[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4390-S4391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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SENATE RESOLUTION 335--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 23, 2023, THROUGH OCTOBER 
                 1, 2023, AS ``BLUE STAR WELCOME WEEK''

  Mr. KAINE (for himself and Mr. Sullivan) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 335

       Whereas Blue Star Families seeks to empower military 
     families by connecting them with their neighbors, 
     individuals, and organizations to create vibrant communities 
     of mutual support;
       Whereas Blue Star Families annually designates the week 
     beginning the second to last Saturday in September and 
     concluding 8 days thereafter as ``Blue Star Welcome Week'';
       Whereas, during Blue Star Welcome Week, the Senate 
     recognizes the 600,000 active duty and transitioning military 
     families who move to new communities each year during 
     permanent change of station moves, nearly half of which occur 
     during the summer;
       Whereas only 33 percent of military family respondents to 
     the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey conducted by Blue 
     Star Families reported that they feel a sense of belonging to 
     their local civilian community; and
       Whereas a sense of belonging is essential to the well-being 
     and readiness of military families: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates September 23, 2023, through October 1, 2023, 
     as ``Blue Star Welcome Week'';
       (2) expresses gratitude for the sacrifices made by service 
     members, transitioning veterans, and their families;

[[Page S4391]]

       (3) commits to ensuring that military-connected families 
     feel a strong sense of belonging to their local civilian 
     communities; and
       (4) encourages civilians across the United States to 
     welcome military-connected families into their communities.

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