[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 80 (Thursday, May 19, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND DESIGNATING 
     SEPTEMBER 2016 AS ``NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION RECOGNITION MONTH''

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 19, 2016

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
recognizing the importance of nonprofit organizations and designating 
September 2016 as ``Nonprofit Organization Recognition Month.'' I would 
also like to take this opportunity to thank my friend and colleague, 
Congressman Tom Rooney for again introducing this resolution with me 
this year.
  Nonprofit organizations have made many important contributions to our 
nation. Over the past decade, the number of nonprofits has risen 
steadily, and there are approximately 1.4 million of them now operating 
in the United States. These groups work to improve our schools. They 
work to protect our environment. They work to keep us and our neighbors 
around the world healthy. Each of them work to enact meaningful change 
in our world and to improve human lives.
  Many nonprofits support science and research that will have a 
significant impact on future generations. Others advocate for 
vulnerable populations across the globe--for refugees, for the 
homeless, and for our nation's veterans. They educate and teach, and 
they engage each of our constituencies on issues that matter most.
  The nonprofit sector is vital to the economic security of the United 
States. In fact, the growth rate of the nonprofit sector has surpassed 
the rate of both the business and government sector. Just a few years 
ago, in 2010, nonprofits added nearly $780 billion to our national GDP 
and employed 1 in 10 working Americans. Today, nonprofits contribute 
nearly $1 trillion to the United States economy annually. In addition, 
these organizations facilitate charitable giving and community 
activism, and the combined donations and volunteer hours of individuals 
to nonprofits are worth billions of dollars annually.
  But perhaps most importantly, nonprofit organizations are founded and 
managed by people trying to make the world a better place. Whether they 
are abroad or at home, the work that these men and women do is 
incredibly meaningful. Without the people behind these organizations--
working tirelessly to change the world, sometimes just one life at a 
time--the nonprofit sector would not be the force that it has become 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, nonprofit organizations advocate for solutions to some 
of the great challenges facing our nation and the world, and they 
deserve to be recognized for their valuable contributions to society. 
No matter their focus, nonprofits play a pivotal role in shaping the 
future of America. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and 
to join me in designating September 2016 as ``Nonprofit Organization 
Recognition Month.''

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