H176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 13, 2009 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 

Chair’s prior announcement, further 

proceedings on this motion will be 

postponed. 

f 

RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF 

THOSE WHO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES ON MARTIN LUTHER 

KING DAY 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I move 

to suspend the rules and agree to the 

resolution (H. Res. 43) recognizing the 

efforts of those who serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day 

and promoting the holiday as a day of 

national service. 

The Clerk read the title of the resolution. 

The text of the resolution is as follows: 

H. RES. 43 

Whereas the King Holiday and Service Act, 

a law designating Martin Luther King Day 

as a national day of volunteer service, was 

signed into law in 1994; 

Whereas millions of Americans have been 

inspired by the life and work of Dr. Martin 

Luther King, Jr. to serve their neighbors and 

communities every third Monday of January; 

Whereas serving one’s community for the 

betterment of every individual speaks to the 

high character, transformative world view, 

and everyday practice of Dr. Martin Luther 

King, Jr.; 

Whereas the efforts of national service volunteers have been a steadfast foundation of 

our Nation’s infrastructure, supporting not 

only individuals and families in need, but 

acting in response to national catastrophes 

and natural disasters; 

Whereas citizens have the opportunity to 

participate in thousands of already scheduled events all across the country, as well as 

create and implement a community service 

project where they identify the need; 

Whereas the Corporation for National and 

Community Service, is working with the 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and thousands of 

other nonprofit, community, national service, and education organizations across the 

country to encourage Americans to serve on 

this holiday and throughout the year; and 

Whereas leaders at the Federal, State and 

local level are planning to use the Martin 

Luther King Day and Inauguration Day to 

rally our Nation to commit to serve and to 

make an ongoing commitment to service: 

Now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

(1) encourages all Americans to pay tribute 

to the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther 

King, Jr. through participation in community service projects on Martin Luther King 

Day; 

(2) recognizes the inherent value of community service and volunteerism in the creation of civil society and as a means of nonviolent community progress consistent with 

the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; 

(3) recognizes the benefits of the collaborative work by the many organizations that 

promote, facilitate, and carry out needed 

service projects nationwide; 

(4) encourages its members and colleagues 

to urge their constituents, both in congressional districts and those visiting the District of Columbia on Inauguration Day, to 

participate in community service projects; 

and 

(5) acknowledges that by serving one’s 

country, one’s community and one’s neighbor our Nation makes progress in civility, 

equality, and unity consistent with the values and life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther 

King, Jr. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 

Texas (Mr. HINOJOSA) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 

PLATTS) each will control 20 minutes. 

The Chair recognizes the gentleman 

from Texas. 

GENERAL LEAVE

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 

Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 43 into the RECORD. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 

objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? 

There was no objection. 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 

myself such time as I may consume. 

I rise today in support of the resolution before us, which recognizes the 

critical role of service and those who 

give of their time to give back to their 

communities. 

b 1445 

This resolution also reminds us that 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a national day of service and encourages 

everyone to take part. 

It is fitting that the day named in 

honor of the Reverend Martin Luther 

King, Jr., is also a day for neighbors, 

for friends, young and old, to give back 

to their communities. Dr. King’s leadership in the ministry and public service produced epic and societal change 

to this great nation. He set an example 

for all of us to follow. 

His words offer us very simple directions. In his ‘‘drum major instinct’’ 

speech he said, ‘‘You don’t have to 

have a college degree to serve. You 

don’t have to make your subject and 

your verb agree to serve. You don’t 

have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You only need a heart 

full of grace, a soul generated by love.’’ 

Over the last few years, the United 

States has endured and survived the 

terrorist attacks of 9/11 and hurricanes 

and floods that devastated families and 

communities. Without hesitation, volunteers across the Nation rallied together to help stabilize and to rebuild 

our devastated communities. And just 

as critical, during times of peace and 

calm in communities across this country, people hear the call of service and 

provide assistance in the classroom, in 

hospitals, in parks, and to children, the 

elderly, and to each other. 

I want to thank the Service Caucus 

and my friend and colleague Representative TODD PLATTS of Pennsylvania for 

bringing this resolution forward and 

reminding us that our country was 

built on the idea of service. And while 

we set aside Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Day as a day of service, there are opportunities to give back each and every 

day. 

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of 

my time. 

Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in 

support of H. Res. 43 and yield myself 

such time as I may consume. 

Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 43 

promotes the Martin Luther King holiday as a day of national service and 

recognizes the efforts of the countless 

Americans who will volunteer their 

services on behalf of many worthy 

causes. I am proud to have introduced 

this resolution with my fellow coChairs of the National Service Caucus, 

Representatives DORIS MATSUI and 

DAVID PRICE. 

In 1994, President Bill Clinton signed 

into law the King Holiday and Service 

Act to officially establish Martin Luther King Day as a day of national 

service in recognition of Dr. King’s 

selfless and courageous service to his 

fellow citizens. Since this time, millions of Americans have recognized this 

holiday as ‘‘a day on,’’ not ‘‘a day off,’’ 

by volunteering in soup kitchens, organizing charity drives, mentoring children or aiding in urban revitalization 

efforts. 

This year, the Corporation for National & Community Service, America’s Promise Alliance and AmeriCorps 

NCCC are hosting a food drive across 

Capitol Hill to restock the shelves at 

the Capital Area Food Bank. Washington, D.C. schools will be closed for a 

5-day weekend with the Martin Luther 

King holiday and the Presidential inauguration this coming week, leaving 

over 50,000 students without nutritious 

meals they would have otherwise received through the school lunch and 

breakfast programs. 

Non-perishable canned food items 

can be delivered through this Thursday, January 15, to either my office or 

the offices of Representatives DORIS

MATSUI, DAVID PRICE and MIKE HONDA. 

On Thursday, AmeriCorps NCCC students will pick up the canned food 

items and ensure their delivery to the 

Capital Area Food Bank. 

Finally, there are numerous opportunities for individuals to serve their 

communities on Martin Luther King 

Day. I urge my fellow Members of Congress and constituents to take time out 

of their daily lives and give back to 

their communities. A list of volunteer 

opportunities is an available online at 

mlkday.gov. 

I cannot think of a more appropriate 

way to honor the heroic life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther 

King than by serving one’s community, 

and encourage all Americans to do so. 

I urge my colleagues to support this 

resolution. 

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 

of my time. 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am 

pleased to yield 4 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. MATSUI), who serves on the 

Rules Committee and the Energy and 

Commerce Committee. 

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I would 

like to thank the gentleman from 

Texas for yielding me this time. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE
January 13, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H177 

I rise today to offer, along with my 

National Service Caucus co-Chairs, of 

which the gentleman from Pennsylvania is one, a resolution highlighting 

the men and women who inspire and 

actively pursue a better country, those 

who serve the communities on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. 

Since 1994, we have celebrated the 

King holiday by making it ‘‘a day on,’’ 

not ‘‘a day off,’’ observing every third 

Monday in January as a national day 

of service. Dr. King’s legacy guides us 

to work for equality and social justice, 

towards common understanding and 

shared experiences. Serving one’s 

neighbor, one’s community and our 

country allow every individual in our 

Nation to walk down the road with Dr. 

King, looking forward, continually focused on reaching the promised land. 

This coming Monday, millions of 

Americans will participate in thousands of already-planned events across 

this country. Thousands more will 

come to our Nation’s capital to see history in the making and answer our 

President-elect’s call to service. As we 

embark on a new era of optimism and 

hope for a better tomorrow, we should 

start our journey by not only observing 

change, but by honoring the legacy of 

Dr. King and actively creating it. 

I commend and join with Presidentelect Obama and Vice President-elect 

BIDEN in calling for a new attitude toward service in our country. When we 

ask what we can do for our country, 

the call shouldn’t be answered only one 

day a year. 

It is my hope that this year’s Martin 

Luther King, Jr. Day of National Service marks a starting point that will 

continue throughout the year and engage millions of Americans in a new 

commitment to service. 

This year’s national day of service 

promises to be larger than ever before. 

Efforts by the many service organizations, as well as the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the corporation 

for National and Community Service, 

have organized like never before. Right 

here on Capitol Hill, as has been previously mentioned, the organization 

America’s Promise, along with the Corporation for National and Community 

Service, are sponsoring a food drive to 

support local food banks. These groups 

have utilized technology and the Internet to make opportunities easy to find 

and easy to do. 

The fact that this year’s King Day of 

Service is one day before the inauguration of President-elect Obama provides 

a unique opportunity to reach millions 

of Americans with a message to serve. 

I ask my colleagues to join with me in 

promoting service on Martin Luther 

King, Jr. Day and encouraging all of 

those constituents, both at home and 

those traveling to Washington, D.C. for 

the inauguration, to serve. 

Thank you once again. 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I am 

pleased to yield 4 minutes to my good 

friend, the gentleman from the State of 

Illinois (Mr. DAVIS), a gentleman who 

serves on the Ways and Means Committee and has served and distinguished himself on our Committee on 

Education and Labor. 

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Thank you 

very much, Mr. Chairman. Let me first 

of all thank my good friend and chairman of our subcommittee. As a matter 

of fact, I am already beginning to feel 

disappointed and underprivileged because I will not have the opportunity 

to serve with him this year as a result 

of leaving the Education Committee. 

But I want to thank him for yielding 

time, and I want to thank him for his 

tremendous leadership. 

Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday will usher 

in a new era of hope, a new chapter in 

the history of America, when President-elect Obama takes office. This 

historic moment brings renewed energy 

to Dr. King’s mission and memory. We 

must not forget that we have reached 

this place in history partly because of 

Dr. King’s remarkable life. Today I 

would like to honor his memory and 

those who work tirelessly for his cause. 

Frederick Douglass once said, ‘‘A 

battle lost or won is easily described, 

understood, and appreciated, but the 

moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it.’’ Today, we do 

just that. Today we reflect on one life 

that changed the course of so many 

others. We reflect on the commitment 

and integrity of a man who stood up to 

those who said he was nothing. We reflect on a man who had his priorities in 

line, who knew what was important 

and never forgot it. And we reflect so 

that we can learn what we must do as 

a nation to realize Dr. King’s dream. 

Born January 15, 1929, Dr. King grew 

up to be a man who would change 

American history by fighting for fairness, dignity and equality for all under 

the law and through the eyes of his fellow citizens. But his journey was never 

easy. Martin Luther King attended 

Georgia’s segregated public schools. 

Like so many others, Dr. King was told 

by society that he was a lesser being 

and that he could never be as good, as 

human, as his peers. 

But his journey was never easy. Despite the hardships, the bombings, the 

fire hoses, the dogs, the relentless beatings and the death of those devoted to 

his cause, Dr. King was able to rally 

his followers to rise to the occasion by 

his purpose-driven actions and unforgettable rhetoric. 

In the great example of Dr. King’s influence, 250,000 men and women, white 

and black, gathered for the famous 

march on Washington. It was there 

that Dr. King delivered his ‘‘I have a 

Dream’’ speech to the Nation. 

Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that 

there are some things we must continue to fight for. And although the 

rocky road that Dr. King traveled is 

somewhat smoother today, this Nation 

must continue to promote equal opportunity and fairness for all Americans. 

As we face today’s many challenges, we 

remember that Dr. King’s hope for a 

better tomorrow is very much alive. 

So I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the 

opportunity to participate in this discussion, and again I want to thank my 

friend and colleague from the great 

State of Texas for giving me the opportunity. 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 

4 minutes to the honorable gentleman 

from California (Mr. DREIER) so that he 

can speak to this House resolution. 

Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, let me 

begin by expressing my appreciation to 

my good friend and colleague Mr. 

HINOJOSA for his leadership and his 

management of this, and to my friend 

Mr. PLATTS as well, and Ms. MATSUI

and Mr. DAVIS for their very thoughtful 

remarks. 

I, of course, rise in very strong support of the resolution. I was looking 

forward to voting for it, but I didn’t intend to address it until I listened to 

the remarks of Mr. DAVIS in which I 

was reminded of a very thoughtful 

interview I heard this morning with 

the Reverend Joseph Lowery, who, as 

we know, next Tuesday at the age of 87 

is going to be participating in the historic inauguration of Barack Obama. 

He was talking about the Reverend 

Martin Luther King and the level of activism that he had in the civil rights 

movement, and he ended his interview 

by saying, Mr. Speaker, that he very 

much appreciated the fact that at age 

87 he had lived long enough to be able 

to see the history that we will all witness next Tuesday. 

This resolution is focused on ensuring that we encourage the level of volunteerism that is necessary to deal 

with what is a very, very serious societal challenge that we face at this moment, and that is the hunger problem; 

the fact that there are so many people 

who, because of the economic downturn 

through which we are going, are suffering. 

So I want to join with my friends, encouraging my constituents in California, those here in the metropolitan 

area, and others around the country to 

support the effort that Mr. PLATTS

talked about, by contacting offices and 

doing what they can at food banks to 

provide assistance. It is being done in 

the names of Barack Obama, the Reverend Joseph Lowery, and, of course, 

Dr. Martin Luther King. 

So I again thank my colleagues for 

their effort and the focus on this very, 

very important issue, and again urge 

all of us to support this resolution. 

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 

voice my strong support for H. Res. 43, a resolution that promotes the Martin Luther King 

Holiday as a day of national service. 

For me, one of the most powerful images of 

Washington is the image of Dr. King conveying his dream during his 1963 ‘‘March on 

Washington’’, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. 

Dr. King understood government has a fundamental responsibility to meet the needs of 

all Americans regardless of race or economic 

class. 

As our Nation prepares to celebrate Martin 

Luther King Day, and the inauguration of the 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE
H178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE January 13, 2009 

next President, we remember Dr. King as a 

beacon of change. 

He gave people the faith and courage to 

work peacefully for change to stop racial discrimination, and promote equality and opportunity across America. 

So on the day of remembrance named in 

his honor, let us all truly recommit ourselves to 

changing and working to bring about opportunity for all Americans. 

We call on our Nation to serve, and recognize the determination of those men and 

women who continue to work to make the 

world a better place for future generations. 

I urge my colleagues to honor the legacy of 

Dr. King and those who continue to follow his 

example, and support H. Res. 43. 

Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with 

the great pleasure of supporting of H. Res. 43, 

which recognizes the hard work of those who 

serve in their communities on Martin Luther 

King Day and promotes the holiday as a day 

of national service. 

During Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s lifetime, 

he worked tirelessly towards creating a more 

just America, seeking to not only heal this nation’s racial divides, but to empower all Americans to take responsibility for bettering their 

communities through service. Recognizing this 

legacy, Congress passed the King Holiday 

and Service Act in 1994, designating the King 

Holiday as a national day of volunteer service 

and asking Americans of all backgrounds and 

ages to honor Dr. King’s legacy by engaging 

in service projects in their communities. Since 

Congress passed the act 14 years ago, millions of Americans have come together on the 

third Monday of January to engage in service 

projects ranging from mentoring children to 

building homes. By bringing together neighbors who might not normally meet, the King 

Day of Service strengthens our communities 

and country by breaking down barriers that 

have historically divided us and promoting 

civic engagement. 

Although participation in the King Day of 

Service has increased each year, many Americans remain unaware of the service component of the holiday, making it essential for 

more organizations to promote this fitting tribute to Dr. King’s memory. As the Chair of the 

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I am proud to join the Congressional 

Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the National Service Caucus in cosponsoring a food drive to support the Capitol 

Area Food Bank, whose resources are running 

thin. In Washington, DC alone, 56,000 children 

are at risk of being hungry on any day of the 

year. But with the convergence of the Martin 

Luther King, Jr. Federal holiday and the Presidential Inauguration, these children face a 

long 5-day weekend when the school breakfasts and lunches upon which they depend will 

not be available. 

I am proud to recognize the millions of 

Americans inspired by the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve their communities and 

encourage all my colleagues in Congress and 

our fellow Americans to join their neighbors in 

community service projects on this important 

day and throughout the year. 

Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H. Res. 43, a resolution recognizing 

the efforts of those who serve their communities on Martin Luther King Day and promoting the holiday as a day of national service. 

I am proud to have this opportunity to highlight the importance of national service as well 

as honor a national leader and hero, Martin 

Luther King, Jr. 

Next Monday, we will celebrate this extraordinary man and the legacy of service he 

engrained on our Nation through our dedication to service. 

This year, our celebration of Dr. King’s life 

and his commitment to improving the lives of 

all Americans is more significant than ever as 

the country swears in our first African American president, Barack Obama, the very next 

day. 

The extraordinary work of Dr. King and his 

enduring message of providing equal opportunities for all Americans—in conjunction with 

the inauguration of our new president—provide proof that our Nation is capable of great 

change and proof that through service, our 

Nation can accomplish whatever it dreams. 

As our country swears in President Obama 

on January 20, I know that Martin Luther King, 

Jr. will be in my thoughts, as well as in the 

thoughts of many proud Americans. It is people like Dr. King that make our country great, 

that make me proud to be a citizen of this 

great Nation, and that inspire me to serve. 

I am pleased to join my colleagues in recognizing the amazing service of this man that 

continues to inspire in our Nation year after 

year. 

I urge my colleagues to not only join me in 

supporting today’s resolution, but join me in 

continuing the call for service in our communities on this special day, and throughout the 

year. 

Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, 

I rise in strong support of H. Res. 43, and 

thank my colleague Congressman TODD

PLATTS, authoring this important resolution. 

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Nation observed 

for the 21st time the Martin Luther King, Jr., 

holiday. Each year this day is set aside for 

Americans to celebrate the life and legacy of 

a man who brought hope and healing to 

America. The Martin Luther King holiday reminds us that nothing is impossible when we 

are guided by the better angels of our nature. 

Dr. King’s inspiring words filled a great void 

in our Nation, and answered our collective 

longing to become a country that truly lived by 

its noblest principles. Yet, Dr. King knew that 

it wasn’t enough just to talk the talk; he knew 

he had to walk the walk for his words to be 

credible. And so we commemorate on this holiday the man of action, who put his life on the 

line for freedom and justice everyday. 

We honor the courage of a man who endured harassment, threats and beatings, and 

even bombings. We commemorate the man 

who went to jail 29 times to achieve freedom 

for others, and who knew he would pay the ultimate price for his leadership, but kept on 

marching and protesting and organizing anyway. 

Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we ‘‘will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive 

selfishness. Life’s most persistent and nagging 

question, he said, is ‘what are you doing for 

others?’ ’’ 

When Martin talked about the end of his 

mortal life in one of his last sermons, on February 4, 1968, in the pulpit of Ebenezer Baptist 

Church, even then he lifted up the value of 

service as the hallmark of a full life. ‘‘I’d like 

somebody to mention on that day Martin Luther King, Jr. tried to give his life serving others,’’ he said. ‘‘I want you to say on that day, 

that I did try in my life . . . to love and serve 

humanity. 

Mr. Speaker, during these difficult days 

when the United States is bogged down in a 

misguided and mismanaged war in Iraq; calamities on Wall Street—Main Street—and in 

the American automobile industry; we should 

also remember that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther 

King, Jr., who was above all, a person who 

was always willing to serve to help his fellow 

man. 

This year thousands of Americans across 

the country will celebrate the national holiday 

honoring the life and work of Martin Luther 

King, Jr. by making the holiday ‘‘a day on, not 

a day off.’’ 

The King Day of Service is a way to transform Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and 

teachings into community service that helps 

solve social problems. That service may meet 

a tangible need, such as fixing up a school or 

senior center, or it may meet a need of the 

spirit, such as building a sense of community 

or mutual responsibility. On this day, Americans of every age and background celebrate 

Dr. King through service projects that: 

Strengthen Communities—Dr. King recognized the power of service to strengthen communities and achieve common goals. Through 

his words and example, Dr. King challenged 

individuals to take action and lift up their 

neighbors and communities through service. 

Empower Individuals—Dr. King believed 

each individual possessed the power to lift 

himself or herself up no matter what his or her 

circumstances—rich or poor, black or white, 

man or woman. Whether teaching literacy 

skills, helping an older adult surf the Web, or 

helping an individual build the skills they need 

to acquire a job, acts of service can help others improve their own lives while doing so 

much for those who serve, as well. 

Bridge Barriers—In his fight for civil rights, 

Dr. King inspired Americans to think beyond 

themselves, look past differences, and work 

toward equality. Serving side by side, community service bridges barriers between people 

and teaches us that in the end, we are more 

alike than we are different. 

These ideas of unity, purpose, and the great 

things that can happen when we work together toward a common goal—are just some 

of the many reasons we honor Dr. King 

through service on this special holiday. I urge 

my colleagues to join me in supporting this 

legislation and the man who epitomized community service—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. King’s 

legacy and to commemorate this day of national service. 

Dr. King once said, ‘‘Everybody can be 

great . . . because anybody can serve. You 

don’t have to have a college degree to serve. 

You don’t have to make your subject and verb 

agree to serve. You only need a heart full of 

grace. A soul generated by love.’’ 

It is that idea, that together we can make a 

difference, in this Nation and in the lives of 

others, that has prompted this day of service. 

I believe that the message of change resonates greatly this particular Martin Luther King 

Day. 

This past year, I have seen young people 

who have never before been involved in service working to change their communities. The 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE
January 13, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H179 

ideals for which Dr. King gave his life have energized a new generation of peaceful activists. 

These young people may not have experienced the words and spirit of Dr. King during 

their lifetime, but his legacy drives their efforts 

and enthusiasm. 

It is a testament to his greatness that Dr. 

King’s message has transcended time and 

generations. Dr. King called on all of us to no 

longer stand alone in silence, but to stand up 

together as a voice against injustice. He inspired us to fight for change through nonviolent means, and paved the road for us to 

continue that fight even after his death. 

Dr. King left us with the challenge to courageously fight and secure the civil rights for all, 

from the impoverished and disenfranchised 

underclass to the politically and economically 

endowed. And while we have made great 

progress, there is still work to be done. We 

must remain diligent and engaged in defining 

how our Nation will achieve this equality. 

Today’s Martin Luther King Day is as much 

about the past as it is about the present and 

the future. Dr. King’s dream is truly timeless, 

and I hope all will participate in this day of 

service to honor his faith and vision. 

Mr. BARROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support 

of H. Res. 43 honoring the memory of Dr. 

Martin Luther King, Jr., and thanking those 

who continue to honor his memory by giving 

back to the communities in which they live. 

Dr. King once said, ‘‘Life’s most persistent 

and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing 

for others?’ ’’ Enacted in 1994 by Congress, 

the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service 

was started to honor Dr. King’s legacy by giving folks the opportunity to answer that question. Its theme, ‘‘Make it a Day On, not a Day 

Off,’’ urges Americans everywhere to spend 

their day off working to create a better society—as Dr. King did. 

Despite all the hardships and discrimination 

he experienced in his lifetime, Dr. King never 

lost his profound love for all mankind. I’d like 

to thank those Americans who spend their holiday volunteering in their communities, helping 

out their brothers and their sisters. Your selflessness and sense of civic duty move America one step closer to Dr. King’s vision of the 

‘‘Beloved Community.’’ That is worth a day’s 

work from any of us. 

Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise 

today to express my strong support for H. 

Res. 43, which recognizes the efforts of those 

who serve their communities on Martin Luther 

King Day and promotes the holiday as a day 

of national service. 

Fifteen years ago, the enactment of the 

King Holiday and Service Act officially designated Martin Luther King Day as a national 

day of volunteer service. Each year since, millions of Americans across the country, and 

thousands in my congressional district, have 

been inspired to serve their neighbors and 

communities every third Monday of January. 

This is an impressive achievement but it is 

a fitting tribute to one of the greatest figures 

in world history. Dr. King dedicated and, ultimately, sacrificed his life to serve others, especially ‘‘the least of these.’’ As he famously 

observed, ‘‘Everybody can be great because 

everybody can serve.’’ 

Mr. Speaker, at this defining moment in history our country faces enormous challenges 

and given the enormity of unmet needs, every 

contribution—big and small—matters. 

All across our land, there are children and 

adults to educate; seniors to care for; hungry 

persons to feed; jobless to train and employ; 

the environment to protect; and justice to pursue. In short, there is much unfinished work to 

be done. 

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the Corporation for 

National and Community Service, the Martin 

Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social 

Change, and thousands of other nonprofit, 

community, national service, and education organizations across the country for encouraging 

Americans to serve their communities this holiday and throughout the year. 

I urge all Americans to honor Dr. King by 

making the holiday in his honor a ‘‘day on,’’ 

not a day off. Dr. King could always be found 

serving others. So should we. 

b 1445 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I have 

no further speakers, and I yield back 

the balance of my time. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 

question is on the motion offered by 

the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 

HINOJOSA) that the House suspend the 

rules and agree to the resolution, H. 

Res. 43. 

The question was taken. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the 

opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being 

in the affirmative, the ayes have it. 

Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, on that 

I demand the yeas and nays. 

The yeas and nays were ordered. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 

Chair’s prior announcement, further 

proceedings on this motion will be 

postponed. 

f 

IMPEACHMENT INQUIRY OF JUDGE 

G. THOMAS PORTEOUS 

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I move to 

suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 15) authorizing and directing the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire whether the House 

should impeach G. Thomas Porteous, a 

judge of the United States District 

Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, as amended. 

The Clerk read the title of the resolution. 

The text of the resolution is as follows: 

H. RES. 15 

Resolved, That in continuance of the authority conferred in House Resolution 1448 of 

the One Hundred Tenth Congress adopted by 

the House of Representatives on September 

17, 2008, the Committee on the Judiciary 

shall inquire whether the House should impeach G. Thomas Porteous, a judge of the 

United States District Court for the Eastern 

District of Louisiana. 

SEC. 2. The Committee on the Judiciary or 

any subcommittee or task force designated 

by the Committee may, in connection with 

the inquiry under this resolution, take affidavits and depositions by a member, counsel, 

or consultant of the Committee, pursuant to 

notice or subpoena. 

SEC. 3. There shall be paid out of the applicable accounts of the House of Representatives such sums as may be necessary to assist the Committee in conducting the inquiry under this resolution until a primary 

expense resolution providing for the expenses 

of the Committee on the Judiciary for the 

first session of the One Hundred Eleventh 

Congress is adopted. Any of the amounts 

paid under the authority of this section may 

be used for the procurement of staff or consultant services. 

SEC. 4. (a) For the purpose of the inquiry 

under this resolution, the Committee on the 

Judiciary is authorized to require by subpoena or otherwise— 

(1) the attendance and testimony of any 

person (including at a taking of a deposition 

by counsel or consultant of the Committee); 

and 

(2) the production of such things; 

as it deems necessary to such inquiry. 

(b) The Chairman of the Committee on the 

Judiciary, after consultation with the ranking minority member, may exercise the authority of the Committee under subsection 

(a). 

(c) The Committee on the Judiciary may 

adopt a rule regulating the taking of depositions by a member, counsel, or consultant of 

the Committee, including pursuant to subpoena. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 

California (Ms. MATSUI) and the gentleman from California (Mr. DREIER) 

each will control 20 minutes. 

The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California. 

GENERAL LEAVE

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I ask 

unanimous consent that all Members 

have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 

15. 

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 

objection to the request of the gentlewoman from California? 

There was no objection. 

Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 

myself such time as I may consume. 

Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 15 provides for a 

continuation of the authority provided 

in H. Res. 1448, as adopted by the House 

in the 110th Congress. H. Res. 15 states 

that in continuance of H. Res. 1448, the 

House directs the Committee on the 

Judiciary to inquire whether the House 

should impeach G. Thomas Porteous, a 

judge of the United States District 

Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. 

I reserve the balance of my time. 

Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 

myself such time as I might consume. 

(Mr. DREIER asked and was given 

permission to revise and extend his remarks.) 

Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, as my 

good friend from Sacramento, my 

Rules Committee colleague, has just 

said, this resolution will allow the Judiciary Committee to continue its very 

important oversight work by reauthorizing an investigation of G. Thomas 

Porteous. 

The committee’s ongoing inquiry 

into his conduct and the question of 

whether to pursue impeachment by the 

House should continue in this 111th 

Congress. This is a bipartisan ongoing 

effort. In fact, Mr. Speaker, it is so utterly bipartisan and noncontroversial 

that our colleagues could very reasonably expect that this measure would 

have been considered by unanimous 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE