Joseph Cao: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 90, expressing support for the designation of September…”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Joint Resolution 90, expressing support for the designation of September 2010 as Gospel Music Heritage Month and honoring gospel music for its valuable and longstanding contributions to the culture of the United States. I would like to commend the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) for introducing this legislation and bringing it to the floor this evening--well, rather, this morning. This is the third year in a row that this body has considered a resolution supporting Gospel Music Heritage Month and honoring gospel music. Beginning in June 2008, Members of this body have worked together in a bipartisan fashion to recognize what gospel music means to our country. I commend my colleagues for their work in honoring the cultural contributions that gospel music has and continues to make to America and the world. Over the years, gospel music has been influenced by a multitude of unique and diverse musical styles and genres including elements of European music and African American spirituals as well.”