A concurrent resolution authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

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

I rise today in support of S. Con. Res. 75, authorizing use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event in January marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

Madam Speaker, Presidential inaugural addresses are always historic and are often some of the most memorable events during different eras of our country's history.

We can recall Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address in 1861, President Franklin Roosevelt's inaugural address in 1933, and President Ronald Reagan's inaugural address in 1981, among many others, as addresses that inspired this Nation at particular moments of importance.

In 1961, President Kennedy's inaugural address rightly challenged us to ask what we could do for our country and not what our country could do for us. As people across this land did 50 years ago, so we must continue to do now. We must ask ourselves how we can best contribute to our society--by providing for our families, by participating in our communities, in civil society, in our children's schools, and by looking at the lives and needs intimately and immediately around us and seeking to meet them.

Some were then, and some may now, be also called to use their skills and services in our military, diplomatic, and public service sectors. Self-government needs all these attributes and contributions, and President Kennedy's address boldly challenged us to meet them.

Madam Speaker, I support this resolution authorizing use of the rotunda. I, too, believe we should look for inspiration to President Kennedy's eloquent address given some 50 years ago this coming January.

As I say, I hope all will join us in supporting this resolution.

I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 75) authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for an event marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous matter on the measure now under consideration.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, this Senate concurrent resolution authorizes use of the Capitol rotunda on January 20, 2011, for a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's inaugural address. In that speech half a century ago, the President urged our country forward with words that still apply today, particularly as we close one session of Congress and start another.

President Kennedy said, ``So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate. Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.''

Madam Speaker, I am sincerely looking forward to this commemorative ceremony. I know of no controversy to this measure and urge my colleagues to support Senate Concurrent Resolution 75.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman for his words. I ask for an ``aye'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Con. Res. 75.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution and the preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc, and that any statements related to the concurrent resolution be printed in the Record.