The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS” mentioning Richard Blumenthal was published in the Senate section on pages S2221-S2222 on April 27.
Of the 100 senators in 117th Congress, 24 percent were women, and 76 percent were men, according to the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
Senators' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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CENTENNIAL OF CONNECTICUT LIONS CLUBS
Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, today I rise to recognize Lions Clubs International as it celebrates 100 years of outstanding service in Connecticut.
In the winter of 1921, Lions Clubs International, now the world's largest service organization, dispatched an organizer to Connecticut to form the first Lions Club in New England, the Bridgeport Host Lions Club. Throughout their century of service, these volunteers have worked diligently to help set up a fresh-air camp for Bridgeport's youth, create a vision clinic at Bridgeport Hospital, purchase x-ray devices at St. Vincent's Medical Center, provide dental services for the indigent at Park City Hospital, and a litany of other community projects. Lions Clubs in New Haven, Greater Hartford, New Britain, New London, Greenwich, Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington, and Bristol would soon follow. Today, approximately 160 clubs with over 4,600 Lions are serving their communities, many collaborating with local governments to act as dependable volunteer arms.
In 1925, a future Connecticut resident, Helen Keller, would have a profound impact on the mission and very future of Lions Clubs International with her simple plea: ``Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?'' Connecticut Lions not only embraced her message, but also did much more, donating monies and time to support their communities locally and globally. Lions Clubs across the State have sponsored parades, festivals, and school projects, as well as raised funds for building equipment to improve the quality of life for children, the disabled, seniors, and veterans. Connecticut Lions have taken families in need shopping to make their holidays brighter. In support of the health and well-being of their communities, Lions Clubs have donated ambulances, school buses and other vehicles, and vital equipment to our local emergency response teams, senior centers, and social services agencies.
Perhaps the most critical area of focus for Lions Clubs has been in vision care. In their ``crusade against darkness,'' Lions Clubs have raised enormous sums for research into blindness and eye disease. The Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation was chartered in 1956, establishing an eye research clinic under the auspices of Yale University, and later helped establish a second research facility with the University of Connecticut. Thanks to the work at these clinics, thousands of children and adults have benefitted from quality care and research.
Connecticut Lions have also established three District Lions Low Vision Centers to improve the quality of life and independence of those suffering from low vision. I have personally visited one of these centers and listened to healthcare providers and patients discuss how important and valuable these centers are.
For those still struggling with hearing and vision issues, the Connecticut Lions have supported the Connecticut Radio Information System with donations, volunteer readers, and other assistance. Guide and service dogs have been sponsored by Connecticut Lions, helping to restore the independence of the blind and visually impaired in their communities.
Connecticut Lions have also been deeply involved in providing relief from disaster and tragedy. In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut Lions secured sizeable grants from Lions Clubs International Foundation to purchase and distribute critically needed equipment for our first responders and healthcare workers. When Hurricane Sandy devastated much of the State's shoreline, our Lions Clubs provided meals for first responders and volunteers who worked tirelessly to rescue people and restore services following the storm. Immediately following the Sandy Hook tragedy in December 2012, the Newtown Lions established a community fund to address the short-term and long-term needs of individuals arising from that tragic event. To date, they have raised more than $11 million for those affected by posttraumatic shock disorder, including many children of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Connecticut Lions recognized the desperate need of Hurricane Katrina victims, donating thousands of dollars and making multiple trips with shipments of vital supplies. Connecticut Lions have collected and provided food year-round, working with meal centers, food banks, and food share programs to distribute directly to our homeless and those in need. Police and first responders in many towns were provided with ``Homeless Kits.''
In the face of tragedy and immense need, the Connecticut Lions have never forgotten the importance of looking to the future. Connecticut's youth have been a significant part of Lions Club service programs. Leadership, Experience, Opportunity--LEO--Clubs give our youth an opportunity to serve their communities and develop their leadership skills. The Lions Quest program brings schools, families, and communities together to promote the development of healthy and responsible young people through social and emotional learning, character development, and a commitment to community service. The International Peace Poster Contest has provided an opportunity for children to express their visions of peace through art and creativity. Outstanding students striving to reach higher academic achievement have been provided significant scholarships as rewards for their incredible work.
We are proud of our Connecticut Lions who are, each one, a solid citizen contributing significantly to their community and beyond. They strive for new ways to serve others and to address the needs of their communities. Connecticut Lions are adept at recognizing needs, planning projects, organizing fundraisers, and rolling their sleeves up to get the job done. ``Where there is a need, there is a Lion!'' For 100 years, our Connecticut Lions have proudly demonstrated their motto:
``We Serve''
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