[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6679-S6684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY
Mr. PRYOR. 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. 576, S. Res.
577, S. Res. 578, S. Res. 579, S. Res. 580, S. Res. 581, S. Res. 582,
S. Res. 583, S. Res. 584, S. Res. 585, S. Res. 586, S. Res. 587, S.
Res. 588, and S. Res. 589.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolutions en bloc.
Mr. PRYOR. I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to,
the preambles be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the
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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. 576
Whereas October 10, 2012, marks the 50th anniversary of the
signing of Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the
``McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act'') (16 U.S.C.
582a et seq.), which authorized the Secretary of Agriculture
to encourage and assist States in conducting a program of
forestry research;
Whereas the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act was
named for the 2 primary, bipartisan sponsors of the Act,
Representative Clifford G. McIntire of Maine and Senator John
C. Stennis of Mississippi, who recognized that research in
forestry is the ``driving force behind progress in developing
and utilizing the Nation's forests'';
Whereas the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act
recognized that forestry research would be more effective
nationwide if efforts among State-supported institutions of
higher education were partnered and more closely coordinated
with forestry research activities in the Federal Government;
Whereas Congressman McIntire and Senator Stennis stated a
clear intent to address the important need of the United
States for increased numbers of highly trained forestry
scientists and other research professionals;
Whereas the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act has
provided 5 decades of base funding to establish and
strengthen research and training capacity in forestry at
State-supported institutions of higher education;
Whereas funds provided by the Act to State-supported
institutions of higher education are highly leveraged with
non-Federal funds;
Whereas university-based forestry research has provided an
accumulated wealth of science-based knowledge, skills, and
technologies that have been critical for sustaining United
States forests for economic, ecological, and social benefits;
Whereas funds provided by the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative
Forestry Act for forestry research at State-supported
institutions of higher education have provided significant
graduate student support over the last 50 years, resulting in
8,500 master's degrees and 2,600 doctoral degrees;
Whereas the State-supported institutions of higher
education that receive funds under the McIntire-Stennis
Cooperative Forestry Act conduct forestry research in all 50
States and 4 territories of the United States, and
disseminate the results of those efforts locally, regionally,
nationally, and globally for the betterment of the
communities of the institutions, the United States, and the
world; and
Whereas many State-supported institutions of higher
education are celebrating and commemorating the 50th
anniversary of the signing of the McIntire-Stennis
Cooperative Forestry Act: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) celebrates the 50th anniversary of the signing of
Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the ``McIntire-Stennis
Cooperative Forestry Act'') (16 U.S.C. 582a et seq.) by
President John F. Kennedy;
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe
and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the
McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act with appropriate
ceremonies and activities;
(3) affirms the continuing importance and vitality of the
State-supported institutions of higher education conducting
forestry research and training supported by the McIntire-
Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; and
(4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate
transmit to the National Association of University Forest
Resources Programs an enrolled copy of this resolution for
appropriate display.
S. Res. 577
Whereas the First Special Service Force (referred to in
this preamble as the ``Force''), a military unit composed of
volunteers from the United States and Canada, was activated
in July 1942 at Fort Harrison near Helena, Montana;
Whereas the Force was initially intended to target military
and industrial installations that were supporting the German
war effort, including important hydroelectric plants, which
would severely limit the production of strategic materials
used by the Axis powers;
Whereas, from July 1942 through June 1943, volunteers of
the Force trained in hazardous, arctic conditions in the
mountains of western Montana, and in the waterways of Camp
Bradford, Virginia;
Whereas the combat echelon of the Force totaled 1,800
soldiers, half from the United States and half from Canada;
Whereas the Force also contained a service battalion,
composed of 800 members from the United States, that provided
important support for the combat troops;
Whereas a special bond developed between the Canadian and
United States soldiers, who were not segregated by country,
although the commander of the Force was a United States
colonel;
Whereas the Force was the only unit formed during World War
II that consisted of troops from Canada and the United
States;
Whereas, in October 1943, the Force went to Italy, where it
fought in battles south of Cassino, including Monte La
Difensa and Monte Majo, two mountain peaks that were a
critical anchor of the German defense line;
Whereas, during the night of December 3, 1943, the Force
ascended to the top of the precipitous face of Monte La
Difensa, where the Force suffered heavy casualties and
overcame fierce resistance to overtake the German line;
Whereas, after the battle for La Difensa, the Force
continued to fight tough battles at high altitudes, in rugged
terrain, and in severe weather;
Whereas, after battles on the strongly defended Italian
peaks of Sammucro, Vischiataro, and Remetanea, the size of
the Force had been reduced from 1,800 soldiers to fewer than
500;
Whereas, for 4 months in 1944, the Force engaged in raids
and aggressive patrols at the Anzio Beachhead;
Whereas, on June 4, 1944, members of the Force were among
the first Allied troops to liberate Rome;
Whereas, after liberating Rome, the Force moved to southern
Italy and prepared to assist in the liberation of France;
Whereas, during the early morning of August 15, 1944,
members of the Force made silent landings on Les Iles
D'Hyeres, small islands in the Mediterranean Sea along the
southern coast of France;
Whereas the Force faced a sustained and withering assault
from the German garrisons as the Force progressed from the
islands to the Franco-Italian border;
Whereas, after the Allied forces secured the Franco-Italian
border, the United States Army ordered the disbandment of the
Force on December 5, 1944, in Nice, France;
Whereas, during 251 days of combat, the Force suffered
2,314 casualties, or 134 percent of its authorized strength,
captured thousands of prisoners, won 5 United States campaign
stars and 8 Canadian battle honors, and never failed a
mission;
Whereas the United States is forever indebted to the acts
of bravery and selflessness of the troops of the Force, who
risked their lives for the cause of freedom;
Whereas the efforts of the Force along the seas and skies
of Europe were critical in repelling the advance of Nazi
Germany and liberating numerous communities in France and
Italy;
Whereas the bond between the members of the Force from the
United States and those from Canada has endured over the
decades, as the members meet every year for a reunion,
alternating between the United States and Canada; and
Whereas the traditions and honors exhibited by the Force
are carried on by 2 outstanding active units of 2 great
democracies, the Special Forces of the United States and the
Canadian Special Operations Regiment: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes and honors the
superior service of the First Special Service Force during
World War II.
S. Res. 578
Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign was established to
commemorate the service of Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena, a
special agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration for 11
years who was murdered in the line of duty in 1985 while
engaged in the battle against illicit drugs;
Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign was established by the
National Family Partnership to preserve the memory of Special
Agent Camarena and further the cause for which he gave his
life;
Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign has been nationally
recognized since 1988 and is now the oldest and largest drug
prevention program in the United States, reaching millions of
young people each year during Red Ribbon Week;
Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration, established in
1973, aggressively targets organizations involved in the
growing, manufacturing, and distribution of controlled
substances and has been a steadfast partner in commemorating
Red Ribbon Week;
Whereas the Governors and attorneys general of the States,
the National Family Partnership, Parent Teacher Associations,
Boys and Girls Clubs of America, PRIDE Youth Programs, Young
Marines, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and hundreds of
other organizations throughout the United States annually
celebrate Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23
through October 31;
Whereas the objective of Red Ribbon Week is to promote the
creation of drug-free communities through drug prevention
efforts, education, parental involvement, and community-wide
support;
Whereas drug abuse is one of the major challenges that the
United States faces in securing a safe and healthy future for
families in the United States;
Whereas drug abuse and alcohol abuse contribute to domestic
violence and sexual assault and place the lives of children
at risk;
Whereas emerging drug threats and growing epidemics demand
attention, with a particular focus on prescription
medications, the second most abused drug by young people in
the United States, and synthetic drugs;
Whereas, since the majority of teenagers abusing
prescription medications get the medications from family,
friends, and home medicine cabinets, the Drug Enforcement
[[Page S6681]]
Administration will host a National Take Back Day on
September 29, 2012, for the public to safely dispose of
unused or expired prescription medications that can lead to
accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse;
Whereas synthetic marijuana, also known as ``K2'' or
``Spice'', has become especially popular, particularly among
teenagers and young adults, and in 2011 poison centers across
the United States responded to about 6,960 calls related to
synthetic marijuana, up from approximately 2,900 calls in
2010;
Whereas Congress recently enacted the Food and Drug
Administration Safety and Innovation Act (Public Law 112-144;
126 Stat. 993), which adds 26 synthetic drugs to the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), including
the drugs commonly found in products marketed as K2, Spice,
and bath salts; and
Whereas parents, young people, schools, businesses, law
enforcement agencies, religious institutions, service
organizations, senior citizens, medical and military
personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the
United States will demonstrate their commitment to healthy,
productive, and drug-free lifestyles by wearing and
displaying red ribbons during the week-long celebration of
Red Ribbon Week: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week, 2012;
(2) encourages children and teenagers to choose to live
drug-free lives; and
(3) encourages the people of the United States--
(A) to promote the creation of drug-free communities; and
(B) to participate in drug prevention activities to show
support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles.
S. Res. 579
Whereas there are 105 historically Black colleges and
universities in the United States;
Whereas historically Black colleges and universities
provide the quality education essential to full participation
in a complex, highly technological society;
Whereas historically Black colleges and universities have a
rich heritage and have played a prominent role in the history
of the United States;
Whereas historically Black colleges and universities allow
talented and diverse students, many of whom represent
underserved populations, to attain their full potential
through higher education; and
Whereas the achievements and goals of historically Black
colleges and universities are deserving of national
recognition: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the week of September 24 through September
28, 2012, as ``National Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Week''; and
(2) 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
historically Black colleges and universities in the United
States.
S. Res. 580
Whereas, in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt established
the first national wildlife refuge on Florida's Pelican
Island;
Whereas, in 2012, the National Wildlife Refuge System,
administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service, is the premier
system of lands and waters to conserve wildlife in the world,
and has grown to more than 150,000,000 acres, 558 national
wildlife refuges, and 38 wetland management districts in
every State and territory of the United States;
Whereas national wildlife refuges are important
recreational and tourism destinations in communities across
the United States, and these protected lands offer a variety
of recreational opportunities, including 6 wildlife-dependent
uses that the National Wildlife Refuge System manages:
hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography,
environmental education, and interpretation;
Whereas more than 360 units of the National Wildlife Refuge
System have hunting programs and more than 300 units of the
National Wildlife Refuge System have fishing programs,
averaging more than 2,500,000 hunting visits and more than
7,000,000 fishing visits each year;
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System experienced
more than 30,000,000 wildlife observation visits during
fiscal year 2012;
Whereas national wildlife refuges are important to local
businesses and gateway communities;
Whereas, for every $1 appropriated, national wildlife
refuges generate $4 in economic activity;
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System experiences
approximately 47,000,000 visits each year, which generated
nearly $2,100,000,000 and more than 35,000 jobs in local
economies during fiscal year 2012;
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses
every kind of ecosystem in the United States, including
temperate, tropical, and boreal forests, wetlands, deserts,
grasslands, arctic tundras, and remote islands, and spans 12
time zones from the Virgin Islands to Guam;
Whereas national wildlife refuges are home to more than 700
species of birds, 220 species of mammals, 250 species of
reptiles and amphibians, and more than 1,000 species of fish;
Whereas national wildlife refuges are the primary Federal
lands that foster production, migration, and wintering
habitat for waterfowl;
Whereas, since 1934, the sale of the Federal Duck Stamp to
outdoor enthusiasts has generated more than $850,000,000 in
funds, which has enabled the purchase or lease of more than
5,500,000 acres of waterfowl habitat in the National Wildlife
Refuge System;
Whereas 59 refuges were established specifically to protect
imperiled species, and of the more than 1,300 federally
listed threatened and endangered species in the United
States, 280 species are found on units of the National
Wildlife Refuge System;
Whereas national wildlife refuges are cores of conservation
for larger landscapes and resources for other agencies of the
Federal Government and State governments, private landowners,
and organizations in their efforts to secure the wildlife
heritage of the United States;
Whereas more than 42,000 volunteers and approximately 220
national wildlife refuge ``Friends'' organizations contribute
nearly 1,600,000 hours annually, the equivalent of 766 full-
time employees, and provide an important link to local
communities;
Whereas national wildlife refuges provide an important
opportunity for children to discover and gain a greater
appreciation for the natural world;
Whereas, because there are national wildlife refuges
located in several urban and suburban areas and 1 refuge
located within an hour's drive of every metropolitan area in
the United States, national wildlife refuges employ, educate,
and engage young people from all backgrounds in exploring,
connecting with, and preserving the natural heritage of the
United States;
Whereas, since 1995, refuges across the United States have
held festivals, educational programs, guided tours, and other
events to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week during the
second full week of October;
Whereas the Fish and Wildlife Service will continue to seek
stakeholder input on the implementation of ``Conserving the
Future: Wildlife Refuges and the Next Generation'', an update
to the strategic plan of the Fish and Wildlife Service for
the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
Whereas the week beginning on October 14, 2012, has been
designated as ``National Wildlife Refuge Week'' by the Fish
and Wildlife Service; and
Whereas the designation of National Wildlife Refuge Week by
the Senate would recognize more than a century of
conservation in the United States, raise awareness about the
importance of wildlife and the National Wildlife Refuge
System, and celebrate the myriad recreational opportunities
available to enjoy this network of protected lands: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates the week beginning on October 14, 2012, as
``National Wildlife Refuge Week'';
(2) encourages the observance of National Wildlife Refuge
Week with appropriate events and activities;
(3) acknowledges the importance of national wildlife
refuges for their recreational opportunities and contribution
to local economies across the United States;
(4) pronounces that national wildlife refuges play a vital
role in securing the hunting and fishing heritage of the
United States for future generations;
(5) identifies the significance of national wildlife
refuges in advancing the traditions of wildlife observation,
photography, environmental education, and interpretation;
(6) recognizes the importance of national wildlife refuges
to wildlife conservation and the protection of imperiled
species and ecosystems, as well as compatible uses;
(7) acknowledges the role of national wildlife refuges in
conserving waterfowl and waterfowl habitat pursuant to the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (40 Stat. 755, chapter 128);
(8) reaffirms the support of the Senate for wildlife
conservation and the National Wildlife Refuge System; and
(9) expresses the intent of the Senate--
(A) to continue working to conserve wildlife; and
(B) to manage the National Wildlife Refuge System for
current and future generations.
S. Res. 581
Whereas more than 2,500,000 people serve as members of the
United States Armed Forces;
Whereas several hundred thousand members of the Armed
Forces rotate each year through deployments to 150 countries
in every region of the world;
Whereas more than 2,300,000 members of the Armed Forces
have deployed to the area of operations of the United States
Central Command since the September 11, 2001, terrorist
attacks;
Whereas the United States is kept strong and free by the
loyal military personnel who protect our precious heritage
through their positive declaration and actions;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces serving at home and
abroad have courageously answered the call to duty to defend
the ideals of the United States and to preserve peace and
freedom around the world;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces personify the virtues
of patriotism, service, duty, courage, and sacrifice;
Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces make
important and significant sacrifices for the United States;
Whereas in 2010, 40 States designated October 26 as ``Day
of the Deployed'' following
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the first recognition of a ``Day of the Deployed'' by North
Dakota on October 26, 2006; and
Whereas the Senate designated October 26, 2011, as ``Day of
the Deployed'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) honors the members of the United States Armed Forces
who are deployed;
(2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on
the service of those members of the United States Armed
Forces, wherever they serve, past, present, and future;
(3) designates October 26, 2012, as ``Day of the
Deployed''; and
(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe
``Day of the Deployed'' with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
S. Res. 582
Whereas beginning on September 15, 2012, through October
15, 2012, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Month;
Whereas the Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population
in the United States at over 52,000,000 people, making
Hispanic Americans the largest racial or ethnic minority
group within the United States overall and in 25 individual
States;
Whereas Latinos accounted for over \1/2\ of all population
growth from July 1, 2010, to July 1, 2011;
Whereas the Hispanic population in the United States is
projected to grow to 132,800,000 by July 1, 2050, at which
point the Hispanic population will comprise 30 percent of the
total population in the United States;
Whereas nearly 1 in 4 United States public school students
is Hispanic, and the total number of Hispanic students
enrolled in public schools in the United States is expected
to reach 28,000,000 by 2050;
Whereas 16.5 percent of all college students between the
age of 18 and 24 years old are Hispanics, making Hispanics
the largest racial or ethnic minority group on college
campuses in the United States, including both 2-year
community colleges and 4-year colleges and universities;
Whereas the purchasing power of Hispanic Americans was
$1,000,000,000,000 in 2010 and is expected to grow 50 percent
to $1,500,000,000 by 2015;
Whereas there are approximately 2,300,000 Hispanic-owned
firms in the United States, supporting millions of employees
nationwide and greatly contributing to the economic sector,
especially retail trade, wholesale trade, food services, and
construction;
Whereas as of June 2012, nearly 25,000,0000 Hispanic
workers represented 16 percent of the total labor force in
the United States, with the share of Latino labor force
participation expected to grow to 18 percent by 2018;
Whereas Hispanic Americans serve in all branches of the
Armed Forces and have bravely fought in every war in the
history of the United States;
Whereasas of July 2012, 143,054 Hispanic active duty
service members served with distinction in the United States
Armed Forces in fiscal year 2012;
Whereas as of June 30, 2012, there were 19,752 Hispanics
serving in Afghanistan;
Whereas as of May 7, 2012, 645 United States military
fatalities in Iraq and Afghanistan have been Hispanic;
Whereas more than 80,000 Hispanics served in the Vietnam
War, representing 5.5 percent of individuals who made the
ultimate sacrifice for their country in that conflict even
though Hispanics comprised only 4.5 percent of the United
States population at the time;
Whereas 140,000 Hispanic soldiers served in the Korean War;
Whereas as of September 2012, there are approximately
1,300,000 living Hispanic veterans of the United States Armed
Forces;
Whereas 44 Hispanic Americans have received the
Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in
action against an enemy force that can be bestowed on an
individual serving in the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas Hispanic Americans are dedicated public servants,
holding posts at the highest levels of government, including
1 seat on the Supreme Court, 2 seats in the Senate, 29 seats
in the House of Representatives, and 2 seats in the Cabinet;
and
Whereas Hispanic Americans harbor a deep commitment to
family and community, an enduring work ethic, and a
perseverance to succeed and contribute to society: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
from September 15, 2012, through October 15, 2012;
(2) esteems the integral role of Latinos and the manifold
heritage of Latinos in the economy, culture, and identity of
the United States; and
(3) urges the people of the United States to observe
Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate programs and
activities that appreciate the cultural contributions of
Latinos to American life.
S. Res. 583
Whereas a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other
emergency could strike any part of the United States at any
time;
Whereas natural and manmade emergencies disrupt hundreds of
thousands of lives each year, costing lives and causing
serious injuries and billions of dollars in property damage;
Whereas Federal, State, and local officials, as well as
private and nonprofit organizations, are working to mitigate
against, prevent, and respond to all types of emergencies;
Whereas the people of the United States can help promote
the overall emergency preparedness of the United States by
being prepared for all types of emergencies;
Whereas National Preparedness Month provides an opportunity
to highlight the importance of public emergency preparedness
and to encourage the people of the United States to take
steps to be better prepared for emergencies at home, work,
and school;
Whereas the people of the United States can prepare for
emergencies by taking steps, such as assembling emergency
supply kits, creating family emergency plans, staying
informed about possible emergencies, and obtaining reasonable
levels of insurance; and
Whereas additional information about public emergency
preparedness may be obtained through the Ready Campaign of
the Department of Homeland Security at www.ready.gov or the
American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/prepare: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates September 2012 as ``National Preparedness
Month''; and
(2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities,
schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other
applicable entities, along with the people of the United
States, to observe National Preparedness Month with
appropriate events and activities to promote emergency
preparedness.
S. Res. 584
Whereas Jumpstart, a national early education organization,
is working to ensure that every child in the United States
enters school prepared to succeed;
Whereas Jumpstart delivers a year-round research-based and
cost-effective program by training college students and
community volunteers to serve preschool age children in low-
income neighborhoods, helping them to develop the language
and literacy skills necessary to succeed in school and in
life;
Whereas, since 1993, Jumpstart has trained nearly 25,000
college students and community volunteers to transform the
lives of more than 42,000 preschool children in communities
across the United States;
Whereas Jumpstart's Read for the Record, presented in
partnership with the Pearson Foundation, is a national
campaign that culminates in one day of the year when millions
of people in the United States come together to celebrate
literacy and support Jumpstart in its efforts to promote
early childhood education;
Whereas the goals of the campaign are to raise awareness in
the United States of the importance of early childhood
education, support Jumpstart's early education programs in
preschools in low-income neighborhoods through donations and
sponsorship, and celebrate the commencement of Jumpstart's
program year;
Whereas October 4, 2012, is an appropriate date to
designate as ``Jumpstart's Read for the Record Day'' because
it is the date Jumpstart aims to set the world record for the
largest shared reading experience; and
Whereas Jumpstart hopes to engage more than 2,200,000
children in reading ``Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad'' by
David Soman and Jacky Davis during this record-breaking
celebration of reading and service, all in support of
preschool children in the United States: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates October 4, 2012, as ``Jumpstart's Read for
the Record Day'';
(2) commends Jumpstart's Read for the Record on its seventh
year;
(3) encourages adults, including grandparents, parents,
teachers, and college students--
(A) to join children in creating the world's largest shared
reading experience; and
(B) to show their support for literacy and Jumpstart's
early education programming for young children in low-income
communities; and
(4) requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy
of this resolution to Jumpstart, one of the leading nonprofit
organizations in the United States in the field of early
childhood education.
S. Res. 585
Whereas New Mexico has a rich heritage and history, dating
as far back as 11,000 B.C. when the Clovis people left the
earliest evidence of human existence in what is now New
Mexico;
Whereas Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, was
established in 1610 and is the oldest capital city in the
United States, as well as the highest in elevation at 7,000
feet above sea level;
Whereas, on September 9, 1850, the portion of the
Compromise of 1850 (9 Stat. 446) that created the New Mexico
Territory was enacted;
Whereas, on January 6, 1912, President William Howard Taft
signed the proclamation making New Mexico the 47th State of
the Union;
Whereas the nickname of New Mexico is the ``Land of
Enchantment'' because of its scenic beauty and rich history
and culture;
Whereas the natural wonder of New Mexico is preserved by a
broad range of national parks, forests, wilderness areas, and
wildlife refuge centers;
Whereas the diverse cultural roots of New Mexico come from
the many different groups of people who have inhabited the
State, notably the strong tribal and Hispanic cultural
influences in the State;
Whereas New Mexico has one of the richest indigenous tribal
populations in the United
[[Page S6683]]
States, including 19 Pueblo nations, 2 Apache nations, and
the Navajo Nation;
Whereas the Hispanic population of New Mexico has rich and
distinct cultural roots in its historic land grants as
recognized by the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, Limits, and
Settlement between the United States and Mexico, signed at
Guadalupe Hidalgo February 2, 1848, and entered into force
May 30, 1848 (9. Stat. 922) (commonly referred to as the
``Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo'');
Whereas New Mexico continues to derive strength from the
new Hispanic communities in the State with roots in Latin
America;
Whereas New Mexico has an extensive variety of prehistoric,
tribal, and Hispanic archaeological ruins;
Whereas New Mexico has a long tradition of artistic
expression inspired by its natural beauty, unique
architecture, and diverse people;
Whereas the people of New Mexico have a proud history of
military service, predating and continuing after statehood,
including the participation of the people of New Mexico in
every major war of the United States since the Civil War,
with notable participation by the people of New Mexico in
Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the Navajo Code Talkers, the
defense of Bataan and Corregidor, the wars in Korea and
Vietnam, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan;
Whereas New Mexico is a center for scientific innovation
and laboratory research, serving as the home to the Los
Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories;
Whereas, on July 16, 1945, the United States Army conducted
the Trinity test, the first test of a nuclear weapon, which
was developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory and tested at
the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico;
Whereas, in 1980, New Mexico dedicated the Very Large
Array, one of the world's premier astronomical radio
observatories that studies the history of the universe;
Whereas, in October 2011, New Mexico dedicated Spaceport
America, propelling New Mexico into the future with the first
commercial spaceport;
Whereas New Mexico is home to the Albuquerque International
Balloon Fiesta, the largest hot air balloon event in the
world, which is also considered to be the most photographed
event in the world;
Whereas New Mexico has a long history of agricultural
sustainability and productivity, supporting cattle and dairy,
as well as many crops, including chile, corn, wheat, onions,
peanuts, pistachios, pecans, hay, cotton, and beans;
Whereas the Hatch Valley of New Mexico, known as the
``Chile Capital of the World'', is recognized worldwide for
its bountiful chile crop; and
Whereas New Mexico celebrated the centennial anniversary of
its admission to the Union as the 47th State of the United
States on January 6, 2012: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate recognizes the extraordinary
history and heritage of the State of New Mexico, and honors
and commends the State of New Mexico and its people on its
centennial anniversary.
S. Res. 586
Whereas the term ``infant mortality'' refers to the death
of a baby before the first birthday of the baby;
Whereas the United States ranks 49th among countries in the
rate of infant mortality;
Whereas high rates of infant mortality are especially
prevalent in African American, Native American, Alaskan
Native, Latino, Asian, and Hawaiian and other Pacific
Islander communities, communities with high rates of
unemployment and poverty, and communities with limited access
to safe housing and medical providers;
Whereas premature birth is a leading cause of infant
mortality;
Whereas, according to the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academies, premature birth costs the United States
more than $26,000,000,000 annually;
Whereas infant mortality can be substantially reduced
through community-based services, such as outreach, home
visitation, case management, health education, and
interconceptional care;
Whereas support for community-based programs to reduce
infant mortality may result in lower future spending on
medical interventions, special education, and other social
services that may be needed for infants and children who are
born with a low birth weight;
Whereas the Department of Health and Human Services, acting
through the Office of Minority Health, has implemented the
``A Healthy Baby Begins With You'' campaign;
Whereas the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health
Resources and Services Administration has provided national
leadership on the issue of infant mortality;
Whereas the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality provides
advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services on reducing infant mortality and improving the
health status of infants and pregnant women;
Whereas the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality provides
advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and
Human Services with respect to developing a national strategy
for reducing infant mortality;
Whereas public awareness and education campaigns on infant
mortality are held during the month of September each year;
and
Whereas September 2012 has been designated as ``National
Infant Mortality Awareness Month'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports--
(A) the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality
Awareness Month, 2012;
(B) efforts to educate people in the United States about
infant mortality and the factors that contribute to infant
mortality; and
(C) efforts to reduce infant deaths, low birth weight, pre-
term births, and disparities in perinatal outcomes;
(2) recognizes the critical importance of including efforts
to reduce infant mortality and the factors that contribute to
infant mortality as part of prevention and wellness
strategies; and
(3) calls on the people of the United States to observe
National Infant Mortality Awareness Month with appropriate
programs and activities.
S. Res. 587
Whereas high-quality afterschool programs provide safe,
challenging, engaging, and fun learning experiences that help
children and youth develop social, emotional, physical,
cultural, and academic skills;
Whereas high-quality afterschool programs support working
families by ensuring that the children in those families are
safe and productive after the regular school day ends;
Whereas high-quality afterschool programs build stronger
communities by involving students, parents, business leaders,
and adult volunteers in the lives of children in the United
States, thereby promoting positive relationships among
children, youth, families, and adults;
Whereas high-quality afterschool programs engage families,
schools, and diverse community partners in advancing the
well-being of children in the United States;
Whereas ``Lights On Afterschool'', a national celebration
of afterschool programs held on October 18, 2012, highlights
the critical importance of high-quality afterschool programs
in the lives of children, their families, and their
communities;
Whereas more than 28,000,000 children in the United States
have parents who work outside the home and approximately
15,100,000 children in the United States have no place to go
after school; and
Whereas nearly 2 in 5 afterschool programs report that
their budgets are in worse condition today than at the height
of the recession in 2008, and more than 3 in 5 afterschool
programs report that their level of funding is lower than it
was 3 years ago, making it difficult for afterschool programs
across the United States to keep their doors open and their
lights on: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate supports ``Lights On
Afterschool'', a national celebration of afterschool programs
held on October 18, 2012.
S. Res. 588
Whereas on September 11, 2012, 4 American public servants,
United States Ambassador to Libya John Christopher Stevens,
Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods, and Glen Doherty, were killed in a
reprehensible and vicious attack on the United States
consulate in Benghazi, Libya;
Whereas Ambassador Stevens--
(1) was a courageous and exemplary representative of the
United States;
(2) had spent 21 years in the Foreign Service;
(3) was deeply passionate about representing the United
States through his diplomatic service; and
(4) was an ardent friend of the Libyan people;
Whereas Ambassador Stevens served as Special Envoy to the
Libyan Transitional National Council in Benghazi during the
2011 Libyan revolution;
Whereas Ambassador Stevens was a dear friend of the Senate,
having served on the staff of the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Senate in 2006 and 2007 as a distinguished
Pearson Fellow;
Whereas Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean
Smith--
(1) was a husband and a father of 2 children;
(2) joined the Department of State 10 years ago after
serving in the United States Air Force; and
(3) had served in the Foreign Service, before arriving in
Benghazi, in Baghdad, Pretoria, Montreal, and The Hague;
Whereas Tyrone Woods was a husband and a father of three
children, who, after two decades of service as a Navy SEAL
that included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, began working
with the Department of State to protect United States
diplomatic personnel;
Whereas Glen Doherty, after 12 years of service as a Navy
SEAL that included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, began
working with the Department of State to protect United States
diplomatic personnel;
Whereas the 4 Americans who perished in the Benghazi attack
made great sacrifices and showed bravery in taking on a
difficult post in Libya;
Whereas the violence in Benghazi coincided with an attack
on the United States Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, which was also
swarmed by an angry mob of protesters on September 11, 2012;
Whereas on a daily basis, United States diplomats, military
personnel, and other public servants risk their lives to
serve the American people; and
Whereas throughout this Nation's history, thousands of
Americans have sacrificed their
[[Page S6684]]
lives for the ideals of freedom, democracy, and partnership
with nations and people around the globe.
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the dedicated service and deep commitment of
Ambassador John Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone
Woods, and Glen Doherty in assisting the Libyan people as
they navigate the complex currents of democratic transition
marked in this case by profound instability;
(2) praises Ambassador Stevens, who represented the highest
tradition of American public service, for his extraordinary
record of dedication to the United States' interests in some
of the most difficult and dangerous posts around the globe;
(3) sends its deepest condolences to the families of those
American public servants killed in Benghazi;
(4) commends the bravery of Foreign Service Officers,
United States Armed Forces, and public servants serving in
harm's way around the globe and recognizes the deep
sacrifices made by their families; and
(5) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the
despicable attacks on American diplomats and public servants
in Benghazi and calls for the perpetrators of such attacks to
be brought to justice.
S. Res. 589
Whereas small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all
businesses having employees (commonly referred to as
``employer firms'') in the United States;
Whereas small businesses employ \1/2\ of the employees in
the private sector in the United States;
Whereas small businesses pay 44 percent of the total
payroll of the employees in the private sector in the United
States;
Whereas small businesses are responsible for more than 50
percent of the private, nonfarm product of the gross domestic
product;
Whereas small businesses generated 65 percent of net new
jobs during the last 17 years;
Whereas small businesses generate 60 to 80 percent of all
new jobs annually;
Whereas small businesses focus on 2 key strategies:
deepening relationships with customers and creating value for
customers;
Whereas, for every $100 spent with locally owned,
independent stores, $68 returns to the community through
local taxes, payroll, and other expenditures;
Whereas 92 percent of consumers in the United States agree
that the success of small businesses is critical to the
overall economic health of the United States;
Whereas 93 percent of consumers in the United States agree
that small businesses contribute positively to the local
community by supplying jobs and generating tax revenue;
Whereas 91 percent of consumers in the United States have
small businesses in their community that the consumers would
miss if the small businesses closed;
Whereas 99 percent of consumers in the United States agree
that it is important to support the small businesses in their
community; and
Whereas 90 percent of consumers in the United States are
willing to pledge support for a ``buy local'' movement: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates November 24, 2012, as ``Small Business
Saturday''; and
(2) supports efforts--
(A) to encourage consumers to shop locally; and
(B) to increase awareness of the value of locally owned
small businesses and the impact of locally owned small
businesses on the economy of the United States.
S. Res. 585
Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a resolution,
along with my colleague Senator Tom Udall, recognizing the centennial
anniversary of New Mexico's statehood.
For over 100 years, New Mexico, the ``Land of Enchantment,'' has
enriched the Nation with its magnificent landscapes, diverse people,
and unique culture. New Mexico's road to statehood began in 1850 when
the New Mexico Territory was established. Statehood was finally
achieved on January 6, 1912 when President William Howard Taft signed
the proclamation making New Mexico the 47th State of the Union. New
Mexico's history long predates this, though, with the State's earliest
inhabitants dating as far back as 11,000 B.C. The State's capitol,
Santa Fe, is the oldest capital city in the United States, having been
established by the Spanish in 1610.
New Mexico's beautiful deserts and mountains have been a magnet for
visitors. It is no wonder that our State has inspired artists beginning
with our earliest inhabitants. New Mexicans have a proud history of
military service, and the State has served as a center for scientific
innovation for over half a century through the national laboratories
based there. Among New Mexico's agricultural products, its chile crop
makes it the ``Chile Capital of the World.''
Given New Mexico's many contributions and accomplishments in its
first 100 years as a State, and even before then, I am proud to
introduce this resolution recognizing the extraordinary history and
heritage of the State, and commending the State and its people on this
centennial anniversary.
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