Congressional Award Act Reauthorization
Floor Speech
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Mr. WICKER. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support a congressional program that builds character and fosters community service, personal development and citizenship in young Americans--the Congressional Award program. Established in 1979, the Congressional Award is the highest honor Congress bestows upon young people.
Any interested, motivated youth age 14 to 23 may participate. The Congressional Award adapts to meet the needs of each participant. Students set goals according to their own interests and level of abilities. Congressional award recipients represent the best of America. They are required to have committed to bettering themselves and to giving back to the communities in which they reside. It is the making of fulfilling of that commitment that makes these young people so extraordinary.
Over 650 young people in Mississippi are actively pursuing a Congressional Award. Many of these participants are currently involved with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts as a part of their volunteer service commitment. Last year 15 Mississippi youths earned the Congressional Award Gold Medal by serving over 400 hours of volunteer community service and 200 hours each in personal development and physical fitness.
2005 Gold Medal recipient William Fleming of Vardaman, MS, says this of his experience: ``I gained a renewed sense of accomplishment and self worth that cannot be replaced. I got all of this from the activities that I completed in the Congressional Award program.''
Participation in this program is growing rapidly. Over 2,700 Congressional awards were earned in fiscal year 2005--an increase of 100 percent from just 5 years ago. On June 22, 2005, Members of Congress presented 242 young people with Gold Medals--our highest number to date. In 2006, that number will most likely exceed 300. As a long time supporter of the Congressional Award, I encourage my fellow colleagues to reauthorize this outstanding program.
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