A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "National Life Insurance Awareness Month".

Mr. President, I rise today to recognize September 2007 as National Life Insurance Awareness Month.

I speak from personal experience when I say that you should never take for granted that you will always wake up tomorrow in the same condition you are in today. We can never be sure when our time will come, and it is always best to be prepared for the unexpected. An important part of preparedness is financial readiness, and that is why National Life Insurance Awareness Month is needed.

There are 68 million Americans either with no life insurance or who are underinsured. It is concerning that there is such a large segment of the adult population in this country without proper financial planning tools. In a time of loss, a life insurance policy can mean the difference between having to sell the family home, pulling the kids out of college, or even, in some cases, having enough money to put food on the table. I want to commend the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and the Life Insurance Foundation for Education as well as more than 100 insurance companies for their effort to raise consumer awareness of the important role that life insurance products can play in helping families plan their financial futures.

I am also pleased that so many of our local financial advisors and financial institutions are already actively involved in helping South Dakotans increase savings and plan financial contingencies for unexpected events. By designating September 2007 as ``Life Insurance Awareness Month,'' I hope that the increased national attention on this issue will further encourage people across America to achieve financial security for themselves and their loved ones.

Mr. President, I wish to honor Ms. Rita A. Almon, who has served as program director for the U.S. Senate Youth Program for 29 years. She will retire after this year's 45th anniversary program, which is currently being held March 3 to 10, 2007, in Washington, DC.

During her tenure Ms. Almon has overseen the education and safety of thousands of high school student delegates who come annually to the Nation's Capital for this unique educational program about government, leadership and public service. She has worked closely with Senators and their staffs as well as with senior officials from each branch of Government to secure an opportunity for these young men and women to see their Government up close and to meet the individuals who make it work.

The mission of the U.S. Senate Youth Program, as set out in S. Res. 324 in 1962, states that ``the continued vitality of our Republic depends, in part, on the intelligent understanding of our political processes and the functions of our National Government by the citizens of the United States; and the durability of a constitutional democracy is dependent upon alert, talented, vigorous competition for political leadership.''

Rita A. Almon has achieved the mission of the U.S. Senate Youth Program by adhering to the highest standards of ethics and integrity, setting a shining example for the young men and women who participate. I join my colleagues in commending her and wish her well in her future endeavors.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 324, which was submitted earlier today.

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.