[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 156 (Tuesday, October 18, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S6672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 296--COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 
                       COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN

  Mr. AKAKA (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Levin, and Mr. Carper) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs:

                              S. Res. 296

       Whereas the Combined Federal Campaign was established 
     pursuant to Executive Order 10927 (26 Fed. Reg. 2383) signed 
     by President John F. Kennedy on March 18, 1961;
       Whereas the Combined Federal Campaign is the only 
     authorized charitable fundraising campaign for Federal 
     employees, employees of the United States Postal Service, and 
     members of the armed forces;
       Whereas the Combined Federal Campaign operates in more than 
     119 localities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the 
     United States Virgin Islands, and overseas military 
     installations;
       Whereas more than 20,000 nonprofit charitable organizations 
     participate annually in the Combined Federal Campaign;
       Whereas the men and women of the Federal Government, the 
     United States Postal Service, and the Armed Forces have 
     contributed approximately $7,000,000,000 to local, national, 
     and international charities over the past 50 years, making 
     the Combined Federal Campaign the largest and most successful 
     workplace charitable drive in the world; and
       Whereas commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Combined 
     Federal Campaign will thank public servants whose generous 
     contributions over the years have helped to feed hungry 
     children, cure disease, comfort the sick and dying, protect 
     the environment and natural resources of the United States, 
     and offered hope to people and communities across the United 
     States and worldwide: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate:
       (1) commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Combined 
     Federal Campaign;
       (2) commends public servants of the United States for their 
     unyielding dedication, generosity, and spirit of charitable 
     giving;
       (3) calls upon the new generation of Federal employees, 
     employees of the United States Postal Service, and members of 
     the Armed Forces to participate annually in the Combined 
     Federal Campaign;
       (4) encourages all Federal employees, employees of the 
     United States Postal Service, and members of the Armed Forces 
     to continue their philanthropic efforts for the betterment of 
     the less fortunate; and
       (5) urges the people of the United States to observe the 
     50th anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the Combined Federal Campaign, CFC. In 1961, President 
John F. Kennedy established the CFC, which has grown over the last 50 
years to become the world's largest and most successful workplace 
charity campaign. Pledging to donate through the CFC gives charities 
steady streams of revenue throughout the next year, lowers overhead 
costs so more money goes directly to the charity's work, and is a 
convenient way for Federal employees to donate to their charities of 
choice.
  Federal employees have dedicated their lives to serving and 
protecting the American people, and that call to service extends far 
beyond their professional lives. Each year, Federal employees together 
give millions of dollars through the CFC to help support the work of 
over 20,000 non-profit, charitable organizations in the United States 
and around the world. Since 1961, Federal civilian, military, and 
Postal employees have donated nearly $7 billion through the CFC, 
including $282 million in 2010.
  In today's economy, contributions through the CFC are essential to 
many organizations that receive them. A great number of these 
organizations have seen an increase in the need for the important 
services they provide, while fewer Americans are able to give the 
financial support on which these organizations rely. I applaud the 
generosity of our Federal community and encourage each of you to 
consider what you can pledge to give in the upcoming year. Our combined 
efforts can ensure that Americans and others across the globe have 
access to the important support and services that these charities 
provide. The 50th anniversary CFC campaign season has already begun and 
runs until December 15.
  I thank my colleagues Senators Lieberman, Levin and Carper for 
cosponsoring this legislation and I encourage my colleagues to join me 
in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the CFC and highlighting the 
support these contributions bring to non-profit, charitable 
organizations throughout the world.

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