[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 150 (Monday, September 22, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9179-S9186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            UNANIMOUS-CONSENT AGREEMENT--RESOLUTIONS EN BLOC

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
relevant committees of jurisdiction be discharged and the Senate now 
proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following resolutions: S. 
Con. Res. 96, S. Res. 614, S. Res. 653, S. Res. 644, S. Res. 646, S. 
Res. 652, S. Res. 651, H. Con. Res. 163, S. Res. 648, S. Res. 502, S. 
Con. Res. 93, H. Con. Res. 296, S. Res. 634, and S. Res. 657.
  I further ask unanimous consent that the Senate then proceed to a 
number of resolutions submitted earlier today:
  S. Res. 670, S. Res. 671, S. Res. 672, S. Res. 673, S. Res. 674, S. 
Res. 675, and S. Res. 676, all en bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  The Chair hears none, and it is so ordered.
  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and the motions 
to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolutions were agreed to.
  The preambles were agreed to.
  The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 96

       Whereas on May 12, 2008, Irena Sendler, a living example of 
     social justice, died at the age of 98;
       Whereas Irena Sendler repeatedly risked her life during the 
     Holocaust to rescue over 2,500 Jewish children who lived in 
     the Warsaw ghetto in Poland from Nazi extermination;
       Whereas Irena Sendler was inspired by her father, a 
     physician who treated poor Jewish patients, to dedicate her 
     life to others;
       Whereas Irena Sendler became an activist at the start of 
     World War II, heading the clandestine group Zegota and 
     driving an underground movement that provided safe passage 
     for Jews from the Warsaw ghetto who faced disease, execution, 
     or deportation to concentration camps;
       Whereas Irena Sendler became 1 of the most successful 
     workers within Zegota, taking charge of the children's 
     division and using her senior position with the welfare 
     department in Warsaw to gain access to and from the ghetto to 
     build a network of allies to help ferry Jewish children from 
     the Warsaw ghetto;
       Whereas Irena Sendler was arrested by the Gestapo on 
     October 20, 1943, tortured, and sentenced to death by firing 
     squad;
       Whereas Irena Sendler never revealed details of her 
     contacts, escaped from Pawiak prison, and continued her 
     invaluable work with Zegota;
       Whereas in 1965, Irena Sendler was recognized as 
     ``Righteous Among the Nations'' by the Yad Vashem Holocaust 
     Memorial in Israel;
       Whereas in 2006, Irena Sendler was nominated for the Nobel 
     Peace Prize;
       Whereas Irena Sendler was awarded the Order of the White 
     Eagle, the highest civilian decoration in Poland;
       Whereas ``Tzedek: The Righteous'', a documentary film, and 
     ``Life in a Jar'', a play about the rescue efforts made by 
     Irena Sendler, chronicle the life of Irena Sendler;
       Whereas Irena Sendler, a woman who risked everything for 
     the lives of others and

[[Page S9180]]

     whose bravery is unimaginable to many, expressed guilt for 
     not being able to do more for the Jewish people; and
       Whereas the story of Irena Sendler reminds citizens of the 
     United States and the world community not only of the 
     horrible cruelty at the time of the Holocaust, but also the 
     incredible difference 1 person can make: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) mourns the loss of Irena Sendler, a woman whose bravery 
     and heroic efforts saved over 2,500 Jewish children during 
     the Holocaust;
       (2) pays respect and extends condolences to the Sendler 
     family;
       (3) honors the legacy of courage, selflessness, and hope 
     that Irena Sendler exhibited; and
       (4) remembers the life and unwavering dedication to justice 
     and human rights of Irena Sendler.

                              S. Res. 614

       Whereas over-the-counter and prescription medicines are 
     extremely safe, effective, and potentially lifesaving when 
     used properly;
       Whereas the abuse and recreational use of over-the-counter 
     and prescription medicines can be extremely dangerous and 
     produce serious side effects;
       Whereas in a recently sampled month, 7,000,000 individuals 
     aged 12 or older reported using prescription 
     psychotherapeutic medicines for nonmedical purposes;
       Whereas abuse of prescription medicines, including pain 
     relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and sedatives is second 
     only to marijuana, the number 1 illegal drug of abuse in the 
     United States;
       Whereas recent studies indicate that 2,400,000 children, or 
     1 in 10 children aged 12 through 17, have intentionally 
     abused cough medicine to get high from the ingredient 
     dextromethorphan;
       Whereas 4,500,000, or 1 in 5, young adults have used 
     prescription medicines for nonmedical purposes;
       Whereas according to research from the Partnership for a 
     Drug-Free America, more than \1/3\ of teens mistakenly 
     believe that taking prescription drugs, even if not 
     prescribed by a doctor, is much safer than using more 
     traditional street drugs;
       Whereas the lack of understanding by teens and parents of 
     the potential harms of these powerful prescription drugs 
     makes raising public awareness about the dangers of the 
     misuse of such drugs more critical than ever;
       Whereas misused prescription drugs are most often obtained 
     through friends and relatives;
       Whereas misused prescription drugs are also obtained 
     through rogue Internet pharmacies;
       Whereas parents should be aware that the Internet gives 
     teens access to websites that promote medicine abuse;
       Whereas National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month promotes 
     the messages that over-the-counter and prescription medicines 
     should be taken only as labeled or prescribed, and that 
     taking over-the-counter and prescription medicines for 
     recreational uses or in large doses can have serious and 
     life-threatening consequences;
       Whereas National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month will 
     encourage parents to become educated about prescription drug 
     abuse and talk to teens about all types of substance abuse;
       Whereas observance of National Medicine Abuse Awareness 
     Month should be encouraged at the national, State, and local 
     levels to increase awareness of the misuse of medicines;
       Whereas some groups, including the Consumer Healthcare 
     Products Association and the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of 
     America, have taken important steps by creating educational 
     toolkits, including ``A Dose of Prevention: Stopping Cough 
     Medicine Abuse Before it Starts'', which provides guides to 
     educate parents, teachers, law enforcement officials, doctors 
     and healthcare professionals, and retailers about the 
     potential dangers of abusing over-the-counter cough and cold 
     medicines;
       Whereas the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and 
     community alliance and affiliate partners have undertaken a 
     nationwide prevention campaign utilizing research-based 
     educational advertisements, public relations and news media, 
     and the Internet to inform parents about the negative teen 
     behavior of intentional abuse of medicines so that parents 
     are empowered to effectively communicate the facts about this 
     dangerous trend with teens and to take necessary steps to 
     safeguard prescription and over-the-counter medicines at 
     home; and
       Whereas educating the public about the dangers of medicine 
     abuse and promoting prevention is a critical component of 
     what must be a multi-pronged effort to curb the disturbing 
     rise in medicine misuse: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the month of August 2008 as ``National 
     Medicine Abuse Awareness Month''; and
       (2) urges communities to carry out appropriate programs and 
     activities to educate parents and youth about the potential 
     dangers associated with medicine abuse.

                              S. Res. 653

       Whereas, on September 6, 2008, The Ohio State University 
     football team, known as the ``Buckeyes,'' achieved its 800th 
     win, becoming the 5th major college football program to reach 
     this mark;
       Whereas the Buckeyes have an all-time record of 800 wins, 
     304 losses, and 53 ties in their 119 seasons;
       Whereas, in 1890, the Buckeyes played their first game, and 
     since have become a symbol of pride and tradition for the 
     past and present members of The Ohio State University 
     community;
       Whereas The Ohio State University has the largest self-
     supporting athletics program in the country;
       Whereas The Ohio State University continues to strive for 
     academic excellence in sports, ranking first in the Big Ten 
     Academic All-Conference Team for the 2007-08 academic year;
       Whereas, there are 1,877 Buckeye All-Americans in the 
     history of the program;
       Whereas the Ohio State athletic program strives to improve 
     the academic quality of The Ohio State University by donating 
     key funding to renovate Ohio State's academic facilities, 
     including the recent donation to the William Oxley Thompson 
     Memorial Library;
       Whereas Ohio State strives for diversity at all levels and 
     was commended nationally in 2007-08 for its National 
     Collegiate Athletic Association academic progress rate, 
     Overall Excellence in Diversity, and for ranking 2nd in the 
     Degree Completion Program;
       Whereas each year Ohio State student-athletes and coaches 
     are involved in thousands of hours of community service;
       Whereas each player, coach, and contributor to the team 
     remained committed to ensuring that the Buckeyes achieved 
     this historic accomplishment; and
       Whereas all supporters of The Ohio State University are to 
     be praised for their dedication to, and pride in, The Ohio 
     State University football program: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates The Ohio State University football team 
     for achieving 800 victories in its 119-year-history;
       (2) recognizes The Ohio State University athletic program 
     for its accomplishments in both sports and academics; and
       (3) requests the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an 
     official copy of this resolution for presentation to--
       (A) The Ohio State University for appropriate display;
       (B) the President of The Ohio State University, Dr. E. 
     Gordon Gee; and
       (C) the head coach of The Ohio State University football 
     team, Mr. Jim Tressel.

                              S. Res. 644

       Whereas millions of children and youth in the United States 
     represent the hopes and future of the United States;
       Whereas numerous individuals, charities benefitting 
     children, and youth-serving organizations that work with 
     children and youth collaborate to provide invaluable services 
     to enrich and better the lives of children and youth 
     throughout the United States;
       Whereas raising awareness of and increasing support for 
     organizations that provide access to healthcare, social 
     services, education, the arts, sports, and other services 
     will result in the development of character and the future 
     success of children and youth;
       Whereas the President issued a proclamation on May 30, 
     2008, proclaiming June 1, 2008 as ``National Child's Day'' to 
     demonstrate a commitment to the youth of the United States;
       Whereas September, as the school year begins, is a time 
     when parents, families, teachers, school administrators, and 
     communities increase their focus on children and youth 
     throughout the United States;
       Whereas September is a time for the people of the United 
     States to highlight and be mindful of the needs of children 
     and youth;
       Whereas private corporations and businesses have joined 
     with hundreds of national and local charitable organizations 
     throughout the United States in support of a month-long focus 
     on children and youth; and
       Whereas designating September 2008 as ``National Child 
     Awareness Month'' would recognize that a long-term commitment 
     to children and youth is in the public interest, and will 
     encourage widespread support for charities and organizations 
     that seek to provide a better future for the children and 
     youth of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates September 2008 as 
     ``National Child Awareness Month''--
       (1) to promote awareness of charities benefitting children 
     and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States; 
     and
       (2) to recognize efforts made by such charities and 
     organizations on behalf of children and youth as a positive 
     investment in the future of the United States.

                              S. Res. 646

       Whereas the prevalence of running away from home and 
     homelessness among youths is staggering, with studies 
     suggesting that between 1,600,000 and 2,800,000 youths live 
     on the streets of the United States each year;
       Whereas running away from home is widespread, and youths 
     aged 12 to 17 are at a higher risk of becoming homeless than 
     adults;
       Whereas youths who run away from home most often have been 
     expelled from their homes by their families, have been 
     physically, sexually, or emotionally abused at home, have 
     been discharged by State custodial systems without adequate 
     transition

[[Page S9181]]

     plans, or have been separated from their parents by death and 
     divorce, are too poor to secure their own basic needs, and 
     are ineligible or unable to access adequate medical or mental 
     health resources;
       Whereas effective programs that support runaway youths and 
     assist youths and their families in preventing youths from 
     running away succeed because of partnerships created among 
     families, community-based human service agencies, law 
     enforcement agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and 
     businesses;
       Whereas preventing youths from running away from home and 
     supporting youths in high-risk situations are priorities for 
     families, communities, and the Nation;
       Whereas the future well-being of the United States is 
     dependent on the opportunities provided for youths and 
     families to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities 
     necessary for youths to develop into safe, healthy, and 
     productive adults;
       Whereas the National Network for Youth and its members 
     advocate on behalf of runaway and homeless youths and provide 
     an array of community-based support to address their critical 
     needs;
       Whereas the National Runaway Switchboard provides crisis 
     intervention and referrals to reconnect runaway youths with 
     their families and to link youths to local resources that 
     provide positive alternatives to running away from home; and
       Whereas the National Network for Youth and the National 
     Runaway Switchboard are cosponsoring National Runaway 
     Prevention Month in November 2008 to increase public 
     awareness of the life circumstances of youths in high-risk 
     situations, the need for safe, healthy, and productive 
     alternatives to running away, and the resources and support 
     available for youths, families, and communities: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and supports the goals 
     and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month.

                              S. Res. 652

       Whereas the number of elderly and disabled citizens of the 
     United States is increasing dramatically;
       Whereas assisted living is a long-term care service that 
     fosters choice, dignity, independence, and autonomy in the 
     elderly and disabled across the United States;
       Whereas the National Center for Assisted Living created 
     National Assisted Living Week;
       Whereas the theme of National Assisted Living Week 2008 is 
     ``Filling Life with Love''; and
       Whereas this theme highlights the privilege, value, and 
     responsibility of passing the legacies of the lives of the 
     elderly and disabled of the United States down through the 
     generations that care for and love them: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week beginning September 8, 2008, as 
     ``National Assisted Living Week''; and
       (2) urges all people of the United States--
       (A) to visit friends and loved ones who reside at assisted 
     living facilities; and
       (B) to learn more about assisted living services, including 
     how assisted living services benefit communities in the 
     United States.

                              S. Res. 651

       Whereas the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 
     was established on July 29, 1958;
       Whereas on May 5, 1961, NASA successfully launched 
     America's first manned spacecraft, Freedom 7, piloted by Alan 
     B. Shepard, Jr.;
       Whereas on February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first 
     American astronaut to orbit the earth;
       Whereas in July of 1969 President John Kennedy's vision of 
     landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth 
     was realized with the Apollo 11 mission, commanded by Neil A. 
     Armstrong, Lunar Module Pilot Edwin ``Buzz'' Aldrin, Jr., and 
     Command Module Pilot Michael Collins;
       Whereas on April 12, 1981, NASA began a new era of human 
     space flight and exploration with the launch of the first 
     Space Shuttle Columbia, commanded by John W. Young and 
     piloted by Robert L. ``Bob'' Crippen;
       Whereas on June 18, 1983, Dr. Sally Ride became the first 
     American woman in space as a crewmember of Space Shuttle 
     Challenger for STS-7;
       Whereas NASA has greatly expanded our knowledge and 
     understanding of our planet and solar system through various 
     unmanned vehicles utilized on numerous missions;
       Whereas, during the Cold War, NASA's achievements served as 
     a source of national pride and captured the imagination of 
     the world by demonstrating a peaceful use of our 
     technological capabilities;
       Whereas NASA now serves as a model for international 
     cooperation and American leadership through the International 
     Space Station and other scientific endeavors;
       Whereas thanks to NASA and the far-reaching gaze of the 
     Hubble Space Telescope, we have seen further into our 
     universe than ever before;
       Whereas NASA space probes have landed on or flown by eight 
     of the planets in our solar system;
       Whereas the aeronautics research by NASA has led to great 
     discoveries and advances in aircraft design and aviation;
       Whereas the work done by NASA has expanded the scope of 
     human knowledge, created new technologies, and inspired young 
     men and women to enter scientific and engineering careers;
       Whereas in the last fifty years, NASA has positively 
     impacted almost every facet of our lives; and
       Whereas, thanks to the heroism, courage, and supreme 
     sacrifice of our astronaut corps over the last five decades, 
     we are now able to live and work in space for the benefit of 
     all humankind: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, by the Senate That the Senate--
       (1) honors the men and women of the National Aeronautics 
     and Space Administration on the occasion of its 50th 
     Anniversary;
       (2) acknowledges the value of NASA's discoveries and 
     accomplishments; and
       (3) pledges to maintain America's position as the world 
     leader in earth and space science, aeronautics and space 
     exploration and technology.

                            H. Con. Res. 163

       Whereas Dandy-Walker syndrome is the most common congenital 
     malformation of the cerebellum and its causes are largely 
     unknown;
       Whereas between 10,000 and 40,000 people have Dandy-Walker 
     syndrome in the United States;
       Whereas the incidence of Dandy-Walker syndrome is at least 
     1 case per every 25,000 to 35,000 live births, however this 
     is likely a significant underestimate because of difficulties 
     diagnosing the syndrome;
       Whereas the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects 
     Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 
     that Dandy-Walker syndrome may affect as many as 1 in 5000 
     live born infants;
       Whereas approximately 70 to 90 percent of patients with 
     Dandy-Walker syndrome have hydrocephalus;
       Whereas Dandy-Walker syndrome accounts for approximately 1 
     to 4 percent of hydrocephalus cases;
       Whereas patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome present with 
     developmental delay, enlarged head circumference, or signs 
     and symptoms of hydrocephalus;
       Whereas Dandy-Walker syndrome affects males and females 
     approximately equally;
       Whereas seizures occur in 15 to 30 percent of patients with 
     Dandy-Walker syndrome;
       Whereas subnormal intelligence is manifested in 41 to 71 
     percent of patients with Dandy-Walker syndrome;
       Whereas failure to diagnose Dandy-Walker syndrome with 
     hydrocephalus in a Neonate or a child can cause serious 
     neurologic complications;
       Whereas Dandy-Walker syndrome is named after former 
     University of New Mexico neurosurgeon and professor Arthur E. 
     Walker (1907-1995) and Walter E. Dandy (1883-1941), who first 
     described the disorder in 1914; and
       Whereas there are 2 known researchers dedicated to Dandy-
     Walker Syndrome in the United States and additional 
     investigators are needed: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That--
       (1) Congress commends the Director of the National 
     Institutes of Health for working with leading scientists and 
     researchers to organize the first National Institutes of 
     Health conference on hydrocephalus in September 2005 and the 
     Inaugural ``Cerebellar Development: Bench to Bedside 
     International Conference'' in November 2006; and
       (2) it is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) the Director of the National Institutes of Health 
     should continue the current collaboration, with respect to 
     Dandy-Walker syndrome, among the National Human Genome 
     Research Institute, the National Institute of Biomedical 
     Imaging and Bioengineering, the National Institute of Child 
     Health and Human Development, the National Institute of 
     Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Office of Rare 
     Diseases;
       (B) further research into the epidemiology, diagnosis, 
     pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of 
     Dandy-Walker syndrome and hydrocephalus should be conducted 
     and supported; and
       (C) public awareness and professional education regarding 
     Dandy-Walker research should increase through partnerships 
     between the Federal Government and patient advocacy 
     organizations, such as the Dandy-Walker Alliance and the 
     Hydrocephalus Association.

                              S. Res. 648

       Whereas the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), built and launched at 
     Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, on January 21, 1954, 
     was the first vessel in the world to be powered by nuclear 
     power;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus overcame extreme difficulties of 
     navigation and maneuverability while submerged under the 
     polar ice, and became the first vessel to cross the 
     geographic North Pole on August 3, 1958;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus continued on her voyage and became 
     the first vessel to successfully navigate a course across the 
     top of the world;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus, having claimed this historic 
     milestone and returned home to Naval Submarine Base New 
     London, continued to establish a series of naval records in 
     her distinguished 25-year career, including being the first 
     submarine to journey ``20,000 leagues under the sea'';
       Whereas the USS Nautilus completed these significant and 
     laudable achievements during a critical phase of the Cold 
     War, providing a source of inspiration for Americans and 
     raising the hopes of the Free World;

[[Page S9182]]

       Whereas the USS Nautilus was the first naval vessel in 
     peacetime to receive the Presidential Unit Citation for its 
     meritorious efforts in crossing the North Pole;
       Whereas Commander William R. Anderson of the United States 
     Navy was awarded the Legion of Merit for his role in 
     commanding the USS Nautilus during its historic voyage;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus and its contribution to world 
     history was praised by a range of American Presidents, 
     including President Harry Truman, President Dwight D. 
     Eisenhower, President Lyndon B. Johnson, President Jimmy 
     Carter, and President Bill Clinton; and
       Whereas President Eisenhower described the voyage to the 
     North Pole as a ``magnificent achievement'' from which ``the 
     entire free world would benefit'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the historic significance of the journey to 
     the North Pole undertaken by the USS Nautilus;
       (2) commends the officers and crew of the USS Nautilus on 
     the 50th anniversary of their magnificent achievement;
       (3) recognizes the importance of the USS Nautilus' journey 
     to the North Pole as not only a military and scientific 
     accomplishment, but also in confirming America's longstanding 
     interest in this vital region of the world;
       (4) commends the role of the USS Nautilus and the United 
     States Submarine Force in protecting the interests of the 
     free world during the Cold War; and
       (5) supports the continuing role of the United States 
     Submarine Force in defending our Nation in the 21st century.

                              S. Res. 502

       Whereas, on March 21, 1983, the United States Space 
     Foundation was founded by a small group of pioneering 
     individuals in Colorado Springs, Colorado;
       Whereas 2008 marks the 25th year of excellence and service 
     of the Space Foundation;
       Whereas the mission of the Space Foundation is to advance 
     space-related endeavors to inspire, enable, and propel 
     humanity;
       Whereas the Space Foundation has become the leading 
     nonprofit organization advancing the exploration, 
     development, and use of space and space education for the 
     benefit of all humankind;
       Whereas the Space Foundation embraces all aspects of space 
     including commercial, civil, and national security;
       Whereas the current national security environment requires 
     extensive use and advancement of space-based assets;
       Whereas the Space Foundation has contributed to space 
     education programs in all 50 States and also in Europe and 
     Asia;
       Whereas the Space Foundation is regarded internationally as 
     a leading space advocacy organization, and is a member of the 
     United States Delegation to the United Nations Committee on 
     the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space; and
       Whereas the Space Foundation hosts the National Space 
     Symposium and Strategic Space and Defense, 2 of the top 
     conferences for space professionals: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
        (a) recognizes the contributions made by the Space 
     Foundation; and
       (b) commemorates the Space Foundation's 25 years of 
     excellence and support to the Nation.

                            S. Con. Res. 93

       Whereas sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death 
     in the United States;
       Whereas sudden cardiac arrest takes the lives of more than 
     250,000 people in the United States each year, according to 
     the Heart Rhythm Society;
       Whereas anyone can experience sudden cardiac arrest, 
     including infants, high school athletes, and people in their 
     30s and 40s who have no sign of heart disease;
       Whereas sudden cardiac arrest is extremely deadly, with the 
     National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute giving the disease 
     a mortality rate of approximately 95 percent;
       Whereas to have a chance of surviving an attack, the 
     American Heart Association states that victims of sudden 
     cardiac arrest must receive a lifesaving defibrillation 
     within the first 4 to 6 minutes of an attack;
       Whereas for every minute that passes without a shock from 
     an automated external defibrillator, the chance of survival 
     decreases by approximately 10 percent;
       Whereas lifesaving treatments for sudden cardiac arrest are 
     effective if administered in time;
       Whereas according to joint research by the American College 
     of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, implantable 
     cardioverter defibrillators are 98 percent effective at 
     protecting people at risk for sudden cardiac arrest;
       Whereas according to the American Heart Association, 
     cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation with 
     an automated external defibrillator more than double the 
     chances that a victim will survive;
       Whereas the Yale-New Haven Hospital and the New England 
     Journal of Medicine state that women and African-Americans 
     are at a higher risk than the general population for dying as 
     a result of sudden cardiac arrest, yet this fact is not well 
     known to people at risk;
       Whereas there is a need for comprehensive educational 
     efforts designed to increase awareness of sudden cardiac 
     arrest and related therapies among medical professionals and 
     the greater public in order to promote early detection and 
     proper treatment of this disease and to improve quality of 
     life; and
       Whereas the Heart Rhythm Society and the Sudden Cardiac 
     Arrest Coalition are preparing related public awareness and 
     education campaigns on sudden cardiac arrest to be held each 
     year during the month of October: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Sudden 
     Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month'';
       (2) supports efforts to educate people about sudden cardiac 
     arrest and to raise awareness about the risk of sudden 
     cardiac arrest, identifying warning signs, and the need to 
     seek medical attention in a timely manner;
       (3) acknowledges the critical importance of sudden cardiac 
     arrest awareness to improving national cardiovascular health; 
     and
       (4) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
     this month with appropriate programs and activities.

                            H. Con. Res. 296

       Whereas heat stroke is a medical emergency that can be 
     fatal if not properly and promptly treated, and 50 percent of 
     those with heat stroke die from it;
       Whereas children absorb more heat from a hot environment 
     because they have greater surface area-to-body mass ratio 
     than adults;
       Whereas the smaller the child, the faster he or she can 
     overheat;
       Whereas children and adolescents may have a reduced ability 
     to dissipate heat through sweating;
       Whereas children and adolescents frequently do not have the 
     physiological drive to drink enough fluids to replenish sweat 
     losses during prolonged exercise;
       Whereas youth athletes may be more easily distracted by 
     teammates and spectators when given the opportunity to rest 
     and rehydrate;
       Whereas a recent study found that 70 percent of afterschool 
     athletes arrive on the playing field already dehydrated;
       Whereas heat-induced illness is one of the most preventable 
     sports ailments and parents, young athletes, and coaches need 
     to understand the physiological factors that increase the 
     risk for heat-related illness and take steps to prevent it;
       Whereas 13-year-old Kendrick Fincher from Rogers, Arkansas, 
     collapsed during an August pre-season football practice, was 
     rushed to the hospital, and for the next 18 days his family 
     waited anxiously for him to regain consciousness, tragically 
     never regained consciousness, and died on August 25, 1995, 
     from multi-system organ failure as a result of heat stroke;
       Whereas Kendrick's parents, Rhonda and Mike Fincher, 
     founded the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation in honor of 
     their son, with the aim to raise awareness of the potentially 
     deadly consequences of dehydration for student athletes and 
     to provide schools with the information and equipment needed 
     to ensure other students do not suffer from heat stroke;
       Whereas the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation has 
     distributed more than 130,000 water bottles and heat illness 
     prevention pamphlets to children and athletes throughout the 
     United States;
       Whereas the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation oversees 
     consultation with school district athletic programs to ensure 
     they have procedures in place to prevent heat illness and 
     dehydration;
       Whereas the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation provides 
     heat stroke awareness and steps for prevention at local 
     health fairs, community events, and the Annual Youth Run 
     through ``cool huts'', misting stations, and free ice water;
       Whereas Gatorade Company joined forces with the National 
     Football League to lead a nationwide ``Beat the Heat'' 
     campaign aimed at educating parents and football coaches 
     about the importance of hydration in order to keep athletes 
     safe in the hot summer months; and
       Whereas Gatorade Company and the National Football League 
     held Gatorade Donation Days at training camps to raise money 
     to raise awareness of the Kendrick Fincher Memorial 
     Foundation: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That--
       (1) it is the sense of Congress that--
       (A) National Heat Stroke Awareness Month provides an 
     opportunity to educate the people of the United States about 
     heat stroke;
       (B) the Kendrick Fincher Memorial Foundation should be 
     applauded for its efforts in promoting awareness about heat 
     stroke; and
       (C) policymakers, parents, coaches, student athletes, not-
     for-profit organizations, and other members of the community 
     should work to increase awareness and prevention of heat 
     stroke; and
       (2) Congress urges national and community organizations, 
     businesses in the private sector, and the media, through 
     National Heat Stroke Awareness Month to promote the awareness 
     of heat stroke.

                              S. Res. 634

       Whereas, on April 26, 1968, after viewing the CBS Emmy-
     award winning documentary ``Hunger in America,'' Senator 
     George McGovern introduced a resolution to establish a Senate 
     Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs;
       Whereas the resolution establishing the Select Committee on 
     Nutrition and Human Needs was enacted on July 30, 1968;
       Whereas Senator George McGovern served as the Chairman of 
     the Select Committee on

[[Page S9183]]

     Nutrition and Human Needs from 1968 to 1977;
       Whereas July 30, 2008, marks the 40th anniversary of the 
     enactment of the resolution establishing the Select Committee 
     on Nutrition and Human Needs, which later became the 
     foundation of the current Subcommittee on Nutrition and Food 
     Assistance, Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, and General 
     Legislation Jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on 
     Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry;
       Whereas Senator George McGovern was committed to exposing 
     the failure of Federal food assistance programs to reach 
     citizens lacking in adequate quantities and quality of food;
       Whereas Senators George McGovern and Robert Dole worked 
     tirelessly in their respective roles on the Select Committee 
     on Nutrition and Human Needs to develop a bipartisan Federal 
     response to hunger;
       Whereas the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs 
     played a key role in educating Congress, the Federal 
     Government, and the Nation at large about the magnitude of 
     hunger in the United States;
       Whereas the work of the Select Committee on Nutrition and 
     Human Needs was vital to reforming the Federal food stamp 
     program, culminating in the passage of the Food Stamp Act of 
     1977 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.), which made the program more 
     efficient and more accessible to those most in need by 
     finally eliminating the requirement that Americans pay for a 
     portion of their food stamps;
       Whereas the work of the Select Committee on Nutrition and 
     Human Needs was essential to expanding the school lunch 
     program established under the National School Lunch Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1751 et seq.) and permanently establishing the school 
     breakfast program under section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act 
     of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773), the child and adult care food 
     program under section 17 of the National School Lunch Act (42 
     U.S.C. 1766), and the summer food service program for 
     children under section 13 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1761);
       Whereas the work of the Select Committee on Nutrition and 
     Human Needs was instrumental in the establishment of the 
     special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, 
     and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition 
     Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786) (WIC);
       Whereas the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry remains committed to continuing the important work 
     begun by Senators George McGovern and Robert Dole of 
     providing a Federal response to hunger;
       Whereas the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
     Forestry provided a record-level amount of nutrition funding 
     in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 
     110-246; 122 Stat. 1651) to reform and strengthen Federal 
     nutrition assistance programs;
       Whereas, through the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
     2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1651), the Senate 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry made key 
     improvements to the food stamp program, including--
       (1) increasing the food purchasing ability of low-income 
     households by accounting for food cost inflation;
       (2) increasing the minimum benefit;
       (3) encouraging retirement and education savings; and
       (4) allowing families to account for child care costs in 
     calculating food assistance;
       Whereas, through the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 
     2008 (Public Law 110-246; 122 Stat. 1651), the Senate 
     Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry helped to 
     strengthen the domestic food assistance safety net by 
     providing significant funding to increase commodity purchases 
     for local area food banks;
       Whereas, in 2008, more than 28,000,000 people in the United 
     States participate in the food stamp program;
       Whereas, in 2008, more than 17,500,000 low-income children 
     receive free or reduced-price meals through the national 
     school lunch program;
       Whereas despite Federal food assistance programs, 
     35,500,000 people in the United States, including 12,600,000 
     children, continue to live in households considered to be 
     food insecure;
       Whereas children who live in households lacking access to 
     sufficient food are more likely to be in poorer physical 
     health than children from food secure households; and
       Whereas children are particularly vulnerable to the effects 
     of food insecurity because undernutrition can have adverse 
     impacts on emotional health, behavior, school performance, 
     and cognitive development: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes July 30, 2008, as the 40th anniversary of 
     the enactment of the resolution establishing the Senate 
     Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs;
       (2) recognizes the substantial contributions the Select 
     Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs made in ensuring that 
     effective and efficient Federal food assistance programs were 
     accessible to those most in need;
       (3) recognizes that hunger continues to be an issue 
     plaguing the United States; and
       (4) supports the continued efforts of Federal, State, and 
     local governments and private non-profit organizations to 
     eradicate hunger in the United States.

                              S. Res. 657

       Whereas celiac disease affects approximately 1 in every 130 
     people in the United States, for a total of 3,000,000 people;
       Whereas the majority of people with celiac disease have yet 
     to be diagnosed;
       Whereas celiac disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder 
     that is classified as both an autoimmune condition and a 
     genetic condition;
       Whereas celiac disease causes damage to the lining of the 
     small intestine, which results in overall malnutrition;
       Whereas, when a person with celiac disease consumes foods 
     that contain certain protein fractions, that person suffers a 
     cell-mediated immune response that damages the villi of the 
     small intestine, interfering with the absorption of nutrients 
     in food and the effectiveness of medications;
       Whereas those problematic protein fractions are found in 
     wheat, barley, rye, and oats, which are used to produce many 
     foods, medications, and vitamins;
       Whereas, because celiac disease is a genetic disease, there 
     is an increased incidence of celiac disease in families with 
     a known history of celiac disease;
       Whereas celiac disease is underdiagnosed because the 
     symptoms can be attributed to other conditions and are easily 
     overlooked by doctors and patients;
       Whereas, as recently as 2000, the average person with 
     celiac disease waited 11 years for a correct diagnosis;
       Whereas \1/2\ of all people with celiac disease do not show 
     symptoms of the disease;
       Whereas celiac disease is diagnosed by tests that measure 
     the blood for abnormally high levels of the antibodies of 
     immunoglobulin A, anti-tissue transglutaminase, and IgA anti-
     endomysium antibodies;
       Whereas celiac disease can be treated only by implementing 
     a diet free of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, often called a 
     ``gluten-free diet'';
       Whereas a delay in the diagnosis of celiac disease can 
     result in damage to the small intestine, which leads to an 
     increased risk of malnutrition, anemia, lymphoma, 
     adenocarcinoma, osteoporosis, miscarriage, congenital 
     malformation, short stature, and disorders of the skin and 
     other organs;
       Whereas celiac disease is linked to many autoimmune 
     disorders, including thyroid disease, systemic lupus 
     erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, liver disease, collagen 
     vascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's 
     syndrome;
       Whereas the connection between celiac disease and diet was 
     first established by Dr. Samuel Gee, who wrote, ``if the 
     patient can be cured at all, it must be by means of diet'';
       Whereas Dr. Samuel Gee was born on September 13, 1839; and
       Whereas, by designating September 13, 2008, as National 
     Celiac Disease Awareness Day, the Senate can raise awareness 
     of celiac disease in the general public and the medical 
     community: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 13, 2008, as ``National Celiac 
     Disease Awareness Day'';
       (2) recognizes that all people in the United States should 
     become more informed and aware of celiac disease;
       (3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe 
     the date with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
       (4) respectfully requests the Secretary of the Senate to 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the Celiac Sprue 
     Association, the American Celiac Society, the Celiac Disease 
     Foundation, the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, 
     and the Oklahoma Celiac Support Group No. 5 of the Celiac 
     Sprue Association.

                              S. Res. 670

       Whereas millions of Americans have benefitted from the 
     courageous service of first responders across the United 
     States;
       Whereas the police, fire, emergency medical service, and 
     public health personnel (commonly known as ``first 
     responders'') work devotedly and selflessly on behalf of the 
     people of the United States, regardless of the peril or 
     hazard to themselves;
       Whereas in emergency situations, first responders carry out 
     the critical role of protecting and ensuring public safety;
       Whereas the men and women who bravely serve as first 
     responders have found themselves on the front lines of 
     homeland defense in the war against terrorism;
       Whereas first responders are called upon in the event of a 
     natural disaster, such as the tornados in Florida and the 
     blizzard in Colorado in December 2006, the flooding in the 
     Northeast in April 2007, the flooding in the Midwest in June 
     2008, and the wildfires in the West in July 2008;
       Whereas the critical role of first responders was witnessed 
     in the aftermath of the mass shooting at the Virginia 
     Polytechnic Institute and State University, when the 
     collaborative effort of police officers, firefighters, and 
     emergency medical technicians to secure the campus, rescue 
     students from danger, treat the injured, and transport 
     victims to local hospitals undoubtedly saved the lives of 
     many students and faculty;
       Whereas 900,000 police officers, 1,100,000 firefighters, 
     and 891,000 emergency medical technicians risk their lives 
     every day to make our communities safe;
       Whereas these 900,000 sworn police officers from Federal, 
     State, tribal, city, and county law enforcement agencies 
     protect lives and property, detect and prevent crimes, uphold 
     the law, and ensure justice;

[[Page S9184]]

       Whereas these 1,100,000 firefighters, both volunteer and 
     career, provide fire suppression, emergency medical services, 
     search and rescue, hazardous materials response, response to 
     terrorism, and critical fire prevention and safety education;
       Whereas the 891,000 emergency medical professionals in the 
     United States respond to and treat a variety of life-
     threatening emergencies, from cardiac and respiratory arrest 
     to traumatic injuries;
       Whereas these 2,661,000 ``first responders'' make personal 
     sacrifices to protect our communities, as was witnessed on 
     September 11, 2001, and in the aftermath of Hurricane 
     Katrina, and as is witnessed every day in cities and towns 
     across the United States;
       Whereas, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers 
     Memorial Fund, a total of 1,671 law enforcement officers died 
     in the line of duty during the past 10 years, an average of 1 
     death every 53 hours or 167 per year, and 181 law enforcement 
     officers were killed in 2007;
       Whereas, according to the United States Fire 
     Administration, from 1996 through 2005 over 1500 firefighters 
     were killed in the line of duty, and tens of thousands were 
     injured;
       Whereas 4 in 5 medics are injured on the job, more than 1 
     in 2 (52 percent) have been assaulted by a patient and 1 in 2 
     (50 percent) have been exposed to an infectious disease, and 
     emergency medical service personnel in the United States have 
     an estimated fatality rate of 12.7 per 100,000 workers, more 
     than twice the national average;
       Whereas most emergency medical service personnel deaths in 
     the line of duty occur in ambulance accidents;
       Whereas thousands of first responders have made the 
     ultimate sacrifice;
       Whereas, in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 
     September 11, 2001, firefighters, law enforcement officers, 
     and emergency medical workers in the United States were 
     universally recognized for the sacrifices they made on that 
     tragic day, and should be honored each year as these tragic 
     events are remembered;
       Whereas there currently exists no national day to honor the 
     brave men and women of the first responder community, who 
     give so much of themselves for the sake of others; and
       Whereas these men and women by their patriotic service and 
     their dedicated efforts have earned the gratitude of 
     Congress: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates September 25, 2008, as 
     ``National First Responder Appreciation Day'' to honor and 
     celebrate the contributions and sacrifices made by all first 
     responders in the United States.

                              S. Res. 671

       Whereas the University of Maryland School of Medicine was 
     established in 1807, making it the first public and the fifth 
     oldest medical school in the United States;
       Whereas, in 1823, the University of Maryland School of 
     Medicine became the first teaching hospital in the Nation 
     with the construction of the Baltimore Infirmary and became 
     the first medical school in the United States to institute a 
     residency training program;
       Whereas the School of Medicine was the founding school of 
     the University of Maryland and is an integral part of the 11-
     campus University System of Maryland;
       Whereas, at the Baltimore campus of the University of 
     Maryland, the School of Medicine serves as the foundation for 
     a large academic health center that combines medical 
     education, biomedical research, patient care, and community 
     service;
       Whereas the University of Maryland School of Medicine is 
     dedicated to providing excellence in biomedical education, 
     basic and clinical research, quality patient care, and 
     service to improve the health of the people of Maryland and 
     the United States;
       Whereas the University of Maryland School of Medicine is 
     committed to the education and training of M.D. and Ph.D. 
     students in fields including physical therapy, rehabilitation 
     science, and medical research technology;
       Whereas the University of Maryland School of Medicine has 
     played a crucial role in helping to meet the health care 
     needs of the people of Maryland and continues to recruit and 
     develop faculty to serve as exemplary role models for 
     students; and
       Whereas the University of Maryland School of Medicine has 
     developed a legacy of academic excellence, outstanding 
     patient care, and ground-breaking research: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the University of Maryland School of 
     Medicine on its 200th anniversary; and
       (2) recognizes the achievements of the University of 
     Maryland, Baltimore, and the School of Medicine in providing 
     outstanding service to, and in training leaders for, the 
     local community, the State of Maryland, and the world.

                              S. Res. 672

       Whereas negative images, stories, and influences in the 
     day-to-day lives of Americans can detrimentally affect their 
     emotional well-being, interactions with others, and general 
     demeanor;
       Whereas a group of teenagers participating in a leadership 
     forum at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, identified a 
     lack of encouragement as one of the greatest problems facing 
     young people today;
       Whereas the youth of our Nation need guidance, inspiration, 
     and reassurance to counteract this negativity and to develop 
     the qualities of character essential for future leadership in 
     our country;
       Whereas a National Day of Encouragement would serve as a 
     reminder to counterbalance and overcome negative influences, 
     and would also provide much-needed encouragement and support 
     to others;
       Whereas, following the events of September 11, 2001, 
     thousands of people of the United States made sacrifices in 
     order to bring help and healing to the victims and their 
     families, inspiring and encouraging the Nation; and
       Whereas the renewed feelings of unity, hope, selflessness, 
     and encouragement that began on September 12, 2001, are the 
     same feelings that the National Day of Encouragement is meant 
     to recapture and spread: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 12, 2008, as ``National Day of 
     Encouragement'';
       (2) acknowledges the importance of encouragement and 
     positive influences in the lives of all people; and
       (3) urges the people of the United States to encourage 
     others, whether it be through an act of service, a thoughtful 
     letter, or words of kindness and inspiration, and to thereby 
     boost the morale of all.

                              S. Res. 673

       Whereas comprehensive, culturally sensitive health 
     promotion within the workplace is essential to maintain and 
     improve the health of American workers;
       Whereas employees who improve their health also reduce 
     their probability of chronic health conditions, lower their 
     out-of-pocket medical and pharmaceutical costs, reduce pain 
     and suffering, have greater levels of energy and vitality, 
     and experience increased satisfaction with their lives and 
     jobs;
       Whereas health care costs in the United States doubled from 
     1990 to 2001 and are expected to double again by 2012;
       Whereas employee health benefits are the fastest growing 
     labor cost component for employers, thus posing a serious and 
     growing challenge to business in the United States;
       Whereas business leaders are struggling to find strategies 
     to help reduce the direct costs of employer-provided health 
     care, as well as the indirect costs associated with higher 
     rates of absenteeism, disability, and injury;
       Whereas an effective strategy to address the primary 
     driving force of soaring health care costs requires an 
     investment in prevention;
       Whereas some employers who invest in health promotion and 
     disease prevention have achieved rates of return on 
     investment ranging from $3 to $15 for each dollar invested, 
     as well as a 28 percent average reduction in sick leave 
     absenteeism, an average 26 percent reduction in health care 
     costs, and a 30 percent average reduction in workers' 
     compensation and disability management claims costs;
       Whereas the Healthy People 2010 national objectives for the 
     United States include the workplace health-related goal that 
     at least \3/4\ of United States employers, regardless of 
     size, will voluntarily offer a comprehensive employee health 
     promotion program that includes--(1) health education and 
     programming which focuses on skill development and lifestyle 
     behavior change along with information dissemination and 
     awareness building, preferably tailored to employees' 
     interests and needs; (2) supportive social and physical 
     environments, including an organization's expectations 
     regarding healthy behaviors, and implementation of policies 
     that promote health and reduce risk of disease; (3) 
     integration of the worksite wellness programs into the 
     organization's structure; (4) linkage to related programs 
     like employee assistance programs (EAPs) and programs to help 
     employees balance work and family; and (5) screening 
     programs, ideally linked to medical care to ensure follow-up 
     and appropriate treatment as necessary;
       Whereas employers should be encouraged to invest in the 
     health of employees by implementing comprehensive worksite 
     health promotion programs that will help achieve our national 
     Healthy People 2010 objectives;
       Whereas business leaders that have made a healthy workforce 
     a part of their core business strategy should be encouraged 
     to share information and resources to educate their peers on 
     the issue of employee health management through initiatives 
     such as the Leading by Example CEO-to-CEO Roundtable on 
     Workforce Health and the United States Workplace Wellness 
     Alliance;
       Whereas the employers that provide health care coverage for 
     more than 177,000,000 Americans have the potential to exert 
     transformative leadership on this issue by increasing the 
     number, quality, and types of health promotion programs and 
     policies at worksites across the Nation;
       Whereas, for workplace wellness efforts to reach their full 
     potential, chief executive officers of major corporations, 
     company presidents of small enterprises, and State governors 
     should be encouraged to make worksite health promotion a 
     priority; and
       Whereas Congress supports the National Worksite Health 
     Promotion goal as stated in Healthy People 2010 and 
     encourages public employers to increase their awareness of 
     the value of corporate investments in employee health 
     management to help our Nation achieve this goal: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate calls on private and public 
     employers to support workplace wellness and implement 
     voluntarily worksite health promotion programs to help

[[Page S9185]]

     maximize employees' health and well being and lower health 
     care costs.

                              S. Res. 674

       Whereas older adults value their independence and a fall 
     can significantly limit their ability to remain self-
     sufficient;
       Whereas falls are the leading cause of death from 
     unintentional injuries among older adults in the United 
     States;
       Whereas older adults are by far the population at greatest 
     risk for falling unintentionally, with more than \1/3\ of all 
     people 65 years or older falling each year;
       Whereas older adults who fall once are 2 to 3 times more 
     likely than adults who have not fallen to fall again;
       Whereas, in 2000, the Bureau of the Census reported that 
     more than 34,800,000 adults older than the age of 65 live in 
     the United States, and that number is expected to grow to 
     almost 55,000,000 by 2020;
       Whereas 20 to 30 percent of older adults who fall suffer 
     moderate to severe injuries, such as bruising, hip fractures, 
     and head traumas;
       Whereas, in 2005, falls resulted in nearly 1,800,000 older 
     adults being treated in emergency departments and more than 
     433,000 older adults being hospitalized;
       Whereas, in 2005, nearly 16,000 people aged 65 and older 
     died from injuries related to unintentional falls;
       Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
     report that the mortality rate from falls among older adults 
     increased 45 percent between 2000 and 2004;
       Whereas the total in direct costs associated with both 
     fatal and non-fatal falls is more than $19,000,000,000 
     annually for hospitalization, emergency department visits, 
     and outpatient care;
       Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
     estimate that if the rate of increase in falls is not 
     stemmed, annual direct treatment costs will reach 
     $43,800,000,000 by 2020, with an annual cost under the 
     Medicare program of $32,400,000,000;
       Whereas evidence-based programs show promise in reducing 
     falls and facilitating cost-effective interventions, such as 
     comprehensive clinical assessments, exercise programs to 
     improve balance and health, management of medications, 
     correction of vision, and reduction of home hazards;
       Whereas, on April 23, 2008, the Safety of Seniors Act of 
     2007 (Public Law 110-202) was enacted, amending the Public 
     Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280b et seq.) to create a 
     national education campaign aimed at older adults, their 
     families, and healthcare providers, and injury prevention 
     programs that focus on the reduction and prevention of falls 
     among older adults; and
       Whereas the Falls Free Coalition Advocacy Work Group, its 
     numerous supporting organizations and all other supportive 
     organizations, should be commended for their efforts to raise 
     awareness and to promote greater understanding, research, and 
     pilot programs to prevent falls among older adults: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 22, 2008, as ``National Falls 
     Prevention Awareness Day'';
       (2) commends the National Falls Free Coalition and all 
     other supportive organizations for their efforts to promote 
     awareness about preventing and reducing falls among older 
     people in the United States;
       (3) encourages the private sector, the public health 
     community, healthcare providers, advocacy organizations, and 
     Federal, State, and local governments to work together to 
     increase education and awareness about the prevention of 
     falls; and
       (4) urges national and community organizations, businesses, 
     individuals, and the media to use National Falls Prevention 
     Awareness Day to promote awareness of this important public 
     health problem in an effort to reduce the incidence of falls 
     among older people in the United States.

                              S. Res. 675

       Whereas there are approximately 510,000 children in the 
     foster care system in the United States, approximately 
     129,000 of whom are waiting for families to adopt them;
       Whereas 61 percent of the children in foster care are age 
     10 or younger;
       Whereas the average length of time a child spends in foster 
     care is over 3 years;
       Whereas, for many foster children, the wait for a loving 
     family in which they are nurtured, comforted, and protected 
     seems endless;
       Whereas the number of youth who ``age out'' of foster care 
     by reaching adulthood without being placed in a permanent 
     home has continued to increase since 1998, and more than 
     26,000 foster youth age out every year;
       Whereas every day loving and nurturing families are 
     strengthened and expanded when committed and dedicated 
     individuals make an important difference in the life of a 
     child through adoption;
       Whereas a 2007 survey conducted by the Dave Thomas 
     Foundation for Adoption demonstrated that though ``Americans 
     overwhelmingly support the concept of adoption, and in 
     particular foster care adoption . . . foster care adoptions 
     have not increased significantly over the past five years'';
       Whereas, while 4 in 10 Americans have considered adoption, 
     a majority of Americans have misperceptions about the process 
     of adopting children from foster care and the children who 
     are eligible for adoption;
       Whereas 71 percent of those who have considered adoption 
     consider adopting children from foster care above other forms 
     of adoption;
       Whereas 45 percent of Americans believe that children enter 
     the foster care system because of juvenile delinquency, when 
     in reality the vast majority of children who have entered the 
     foster care system were victims of neglect, abandonment, or 
     abuse;
       Whereas 46 percent of Americans believe that foster care 
     adoption is expensive, when in reality there is no 
     substantial cost for adopting from foster care and financial 
     support is available to adoptive parents after the adoption 
     is finalized;
       Whereas both National Adoption Day and National Adoption 
     Month occur in November;
       Whereas National Adoption Day is a collective national 
     effort to find permanent, loving families for children in the 
     foster care system;
       Whereas, since the first National Adoption Day in 2000, 
     more than 20,000 children have joined forever families during 
     National Adoption Day;
       Whereas, in 2007, adoptions were finalized for over 4,200 
     children through more than 260 National Adoption Day events 
     in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; 
     and
       Whereas the President traditionally issues an annual 
     proclamation to declare November as National Adoption Month, 
     and National Adoption Day is on November 15, 2008: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Adoption Day 
     and National Adoption Month;
       (2) recognizes that every child should have a permanent and 
     loving family; and
       (3) encourages the citizens of the United States to 
     consider adoption during the month of November and all 
     throughout the year.

                              S. Res. 676

       Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign was established to 
     commemorate the service of Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena, an 11-
     year special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration who 
     was murdered in the line of duty in 1985 while engaged in the 
     battle against illicit drugs;
       Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign has been sponsored by the 
     National Family Partnership and nationally recognized since 
     1988 to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further 
     the cause for which he gave his life, and is now the oldest 
     and largest drug prevention program in the Nation, reaching 
     millions of young people each year during Red Ribbon Week;
       Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration, committed 
     throughout its 35 years to aggressively targeting 
     organizations involved in the growing, manufacturing, and 
     distribution of controlled substances, has been a steadfast 
     partner in commemorating Red Ribbon Week;
       Whereas the Governors and Attorneys General of the States, 
     the National Family Partnership, Parent Teacher Associations, 
     Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the Drug Enforcement 
     Administration, and more than 100 other organizations 
     throughout the United States annually celebrate Red Ribbon 
     Week during the period of October 23 through October 31;
       Whereas the objective of Red Ribbon Week is to promote the 
     creation of drug-free communities through drug prevention 
     efforts, education, parental involvement, and community-wide 
     support;
       Whereas drug abuse is one of the major challenges that the 
     Nation faces in securing a safe and healthy future for 
     families in the United States;
       Whereas drug abuse and alcohol abuse contribute to domestic 
     violence and sexual assault and place the lives of children 
     at risk;
       Whereas, although public awareness of illicit drug use is 
     increasing, emerging drug threats and growing epidemics 
     demand attention, including the abuse of methamphetamines, 
     inhalants, and prescription medications, the second most 
     abused drug by young people in the United States;
       Whereas, between 1996 and 2006, the percentages of 
     admissions to substance abuse treatment programs as a result 
     of the abuse of methamphetamines, prescription medications, 
     and marijuana each significantly rose;
       Whereas drug dealers specifically target children by 
     marketing illicit drugs that mimic the appearance and names 
     of well known brand-name candies and foods; and
       Whereas parents, youths, schools, businesses, law 
     enforcement agencies, religious institutions, service 
     organizations, senior citizens, medical and military 
     personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the 
     United States will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, 
     productive, and drug-free lifestyles by wearing and 
     displaying red ribbons during this week-long celebration: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week;
       (2) encourages children and teens to choose to live drug-
     free lives; and
       (3) encourages the people of the United States to promote 
     the creation of drug-free communities and to participate in 
     drug prevention activities to show support for healthy, 
     productive, and drug-free lifestyles.

[[Page S9186]]



                          ____________________