[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 591 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
June 21, 2004.
Whereas, since our Nation's founding, community banks have supported their
communities as they prospered and grew, and today more than 8,700
community banks continue the tradition of giving back to their local
communities through nearly 40,000 banking offices;
Whereas, with more than $2,275,000,000,000 in assets, community banks know that
when money stays in town it becomes a renewable resource, creating an
economic cycle that constantly revitalizes and stimulates local
communities;
Whereas community banks are working citizens in their communities in every sense
of the word with more than 514,000 full-time and part-time employees;
Whereas these banks have made significant contributions to the economic well-
being of our Nation through their financial support, their dedication as
good neighbors and, above all, their service as financially sound and
reliable sources of economic lifeblood in our communities;
Whereas the Nation's community banks focus on the prosperity of individuals and
small businesses in their hometowns and have reinvested, on average, 95
percent of their loan portfolio in their own communities through home
mortgages and small business, agricultural, and student loans;
Whereas community banks play a significant role in local economic development
efforts by financing new businesses and stimulating the economy to
produce jobs and new opportunities and, as a group, they contribute an
important and strong part of the Nation's economic fabric;
Whereas community banks have made nearly 3,160,000 loans to small businesses,
totaling over $275,500,000,000 and nearly 720,500 loans to small farms,
totaling nearly $37,500,000,000;
Whereas community banks also enjoy the trust of their customers; indeed,
community banks are just neighbors are helping neighbors build their
homes, save for higher education, plan for retirement and fulfill other
dreams; and
Whereas community banks have long helped in the development of our communities
and the Nation as a whole, and are fully prepared to make many more
contributions: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That--
(1) the House of Representatives expresses its gratitude for the
contributions made by America's community banks to the Nation's economic
well-being and prosperity; and
(2) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
(A) a ``Community Banking Month'' should be designated to
raise public awareness of, and public appreciation for, the
contributions of the helpful institutions that are our Nation's
community banks; and
(B) the President should issue a proclamation calling on the
people of the United States to observe the month with
appropriate programs and activities.
Attest:
Clerk.