Honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.

I thank the gentleman for the time and I thank him for bringing this bill to the floor. And I thank the gentlemen on the other side of the aisle for their support of this bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise as one who was part of the bipartisan coalition who established in this Chamber the Martin Luther King holiday some two and a half decades ago. That was a glorious day here, and it was a day in which we acted for the right reasons.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929. Perhaps it is fitting that Dr. King was born in that year, for while the great Crash of 1929 would shake the economic and financial fundamentals of our country and our society, Dr. King's life and work would just as dramatically shake this Nation into reconfirming our commitments to our moral and constitutional foundations.

Madam Speaker, in honor of Dr. King, we do not have the time to recount the entire complex history of civil rights in this country, but Dr. King knew and appreciated the shoulders upon which he stood. Slavery was our founding fault, and segregation our enduring national stain. Dr. King knew these truths in his soul, and knew many we could discuss today that fought their struggles for civil rights and laid the groundwork for Dr. King's life work. The gentleman from Georgia is one of those people. We have individuals like Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, the African Americans who so nobly, heroically, and tragically served in Congress after the Civil War, Booker T. Washington, the early founders of the NAACP, Emmett Till, Medgar Evers, the tirelessly persistent, transportation-less souls in Montgomery, the brave individuals in Birmingham, Alabama and Philadelphia, Mississippi, those who tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and many, many more.

We think of those 180,000 African Americans who served and fought for this country during the Civil War, those who fought bravely against the suffering, the unspeakable lynchings, the violence, the de facto and de jure segregation and the enforced callousness and ruthlessness of being second-class citizens in a Nation founded upon liberty.

Many could have been bitter. Those who succeeded were not bitter, but they called us to our better spirits. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on these precedents, rightly admonishing us to look to their example, and we should all take pride in their and his commitment to equality and to civil rights.

Madam Speaker, Dr. King's letter from a Birmingham jail is one of the finest articulations of the moral prerequisites of the rule of law and its fundamental necessity to our legal, political, and societal foundations ever written. When I talk to school children, oftentimes I tell them to take a look at that letter. When you realize that letter was written without any access to books at the time, that he wrote under very difficult circumstances in a sparse jail cell, you appreciate even more the wisdom and the grace of the language that Dr. King used. His articulation of natural rights guided by natural law, of just and unjust laws, and of the objective and nonarbitrary basis for the rule of law, just government, and moral order is, in my judgment, without comparison.

So as we call, in this resolution, people of this Nation, particularly young people, to dedicate a portion of that day to service to their country, let us remember the vision of Dr. King as he understood the true basis for laws in this country.

When asked by some of the other ministers in Birmingham why he would interfere, he basically answered that it was his obligation to stand up against injustice. He said that he was a man of the law, but we were called to follow just laws, not unjust laws. He answered the question as to the difference between the two. And he, in my judgment, made a very, very specific reference to natural law in which he said that there are those laws which violate the laws of God, that we know them to be unjust, and therefore we must work against them.

I also remember in that letter he said to these ministers, who were similarly Christian ministers, when they accused him of being an outside agitator, and I can only paraphrase his words, but he said words to this effect: He said, What was Christ but an outside agitator for love? What was Christ but someone who attempted to seek justice? And are not we called upon to do the same thing?

So as we, in this resolution, call upon young people and others of this country to commit some time in the service of others, let them understand that Dr. King's appeal went deeper than just serving another; it was serving another for the right reason, it was for fighting for justice, not only in your community, but anywhere that you saw injustice.

There are few heroes in any lifetime that you have; but certainly, for those of us old enough to have been alive during Dr. King's lifetime, even though we may not have marched with him, we were honored to be part of a generation that saw his life and his commitment and his call to justice and truth and, fundamentally, to a full application of the Constitution of the United States and the foundations upon which this country is based.

I thank you for the time.

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, January 12, I requested and received a leave of absence until January 27, 2010.

For the information of our colleagues and my constituents, below is how I would have voted on the following votes I missed during this time period.

On rollcall 1, Establishing a quorum in the House of Representatives for the Second Session of the 111th Congress, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 2, Disposing of the President's Veto of H.J. Res. 64 (H.J. Res. 64), I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 3, Honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (H. Res. 1002) I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 4, Supporting the initiatives of Chicago Wilderness and the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights (H. Res. 860), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 5, To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 101 West Highway 64 Bypass in Roper, North Carolina, as the ``E.V. Wilkins Post Office (H.R. 3892), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 6, Congratulating the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for its 150 years of commitment to advancing science and improving health (H. Res. 1004), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 7, Congratulating the Penn State women's volleyball team on winning the 2009 NCAA Division I national championship (H. Res. 1015), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 8, Commending the University of Virginia men's soccer team for winning the 2009 Division I NCAA National Championship (H. Res. 991), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 9, Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3254-Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act--H.R. 3342 Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act--and H.R. 1065-White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009 (H. Res. 1017), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 10, Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2009 (H.R. 3726), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 11, Idaho Wilderness Water Resources Protection Act (H.R. 3254), I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 12, Taos Pueblo Indian Water Rights Settlement Act (H.R. 3254), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 13, Aamodt Litigation Settlement Act (H.R. 3342), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 14, White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act of 2009 (H.R. 1065), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 15, Expressing Condolences to and Solidarity with the People of Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating Earthquake of January 12th, 2010 (H.R. 1021), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 16, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act (H.R. 730), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 17, Expressing support for designation of January 2010 as ``National Mentoring Month'' (H. Res. 990), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 18, Recognizing the importance of cervical health and of detecting cervical cancer during its earliest stages and supporting the goals and ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month (H. Res. 1011), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 19, Expressing support for the designation of January 10, 2010, through January 16, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week (H. Res. 1003), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 20, Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4474--Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act--and H.R. 3726-Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2010 (H. Res. 1038), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 21, Expressing support for designation of January as Poverty in America Awareness Month (H. Res. 1024), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 22, Idaho Wilderness Water Facilities Act (H.R. 4474), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 23, Castle Nugent National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2010 (H.R. 3726), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 24, To provide for an additional temporary extension of programs under the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (H.R. 4508), I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 25, Honoring the 95th anniversary of the signing of the Rocky Mountain National Park Act (H.R. 1020), I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1002, honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service. Through the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, we honor Dr. King's noble vision of equality and message of compassion.

Dr. King preached peace in the fight for equality, shaking the foundations of segregation with love for others, even those who sought to oppose his vision. His unyielding commitment to non-violent resistance anchored his messages, and his ``I Have a Dream'' speech changed America and sparked a movement that embraced civil rights, justice, equality and human dignity for all. This is a movement that we must continue to fight for and protect.

We have celebrated considerable successes due to Dr. King's Dream. Housing, schools and transportation are now accessible by all Americans. Indeed, in 2008 Americans took another great step toward realizing Dr. King's vision by electing America's first African- American President, Barack Obama. These achievements were not easily won, but Dr. King's Dream has proven resilient and it has persevered.

As a Representative of Silicon Valley, one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the country, I appreciate Dr. King's message of equality. As Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, CAPAC, I recognize the great strides that have been made since Dr. King sparked the historic civil rights movement, and CAPAC has continued to vigilantly ensure equal opportunity remains accessible to all. For his vision and sacrifices, we owe Dr. King a great debt of gratitude for his service and leadership to our Nation, and there is no better way to express that gratitude than through our own personal service to the Nation.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service will serve to remind Americans that we should all take the time to contribute to our communities. This day continues to pay tribute to the life and actions of a great man, as we continue to foster brotherhood and service amongst our friends, neighbors, and communities. Since its designation as a federal holiday in 1994, Americans have Dr. King's birthday to act on his ideals. It has been a day to improve lives, bridge social barriers, and change our Nation into the ``Beloved Community'' that Dr. King had hoped to see during his life. Thanks in part to the commitment we have shown to honor Dr. King, the Day of Service continues to grow in popularity as a chance for citizens, business leaders, and public officials alike to contribute to their communities. In 2009 alone, over 13,000 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service projects occurred throughout the Nation, honoring the Dream of Dr. King.

I am pleased that the constituents of California's 15th District have answered this call to service as a tribute to Dr. King's life. Constituents of all backgrounds volunteer to remove graffiti, pick up litter, improve parks, and engage in other activities that aim to selflessly improve the world around them. Though each individual's effort may be small, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service provides the medium to combine an individual's energies with those of his or her neighbors. The resulting collaboration is an impactful and tangible celebration of Dr. King's messages.

As we near the day of remembrance, we must recognize that the fight goes on. Dr. King's Dream embodies an ideal for our Nation to pursue-- Americans of all ethnicities and creeds, living together with dignity and hope. To admire Dr. King's life requires us to follow his legacy. Let us honor his life by working together to continue to build an America where every child enjoys all the privileges of equal opportunity and freedom.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1002) honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encouraging the continued commitment to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.

Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 1002 into the Record.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1002, which honors the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and encourages the continued commitment to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a national day of service.

January 18, 2010, marks an important holiday for our country; it is a day in which our Nation reflects on the life and teachings of an inspirational and courageous leader, Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. King devoted his life to the causes of equality and social justice, believing that unity in nonviolence and service to our fellow man would empower individuals and strengthen our communities and our country.

Dr. King once said, ``Life's most urgent and persistent question is: What are you doing for others?'' As the King Day of Service approaches, I encourage my peers, colleagues, and every American citizen to answer Dr. King's call to service by volunteering within your communities.

Last year, the 2009 King Day of Service brought together more than 1 million volunteers across the Nation to work on more than 13,000 projects. This year, public and private entities alike, including the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Clear Channel, UPS, City Year, and Habitat for Humanity, are committed to building on last year's success and generating an even larger show of unity and service in this country.

Service and volunteerism are fundamental American values demonstrated by our citizens throughout history. In good times or in our hour of greatest need, fellow citizens have always come together with great spirit and generosity. As a country, we have looked to national service for healing and hope as well as joy and laughter.

The inherent value of service to our communities was acknowledged and affirmed by Congress and President Obama when in April, 2009, the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act was signed into law. This legislation has jump-started a new era of service, creating a continuum of service for which Americans of all ages and from every background can lend their experience and skills to uplift our communities and transform this Nation.

Since its passage, organizations like AmeriCorps have been able to significantly expand their membership, receiving more applications than they have capacity for at a ratio of four to one. This year's King Day of Service provides each of us with the opportunity to follow in Dr. King's footsteps through service to our communities on this day and throughout the year to come.

Madam Speaker, I proudly support this resolution and thank Congressman Platts for bringing this bill forward. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis).

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1002, which promotes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a day of national service and recognizes the efforts of the countless Americans who will volunteer their time and efforts on behalf of many worthy causes.

I am proud to have introduced this resolution with my fellow co- Chairs of the National Service Caucus, Representatives Doris Matsui, Vern Ehlers, and David Price; as well as Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller, Representative John Lewis, and numerous other colleagues.

It was in 1994 that Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday as a national day of service in recognition of Dr. King's selfless and courageous service to his fellow citizens. Since then, we have seen a growing number of individuals embrace this day as a day on, not a day off.

In 2009, millions of Americans spent Martin Luther King, Jr. Day serving in over 13,000 projects all across the country. This year, the Corporation for National and Community Service is again working with the King Center and six other grantees to promote the King Day of Service. In years past, organizations like the Capital Area Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and the Boys and Girls Club all benefited from the volunteer efforts of everyday Americans. I am looking forward to again volunteering myself at the Crispus Attucks Association of York back in my home town.

As January 18 quickly approaches, I encourage my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take advantage of the countless service opportunities available in your local communities. A list of opportunities can be found at Serve.gov as well as MLKday.gov. In addition to the day's activities, families and individuals will be given resources as to how they can serve their communities throughout the year.

As we reflect on the great gift of compassion and selflessness that Dr. King has given us both in his life and in passing, may we remember his words, ``Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.''

I urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Daniel E. Lungren).

Madam Speaker, again, I urge a ``yes'' vote in support of the resolution. I am honored to join with the gentlemen from Michigan and Georgia, and I am certainly delighted and honored to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from California and his work in establishing the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

I yield back the balance of my time.