[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 564-568]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THOSE WHO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES ON MARTIN 
                            LUTHER KING DAY

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 43) recognizing the efforts of those who serve 
their communities on Martin Luther King Day and promoting the holiday 
as a day of national service.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                               H. Res. 43

       Whereas the King Holiday and Service Act, a law designating 
     Martin Luther King Day as a national day of volunteer 
     service, was signed into law in 1994;
       Whereas millions of Americans have been inspired by the 
     life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve their 
     neighbors and communities every third Monday of January;
       Whereas serving one's community for the betterment of every 
     individual speaks to the high character, transformative world 
     view, and everyday practice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;
       Whereas the efforts of national service volunteers have 
     been a steadfast foundation of our Nation's infrastructure, 
     supporting not only individuals and families in need, but 
     acting in response to national catastrophes and natural 
     disasters;
       Whereas citizens have the opportunity to participate in 
     thousands of already scheduled events all across the country, 
     as well as create and implement a community service project 
     where they identify the need;
       Whereas the Corporation for National and Community Service, 
     is working with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for 
     Nonviolent Social Change, and thousands of other nonprofit, 
     community, national service, and education organizations 
     across the country to encourage Americans to serve on this 
     holiday and throughout the year; and
       Whereas leaders at the Federal, State and local level are 
     planning to use the Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration 
     Day to rally our Nation to commit to serve and to make an 
     ongoing commitment to service: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) encourages all Americans to pay tribute to the life and 
     works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through participation in 
     community service projects on Martin Luther King Day;
       (2) recognizes the inherent value of community service and 
     volunteerism in the creation of civil society and as a means 
     of non-violent community progress consistent with the works 
     of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;
       (3) recognizes the benefits of the collaborative work by 
     the many organizations that promote, facilitate, and carry 
     out needed service projects nationwide;
       (4) encourages its members and colleagues to urge their 
     constituents, both in congressional districts and those 
     visiting the District of Columbia on Inauguration Day, to 
     participate in community service projects; and
       (5) acknowledges that by serving one's country, one's 
     community and one's neighbor our Nation makes progress in 
     civility, equality, and unity consistent with the values and 
     life's work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House 
Resolution 43 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Texas?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of the resolution before us, which recognizes 
the critical role of service and those who give of their time to give 
back to their communities.

                              {time}  1445

  This resolution also reminds us that Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a 
national day of service and encourages everyone to take part.
  It is fitting that the day named in honor of the Reverend Martin 
Luther King, Jr., is also a day for neighbors, for friends, young and 
old, to give back to their communities. Dr. King's leadership in the 
ministry and public service produced epic and societal change to this 
great nation. He set an example for all of us to follow.
  His words offer us very simple directions. In his ``drum major 
instinct'' speech he said, ``You don't have to have a college degree to 
serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to 
serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You 
only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.''
  Over the last few years, the United States has endured and survived 
the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and hurricanes and floods that devastated 
families and communities. Without hesitation, volunteers across the 
Nation rallied together to help stabilize and to rebuild our devastated 
communities. And just as critical, during times of peace and calm in 
communities across this country, people hear the call of service and

[[Page 565]]

provide assistance in the classroom, in hospitals, in parks, and to 
children, the elderly, and to each other.
  I want to thank the Service Caucus and my friend and colleague 
Representative Todd Platts of Pennsylvania for bringing this resolution 
forward and reminding us that our country was built on the idea of 
service. And while we set aside Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a day of 
service, there are opportunities to give back each and every day.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 43 and yield 
myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 43 promotes the Martin Luther King 
holiday as a day of national service and recognizes the efforts of the 
countless Americans who will volunteer their services on behalf of many 
worthy causes. I am proud to have introduced this resolution with my 
fellow co-Chairs of the National Service Caucus, Representatives Doris 
Matsui and David Price.
  In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed into law the King Holiday and 
Service Act to officially establish Martin Luther King Day as a day of 
national service in recognition of Dr. King's selfless and courageous 
service to his fellow citizens. Since this time, millions of Americans 
have recognized this holiday as ``a day on,'' not ``a day off,'' by 
volunteering in soup kitchens, organizing charity drives, mentoring 
children or aiding in urban revitalization efforts.
  This year, the Corporation for National & Community Service, 
America's Promise Alliance and AmeriCorps NCCC are hosting a food drive 
across Capitol Hill to restock the shelves at the Capital Area Food 
Bank. Washington, D.C. schools will be closed for a 5-day weekend with 
the Martin Luther King holiday and the Presidential inauguration this 
coming week, leaving over 50,000 students without nutritious meals they 
would have otherwise received through the school lunch and breakfast 
programs.
  Non-perishable canned food items can be delivered through this 
Thursday, January 15, to either my office or the offices of 
Representatives Doris Matsui, David Price and Mike Honda. On Thursday, 
AmeriCorps NCCC students will pick up the canned food items and ensure 
their delivery to the Capital Area Food Bank.
  Finally, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to serve 
their communities on Martin Luther King Day. I urge my fellow Members 
of Congress and constituents to take time out of their daily lives and 
give back to their communities. A list of volunteer opportunities is an 
available online at mlkday.gov.
  I cannot think of a more appropriate way to honor the heroic life and 
accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King than by serving one's 
community, and encourage all Americans to do so. I urge my colleagues 
to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the 
distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Matsui), who serves on 
the Rules Committee and the Energy and Commerce Committee.
  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Texas for yielding me this time.
  I rise today to offer, along with my National Service Caucus co-
Chairs, of which the gentleman from Pennsylvania is one, a resolution 
highlighting the men and women who inspire and actively pursue a better 
country, those who serve the communities on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Day.
  Since 1994, we have celebrated the King holiday by making it ``a day 
on,'' not ``a day off,'' observing every third Monday in January as a 
national day of service. Dr. King's legacy guides us to work for 
equality and social justice, towards common understanding and shared 
experiences. Serving one's neighbor, one's community and our country 
allow every individual in our Nation to walk down the road with Dr. 
King, looking forward, continually focused on reaching the promised 
land.
  This coming Monday, millions of Americans will participate in 
thousands of already-planned events across this country. Thousands more 
will come to our Nation's capital to see history in the making and 
answer our President-elect's call to service. As we embark on a new era 
of optimism and hope for a better tomorrow, we should start our journey 
by not only observing change, but by honoring the legacy of Dr. King 
and actively creating it.
  I commend and join with President-elect Obama and Vice President-
elect Biden in calling for a new attitude toward service in our 
country. When we ask what we can do for our country, the call shouldn't 
be answered only one day a year.
  It is my hope that this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of 
National Service marks a starting point that will continue throughout 
the year and engage millions of Americans in a new commitment to 
service.
  This year's national day of service promises to be larger than ever 
before. Efforts by the many service organizations, as well as the 
Presidential Inaugural Committee and the corporation for National and 
Community Service, have organized like never before. Right here on 
Capitol Hill, as has been previously mentioned, the organization 
America's Promise, along with the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, are sponsoring a food drive to support local food 
banks. These groups have utilized technology and the Internet to make 
opportunities easy to find and easy to do.
  The fact that this year's King Day of Service is one day before the 
inauguration of President-elect Obama provides a unique opportunity to 
reach millions of Americans with a message to serve. I ask my 
colleagues to join with me in promoting service on Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Day and encouraging all of those constituents, both at home and 
those traveling to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration, to serve.
  Thank you once again.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to my good 
friend, the gentleman from the State of Illinois (Mr. Davis), a 
gentleman who serves on the Ways and Means Committee and has served and 
distinguished himself on our Committee on Education and Labor.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Let me 
first of all thank my good friend and chairman of our subcommittee. As 
a matter of fact, I am already beginning to feel disappointed and 
underprivileged because I will not have the opportunity to serve with 
him this year as a result of leaving the Education Committee. But I 
want to thank him for yielding time, and I want to thank him for his 
tremendous leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday will usher in a new era of hope, a new 
chapter in the history of America, when President-elect Obama takes 
office. This historic moment brings renewed energy to Dr. King's 
mission and memory. We must not forget that we have reached this place 
in history partly because of Dr. King's remarkable life. Today I would 
like to honor his memory and those who work tirelessly for his cause.
  Frederick Douglass once said, ``A battle lost or won is easily 
described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great 
nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it.'' 
Today, we do just that. Today we reflect on one life that changed the 
course of so many others. We reflect on the commitment and integrity of 
a man who stood up to those who said he was nothing. We reflect on a 
man who had his priorities in line, who knew what was important and 
never forgot it. And we reflect so that we can learn what we must do as 
a nation to realize Dr. King's dream.
  Born January 15, 1929, Dr. King grew up to be a man who would change 
American history by fighting for fairness, dignity and equality for all 
under the law and through the eyes of his fellow citizens. But his 
journey was never easy. Martin Luther King attended Georgia's 
segregated public schools. Like so many others, Dr. King was told by 
society that he was a lesser being and that he could never be as good, 
as human, as his peers.
  But his journey was never easy. Despite the hardships, the bombings, 
the

[[Page 566]]

fire hoses, the dogs, the relentless beatings and the death of those 
devoted to his cause, Dr. King was able to rally his followers to rise 
to the occasion by his purpose-driven actions and unforgettable 
rhetoric.
  In the great example of Dr. King's influence, 250,000 men and women, 
white and black, gathered for the famous march on Washington. It was 
there that Dr. King delivered his ``I have a Dream'' speech to the 
Nation.
  Dr. King's legacy reminds us that there are some things we must 
continue to fight for. And although the rocky road that Dr. King 
traveled is somewhat smoother today, this Nation must continue to 
promote equal opportunity and fairness for all Americans. As we face 
today's many challenges, we remember that Dr. King's hope for a better 
tomorrow is very much alive.
  So I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to participate in 
this discussion, and again I want to thank my friend and colleague from 
the great State of Texas for giving me the opportunity.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the honorable 
gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) so that he can speak to this 
House resolution.
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by expressing my appreciation 
to my good friend and colleague Mr. Hinojosa for his leadership and his 
management of this, and to my friend Mr. Platts as well, and Ms. Matsui 
and Mr. Davis for their very thoughtful remarks.
  I, of course, rise in very strong support of the resolution. I was 
looking forward to voting for it, but I didn't intend to address it 
until I listened to the remarks of Mr. Davis in which I was reminded of 
a very thoughtful interview I heard this morning with the Reverend 
Joseph Lowery, who, as we know, next Tuesday at the age of 87 is going 
to be participating in the historic inauguration of Barack Obama.
  He was talking about the Reverend Martin Luther King and the level of 
activism that he had in the civil rights movement, and he ended his 
interview by saying, Mr. Speaker, that he very much appreciated the 
fact that at age 87 he had lived long enough to be able to see the 
history that we will all witness next Tuesday.
  This resolution is focused on ensuring that we encourage the level of 
volunteerism that is necessary to deal with what is a very, very 
serious societal challenge that we face at this moment, and that is the 
hunger problem; the fact that there are so many people who, because of 
the economic downturn through which we are going, are suffering.
  So I want to join with my friends, encouraging my constituents in 
California, those here in the metropolitan area, and others around the 
country to support the effort that Mr. Platts talked about, by 
contacting offices and doing what they can at food banks to provide 
assistance. It is being done in the names of Barack Obama, the Reverend 
Joseph Lowery, and, of course, Dr. Martin Luther King.
  So I again thank my colleagues for their effort and the focus on this 
very, very important issue, and again urge all of us to support this 
resolution.
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. 
Res. 43, a resolution that promotes the Martin Luther King Holiday as a 
day of national service.
  For me, one of the most powerful images of Washington is the image of 
Dr. King conveying his dream during his 1963 ``March on Washington'', 
on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
  Dr. King understood government has a fundamental responsibility to 
meet the needs of all Americans regardless of race or economic class.
  As our Nation prepares to celebrate Martin Luther King Day, and the 
inauguration of the next President, we remember Dr. King as a beacon of 
change.
  He gave people the faith and courage to work peacefully for change to 
stop racial discrimination, and promote equality and opportunity across 
America.
  So on the day of remembrance named in his honor, let us all truly 
recommit ourselves to changing and working to bring about opportunity 
for all Americans.
  We call on our Nation to serve, and recognize the determination of 
those men and women who continue to work to make the world a better 
place for future generations.
  I urge my colleagues to honor the legacy of Dr. King and those who 
continue to follow his example, and support H. Res. 43.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the great pleasure of 
supporting of H. Res. 43, which recognizes the hard work of those who 
serve in their communities on Martin Luther King Day and promotes the 
holiday as a day of national service.
  During Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s lifetime, he worked tirelessly 
toward creating a more just America, seeking to not only heal this 
Nation's racial divides, but to empower all Americans to take 
responsibility for bettering their communities through service. 
Recognizing this legacy, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service 
Act in 1994, designating the King Holiday as a national day of 
volunteer service and asking Americans of all backgrounds and ages to 
honor Dr. King's legacy by engaging in service projects in their 
communities. Since Congress passed the act 14 years ago, millions of 
Americans have come together on the third Monday of January to engage 
in service projects ranging from mentoring children to building homes. 
By bringing together neighbors who might not normally meet, the King 
Day of Service strengthens our communities and country by breaking down 
barriers that have historically divided us and promoting civic 
engagement.
  Although participation in the King Day of Service has increased each 
year, many Americans remain unaware of the service component of the 
holiday, making it essential for more organizations to promote this 
fitting tribute to Dr. King's memory. As the Chair of the Congressional 
Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to join the Congressional 
Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Service 
Caucus in co-sponsoring a food drive to support the Capitol Area Food 
Bank, whose resources are running thin. In Washington, DC alone, 56,000 
children are at risk of being hungry on any day of the year. But with 
the convergence of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday and the 
Presidential Inauguration, these children face a long 5-day weekend 
when the school breakfasts and lunches upon which they depend will not 
be available.
  I am proud to recognize the millions of Americans inspired by the 
life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve their communities and 
encourage all my colleagues in Congress and our fellow Americans to 
join their neighbors in community service projects on this important 
day and throughout the year.
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 43, a 
resolution recognizing the efforts of those who serve their communities 
on Martin Luther King Day and promoting the holiday as a day of 
national service.
  I am proud to have this opportunity to highlight the importance of 
national service as well as honor a national leader and hero, Martin 
Luther King, Jr.
  Next Monday, we will celebrate this extraordinary man and the legacy 
of service he engrained on our Nation through our dedication to 
service.
  This year, our celebration of Dr. King's life and his commitment to 
improving the lives of all Americans is more significant than ever as 
the country swears in our first African American president, Barack 
Obama, the very next day.
  The extraordinary work of Dr. King and his enduring message of 
providing equal opportunities for all Americans--in conjunction with 
the inauguration of our new president--provide proof that our Nation is 
capable of great change and proof that through service, our Nation can 
accomplish whatever it dreams.
  As our country swears in President Obama on January 20, I know that 
Martin Luther King, Jr. will be in my thoughts, as well as in the 
thoughts of many proud Americans. It is people like Dr. King that make 
our country great, that make me proud to be a citizen of this great 
Nation, and that inspire me to serve.
  I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the amazing service 
of this man that continues to inspire in our Nation year after year.
  I urge my colleagues to not only join me in supporting today's 
resolution, but join me in continuing the call for service in our 
communities on this special day, and throughout the year.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 43, and thank my colleague, Congressman Todd Platts, authoring 
this important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Nation observed for the 21st time the 
Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday. Each year this day is set aside for 
Americans to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought hope 
and healing to America. The Martin Luther King holiday reminds us that 
nothing is impossible when we are guided by the better angels of our 
nature.

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  Dr. King's inspiring words filled a great void in our Nation, and 
answered our collective longing to become a country that truly lived by 
its noblest principles. Yet, Dr. King knew that it wasn't enough just 
to talk the talk; he knew he had to walk the walk for his words to be 
credible. And so we commemorate on this holiday the man of action, who 
put his life on the line for freedom and justice every day.
  We honor the courage of a man who endured harassment, threats and 
beatings, and even bombings. We commemorate the man who went to jail 29 
times to achieve freedom for others, and who knew he would pay the 
ultimate price for his leadership, but kept on marching and protesting 
and organizing anyway.
  Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we ``will walk 
in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive 
selfishness. Life's most persistent and nagging question, he said, is 
`what are you doing for others?'''
  When Martin talked about the end of his mortal life in one of his 
last sermons, on February 4, 1968, in the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist 
Church, even then he lifted up the value of service as the hallmark of 
a full life. ``I'd like somebody to mention on that day Martin Luther 
King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others,'' he said. ``I want 
you to say on that day, that I did try in my life . . . to love and 
serve humanity.
   Mr. Speaker, during these difficult days when the United States is 
bogged down in a misguided and mismanaged war in Iraq; calamities on 
Wall Street--Main Street--and in the American automobile industry; we 
should also remember that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was 
above all, a person who was always willing to serve to help his fellow 
man.
  This year thousands of Americans across the country will celebrate 
the national holiday honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King, 
Jr. by making the holiday ``a day on, not a day off.''
  The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr.'s life and teachings into community service that helps solve social 
problems. That service may meet a tangible need, such as fixing up a 
school or senior center, or it may meet a need of the spirit, such as 
building a sense of community or mutual responsibility. On this day, 
Americans of every age and background celebrate Dr. King through 
service projects that:
  Strengthen Communities--Dr. King recognized the power of service to 
strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through his words and 
example, Dr. King challenged individuals to take action and lift up 
their neighbors and communities through service.
  Empower Individuals--Dr. King believed each individual possessed the 
power to lift himself or herself up no matter what his or her 
circumstances--rich or poor, black or white, man or woman. Whether 
teaching literacy skills, helping an older adult surf the Web, or 
helping an individual build the skills they need to acquire a job, acts 
of service can help others improve their own lives while doing so much 
for those who serve, as well.
  Bridge Barriers--In his fight for civil rights, Dr. King inspired 
Americans to think beyond themselves, look past differences, and work 
toward equality. Serving side by side, community service bridges 
barriers between people and teaches us that in the end, we are more 
alike than we are different.
  These ideas of unity, purpose, and the great things that can happen 
when we work together toward a common goal--are just some of the many 
reasons we honor Dr. King through service on this special holiday. I 
urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and the 
man who epitomized community service--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Dr. King's legacy and to commemorate this day of national 
service.
  Dr. King once said, ``Everybody can be great . . . because anybody 
can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't 
have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a 
heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.''
  It is that idea, that together we can make a difference, in this 
Nation and in the lives of others, that has prompted this day of 
service. I believe that the message of change resonates greatly this 
particular Martin Luther King Day.
  This past year, I have seen young people who have never before been 
involved in service working to change their communities. The ideals for 
which Dr. King gave his life have energized a new generation of 
peaceful activists. These young people may not have experienced the 
words and spirit of Dr. King during their lifetime, but his legacy 
drives their efforts and enthusiasm.
  It is a testament to his greatness that Dr. King's message has 
transcended time and generations. Dr. King called on all of us to no 
longer stand alone in silence, but to stand up together as a voice 
against injustice. He inspired us to fight for change through 
nonviolent means, and paved the road for us to continue that fight even 
after his death.
  Dr. King left us with the challenge to courageously fight and secure 
the civil rights for all, from the impoverished and disenfranchised 
underclass to the politically and economically endowed. And while we 
have made great progress, there is still work to be done. We must 
remain diligent and engaged in defining how our Nation will achieve 
this equality.
  Today's Martin Luther King Day is as much about the past as it is 
about the present and the future. Dr. King's dream is truly timeless, 
and I hope all will participate in this day of service to honor his 
faith and vision.
  Mr. BARROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 43 honoring the 
memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and thanking those who continue 
to honor his memory by giving back to the communities in which they 
live.
  Dr. King once said, ``Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 
`What are you doing for others?''' Enacted in 1994 by Congress, the 
Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service was started to honor Dr. King's 
legacy by giving folks the opportunity to answer that question. Its 
theme, ``Make it a Day On, not a Day Off,'' urges Americans everywhere 
to spend their day off working to create a better society--as Dr. King 
did.
  Despite all the hardships and discrimination he experienced in his 
lifetime, Dr. King never lost his profound love for all mankind. I'd 
like to thank those Americans who spend their holiday volunteering in 
their communities, helping out their brothers and their sisters. Your 
selflessness and sense of civic duty move America one step closer to 
Dr. King's vision of the ``Beloved Community.'' That is worth a day's 
work from any of us.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong 
support for H. Res. 43, which recognizes the efforts of those who serve 
their communities on Martin Luther King Day and promotes the holiday as 
a day of national service.
  Fifteen years ago, the enactment of the King Holiday and Service Act 
officially designated Martin Luther King Day as a national day of 
volunteer service. Each year since, millions of Americans across the 
country, and thousands in my congressional district, have been inspired 
to serve their neighbors and communities every third Monday of January.
  This is an impressive achievement but it is a fitting tribute to one 
of the greatest figures in world history. Dr. King dedicated and, 
ultimately, sacrificed his life to serve others, especially ``the least 
of these.'' As he famously observed, ``Everybody can be great because 
everybody can serve.''
  Mr. Speaker, at this defining moment in history our country faces 
enormous challenges and given the enormity of unmet needs, every 
contribution--big and small--matters.
  All across our land, there are children and adults to educate; 
seniors to care for; hungry persons to feed; jobless to train and 
employ; the environment to protect; and justice to pursue. In short, 
there is much unfinished work to be done.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Corporation for National and Community 
Service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social 
Change, and thousands of other nonprofit, community, national service, 
and education organizations across the country for encouraging 
Americans to serve their communities this holiday and throughout the 
year.
  I urge all Americans to honor Dr. King by making the holiday in his 
honor a ``day on,'' not a day off. Dr. King could always be found 
serving others. So should we.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
43--Recognizing the efforts of those who serve their communities on 
Martin Luther King Day. Of the many legacies left behind by this great 
leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of community building is 
one that resonates with us today.
  Martin Luther King Jr. recognized that in striving toward equality, 
the true work begins in the neighborhoods and streets of our 
communities. King demonstrated power of service through his work 
spreading his message across the United States. We not only pause on 
January 19, 2009, Martin Luther King Day to remember his legacy, but we 
use this as a day to promote his message of service. Volunteers across 
this great Nation are working on service projects to commemorate his 
vision and teachings. In addition to asking Americans to serve, 
President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden, and their families 
will participate in service activities. President-elect Barack Obama 
leads by example as a former Chicago community organizer, helping 
people

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one at a time. When he calls for progress and change he asks the 
American people to participate in that change. Martin Luther King Day 
should inspire us all to participate in serving our communities 
throughout the year.
   Mr. Speaker, I rise in commemoration and celebration of the life and 
legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In addition, in the coming days 
and beyond, I encourage my fellow Americans to both celebrate great 
change that has come and strive to be the change that we need as we 
progress towards King's vision of the ``beloved community.''
  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of National Service 
Day that is held on the third Monday of January each year, the same day 
that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is observed.
  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is well known for his peaceful march 
on Washington, DC where he delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' 
speech and other nonviolent protests. But as a minister and civil 
rights activist, his vision was to end discrimination and to improve 
the lives of all mankind. He focused on community organizing where he 
told others that they can make a change if they worked together.
  In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. it is important for people to 
get involved in their communities and give back to those in need. 
Volunteering at a food bank, helping to clean up a neighborhood, 
donating blood are simple ways that people can participate in National 
Service Day.
  It is time for us to get involved to help others and to improve our 
Nation as a whole.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
43, which recognizes the efforts of those who serve their communities 
on Martin Luther King Day and promotes the holiday as a day of national 
service.
  During his life, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized the power of 
service to strengthen communities. In 1994, Congress made Martin Luther 
King Day a national day of community volunteerism to further 
commemorate Dr. King's commitment to others.
  This King Day, as part of inauguration festivities, President-elect 
Barack Obama has encouraged all Americans to not only use this day to 
volunteer, but to also make a long-term commitment to community 
service.
  At home in Minnesota, and across the Nation, many will volunteer to 
serve their communities by working at food banks, helping the homeless, 
and improving schools. Minnesotans have a proud tradition of civic 
engagement. In a study conducted by the Corporation for National and 
Community Service, Minneapolis-St. Paul was ranked number one for 
volunteer rates in a large city.
  As we begin this new Congress and new White House Administration, I 
can think of no better way to strengthen our country than to help 
create change in our communities. I encourage everyone to get involved 
this Martin Luther King Day and to browse http://www.usaservice.org for 
volunteer opportunities. I also want to thank every American who will 
volunteer on Monday and those that continue to serve throughout the 
year.
  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair of the 
National Service Caucus, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of H. Res. 43, 
recognizing the importance of national service, supporting the efforts 
of those who serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day, and 
promoting the Martin Luther King Day holiday as a day of national 
service.
  During the 1950s and '60s, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, 
Jr. recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and 
achieve common goals. King's ideas of unity and purpose highlighted the 
great things that can happen when we work together toward a common 
goal, and these ideas are as important today as they were 50 years ago.
  In 1994, Congress passed the King Holiday and Service Act to 
transform the King Holiday into a national day of service to meet 
community needs. Since that time, millions of Americans have 
participated in community-building activities on King Day, treating the 
holiday as ``a day on, not a day off.''
  The day before President-elect Obama's inauguration is the Martin 
Luther King holiday. With thousands of projects planned across the 
country, in addition to a call to serve from President-elect Obama, the 
2009 King Day of Service on January 19 promises to be the most 
successful national service effort to date.
  Both President-elect Obama and Vice-President-elect Biden, along with 
their families, will be participating in service events to honor Martin 
Luther King and commemorate the holiday. I encourage my colleagues and 
their staff to share in the spirit of volunteerism and unity by 
participating in a service opportunity here in Washington, DC, or back 
home with their constituents on January 19.
  I am pleased that the President-elect has been part of the call to 
ensure that this day be a day devoted to service. However, I know, as 
President-elect Obama knows, that one day of good deeds is not enough. 
Throughout the presidential campaign, the President-elect spoke about a 
new era of civic engagement, and I hope that the passage of H. Res. 43 
will build on Martin Luther King day and the Inauguration and reaffirm 
our ongoing commitment to service.

                              {time}  1445

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 43.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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