[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 55 (Thursday, April 14, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2555-S2556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration en bloc of the following
resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 154, S. Res.
155, S. Res. 156, and S. Res. 157.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolutions en bloc.
Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions
be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be
laid upon the table en bloc, with no intervening action or debate, and
that any statements related to the resolutions be printed in the
Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolutions (S. Res. 154, S. Res. 155, S. Res. 156, S. Res. 157)
were agreed to.
The preambles were agreed to.
The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:
S. Res. 154
Whereas many people in the United States maintain classic
automobiles as a pastime and do so with great passion and as
a means of individual expression;
Whereas the Senate recognizes the effect that the more than
100-year history of the automobile has had on the economic
progress of the Nation and supports wholeheartedly all
activities involved in the restoration and exhibition of
classic automobiles;
Whereas collection, restoration, and preservation of
automobiles is an activity shared across generations and
across all segments of society;
Whereas thousands of local car clubs and related businesses
have been instrumental in preserving a historic part of the
heritage of this Nation by encouraging the restoration and
exhibition of such vintage works of art;
Whereas automotive restoration provides well-paying, high-
skilled jobs for people in all 50 States; and
Whereas automobiles have provided the inspiration for
music, photography, cinema, fashion, and other artistic
pursuits that have become part of the popular culture of the
United States: Now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates July 8, 2011, as ``Collector Car
Appreciation Day'';
(2) recognizes that the collection and restoration of
historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving
the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the
United States; and
(3) encourages the people of the United States to engage in
events and commemorations of ``Collector Car Appreciation
Day'' that create opportunities for collector car owners to
educate young people on the importance of preserving the
cultural heritage of the United States, including through the
collection and restoration of collector cars.
S. Res. 155
Whereas libraries are an essential part of the communities
and the national system of education in the United States;
Whereas the people of the United States benefit
significantly from libraries that serve as an open place for
people of all ages and backgrounds to use books and other
resources that offer pathways to learning, self-discovery,
and the pursuit of knowledge;
Whereas the libraries of the United States depend on the
generous donations and the support of individuals and groups
to ensure that people who are unable to purchase books still
have access to a wide variety of resources;
Whereas certain nonprofit organizations facilitate the
donation of books to schools and libraries across the United
States, in order to extend the joy of reading to millions of
people in the United States and to prevent used books from
being thrown away;
Whereas as of the date of agreement to this resolution, the
libraries of the United States have provided valuable
resources to individuals who are affected by the economic
crisis by encouraging continued education and job training;
and
Whereas several States that recognize the importance of
libraries and reading have adopted resolutions commemorating
April 23 as ``Adopt A Library Day'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates April 23, 2011, as ``National Adopt A
Library Day'';
(2) honors the organizations that facilitate donations to
schools and libraries;
(3) urges people in the United States who own unused books
to donate such books to local libraries;
(4) strongly supports children and families who take
advantage of the resources provided by schools and libraries;
and
(5) encourages the people of the United States to observe
``National Adopt A Library Day'' with appropriate ceremonies
and activities.
S. Res. 156
Whereas Global Youth Service Days is an annual campaign
that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people
who improve their communities each day through community
service and service-learning programs;
Whereas the goals of Global Youth Service Days are--
(1) to mobilize and support young people to address the
needs of their communities, their countries, and the world
through community service and service-learning;
(2) to mobilize and support schools and organizations to
provide meaningful opportunities for youth engagement;
(3) to educate the public, the media, and policymakers
about the year-round contributions of young people as
community leaders;
(4) to recognize and celebrate young people as community
assets, resources, leaders, and problem-solvers; and
(5) to inspire and sustain a lifelong commitment to service
and civic engagement;
Whereas Global Youth Service Days, a program of Youth
Service America, is the largest service event in the world
and the only service event dedicated to engaging young people
ages 5 through 25;
Whereas, in 2011, Global Youth Service Days is being
observed for the 23rd consecutive year in the United States
and for the 12th year globally in more than 100 countries;
Whereas Global Youth Service Days provides an opportunity
for young people to position themselves as assets, resources,
active citizens, and community leaders through the
application of their knowledge, idealism, energy, creativity,
and unique perspective to improving their communities by
addressing a myriad of critical issues, such as childhood
obesity, illiteracy, hunger, environmental degradation,
public safety, and disaster preparedness;
Whereas, in 2011, thousands of participants in schools and
community-based organizations plan to hold Global Youth
Service Days activities as part of a Semester of Service, an
extended service-learning campaign launched on Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day of Service, in which young people spend the
semester addressing a meaningful community need connected to
intentional learning goals or academic standards over the
course of at least 70 hours;
Whereas Global Youth Service Days engages millions of young
people worldwide with the support of the Global Youth Service
Network of the Youth Service America, including more than 200
national and international partners, 100 State and local lead
agencies, and thousands of local schools, afterschool
programs, youth development organizations, community
organizations, faith-based organizations, government
agencies, businesses, neighborhood associations, and
families;
Whereas, in 2011, Youth Service America intends to
distribute more than $1,000,000 in grants to more than 800
projects led by young people, including State Farm GYSD Lead
Agency and Good Neighbor grants, UnitedHealth Heroes grants,
Sodexo Youth and Lead Organizer grants, Disney Friends for
Change grants, Learn and Serve America STEMester of Service
grants, NEA Youth Leaders for Literacy grants, and MLK
Semester of Service Lead Organizer Grants;
Whereas high quality community service and service-learning
programs increase--
(1) the academic engagement and achievement of young
people;
(2) the workforce readiness and 21st century skills of
young people;
(3) the civic knowledge and engagement of young people;
(4) the intercultural understanding and global citizenship
of young people; and
(5) the connectedness and commitment of young people to
their communities; and
Whereas section 198(g) of the National and Community
Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12653(g)) recognizes Global
Youth Service Days as national days of service and calls on
the Corporation for National and Community Service, other
Federal agencies and departments, and the President of the
United States to recognize and support youth-led activities
on the designated days: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes and commends the significant contributions
of young people of the United States and encourages the
continued engagement and support of young people dedicated to
serving their neighbors, their communities, and the United
States;
(2) designates April 15 through 17, 2011, as ``Global Youth
Service Days''; and
(3) calls on the people of the United States to observe
Global Youth Service Days by--
(A) encouraging young people to participate in community
service and service-learning projects and to join their peers
in those projects;
(B) recognizing the volunteer efforts of the young people
of the United States throughout the year; and
(C) supporting the volunteer efforts of young people and
engaging them in meaningful community service, service-
learning, and decision-making opportunities as an investment
in the future of the United States.
[[Page S2556]]
S. Res. 157
Whereas the goal of PowerTalk 21 Day is to encourage
parents and caregivers to embrace their important role in
influencing the decisions of the young people of the United
States about drinking alcohol;
Whereas high school students who use alcohol or other
substances are 5 times more likely to drop out of school or
believe good grades are not important;
Whereas teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each
year, more than all other illegal drugs combined; and
Whereas 74 percent of kids say that their parents are their
primary influence when it comes to decisions about drinking
alcohol: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates April 21, 2011, as ``PowerTalk 21 Day'';
(2) recognizes the importance of parents talking with their
teens about alcohol; and
(3) urges all people of the United States to join in the
efforts to raise awareness of the importance of parents and
teens talking together about alcohol in order to reduce the
risks and dangers posed to teens and communities by underage
drinking.
Global Youth Service Days
Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I wish to speak about a resolution
designating April 15 through 17, 2011, as Global Youth Service Days''
that recognizes and commends the significant community service efforts
that youth are making in communities across the country and around the
world on this weekend in April and every day. This resolution also
encourages the citizens of the United States to acknowledge and support
these volunteer efforts. Passage of this resolution sends a very strong
message of support to the thousands of youth across our great nation
who are contributing positively to their communities--your efforts are
recognized and appreciated.
Beginning this Friday, April 15, youth from across the United States
and around the world will carry out community service projects in areas
ranging from hunger to literacy to the environment. Through this
service, many will embark on a lifelong path of service and civic
engagement in more than 100 countries around the world.
Mr. President, the participation of youth in service to their
communities is more than just a way to spend a Saturday afternoon. All
year long, young people across America--indeed across the globe--
identify and address the needs of their communities, make positive
differences in the world around them, learn leadership and
organizational skills, and gain insights into the problems of their
fellow citizens.
The positive effects of this service are not limited to the projects
our young people complete. Youth who are engaged in volunteer service
and service-learning activities do better in school than their
classmates who do not volunteer because they see a direct connection to
what they are learning and the real world in which they live. Youth who
engage in volunteering and other positive activities are also more
likely to avoid risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use, crime,
and promiscuity. Service within the community also contributes
positively to young people's character development, civic
participation, and philanthropic activity as adults.
Youth service also plays a role in encouraging our young people to
stay in school. A survey by Civic Enterprises found that 47 percent of
high school dropouts reported that boredom in school was a primary
reason why they dropped out. High quality service-learning activities
can, however, help young people see that school matters to them
personally.
It is important, therefore, that the U.S. Senate encourage youth to
engage in community service and to congratulate them for the service
they provide. I thank Senators Begich, Feinstein, Akaka, Mikulski,
Levin, Stabenow, Cochran, Murray, and Mark Udall for joining with me in
cosponsoring this resolution and all other Senators for supporting
passage of it.
In an effort to recognize and support youth volunteers in my State, I
am proud to acknowledge some of the activities that will occur this
year in Alaska in observance of National and Global Youth Service Days:
Anchorage's Promise, which works to mobilize all sectors of the
community to build the character and competence of Anchorage's children
and youth, will sponsor the annual Kids' Day three-day events in
Anchorage again this year. Youth will provide significant service to
their peers and to adults who will attend Kids' Day activities this
weekend:
Over 100 youth and AmeriCorps members will spend their day
volunteering at Kids' Day in order to help make it a safe,
fun, and successful event.
Teens will serve as greeters, pass out bags, help vendors
set up their booths, and clean up during and after the event.
Kindness for Kids, Inc. will provide students with
materials to stuff and sew pillows which will later be
delivered to the children in the hospital.
Adults and youth will be able to make cards to express
support for our troops.
Youth who formed the Japan Relief Fund will sell bracelets
they have made the benefit the relief efforts of the Red
Cross in Japan.
Anchorage's Promise Youth Advisory Board will present Teen
City Center Stage, a positive, judgment-free space where
teens can create graffiti art, join youth-led organizations,
and enjoy entertainment.
Students from Chugiak High School's Family Career and
Community Leaders of America program will present a family
meal toolkit that will contain healthy family meal recipes
that incorporate simple, affordable, and healthy food
choices.
Volunteer students from the Anchorage School district will
read to their younger peers as part of ``Wild About
Reading''. The child will then get to take the book home.
Youth volunteers with Volunteers of America Alaska and
Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol will provide an
art project and information on underage drinking.
The Anchorage Public Library Teen Advisory Board will help
kids decorate banners that will be put on display in the
library.
In addition to the Kids' Day events, young people from every region
of Alaska will serve their many ways, including:
Students at Pacific Northern Academy have donated hand-made
fleece scarves, hats, blankets, greeting cards, meal, and
decorations to various local agencies in Anchorage.
Youth volunteers, coordinated by the Anchorage Public
Library, will help organize summer reading celebration
materials.
Members of the St. John's United Methodist Church youth
group spent their spring break volunteering at the Food Bank
of Alaska in Anchorage.
Last November, the Wrangell Community Youth Action Group
collected and donated over 10,000 pounds of food for needy
families and Thanksgiving dinners in their community.
Hundreds of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts participated in
``Scouting for Food'' last weekend by distributing flyers
about their food drive in neighborhoods, and then going door-
to-door collecting the donations.
The St. Francis Xavier Youth Group held a cake auction to
raise $2,590 to support a mission in Jamaica that helps the
poor with food, transportation, and education.
The Anchorage's Promise Youth Advisory Board volunteered at
Covenant House Alaska to assist them in preparing for First
Friday, a monthly art walk that takes place in downtown
Anchorage. YAB members put together sandwiches, made name
tags, and made labels for the art work that was displayed.
Members of the Chugiak Family Career and Community Leaders
of America held a Christmas party for the homeless teens at
Anchorage's Covenant House.
Youth from Two Rivers donated clothing items to Big
Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Youth in Dillingham have created a ``Chain of Kindness'' to
which people from the community contribute links when they
observe acts of kindness. The chain is hung in the entrance
of the local high school.
The Alaska Youth for Environmental Action has created a
resolution for the Anchorage assembly on beginning an annual
``Week without Bags,'' to encourage consumers to bring their
own bags to the grocery store and encourage retailers to
provide incentive for customers that do so.
Mr. President, I am so proud of all of these young people and many
more across my State of Alaska. I value their idealism, energy,
creativity, and unique perspectives as they volunteer to make their
communities better and assist those in need.
Many similarly wonderful activities will be taking place all across
the nation. I encourage all of my colleagues to visit the Youth Service
America Web site www.ysa.org to find out about the selfless and
creative youth who are contributing in their own States this year.
Mr. President, I yield the floor.
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