[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 77 (Thursday, May 20, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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 SENATE RESOLUTION 536--DESIGNATING JUNE 1, 2010, AS ``DECLARATION OF 
   CONSCIENCE DAY'' IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
  LANDMARK ``DECLARATION OF CONSCIENCE'' SPEECH DELIVERED BY SENATOR 
     MARGARET CHASE SMITH ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE

  Ms. SNOWE (for herself and Ms. Collins) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 536

       Whereas on June 1, 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith of 
     the State of Maine, in her first major speech on the floor of 
     the Senate, delivered a courageous and heroic speech 
     responding to the contemptible actions and words of Senator 
     Joseph McCarthy from the State of Wisconsin;
       Whereas in 15 minutes, Senator Smith accomplished a task 
     that 94 of her male colleagues did not dare to attempt;
       Whereas Senator Smith had the will and integrity to speak 
     out vigorously when silence was a safer course;
       Whereas through the power of her iconic words, Senator 
     Smith challenged a giant of demagoguery, prompting financier 
     and presidential advisor, Bernard Baruch, to say that ``had a 
     man made that speech, he would have become the next President 
     of the United States'';
       Whereas Senator Smith, because of her bravery both in 
     politics and in life, inspired millions of young girls, and 
     became a role model for countless more women across the 
     United States, who had never before thought that women could 
     aspire to any kind of public office;
       Whereas Senator Smith was a legendary and undeniable force 
     of civic good and political courage, whose bravery, civility, 
     compassion, and integrity are woven indelibly into the fabric 
     of the greatness of the United States;
       Whereas Senator Smith was a much-beloved and universally 
     admired daughter of the State of Maine and forever the pride 
     of Skowhegan, Maine, her birthplace and home;
       Whereas Senator Smith was a teacher, telephone operator, 
     newspaper woman, office manager, secretary, wife, 
     Congresswoman, and Senator;
       Whereas Senator Smith was the first woman to be elected to 
     both Houses of Congress; and
       Whereas Senator Smith was--
       (1) a timeless leader for the State of Maine and the United 
     States;
       (2) a friend to freedom and the public trust;
       (3) a fearless defender of democracy and the bedrock 
     principles of democracy; and
       (4) above all else, a Stateswoman and public servant who 
     belongs not just to the State of Maine and the United States, 
     but to the ages: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates June 1, 2010, as ``Declaration of Conscience 
     Day'';
       (2) recognizes the 60th anniversary of the landmark 
     ``Declaration of Conscience'' speech delivered by Senator 
     Margaret Chase Smith;
       (3) honors the heroism of the immortal words and actions of 
     Senator Smith; and
       (4) pays tribute to the integrity and courage of Senator 
     Smith, which reverberates to this day.

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