes the
critical importance of quality afterschool programs in the
lives of children, their families, and their communities;
Whereas more than 28,000,000 children in the United States
have parents who work outside the home, and 14,300,000
children have no place to go after school; and
Whereas many afterschool programs across the country are
facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are forced to
close their doors and turn off their lights: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates October 14, 2004, as ``Lights On
Afterschool! Day''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling on the communities of the Nation to engage in
innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure
the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children
after school.
S. Res. 457
Whereas lead poisoning is a leading environmental health
hazard to children in the United States;
Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, 434,000 preschool children in the United States
have harmful levels of lead in their blood;
Whereas lead poisoning may cause serious, long-term harm to
children, including reduced intelligence and attention span,
behavior problems, learning disabilities, and impaired
growth;
Whereas children from low-income families are 8 times more
likely to be poisoned by lead than are children from high-
income families;
Whereas children may be poisoned by lead in water, soil, or
consumable products;
Whereas children most often are poisoned in their homes
through exposure to lead particles when lead-based paint
deteriorates or is disturbed during home renovation and
repainting; and
Whereas lead poisoning crosses all barriers of race,
income, and geography: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the week of October 24, 2004, through
October 30, 2004, as ``National Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States to observe such
week with appropriate programs and activities.
S. Res. 458
Whereas the Ansari X Prize was established with private
capital to jumpstart the space tourism industry, inspire and
educate
[[Page S11016]]
students, focus public attention and investment capital on
this new business frontier, and challenge explorers and
rocket scientists around the world;
Whereas the $10,000,000 Ansari X Prize was modeled after
the $25,000 Orteig Prize won by trans-Atlantic aviator
Charles Lindbergh in 1927;
Whereas on October 4, 2004, SpaceShipOne, designed by Burt
Rutan and flown first by Mike Melvill and later by Brian
Binnie, won the Ansari X Prize by being the first privately
funded space vehicle to depart from and safely return to
Earth twice within 2 weeks;
Whereas SpaceShipOne broke the previous record for maximum
altitude achieved by a plane, which was set by the X-15 in
1963;
Whereas the SpaceShipOne flights represent a historic
accomplishment for humanity; and
Whereas future achievements in commercial space flight will
be stimulated by an ongoing annual competition for an X Prize
Cup, beginning in 2006 at White Sands Missile Range outside
Las Cruces, New Mexico: Now, therefore be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) congratulates the SpaceShipOne team led by Bert Rutan,
and test pilots Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie, for their
historic achievement in human space flight;
(2) recognizes the contributions of all members and
supporters of the X Prize Foundation and the SpaceShipOne
team, the efforts of which were instrumental in this
accomplishment; and
(3) encourages the continuation of efforts towards
practical commercial space flight through future X Prize Cup
and other competitions.
S. Res. 459
Whereas the music of the United States embodies the
artistic reflection of the country's history and heritage and
the promise of its ideals and values;
Whereas the music of the United States transcends culture,
gender, race, class, and creed, and thrives freely as it is
continually reinvented, rearranged, transformed, and infused
by the personal experiences of men and women;
Whereas the music of the United States expresses the
country's vital cultural and social identities and empowers
the people of the United States to assert and preserve our
pasts for a future, transforms the wondrous and harsh
experiences of the people of the United States into potent
messages that freely declare democratic choice and freedom of
expression, inspires social justice, enlivens collective
action, and reflects our Nation's dynamic social movements;
Whereas the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC) and
its 17th president, Ada Holding Miller, building on their
efforts to create American Music week in 1924 with the aid of
Arthur Bodansky, conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, and
Walter Damrosch, conductor of the New York Symphony
Orchestra, established ``American Music Month'' and the
``Parade of American Music'' in February 1955 to recognize
music and its importance to the social, cultural, historical,
and educational development of the United States;
Whereas by action of the NFMC Board of Directors in 1998,
the celebration of ``American Music Month'' was changed to
the month of November in 1999 at the request of Sonneck
Society for American Music;
Whereas the leading arts and education organizations of the
United States, such as the Society for American Music, MENC:
the National Association for Music Education, the College
Music Society, the Music Library Association, the American
Musicological Society, and Americans for the Arts, continue
to strive to stimulate the appreciation, performance,
creation, and study of music in the United States;
Whereas the month of November has witnessed the births of
such artistic legends as Scott Joplin (1868), William
Christopher ``W. C.'' Handy (1873), Aaron Copland (1900),
Coleman Hawkins (1904), and Mary Travers (1937) of the folk
song trio Peter, Paul and Mary; the premiers of the New York
Symphony (1878), the Philadelphia Orchestra (1900), Jerome
Kern's musical, Show Boat, in Washington, DC (1927), Frede
Grofe's Grand Canyon Suite in Chicago (1931), and the first
broadcast of the newly-organized National Broadcasting
Company (1926);
Whereas November 2004 marks the sesquicentennial of John
Philip Sousa's birth on November 6, 1854, and is an occasion
to celebrate his monumental contributions to the musical
heritage of the United States;
Whereas John Philip Sousa's music continues to embody the
unflagging spirit of the United States and, as a product of a
renaissance in the art and technology of the United States,
affirmed the previous generation's contagious patriotism and
profound love of country even as they witnessed the
brutalities of a Nation at war; his music was a fanfare about
and for all men and women of this United States and his
rousing melodies celebrated the best and worst of the diverse
cultures and emerging histories of the United States; even
today, Sousa's music conveys our Nation's indomitable spirit
to the world; and
Whereas John Philip Sousa, as Director of the United States
Marine Band from 1880 to 1892, brought ``The President's
Own'' to unprecedented levels of excellence and shaped the
band into a world-famous musical organization, and through
White House performances, public concerts, and national
tours, the Band continues to maintain Sousa's standard of
excellence for the performance of the music of the United
States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates November 2004 as ``American Music Month'' to
celebrate music performance, education, and scholarship in
the United States;
(2) recognizes that the musical heritage of the United
States should be honored, celebrated, and preserved for
future generations as expressions of this country's
democratic freedoms and indomitable spirit; and
(3) requests the President to issue a proclamation calling
on the people of the United States to observe ``American
Music Month'' with appropriate ceremonies and programs to
honor the contributions of the music educators, performers,
scholars, conductors, composers and arrangers, librarians,
archivists, and curators of the United States for their
tireless efforts to foster greater understanding and
preservation of the diverse music and cultures of the United
States through active performance, education, and cultural
engagement.
S. Res. 460
Whereas the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church of Birmingham,
Alabama, was constructed in 1911 and served as a center for
African-American life in the city and a rallying point for
the civil rights movement during the 1960s;
Whereas on Sunday, September 15, 1963, segregationists
protesting the mandatory integration of Birmingham's public
schools firebombed the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church;
Whereas the blast killed Addie Mae Collins, age 14, Denise
McNair, age 11, Carole Robertson, age 14, and Cynthia Wesley,
age 14, all members of the Church, while they were preparing
for Sunday service;
Whereas September 15, 1963, has been called the darkest day
in the history of Birmingham and one of the darkest days of
the entire civil rights movement;
Whereas this act of terrorism raised national and
international awareness of the African-American civil rights
struggle and galvanized those dedicated to the cause of civil
rights;
Whereas Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964
(Public Law 88-352, 78 Stat. 241) and the Voting Rights Act
of 1965 (Public Law 89-110, 79 Stat. 437) in the wake of the
bombing;
Whereas the 4 men suspected of the bombing, Bobby Frank
Cherry, Herman Cash, Thomas Blanton, and Robert Chambliss,
were not immediately prosecuted because authorities believed
it impossible to obtain a conviction in the heated racial
climate of the mid-1960s;
Whereas Alabama Attorney General Bill Baxley successfully
prosecuted Robert Chambliss 13 years after the bombing;
Whereas after the indictment and conviction of Robert
Chambliss, the bombing investigation was closed;
Whereas the bombing investigation was reopened in 1995 due
to the efforts of Federal Bureau of Investigation Special
Agent Rob Langford and local African-American leaders;
Whereas in 2001 and 2002, a joint Federal and State task
force, under the supervision of United States Attorney
Douglas Jones and Alabama Attorney General William Pryor,
successfully prosecuted Thomas Blanton and Bobby Frank Cherry
with the assistance of State and local law enforcement
personnel; and
Whereas the bombing, the prosecution of the offenders, and
the cause of civil rights in general have become national and
international concerns: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate, on the occasion of the 40th
anniversary of the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist
Church of Birmingham, Alabama--
(1) honors the memory of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair,
Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley;
(2) recognizes the historical significance of the bombing
and the enduring impact it has had on the cause of civil
rights everywhere; and
(3) commends the efforts of the Alabama Attorney General's
office for its successful prosecution of Robert Chambliss in
1977, the efforts of the joint Federal and State task force
for the successful prosecution of Bobby Frank Cherry and
Thomas Blanton in 2001 and 2002, and the efforts of all other
law enforcement personnel who worked to bring the persons
responsible for the bombing to justice.
S. Res. 461
Whereas the well-being of the Nation requires that the
young people of the United States become an involved, caring
citizenry with good character;
Whereas the character education of children has become more
urgent as violence by and against youth increasingly
threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the
people of the United States;
Whereas more than ever, children need strong and
constructive guidance from their families and their
communities, including schools, youth organizations,
religious institutions, and civic groups;
Whereas the character of a nation is only as strong as the
character of its individual citizens;
Whereas the public good is advanced when young people are
taught the importance of good character and the positive
effects that good character can have in personal
relationships, in school, and in the workplace;
[[Page S11017]]
Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not
automatically develop good character and that, therefore,
conscientious efforts must be made by institutions and
individuals that influence youth to help young people develop
the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good
character;
Whereas, although character development is, first and
foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith
communities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service
organizations also play an important role in fostering and
promoting good character;
Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents,
youth, and community leaders to recognize the importance of
character education in preparing young people to play a role
in determining the future of the Nation;
Whereas effective character education is based on core
ethical values which form the foundation of democratic
society;
Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty;
Whereas elements of character transcend cultural,
religious, and socioeconomic differences;
Whereas the character and conduct of our youth reflect the
character and conduct of society, and, therefore, every adult
has the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and
every social institution has the responsibility to promote
the development of good character;
Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations,
especially those who have an interest in the education and
training of the young people of the United States, to adopt
the elements of character as intrinsic to the well-being of
individuals, communities, and society;
Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the
need, and have taken steps, to integrate the values of their
communities into their teaching activities; and
Whereas the establishment of National Character Counts
Week, during which individuals, families, schools, youth
organizations, religious institutions, civic groups, and
other organizations would focus on character education, would
be of great benefit to the Nation: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) proclaims the week beginning October 17, 2004, as
``National Character Counts Week''; and
(2) requests that the President issue a proclamation
calling upon the people of the United States and interested
groups to--
(A) embrace the elements of character identified by local
schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship; and
(B) observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, programs,
and activities.
S. Res. 462
Whereas section 101(1) of the Afghanistan Freedom Support
Act of 2002 (22 U.S.C. 7511(1)) declares that the ``United
States and the international community should support efforts
that advance the development of democratic civil authorities
and institutions in Afghanistan and the establishment of a
new broad-based, multi-ethnic, gender-sensitive, and fully
representative government in Afghanistan'';
Whereas on January 4, 2004, the Constitutional Loya Jirga
of Afghanistan adopted a constitution that promises free
elections with full participation by women and establishes a
legislative foundation for democracy in Afghanistan;
Whereas on June 15, 2004, President Bush stated that
``Afghanistan's journey to democracy and peace deserves the
support and respect of every nation . . . . The world and the
United States stand with [the people of Afghanistan] as
partners in their quest for peace and prosperity and
stability and democracy.'';
Whereas the independent Joint Electoral Management Body in
Afghanistan and thousands of its staff throughout Afghanistan
have worked to register voters and organize a fair and
transparent election process despite violent and deadly
attacks on them and on the purpose of their work;
Whereas more than 10,500,000 Afghans have been reported
registered to vote, demonstrating great courage and a deep
desire to have a voice in the future of Afghanistan, and more
than 40 percent of those reported registered to vote are
women;
Whereas the presidential election campaign in Afghanistan
officially began on September 7, 2004 and 18 candidates,
including one woman, are seeking the presidency;
Whereas on October 9, 2004, the people of Afghanistan will
vote in the first direct presidential election, at the
national level, in Afghanistan's history at 5,000 polling
centers located throughout Afghanistan, as well as polling
centers in Pakistan and Iran;
Whereas the United States, the European Union, the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the
Asian Network for Free Elections will send monitors and
support teams to join the more than 4,000 domestic election
observers in Afghanistan for the presidential election;
Whereas the United States and many international partners
have provided technical assistance and financial support for
elections in Afghanistan; and
Whereas the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF),
led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and
coalition forces will join the Afghan National Army and
police in Afghanistan to help provide security during the
presidential election: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved that it is the sense of the Senate that--
(1) the United States applauds the steadfast commitment of
the people of Afghanistan to achieve responsive and
responsible government through democracy;
(2) the United States strongly supports self-government and
the protection of human rights and freedom of conscience for
all men and women in Afghanistan; and
(3) the United States remains committed to a long-term
partnership with the people of Afghanistan and to a peaceful
future for Afghanistan.
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