[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1414-E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING PATRICK McLAIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patrick McLain 
for his service as a member of the Congressional Award Board of 
Directors.
  The United States Congress established the Congressional Award in 
1979 to recognize initiative, achievement, and service in young people. 
It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and 
the House of Representatives. The original bill was sponsored by the 
late Senator Malcolm Wallop of

[[Page E1415]]

Wyoming and the late Congressman James Howard of New Jersey. Originally 
signed into law by President Jimmy Carter, the legislation (Public Law 
96-114) established the Congressional Award as a public-private 
partnership, which receives all funding from the private sector. Every 
president since, both Democratic and Republican, have signed 
legislation to continue the program.
  The Congressional Award Board of Directors is comprised of 48 members 
and supports the work of the foundation by providing mission-based 
leadership and strategic governance. Every member of the Board serves 
as a volunteer to help make the program a national opportunity 
available in every congressional district.
  During this past year, over 40,000 participants from all 50 states 
were actively working toward earning a Congressional Award and 5,000 
new participants enrolled in the program. Since its inception, over 7 
million hours of service have been contributed to communities 
nationwide.
  The example set by Patrick is one we all should strive for. His 
willingness to serve his community and our nation's young people sets 
him apart as an outstanding individual, and I have been honored to 
serve alongside of him as Leader Pelosi's congressional appointee to 
the Board. I ask that all of my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives join me in thanking Patrick for his service and wishing 
him nothing but continued success.

                          ____________________