[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16554]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 16554]]

                         2102 BANKS OF PROMISE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the commitment 
that more than 2000 banks in our great country have made to our 
Nation's Youth
  Last year, the American Bankers Association pledged to enroll 1000 
banks in America's Promise, the organization led by General Colin 
Powell that draws on the talents and resources of public, private and 
nonprofit organizations to improve the lives of our nation's youth. 
Banks of Promise agreed to increase their involvement in programs and 
activities that benefit children in order to provide them with the five 
fundamental resources they need to succeed in life. Those resources 
are: (1) An ongoing relationship with a caring adult; (2) a safe place 
with structured activities during non-school hours; (3) a healthy start 
in life; (4) a marketable skill through effective education; and (5) a 
chance to give back through community service.
  The response by the industry has been overwhelming. Today, the number 
of Banks of Promise has more than doubled to 2102, reflecting the 
banking industry's commitment to its communities, America's youth and 
the future of our nation. These banks--and state bankers associations 
across the country--are offering the children in their communities 
everything from job training and mentoring to safe and accessible 
playgrounds and financial education. Indeed, our nation's banks are 
making an invaluable investment: they are investing in our kids.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise not only to recognize the banking 
industry's commitment but also to encourage other businesses, 
organizations and individuals to make a similar investment in their 
local youth. From Fortune 500 companies to government agencies to the 
local mom and pop store--we all have the ability, and the obligation, 
to help our children succeed in life.
  One familiar quote adequately sums up the importance of America's 
Promise. It says: ``One hundred years from now, it will not matter what 
my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I 
drove. But the world may be different because I was important in the 
life of a child.''
  To learn more about the Banks of Promise program and to see a list of 
the participating banks go to www.aba.com.

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