[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9187-9188]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL DAY OF THE AMERICAN COWBOY

  Ms. STABENOW. I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be 
discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to 
S. Res. 470.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The clerk 
will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:


[[Page 9188]]

       A resolution (S. Res. 470) designating July 28, 2012, as 
     ``National Day of the American Cowboy.''

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Ms. STABENOW. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed 
to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid 
upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 470) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 470

       Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as 
     ``cowboys'', helped establish the American West;
       Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, 
     compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;
       Whereas the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of 
     character, sound family values, and good common sense;
       Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, 
     geographic boundaries, and political affiliations;
       Whereas the cowboy is an excellent steward of the land and 
     its creatures, who lives off the land and works to protect 
     and enhance the environment;
       Whereas cowboy traditions have been a part of American 
     culture for generations;
       Whereas the cowboy continues to be an important part of the 
     economy through the work of many thousands of ranchers across 
     the United States who contribute to the economic well-being 
     of every State;
       Whereas millions of fans watch professional and working 
     ranch rodeo events annually, making rodeo one of the most-
     watched sports in the United States;
       Whereas membership and participation in rodeo and other 
     organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of 
     cowboys span every generation and transcend race and gender;
       Whereas the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, 
     and music and occupies a central place in the public 
     imagination;
       Whereas the cowboy is an American icon; and
       Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and 
     cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and 
     encouraged: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates July 28, 2012, as ``National Day of the 
     American Cowboy''; and
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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