Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1348, the Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act of 2013, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. In 1979, Congress enacted the Congressional Award Act to promote initiative, achievement, and excellence among young Americans between the ages of 14 and 23 years old. To earn an award, participants must complete a self-designed program of challenging goals in four program areas: voluntary service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition/exploration. Program participants can work toward a congressional award certificate or medal. In either category there are three achievement levels: gold, silver, and bronze. Minimum requirements must be met regarding the number of hours devoted to each of the four program areas, total hours worked toward the award, and the duration of the participant's efforts. Senators and Representatives present the awards at local, city, or State ceremonies. It has been my great pleasure to make such presentations many times. The latest was a presentation of the silver medal earlier this summer to one of my constituents from Lewisville, North Carolina, Shelby Birkedal. Shelby worked more than 200 hours of community and 100 hours of physical activity to earn her very well- deserved honor, and we are very proud of her achievement.…”