[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 127 (Wednesday, September 19, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6469-S6472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MEASURES SUBMITTED TODAY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the consideration of the following resolutions, en bloc, 
which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 562, S. Res. 563, S. Res. 
564, S. Res. 565, S. Res. 566, S. Res. 567, S. Res. 568, S. Res. 569, 
and S. Res. 570.
  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 
any statements related 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. 562

       Whereas healthcare information technology and management 
     systems have been recognized as essential tools for improving 
     patient care, ensuring patient safety, stopping duplicative 
     tests and paperwork, and reducing healthcare costs;
       Whereas the Center for Information Technology Leadership 
     has estimated that the implementation of national standards 
     for interoperability and the exchange of health

[[Page S6470]]

     information would save the United States approximately 
     $77,000,000,000 in expenses relating to healthcare each year;
       Whereas Congress has made a commitment to leveraging the 
     benefits of healthcare information technology and management 
     systems, including supporting the adoption of electronic 
     health records that will help to reduce costs and improve 
     quality while ensuring the privacy of patients;
       Whereas the ability to exchange health information 
     confidently and securely between different providers, 
     systems, and insurers is critical to transforming the 
     healthcare delivery system of the United States to improve 
     clinical outcomes for patients, control costs, and expand 
     access to care through the use of technology;
       Whereas Congress has made real-time health information 
     exchange a priority and an essential component of the 
     Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentive 
     Programs;
       Whereas Congress has emphasized improving the quality and 
     safety of delivery of healthcare in the United States; and
       Whereas, since 2006, organizations across the United States 
     have united to support National Health Information Technology 
     Week to improve public awareness of the benefits of improved 
     quality and cost efficiency of the healthcare system that the 
     implementation of health information technology could 
     achieve: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week beginning on September 10, 2012 and 
     ending on September 14, 2012 as ``National Health Information 
     Technology Week'';
       (2) recognizes the value of information technology and 
     management systems in transforming healthcare for the people 
     of the United States; and
       (3) calls on all interested parties to promote the use of 
     information technology and management systems to transform 
     the healthcare system of the United States.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 563

       Whereas phenylketonuria is a rare, inherited metabolic 
     disorder that is characterized by the inability of the body 
     to process the essential amino acid phenylalanine, and which 
     causes mental retardation and other neurological problems, 
     such as memory loss and mood disorders, when treatment is not 
     started within the first few weeks of life;
       Whereas newborn screening for phenylketonuria was initiated 
     in the United States in 1963 and was mandated by the Newborn 
     Screening Saves Life Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 201 note);
       Whereas approximately 1 of every 15,000 infants in the 
     United States is born with phenylketonuria;
       Whereas the 2012 Phenylketonuria Scientific Review 
     Conference affirmed the recommendation of lifelong dietary 
     treatment for phenylketonuria made by the National Institutes 
     of Health Consensus Development Conference Statement 2000;
       Whereas adults with phenylketonuria who discontinue 
     treatment are at risk for other serious medical issues such 
     as depression, impulse control disorder, phobias, tremors, 
     and pareses;
       Whereas women with phenylketonuria must maintain strict 
     metabolic control before and during pregnancy to prevent 
     fetal damage;
       Whereas children born from untreated mothers with 
     phenylketonuria may have a condition known as maternal PKU 
     syndrome, which can cause small brains, mental retardation, 
     birth defects of the heart, and low birth weight;
       Whereas phenylketonuria is treated with medical food;
       Whereas, although there is no cure for phenylketonuria, a 
     treatment involving medical food and restricting 
     phenylalanine intake can prevent progressive, irreversible 
     brain damage;
       Whereas maintaining a strict medical diet for 
     phenylketonuria can be difficult to achieve, and poor 
     metabolic control can result in a significant decline in 
     mental and behavioral performance;
       Whereas access to health coverage for medical food varies 
     across the United States, and the long-term costs associated 
     with caring for untreated children and adults far exceed the 
     cost of providing medical food treatment;
       Whereas scientists and researchers are hopeful that 
     breakthroughs in phenylketonuria research will be 
     forthcoming;
       Whereas researchers across the United States are conducting 
     important research projects involving phenylketonuria; and
       Whereas the Senate is an institution that can raise 
     awareness of phenylketonuria among the general public and the 
     medical community: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates December 3, 2012, as ``National 
     Phenylketonuria Awareness Day'';
       (2) encourages all people in the United States to become 
     more informed about phenylketonuria; and
       (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
     transmit a copy of this resolution to the National PKU 
     Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving 
     the lives of individuals with phenylketonuria.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 564

       Whereas over-the-counter and prescription medicines 
     approved by the Food and Drug Administration have been 
     determined to be safe and effective when used properly;
       Whereas the misuse or abuse of these medicines can be 
     extremely dangerous and produce serious side effects;
       Whereas the Office of National Drug Control Policy reports 
     that medicine abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in 
     the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention has classified medicine abuse as an epidemic;
       Whereas the 2011 Monitoring the Future survey, funded by 
     the National Institutes of Health, and the 2011 National 
     Survey on Drug Use and Health, sponsored by the Substance 
     Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, both 
     illustrate that, after marijuana, over-the-counter and 
     prescription medicines account for the most frequently abused 
     drugs among 12th graders;
       Whereas the access teenagers often have to prescription 
     medicines in home medicine cabinets and the lack of 
     understanding by teenagers of the potential harms of these 
     powerful medicines make it more critical than ever to raise 
     public awareness about the dangers of medicine abuse;
       Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration and many State 
     and local law enforcement agencies have established drug 
     disposal programs (commonly referred to as ``take-back 
     programs'') to facilitate the collection and destruction of 
     unused, unwanted, or expired medications, thereby helping to 
     take outdated or unused medications off household shelves and 
     out of the reach of children and teenagers;
       Whereas National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month promotes 
     the message that over-the-counter and prescription medicines 
     are to be taken only as labeled or prescribed, and that using 
     such medicines to get high or in large doses can cause 
     serious or life-threatening consequences;
       Whereas observance of National Medicine Abuse Awareness 
     Month should be encouraged at the national, state, and local 
     levels to increase awareness of the abuse of medicines;
       Whereas a nationwide prevention and education campaign has 
     been launched by the national organization that represents 
     5,000 anti-drug coalitions nationwide, along with the 
     association representing makers of over-the-counter 
     medicines, to provide local coalitions with tools, training, 
     and outreach strategies to engage and educate parents, 
     grandparents, teachers, law enforcement officials, retailers, 
     doctors, and other healthcare professionals about the 
     potential harms of cough medicine abuse; and
       Whereas educating the public about the dangers of medicine 
     abuse, encouraging parents to talk about medicine abuse with 
     their teenagers, mobilizing parents to safeguard their home 
     medicine cabinets, and promoting abuse prevention are 
     critical components of what must be a multi-pronged effort to 
     curb over-the-counter and prescription medicine abuse: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the month of October 2012 as ``National 
     Medicine Abuse Awareness Month''; and
       (2) urges communities to carry out appropriate programs and 
     activities to educate parents and youth of the potential 
     dangers associated with medicine abuse.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 565

       Whereas people in the 21st  century 
     are writing more than ever before for personal, professional, 
     and civic purposes;
       Whereas the social nature of writing invites people of 
     every age, profession, and walk of life to create meaning 
     through composing;
       Whereas more and more people in every occupation deem 
     writing as essential and influential in their work;
       Whereas writers continue to learn how to write for 
     different purposes, audiences, and occasions throughout their 
     lifetimes;
       Whereas developing digital technologies expand the 
     possibilities for composing in multiple media at a faster 
     pace than ever before;
       Whereas young people are leading the way in developing new 
     forms of composing by using different forms of digital media;
       Whereas effective communication contributes to building a 
     global economy and a global community;
       Whereas the National Council of Teachers of English, in 
     conjunction with its many national and local partners, honors 
     and celebrates the importance of writing through the National 
     Day on Writing;
       Whereas the National Day on Writing celebrates the 
     foundational place of writing in the personal, professional, 
     and civic lives of the people of the United States;
       Whereas the National Day on Writing provides an opportunity 
     for individuals across the United States to share and exhibit 
     their written works through the National Gallery of Writing;
       Whereas the National Day on Writing highlights the 
     importance of writing instruction and practice at every 
     educational level and in every subject area;
       Whereas the National Day on Writing emphasizes the lifelong 
     process of learning to write and compose for different 
     audiences, purposes, and occasions;
       Whereas the National Day on Writing honors the use of the 
     full range of media for composing, from traditional tools 
     like print, audio, and video, to Web 2.0 tools like blogs, 
     wikis, and podcasts; and
       Whereas the National Day on Writing encourages all people 
     of the United States to write, as well as to enjoy and learn 
     from the writing of others: Now, therefore, be it

[[Page S6471]]

       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of October 20, 2012, as the 
     ``National Day on Writing'';
       (2) strongly affirms the purposes of the National Day on 
     Writing;
       (3) encourages participation in the National Galley of 
     Writing, which serves as an exemplary living archive of the 
     centrality of writing in the lives of the people of the 
     United States; and
       (4) encourages educational institutions, businesses, 
     community and civic associations, and other organizations to 
     promote awareness of the National Day on Writing and 
     celebrate the writing of the members those organizations 
     through individual submissions to the National Gallery of 
     Writing.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 566

       Whereas the estuary regions of the United States comprise a 
     significant share of the national economy, with 53 percent of 
     the population, 40 percent of the employment, and 49 percent 
     of the economic output of the United States located in the 
     estuary regions of the United States;
       Whereas projections indicate that 75 percent of the total 
     population of the United States will live and work in coastal 
     counties by 2025;
       Whereas coasts and estuaries contribute more than 
     $800,000,000,000 annually in trade and commerce to the United 
     States economy;
       Whereas more than 43 percent of all adults in the United 
     States visit a sea coast or estuary at least once a year to 
     participate in some form of recreation, generating 
     $8,000,000,000 to $12,000,000,000 in revenue annually;
       Whereas more than 28,000,000 jobs in the United States are 
     supported by commercial and recreational fishing, boating, 
     tourism, and other coastal industries that rely on healthy 
     estuaries;
       Whereas estuaries provide vital habitat for countless 
     species of fish and wildlife, including many that are listed 
     as threatened or endangered;
       Whereas estuaries provide critical ecosystem services that 
     protect human health and public safety, including water 
     filtration, flood control, shoreline stabilization and 
     erosion prevention, and the protection of coastal communities 
     during extreme weather events;
       Whereas the United States has lost more than 110,000,000 
     acres, or 50 percent, of the wetland of the United States 
     since the first European settlers arrived;
       Whereas bays once filled with fish and oysters have become 
     dead zones filled with excess nutrients, chemical wastes, 
     harmful algae, and marine debris;
       Whereas changes in sea level can impact estuarine water 
     quality and estuarine habitat;
       Whereas the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 
     1451 et seq.) declares that it is the national policy to 
     preserve, protect, develop, and if possible, to restore or 
     enhance, the resources of the coastal zone of the United 
     States, including estuaries, for current and future 
     generations;
       Whereas 24 coastal and Great Lake States and territories of 
     the United States contain a National Estuary Program or a 
     National Estuarine Research Reserve System;
       Whereas scientific study leads to better understanding of 
     the benefits of estuaries to human and ecological 
     communities;
       Whereas the Federal Government, State, local, and tribal 
     governments, national and community organizations, and 
     individuals work together to effectively manage the estuaries 
     of the United States;
       Whereas estuary restoration efforts restore natural 
     infrastructure in local communities in a cost effective 
     manner, helping to create jobs and reestablish the natural 
     functions of estuaries that yield countless benefits; and
       Whereas September 29, 2012, has been designated as 
     ``National Estuaries Day'' to increase awareness among all 
     people of the United States, including Federal, State and 
     local government officials, about the importance of healthy 
     estuaries and the need to protect and restore estuaries: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 29, 2012, as ``National Estuaries 
     Day'';
       (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Estuaries 
     Day;
       (3) acknowledges the importance of estuaries to sustaining 
     employment and the economic well-being and prosperity of the 
     United States;
       (4) recognizes that persistent threats undermine the health 
     of the estuaries of the United States;
       (5) applauds the work of national and community 
     organizations and public partners that promote public 
     awareness, understanding, protection, and restoration of 
     estuaries;
       (6) reaffirms the support of the Senate for estuaries, 
     including the scientific study, preservation, protection, and 
     restoration of estuaries; and
       (7) expresses the intent of the Senate to continue working 
     to understand, protect, and restore the estuaries of the 
     United States.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 567

       Whereas George Hickman was renowned as a Tuskegee Airman, a 
     treasured leader in the Seattle community, and the lucky 
     charm of Seattle sports until his passing on August 19, 2012, 
     at the age of 88;
       Whereas George Hickman leaves behind a loving wife of 57 
     years, Doris, 4 children, Regina, Sherie, Vincent, and 
     Shauneil, 3 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild;
       Whereas George Hickman served as a Tuskegee Airman and was 
     one of the first African-American fighter pilots trained for 
     World War II;
       Whereas George Hickman served in the United States Army Air 
     Corps from 1943 to 1945;
       Whereas the honorable service of George Hickman and the 
     other Tuskegee Airmen directly led to the desegregation of 
     the Armed Forces of the United States;
       Whereas George Hickman received the Congressional Gold 
     Medal in 2007 with his fellow Tuskegee Airmen;
       Whereas George Hickman was a special guest along with 
     nearly 200 other Tuskegee Airmen at the 2009 inauguration of 
     President Barack Obama;
       Whereas George Hickman worked as a B-52 engineer for Boeing 
     from 1955 until his retirement in 1984;
       Whereas George Hickman was a beloved usher at University of 
     Washington athletic events for more than 40 years; and
       Whereas George Hickman also was a fan favorite as an usher 
     at Seattle Seahawks games for nearly a decade: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) commends the long and loving life of George Hickman, 
     his service to the United States as a Tuskegee Airman, and 
     his role as an aviation pioneer;
       (2) recognizes the service George Hickman performed for his 
     country and his significance as a role model for African-
     American military pilots;
       (3) recognizes the contributions of the greatest generation 
     who fought for the freedoms of the people of the United 
     States; and
       (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate 
     transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution for appropriate 
     display to Doris Hickman, the University of Washington 
     Athletic Department, and the Seattle Seahawks organization.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 568

       Whereas Hispanic-serving institutions play an important 
     role in educating many underprivileged students and helping 
     those students attain their full potential through higher 
     education;
       Whereas Hispanic-serving institutions are degree-granting 
     institutions that have a full-time equivalent undergraduate 
     enrollment of at least 25 percent Hispanic students;
       Whereas there are more than 300 Hispanic-serving 
     institutions in operation in the United States;
       Whereas Hispanic-serving institutions serve more than half 
     (54 percent) of all Hispanic students, enrolling more than 
     1,300,000 students in 2010;
       Whereas Hispanic-serving institutions are actively involved 
     in stabilizing and improving the communities in which the 
     Hispanic-serving institutions are located;
       Whereas celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic-
     serving institutions to the United States strengthens the 
     culture of the United States; and
       Whereas the achievements and goals of Hispanic-serving 
     institutions are deserving of national recognition: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the achievements and goals of Hispanic-
     serving institutions across the United States;
       (2) designates the week beginning September 16, 2012, as 
     ``National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week''; and
       (3) calls on the people of the United States and interested 
     groups to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, 
     activities, and programs to demonstrate support for Hispanic-
     serving institutions.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 569

       Whereas the well-being of the United States requires that 
     the young people of the United States become an involved, 
     caring citizenry of good character;
       Whereas the character education of children has become more 
     urgent, as violence by and against youth increasingly 
     threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the 
     people of the United States;
       Whereas, more than ever, children need strong and 
     constructive guidance from their families and their 
     communities, including schools, youth organizations, 
     religious institutions, and civic groups;
       Whereas the character of a nation is only as strong as the 
     character of its individual citizens;
       Whereas the public good is advanced when young people are 
     taught the importance of good character and the positive 
     effects that good character can have in personal 
     relationships, in school, and in the workplace;
       Whereas scholars and educators agree that people do not 
     automatically develop good character and that, therefore, 
     conscientious efforts must be made by institutions and 
     individuals that influence youth to help young people develop 
     the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good 
     character;
       Whereas, although character development is, first and 
     foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith 
     communities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service 
     organizations also play an important role in fostering and 
     promoting good character;
       Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents, 
     youth, and community leaders to recognize the importance of 
     character education in preparing young people to

[[Page S6472]]

     play a role in determining the future of the United States;
       Whereas effective character education is based on core 
     ethical values, which form the foundation of a democratic 
     society;
       Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness, respect, 
     responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty;
       Whereas elements of character transcend cultural, 
     religious, and socioeconomic differences;
       Whereas the character and conduct of our youth reflect the 
     character and conduct of society, and, therefore, every adult 
     has the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and 
     every social institution has the responsibility to promote 
     the development of good character;
       Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations, 
     especially those that have an interest in the education and 
     training of the young people of the United States, to adopt 
     the elements of character as intrinsic to the well-being of 
     individuals, communities, and society;
       Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the 
     need, and have taken steps, to integrate the values of their 
     communities into their teaching activities; and
       Whereas the establishment of ``National Character Counts 
     Week'', during which individuals, families, schools, youth 
     organizations, religious institutions, civic groups, and 
     other organizations focus on character education, is of great 
     benefit to the United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the week beginning October 21, 2012, as 
     ``National Character Counts Week''; and
       (2) calls upon the people of the United States and 
     interested groups--
       (A) to embrace the elements of character identified by 
     local schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, 
     respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship; 
     and
       (B) to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies, 
     programs, and activities.
                                  ____


                              S. Res. 570

       Whereas all 50 States and 7 other countries provide 
     services through the Parents as Teachers evidence-based home 
     visiting model for nearly 260,000 children annually, which 
     offers a multifaceted approach to building strong families 
     and promoting a positive parent-child interaction so children 
     are healthy, safe, and ready to learn;
       Whereas Parents as Teachers provides evidence- and 
     research-based training that assists parent educators in 
     developing proficiencies in--
       (1) family support and parenting education;
       (2) child and family development;
       (3) human diversity within family systems;
       (4) health, safety, and nutrition; and
       (5) relationships between families and communities;
       Whereas the Parents as Teachers evidence-based home 
     visiting model is an essential component to prepare children 
     to be school ready and narrows the achievement gap between 
     children in poverty and nonpoverty households; and
       Whereas there are more than 3,000 organizations offering 
     Parents as Teachers services across the United States and 
     around the world, which give parents of young children the 
     support and information necessary so all children will learn, 
     grow, and develop to realize their full potential: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates the November 8, 2012, as ``National Parents 
     as Teachers Day'';
       (2) recognizes the importance of parent education and the 
     role the education plays in the development of a child; and
       (3) commends Parents as Teachers for its work with families 
     across the United States.

                          ____________________