Recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 121, which highlights the benefits and importance of school-based music education. I would like to thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for their leadership on this issue and for introducing this resolution we are considering today.

Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music program is crucial to a complete education. Musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self- esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance.

In an analysis by the U.S. Department of Education, data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years showed significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12 regardless of a student's socioeconomic status.

A 1999 report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that individuals who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. So it is not surprising that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.

In fact, many colleges and universities view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broaden students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

For these reasons, I support H. Con. Res. 121. The resolution states it is the sense of Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum, and should be available to every student in every school.

Music education is important to our children. It can broaden and strengthen their education and improve their lives. I join my colleagues in commending music educators and organizations across the country for the key roles they play in helping our students succeed in school and throughout life.

As former President Gerald Ford said, ``Music education opens the doors that help children pass from school into the world around them, a world of work, culture, intellectual activity and human involvement. The future of our Nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.''

I urge my colleagues to support House Con. Res. 121 and music education in our schools.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman.

I thank my colleagues for supporting this effort to highlight the importance of music education in our schools.

A lot of folks who have had the privilege of a musical education take it for granted, but 30 million or more of our children across this country every day are being deprived of that chance to not only experience the joy of music but, as my colleagues have mentioned, the increased enhanced learning abilities that music offers, and also the ability of music to deter people from gangs and drugs and other undesirable activities.

Music education is a very important part of our education. For anyone who has seen the movie ``Mr. Holland's Opus'' featuring Richard Dreyfuss, that was a wonderful film demonstration of the importance of music in the lives of that particular high school. But it is true of every high school and every middle school and every elementary school across our country.

Whether it is band or orchestra, or whether it is students on their own learning the guitar or other instruments, it is a wonderful way to not only enjoy life but to enhance your skills.

Mr. Speaker, I represent Nashville, Tennessee, which is Music City U.S.A. We have some of the most talented and creative musicians on the planet, and they happen to choose to live in our wonderful city.

You can't tell it by driving down the streets, but there are some 3,000 private recording studios in the basements and attics of people's homes as they put their music and their thoughts on tape for the pleasure and enjoyment and the education of the world.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate your help in allowing this measure to be brought to the floor. It has passed the House on two previous Congresses. We are hoping that this time the Senate will also see fit to do the right thing and pass this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 121) recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes.

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

(Ms. CLARKE asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 121, recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes, I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), for bringing this resolution to the floor.

One of the basic reasons that every child must have an education in music is that music is a part of the fabric of our society. The intrinsic value of music for each individual is widely recognized in the many cultures that make up American life.

Music helps shape individual abilities and character. Success in society is predicated on success in school. Skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study skills, communication skills, and the cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum.

Participation in music brings countless benefits to every individual throughout life. The benefits may be psychological, spiritual or physical. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution and support the next generation of music lovers.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), the sponsor of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the HELP Committee be discharged from further consideration of H. Con. Res 121 and the Senate proceed to its consideration.

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.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Concurrent Resolution 121.