Floor Situation

H.Res. 385 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) on April 30, 2009.

Bill Summary

H.Res. 385 would resolve that Congress:

• "Celebrates the life of Millard Fuller, a life which provides all the evidence one needs to believe in the power of the human spirit to inspire hope and lift the burdens of poverty and despair from the shoulders of one's fellow man;
• "Honors Millard Fuller for three decades of leadership and service through Habitat for Humanity, and the millions he and his organization have inspired to embrace a passion for the good and the just; and
• "Urges the people of the United States to recognize and pay tribute to Millard Fuller's life and legacy of service by carrying on his vision for a kinder, gentler world, following the example he so emphatically set."

 

Background

According to the resolution's findings, Mr. Millard Fuller, as the founder of Habitat for Humanity and as a dedicated citizen, displayed extraordinary commitment, selflessness, and benevolence throughout a lifetime of philanthropy and goodwill. Mr. Fuller, despite achieving financial success, abandoned his fortune for a life of service and his commitment was most profoundly manifested in the establishment of Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, an organization whose core principle was, in Millard Fuller's own words, `To make it socially, morally, politically and religiously unacceptable to have substandard housing and homelessness'. Millard Fuller was a prolific writer, authoring 10 books. He had received more than 50 honorary degrees and in 1996 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.