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[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 373 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 373

       Recognizing the 225th birthday of the United States Navy.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

            October 12 (legislative day, September 22), 2000

  Mr. Lugar (for himself, Mr. McCain, Mr. Smith of New Hampshire, Mr. 
 Warner, Mr. Moynihan, Mr. Robb, Mr. Cochran, Mr. Kerrey, Mr. Miller, 
  Mr. Kerry, Mr. Lott, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Stevens, Mr. Levin, and Mrs. 
Feinstein submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
                     Committee on Armed Services   

            October 18 (legislative day, September 22), 2000

             Committee discharged; considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
       Recognizing the 225th birthday of the United States Navy.

Whereas on Friday, October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress, representing the 
        citizens of 13 American colonies, passed a resolution which stated 
        ``That a swift sailing vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a 
        proportionable number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all 
        possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the commander 
        be instructed to cruise eastward, for intercepting such transports as 
        may be laden with warlike stores and other supplies for our enemies, and 
        for such other purposes as the Congress shall direct.'';
Whereas the founders recognized the essential nature of a Navy to the strength 
        and longevity of the Nation by providing authority to Congress ``To 
        provide and maintain a Navy'' in article I of the Constitution;
Whereas a Naval Committee was established to build a fitting Navy for our 
        fledgling country, acquire and fit out vessels for sea, and draw up 
        regulations;
Whereas the Continental Navy began a proud tradition, carried out for 225 years 
        by our United States Navy, to protect our island Nation and pursue the 
        causes of freedom we hold so dear;
Whereas, for the past 225 years, the central mission of the Navy has been to 
        protect the interests of our Nation around the world on the high seas, 
        to fight and win the wars of our Nation, and to maintain control of the 
        sea lines of communication enabling this Nation and other free nations 
        to grow and prosper;
Whereas, whether in peace or at war, United States citizens around the world can 
        rest assured that the United States Navy is on watch, ever vigilant, and 
        ready to respond;
Whereas, for the past 225 years, Navy men and women, as both ambassadors and 
        warriors, have won extraordinary distinction and respect for the Nation 
        and its Navy on the high seas, among the ocean depths, on distant 
        shores, and in the skies above;
Whereas the core values of ``Honor, Courage, and Commitment'' are the guides by 
        which United States sailors live and serve;
Whereas the United States Navy today is the most capable, most respected, and 
        most effective sea service in the world;
Whereas 75 percent of the land masses in the world are bounded by water and 75 
        percent of the population of the world lives within 100 miles of the 
        sea, assuring that our Naval forces will continue to be called upon to 
        respond to emerging crises, to maintain freedom of the sea, to deter 
        would-be aggressors, and to provide our allies with a visible 
        reassurance of the support of the United States of America; and
Whereas, no matter what the cause, location, or magnitude of future conflicts, 
        the Nation can rely on its Navy to produce well-trained, well-led, and 
        highly motivated sailors to carry out the missions entrusted to them: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 225th 
        birthday of the United States Navy;
            (2) expresses the appreciation of the people of the United 
        States to the Navy, and the men and women who have served in 
        the Navy, for 225 years of dedicated service;
            (3) honors the courage, commitment, and sacrifice that 
        Americans have made throughout the history of the Navy; and
            (4) gives special thanks to the extended Navy family of 
        civilians, family members, and loved ones who have served and 
        supported the Navy for the past 225 years.
                                 <all>
```