Expressing support for the designation of February 8, 2010, as "Boy Scouts of America Day", in celebration of the Nation's largest youth scouting organization's 100th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 356) expressing support for the designation of February 8, 2010, as ``Boy Scouts of America Day'', in celebration of the Nation's largest youth scouting organization's 100th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks

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

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to present House Resolution 356 for consideration. This legislation expresses our support for the designation of February 8, 2010, as ``Boy Scouts of America Day'' in recognition of the youth organization's upcoming 100th anniversary.

House Resolution 356 was introduced by my colleague Representative Ralph Hall of Texas, on April 23, 2009, and favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on May 6, 2009. Additionally, House Resolution 356 enjoys the support of over 70 Members of Congress.

Madam Speaker, the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated by Chicago publisher William Dixon Boyce on February 8, 1910, with President William Howard Taft named to serve as the organization's first honorary president. Pursuant to its stated purpose, the newly founded Boy Scouts of America sought to educate America's youth in ``patriotism, courage, self-reliance, and kindred values'' through a variety of educational, civic, and recreational programs and activities. By the year 1912, every State in America could claim a troop of Scouts. And in 1916, the organization received a Federal charter from the 62nd Congress.

Since its incorporation in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has now witnessed the enrollment of over 111 million Scouts, with Scouting currently found in 185 countries around the world. Former Scouts and Scout volunteers include a number of prominent Americans, including Presidents John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Gerald Ford. President Ford often described the impact of Scouting on his career, stating that, ``Without hesitation, because of Scouting principles, I know I was a better athlete, I was a better naval officer, I was a better Congressman, and I was a better-prepared President.''

In 2008 alone, the Boy Scouts of America provided educational community service and recreational programs to over 2.8 million young people, with the support of over 1.1 million volunteers and nearly 130,000 community-based organizations. As noted by the Boy Scouts of America's most recent Annual Report to the Nation, two events in 2008 exemplified the promise and the value of Scouting.

Firstly, throughout the course of 5 weeks in the summer of 2008, approximately 3,600 Scouts and volunteers, in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, participated in Arrow Corps Five, a project designated to benefit our national forests. The program resulted in the completion of more than $5.6 million worth of national forest improvements.

Additionally, June 11 of 2008 witnessed the destruction of Iowa's Little Sioux Scout Ranch by a devastating tornado which, sadly, resulted in the deaths of four Scouts and injuries to 48 other Scouts and staff. In response, groups of Scouts and volunteers promptly set up a triage system, provided first aid to the injured, and began digging victims from the rubble of the collapsed campsite. Just one day earlier, these brave Scouts, who were attending a weeklong leadership training session at the camp, had taken part in a mock emergency drill.

Notably, February 8 of next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America, and fittingly, House Resolution 356 expresses our support for the designation of that date as ``Boy Scouts of America Day.''

Madam Speaker, let us commemorate the 100 years of civic and educational service provided by the Boy Scouts of America through the adoption of House Resolution 356 and by expressing our support for the designation of February 8, 2010, as ``Boy Scouts of America Day.''

I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers, but I will continue to reserve.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with Mr. Hall of Texas in bringing forth this important resolution, and I ask all Members to support unanimously the resolution at hand.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

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

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

I rise today in support of this resolution designating February 8, 2010, as ``Boy Scouts of America Day.''

On February 8, 1910, a Chicago publisher, William Boyce, founded the Boy Scouts of America as an organization dedicated to instructing and infusing patriotic values and ethics in America's youth. Within a few years, the organization had spread to every State and in 1916 was granted a Federal charter by the United States Congress.

Since its inception, the Boy Scouts of America has grown to a membership exceeding 111 million Scouts, with over 1 million adult volunteers, and has corresponding organizations in over 85 nations around the globe. Its national and global presence has made it a compelling organization in the growth of our Nation and other countries over the past century.

The Boy Scouts of America has hosted events, such as the National Jamboree in Washington, D.C., since 1935, which attracts thousands of Boy Scouts to the D.C. area.

The youth who participate in Boy Scouts acquire fond memories of leadership training, adventure, camaraderie, and the joys of outdoor activities. Through the varied activities of the Boy Scouts, these young men are provided with a safe, constructive, and educational experience where they can acquire essential life and interpersonal skills.

The impact of the Boy Scouts of America can be seen every day on Capitol Hill. Nearly 60 percent of the current congressional membership have participated in Scouting in one form or another, including roughly 145 Members in the House of Representatives. Between the House and Senate, about 25 individuals have actually achieved Boy Scouting's highest honor, the Eagle Scout.

The Boy Scouts of America have become a mainstay of American tradition. With its powerful influence on America's youth for the past century and the presentation of its 2 millionth Eagle Scout Award this year, it is appropriate that we honor the 100th anniversary of this outstanding American organization.

Madam Speaker, on a personal note, I have to tell you, as a parent, my son Max, who was awarded the Eagle Scout not too long ago, for me and my wife, Julie, to watch the presentation where he got that Eagle pin, where he pinned on his mother the mother's pin, that's a great moment. And so many parents have been so grateful for the great work the Boy Scouts have done. I am personally in debt and gratitude to this organization for the great leadership that it brings upon the youth of America.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as the gentleman may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Texas (Mr. Hall).

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

Madam Speaker, in celebration of the nation's largest youth scouting organization's 100th anniversary, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 356, a resolution expressing support for the designation of February 8, 2010, as ``Boy Scouts of America Day.''

The Boy Scouts of America is an outstanding organization that prepares young men to be the future leaders of our Nation. Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold these boys by combining educational activities and

lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America understands that helping youth puts our nation on a path toward a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society. Scouting helps young people develop self-confidence, as well as prepare them with academic, ethical, leadership, and citizenship skills that influence their adult lives.

The Boy Scouts of America builds upon strong traditional family values to complement the education of our young men through its mission of mentoring, lifelong learning, faith traditions, serving others, healthy living, and building character.

While various activities and youth groups teach basic skills and promote teamwork, Scouting goes beyond that and encourages youth to achieve a deeper appreciation for service to others in their communities. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Scouting promotes activities that lead to personal responsibility and high self-esteem. As a result, when hard decisions must be made, peer pressure can be resisted and the right choices can be made.

Madam Speaker, from the beginning of the Boy Scout program to the eventual completion and rank of Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America has long trained young men in the necessary skills that will enable them to be the future leaders of the United States. I applaud the efforts and the accomplishments of all of our nation's Boy Scouts, and specifically those of the 11th District of Georgia, which is my privilege to represent in Congress. I urge all of my colleagues to continue to support this honorable organization and the excellent young men that it continues to produce.

Madam Speaker, I, of course, rise today in support of H.R. 356, expressing support for the designation of February 8, 2010, as ``Boy Scouts of America Day'' to honor the Nation's largest Scouting organization's 100th anniversary.

Congressman Chaffetz has done a very good job of pointing out the history of the Scouts in America. It dates way back to 1910, when it was first incorporated for the purpose of providing educational programs for boys and young adults to build their character, train them in the responsibilities of being a participating citizen, and developing personal fitness.

By the end of 1912, Scouts were enrolled in every State of the Union, which helped the Scouts obtain their Federal charter from Congress in 1916.

Boy Scouts of America endeavors to develop young men who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit and who have a high degree of self-reliance. Boy Scouts provides instructions on America's social, economic, and governmental systems and inspires young men to take pride in their American heritage and to understand the Nation's role in the world. Boy Scouts respect the basic rights of all people and are encouraged to participate in and provide leadership for their communities.

I want to recognize John Jarvis from Texarkana, Texas, who is a Scout leader with the Caddo Area Council and a member of Troop 16. John originally brought this resolution to my attention and has worked with me to bring this to the House floor today.

I also recognize Tim Hetchs for his assistance on this bill. And I want to

thank my colleagues for cosponsoring the resolution, many of whom were Boy Scouts. Several of our colleagues in Congress have participated in Scouting, including President Ford, as was pointed out by Congressman Lynch.

I ask my colleagues in the House to join us in support of H. Res. 356, in recognition of the many contributions of the Boy Scouts of America to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor, I would like to convey my support for H. Res. 356, a resolution expressing support for the designation of February 8, 2010 as ``Boy Scouts of America Day'' and for this organization that has given so much to the well-being and development of young men for generations. I am humbled to be selected as the Honorary Chairman for the hundredth anniversary of Scouting for the Indian Waters Council of South Carolina.

As the grateful father of four Eagle Scouts, I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities and benefits that come with participation in the Boy Scouts. This is an organization that has been a positive influence in our communities for nearly a century--teaching millions the importance of a strong character and a commitment to citizenship.

I am particularly grateful that the Boy Scouts have always focused on a greater appreciation and understanding of the outdoors. In 1999 and 2003, I served as an adult volunteer with my younger sons Julian and Hunter for backpacking treks at the Philmont Scout Ranch at Cimarron, New Mexico. The 100 and 75 mile hikes were an awesome introduction to me of the beauty of the American West.