The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Senate section on pages S745-S746 on Feb. 13, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
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SENATE RESOLUTION 208--COMMENDING STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE
UNITED STATES SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM BETWEEN 1962 AND 2002
Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Levin, Mr. Lugar, Mr. Domenici, and Mrs. Hutchison) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 208
Whereas the students who have participated in the United States Senate Youth Program (referred to in this resolution as the ``Senate Youth Program'') over the past 40 years were chosen for their exceptional merit and interest in the political process;
Whereas the students demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities and a strong commitment to community service and have ranked academically in the top 1 percent of their States;
Whereas the Senate Youth Program alumni have continued to achieve unparalleled success in their education and careers and have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service on the local, State, national, and global levels;
Whereas the Senate Youth Program alumni have reflected excellent qualities of citizenship and have contributed to the Nation's constitutional democracy, be it in either professional or volunteer capacities, and have made an indelible impression on their communities;
Whereas the chief State school officers, on behalf of the State Departments of Education, have selected outstanding participants for the Senate Youth Program;
Whereas the Department of Defense, Department of State, and other Federal Departments, as well as Congress, have offered support and provided top level speakers who have inspired and educated the students of the Senate Youth Program; and
Whereas the directors of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation have continually made the Senate Youth Program available for outstanding young students and exposed them to the varied aspects of public service: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate congratulates, honors, and pays tribute to the more than 4,000 exemplary students who have been selected, on their merit, to participate in the United States Senate Youth Program between 1962 and 2002.
Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a resolution to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the William Randolph Hearst U.S. Senate Youth Program. I am pleased to be joined by Senator Breaux, who serves with me as a co-chair of the 40th anniversary program, as well as Senators Hutchison, Domenici, Lugar, and Levin, who all serve on the advisory committee. As the first graduate of the program to become a U.S. Senator, I can honestly say that the week I spent in Washington in 1971, as one of two delegates from Maine, profoundly influenced my life and career.
Even though my family has a long and proud tradition of public service, my great grandfather, my grandfather and my father all served in the State legislature, and both of my parents served as mayor of Caribou, ME, it was the week I spent in Washington with the Senate Youth Program that caused me to seriously consider a career in the public sector.
For the past 40 years, the Senate Youth Program has selected two of the brightest and most active students in each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense schools abroad to spend a week learning about our Nation's government first-hand. Over the years, over 4,000 such students have participated in the program and gone on to serve our Nation in various capacities, having seen first-hand what it means to serve in what has been called the world's greatest deliberative body.
The continued generosity of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation enables students to come to the District of Columbia and see a side of government that few Americans see in their lifetime. Each year the delegates meet with top members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
I remember how fascinated I was as a delegate to listen to Senators Byrd and Thurmond speak to us about the history of the Senate and the issues of the day.
But the highlight of my week was the time I spent talking with my home State Senator, Margaret Chase Smith. I went to Senator Smith's office hoping to shake her hand; instead, she took me into her private office and spent 2 hours talking with me about the importance of public service and the difference one person can make. When I left her office, I remember feeling so proud that she was my Senator and that I could do anything I set my mind to.
So, today it is my pleasure to sponsor this resolution paying tribute to the more than 4,000 delegates who have participated in the Senate Youth Program over the past 40 years, some of whom we may see here in the Congress, at the Supreme Court, or even in the White House in years to come. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure.
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