Supporting the goals and ideals of "Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of after-school programs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 809, a bipartisan resolution introduced by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) to raise the awareness of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of after-school programs.

Children need after-school programs for many reasons. Most of us think of these programs, first, as offering children critical opportunities to develop their social, emotional, physical, cultural, and academic skills. And good programs do. But after-school programs are especially indispensable to the majority of families in which parents are in the workforce. For these families, after-school programs mean that they will not have to worry nearly as much about where their children are and what their children are doing between the school bell and the dinner bell. That is the time when most teenagers, by the way, are involved in crime or when pregnancy occurs because there is nothing for these children to do after school.

After-school programs build strong communities by involving a wide range of parents and teachers and business leaders, community organization volunteers in the lives of young people.

Mr. Speaker, of the more than 28 million children in the United States whose parents work outside the home, more than half have no place to go after school. That is why the ``Lights On Afterschool!'' effort is so important and deserves our commemoration. That is also why it is critical for Congress and the President to address the fact that, as noted in this resolution, many after-school programs across the Nation are being forced to shut down for lack of funding.

So I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting not only this resolution, but also in efforts to increase Federal funding for after- school programs so that our children receive the services that they need, the services that they deserve.

Finally, I would note that after-school programs are an essential, but not the only component to help working parents address the many challenges in providing for their families in the 21st century economy. That is why I have introduced H.R. 3780, the Balancing Act, as a comprehensive response to these challenges, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me when I reintroduce the Balancing Act next Congress because the Balancing Act includes after-school programs.

I also encourage my colleagues to vote for H. Res. 809.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 809. This resolution supports the goals and ideals of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of after-school programs.

All of us know the value of high-quality after-school programs. These programs help reduce crime in our communities and provide children a safe and nurturing environment when the school day ends. In addition, after-school programs play key roles in the social and educational development of our children. This helps improve their academic achievements and ensures that they become contributing, positive members of society.

The importance of after-school programs, especially to parents who work, is undeniable. H. Res. 809 recognizes the efforts of ``Lights On Afterschool!''. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, this is the fifth annual ``Lights On Afterschool!'' Day. This day will bring together educators, community leaders, lawmakers, parents, business and religious leaders, and youth for the Nation's largest annual rally for after-school programs on October 14. The event will call attention to after-school programs and the resources needed to keep their lights on and their doors open.

``Lights On Afterschool!'' was launched in October, 2000. That year more than 1,200 events were held across the country. But last year more than half a million people rallied at more than 5,000 events to show their support for after-school programs. The Afterschool Alliance expects this year's event to be even larger.

This resolution is only a small part of our effort to thank and support those involved with after-school programs. The Afterschool Alliance and its executive director, Judy Samelson, deserve a great deal of credit for spearheading the drive to expand after-school programs and get the resources they need.

I hope Members will join me in recognizing their efforts and the importance of after-school programs by supporting this program.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey).

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 809) supporting the goals and ideals of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of after-school programs, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 809.

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

I rise in support of H. Res. 809, offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee). This resolution seeks to support the goals and ideals of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of after- school programs.

On October 14, 2004, more than 6,000 communities across the country will rally for after-school programs by participating in the fifth anniversary of ``Lights On Afterschool!'' This nationwide event is aimed at bringing attention to the need for high-quality after-school programs that keep kids safe, help working families, and improve academic achievement.

I support this resolution because after-school programs are an important part of many American students' lives. High-quality after- school programs provide safe, challenging, and fun learning experiences that help children and youth develop their social, emotional, physical, cultural, and academic skills. I am pleased that we are able to help bring attention to the critical importance of after-school programs in the lives of children, their families, and their communities.

This resolution is simple and straightforward. It supports the goals and ideals of ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a nationwide celebration of after-school programs and requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the communities to engage in innovative after- school programs and activities that ensure the doors stay open and the lights stay on for children after school.

I commend the gentleman (Mr. Kildee) for his leadership in offering H. Res. 809 and urge my colleagues' support.

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.