[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 131 (Wednesday, September 16, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S9488]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          SUPPORT FOR IDEALS AND GOALS OF CITIZENSHIP DAY 2009

  Mr. CASEY. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
immediate consideration of S. Res. 271 submitted earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 271) expressing support for the 
     ideals and goals of Citizenship Day 2009.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. CASEY. 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 statement related 
to the resolution be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 271) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 271

       Whereas Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are observed 
     each year on September 17;
       Whereas, the Joint Resolution of February 29, 1952 (66 
     Stat. 9, chapter 49), designated September 17 of each year as 
     ``Citizenship Day'', in ``commemoration of the formation and 
     signing, on September 17, 1787, of the Constitution of the 
     United States and in recognition of all who, by coming of age 
     or by naturalization have attained the status of 
     citizenship'';
       Whereas section 111(c) of Division J of the Consolidated 
     Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-447; 118 Stat. 3344) 
     amended section 106 of title 36, United States Code, to 
     designate September 17 as ``Constitution Day and Citizenship 
     Day'';
       Whereas Citizenship Day is a special day for all United 
     States citizens, including those who were born in the United 
     States and those who chose to become citizens;
       Whereas Citizenship Day is a day to take pride in being a 
     United States citizen and to appreciate the rights, freedoms, 
     and responsibilities inherent in United States citizenship;
       Whereas, on Citizenship Day, naturalization ceremonies will 
     be held at historic landmarks throughout the United States;
       Whereas United States citizens are viewed with respect, 
     honor, and dignity in the United States and throughout the 
     world; and
       Whereas, on September 17 of each year, ``The civil and 
     educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and 
     towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of 
     Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete 
     instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and 
     opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the 
     State and locality in which they reside'', section 106(d) of 
     title 36, United States Code: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the ideals and goals of Citizenship Day 2009;
       (2) recognizes that citizens from all backgrounds have made 
     countless contributions to the strength of the United States, 
     making the United States a symbol of success, promise, and 
     hope;
       (3) recognizes the initiative taken by immigrants to learn 
     about the responsibilities and significance of United States 
     citizenship and wishes immigrants well in their future 
     efforts to contribute to the United States; and
       (4) calls on the people of the United States to observe 
     Citizenship Day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 
     programs in support of all United States citizens.

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