[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H56-H60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1002) honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to the Martin 
Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1002

       Whereas the King Holiday and Service Act, a law designating 
     Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of volunteer 
     service, was signed into law in 1994;
       Whereas millions of individuals have been inspired by the 
     life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve their 
     neighbors and communities every 3rd Monday of January;
       Whereas the 2009 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 
     marked a milestone in the service movement, bringing together 
     more than 1 million volunteers who served in more than 13,000 
     projects nationwide;
       Whereas serving one's community for the betterment of every 
     individual speaks to the high character, transformative world 
     view, and everyday practice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;
       Whereas the efforts of national service volunteers have 
     been a steadfast foundation of our Nation's infrastructure, 
     supporting not only individuals and families in need, but 
     acting in response to national catastrophes and natural 
     disasters;
       Whereas the importance of service was recognized through 
     the signing of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act 
     (Public Law 111-13) in April 2009;
       Whereas individuals have the opportunity to participate in 
     thousands of scheduled community service projects and events 
     all across the Nation, as well as to create and implement 
     community service projects where a need for such projects has 
     been identified;
       Whereas the Corporation for National and Community Service 
     is working with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for 
     Nonviolent Social Change and thousands of other nonprofit, 
     community, national service, and education organizations 
     across the Nation to encourage individuals to serve on this 
     holiday and throughout the year; and
       Whereas leaders at the Federal, State, and local level are 
     planning to use Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to rally our 
     Nation to commit to serve and make an ongoing commitment to 
     service: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) encourages all individuals in the United States to pay 
     tribute to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
     through participation in community service projects on Martin 
     Luther King, Jr. Day;
       (2) recognizes the inherent value of community service and 
     volunteerism in the creation of civil society and as a means 
     of non-violent community progress consistent with the works 
     of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;
       (3) recognizes the benefits of the collaborative work by 
     the many organizations that promote, facilitate, and carry 
     out needed service projects nationwide;
       (4) encourages its members and colleagues to urge their 
     constituents to participate in community service projects; 
     and
       (5) acknowledges that by serving one's country, one's 
     community, and one's neighbor our Nation makes progress in 
     civility,

[[Page H57]]

     equality, and unity consistent with the values and life's 
     work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

                              {time}  1145

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Michigan (Mr. Kildee) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Michigan.


                             General Leave

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 
1002 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1002, which 
honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encourages 
the continued commitment to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national 
day of service.
  January 18, 2010, marks an important holiday for our country; it is a 
day in which our Nation reflects on the life and teachings of an 
inspirational and courageous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King 
devoted his life to the causes of equality and social justice, 
believing that unity in nonviolence and service to our fellow man would 
empower individuals and strengthen our communities and our country.
  Dr. King once said, ``Life's most urgent and persistent question is: 
What are you doing for others?'' As the King Day of Service approaches, 
I encourage my peers, colleagues, and every American citizen to answer 
Dr. King's call to service by volunteering within your communities.
  Last year, the 2009 King Day of Service brought together more than 1 
million volunteers across the Nation to work on more than 13,000 
projects. This year, public and private entities alike, including the 
Corporation for National and Community Service, the Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Clear Channel, UPS, City Year, 
and Habitat for Humanity, are committed to building on last year's 
success and generating an even larger show of unity and service in this 
country.
  Service and volunteerism are fundamental American values demonstrated 
by our citizens throughout history. In good times or in our hour of 
greatest need, fellow citizens have always come together with great 
spirit and generosity. As a country, we have looked to national service 
for healing and hope as well as joy and laughter.
  The inherent value of service to our communities was acknowledged and 
affirmed by Congress and President Obama when in April, 2009, the 
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was signed into law. This 
legislation has jump-started a new era of service, creating a continuum 
of service for which Americans of all ages and from every background 
can lend their experience and skills to uplift our communities and 
transform this Nation.
  Since its passage, organizations like AmeriCorps have been able to 
significantly expand their membership, receiving more applications than 
they have capacity for at a ratio of four to one. This year's King Day 
of Service provides each of us with the opportunity to follow in Dr. 
King's footsteps through service to our communities on this day and 
throughout the year to come.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly support this resolution and thank 
Congressman Platts for bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues 
to support this bill.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1002, 
which promotes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a day of national service 
and recognizes the efforts of the countless Americans who will 
volunteer their time and efforts on behalf of many worthy causes.
  I am proud to have introduced this resolution with my fellow co-
Chairs of the National Service Caucus, Representatives Doris Matsui, 
Vern Ehlers, and David Price; as well as Education and Labor Committee 
Chairman George Miller, Representative John Lewis, and numerous other 
colleagues.
  It was in 1994 that Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Federal holiday as a national day of service in recognition of Dr. 
King's selfless and courageous service to his fellow citizens. Since 
then, we have seen a growing number of individuals embrace this day as 
a day on, not a day off.
  In 2009, millions of Americans spent Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 
serving in over 13,000 projects all across the country. This year, the 
Corporation for National and Community Service is again working with 
the King Center and six other grantees to promote the King Day of 
Service. In years past, organizations like the Capital Area Food Bank, 
Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club all benefited from 
the volunteer efforts of everyday Americans. I am looking forward to 
again volunteering myself at the Crispus Attucks Association of York 
back in my home town.
  As January 18 quickly approaches, I encourage my fellow Members of 
Congress and constituents to take advantage of the countless service 
opportunities available in your local communities. A list of 
opportunities can be found at Serve.gov as well as MLKday.gov. In 
addition to the day's activities, families and individuals will be 
given resources as to how they can serve their communities throughout 
the year.
  As we reflect on the great gift of compassion and selflessness that 
Dr. King has given us both in his life and in passing, may we remember 
his words, ``Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.''
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis).
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my colleague for 
presenting this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. 
King was a man I knew personally and regarded as a brother, friend, 
colleague, prophet, and my hero. He was a simple human being filled 
with love, peace and compassion for all humankind. He was a ray of hope 
who preached a doctrine of nonviolence and civil disobedience to combat 
segregation, discrimination, and racial injustice.
  Dr. King's speech at the March on Washington transformed the steps of 
the Lincoln Memorial into a modern day pulpit. On that day, he shared 
his dream of the beloved community, a truly interracial democracy. I 
can still hear him say, ``I have a dream today, deeply rooted in the 
American Dream.''
  It is fitting and appropriate that we pause, as a Nation and as a 
people, to remember the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He inspired 
a Nation and changed America forever. It is also fitting that while 
remembering his life and his contributions, that we commit ourselves to 
serving our communities, to become the change that we all wish to see 
in the world.
  Madam Speaker, today we encourage all citizens, especially our young 
people, to take the time to reflect on the teaching and the leadership 
of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We encourage all people to do something 
today for your neighbor, for your community, for your country that will 
move us closer to Dr. King's dream of creating a beloved community.
  I urge all Members to reflect on this day of service and peace. 
Remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy this weekend; make a 
difference in your own community, and continue Dr. King's great legacy 
of service and make it your own.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).
  Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of California. I thank the gentleman for the 
time and I thank him for bringing this bill to the floor. And I thank 
the gentlemen on the other side of the aisle for their support of this 
bill.
  Madam Speaker, I rise as one who was part of the bipartisan coalition 
who established in this Chamber the Martin Luther King holiday some two 
and a half decades ago. That was a glorious day here, and it was a day 
in which we acted for the right reasons.

[[Page H58]]

  Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929. Perhaps it is 
fitting that Dr. King was born in that year, for while the great Crash 
of 1929 would shake the economic and financial fundamentals of our 
country and our society, Dr. King's life and work would just as 
dramatically shake this Nation into reconfirming our commitments to our 
moral and constitutional foundations.
  Madam Speaker, in honor of Dr. King, we do not have the time to 
recount the entire complex history of civil rights in this country, but 
Dr. King knew and appreciated the shoulders upon which he stood. 
Slavery was our founding fault, and segregation our enduring national 
stain. Dr. King knew these truths in his soul, and knew many we could 
discuss today that fought their struggles for civil rights and laid the 
groundwork for Dr. King's life work. The gentleman from Georgia is one 
of those people. We have individuals like Harriet Tubman, Frederick 
Douglas, the African Americans who so nobly, heroically, and tragically 
served in Congress after the Civil War, Booker T. Washington, the early 
founders of the NAACP, Emmett Till, Medgar Evers, the tirelessly 
persistent, transportation-less souls in Montgomery, the brave 
individuals in Birmingham, Alabama and Philadelphia, Mississippi, those 
who tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and many, many more.
  We think of those 180,000 African Americans who served and fought for 
this country during the Civil War, those who fought bravely against the 
suffering, the unspeakable lynchings, the violence, the de facto and de 
jure segregation and the enforced callousness and ruthlessness of being 
second-class citizens in a Nation founded upon liberty.
  Many could have been bitter. Those who succeeded were not bitter, but 
they called us to our better spirits. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on 
these precedents, rightly admonishing us to look to their example, and 
we should all take pride in their and his commitment to equality and to 
civil rights.
  Madam Speaker, Dr. King's letter from a Birmingham jail is one of the 
finest articulations of the moral prerequisites of the rule of law and 
its fundamental necessity to our legal, political, and societal 
foundations ever written. When I talk to school children, oftentimes I 
tell them to take a look at that letter. When you realize that letter 
was written without any access to books at the time, that he wrote 
under very difficult circumstances in a sparse jail cell, you 
appreciate even more the wisdom and the grace of the language that Dr. 
King used. His articulation of natural rights guided by natural law, of 
just and unjust laws, and of the objective and nonarbitrary basis for 
the rule of law, just government, and moral order is, in my judgment, 
without comparison.
  So as we call, in this resolution, people of this Nation, 
particularly young people, to dedicate a portion of that day to service 
to their country, let us remember the vision of Dr. King as he 
understood the true basis for laws in this country.
  When asked by some of the other ministers in Birmingham why he would 
interfere, he basically answered that it was his obligation to stand up 
against injustice. He said that he was a man of the law, but we were 
called to follow just laws, not unjust laws. He answered the question 
as to the difference between the two. And he, in my judgment, made a 
very, very specific reference to natural law in which he said that 
there are those laws which violate the laws of God, that we know them 
to be unjust, and therefore we must work against them.
  I also remember in that letter he said to these ministers, who were 
similarly Christian ministers, when they accused him of being an 
outside agitator, and I can only paraphrase his words, but he said 
words to this effect: He said, What was Christ but an outside agitator 
for love? What was Christ but someone who attempted to seek justice? 
And are not we called upon to do the same thing?
  So as we, in this resolution, call upon young people and others of 
this country to commit some time in the service of others, let them 
understand that Dr. King's appeal went deeper than just serving 
another; it was serving another for the right reason, it was for 
fighting for justice, not only in your community, but anywhere that you 
saw injustice.

                              {time}  1200

  There are few heroes in any lifetime that you have; but certainly, 
for those of us old enough to have been alive during Dr. King's 
lifetime, even though we may not have marched with him, we were honored 
to be part of a generation that saw his life and his commitment and his 
call to justice and truth and, fundamentally, to a full application of 
the Constitution of the United States and the foundations upon which 
this country is based.
  I thank you for the time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, again, I urge a ``yes'' vote in support of 
the resolution. I am honored to join with the gentlemen from Michigan 
and Georgia, and I am certainly delighted and honored to associate 
myself with the remarks of the gentleman from California and his work 
in establishing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday. I urge a 
``yes'' vote.
  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1002, honoring 
the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the 
continued commitment to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day 
of service. Through the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of 
Service, we honor Dr. King's noble vision of equality and message of 
compassion.
  Dr. King preached peace in the fight for equality, shaking the 
foundations of segregation with love for others, even those who sought 
to oppose his vision. His unyielding commitment to non-violent 
resistance anchored his messages, and his ``I Have a Dream'' speech 
changed America and sparked a movement that embraced civil rights, 
justice, equality and human dignity for all. This is a movement that we 
must continue to fight for and protect.
  We have celebrated considerable successes due to Dr. King's Dream. 
Housing, schools and transportation are now accessible by all 
Americans. Indeed, in 2008 Americans took another great step toward 
realizing Dr. King's vision by electing America's first African-
American President, Barack Obama. These achievements were not easily 
won, but Dr. King's Dream has proven resilient and it has persevered.
  As a Representative of Silicon Valley, one of the most ethnically 
diverse areas of the country, I appreciate Dr. King's message of 
equality. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, 
CAPAC, I recognize the great strides that have been made since Dr. King 
sparked the historic civil rights movement, and CAPAC has continued to 
vigilantly ensure equal opportunity remains accessible to all. For his 
vision and sacrifices, we owe Dr. King a great debt of gratitude for 
his service and leadership to our Nation, and there is no better way to 
express that gratitude than through our own personal service to the 
Nation.
  The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will serve to remind 
Americans that we should all take the time to contribute to our 
communities. This day continues to pay tribute to the life and actions 
of a great man, as we continue to foster brotherhood and service 
amongst our friends, neighbors, and communities. Since its designation 
as a federal holiday in 1994, Americans have Dr. King's birthday to act 
on his ideals. It has been a day to improve lives, bridge social 
barriers, and change our Nation into the ``Beloved Community'' that Dr. 
King had hoped to see during his life. Thanks in part to the commitment 
we have shown to honor Dr. King, the Day of Service continues to grow 
in popularity as a chance for citizens, business leaders, and public 
officials alike to contribute to their communities. In 2009 alone, over 
13,000 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service projects occurred 
throughout the Nation, honoring the Dream of Dr. King.
  I am pleased that the constituents of California's 15th District have 
answered this call to service as a tribute to Dr. King's life. 
Constituents of all backgrounds volunteer to remove graffiti, pick up 
litter, improve parks, and engage in other activities that aim to 
selflessly improve the world around them. Though each individual's 
effort may be small, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 
provides the medium to combine an individual's energies with those of 
his or her neighbors. The resulting collaboration is an impactful and 
tangible celebration of Dr. King's messages.
  As we near the day of remembrance, we must recognize that the fight 
goes on. Dr. King's Dream embodies an ideal for our Nation to pursue--
Americans of all ethnicities and creeds, living together with dignity 
and hope. To admire Dr. King's life requires us to follow his legacy. 
Let us honor his life by working together to continue to build an 
America where every child enjoys all the privileges of equal 
opportunity and freedom.

[[Page H59]]

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
recognizing the extraordinary life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  As our nation prepares to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday 
this weekend, we are reminded of his remarkable accomplishments as a 
civil rights leader and as a lifelong advocate for human justice and 
peace. More than 40 years have past since Dr. King delivered his famous 
``I Have a Dream'' speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Yet 
today, Dr. King's words and his life's work help inspire Americans to 
think differently about race and human rights.
  Sadly, Dr. King's life ended tragically and prematurely, but his 
dream lives on. As the election of President Barack Obama demonstrates, 
America has made significant progress in the last 40 years and there is 
no question that Dr. King's remarkable work for fairness and equality 
under the law led profoundly to this historic moment for our country.
  Yet, more work must be done. We need to honor Dr. King's call to make 
our communities, our nation and the world more just. As we face high 
unemployment rates, increased child poverty, and unprecedented number 
of Americans who go to bed hungry, we need to remember not just Dr. 
King's words but his call to action.
  I am particularly reminded about that call as we stand on the 
precipice of passing historic health care reform. Dr. King's words are 
used by health care justice groups across the country. As he said, ``Of 
all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most 
shocking and inhumane.''
  We must pass health care legislation that not only ends health care 
disparities but provides health care justice. Every person must have 
access to affordable health coverage. Every person must receive the 
highest quality care. And every person must be able to get a medical 
education if they choose to make a career of caring for others.
  Madam Speaker, Dr. King was a visionary, a man ahead of his time, and 
his words of wisdom and contributions to our country will never be 
forgotten. Again, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today in full support of 
honoring and continuing to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 
birthday as a national holiday.
  Dr. King's birthday was first recognized in the great state of 
Illinois in 1973, 5 years after being introduced to Congress by my good 
friend John Conyers. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a very prominent 
African-American clergyman and political leader of the twentieth 
century; the most prominent member of the civil rights movement of the 
1950s and 1960s, during that time he became famous through his 
promotion of nonviolent methods of opposition to segregation, such as 
boycotts of segregated city buses, or sit-ins at lunch counters that 
would not serve Black people, and organized marches that will forever 
be remembered in our nation's history. One such demonstration was the 
march at Marquette Park, in Chicago, IL, where Dr. King was struck in 
the head by a rock for protesting the open housing laws in the city. 
When asked why he put himself at risk he said ``I have to do this--to 
expose myself--to bring this hate into the open.'' The marches led to 
an accord that year between the protesters and the Chicago Real Estate 
Board, which helped start the cultural change in Chicago. Dr. King's 
most memorable march was the March on Washington in 1963 where he 
delivered his ``I Have A Dream'' speech; it was a speech of hope and 
determination, epitomizing the day's message of racial harmony, love, 
and a belief that Blacks and Whites could live together in peace. Even 
after his death, he has evolved from a prominent civil rights leader 
into the symbol for the civil rights movement in the United States. He 
is studied by schoolchildren of all backgrounds; monuments have been 
dedicated in his honor and institutions such as the Center for 
Nonviolent Social Change in Atlanta which bears his name, have been 
established to carry on his work. The message of racial harmony and 
equality for all is a message I still believe in and fight for 
everyday, so it is an honor to support this resolution honoring Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr., his life and legacy.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
strong support for H. Res. 1002 which honors the life and work of 
Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and encourages the continued commitment 
to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a national day of service. I 
would also like to commend Representative Platts, the sponsor of this 
resolution, for his continued commitment to preserving the 
accomplishments of Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. I urge my colleagues 
to support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, ten years ago, thanks to the hard work of Chairman 
John Conyers, all fifty states for the first time officially observed 
the federal holiday in Dr. King's honor. This was certainly a milestone 
for the United States. Efforts to memorialize Dr. King's life with a 
holiday have been ongoing since shortly after his assassination on 
April 4, 1968 and I am proud to say we have come a long way from that 
time.
  It is an honor to be a representative from Georgia where Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. began his work and, as an African-American I am proud 
to be a part of Dr. King's legacy. It is through Dr. King's efforts to 
codify civil rights in both the law and the heart of America that I am 
able to have the privilege of representing the great state of Georgia 
in the House of Representatives today. Dr. King's work continues to 
influence millions of people today. His call for nonviolence and civic 
engagement has inspired people to positive action to better their 
station and their communities. As Dr. King once said, ``Everybody can 
be great, because everybody can serve.'' These words embody the spirit 
we need to remember during the upcoming holiday.
  Madam Speaker, as the third Monday in January approaches and Dr. 
Martin Luther King Jr's. message of service, unity and equality for all 
continues to resonate with people around the world, let us not forget 
what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for America and the world and let 
us recognize the importance of this holiday and of service to our 
community.
  I strongly support H. Res. 1002.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 1002 which recognizes the efforts of who those who serve their 
communities on Martin Luther King Day and promotes the holiday as a day 
of national service.
  During his life, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of 
service to strengthen communities. In 1994, Congress made Martin Luther 
King Day a national day of community volunteerism to further 
commemorate Dr. King's legacy of peace, community, and justice.
  On January 18, 2010, people of all backgrounds across the country 
will come together to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and 
continue the pursuit of achieving Martin Luther King's vision of a fair 
and equitable society for all Americans.
  At home in Minnesota, and across the nation, many will volunteer to 
serve their communities by working at food banks, helping the homeless, 
and improving schools. Minnesotans have a proud tradition of civic 
engagement. In a study conducted by the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, Minneapolis-St. Paul was ranked number one for 
volunteer rates in a large city.
  Martin Luther King, Jr. once said ``An individual has not started 
living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his 
individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.'' As 
we begin this New Year at a time when many of our neighbors are 
struggling to find employment, I can think of no better way to 
strengthen our nation than to come together and create positive change 
in our communities. I encourage everyone to get involved this Martin 
Luther King Day and to browse http://www.usaservice.org for volunteer 
opportunities. Every American who will volunteer on Monday and those 
that continue to serve throughout the year deserve our gratitude and 
appreciation.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in 
recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor this great civil 
rights leader by supporting and continuing the tradition of a national 
day of service in his memory.
  As a profoundly diverse country, our greatest strengths are evident 
when we come together in the spirit of community and work toward a 
greater good. This notion of service was remarkably evident in Dr. 
King's work, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy by working with 
our neighbors and fellow citizens to better our communities and 
country. When Dr. King saw injustice, he worked diligently and by 
peaceful means to bring about positive change. Today, it is important 
to remember that all of us can make a difference and emulate Dr. King's 
efforts by working together.
  In my district, there are major celebrations planned to honor the 
life of Dr. King, including a candle-lighting ceremony and a parade. 
Students in the Dallas Independent School District have submitted 
essays that discuss the life and work of Dr. King, and additionally, 
people across the area will participate in service-oriented projects 
and volunteer for various organizations. I am proud of the hard work 
they are doing to make North Texas a better place.
  Today, we move forward by honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and his 
great dream with renewed optimism. It is my hope that this Day of 
Service will be a true reflection of his legacy and serve as a catalyst 
for good across the country.
  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize 
Monday, January 18, 2010, as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day 
of Service, and to thank Mr. Platts and my fellow Co-Chairs of the 
National Service Caucus for introducing this resolution.
  Dr. King taught our nation about compassion and tolerance. He 
inspired us to look past

[[Page H60]]

our differences. He challenged us to speak out against hate and 
injustice, wherever and whenever we saw it, and to embrace the common 
elements that unify us all.
  Madam Speaker, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service 
and the resolution before us encourages all of us to continue his 
fight; to make our country a better, more equal place for our children 
and grandchildren.
  This year more than ever, let us recommit ourselves to strengthening 
our communities and our nation.
  Hundreds of volunteers will be participating in service events in 
Sacramento and communities across the country this coming Monday.
  I look forward to doing my part and encourage my colleagues to join 
me as we honor the life and work of Dr. King, by giving back to our 
communities and supporting the underlying resolution.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my 
support for H. Res.1002, a resolution honoring the life and work of Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr. which encourages the continued commitment to 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.
  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a holiday marking the birth of Rev. 
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which is celebrated on the third Monday of 
January each year.
  President Ronald Reagan declared Dr. King's birthday a national 
holiday and signed it into law on January 15, 1983. Not only does 
January 15 mark the day this Civil Rights Leader was born, but it is 
one of four United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual 
person in this country.
  Dr. King was the chief architect for nonviolent activism in the Civil 
Rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in 
federal and state law.
  During the time of the Civil Rights movement, many challenges and 
controversies arose, but Dr. King's commitment to democracy, freedom, 
and equality did not waver.
  Dr. King challenged us to give back to a community we have accepted 
so much from. With his leadership, our nation made great strides 
against racial discrimination and toward increased civil rights.
  It is in the spirit of solidarity that we recognize Dr. King's Day as 
a national day of service which was first encouraged by Congress in 
1994 through passage of the King Holiday and Service Act. On this day, 
our nation has the opportunity to bond together and serve our local and 
global community, with no expectation of reward in return. The dream is 
a special type of service our nation needs. This type of service not 
only brings our nation together, but it creates an environment of 
people committed to helping one another achieve the dream.
  I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1002.
  Mr. PLATTS. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1002.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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