[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S9193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 561--DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2006, AS 
                        ``RURAL AMERICA MONTH''

  Mr. REID (for himself, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. Frist, Mr. Burns, Mr. Byrd, 
Mr. Salazar, Mr. Schumer, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Pryor, Mr. Baucus, Mr. 
Lieberman, Mrs. Boxer, Mr. Bingaman, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Nelson of Florida, 
Mr. Dayton, and Mr. Durbin) submitted the following resolution; which 
was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 561

       Whereas more than 55 million people live in rural areas of 
     the country;
       Whereas rural areas make up eighty percent of the United 
     States landscape;
       Whereas our rural communities are diverse, dynamic engines 
     for growth in America;
       Whereas the contribution of rural Americans to the national 
     economy is invaluable;
       Whereas rural America's natural renewable resources can 
     help our nation break its dangerous reliance on foreign oil;
       Whereas rural America's farmers and ranchers feed families 
     across the country and around the globe while being stewards 
     of our land and natural resources;
       Whereas rural Americans look to their local police 
     officers, firefighters, EMTs and National Guard to keep them 
     safe in times of national emergencies;
       Whereas the highest concentrations of veterans are found in 
     rural counties;
       Whereas rural Americans deserve access to affordable health 
     care;
       Whereas rural Americans deserve the finest education we can 
     offer;
       Whereas rural America is a key part of our growing 
     information highway;
       Whereas Americans in rural areas reflect values that make 
     America great--community, service, hard work, family, and 
     responsibility--their contributions should be recognized and 
     commended: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the month of September 2006, as `Rural 
     America Month' and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     `Rural America Month' with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities during the month of September.

                          ____________________