[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H3347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK
Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1333) expressing support for the goals and
ideals of Children's Book Week.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1333
Whereas research has indicated that children who are read
to three or four times a week are more likely to recognize
the letters of the alphabet, be able to count to 20, and
write their own names;
Whereas children's books are instrumental in teaching
children to read by providing simple phrases that promote
reading techniques, including phonics, and retaining
children's interest;
Whereas many teachers use children's books in the classroom
as a tool to promote and teach literacy to their students;
Whereas Children's Book Week has been celebrated nationally
since 1919 and is founded on the declaration that a ``great
nation is a reading nation'';
Whereas Children's Book Week highlights the importance of
parents and guardians taking the time to read with their
children and encourages libraries, schools, and community
organizations to hold events to promote reading; and
Whereas Children's Book Week is recognized May 10 to May
16, 2010: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Children's Book Week;
and
(2) encourages parents to read with their children and
schools, libraries, and community organizations to hold
events to encourage children and students of all ages to
read.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Woolsey) and the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res.
1333 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from California?
There was no objection.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1333, a
resolution in support of the goals and ideals of Children's Book Week,
to be held from May 10 through May 16, 2010.
Children's Book Week is a great time to highlight the importance of
reading to our children and our students. Educators, librarians,
booksellers, and families have long celebrated children's books and the
love of reading.
Since 1919 children's books and Children's Book Week have put an
annual spotlight on this vitally important activity for a child's
education and cognitive development. Through storytelling, parties, and
author and illustrator appearances, this week helps to encourage a love
of reading in our children.
Today, even the very youngest child in America is growing up immersed
in media, spending hours a day watching TV and playing video games.
Parents and teachers promote better learning for these children when
they turn off the TV and pull out a book and either sit with the child
and read it or have the child read it on his or her own.
This year, official Children's Book Week events will be hosted in 10
cities and in classrooms, libraries, bookstores, and homes all across
this country.
{time} 1245
In addition, the Children's Choice Book Awards will honor important
authors who bring their gifts of writing and imagination to our kids.
Madam Speaker, once again I express my support for Children's Book
Week and celebrate reading for students of all ages. I thank
Representative Roe for introducing this resolution, and I urge my
colleagues to support this bill.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KLINE of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1333. This
resolution supports and honors Children's Book Week, which is in itself
a celebration of the written word. And as my colleague so aptly said,
today our children are immersed in a multimedia world. I know my
grandchildren are unbelievably expert at video games. And I can't tell
you how happy I am, how thrilled I am, when I see them sitting with a
book.
I was so pleased to see that my oldest grandson followed in the line
of his father and grandfather and great grandfather of seeking every
available minute to get into the world of literature, to get into the
written word, to read these books, going to the point of getting under
the covers with a flashlight way after lights out time for bed. I think
that's an important part of our children growing up.
I am concerned that many of our children are losing this touch with
the written word. So I believe that the Congress expressing our support
for the goals and ideals of Children's Book Week, the written word, is
an important statement.
I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota for
working with us on these last three resolutions.
I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 1333, a resolution in support
of the goals and ideals of Children's Book Week.
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1333.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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