[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 13643-13644]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            CITIZENSHIP DAY

  Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, in 1940, Congress officially recognized 
the values inherent in United States citizenship by enacting 
legislation to designate a day of commemoration. At that time, the 
third Sunday in May was designated ``I Am an American Day.'' In 1952, 
Congress passed new legislation to move the commemoration date to 
September 17, the date in 1787 the Constitution was signed. September 
17 became known as Citizenship Day, a day that we recognize today.
  Today's celebration of the values represented by United States 
citizenship represents also a celebration of our democracy. In Vermont, 
United States

[[Page 13644]]

Federal District Court Judge William Sessions will conduct a 
naturalization ceremony today. Once again the President will issue a 
proclamation to honor the principles of what it means to be an 
American. I am proud to join the President in the official recognition 
of the citizenship process and all it represents.
  Last week, as Americans remembered and reflected upon the tragedy of 
September 11, 2001, I was reminded of how I recognized that terrible 
day on its 1-year anniversary. With Judge William Sessions, on 
September 11, 2002, we convened a naturalization ceremony in Vermont's 
historic State House. I was honored to speak at that ceremony and at 
others in the years following. These celebrations, in which we welcome 
new Americans, reflect America's resiliency and ongoing renewal. They 
also serve as an emotional reminder to me what it means to be part of 
this country. When we say to those who aspire to be Americans that we 
welcome you regardless of religion, ethnicity, native language, or 
culture, we honor the principles upon which America was founded, and 
which Americans spanning generations have given so much to defend.
  This August, I was privileged to be invited to participate in a 
naturalization ceremony by the Chief Judge of the Federal District 
Court for the District of Vermont, Christina Reiss. I was moved then, 
as I am at every naturalization ceremony I attend, by how uplifting and 
hopeful this process is for those who have earned it and for those 
including myself who witness it.
  In June, 68 Senators voted to pass a comprehensive immigration reform 
bill. The Senate and so many Americans--and aspiring Americans--wait 
with optimism and hopefulness for the House of Representatives to act. 
The core of the Senate's legislation was the opportunity for many 
millions of undocumented people living in the United States to enter 
the lawful immigration system, and to one day become citizens. The 
Senate recognized that the time for action is now and in acting, upheld 
the sacred values we celebrate today.

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