[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

[[Page S6680]]

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

[[Page S6682]]

     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.

                          ____________________