June 22, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 114 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page S3129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 635--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY, 
  AMERICA'S BIRTHDAY, AND THE HUNDREDS OF BUSINESSES AND WORKERS THAT 
                     MAKE UP THE FIREWORKS INDUSTRY

  Mr. ROUNDS submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 635

       Whereas, on July 3, 1776, Founding Father John Adams wrote 
     to Abigail Adams expressing his belief that the signing of 
     the Declaration of Independence should be commemorated ``with 
     Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, 
     Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to 
     the other from this Time forward forever more'';
       Whereas, on July 4, 1777, reflecting the vision of John 
     Adams, fireworks were set off in Philadelphia as part of a 
     celebration to commemorate Independence Day;
       Whereas throughout our history, Americans in cities and 
     towns large and small have celebrated the birth of our great 
     Nation, with 16,000 fireworks displays on Independence Day in 
     2019 alone;
       Whereas an estimated 49 million Americans traveled on 
     vacation to these cities and towns during the Fourth of July 
     holiday in 2019;
       Whereas 49 States plus the District of Columbia allow some 
     or all types of consumer fireworks;
       Whereas retail sales of fireworks have skyrocketed in 
     recent years;
       Whereas Americans spend more than $1 billion on fireworks 
     annually, and close to $900 million is spent on consumer 
     fireworks alone;
       Whereas the United States fireworks industry is committed 
     to promoting the legal and safe handling and use of all 
     fireworks;
       Whereas for the first time in over 10 years, Mount 
     Rushmore, our Nation's ``Shrine of Democracy'', will resume 
     using fireworks in 2020;
       Whereas the fireworks industry serves as a livelihood for 
     many small business owners and operators across the country;
       Whereas fireworks celebrations are important economic 
     drivers for cities and towns across the country; and
       Whereas many cities and towns across the country are 
     canceling or are considering canceling their annual Fourth of 
     July celebrations: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the historic importance of fireworks 
     displays in the United States, particularly in annual 
     Independence Day celebrations;
       (2) recognizes that the fireworks industry brings joy to 
     communities and neighborhoods across the country and is good 
     for our national psyche;
       (3) supports the commitment to bring fireworks back to our 
     Nation's ``Shrine of Democracy'' at Mount Rushmore; and
       (4) urges cities, towns, counties, and other municipalities 
     to save the Fourth of July by reconsidering postponing or 
     canceling their Fourth of July celebrations, so that 
     Americans can enjoy our Nation's birthday while adhering to 
     appropriate social distancing guidelines.

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