IA

103D CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. J. RES. 197

Designating the week beginning November 14, 1993, and the week beginning

November 13, 1994, each as ‘‘Geography Awareness Week’’.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MAY 18, 1993

Mr. KILDEE (for himself and Mr. GOODLING) introduced the following joint

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil

Service

JOINT RESOLUTION

Designating the week beginning November 14, 1993, and

the week beginning November 13, 1994, each as ‘‘Geography Awareness Week’’.

Whereas geography is the study of people and their planet,

offering a framework for understanding ourselves, our

interdependence with other peoples, our relationship to

the Earth, and world events;

Whereas the United States has both worldwide involvements

and influence that demand an understanding of geography, different cultures, and foreign languages;
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•HJ 197 IH

Whereas the credibility of our Nation’s foreign policy largely

depends on the support of a geographically informed citizenry, which understands both the locations and the significance of historic changes occurring around the globe

and their effect on the United States;

Whereas a thorough knowledge of geography, different cultures, and foreign languages is essential to maintain the

Nation’s stature in the international community in matters of business, politics, the environment, and global

events;

Whereas a geographic perspective is needed to understand

the relationship between human activity and the condition of our planet in this time of increasing environmental problems;

Whereas geography is only beginning to return to the curricula of American schools, the subject is a core element of

the curricula of schools in the United Kingdom, Canada,

Japan, and most other countries;

Whereas our Nation’s Governors, in their National Goals for

Education, explicitly identified geography along with

English, mathematics, science, and history as the 5 core

subjects in which American students should demonstrate

competency;

Whereas world standards are being developed as benchmarks

for student performance in each of the core subjects identified in the National Goals for Education;

Whereas geography is more than the study of map identification, State capitals, and country names, but geography

also gives meaning to location and establishes a context

for understanding the connections among peoples, places,

and events; and
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•HJ 197 IH

Whereas national attention must be focused on the integral

role that a knowledge of world geography plays in preparing citizens of the United States to assume a responsible

role in the future of an increasingly interconnected and

interdependent world: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 That the week beginning November 14, 1993, and the

4 week beginning November 13, 1994, each be designated

5 as ‘‘Geography Awareness Week’’, and the President is

6 authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling

7 upon the people of the United States to observe such a

8 week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

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