Senate Passes Durbin, Lankford, Quigley, Edwards, Pappas Resolution Honoring 175th Anniversary Of YMCA

Senate Passes Durbin, Lankford, Quigley, Edwards, Pappas Resolution Honoring 175th Anniversary Of YMCA

Headquartered in Chicago, the YMCA delivers programming to 11 million adults and 6.5 million children each year

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) celebrated the Senate passage of their bipartisan resolution to honor the YMCA ahead of the organization's 175th anniversary. Headquartered in Chicago, the YMCA has about 2,600 locations, serving more than 10,000 communities across the country. The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME), John Boozman (R-AR), Todd Young (R-IN), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Since its founding in 1851, the YMCA has built its legacy around being a community space that meets the evolving needs of Americans and welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. In their resolution, the members of Congress recognize the YMCA's history, which includes the invention of basketball and the first group swim lesson; providing safe housing during the Industrial Revolution; the establishment of the nation's oldest and largest youth civics education program; and serving as the nation's leading non-profit provider of early child care and education, before and after school programs, and summer camp.

"The YMCA's history is intrinsically tied to our nation's history, and even 175 years later, it will be a piece of our nation's future," Durbin said. "Chicago is the proud home of the YMCA's headquarters, and our state is better for the contributions of this organization, which has served as a community hub for nearly two centuries. I'm encouraged to see this bipartisan resolution to celebrate the long and storied history of the YMCA unanimously pass the Senate."

"For 175 years, the YMCA has been a steady force for good in communities across America. Here in Oklahoma, 17 YMCAs are putting that mission into action every day, supporting families, mentoring young people, and strengthening the communities we're proud to call home," said Lankford.

U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), and Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) introduced a companion resolution in the House.

"After 175 years of providing shelter, health services, and a place to stay, the YMCA has earned national recognition. I'm pleased that the Senate has passed this resolution and grateful to Senator Durbin for his leadership," said Quigley. "For nearly two centuries, the YMCA has provided support for our young people through sports, ESL, and nutrition programs, helping nurture generations of Americans. I look forward to the House following suit and passing this resolution soon."

"As the YMCA celebrates 175 years, I'm grateful for the impact our local Ys have had here in Western North Carolina," said Edwards. "From supporting families and developing young leaders to promoting healthy living, the YMCA continues to be a pillar and resource throughout our nation. This milestone is a testament to the lasting difference YMCAs make in our communities."

"For 175 years, YMCA has been a champion of youth development, healthy living, and community-building. It's a place where people, young and old, can socialize, connect, and thrive," said Pappas. "With this resolution, we celebrate YMCA, its contributions to our communities, and its continued success."

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