[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
______
NATIONAL CHILDHOOD STROKE AWARENESS WEEK
______
NATIONAL MPS AWARENESS DAY
______
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF LENA MARY CALHOUN HORNE
______
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.
____________________