A resolution designating Thursday, November 19, 2009, as "Feed America Day".

Mr. President, I rise today to speak regarding an effort that I have supported for a number of years and something I am very proud to have championed in the Senate for over 4 years. I speak, of Feed America Day. More than just the recognition of a single day, the Feed America campaign is a nationwide effort promoted by a number of charitable organizations and supported by numerous communities throughout the country. It is aimed at encouraging our Nation's spirit of selflessness and sacrifice in order to help those in need.

Those who participate in Feed America Day encourage all Americans to sacrifice two meals on the Thursday before Thanksgiving Day and to donate the money they would have used for food to a charity or religious organization in their community for the purpose of feeding the Hungry. In a simple and practical way, this is an effort to harness the generosity of the American people in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season.

We live in the most prosperous nation on the planet. Even in the face of our current difficulties, that remains true. Yet, according to the Department of Agriculture's most recent numbers, roughly 35 million Americans, including 12 million children, live in households that do not have an adequate supply of food. I think we can all agree that it is a good idea to encourage the American people to do more for the hungry in their communities, even if we don't always agree as to what Congress should do on such matters.

Today, I have submitted a resolution that would designate Thursday, November 19, 2009, as Feed America Day. Once passed, this will be the fifth consecutive year that this day has been recognized by the Senate. I want to personally thank Senator Tom Udall from New Mexico for all his efforts in supporting and promoting this resolution and we are joined by Senators Bennett, Crapo, Lugar, and Reed. I urge my Senate colleagues and every American to join me in helping to assist those in need and affirming the long-standing values that have made our Nation great.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Judiciary Committee be discharged from further consideration of and the Senate now proceed to S. Res. 334.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider be laid upon the table.