[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4308-S4310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY

  Mrs. BOXER. 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. 496, S. Res. 
497, S. Res. 498, and S. Res. 499.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to proceeding to the 
measures en bloc?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mrs. BOXER. I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed 
to, the preambles be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid on 
the table en bloc, with no intervening action or debate, and any 
statements relating to the resolutions be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolutions were agreed to.
  The preambles were agreed to.
  The resolutions, with their preambles, read as follows:

                              S. Res. 496

 (Observing the historical significance of Juneteenth Independence Day)

       Whereas news of the end of slavery did not reach frontier 
     areas of the United States, and in particular the 
     Southwestern States, for more than 2\1/2\ years after 
     President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, which 
     was issued on January 1, 1863, and months after the 
     conclusion of the Civil War;
       Whereas, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major 
     General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news 
     that the Civil War had ended and that the enslaved were free;
       Whereas African Americans who had been slaves in the 
     Southwest celebrated June 19, commonly known as 
     ``Juneteenth Independence Day'', as the anniversary of their 
     emancipation;
       Whereas African Americans from the Southwest continue the 
     tradition of celebrating Juneteenth Independence Day as 
     inspiration and encouragement for future generations;
       Whereas, for more than 145 years, Juneteenth Independence 
     Day celebrations have been held to honor African-American 
     freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for 
     all cultures; and
       Whereas the faith and strength of character demonstrated by 
     former slaves remain an example for all people of the United 
     States, regardless of background, religion, or race: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That--
       (1) the Senate--
       (A) recognizes the historical significance of Juneteenth 
     Independence Day to the Nation;
       (B) supports the continued celebration of Juneteenth 
     Independence Day to provide an opportunity for the people of 
     the United States to learn more about the past and to better 
     understand the experiences that have shaped the Nation; and
       (C) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Juneteenth Independence Day with appropriate ceremonies, 
     activities, and programs; and
       (2) it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (A) the celebration of the end of slavery is an important 
     and enriching part of the history and heritage of the United 
     States; and
       (B) history should be regarded as a means for understanding 
     the past and solving the challenges of the future.

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, this week people all across our Nation are 
engaging in the oldest known observance of the ending of slavery--
``Juneteenth Independence Day.'' Although passage of the 13th 
Amendment, in January 1863, legally abolished slavery, many African 
Americans remained in servitude due to the delayed dissemination of 
this news across the country.
  It was in June of 1865, that the Union soldiers landed in Galveston, 
TX, with the news that the war had ended and that slavery finally had 
come to an end in the United States. This was 2\1/2\ years after 
President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which was 
issued on January 1, 1863, and months after the conclusion of the Civil 
War.
  This week and specifically on June 19, when slaves in the Southwest 
finally learned of the end of slavery, the descendants of slaves have 
observed this anniversary of emancipation as a remembrance of one of 
the most tragic periods of our Nation's history. The suffering, 
degradation and brutality of slavery cannot be repaired, but the memory 
can serve to ensure that no such inhumanity is ever perpetrated again 
on American soil.
  Today, I am very pleased that the Senate has unanimously adopted a 
resolution, S. Res. 496, recognizing the historical significance of 
Juneteenth Independence Day to the Nation. The resolution, which I 
sponsored along with Senators Hutchison, Cardin, Landrieu, Cornyn, 
Sherrod Brown, Boxer, Stabenow, Harkin, Begich, Durbin, Wicker, Leahy, 
Bill Nelson, Casey, Warner, Akaka, Webb, and Lautenberg, expresses 
support for the observance of Juneteenth Independence Day, and 
recognizes the faith and strength of character demonstrated by former 
slaves, that remains an example for all people of the United States, 
regardless of background or race.
  All across America we also celebrate the many important achievements 
of former slaves and their descendants. We do so because in 1926, Dr. 
Carter G. Woodson, son of former slaves, proposed such a recognition as 
a way of preserving the history of African Americans and recognizing 
the enormous contributions of a people of great strength, dignity, 
faith, and conviction--a people who rendered their achievements for the 
betterment and advancement of a Nation once lacking in humanity towards 
them. Every February, nationwide, we celebrate African American History 
Month. And, every year on June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth Independence 
Day.
  Lerone Bennett, Jr., writer, scholar, lecturer, and acclaimed 
executive editor for several decades at Ebony magazine, has reflected 
on the life and times of Dr. Woodson. Bennett tells us that one of the 
most inspiring and instructive stories in African American history is 
the story of Woodson's struggle and rise from the coal mines of West 
Virginia to the summit of academic achievement:

       At 17, the young man who was called by history to reveal 
     Black history was an untutored coal miner. At 19, after 
     teaching himself the fundamentals of English and arithmetic, 
     he entered high school and mastered the four-year curriculum 
     in less than two years. At 22, after two-thirds of a year at 
     Berea College [in Kentucky], he returned to the coal mines 
     and studied Latin and Greek between trips to the mine shafts. 
     He then went on to the University of Chicago, where he 
     received his bachelor's and master's degrees, and Harvard 
     University, where he became the second Black to receive a 
     doctorate in history. The rest is history--Black history.

  In keeping with the spirit and the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, I 
would like to pay tribute to two courageous women, claimed by my home 
State of Michigan, who played significant roles in addressing American 
injustice and inequality. These are two women of different times who 
would change the course of history.
  The contributions of Sojourner Truth, who helped lead our country out 
of the dark days of slavery, and Rosa Parks whose dignified leadership 
sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the start of the civil rights 
movement, are indelibly etched in the chronicle of the history of this 
Nation. Moreover, they are viewed with distinction and admiration 
throughout the world.
  Sojourner Truth, though unable to read or write, was considered one 
of the most eloquent and noted spokespersons of her day on the 
inhumanity and immorality of slavery. She was a leader in the 
abolitionist movement, and a groundbreaking speaker on behalf of 
equality for women. Michigan has honored her with the dedication of the 
Sojourner Truth Memorial monument, which was unveiled in Battle Creek, 
MI, on September 25, 1999. In April 2009,

[[Page S4309]]

Sojourner Truth became the first African American woman to be 
memorialized with a bust in the U.S. Capitol. The ceremony to unveil 
Truth's likeness was appropriately held in Emancipation Hall at the 
Capitol Visitor's Center. I was pleased to cosponsor the legislation to 
make this fitting tribute possible. Sojourner Truth lived in 
Washington, DC for several years, helping slaves who had fled from the 
South and appearing at women's suffrage gatherings. She returned to 
Battle Creek in 1875, and remained there until her death in 1883. 
Sojourner Truth spoke from her heart about the most troubling issues of 
her time. A testament to Truth's convictions is that her words continue 
to speak to us today.
  On May 4, 1999, legislation was enacted which authorized the 
President of the United States to award the Congressional Gold Medal to 
Rosa Parks. I was pleased to coauthor this tribute to Rosa Parks--the 
gentle warrior who decided that she would no longer tolerate the 
humiliation and demoralization of racial segregation on a bus. I was 
also pleased to be a part of the effort to direct the Architect of the 
Capitol to commission a statue of Rosa Parks, which will soon be placed 
in the U.S. Capitol, making her the second African American woman to 
receive such an honor.
  Her personal bravery and self-sacrifice are remembered with reverence 
and respect by us all. Over 55 years ago, in Montgomery, AL, the modern 
civil rights movement began when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat 
and move to the back of the bus. The strength and spirit of this 
courageous woman captured the consciousness of not only the American 
people, but the entire world. The boycott which Rosa Parks began was 
the start of an American revolution that elevated the status of African 
Americans nationwide and introduced to the world a young leader who 
would one day have a national holiday declared in his honor, the 
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. In addition, the overwhelming majority 
of my colleagues in the Senate joined me in sponsoring legislation 
authorizing the Congressional Gold Medal to be presented to Dr. King, 
posthumously, and Coretta Scott King in recognition of their 
contributions to the Nation. Companion legislation was led in the House 
by Representative John Lewis.
  We have come a long way toward achieving justice and equality for 
all. We still however have work to do. In the names of Rosa Parks, 
Sojourner Truth, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
and many others, let us rededicate ourselves to continuing the struggle 
of civil rights and human rights.
  I am also pleased to join Senator Hutchison and other members of the 
Senate in sponsoring another measure introduced today in recognition of 
Juneteenth Independence Day, which will require further action in the 
Senate. It is a Joint Resolution requesting the President to issue a 
proclamation each year designating Juneteenth Independence Day as a 
National Day of Observance, encouraging Americans of all races, creeds, 
and ethnic backgrounds to celebrate freedom and the end of slavery in 
the United States.
  In closing, I would like to pay tribute to the Juneteenth directors 
and event coordinators throughout my State of Michigan. They have 
worked tirelessly in the planning of intergenerational activities in 
observance of Juneteenth, heading up a wide range of activities over 
several days in Detroit, Flint, Holland, Lansing, Saginaw, and other 
areas around the State.

                              S. Res. 497

 (Congratulating the Los Angeles Kings on winning the 2012 Stanley Cup 
                             Championship)

       Whereas, on June 11, 2012, the Los Angeles Kings were 
     crowned National Hockey League champions after defeating the 
     New Jersey Devils by a score of 6-1 in Game 6 of the 2012 
     Stanley Cup Finals;
       Whereas this is the first Stanley Cup title that the Los 
     Angeles Kings have won since the team entered the National 
     Hockey League in 1967;
       Whereas the Los Angeles Kings are the first 8th seeded 
     playoff team to win the Stanley Cup;
       Whereas the Los Angeles Kings never allowed an opposing 
     team with a higher seed or home-ice advantage to intimidate 
     them;
       Whereas, en route to their first Stanley Cup appearance 
     since 1993, the Los Angeles Kings quickly dispatched the 
     defending Western Conference Champions, the Vancouver 
     Canucks, dominated the upstart St. Louis Blues, and defeated 
     the Phoenix Coyotes, who were the Pacific Division Champions;
       Whereas Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown is the first 
     American team captain of a Stanley Cup champion since 1999;
       Whereas Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick performed 
     admirably in each playoff game, totaling 125 saves and 
     maintaining a .946 save percentage during the Stanley Cup 
     Finals, and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded 
     to the player considered most valuable to his team during the 
     Stanley Cup Playoffs;
       Whereas each of the 26 players on the Los Angeles Kings 
     playoff roster should receive recognition, including Most 
     Valuable Player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Jonathan Quick, 
     team captain Dustin Brown, Jonathan Bernier, Jeff Carter, 
     Kyle Clifford, Drew Doughty, David Drewiske, Colin Fraser, 
     Simon Gagne, Matt Greene, Dwight King, Anze Kopitar, Trevor 
     Lewis, Andrei Loktionov, Alec Martinez, Willie Mitchell, 
     Jordan Nolan, Scott Parse, Dustin Penner, Mike Richards, Brad 
     Richardson, Rob Scuderi, Jarret Stoll, Slava Voynov, Kevin 
     Westgarth, and Justin Williams; and
       Whereas team owners Philip Anschutz and Edward Roski, 
     General Manager Dean Lombardi, and head coach Darryl Sutter 
     admirably assembled the team that comprised the 2012 Los 
     Angeles Kings and led them through one dominant performance 
     after another in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the Los Angeles Kings on winning the 2012 
     Stanley Cup Championship; and
       (2) commends the Los Angeles Kings fans in California and 
     across the Nation for showing the team support throughout its 
     45-year history.

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am in support of this resolution 
with Senator Boxer congratulating the Los Angeles Kings on their 2012 
Stanley Cup Championship. I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate the players, staff, and fans for obtaining professional 
hockey's ultimate prize.
  The Los Angeles Kings have won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 
the 45-year history of their franchise. Since 1967 the Kings have 
proudly represented the Los Angeles community with unwavering 
commitment. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I stand today to congratulate the 2011 
2012 National Hockey League champions, the Los Angeles Kings. This past 
season the Kings demonstrated remarkable skill, teamwork, and 
determination in capturing the franchise's first Stanley Cup.
  Thanks to an outstanding roster of seasoned veterans and promising 
young players, the Kings hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in 
the 45-year history of the franchise. On their historic run, the Kings 
became the first No. 8 seed to win the NHL championship. On their way 
to the finals, the Kings knocked off the first seed Vancouver Canucks, 
the No. 2 seed St. Louis Blues, and the No. 3 seed Phoenix Coyotes 
before capturing the Western Conference title. Despite their low seed, 
the Kings were dominant in each of their series, taking a 3-to-0 lead 
in each and never facing an elimination game.
  The Kings continued their dominance in the finals against the New 
Jersey Devils by once again taking a three-games-to-none lead in the 
series. The Devils were able to stay alive in games 4 and 5 to force 
the series to go to six games. However, in game six the Kings once 
again showed their prowess winning by a score of 6 to 1 and cementing 
their first championship.
  Throughout the season, the Kings were a model of hard work, 
dedication, and consistency. It is my pleasure to congratulate all 
members of the Kings organization who worked tirelessly to bring this 
hard fought victory to Los Angeles. As the Los Angeles Kings and their 
fans celebrate their first Stanley Cup victory, I commend them on a 
truly remarkable and memorable season and wish them more success in 
future seasons.

                              S. Res. 498

(Designating June 20, 2012, as ``American Eagle Day'', and celebrating 
the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of 
                           the United States)

       Whereas on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle was officially 
     designated as the national emblem of the United States by the 
     founding fathers in the Congress of the Confederation;
       Whereas the bald eagle is the central image of the Great 
     Seal of the United States;
       Whereas the image of the bald eagle is displayed in the 
     official seal of many branches and departments of the Federal 
     Government, including--
       (1) the Office of the President;

[[Page S4310]]

       (2) the Office of the Vice President;
       (3) Congress;
       (4) the Supreme Court;
       (5) the Department of the Treasury;
       (6) the Department of Defense;
       (7) the Department of Justice;
       (8) the Department of State;
       (9) the Department of Commerce;
       (10) the Department of Homeland Security;
       (11) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
       (12) the Department of Labor;
       (13) the Department of Health and Human Services;
       (14) the Department of Energy;
       (15) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
       (16) the Central Intelligence Agency; and
       (17) the Postal Service;
       Whereas the bald eagle is an inspiring symbol of--
       (1) the spirit of freedom; and
       (2) the sovereignty of the United States;
       Whereas since the founding of the Nation, the image, 
     meaning, and symbolism of the bald eagle have played a 
     significant role in the art, music, history, commerce, 
     literature, architecture, and culture of the United States;
       Whereas the bald eagle is prominently featured on the 
     stamps, currency, and coinage of the United States;
       Whereas the habitat of bald eagles exists only in North 
     America;
       Whereas by 1963, the population of bald eagles that nested 
     in the lower 48 States had declined to approximately 417 
     nesting pairs;
       Whereas due to the dramatic decline in the population of 
     bald eagles in the lower 48 States, the Secretary of the 
     Interior listed the bald eagle as an endangered species on 
     the list of endangered species published under section 
     4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
     1533(c)(1));
       Whereas caring and concerned individuals from the Federal, 
     State, and private sectors banded together to save, and help 
     ensure the recovery and protection of, bald eagles;
       Whereas on July 20, 1969, the first manned lunar landing 
     occurred in the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module, which was 
     named ``Eagle'';
       Whereas the ``Eagle'' played an integral role in achieving 
     the goal of the United States of landing a man on the Moon 
     and returning that man safely to Earth;
       Whereas in 1995, as a result of the efforts of those caring 
     and concerned individuals, the Secretary of the Interior 
     listed the bald eagle as a threatened species on the list of 
     threatened species published under section 4(c)(1) of the 
     Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1));
       Whereas by 2007, the population of bald eagles that nested 
     in the lower 48 States had increased to approximately 10,000 
     nesting pairs, an increase of approximately 2,500 percent 
     from the preceding 40 years;
       Whereas in 2007, the population of bald eagles that nested 
     in the State of Alaska was approximately 50,000 to 70,000;
       Whereas on June 28, 2007, the Secretary of the Interior 
     removed the bald eagle from the list of threatened species 
     published under section 4(c)(1) of the Endangered Species Act 
     of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(1));
       Whereas bald eagles remain protected in accordance with--
       (1) the Act entitled ``An Act for the protection of the 
     bald eagle'', approved June 8, 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668 et seq.) 
     (commonly known as the ``Bald Eagle Protection Act of 
     1940''); and
       (2) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.);
       Whereas on January 15, 2008, the Secretary of the Treasury 
     issued 3 limited edition bald eagle commemorative coins under 
     the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem 
     Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108 486; 118 Stat. 3934);
       Whereas the sale of the limited edition bald eagle 
     commemorative coins issued by the Secretary of the Treasury 
     has raised approximately $7,800,000 for the nonprofit 
     American Eagle Foundation of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to 
     support efforts to protect the bald eagle;
       Whereas if not for the vigilant conservation efforts of 
     concerned Americans and the enactment of conservation laws 
     (including regulations), the bald eagle would face 
     extinction;
       Whereas the American Eagle Foundation has brought 
     substantial public attention to the cause of the protection 
     and care of the bald eagle nationally;
       Whereas November 4, 2010, marked the 25th anniversary of 
     the American Eagle Foundation;
       Whereas facilities around the United States, such as the 
     Southeastern Raptor Center at Auburn University in the State 
     of Alabama, rehabilitate injured eagles for release into the 
     wild;
       Whereas the dramatic recovery of the population of bald 
     eagles--
       (1) is an endangered species success story; and
       (2) an inspirational example for other wildlife and natural 
     resource conservation efforts around the world;
       Whereas the initial recovery of the population of bald 
     eagles was accomplished by the concerted efforts of numerous 
     government agencies, corporations, organizations, and 
     individuals; and
       Whereas the continuation of recovery, management, and 
     public awareness programs for bald eagles will be necessary 
     to ensure--
       (1) the continued progress of the recovery of bald eagles; 
     and
       (2) that the population and habitat of bald eagles will 
     remain healthy and secure for future generations: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates June 20, 2012, as ``American Eagle Day'';
       (2) applauds the issuance of bald eagle commemorative coins 
     by the Secretary of the Treasury as a means by which to 
     generate critical funds for the protection of bald eagles; 
     and
       (3) encourages--
       (A) educational entities, organizations, businesses, 
     conservation groups, and government agencies with a shared 
     interest in conserving endangered species to collaborate and 
     develop educational tools for use in the public schools of 
     the United States; and
       (B) the people of the United States to observe American 
     Eagle Day with appropriate ceremonies and other activities.

                              S. Res. 499

    (Recognizing the tenth anniversary of the National Institute of 
                 Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering)

       Whereas the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and 
     Bioengineering Establishment Act (Public Law 106 580; 114 
     Stat. 3088) was signed into law on December 29, 2000;
       Whereas the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and 
     Bioengineering (referred to in this preamble as the 
     ``Institute'') awarded its first research grants in April 
     2002;
       Whereas the purpose of the Institute, a component of the 
     National Institutes of Health, is to conduct and support 
     research, training, dissemination of health information, and 
     other programs relating to biomedical imaging, biomedical 
     engineering, and associated technologies and modalities with 
     biomedical applications;
       Whereas the Institute was established to--
       (1) accelerate the development of new technologies with 
     clinical and research applications;
       (2) improve coordination and efficiency at the National 
     Institutes of Health and throughout the Federal Government;
       (3) lay the foundation for a new medical information age;
       (4) promote economic development; and
       (5) provide a structure for training current and future 
     researchers based on the most recent innovative discoveries;
       Whereas the Institute and the biomedical imaging and 
     bioengineering research communities encourage the integration 
     of the physical and life sciences to advance human health by 
     improving quality of life and reducing the burden of disease 
     through research and discoveries;
       Whereas, since its establishment, the Institute has 
     supported research to develop scientific advances in 
     biotechnology, imaging, and biomedical engineering, and to 
     advance the application of biomedical technology to improve 
     detection, treatment, and prevention of disease by assembling 
     diverse teams of scientists and engineers to pursue 
     innovative medical therapies and technologies to better meet 
     the health care needs of patients; and
       Whereas the Institute has helped to support scientific 
     breakthroughs in areas such as regenerative medicine, cancer 
     treatments, and nanotechnology, which are helping health care 
     providers to better target care and meet the individual 
     health care needs of patients: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging 
     and Bioengineering for its leadership in research and its 
     role in advancing technologies that improve patient health;
       (2) recognizes the remarkable impact that biomedical 
     research supported by the National Institute of Biomedical 
     Imaging and Bioengineering has had on patients; and
       (3) recognizes the importance of maintaining a strong 
     commitment to pursuing the next generation of life-saving 
     treatments and technologies for patients.

                          ____________________