[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.

                          ____________________