[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;
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(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.
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