[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 115 (Monday, July 14, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H6416-H6417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 984) expressing support for the designation of 
July 26, 2008 as ``National Day of the Cowboy''.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 984

       Whereas pioneering men and women, known as cowboys, helped 
     establish the American West;
       Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, 
     compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;
       Whereas the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of 
     character, sound family values, and good common sense;
       Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, 
     geographic boundaries, and political affiliation;
       Whereas the cowboy is an excellent steward of the land and 
     its creatures;
       Whereas the cowboy lives off the land and works to protect 
     and enhance the environment;
       Whereas cowboy traditions have been part of the American 
     culture for generations;
       Whereas the cowboy continues to be an important part of the 
     economy, through the work of approximately 727,000 ranchers 
     in all 50 States, and contributes to the well-being of nearly 
     every county in the Nation;
       Whereas annual attendance at professional and working ranch 
     rodeo events exceeds 27,000,000 fans, and the rodeo is the 
     7th most watched sport in the Nation;
       Whereas membership and participation in rodeo and other 
     organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of 
     the cowboy spans race, gender, and generations;
       Whereas the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, 
     and music, and occupies a central place in the public 
     imagination;
       Whereas the cowboy is an American icon; and
       Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and 
     cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and 
     encouraged: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) expresses support for the designation of a ``National 
     Day of the Cowboy''; and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Guam (Ms. Bordallo) and the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Guam.


                             General Leave

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Guam?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. 
Res. 984 which supports the designation of July 26, 2008, as National 
Day of the Cowboy.
  H. Res. 984 was introduced by Representative Gabrielle Giffords of 
Arizona on February 13, 2008, and since then, the bill has garnered the 
support and cosponsorship of 52 Members of Congress, both men and 
women, from both sides of the aisle. The measure was considered and 
passed by voice vote out of the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2008.
  Mr. Speaker, it is reasonable to assert that our great country 
wouldn't be what it is today without the significant influences of the 
cowboy. This is why each year a day is set aside for Americans to 
celebrate the contributions of the cowboy and cowgirl to our Nation's 
culture and heritage. With the advocacy of the National Day of the 
Cowboy Organization for the past several years, the National Day of the 
Cowboy has been celebrated by the public through education, the arts, 
special events, rodeos, and other community activities.
  This year, July 26 has been selected as the day for honoring and 
preserving the rich history of the cowboy settlement in the American 
West, an act that forever changed the landscape of our country.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Arizona for introducing 
this thoughtful measure, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating the American cowboys and cowgirls by agreeing to pass H. 
Res. 984.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of the resolution designating July 26, 2008, 
as the National Day of the Cowboy.
  For the last 3 years on the last Saturday of July, people across 
America gathered to honor one of the greatest icons of our Nation, the 
American cowboy. National Day of the Cowboy first emerged in July of 
2005 in large part to the efforts of the late United States Senator 
Craig Thomas of Wyoming.
  Cowboys are the original heroes of American culture. From the 
earliest western settlers to present-day ranchers and cattlemen, their 
tireless courage, integrity, and adventurous spirit has made them a 
symbol of values that built this great Nation.
  Their trade nourishes our bodies as well as our souls. The values 
inspire each of us. From Maine to California, from twisted urban 
streets to the vast, open plains, Americans envy and respect those who 
each day, ride off into the sunset.

[[Page H6417]]

  I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution and 
leave you with the words of poet laureate Ron Wilson--

     We give thanks for all that cowboys and cowgirls do,
     To keep the Cowboy way alive and true.
     So we honor this legacy for the value it will employ,
     As we celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy.

  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I thank my 
colleague from South Carolina for supporting this resolution.
  Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud that today the House is 
considering H. Res. 984, a resolution I sponsored that officially 
designates July 26, 2008, as the ``National Day of the Cowboy.''
  Located in beautiful Willcox, Arizona, the National Day of the Cowboy 
organization works to increase national support for the proclaimed 
``Cowboy Day,'' and to publicize news and information about the 
resolution and campaign, so that active participation in celebration of 
the National Day of the Cowboy continues to grow each year.
  Many thanks to Bethany Braley, executive director and publisher of 
the National Day of the Cowboy organization, for her tireless vision to 
remind future generations of the cowboys' contribution to America's 
rich western heritage.
  While the U.S. Senate has recognized the National Day of the Cowboy 
in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, H. Res. 984 represents the first time 
that the U.S. House of Representatives has officially recognized the 
contribution of the cowboy and cowgirl to America's culture and 
heritage. I am pleased to be a part of the 4th Annual National Day of 
the Cowboy designation. On June 20, 2008, the National Day of the 
Cowboy resolution also passed in the Arizona State Legislature, making 
Arizona the first State to pass the resolution.
  Our legendary cowboy and cowgirl are embraced and respected by people 
the world over as symbols of rugged individualism. Each represents a 
commitment to explore, work hard and seek adventure while demonstrating 
the personal determination to survive. He/she is loyal to an honorable 
code of ethics as well as persistent and tenacious in the face of any 
challenge.
  In honor of cowboys and cowgirls worldwide, I encourage Americans to 
observe the National Day of the Cowboy on Saturday, July 26, 2008, with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 984.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________