A resolution designating July 22, 2006, as "National Day of the American Cowboy".

Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution designating July 22, 2006, as ``National Day of the American Cowboy.''

The cowboy has influenced American culture in literature, music, art, fashion, theater, and sport. What's more, these folks contribute substantially to the economic well-being of our country. In 2005 alone, United States cash receipts from the sale of cattle and calves exceeded $48 billion, accounting

for nearly 40 percent of all livestock sales and nearly half of all farm receipts. Clearly, the cowboy is not merely a romantic figure, but an integral part of our Nation's economy.

As many Americans know, last year's celebration was a great success. The first observance of the National Day of the American Cowboy was commemorated across the country with various festivities and events. In Wyoming, the day fell within Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the world's largest outdoor rodeos and our State's premier cowboy competition.

Cheyenne Frontier Days can be traced as far back as 1896 when a group of cowboys from the Two Bar Ranch put on an impromptu cowboy contest in Cheyenne. Frontier Days has come a long way since that time, incorporating Indian war dances, artillery drills, a full carnival, rowdy street dances, country and western entertainers, and renown musical performances. However, Frontier Days stays true to its roots, showcasing cowboys and cowgirls in sports such as saddle bronc riding, wild horse racing, bull dogging, steer wrestling, calf roping, and bareback riding, events which truly demonstrate their cowboy skills.

While in Wyoming for the 2005 Cheyenne Frontier Days celebration, I had the distinct honor of delivering a statement from President Bush supporting the National Day of the American Cowboy. His statement outlined the importance of the cowboy, ``as a symbol of the grand history of the American West,'' and recognized the Cowboy's love of land and country as character traits which should be revered by all Americans. I could not agree more.

Although the National Day of the American Cowboy came and went in 2005, the celebration has continued throughout the United States and across the world. For example, Arizona's Governor recently issued an official proclamation declaring July 22, 2006 as the Second Annual National Day of the Cowboy in Arizona. T.J. Casey, a country musician and cowboy poet from Montana, is helping to promote the National Day of the Cowboy by carrying his flag on tour with him, and Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame Executive Director Larry McCormack and his staff are planning a National Day of the Cowboy flag presentation during their upcoming annual induction ceremony on July 15, 2006.

Support for the National Day of the American Cowboy is not confined to our Nation's borders. The Desert Cowboys, a group of men and women in the United States Military and Department of Defense civilians who have been serving our country in Iraq since December of 2005, planted their National Day of the Cowboy flag prominently in their camp shortly after their arrival. Some of these folks are in Iraq for their, third, fourth and even fifth rotations. This touching display of support by those completing dangerous missions so far from home certainly tugs at my heart strings. It also serves to illustrate how important this day is to the American people and those who support American ideals.

I call on the Senate to once again recognize our country's cowboys and cowgirls and their significant contributions through designation of the second annual National Day of the American Cowboy.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration and the Senate proceed to S. Res. 371.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table.