[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.

                          ____________________