Expressing the sense of the Congress that there should be established a National Pet Week.

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

Mr. Speaker, today we stand with 69 million households in celebrating the joy of pet ownership and recognizing the obligations of responsible animal care as we call on this Congress to establish a National Pet Week.

Some 63 percent of Americans have accepted the calling of pet ownership and have opened their homes to millions of cats, dogs, birds, fish, and other animals. For this generous action, they are rewarded with love, companionship and support. Studies have shown an additional benefit of pet ownership include a healthier life.

A National Pet Week would also honor those who provide medical treatment as well as responsible care for animals, who are certainly deserving of

such treatment. There are approximately 75,000 practicing veterinarians in the United States who perform a great service for this country by giving preventative and emergency care for animals. These veterinarians are also credited with educating pet owners about the benefits of spaying or neutering their animals, thus curbing pet overpopulation problems in the country.

Establishing a week recognizing pet ownership helps highlight many of the issues affecting pets and owners in America, as well as the issue of responsible treatment for animals in general. Sadly, problems such as animal abuse, neglect, overpopulation, hoarding, and organized fighting persist in this country. The people of the United States are indebted to the animal protection and humane organizations who promote respect for animals and provide care for lost, unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals.

It is the essential duty of a civilized society to teach its children the value of kindness and respect toward all living creatures, and this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Therefore, I call on my colleagues to support the establishment of National Pet Week, to celebrate pet ownership, recognize those who provide responsible animal care, and educate our children about a standard of respect towards all living creatures.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 142) expressing the sense of the Congress that there should be established a National Pet Week, 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 this piece of legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H. Con. Res. 142, a bill expressing the sense of Congress there should be established a National Pet Week. H. Con. Res. 142, which has 53 cosponsors, was introduced by Representative Christopher Shays on May 3, 2007. H. Con. Res. 142 was reported from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2007, by voice vote.

National Pet Week was jointly founded in 1991 by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Auxiliary to the AVMA and is now widely celebrated throughout the United States and other parts of the world.

Each year National Pet Week's goals are to promote responsible pet ownership, celebrate the bonding and mutual admiration between animals and humans and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine.

Animals and pets provide companionship and pleasure to nearly 69 million individuals and families in the United States. These individuals have dedicated themselves to the care and responsibility of treating animals with love and respect.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague Representative Christopher Shays for introducing this legislation and I urge swift passage of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Mr. Shays, upon the introduction of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.