[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 73 (Friday, May 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3790-S3792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE WEEK

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                NATIONAL CHILDHOOD STROKE AWARENESS WEEK

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                       NATIONAL MPS AWARENESS DAY

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    CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF LENA MARY CALHOUN HORNE

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                   NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK 2010

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed en bloc to the consideration of the following Senate 
resolutions: S. Res. 526; S. Res. 527; S. Res. 528; S. Res. 539; and S. 
Res. 530.
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolutions en bloc.


                    National Search and Rescue Week

  Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about a resolution 
to honor our Nation's search and rescue personnel by designating May 16 
through May 22, 2010, as National Search and Rescue Week.
  As many of my colleagues know, I am an avid hiker and mountaineer. 
Over the years, I have scaled several of Washington State's majestic 
peaks and hiked many of our backcountry trails. Whenever I load my pack 
for another trip--whether for a day hike or a trip up Mt. Rainier--I, 
like all people who enjoy the great outdoors, take steps to prepare 
myself and minimize my risk. I bring my essential gear, extra food and 
water, and make sure someone knows my trip plan. But no amount of 
preparation can protect you from a misstep or unforeseen circumstance.
  In such instances, it is often the swift response of trained search 
and rescue personnel that makes the difference between tragedy and 
survival. These heroes come from a broad range of agencies and 
organizations, including sheriff offices, police departments, national 
and State parks, private corporations, and all branches of the 
military, including the U.S. Coast Guard. All of them--whether 
volunteer or salaried, military or civilian--exemplify courage, 
commitment, and compassion in performing their duties.
  Whether it is an accident in the wilderness or a natural disaster in 
a major city, search and rescue personnel are always ready to respond. 
All across our country, when people find themselves in danger, they can 
be thankful for the bravery and willingness to serve exhibited by these 
dedicated individuals.
  Every day, men, women, pack animals, and search dogs put themselves 
in harm's way to ensure the safety and security of citizens in need. 
Their territory knows no bounds. Wherever the mission is, they go, 
sometimes for weeks at a time.
  Search and rescue teams are relentless in their training. They go to 
great lengths to ensure they are physically and mentally fit and well 
versed in the newest search and rescue techniques. This preparation 
enables them to approach complex search and rescue situations with 
confidence and skill.
  Their selfless dedication does not stop at our Nation's borders. 
Civilian search and rescue teams are ready at a moment's notice to 
respond to international disasters, too, including the recent 
earthquake in Haiti and the tsunami in Indonesia. By extending their 
reach around the globe to wherever there is need, search and rescue 
personnel have saved lives, reunited families, and boosted America's 
reputation abroad.
  In the simplest terms, search and rescue personnel take great 
personal risks to come to the aid of others. Carrying out their mission 
often demands great personal discipline and sacrifice, and some even 
pay the ultimate price. This selfless commitment to others is embodied 
in the Search and Rescue motto: ``So that others may live.''
  I ask my colleagues to stand with me today to honor the members of 
the search and rescue community across our Nation. Their dedication to 
saving the lives of citizens who are lost or injured does not waver, 
and neither should we in adopting this small act of recognition for 
their heroic efforts.

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions 
be agreed to en bloc, the preambles be agreed to, the motions to 
reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc, and that any statements 
related to the resolutions be printed in the Record.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  The resolutions (S. Res. 526, S. Res. 527, S. Res. 528, S. Res. 529, 
and S. Res. 530) were agreed to, en bloc.
  The preambles were agreed to.
  The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:

                              S. Res. 526

       Whereas the National Association for Search and Rescue and 
     local search and rescue units across the United States have 
     designated May 16 through May 22, 2010, as ``National Search 
     and Rescue Week'';
       Whereas the Senate recognizes the importance of search and 
     rescue services that are provided by both salaried and 
     volunteer citizens through county sheriff offices and 
     military entities;
       Whereas throughout the history of the United States, search 
     and rescue personnel have served the people of this Nation by 
     helping to save the lives of fellow citizens who are lost or 
     injured;
       Whereas search and rescue personnel continually offer 
     educational services that provide individuals with the 
     survival knowledge necessary to live safely in diverse 
     environments, from mountains to deserts and across both the 
     urban and remote areas of this Nation;

[[Page S3791]]

       Whereas search and rescue personnel train continually in 
     order to maintain mission readiness and to be able to address 
     complex search and rescue situations with both knowledge and 
     skill;
       Whereas search and rescue personnel are instrumental during 
     national emergencies or natural disasters, as they are 
     willing and able to respond and remain on missions for many 
     weeks;
       Whereas search and rescue personnel are required to be 
     focused and dedicated in order to carry out missions that 
     involve personal sacrifice of time, finance, and property, 
     and place their own lives in danger;
       Whereas in the United States, more than 500 individuals 
     have sacrificed their lives during search and rescue missions 
     or training; and
       Whereas search and rescue personnel shall always be 
     recognized as essential to protecting the lives of the 
     citizens of this Nation: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates May 16 through May 22, 2010, as ``National 
     Search and Rescue Week''; and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that 
     promote awareness and appreciation of the role that search 
     and rescue personnel perform in their communities so ``that 
     others may live''.

                              S. Res. 527

       Whereas a stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, 
     is an acute neurologic injury that occurs when the blood 
     supply to a part of the brain is interrupted by a clot in the 
     artery or a burst of the artery;
       Whereas a stroke is a medical emergency that can cause 
     permanent neurologic damage or even death if not promptly 
     diagnosed and treated;
       Whereas 1 out of every 4,000 live births, and 11 out of 
     every 100,000 children overall, have a stroke each year;
       Whereas an individual can have a stroke before birth;
       Whereas a stroke is among the top 10 causes of death for 
     children in the United States;
       Whereas 20 to 40 percent of children who experience a 
     stroke die as a result;
       Whereas stroke may recur in 20 percent of children;
       Whereas the average time from onset of symptoms to 
     diagnosis of a child having had a stroke is 72 hours;
       Whereas no medication has been Federally approved for 
     pediatric stroke treatment;
       Whereas many children who experience a stroke will suffer 
     serious, long-term neurological disabilities, including 
     hemiplegia (which is paralysis of 1 side of the body) 
     seizures, speech and vision problems, and learning 
     difficulties;
       Whereas such disabilities may require ongoing physical, 
     occupational, and speech therapies, as well as surgeries;
       Whereas the permanent health concerns and treatments 
     resulting from strokes that occur during childhood and young 
     adulthood have a considerable impact on children, families, 
     and society;
       Whereas very little is known about the cause, treatment, 
     and prevention of childhood stroke;
       Whereas medical research is the only means by which the 
     people of the United States can identify and develop 
     effective treatment and prevention strategies for childhood 
     stroke;
       Whereas early diagnosis and treatment of childhood stroke 
     greatly improves the chances that the affected child will 
     recover and not experience a recurrence; and
       Whereas the Pediatric Stroke Network, Inc. should be 
     commended for being the first online support group for 
     families affected by pediatric stroke to be registered with 
     the American Heart Association and for the ongoing 
     legislative and awareness endeavors of the group: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of an appropriate date as 
     ``National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day''; and
       (2) urges the people of the United States to support the 
     efforts, programs, services, and advocacy of organizations 
     that work to enhance public awareness of childhood stroke.

                              S. Res. 528

       Whereas mucopolysaccharidosis (referred to in this 
     resolution as ``MPS'') are a group of genetically determined 
     lysosomal storage diseases that render the human body 
     incapable of producing certain enzymes needed to break down 
     complex carbohydrates;
       Whereas MPS diseases cause complex carbohydrates to be 
     stored in almost every cell in the body and progressively 
     cause cellular damage;
       Whereas the cellular damage caused by MPS--
       (1) adversely affects the human body by damaging the heart, 
     respiratory system, bones, internal organs, and central 
     nervous system; and
       (2) often results in mental retardation, short stature, 
     corneal damage, joint stiffness, loss of mobility, speech and 
     hearing impairment, heart disease, hyperactivity, chronic 
     respiratory problems, and, most importantly, a drastically 
     shortened life span;
       Whereas symptoms of MPS are usually not apparent at birth;
       Whereas, without treatment, the life expectancy of an 
     individual afflicted with MPS begins to decrease at a very 
     early stage in the life of the individual;
       Whereas research has resulted in the development of limited 
     treatments for some MPS diseases;
       Whereas promising advancements in the pursuit of treatments 
     for additional MPS diseases are underway as of the date of 
     agreement to this resolution;
       Whereas, despite the creation of new remedies, the blood-
     brain barrier continues to be a significant impediment to 
     effectively treating the brain, which prevents the treatment 
     of many of the symptoms of MPS;
       Whereas treatments for MPS will be greatly enhanced with 
     continued public funding;
       Whereas the quality of life of the individuals afflicted 
     with MPS, and the treatments available to those individuals, 
     will be enhanced through the development of early detection 
     techniques and early intervention;
       Whereas treatments and research advancements for MPS are 
     limited by a lack of awareness about MPS diseases;
       Whereas the lack of awareness about MPS diseases extends to 
     individuals within the medical community;
       Whereas the cellular damage that is caused by MPS makes MPS 
     a model for the study of many other degenerative genetic 
     diseases;
       Whereas the development of effective therapies and a 
     potential cure for MPS diseases can be accomplished by 
     increased awareness, research, data collection, and 
     information distribution; and
       Whereas the Senate is an institution that has the ability--
       (1) to raise public awareness about MPS; and
       (2) to encourage and facilitate increased public and 
     private sector research for the early diagnosis and treatment 
     of MPS diseases: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates May 15, 2010, as ``National MPS Awareness 
     Day''; and
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National MPS 
     Awareness Day''.

                              S. Res. 529

       Whereas Lena Mary Calhoun Horne was a trail-blazing 
     performing artist whose life exemplified her commitment to 
     social justice, peace, and civil rights;
       Whereas Ms. Horne was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 
     30, 1917, and joined the chorus of the famed Cotton Club in 
     Harlem at the age of 16 and debuted on Broadway one year 
     later in the musical ``Dance With Your Gods'' (1934);
       Whereas during the 1940s, Ms. Horne was one of the first 
     African American women to perform with a white band ensemble, 
     the first black performer to play the Copacabana nightclub, 
     and among the first African Americans to sign a long-term 
     Hollywood film studio contract, garnering her roles in a host 
     of films, including ``Thousands Cheer'' (1943), ``Broadway 
     Rhythm'' (1944), ``Two Girls and a Sailor'' (1944), and 
     ``Ziegfeld Follies'' (1946);
       Whereas her rendition of the title song to the 1943 film 
     ``Stormy Weather'' became a major hit and among her signature 
     pieces, which also included ``Deed I Do'', ``As Long As I 
     Live'', and Cole Porter's ``Just One of Those Things'';
       Whereas Ms. Horne recorded prolifically into the 1990s and 
     the record ``Lena Horne at the Waldorf-Astoria'' became the 
     best-selling album by a female singer in RCA Victor's 
     history;
       Whereas Ms. Horne earned four Grammy Awards during the 
     course of her career, including the Recording Academy's 
     Lifetime Achievement Award in 1989, a National Association 
     for the Advancement of Colored People Image Award in 1999, 
     and a Kennedy Center Honor in 1984;
       Whereas Ms. Horne appeared extensively on television, 
     including specials with Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett, 
     numerous musical reviews and variety shows, and appearances 
     on programs like ``Sesame Street'' and ``The Cosby Show'';
       Whereas she was nominated for her first Tony Award in 1957 
     for her role in the musical ``Jamaica'', and her 1981 one-
     woman Broadway show, ``Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music'', 
     earned her a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and ran for more 
     than 300 performances;
       Whereas despite Ms. Horne's pioneering contract with MGM 
     studios, she was never featured in a leading role during the 
     1940s and 50s because her films had to be reedited for 
     theaters in Southern States that proscribed films with black 
     performers;
       Whereas Ms. Horne was outspoken in her fight for racial 
     equality;
       Whereas during World War II, she used her own money to 
     travel and entertain the troops;
       Whereas while Ms. Horne performed at Army camps for the 
     U.S.O., she became an outspoken critic of the treatment of 
     African American servicemen and refused to sing before 
     segregated audiences and at venues in which German Prisoners 
     of War were seated in front of black soldiers;
       Whereas during the late 1940s, Ms. Horne sued a number of 
     restaurants and theaters for racial discrimination;
       Whereas Ms. Horne was only two years old when her 
     grandmother, suffragette, and civil rights activist Cora 
     Calhoun enrolled her as a member of the National Association 
     for the Advancement of Colored People, and she was an 
     honorary member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and worked 
     for years with the Urban League;
       Whereas she participated in numerous civil rights rallies 
     and demonstrations - marching with Medgar Evers in 
     Mississippi, performing at rallies throughout the Nation for 
     the National Council of Negro Women, and

[[Page S3792]]

     taking part in the March on Washington in August 1963 at 
     which the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his ``I 
     Have a Dream'' speech;
       Whereas her commitment to civil rights and political views 
     may have resulted in her appearance on Hollywood 
     ``blacklists'' during the 1950s;
       Whereas Ms. Horne worked with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass 
     antilynching legislation;
       Whereas with her wide musical range and consummate 
     professionalism, she rose beyond Hollywood's stereotypical 
     portrayals of African American as maids, butlers, and African 
     natives; and
       Whereas her poise, grace, and courage paved the way for 
     generations of women and African Americans: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate celebrates the life and 
     achievements of Lena Mary Calhoun Horne and honors her for 
     her triumphs against racial discrimination and her steadfast 
     commitment to the civil rights of all people.

                              S. Res. 530

       Whereas women of all backgrounds should be encouraged to 
     greatly reduce their risk of common diseases through 
     preventive measures such as a healthy lifestyle, by engaging 
     in regular physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and 
     visiting a healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups, 
     and preventative screenings;
       Whereas significant disparities exist in the prevalence of 
     disease among women of different backgrounds, including women 
     with disabilities, African American women, Asian and Pacific 
     Islander women, Latinas, and American Indian and Alaska 
     Native women;
       Whereas healthy habits should begin at a young age;
       Whereas it is important to educate women and girls about 
     the significance of awareness of key female health issues;
       Whereas it is recognized that the offices of women's health 
     within the Department of Health and Human Services, the Food 
     and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, the Health Resources and Services Administration, 
     the National Institutes of Health, and the Agency for 
     Healthcare Research and Quality are vital to providing 
     critical services in supporting women's health research, 
     education, and other necessary services that benefit women of 
     any age, race, or ethnicity;
       Whereas annually, National Women's Health Week begins on 
     Mother's Day and celebrates the efforts of national and 
     community organizations working with partners and volunteers 
     to improve awareness of key women's health issues; and
       Whereas in 2010, the week of May 9 through May 15 is 
     dedicated as ``National Women's Health Week 2010'': Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the importance of preventing diseases that 
     commonly affect women;
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Women's 
     Health Week 2010'';
       (3) calls on the people of the United States to use the 
     start of ``National Women's Health Week 2010'', on May 9, 
     2010, as an opportunity to learn about health issues that 
     face women;
       (4) calls on the women of the United States to observe 
     National Women's Check-Up Day by receiving preventive 
     screenings from their health care providers; and
       (5) recognizes the importance of federally funded programs 
     that provide research and collect data on common diseases in 
     women.

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