A resolution designating September 24, 2006, as "National Good Neighbor Day".

Mr. President, today, September 19, 2006, I join with my colleague from Montana, Senator Baucus, in cosponsoring a resolution to designate September 24, 2006 as National Good Neighbor Day. I am proud to promote positive, meaningful friendships between citizens as part of a long-established tradition begun in 1971 by one of Montana's own citizens.

National Good Neighbor Day was started by Becky Mattson of Lakeside, MT with the intent of fostering a strong community of friendship and interaction between neighbors. This day also serves to facilitate communication between senior citizens and children. So often the communications between America's greatest generation and our youngest citizens is not as strong as it could be, yet, Ms. Mattson has found a way to help encourage that important dialogue.

Ms. Mattson began this tradition by doing what so many Montanans and Americans do: she wrote a letter to her Senator. That letter, to Senator Mike Mansfield, was met with great enthusiasm and as result, the National Good Neighbor Day has become an annual event, taking place on the fourth Sunday of September. Her efforts have been recognized by countless individuals, and have even been recognized through proclamations by three United States Presidents: Carter, Ford and Nixon. In addition, governors of many States have issued proclamations of Good Neighbor Day as well.

In the spirit of Ms. Mattson, I encourage my colleagues in the Senate and in our communities to reach out and be a good neighbor. I urge children to visit with senior citizens and to share their life experiences. The efforts of each person matters, not just on this day, but everyday, and will make our communities stronger. I am proud of Ms. Mattson, and thank her for her contribution in making us all good neighbors.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 577, submitted earlier today.

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