[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 41 (Monday, March 9, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S2913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 69--DESIGNATING MARCH 2009 AS ``NATIONAL READING 
MONTH'' AND AUTHORIZING THE COLLECTION OF NONMONETARY BOOK DONATIONS IN 
 SENATE OFFICE BUILDINGS DURING THE PERIOD BEGINNING MARCH 9, 2009 AND 
 ENDING MARCH 27, 2009 FROM SENATORS AND OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE 
  SENATE TO ASSIST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE WASHINGTON, D.C. 
                           METROPOLITAN AREA

  Mr. LAUTENBERG (for himself, Mr. Levin, Mr. Harkin, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. 
Reed, Mr. Cochran, Ms. Snowe, Mr. Kerry, and Mr. Johnson) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 69

       Whereas literacy is a learned skill that is improved 
     through practice and regular reading;
       Whereas public and school libraries play an important role 
     in helping children learn to read and gain critical 
     information literacy skills by providing easy and free access 
     to books and other information on a wide range of topics;
       Whereas the reading of books with children improves 
     children's language, cognitive, and literacy skills;
       Whereas research demonstrates that reading aloud with 
     children is the single most important activity for helping 
     them become successful readers;
       Whereas quality children's books and the continued efforts 
     of educators, parents, and volunteer reading partners can 
     instill a love of reading that will last a lifetime;
       Whereas school reading programs provide students with a 
     chance to improve their reading skills and take pleasure in 
     stories;
       Whereas such programs have a profound and lasting positive 
     impact on a child's life through improved reading 
     comprehension, motivation, and achievement, as well as 
     improved overall academic performance, classroom behavior, 
     self-confidence, and social skills; and
       Whereas all people of the United States can help celebrate 
     the importance of reading by donating children's books, 
     volunteering to read to and mentor young students, and 
     supporting public policies aimed at improving literacy rates: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, Notwithstanding any other rules and regulations 
     of the Senate--
       (1) the Senate designates March 2009 as ``National Reading 
     Month'';
       (2) a Senator or officer or employee of the Senate may 
     solicit another Senator or officer or employee of the Senate 
     within Senate buildings for nonmonetary book donations during 
     the period beginning March 9, 2009 and ending March 27, 2009 
     to assist elementary school students in the Washington, D.C. 
     metropolitan area, if such solicitation does not otherwise 
     violate any rule or regulation of the Senate or any Federal 
     law; and
       (3) a Senator or officer or employee of the Senate may work 
     with a nonprofit organization with respect to the delivery of 
     donations described in paragraph (2).

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