Honoring President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on "Dedication Day", November 19, 2009.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 736 ``Honoring President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on Dedication Day.''

Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes President Lincoln's speech during the November 19, 1863 dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery on the battlefield at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

This speech, forever known as the Gettysburg Address, commemorated the sacrifices of the fallen during the Civil War, and called upon people of the United States to dedicate themselves to the principles of democracy so that ``government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.'' Lincoln's words transcend the context of the Civil War and have served as an inspiration for visitors to the Lincoln Memorial, including the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., who chose the Memorial steps as the location to deliver his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech. King started his speech by invoking Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and reminding those gathered before him of the importance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

King's words remind us of the importance of President Lincoln, as well as how his legacy cannot be embodied by any one speech or action. This resolution is particularly timely given that, this year we celebrate the 200th anniversary of President Lincoln's birth. President Lincoln was a true champion of liberty for all Americans, and he led the nation during very turbulent political times from the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was portrayed as a self-made man, the liberator of the slaves, and the savior of the Union who had given his life so that others could be free. President Lincoln became Father Abraham, a near mythological hero, ``lawgiver'' to African Americans, and a ``Masterpiece of God'' sent to save the Union. His humor was presented as an example of his humanity; his numerous pardons demonstrated his ``great soul''; and his sorrowful

demeanor reflected the burdens of his lonely journey as the leader of a ``blundering and sinful'' people.

Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, two uneducated farmers, in a one-room log cabin on the 348-acre Sinking Spring Farm, in southeast Hardin County, Kentucky. Lincoln began his political career in 1832, at age 23, with an unsuccessful campaign for the Illinois General Assembly, as a member of the Whig Party.

Lincoln was a true opponent of injustice. In 1837, he made his first protest against slavery in the Illinois House, stating that the institution was ``founded on both injustice and bad policy.

Opposed to the 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act, Lincoln spoke to a crowd in Peoria, Illinois, on October 16, 1854, outlining the moral, political and economic arguments against slavery that he would continue to uphold throughout his career.

His ``Western'' origins also appealed to the newer states: other contenders, especially those with more governmental experience, had acquired enemies within the party and were weak in the critical western states, while Lincoln was perceived as a moderate who could win the West.

On November 6, 1860, Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. In his First Inaugural Address, Lincoln declared, ``I hold that in contemplation of universal law and of the Constitution the Union of these States is perpetual. Perpetuity is implied, if not expressed, in the fundamental law of all national governments,'' arguing further that the purpose of the United States Constitution was ``to form a more perfect union.''

Lincoln possessed a keen understanding of strategic points and understood the importance of defeating the enemy's army, rather than simply capturing cities. He had, however, limited success in motivating his commanders to adopt his strategies until late 1863, when he found a man who shared his vision of the war in Ulysses S. Grant. Only then could he insist on using African American troops and relentlessly pursue a series of coordinated offensives in multiple theaters.

Throughout the war, Lincoln showed a keen curiosity with the military campaigns. He spent hours at the War Department telegraph office, reading dispatches from his generals. He visited battle sites frequently, and seemed fascinated by scenes of war.

The Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in territories not already under Union control. Lincoln later said: ``I never, in my life, felt more certain that I was doing right, than I do in signing this paper.''

As the war was drawing to a close, Lincoln became the first American president to be assassinated. On April 14, 1865, as a lone bodyguard wandered, and Lincoln sat in his state box, John Wilkes Booth crept up behind the President and fired a single fatal shot into the President. However, his triumphs live on far past this date.

In 1982, forty-nine historians and political scientists were asked by the Chicago Tribune to rate all the Presidents through Jimmy Carter in five categories: leadership qualities, accomplishments/crisis management, political skills, appointments, and character/integrity. At the top of the list stood Abraham Lincoln. The judgment of historians and the public tells us that Abraham Lincoln was the nation's greatest President by every measure applied.

Because he was committed to preserving the Union and thus vindicating democracy no matter what the consequences to himself, the Union was indeed saved. Because he understood that ending slavery required patience, careful timing, shrewd calculations, and an iron resolve, slavery was indeed killed. Lincoln managed in the process of saving the Union and killing slavery to define the creation of a more perfect Union in terms of liberty and economic equality that rallied the citizenry behind him. Because he understood that victory in both great causes depended upon purposeful and visionary presidential leadership as well as the exercise of politically acceptable means, he left as his legacy a United States that was both whole and free. His great achievement, historians tell us, was his ability to energize and mobilize the nation by appealing to its best ideals while acting ``with malice towards none'' in the pursuit of a more perfect, more just, and more enduring Union.

Mr. Speaker, President Lincoln has paved the way for people of color such as me to serve in Congress and represent the people of the 18th District of Texas proudly. He has been a trailblazer, opening the door for our first African American President, President Barack Obama.

This year, we celebrate the life of President Abraham Lincoln. He has given America many victories. Importantly, his presidency opened the door to ensure that all Americans would be assured their constitutional freedoms and that all Americans would enjoy the triumph against oppression and injustice. President Lincoln has lit the candle, let us today continue to carry it and make sure that it will never go out.

One hundred and forty six years after the Gettysburg Address, Lincoln's words continue to inspire people and governments not only in America, but throughout the world. In 1958, France adopted the constitution of its' fifth--and current--republic. Under Title 1, Section 2, the constitution states that ``the principle of the Republic shall be: government of the people, by the people and for the people.'' This is one of many examples of other nations viewing our great country as a beacon of democracy.

I thank my colleague, Rep. Todd Platts, of Pennsylvania, for introducing this important legislation, to ensure that we celebrate, treasure and recognize the impact of President Abraham Lincoln's most famous speech and I urge my colleagues to honor President Lincoln not only by joining me in supporting this resolution, but also by promoting the reading and examining of this speech on November 19th.

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

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 736) honoring President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on ``Dedication Day'', November 19, 2009.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous materials.

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

On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 736 for consideration. This resolution pays tribute to the historic Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1863.

House Resolution 736 was introduced on September 10, 2009, by my great friend and colleague, Representative Todd Platts, Republican of the 19th District of Pennsylvania. In addition, this resolution was favorably reported out of the Oversight Committee by unanimous consent on October 29, 2009, and enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 736 honors one of the most remarkable and significant political contributions in terms of speeches made by one of our greatest Presidents, the Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, November 19, 1863. This resolution is not only fitting but also timely, as earlier this year we celebrated the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of President Lincoln, and on November 19 we will mark the 146th anniversary of Dedication Day and the Gettysburg Address.

In his invitation letter to President Lincoln, dated November 2, 1863, Gettysburg attorney David Wills requested that President Lincoln participate in the dedication ceremony by delivering ``a few appropriate remarks,'' as Wills noted that former Senator Edward Everett of Massachusetts was already scheduled to deliver the central oration. Accordingly, the dedication address delivered by President Lincoln more than 4 months following the pivotal battle of Gettysburg is not remembered for its length, but rather for the depth of its content.

In less than 3 minutes and in only 10 sentences, President Lincoln eloquently commemorated the lives of those who had fallen on the hallowed battlefield, reaffirmed the founding principles of the then- divided United States of America, and set forth the impetus behind the continuation of the shared struggle to unify the Nation amidst a deadly Civil War.

As noted by President Lincoln at the conclusion his historic address: ``It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus so far nobly advanced . . . that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this Nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom; and that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this Earth.''

The elegance of President Lincoln's brief words was noted by Senator Everett, whose oration at Gettysburg preceded the President's address and lasted approximately 2 hours. In a letter that he sent to President Lincoln following the dedication ceremony, Senator Everett wrote: ``I should be glad if I could flatter myself that I

came as near to the central idea of the occasion in 2 hours as you did in 2 minutes.''

And the profound impact of President Lincoln's address on our national history has been evident for generations. In addition to its prominence on the south wall of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Gettysburg Address has served as a timeless source of inspiration in our eternal commitment as a Nation to achieve equality among all citizens. Notably, President Lincoln's address was referenced in the equally historic ``I Have a Dream'' speech delivered by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in August of 1963.

Mr. Speaker, in acknowledgement of the lasting impact of President Lincoln's words, the 79th Congress approved House Joint Resolution 35 on August 7, 1946, thereby designating the day of November 19 as Dedication Day. The 79th Congress additionally characterized the Gettysburg Address as ``the outstanding classic of the ages'' and recognized that ``it will touch the hearts of men and inspire faith in our matchless democracy as long as time endures.''

Mr. Speaker, let us pay further tribute to President Lincoln in the year of his bicentennial birthday celebration and in anticipation of the 146th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address through our support of Representative Todd Platts of Pennsylvania's resolution, 736.

I would like to thank my colleague Mr. Platts for introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this resolution.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that the current resolution is offered by my dear friend and colleague who happens to be a Republican; so if I did not extend him the courtesy, Mr. Platts of Pennsylvania, to offer this resolution, I think it would not comport to the level of courtesy that this House requires.

I do want to point out that of the last seven resolutions that we have taken up in the House today, five out of the seven were offered by Republican Members: Senate 475 by Senator Burr, House Resolution 773 by Representative Boozman, again 1168 by Representative Boozman. Those are all dealing with veterans' issues. Representative Cao of Veterans' Affairs, House Resolution 828; and H. Res. 398 by Representative Fortenberry, another one of my great Republican friends.

So if the gentleman wanted to complain and restrain his own Members from offering what I think are meritorious and deserving resolutions with respect to veterans and to the people of their own districts, that's a courtesy that I fully and fairly recognize and choose to honor, but if the gentleman wants to press with his desire to curtail--

The gentleman has already exhausted his time to no apparent purpose. It would be an attack on common sense for me to yield to him at this time.

With that being said, Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members to support Mr. Platts of Pennsylvania in his resolution, my Republican friend.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 736, which honors the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address as ``Dedication Day'' on November 19, 2009. I am proud to have introduced this resolution as we celebrate the bicentennial of President Lincoln's birthday in 2009 and remember the words of this most remarkable speech.

Arriving by train to Gettysburg on the evening of November 18, 1863, few knew the impact Lincoln's words would have on the future of our Nation and its citizens. The Address' message was one of paying tribute to those who lost their lives while at the same time affirming a belief that democracy may prevail despite the immeasurable losses suffered by both the North and South.

Lincoln's speech was just over two minutes in length, but its meaning has long endured. Nearly 63 years ago, Congress passed a joint resolution designating November 19, 1946, the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, as Dedication Day and declaring the Gettysburg Address to be ``the outstanding classic of the ages.'' The resolution suggested that the Gettysburg Address ``be read on that day in public assemblages throughout the United States and its possessions, on our ships at sea, and wherever the American flag flies.'' Additionally, lines from the Gettysburg Address can be found in Martin Luther King Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech, and its entirety is marked a short distance from where we stand today, on the south wall of the Lincoln Memorial.

During this bicentennial year of Lincoln's birth, the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which have both endorsed this resolution, are holding numerous events celebrating the life and legacy of our sixteenth President. On November 19, 2009 the Pennsylvania Abraham Lincoln Commission is hosting ``Dedication Day,'' with events occurring at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the site of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. As we celebrate Lincoln's bicentennial, I urge my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take time to read the words of this remarkable speech:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth,

upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and

dedicated to the proposition that `all men are created

equal.' Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing

whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so

dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle

field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it,

as a final resting place for those who died here, that the

nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do. But, in

a larger sense, we can not dedicate--we can not consecrate--

we can not hallow, this ground--The brave men, living and

dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our

poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor

long remember what we say here; while it can never forget

what they did here.

It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to

the great task remaining before us--that, from these honored

dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they

here, gave the last full measure of devotion--that we here

highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that

the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that

government of the people by the people for the people, shall

not perish from the earth.

Two centuries after his birth, the message of the Gettysburg Address is as significant as ever. As such, please join me in paying tribute to one of our Nation's most important speeches and support House Resolution 736.

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

Mr. Speaker, as I said in the two previous resolutions that have come forth from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, while I do support the legislation at hand and the motivation behind it, I do think that Congress should be focusing instead on higher-priority initiatives.

We're facing record unemployment, deficits that threaten to bankrupt the country, and a stimulus that is failing to help our people and create new jobs. Congress should be considering legislation providing real and immediate economic solutions for the American people before naming and commemorating resolutions.

I certainly appreciate the initiative of my colleagues to acknowledge the Gettysburg Address and the anniversary that we are fast approaching. I do find it quite interesting as a Congressman from a Southern State that my colleague that controls the majority's time is from a Northern State. It's kind of interesting that actually those dynamics still persist of both Southerners and Yankees alike, or New Englanders. But we can have an honest debate in this country, which is certainly worthwhile, and I think that Lincoln's Gettysburg Address certainly is a wonderful and enormous milestone for all Americans. Whether or not your State was in the Union at that point, whether it even existed at that point, it's certainly important.

On November 19, 1863, President Lincoln delivered a carefully crafted address that was assumed by many to be overshadowed by Senator Edward Everett's 2-hour oration. So unsuspecting was the crowd and so swift was the speech that no pictures were taken while the address was given. If the crowd had known that they were witnessing the defining speech of the War Between the States, I'm confident that many more would have been better prepared for the occasion.

In 10 lines and 272 words, the President redefined the war as an effort to solidify the American political system, our Republic, calling upon the Nation to dedicate themselves to a new birth of freedom so that government ``of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the Earth.''

We all know these words, Mr. Speaker. We all care about these words. Though brief, his oration was powerful. In these few appropriate remarks, Lincoln honored the fallen but also paid homage to the Founding Fathers and their commitment to a Nation led by its people.

Mr. Speaker, I would say in closing on a larger issue for the American people that this commemorating resolution, while certainly it's important to honor the Gettysburg Address, and though delivered in 1863, I think today we are at an anniversary of the 146th year for the Gettysburg Address, and it's important that we remember and commemorate this; but I think it's also important that we have a real debate about health care.

I do appreciate my colleague saying earlier that we're going to have a debate. We have 72 hours to review the 1,990-page health care bill, which is good, and certainly we're grateful, as a minority party, to have that time to review such a massive piece of legislation.

But I also think it's important that we have significant debate on this legislation. And rather than having just 2 or 3 hours, which has been the news this week that we will have to debate such a far-reaching piece of legislation on this House floor, that we would be able to spend more time, even on a Monday, debating health care and the importance of getting this approach right for the American people not just for today but for tomorrow.

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

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Madam Speaker, I want to state for the record that yesterday I missed the six rollcall votes of the day. Unfortunately I missed these votes because I was detained in my district.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 835, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended--H.R. 3949-- Veterans' Small Business Assistance and Servicemembers Protection Act of 2009.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 836, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H. Res. 398--Recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift's success.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 837, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H. Res. 866--Expressing support for designation of a National Veterans History Project Week to encourage public participation in a nationwide project that collects and preserves the stories of the men and women who served our nation in times of war and conflict.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 838, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree, as Amended--H. Res. 867--Calling on the President and the Secretary of State to oppose unequivocally any endorsement or further consideration of the ``Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict'' in multilateral fora.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 839, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass--H.R. 3157--To name the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the ``Max J. Beilke Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.''

Lastly, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 840, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree--H. Res. 736-- Honoring President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address on ``Dedication Day'', November 19, 2009.