[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 31 (Monday, February 23, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2381-S2382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY

  Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 52, submitted earlier 
in the day.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 52) designating March 2, 2009, as 
     Read Across America Day.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. KAUFMAN. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or 
debate, and any statements related to the resolution be printed in the 
Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 52) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                               S. Res. 52

       Whereas reading is a basic requirement for quality 
     education and professional success, and is a source of 
     pleasure throughout life;
       Where the people of the United States must be able to read 
     if the United States is to remain competitive in the global 
     economy;
       Whereas Congress, through the No Child Left Behind Act of 
     2001 (Public Law 107-110) and the Reading First, Early 
     Reading First, and Improving Literacy Through School 
     Libraries programs, has placed great emphasis on reading 
     intervention and providing additional resources for reading 
     assistance; and
       Whereas more than 50 national organizations concerned about 
     reading and education have joined with the National Education 
     Association to use March 2, the anniversary of the birth of 
     Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, to celebrate 
     reading: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates March 2, 2009, as ``Read Across America 
     Day'';
       (2) honors Theodor Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, for his 
     success in encouraging children to discover the joy of 
     reading;
       (3) honors the 12th anniversary of Read Across America Day;
       (4) encourages parents to read with their children for a 
     least 30 minutes on Read Across America Day in honor of the 
     commitment of the Senate to building a Nation of readers; and

[[Page S2382]]

       (5) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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