[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8748-S8749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 262--DESIGNATING JULY 2007 AS ``NATIONAL WATERMELON 
                                MONTH''

  Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself and Mr. Isakson) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 262

       Whereas watermelon production constitutes an important 
     sector of the agricultural industry of the United States;
       Whereas, according to the January 2006 statistics compiled 
     by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United 
     States Department of Agriculture, the United States produces 
     4,200,000,000 pounds of watermelon annually;
       Whereas watermelon is grown in 49 States, is purchased and 
     consumed in all 50 States, and is exported to Canada;
       Whereas evidence indicates that eating 2\1/2\ to 5 cups of 
     fruits and vegetables daily as part of a healthy diet will 
     improve health and protect against diseases such as cancer, 
     high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease;
       Whereas proper diet and nutrition are important factors in 
     preventing diseases such as childhood obesity and diabetes;
       Whereas watermelon has no fat or cholesterol and is an 
     excellent source of the vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, and 
     potassium, which are vital to good health and disease 
     prevention;
       Whereas watermelon is also an excellent source of lycopene;
       Whereas lycopene, an antioxidant found only in a few red 
     plant foods, has been shown to reduce the risk of certain 
     cancers;
       Whereas watermelon is a heart-healthy food that has 
     qualified for the heart-check mark from the American Heart 
     Association;
       Whereas watermelon has been a nutritious summer favorite 
     from generation to generation; and
       Whereas it is important to educate citizens of the United 
     States regarding the health benefits of watermelon and other 
     fruits and vegetables: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Watermelon 
     Month'';
       (2) calls on the Federal Government, States, localities, 
     schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, 
     and the people of the United States to observe the month with 
     appropriate programs and activities; and
       (3) designates July 2007 as ``National Watermelon Month''.

  Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
that will recognize July 2007 as ``National Watermelon Month.'' 
Watermelon production is a vital part of our Nation's agricultural 
sector and this resolution recognizes that fact.
  According to statistics released by the National Agricultural 
Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 
2006, the United States produces 4,200,000,000 pounds of watermelon 
annually. This amount of annual production is remarkable when you 
consider the number of actual watermelons it represents. Watermelon 
varieties range in size from 5 pounds to over 40 pounds, so the number 
produced, consumed, and exported each year is truly amazing.
  Research has shown that the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in our 
diets is vitally important for a healthy lifestyle. Evidence indicates 
that eating between 2\1/2\ and 5 cups of fruits and vegetables everyday 
will improve health and protect against many of the diseases, 
especially those influenced by diet, that afflict our Nation. 
Watermelon provides many of the vitamins, fiber and nutrients which 
help prevent many of these diseases. Watermelon is also a good source 
of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of 
certain cancers. The health benefits associated with watermelon are so 
outstanding that the American Heart Association has certified 
watermelon as a heart-healthy food, thereby qualifying it for the 
heart-check certification mark.
  I cannot address this body without mentioning the importance of the 
watermelon to my home State of Georgia. The University of Georgia 
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Center for 
Agribusiness and

[[Page S8749]]

Economic Development recently released its 2006 Georgia Farm Gate Value 
Report. Watermelon ranked 16th among all Georgia commodities with a 
farm gate value of a little over $111 million from almost 24,000 acres 
of watermelon. I am also proud to represent Cordele, Georgia, which is 
known as the, ``Watermelon Capital of the World.''
  Recognizing July as ``National Watermelon Month'' will provide the 
watermelon industry with many avenues to not only market their product 
but also educate the public about the health benefits associated with 
consuming watermelon through different watermelon related programs and 
activities. Watermelon enjoys a long history as one of our Nation's 
favorite foods. As Mark Twain once said, ``When one has tasted 
watermelon he knows what the angels eat.'' I encourage my colleagues to 
join me in acknowledging the wisdom of Mark Twain by supporting this 
resolution.

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