[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 3] [House] [Pages 3556-3557] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SUPPORTING SOCIAL WORK MONTH AND WORLD SOCIAL WORK DAY Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1167) expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day. The Clerk read the title of the resolution. The text of the resolution is as follows: H. Res. 1167 Whereas social work is a profession of hope, grounded in practical problem-solving expertise; Whereas social workers inspire community action, and are dedicated to the successful functioning of American society; Whereas social workers have education and experience to guide individuals, families, and communities through complex issues and choices; Whereas social workers stand up for others to make sure everyone has access to the same basic rights, protections, and opportunities, and have been an important force behind important social movements in the United States; Whereas social workers work through private practices, agencies and organizations, hospitals, the military, government, and educational institutions to provide resources and guidance that support social functioning; Whereas social workers are on the frontlines, responding to such human needs as homelessness, poverty, family break-up, mental illness, physical and mental disability, substance abuse, domestic violence, and many other issues; Whereas Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, which is March 16, 2010, will build awareness of the role of professional social workers and their wide range of social contributions throughout their careers; and Whereas the 2010 Social Work Month theme--``Social Workers Inspire Community Action''--showcases the expertise and dedication of professional social workers in helping to improve community life: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) supports the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; (2) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and who are observing Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; (3) encourages the American people to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities to further promote awareness of the life-changing role of social workers; and (4) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of caring individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through social work. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Hampshire. General Leave Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House Resolution 1167 into the Record. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from New Hampshire? There was no objection. Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day. There are more than 600,000 people in the United States who devote their lives to social work and to the improvement of the society in which we live by obtaining social work degrees. Social workers dedicate their time, energy, and career to assisting individuals, families, and communities through complicated social issues and complex choices. As many of you know, social workers have been instrumental in instigating important social movements in the United States and abroad. Francis Perkins, who championed the minimum wage laws and reduced the work week for women to 48 hours, and Harry Hopkins, who relocated to New Orleans in order to work for the American Red Cross as director of civilian relief, are two examples of social workers who saw a need to change conditions for a community and set out to work in the community to help meet that need. Social workers use their tools and skills in schools, courtrooms, clinics, nursing homes, and the military, just to name a few. However, the need for [[Page 3557]] social work is expected to grow twice as fast as other occupations, especially within the health care sector as our aging demographics require more services. Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, which is March 16, 2010, build awareness of professional social workers and their commitment to people. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution honoring those who choose social work as a profession to better society. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GUTHRIE. I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 1167, expressing support for the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day. Social workers are an important part of communities throughout the Nation and they inspire community action to improve lives. Social workers know the full range of challenges facing families of every description, and they help people reach their full potential. Social workers make a wide range of social contributions throughout their careers. Many social workers work to resolve systemic issues that negatively affect a community. Some work in education or research, and others serve as heads of nonprofit organizations to create positive sustainable changes in communities. Most social workers serve individuals and families. Working through private practice, agencies, and organizations, they provide resources and guidance that support social functioning. Many people who become social workers believe there are no limits to human potential, and use their talents to help others. Social work is a profession of hope, grounded in practical problem- solving expertise. Social workers are employed in schools, courtrooms, drug treatment clinics, hospitals, senior centers, shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons, and corporations. They are on the front lines, developing social programs that are responsive to such needs as homelessness, poverty, mental illness, physical and mental disability, substance abuse, domestic violence, and many other issues. This year's Social Work Month theme, ``Social Workers Inspire Community Action,'' showcases the expertise of these dedicated professionals and the impact they have on the improvement of community life. Today, we recognize the contributions of millions of caring individuals who have chosen to serve their communities through social work. I ask that my colleagues support this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1167. The question was taken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be postponed. ____________________