Randy Kuhl

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Chairman, if there are not any Members who wish to speak, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 52, on passage of H.R. 841--The Continuity in Representation Act--I was absent due to circumstances beyond my control. Had I been present I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. KUHL of New York

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 45) recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Con. Res. 45.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 45, which highlights the benefits and importance of school-based music education. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), and my colleague, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), for their leadership on this issue and for introducing the resolution we are considering here today. Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music program is crucial to a complete education. Musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self- esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance. In an analysis of the United States Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show ``significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade twelve,'' regardless of students' socio-economic status. A 1999 report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that individuals who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco, and elicit drugs. So it is not surprising, Mr. Speaker, that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse. In fact, many colleges and universities view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them. For these reasons, Mr. Speaker, I support House Concurrent Resolution 45 that recognizes the benefits and importance of school-based music education. This resolution before the House today is simple and straightforward. It states that it is the sense of this Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well- rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school. It also recognizes the International Music Products Association for their efforts to designate a Music in School Month in order to highlight an important role that school music programs play in the academic and social development of children. Music in Our Schools Month began as a single statewide celebration in 1973 and has grown over the decades to encompass a day, a week; and in 1985 March was designated as a month-long celebration of music in our schools. Music education is important to our children. It can broaden and strengthen their education and improve their lives. I join my colleagues in commending music educators and organizations across the country for the key roles they play in helping our children succeed in school and throughout life. As former President Gerald Ford said, ``Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them, a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our Nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.'' Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support music education in our schools and House Concurrent Resolution 45, which highlights the benefits and the importance of school-based music education. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter), a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), and certainly the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), and my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for lending their melodious vibes to support of this resolution.

Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.