[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 162 (Friday, December 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S13857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 73--URGING THE PRESIDENT TO ISSUE A 
  PROCLAMATION FOR THE OBSERVANCE OF AN AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. SPECTER submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                            S. Con. Res. 73

       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress urges the President to issue each 
     year a proclamation calling on State and local governments 
     and the people of the United States to observe an American 
     Jewish History Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, 
     and activities.

  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, this year marked the 350th anniversary of 
Jewish life in America. The occasion has been commemorated with 
festivities and celebrations across the entire country. As this special 
year draws to a close, I am submitting a resolution urging the 
President to establish permanent recognition of the contributions the 
Jewish culture has made to life in America by annually issuing a 
proclamation for the observance of an American Jewish History Month.
  Each year, we remember the achievements and contributions made by 
African-Americans and women to our Nation's development by designating 
February as African American History Month and March as Women's History 
Month. Similarly, Jewish American History Month would celebrate the 
legacy of the American Jewish experience and observe the many 
contributions Jewish-Americans have made in the areas of medicine, the 
arts, science, and technology.
  American society is comprised of many cultures. Americans are proud 
of our history of acceptance and understanding. By establishing a 
Jewish American History Month, we will present an additional 
opportunity to raise our Nation's cultural awareness and celebrate our 
diversity.
  An identical resolution was introduced in the House by Congresswoman 
Wasserman Schultz, where it was cosponsored by 250 Members and passed 
unanimously.
  I hope that the Senate will join our colleagues in the House by 
agreeing to this resolution, urging the President to annually issue a 
proclamation for the observance of an American Jewish History Month.

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