Expressing the sense of the Congress in support of the National Anthem "SingAmerica" project.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 262, the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' Project, and to bring to the attention of my colleagues this wonderful, new national initiative to commemorate American patriotic music and the role it has played in our history. This new initiative will involve several exciting music-related patriotic programs over the next 3 years.

The National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project is designed to invigorate and inspire the American people to a greater appreciation of their patriotic musical heritage. Through this project, we will be able to renew our appreciation for the patriotic music that so movingly expresses our core national sentiments. The members of the National Association for Music Education, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, and with support from the American Sportscasters Association, are already actively pursuing the laudable goals of the project.

The National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project includes a series of activities calculated to bring the music, words, and sentiments of the Anthem and our nation's patriotic songs to everyone-and to energize the participation of students and adults alike in this essential expression of patriotism. America's youth will give voice to our national anthem and be able to sing it proudly, accurately, and with a full understanding of its rich text. The American Sportscasters Association will be working to increase the emphasis on our national anthem at major sporting events, reaching many of those who otherwise would not have this musical experience. The National Association for Music Education will release a CD with patriotic music played by the Marine Band, complete with a history of this music's role in our nation's development. Teachers' guides will be distributed across the nation to help educators bring the practice and meaning of this music to our nation's students.

All of this activity will culminate on June 14, 2006, when the Smithsonian's National Museum of American's History unveils the newly restored Star Spangled Banner. This event plans to include history's largest performance of the National Anthem with millions of participants from around the country joining thousands of high school band and chorus members on the National Mall to celebrate the display of the restored Star Spangled Banner, the Flag that inspired the National Anthem.

Even more than producing these rousing patriotic events, the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project is a catalyst for all Americans to experience a greater understanding and appreciation of our patriotic music history. It will also remind us of the countless sacrifices made by so many and of the courage displayed by all Veterans' who have served our country with great honor and pride.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am proud to introduce H. Con. Res. 262 and to honor the flag and the song that are the symbols of America. I call upon my colleagues for their unanimous support in passing the SingAmerica Act.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 262) expressing the sense of the Congress in support of the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution under consideration.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 262, introduced by the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis), expresses support for the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project.

Mr. Speaker, the ``SingAmerica'' project is an ongoing patriotic effort about which most Americans may not be aware. ``SingAmerica'' is a collaboration between the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the National Association for Music Education, along with a great deal of support from the American Sportscasters Association. The project aims to remind all Americans of the importance of our magnificent National Anthem.

The project has begun this fall during the National Football League season by encouraging the singing of the National Anthem before all games. Other professional sports leagues will also take part in the project over the next few years, including the National Basketball Association, the Women's National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball.

The culminating event of the ``SingAmerica'' project will be here in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2006. This event will be called ``A Star Spangled Celebration'' and will feature the President and First Lady, celebrity musicians, and literally thousands of bands from across the country. These artists will join together for the largest performance of the National Anthem in history.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Davis), I urge all Americans to enjoy and participate in the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project. I also urge all Members to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 262.

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

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I urge all Members to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 262. I thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Davis) for introducing this patriotic measure.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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

Mr. Speaker, the members of the National Association for Music Education, the offices of the Smithsonian Institute, and the members of the American Sportscasters Association have joined in the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project.

The ``SingAmerica'' project aims to restore the original Star Spangled Banner Flag and to renew national awareness of the patriotic musical traditions of the United States. The performance and singing tradition of patriotic music has served as a vital instrument for the recruitment and retention of the Armed Forces of the United States. Such patriotic music can be found on the SingAmerica! Patriotic Collection CD, which marks the first time all of the U.S. military bands: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been recorded on a single album.

The National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the American people as symbols of national unity, resolve, and willingness to sacrifice in order to preserve the Nation's sacred heritage of freedom. This resolution urges all Americans to assist, enjoy, and participate in the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project.

Sometimes, when you are listening to just the song, you can imagine that you see Francis Scott Key as he looked out and saw that the flag was still waving in the pitch of battle and was inspired to write the words ``Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light. What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming.''

Or, you think of other patriotic songs like ``America, The Beautiful'' and ``God bless America.'' All of those symbolize what America has been, but also what America has the potential of being.

Mr. Speaker, this is an excellent project, and I would urge passage of this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to vacate the ordering of the yeas and nays on the motion to suspend the rules and adopt H. Con. Res. 262 to the end that the Chair put the question on the motion de novo.