Designating July 23 2005, as `National Day of the American Cowboy' .

Mr. THOMAS (for himself, Mr. BURNS, Mr. INHOFE, Mr. DORGAN, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. ENZI, Mr. ALLARD, Mr. BAUCUS, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. MARTINEZ, Mr. BINGAMAN, and Mr. CRAIG) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

Designating July 23, 2005, as `National Day of the American Cowboy' .

Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys, helped establish the American West;

Whereas that cowboy spirit continues to infuse this country with its solid character, sound family values, and good common sense;

Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism;

Whereas the cowboy loves, lives off of, and depends on the land and its creatures, and is an excellent steward, protecting and enhancing the environment;

Whereas the cowboy continues to play a significant role in America's culture and economy;

Whereas approximately 800,000 ranchers are conducting business in all 50 of these United States and are contributing to the economic well being of nearly every county in the Nation;

Whereas rodeo is the sixth most-watched sport in America;

Whereas membership in rodeo and other organizations surrounding the livelihood of a cowboy transcends race and gender and spans every generation;

Whereas the cowboy is an American icon;

Whereas to recognize the American cowboy is to acknowledge America's ongoing commitment to an esteemed and enduring code of conduct; and

Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys to their communities should be recognized and encouraged: Now, therefore, be it