To express the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Communications Commission should not revise its media ownership rules without more extensive review and comment by the public.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a concurrent resolution which recognizes the importance of suicide prevention and raising awareness of suicide within the nation.

Suicide occurs in our nation at a rate of 30,000 suicides annually and kills youth six nine times more often than homicide. It is also the second fastest growing cause of death among college-age students. However, studies have shown that 95 percent of suicides are preventable. It is a silent epidemic that is preventable and awareness is the key to that prevention.

There are several programs throughout the country which put in hundred of hours, most from volunteers, to provide support services to prevent suicide as well as support to the families and friends who have lost loved ones to suicide. I would like to highlight one of these organizations which is based in my district in Colorado, but works throughout the country and internationally. The Yellow Ribbon International Suicide Prevention Program' provides resources to teachers, parents, and those at the most risk of suicide. They go into schools to raise the level of discussion about suicide and ways to seek help. The more suicide is talked about, the more likely those thinking about suicide will take action and ask for assistance.

Many who are considering suicide do not know where to turn for help, or even how to ask for help. Under the Yellow Ribbon International Suicide Prevention Program, Yellow Ribbon Ask 4 Help cards are made available to schools, teachers, counselors, and parents. These cards provide a simple way for individuals to ask for help, especially for those who cannot utter the words ``I need help.''

It is also important to remember that suicide does not only affect our youth, but people throughout the phases of life. In fact, the largest number of suicide deaths occurs among men between the ages of 35-44. The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, within the Department of Health and Human Services recommends and encourages organizations to expand there service to focus on elementary ages as well as the elderly.

My concurrent resolution recognizes the importance of suicide prevention and awareness, as well as reaffirms the commitment to the priorities expressed in H. Res. 212 and S. Res. 84 which were both passed in the 105th Congress. Lastly this bill states that the week of September 19, 2004 should be recognized as Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week.

I urge my colleagues in the House to support this legislation to help prevent suicide and to wear a yellow ribbon the week of September 19, 2004 to raise awareness of this global epidemic.

Mr. President, today I am proud to be joined by 5 of my colleagues in submitting a resolution declaring the week of September 19, 2004, as Yellow Ribbon Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and suicide prevention programs.

Suicide is a national tragedy that impacts the lives of millions of American families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the eleventh leading cause of all deaths in America, and the third such cause of death for young folks ages 10 to 24. And, unfortunately, Colorado has one of the highest suicide rates in the Nation.

Research shows that 95 percent of all suicides are preventable, and at the local, State, and Federal level, suicide prevention programs are becoming an important priority. On the Federal level, for example, the Department of Health and Human Services recently developed the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

One suicide prevention program, that has saved more than 2,500 lives is the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, founded in 1994 by Coloradans Dale and Dar Emme after their son, Mike, tragically took his own life. The program encourages youngsters, parents, and teachers to talk about suicide and emphasizes the use of a ``link'' card which young folks can carry with them and give to a friend, parent, or teacher if they are in need of assistance.

With local programs throughout the United States and programs in 47 countries, the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is used by crisis centers, schools, churches, and youth centers. And, the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program has the endorsement of various State health departments and various State education departments and the American Osteopathic Association. And, the yellow ribbon has become the international symbol for suicide prevention and awareness.

I believe that community-based efforts and programs like the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, as well as attentive parents, teachers, and friends can make all the difference to someone who is desperate but does not know how to ask for help or where to turn.

Let's work together to make suicide prevention a national priority.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Con. Res. 119, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the concurrent resolution be printed in the Record.

Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that I be added as a cosponsor of this concurrent resolution.