[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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