Washington—Yesterday, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) designating September 2019 as “National Child Awareness Month.” The resolution promotes the awareness of charities that benefit children and youth-serving organizations across the country.

            “National Child Awareness Month is a chance to celebrate the crucial role that charities and nonprofits play in improving the lives of children in America,” said Senator Feinstein. “These groups invest in children at all ages to prepare them for success in school and beyond, and we’re thankful for the work they do.”

            “We are at our best as a nation when we care for children,” said Senator Lankford. “My family is grateful for the tireless dedication of providers, volunteers, and all those who pitch in to give our children and youth support, care, mentorship, and encouragement. September is a month for us to pause and say an additional thank you for their continued work to provide a strong foundation for children. I am honored to join Senator Feinstein again this year to recognize September as National Child Awareness Month."

            In addition to Senators Feinstein and Lankford, the resolution is cosponosred by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).

            Full text of the resolution follows:

            Designating September 2019 as “National Child Awareness Month'' to promote awareness of charities that benefit children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States, and recognizing the efforts made by those charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the United States.

            Whereas millions of children and youth in the United States represent the hopes and the future of the United States;

            Whereas numerous individuals, charities benefitting children, and youth-serving organizations that work with children and youth collaborate to provide invaluable services to enrich and better the lives of children and youth throughout the United States;

            Whereas raising awareness of, and increasing support for, organizations that provide access to health care, social services, education, the arts, sports, and other services will result in the development of character in, and the future success of, the children and youth of the United States;

            Whereas the month of September, as the school year begins, is a time when parents, families, teachers, school administrators, and communities increase focus on children and youth throughout the United States;

            Whereas the month of September is a time for the people of the United States to highlight, and be mindful of, the needs of children and youth;

            Whereas private corporations and businesses have joined with hundreds of national and local charitable organizations throughout the United States in support of a month-long focus on children and youth; and

            Whereas designating September 2019 as “National Child Awareness Month” would recognize that a long-term commitment to children and youth is in the public interest and will encourage widespread support for charities and organizations that seek to provide a better future for the children and youth of the United States: Now, therefore, be it

            Resolved, That the Senate designates September 2019 as “National Child Awareness Month”—

(1)   to promote awareness of charities that benefit children and youth-serving organizations throughout the United States;

(2)   to recognize the efforts made by those charities and organizations on behalf of children and youth as critical contributions to the future of the United States; and

(3)   to recognize the importance of meeting the needs of at-risk children and youth, including children and youth who—

(A)  have experienced homelessness;

(B)   are in the foster care system;

(C)   have been victims, or are at risk of becoming victims, of child sex trafficking;

(D)  have been impacted by violence;

(E)   have experienced trauma; and

(F)   have serious physical and mental health needs