[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 27, 2009)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E154] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] PERSONAL EXPLANATION ______ HON. GENE GREEN of texas in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 27, 2009 Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I would have voted ``Aye'' on both H. Res. 31 expressing support for the designation of a National Data Privacy Awareness Day, and H. Res. 84, honoring the heroic action of the individuals involved with the rescue effort of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. Our office holds a twice yearly event, the Paying for College Workshop, to provide high school seniors and their parents options for financing a college education. We invite the Sallie Mae Foundation to join us and they have given out dozens of scholarships over the years. Last night we had over 200 people attend the Workshop at Milby High School in our district, and Sallie Mae provided a $500 scholarship. We had to schedule the event before the 2009 voting schedule was finalized and for that reason I was not able to be in Washington for the two votes last night. I would have supported both resolutions that were voted on last night, and was a cosponsor of H. Res. 31. People are increasingly using electronic communications in all walks of life--from social networking to e-commerce, more and more personal information is being compiled by online sites. While we have realized incredible efficiencies and other benefits from new electronic technologies, those technologies have also raised significant challenges for protecting the privacy of personal and proprietary information. H. Res. 31 would designate January 28 as National Data Privacy Day to raise awareness and educate people on safe practices when submitting personal information online. ____________________