Expressing the sense of the Congress that student travel is a vital component of the educational process.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I thank the gentleman for his words of encouragement on H. Con. Res. 131, and I begin by thanking, as well, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, respectively, for working with me to introduce and schedule this resolution in a timely manner.

I rise this evening to speak to an issue that we all care deeply about, the education of the Nation's children not only from the perspective of the classroom, but about activities outside the classroom that also enrich a student's educational experience, including field trips and traveling to the Nation's historic sites, many of which are located here in the Nation's capital. This resolution acknowledges that student travel is an integral component of the educational process today.

H. Con. Res. 131 has application to districts in every State of the Union. However, the attacks of September 11 and subsequent security alerts have made us all more watchful, particularly here in the District of Columbia where so many of the symbols of democracy are located. For the months following the 9/11 attacks, visits to our Nation's monuments were down more than 30 percent. The Smithsonian Museums reported a similar decline in attendance. I am pleased that these numbers appear to have since reversed and tourism to the District has been rebounding since 2003. According to the Washington, D.C., Convention and Tourism Corporation, close to 1 million students have traveled to the Nation's capital since 9/11.

The District of Columbia showcases symbols of freedom that are recognized worldwide. Students can come to see the Declaration of Independence, see the flag that flew over the Pentagon on September 11, view exhibitions that trace the history of our country from its inception to the present, and learn how this country, the great experiment, has grown and fared over the past 228 years. The educational experience that students receive in visiting this city, above even others in our country, enhances what they are learning in our Nation's classrooms and inspires the next generation of leaders.

Therefore, I urge Members to join with me in encouraging student travel

to the Nation's capital and to other tourist sites throughout the United States, realizing the educational value and inspirational impact that such visits have on the lives of the Nation's youth.

I thank them again for their support and urge agreement to H. Con. Res. 131.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 131) expressing the sense of the Congress that student travel is a vital component of the educational process, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 131.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 131 offered by the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton). House Concurrent Resolution 131 recognizes the critical role that student travel plays in the educational process.

I support this resolution because I agree we should recognize the unique value that educational travel can provide to our Nation's students. It can be very worthwhile to extend the educational experience outside of the classroom in order to give students the opportunity to gain valuable skills through experience and direct interaction. I also agree that in the wake of September 11, we should encourage students and their families to continue taking advantage of the rich history that exists in Washington, D.C. I firmly believe that students who are given the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. will have a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of American history, culture, government and politics.

I commend the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for her leadership in authoring this resolution to recognize the importance and value of student travel and urge my colleagues to adopt this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.