Supporting National Child Awareness Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. TONKO. I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 438, which designates September as National Child Awareness Month.

Today, thousands of individuals, such as guardians, effective teachers, and youth-serving organizations, enhance the lives of young people and prepare them for success. They recognize that without the appropriate supports, the children of our country cannot grow into healthy, educated, self-sufficient adults.

National Child Awareness Month is an opportunity for this country to honor her children's charities and youth-serving organizations across the United States that uplift our youth. Organizations such as the YMCA, one of the Nation's most prominent youth-serving organizations, is an example. It serves almost 9.5 million children each year. They have implemented over 500,000 programs nationwide to strengthen the mind, the body, and the soul of our youth.

Of course, the YMCA is not alone when it comes to serving our youth. The Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brother Big Sister, the Children's Defense Fund, the National Education Association, and many other organizations have a long history of providing support for our children and youth.

While we want to designate September as National Child Awareness Month, we must also remember that it is a long-term commitment that will ensure the advancement of our children. This long-term commitment includes the President's education, health care, and environment agenda that I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate in making a reality. Our children deserve no less.

I want to thank Representative Sanchez for bringing this resolution forward.

Madam Speaker, once again, I express my support for House Resolution 438, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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