[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S1929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, for 50 years, the United States Senate 
Youth Program, USSYP, has selected 2 remarkable high school students 
from each State, the District of Columbia, and the Department of 
Defense Education Activity program to visit our Nation's capital for an 
inspiring week-long immersion in the workings of the Federal government 
and a mirror into public service. The students that participate in the 
USSYP have gone on to dedicate their lives to our country, including 
Senator Susan Collins, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and former 
presidential advisor Karl Rove.
  Started in 1962 through the adoption of S. Res. 324, this program is 
as crucial now as it was when it was first created. The USSYP 
acknowledges our country's need to encourage inspired and proactive 
youth. It takes a stand against complacency and apathy when it comes to 
learning, gives students a chance to see firsthand the hard work and 
dedication of appointed and elected officials, and sustains and 
heightens their passion for helping others after the program is 
finished. It also aims to instill a true understanding of the 
democratic process ``and the vital importance of democratic decision 
making not only for America but for people around the world'' (S. Res. 
324), creating a cadre of young ambassadors who promote representative 
government in their own communities.
  I wish to recognize the partners of the USSYP, most especially the 
Hearst Foundations, and my Senate colleagues who participated in 
Washington Week a few weeks ago. I thank the Hearst Foundations for 
their generous offer to fund this program as long as the Senate keeps 
it alive. Also, I express my gratitude for nonprofit organizations that 
are innovatively addressing the deficit of civic knowledge and public 
responsibility in our Nation's students. For example, iCivics, a 
project started by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, aims to use video games 
and other web-based tools to engage students and teach them about our 
government on all levels, including the importance of participation as 
a citizen, the power of a vote, the checks and balances of our three 
branches, and our founding documents. We must continue to remain 
invested in the knowledge and ideals our future generations bring 
forth.
  The USSYP understands the importance of fostering the genuine 
interest in public service held by our Nation's youth, and only selects 
high schoolers to participate who have demonstrated a commitment to 
their student government or local civic organizations. I hope the 
USSYP's strong 50 years can serve as a model for similar programs--
especially to reach those who may not have the support or resources to 
define or act on their passion for public service. The USSYP has 
created an alumni fund to assist delegates, who are entering college or 
the work force in a low-paying, public service capacity, by providing 
scholarships. This great first step provides support to our young 
constituents who are striving to realize their dreams, but are worried 
about the costs involved.
  I enjoyed meeting with the Connecticut delegates during the annual 
Senate reception during Washington Week and appreciated our thoughtful 
dialogue. Their visit has left me inspired and hopeful about our 
country's future.
  I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing the importance of 
the United States Senate Youth program for the next 50 years.

                          ____________________