[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               COUNTRY: A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA'S MUSIC

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 414, which was submitted 
earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 414) celebrating the musical and 
     cultural heritage of country music and recognizing the 
     ``Country: A Celebration of America's Music'' festival at the 
     John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 414) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 414

       Whereas country music is an essential element of the 
     musical and cultural heritage of the United States, and helps 
     promote an understanding and appreciation of the cultural 
     achievements of the Nation;
       Whereas country music is a medium with the power to 
     entertain, connect, and communicate, and embodies the spirit 
     and the lives of Americans with diverse backgrounds;
       Whereas the diversity of country music provides a valuable 
     form of artistic expression and embraces musical traditions 
     including folk, bluegrass, gospel, honky-tonk, and rock and 
     roll;
       Whereas the popularity and notoriety of country music have 
     had a unique effect on the commercial development of 
     Nashville, Tennessee, commonly known as ``Music City, 
     U.S.A.'';
       Whereas the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located 
     in Nashville, is dedicated to--
       (1) identifying and preserving the evolving history and 
     traditions of country music; and
       (2) educating audiences throughout the world about that 
     rich musical tradition;
       Whereas the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, 
     the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and other 
     contributors to the ``Country: A Celebration of America's 
     Music'' festival, should be commended for celebrating country 
     music and engaging in a serious curatorial investigation into 
     a form of artistic expression that is unique to the United 
     States;
       Whereas the ``Country: A Celebration of America's Music'' 
     festival will--
       (1) highlight accomplished singers, musicians, and 
     songwriters of the country music genre;
       (2) celebrate the traditional roots and geographical reach 
     of country music;
       (3) explore the regional and stylistic variations of 
     country music; and
       (4) honor the creators, audiences, and values of country 
     music; and
       Whereas additional efforts to recognize the role of folk-
     based and indigenous arts of the United States should be 
     encouraged: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) celebrates the musical and cultural heritage of country 
     music;
       (2) recognizes the ``Country: A Celebration of America's 
     Music'' festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the 
     Performing Arts; and
       (3) commends the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing 
     Arts and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for 
     promoting the artistry and legacy of country music.

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