Submitted Resolutions

Floor Speech

SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS -- (Senate - June 29, 2007)

SENATE RESOLUTION 262--DESIGNATING JULY 2007 AS ``NATIONAL WATERMELON MONTH''

Mr. CHAMBLISS (for himself and Mr. Isakson) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

S. Res. 262

Whereas watermelon production constitutes an important sector of the agricultural industry of the United States;

Whereas, according to the January 2006 statistics compiled by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States produces 4,200,000,000 pounds of watermelon annually;

Whereas watermelon is grown in 49 States, is purchased and consumed in all 50 States, and is exported to Canada;

Whereas evidence indicates that eating 2 1/2 to 5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily as part of a healthy diet will improve health and protect against diseases such as cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease;

Whereas proper diet and nutrition are important factors in preventing diseases such as childhood obesity and diabetes;

Whereas watermelon has no fat or cholesterol and is an excellent source of the vitamins A, B6, and C, fiber, and potassium, which are vital to good health and disease prevention;

Whereas watermelon is also an excellent source of lycopene;

Whereas lycopene, an antioxidant found only in a few red plant foods, has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers;

Whereas watermelon is a heart-healthy food that has qualified for the heart-check mark from the American Heart Association;

Whereas watermelon has been a nutritious summer favorite from generation to generation; and

Whereas it is important to educate citizens of the United States regarding the health benefits of watermelon and other fruits and vegetables: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) supports the goals and ideals of ``National Watermelon Month'';

(2) calls on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities; and

(3) designates July 2007 as ``National Watermelon Month''.

Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a resolution that will recognize July 2007 as ``National Watermelon Month.'' Watermelon production is a vital part of our Nation's agricultural sector and this resolution recognizes that fact.

According to statistics released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in January 2006, the United States produces 4,200,000,000 pounds of watermelon annually. This amount of annual production is remarkable when you consider the number of actual watermelons it represents. Watermelon varieties range in size from 5 pounds to over 40 pounds, so the number produced, consumed, and exported each year is truly amazing.

Research has shown that the inclusion of fruits and vegetables in our diets is vitally important for a healthy lifestyle. Evidence indicates that eating between 2 1/2 and 5 cups of fruits and vegetables everyday will improve health and protect against many of the diseases, especially those influenced by diet, that afflict our Nation. Watermelon provides many of the vitamins, fiber and nutrients which help prevent many of these diseases. Watermelon is also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The health benefits associated with watermelon are so outstanding that the American Heart Association has certified watermelon as a heart-healthy food, thereby qualifying it for the heart-check certification mark.

I cannot address this body without mentioning the importance of the watermelon to my home State of Georgia. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Center for Agribusiness and
Economic Development recently released its 2006 Georgia Farm Gate Value Report. Watermelon ranked 16th among all Georgia commodities with a farm gate value of a little over $111 million from almost 24,000 acres of watermelon. I am also proud to represent Cordele, Georgia, which is known as the, ``Watermelon Capital of the World.''

Recognizing July as ``National Watermelon Month'' will provide the watermelon industry with many avenues to not only market their product but also educate the public about the health benefits associated with consuming watermelon through different watermelon related programs and activities. Watermelon enjoys a long history as one of our Nation's favorite foods. As Mark Twain once said, ``When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat.'' I encourage my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the wisdom of Mark Twain by supporting this resolution.

Source