Expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the week of Monday, March 15, 2010.

For Monday, March 15, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 112 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1145), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 113 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 114 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1163), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 115 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 267).

For Tuesday, March 16, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 116 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4628), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 117 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 311), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 118 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 605), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 119 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1128).

For Wednesday, March 17, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 120 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1089), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 121 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1167), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 122 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1184), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 123 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1141), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 124 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to S. 1147), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 125 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3954), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 126 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 946), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 127 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4825).

For Thursday, March 18, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 131 (on motion to refer H. Res. 1193, raising a question of the privileges of the House), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 132 (on motion to table H. Res. 1193, raising a question of the privileges of the House), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 133 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3542), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 134 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3509), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 135 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1173).

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1167) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.

Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1167 into the Record.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day. There are more than 600,000 people in the United States who devote their lives to social work and to the improvement of the society in which we live by obtaining social work degrees. Social workers dedicate their time, energy, and career to assisting individuals, families, and communities through complicated social issues and complex choices. As many of you know, social workers have been instrumental in instigating important social movements in the United States and abroad.

Francis Perkins, who championed the minimum wage laws and reduced the work week for women to 48 hours, and Harry Hopkins, who relocated to New Orleans in order to work for the American Red Cross as director of civilian relief, are two examples of social workers who saw a need to change conditions for a community and set out to work in the community to help meet that need.

Social workers use their tools and skills in schools, courtrooms, clinics, nursing homes, and the military, just to name a few. However, the need for social work is expected to grow twice as fast as other occupations, especially within the health care sector as our aging demographics require more services. Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, which is March 16, 2010, build awareness of professional social workers and their commitment to people. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring those who choose social work as a profession to better society.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1167, expressing support for the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day. Social workers are an important part of communities throughout the Nation and they inspire community action to improve lives. Social workers know the full range of challenges facing families of every description, and they help people reach their full potential.

Social workers make a wide range of social contributions throughout their careers. Many social workers work to resolve systemic issues that negatively affect a community. Some work in education or research, and others serve as heads of nonprofit organizations to create positive sustainable changes in communities. Most social workers serve individuals and families. Working through private practice, agencies, and organizations, they provide resources and guidance that support social functioning. Many people who become social workers believe there are no limits to human potential, and use their talents to help others.

Social work is a profession of hope, grounded in practical problem- solving expertise. Social workers are employed in schools, courtrooms, drug treatment clinics, hospitals, senior centers, shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons, and corporations. They are on the front lines, developing social programs that are responsive to such needs as homelessness, poverty, mental illness, physical and mental disability, substance abuse, domestic violence, and many other issues.

This year's Social Work Month theme, ``Social Workers Inspire Community Action,'' showcases the expertise of these dedicated professionals and the impact they have on the improvement of community life. Today, we recognize the contributions of millions of caring individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through social work.

I ask that my colleagues support this resolution.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 121, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''