[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20437]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we've had a long session of 
hard work, and I believe this is an appropriate ending to be able to 
honor some of America's culture. And so I rise today to acknowledge the 
passing of H.J. Res. 12, to designate September 2009 as Gospel Music 
Heritage Month and honor the gospel music for its valuable and 
longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States.
  I thank the majority leader and the Republican leadership. I thank 
the chairman of the committee, Chairman Towns, and Ranking Member Issa 
of Government Oversight, all of those who have worked, along with my 16 
cosponsors who recognize the value of the songs sung by the likes of 
Mahalia Jackson singing Precious Lord; Yolanda Adams, The Battle is the 
Lord's; Sandi Patty; and the work that Elvis Presley did when he sang 
his gospel songs; Israel, out of Lakewood Church; Kurt Carr with This 
Little Light of Mine; Donnie McClurkin, Just Stand; and Rev. Gregg 
Patrick, who is both a producer and a singer.
  We have a wide vastness of musical talent in this Nation. I'm glad 
we're celebrating gospel music.

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