datamatters24/research-document-archive huggingface dataset:
H. Res. 173
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
April 29, 2003.
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System, operated by
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, marked its
centennial anniversary on March 14, 2003;
Whereas President Theodore Roosevelt stated in 1903 that
‘‘Wild beasts and birds are by right not the property
merely of the people who are alive today, but the property
of unknown generations, whose belongings we have no
right to squander.’’;
Whereas the vision of conserving wildlife embraced by Presi-
dent Roosevelt was begun with the plants and animals lo-
cated on Pelican Island off the East Coast of Florida,
and has since flourished across the United States and its
territories and possessions, allowing for the preservation
of an overwhelmingly vast array of flora and fauna;
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System is composed of
540 refuges encompassing nearly 95 million acres, hosts
35 million visitors annually, and benefits from the selfless
efforts of 30,000 volunteers; and
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System has established
refuges in every State in the United States, many of
which are reachable within an hour’s drive of almost
every major city: Now, therefore, be it
•HRES 173 EH
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes the achievements and contributions
of the National Wildlife Refuge System on the occasion
of its centennial anniversary;
(2) expresses strong support for the continued suc-
cess of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
(3) encourages the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service in its efforts to broaden understanding and ap-
preciation for the National Wildlife Refuge System by
increasing partnerships on behalf of the refuge system to
better manage and monitor wildlife and by continuing its
support of wildlife dependent recreational activities as
embodied in the Refuge System Improvement Act of
1997 (Public Law 105–57); and
(4) reaffirms its commitment to the National Wild-
life Refuge System and the conservation of the rich nat-
ural heritage of the United States.
Attest:
Clerk.
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 173
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of the National Wildlife Ref-
uge System on the occasion of its centennial anniversary and expressing 
strong support for the continued success of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 3, 2003
Mr. BOYD (for himself and Mr. PUTNAM) submitted the following resolution; 
which was referred to the Committee on Resources 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the achievements and contributions of the Na-
tional Wildlife Refuge System on the occasion of its 
centennial anniversary and expressing strong support for 
the continued success of the National Wildlife Refuge 
System.
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System, operated by 
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, marked its 
centennial anniversary on March 14, 2003; 
Whereas President Theodore Roosevelt stated in 1903 that 
‘‘Wild beasts and birds are by right not the property 
merely of the people who are alive today, but the property 
of unknown generations, whose belongings we have no 
right to squander.’’;
•HRES 173 IH 
Whereas the vision of conserving wildlife embraced by Presi-
dent Roosevelt was begun with the plants and animals lo-
cated on Pelican Island off the East Coast of Florida, 
and has since flourished across the United States and its 
territories and possessions, allowing for the preservation 
of an overwhelmingly vast array of flora and fauna; 
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System is composed of 
540 refuges encompassing nearly 95 million acres, hosts 
35 million visitors annually, and benefits from the selfless 
efforts of 30,000 volunteers; and 
Whereas the National Wildlife Refuge System has established 
refuges in every State in the United States, many of 
which are reachable within an hour’s drive of almost 
every major city: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes the achievements and contribu-
tions of the National Wildlife Refuge System on the 
occasion of its centennial anniversary; 
(2) expresses strong support for the continued 
success of the National Wildlife Refuge System; 
(3) encourages the United States Fish and 
Wildlife Service in its efforts to broaden under-
standing and appreciation for the National Wildlife 
Refuge System by increasing partnerships on behalf 
of the refuge system to better manage and monitor 
wildlife and by continuing its support of wildlife de-
pendent recreational activities as embodied in the
•HRES 173 IH 
Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Public 
Law 105–57); and 
(4) reaffirms its commitment to the National 
Wildlife Refuge System and the conservation of the 
rich natural heritage of the United States.
Æ
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 174
Recognizing the unique effects that proposals to reform Social Security may 
have on women. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 3, 2003
Ms. DELAURO (for herself, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. 
POMEROY, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. BROWN 
of Ohio, Mr. TIERNEY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. HONDA, Ms. 
SOLIS, Mrs. MALONEY, Mr. STARK, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. FARR, Ms. LEE, 
Ms. MCCOLLUM, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. CASE, Mr. 
GEORGE MILLER of California, Ms. BERKLEY, and Ms. LOFGREN) sub-
mitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on 
Ways and Means 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the unique effects that proposals to reform 
Social Security may have on women.
Whereas the Social Security benefit structure is of particular 
importance to low-earning wives and widows, with 63 
percent of women beneficiaries aged 62 or older receiving 
wife’s or widow’s benefits; 
Whereas three-quarters of unmarried and widowed elderly 
women rely on Social Security for over half of their in-
come;
•HRES 174 IH 
Whereas without Social Security benefits, the elderly poverty 
rate among women would have been 52.2 percent and 
among widows would have been 60.6 percent; 
Whereas women tend to live longer and tend to have lower 
lifetime earnings than men do; 
Whereas women spend an average of 11.5 years out of their 
careers to care for their families, and are more likely to 
work part-time than full-time; and 
Whereas during these years in the workforce, women earn an 
average of 70 cents for every dollar men earn: Now, 
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recog-
nizes the unique obstacles that women face in ensuring 
retirement security and survivor and disability stability 
and the essential role that Social Security plays in guaran-
teeing inflation-protected financial stability for women 
throughout their entire old age, and it is the sense of the 
House of Representatives that the Congress and the Presi-
dent should take these factors into account when consid-
ering proposals to reform the Social Security system.
Æ
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 175
Recognizing the United States Air Force’s Air Force News Agency on the 
occasion of its 25th anniversary and honoring the Air Force personnel 
who have served the Nation while assigned to that agency. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 3, 2003
Mr. GONZALEZ submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 
Committee on Armed Services 
RESOLUTION 
Recognizing the United States Air Force’s Air Force News 
Agency on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and hon-
oring the Air Force personnel who have served the Na-
tion while assigned to that agency.
Whereas the Air Force News Agency has served as the pri-
mary news and information organization for the United 
States Air Force since the agency was organized on June 
1, 1978; 
Whereas the Air Force News Agency currently has more than 
480 personnel stationed around the world in 28 locations 
gathering news, information, and images about United 
States military missions; 
Whereas the Air Force News Agency is capable of providing 
news, information, and images in the widest array of for-
•HRES 175 IH 
Whereas the Air Force News Agency’s Army and Air Force 
Hometown News Service annually provides more than 
800,000 news releases to 12,000 daily and weekly home-
town newspapers of active, Reserve, and Guard service 
members and distributes more than 13,500 Holiday 
Greetings to 1,085 television stations and 2,906 radio 
stations each holiday season; and 
Whereas the year 2003 marks the 25th anniversary of the 
Air Force News Agency: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives recog-
nizes the United States Air Force’s Air Force News Agen-
cy on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and honors the 
Air Force personnel who have served the Nation while as-
signed to that agency.
Æ
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 176
Honoring the San Fernando Cathedral and the city of San Antonio on 
the occasion of the completion of the cathedral’s renovation. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 3, 2003
Mr. GONZALEZ (for himself and Mr. RODRIGUEZ) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform 
RESOLUTION 
Honoring the San Fernando Cathedral and the city of San 
Antonio on the occasion of the completion of the cathe-
dral’s renovation.
Whereas San Fernando Cathedral was founded in 1731, and 
was the first parish church in the State of Texas, which 
was then the Spanish province of Coahuila; 
Whereas, at the request of the Crown of Spain, settlers from 
the Canary Islands established a colony in Texas and 
founded the San Fernando Cathedral in 1731, naming it 
La Villa de San Fernando after the king who fought to 
drive out the Moors from Spain in the 13th century; 
Whereas the cathedral is the oldest building in Texas and the 
oldest cathedral in the Nation;
•HRES 176 IH 
Whereas San Fernando Cathedral has survived numerous 
fires, floods, wars, and battles, including the Battle of the 
Alamo in 1836; 
Whereas the cathedral has existed under the governments of 
Spain, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the United States, 
and, during the Civil War, the Confederate States of 
America; 
Whereas a 6-year project to renovate San Fernando is now 
complete; 
Whereas the newly-restored San Fernando Cathedral serves 
as a tribute to the traditional Spanish artwork used in 
Spanish Colonial churches in the Americas, and includes 
a hand carved stone baptismal font that is believed to be 
a gift of King Charles III of Spain in 1759, and a 24-
foot retablo handcrafted in Mexico that is a new addition 
to the cathedral; 
Whereas after the United States took control of Texas, the 
cathedral served the Hispanic people through their lan-
guage, customs, and religious traditions; 
Whereas San Fernando Cathedral, throughout its history, 
has been of particular significance to the Hispanic com-
munity, and is a center for great Hispanic traditions 
such as the annual Passion Play, which attracts 25,000 
people; 
Whereas San Fernando Cathedral is the spiritual center of 
San Antonio, with over 4,000 people participating in 
masses at the cathedral each week; 
Whereas the San Antonio City Council is blessed at San Fer-
nando Cathedral at the beginning of each term; and 
Whereas today San Fernando Cathedral is helping address 
the critical needs of the community by providing social
•HRES 176 IH 
and educational services to the poor: Now, therefore, be 
it and and and and
Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors 
the San Fernando Cathedral and the city of San Antonio 
on the occasion of the completion of the cathedral’s ren-
ovation.
Æ
H. Res. 177 
In the House of Representatives, U.S., 
June 23, 2003. 
Whereas on December 27, 2002, the Republic of Kenya suc-
cessfully held presidential, parliamentary, and local elec-
tions; 
Whereas these elections were widely praised by objective 
international observers as free and fair; 
Whereas the Department of State stated that with these elec-
tions the Kenyan people ‘‘have made a strong demonstra-
tion of their democratic commitment and established an 
important example for the region and for the world’’; 
Whereas the European Union stated that ‘‘the overall con-
duct of the elections constitutes an example for other 
countries in the region’’; 
Whereas these elections signal a major step forward for Ken-
yan democracy, particularly when compared with other 
elections held in Kenya since it became an independent 
state in 1963; 
Whereas the transition of power put in motion by these elec-
tions culminated on December 30, 2002, when former 
President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi peaceably trans-
ferred the Kenyan presidency to President Mwai Kibaki; 
and 
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•HRES 177 EH 
Whereas these elections and the subsequent transfer of power 
from leader to leader represent the birth of a successful 
new democracy in Kenya: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 
(1) commends the people of the Republic of Kenya 
for conducting free and fair elections, and the Govern-
ment of Kenya for its successful completion of a peaceful 
and orderly transition of power; 
(2) expresses its desire to see this new democracy 
in Kenya continue to thrive, as it has in the months fol-
lowing the 2002 elections; 
(3) urges other African countries to look to Kenya 
as an example of a working democracy in action and to 
follow the example set by the people of Kenya during 
this recent election process; 
(4) reaffirms the friendship that exists between the 
people of the United States and people of Kenya, as two 
nations bound together by the shared values of democ-
racy; 
(5) offers its commitment to working to ensure de-
mocracy is able to grow and flourish as Kenya moves 
into the challenging future that lies ahead; and 
(6) commends the Government of Kenya for its 
commitment and concrete steps taken— 
(A) to strengthen democracy, human rights 
and the rule of law; 
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•HRES 177 EH 
(B) to combat corruption; 
(C) to provide free and universal primary edu-
cation; 
(D) to fight against HIV/AIDS; and 
(E) to support the United States in the war on 
terrorism. 
Attest: 
Clerk. 
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IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 177
Commending the people of the Republic of Kenya for conducting free and 
fair elections, for the peaceful and orderly transfer of power in their 
government, and for the continued success of democracy in their nation 
since that transition. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 3, 2003
Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on International Relations 
RESOLUTION 
Commending the people of the Republic of Kenya for con-
ducting free and fair elections, for the peaceful and or-
derly transfer of power in their government, and for 
the continued success of democracy in their nation since 
that transition.
Whereas on December 27, 2002, the Republic of Kenya suc-
cessfully held presidential, parliamentary, and local elec-
tions; 
Whereas these elections were widely praised by objective 
international observers as free and fair; 
Whereas the Department of State stated that with these elec-
tions the Kenyan people ‘‘have made a strong demonstra-
•HRES 177 IH 
tion of their democratic commitment and established an 
important example for the region and for the world’’; 
Whereas the European Union stated that ‘‘the overall con-
duct of the elections constitutes an example for other 
countries in the region’’; 
Whereas these elections signal a major step forward for Ken-
yan democracy, particularly when compared with other 
elections held in Kenya since it became an independent 
state in 1963; 
Whereas the transition of power put in motion by these elec-
tions culminated on December 30, 2002, when former 
President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi peaceably trans-
ferred the Kenyan presidency to President Mwai Kibaki; 
and 
Whereas these elections and the subsequent transfer of power 
from leader to leader represent the birth of a successful 
new democracy in Kenya: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) commends the people of the Republic of 
Kenya for conducting free and fair elections, and the 
Government of Kenya for its successful completion 
of a peaceful and orderly transition of power; 
(2) expresses its desire to see this new democ-
racy in Kenya continue to thrive, as it has in the 
months following the 2002 elections; 
(3) urges other African countries to look to 
Kenya as an example of a working democracy in ac-
•HRES 177 IH 
tion and to follow the example set by the people of 
Kenya during this recent election process; 
(4) reaffirms the friendship that exists between 
the people of the United States and people of Kenya, 
as two nations bound together by the shared values 
of democracy; 
(5) offers its commitment to working to ensure 
democracy is able to grow and flourish as Kenya 
moves into the challenging future that lies ahead; 
and 
(6) commends President Mwai Kibaki and his 
government for their commitment and concrete steps 
taken, since taking office—
(A) to strengthen democracy, human rights 
and the rule of law; 
(B) to combat corruption; 
(C) to provide free and universal primary 
education; 
(D) to fight against HIV/AIDS; and 
(E) to support the United States in the 
war on terrorism.
Æ
H. Res. 178
In the House of Representatives, U.S.,
May 13, 2003.
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan, born in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, led a distinguished career of public service devoted
to the United States and the State of Pennsylvania;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan served as a First Lieutenant in
the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan began his service to the 168th
District of Pennsylvania in the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives in 1962;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was elected Speaker of the Penn-
sylvania House of Representatives in 1981, 1995, 1997,
1999, 2001, and 2003;
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was the second longest serving
Member and the third longest serving Speaker of the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives in its 321 year
history;
Whereas Speaker Ryan’s ability to negotiate with and unite
Members possessing differing viewpoints in the Pennsyl-
vania House of Representatives contributed to the better-
ment of Pennsylvania throughout his six terms as Speak-
er;
•HRES 178 EH
Whereas Speaker Ryan will be remembered for his quick wit
and gracious demeanor, attributes which endeared him to
colleagues and citizens alike;
Whereas Speaker Ryan received hundreds of awards and
commendations during his four decades of service, includ-
ing the National Conference of State Legislators’ ‘‘Legis-
lator of the Year Award’’ and the Delaware County
Chamber of Commerce’s ‘‘Citizen of the Year Award’’;
and
Whereas the ‘‘Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Building’’ of the
Pennsylvania Capitol complex will forever serve as a tes-
tament to Speaker Ryan’s faithful service to the State
and as a reminder of his unwavering leadership in the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the United States House of Representa-
tives honors the outstanding life and work of former Speaker
of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Matthew J.
Ryan and offers its deepest condolences to his wife and fam-
ily on his death.
Attest:
Clerk.
•HRES 178 IH 
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan began his service to the 168th 
District of Pennsylvania in the Pennsylvania House of 
Representatives in 1962; 
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was elected Speaker of the Penn-
sylvania House of Representatives in 1981, 1995, 1997, 
1999, 2001, and 2003; 
Whereas Matthew J. Ryan was the second longest serving 
Member and the third longest serving Speaker of the 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives in its 321 year 
history; 
Whereas Speaker Ryan’s ability to negotiate with and unite 
Members possessing differing viewpoints in the Pennsyl-
vania House of Representatives contributed to the better-
ment of Pennsylvania throughout his six terms as Speak-
er; 
Whereas Speaker Ryan will be remembered for his quick wit 
and gracious demeanor, attributes which endeared him to 
colleagues and citizens alike; 
Whereas Speaker Ryan received hundreds of awards and 
commendations during his four decades of service, includ-
ing the National Conference of State Legislators’ ‘‘Legis-
lator of the Year Award’’ and the Delaware County 
Chamber of Commerce’s ‘‘Citizen of the Year Award’’; 
and 
Whereas the ‘‘Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Building’’ of the 
Pennsylvania Capitol complex will forever serve as a tes-
tament to Speaker Ryan’s faithful service to the State 
and as a reminder of his unwavering leadership in the 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives: Now, therefore, 
be it
•HRES 178 IH 
Resolved, That the United States House of Rep-
resentatives honors the outstanding life and work of 
former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representa-
tives Matthew J. Ryan and offers its deepest condolences 
to his wife and family on his death.
Æ
IV 
108TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 17
Honoring the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University from Bowling 
Green, Kentucky, for winning the 2002 National Collegiate Athletic Asso-
ciation Division I–AA football championship. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JANUARY 7, 2003
Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky submitted the following resolution; which was referred 
to the Committee on Education and the Workforce 
RESOLUTION 
Honoring the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky University 
from Bowling Green, Kentucky, for winning the 2002 
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I–AA 
football championship.
Whereas the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers from 
Bowling Green, Kentucky, won the 2002 NCAA Division 
I–AA collegiate football national championship; 
Whereas the national championship is the first for the West-
ern Kentucky University football program since its incep-
tion in 1913; 
Whereas the Hilltoppers had an impressive overall record of 
12 wins and 3 losses during the 2002 season, which in-
cluded 10 consecutive wins;
•HRES 17 IH 
Whereas the Hilltoppers showed tremendous dedication to 
each other, appreciation to their fans, sportsmanship to 
their opponents, and respect for the game of football 
throughout their 2002 season; 
Whereas Western Kentucky University was represented with 
integrity and principled leadership under the direction of 
Head Football Coach Jack Harbaugh, Athletic Director 
Dr. Wood Selig, and President Dr. Gary A. Ransdell; and 
Whereas on December 20, 2002, the Western Kentucky Uni-
versity Hilltoppers, ranked 15th among Division I–AA 
teams, defeated the top-ranked McNeese State University 
Cowboys for the 2002 NCAA Division I–AA football 
championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by a score of 
34–14: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives honors 
the Western Kentucky University football team from 
Bowling Green, Kentucky, for winning the 2002 NCAA 
Division I–AA football championship.
Æ