[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 165 (Monday, October 29, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H12107-H12109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DESIGNATION OF OCTOBER 2007 AS ``COUNTRY MUSIC
MONTH''
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 58) expressing support for designation of
the month of October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to honor
country music for its long history of supporting America's armed forces
and its tremendous impact on national patriotism.
The Clerk read the title of the joint resolution.
The text of the joint resolution is as follows:
[[Page H12108]]
H. J. Res. 58
Whereas from the farms, ranches, and back roads of America
comes a sound that is uniquely American; one that is about
life and how that life should be lived;
Whereas country music is a story of family, faith, freedom,
hard work, opportunity, pride, and patriotism;
Whereas country music embodies the spirit of America and
the genuine feelings individuals experience throughout their
lives such as joy and laughter, but also of sorrow and
heartache;
Whereas country music has played an integral part in
encouraging Americans to support its armed forces and their
role in protecting American ideals, mainly during times of
national conflict, through numerous popular patriotic songs;
Whereas the lyrics in these patriotic songs invoke
sacrifice, responsibility, determination, freedom and liberty
that were present during the nation's founding;
Whereas the lyrics in these patriotic songs talk about a
calling to serve a higher duty, to come together with fellow
citizens to defend and protect the freedoms we enjoy today
given to us from those of past generations who paid the
ultimate sacrifice;
Whereas country music songs seek to educate about America's
history and teach listeners to learn from past lessons, to
instill character and good citizenship;
Whereas country music has millions of fans in cities and
towns all across the United States from all ages and walks of
life; and
Whereas the Country Music Association celebrated its first
National Country Music Month in 1964 and the month of October
2007 marks the 43rd annual observance of Country Music Month:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That
Congress--
(1) supports the designation of a ``Country Music Month'';
(2) honors country music for its long history of supporting
America's armed forces and its tremendous impact on national
patriotism; and
(3) requests and authorizes the President to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
observe such with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.
General Leave
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may insert material relevant to H.J. Res. 58 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the designation of
October 2007 as ``Country Music Month'' and to celebrate the long
heritage of patriotism in country music.
The Country Music Association celebrated its first National Country
Music Month in 1964, and October 2007 marks its 43rd annual observance.
I would like to thank my fellow Texan, Congressman Ted Poe, for
bringing this bill forward today.
The themes invoked in country music resonate with important American
values such as responsibility, determination and hard work. Country
songs foster an appreciation of the many important sacrifices made by
our men and women serving in the Armed Forces. Songs like ``Only in
America'' by Brooks and Dunn and ``Where the Stars and Stripes and the
Eagle Fly'' by Aaron Tippen encourage patriotism and the pursuit of the
American Dream.
In addition to powerful patriotic lyrics, the country music industry
has also directly supported the cause of our Armed Forces. Portions of
the proceeds from some patriotic compilations have gone to support the
USO's active duty troops and families of fallen soldiers.
Mr. Speaker, I express my support for Country Music Month and
congratulate the genre on its many contributions to American society. I
urge my colleagues to pass the resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 58, expressing
support for the designation of the month of October as ``Country Music
Month'' and to honor country music for its long history of supporting
America's Armed Forces and its tremendous impact on national
patriotism.
Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in
the southern region of the United States. I am proud to represent the
birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Country music has
roots in traditional folk music, Celtic music, blues, gospel music, and
old-time music and evolved rapidly in the 1920s.
Its sound and style has changed dramatically over the years. In the
early years, country music was more of the honky-tonk sound from the
likes of Ernest Tubbs and Hank Williams. In the 1930s and 1940s,
another form of country music emerged, western country. These songs
romanticized the life of the lonely, but heroic cowboy on the western
frontier. Some of those famous for this western style were Gene Autry,
America's singing cowboy, and Roy Rogers, who later teamed with wife
Dale Evans to become the famous duo of the genre.
Country music morphed once again in the early 1950s with a sound that
became known as rockabilly, a combination of rock and roll and
hillbilly music. This sound was made popular by many performers who
developed staying power in the country music industry. They include the
Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, and, of course, the king himself,
Elvis Presley.
By the 1960s, country music found its home in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Nashville sound was born. This was most definitely the sound of
country, but the sixties saw more steel guitars and drums in the
Nashville sound. This era of country music was the beginning of the age
of contemporary country music which ushered in today's most popular
artists, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire.
Today, country music is at its highest peak of popularity. As of
2007, country is the most popular radio format in America, reaching
77.3 million adults, almost 40 percent of the adult population, every
week.
Country music is a story of family, faith, freedom, pride and
patriotism. It embodies the American spirit and has played an integral
part in encouraging Americans to support our Armed Forces. These songs
invoke feelings of determination, liberty and responsibility, all of
which this great country was founded upon.
In 1964, October was declared Country Music Month in honor of its
rich history and tremendous impact on national patriotism. Country
music is America's music, and for this reason I urge my colleagues to
support H.J. Res. 58.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Tennessee for
yielding me this time, and I am delighted the member from Tennessee,
the country music capital, is a cosponsor of this bill.
I also thank the majority and Mr. Hinojosa for quickly getting this
House resolution to the floor. I know there was some difficulty in
doing it because of the timetable, but I appreciate it.
Mr. Speaker, country music is definitely a sound that is uniquely
American because it speaks to the heart and soul of everyday Americans.
It is about the ups and downs of everyday life, as well as the
struggles individuals have in this country, and the struggles our
Nation confronts as a country. They are exemplified gloriously through
the gifted songwriting of our country music artists.
At no time is this more true than when songs are written during
trying times for our country and for the unwavering support of our men
and women who wear the uniform who are willing to fight and even die,
if necessary, for this Nation.
Toby Keith sang in ``America Soldier'' about our troops. He said,
``Up and at 'em bright and early, I'm all business in my suit. I'm
dressed for success from my head down to my boots. I don't do it for
the glory, I just do it anyway, providing our future's my
responsibility. I will always do my duty. No matter what the price. If
[[Page H12109]]
dying's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with an honor, 'cause freedom
don't come free.''
Through songs like Darrel Worley's ``Have You Forgotten,'' and Lee
Greenwood's ``God Bless the U.S.A.,'' Alan Jackson's ``Where Were You
(When the World Stopped Turning),'' Aaron Tippin's ``Where the Stars
and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,'' Brooks and Dunn's ``Only in America,''
and Charlie Daniels' ``This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag,'' and Chely
Wright's ``Bumper of my SUV,'' the thoughts and emotions of everyday
Americans rings out all across America through country music.
{time} 1430
These musicians and their patriotic radio stations that air their
songs of support for the military are to be commended for being on the
front lines of encouragement to our remarkable, relentless troops.
Like many in this House, I've been to Iraq; but also many of our
country music singers have gone overseas to Iraq and every other place
where American troops are, at their own expense to show appreciation to
our American military for their loyalty to the U.S.A.
It's fitting that we as a Congress take note of this and honor
country music during the month of October. I urge adoption of the bill.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, country songs foster an
appreciation of the many important sacrifices made by soldiers serving
in the Armed Forces.
I want to share with our Members of the House that tomorrow, Tuesday,
I will be accompanying Sergeant Daniel Pena from my congressional
district, a young man 28 years old serving his third tour in Iraq.
While on patrol, their Humvee stepped on a land mine that exploded. One
of his colleagues riding in that Humvee was killed, and he lost his
right arm and his right leg.
He came back to the United States where he has stayed in Walter Reed
the last 2 months and received an artificial arm and leg and has now
been released by Walter Reed Hospital. I'm going to accompany him and
his father and mother to Weslaco, Texas, where he is going to receive a
hero's welcome.
I'm pleased to tell you that I requested that country songs like
``Only in America'' by Brooks and Dunn and ``Where the Stars and
Stripes and the Eagle Fly'' by Aaron Tippin be played as part of the
patriotic music that we're going to have at that celebration of a
hero's welcome.
With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, we have no other speakers on this
resolution, and I yield back my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 58.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas
and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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