Tony Thurmond: “as we draw the 106th Congress to a close, I wish only to take a moment to express my appreciation to Senator Stevens and…”

“as we draw the 106th Congress to a close, I wish only to take a moment to express my appreciation to Senator Stevens and others who concluded the negotiations on this final appropriations bill. They have worked under difficult circumstances, and I commend them for their accomplishment. I particularly acknowledge the effort of the Senator Stevens. He is an outstanding chairman. He has devoted months of effort to this bill at great personal sacrifice. He is extremely capable and is always courteous and I express my personal thanks to him for his good work. I am particularly gratified that the Appropriations Committee found a way to fund a leadership development program for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. I have a long held interest in and concern for the young people of our Nation. The funding contained in this bill for a National Training Center will assist this worldwide organization in its mission of serving youth. The Center will offer a full array of programs, training, and research for participants from across the entire Nation. As a result, significant progress will be make toward the goals of promoting citizenship, leadership, and character development; the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse; and similar initiatives. On behalf of the youth of this Nation, I again express my appreciation for the Congress supporting this measure.”