[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 117]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNING OF THE SMITH-LEVER 
 ACT, THE FOUNDING LEGISLATION OF THE NATIONWIDE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION 
                                 SYSTEM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL FLORES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2014

  Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, whereas May 8, 2014 marks the centennial of 
the signing of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which established 
Cooperative Extension, the nationwide transformational education system 
operating through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, 
state and local governments.
  Whereas U.S. Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia and U.S. Representative A. 
F. Lever of South Carolina authored the Smith-Lever Act to expand the 
``vocational, agricultural and home demonstration programs in rural 
America'' by bringing the research-based knowledge of the land-grant 
universities to people where they live and work.
  Whereas Cooperative Extension is a critical component of the three-
part land-grant university mission and works collaboratively with 
research, particularly the Agricultural Experiment Station System and 
academic programs in 106 colleges and universities, including 
historically black, Native American and Hispanic-serving institutions; 
in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and six U.S. territories to 
reach traditional and underserved audiences in all communities.
  Whereas the Cooperative Extension System continues to receive federal 
programmatic leadership and support enabled by the Smith Lever Act and 
other legislation through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National 
Institute of Food and Agriculture.
  Whereas Cooperative Extension's research-based education for farmers 
and ranchers helped establish the United States as a leading 
agricultural-producing nation in the world.
  Whereas since 1924, when the clover emblem was adopted by USDA to 
represent 4-H, Cooperative Extension's nationwide youth development 
program has reached millions of youth and helped prepare them for 
responsible adulthood.
  Whereas Cooperative Extension prepares people for healthy, productive 
lives through sustained education, such as the Expanded Food and 
Nutrition Education Program, breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing 
expenditures for federal and state assistance programs.
  Whereas Cooperative Extension provides rapid response to disasters 
and emergencies through the Extension Disaster Education Network and 
other similar efforts by providing real-time alerts and resources so 
Extension educators can respond to urgent needs resulting from 
hurricanes, floods, oil spills, fire, drought, pest outbreaks and 
infectious diseases affecting humans, livestock and crops.
  Whereas Cooperative Extension translates science-based research for 
practical application through local and online learning networks where 
educators are uniquely available to identify emerging research 
questions, connect with land-grant university faculty to find answers 
and encourage application of findings to improve economic and social 
conditions.
  Whereas Cooperative Extension engages with rural and urban learners 
through practical, community-based and online approaches, resulting in 
the acquisition of knowledge, skills and motivation to strengthen the 
profitability of animal and plant production systems, protect natural 
resources, help people make healthful lifestyle choices, ensure a safe 
and abundant food supply, encourage community vitality and grow the 
next generation of leaders.
  Whereas many states and land-grant institutions are celebrating and 
commemorating the centennial of the signing of the historic Act.
  Therefore, be it resolved, that the United States House of 
Representatives:
  Recognizes the significance of the Smith-Lever Act to the 
establishment of Cooperative Extension nationwide.
  Encourages the people of the United States to observe and celebrate 
the centennial with a focus on launching an innovative and sustainable 
future for Cooperative Extension.
  Honors the university faculty and local educators who dedicate 
careers to providing trusted education to help people, families, youth, 
businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a 
better future.
  Expresses its appreciation to Cooperative Extension volunteers who 
provide thousands of hours to promote excellence for 4-H, Master 
Gardeners, family and consumer sciences and other programs in their 
communities.
  Encourages the continued collaboration and cooperation among federal, 
state and local governments to ensure Cooperative Extension's 
sustainability as the nation's premiere nonformal educational network.
  Celebrates the millions of youth, adults, families, farmers, 
ranchers, community leaders and others who engage in Cooperative 
Extension learning opportunities designed to extend knowledge and 
change lives.

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