WHEREAS,  2016 marks the 104th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia; and

WHEREAS,  throughout its long and distinguished history, Girl Scouts has inspired millions of girls and women with the highest ideals of character, conduct, compassion and patriotism; and

WHEREAS,  in Girl Scouts, girls develop their leadership potential through activities that enable them to discover their values and skills and the world around them and to connect with others in a multicultural environment; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts, now in its 2nd century of service to girls, is continuing its legacy of creating gender-balanced leadership in the United States and the world by providing girls with the courage, confidence and leadership skills to become leaders dedicated to making their communities, this country and the world better; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts has made girls' financial literacy a high priority in its programs and activities for over 100 years and continues to develop financial empowerment programs for girls in kindergarten to grade 12 to guarantee future generations of independent female leaders; and

WHEREAS,  outdoor experiences are an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and outdoor activities are woven into the core leadership development program in such a way that girls feel comfortable trying new things and testing their limits and gain confidence and acquire new skills in a safe and supportive all-girl environment; and

WHEREAS,  Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that girls have the opportunity to explore and build an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, helping them to develop collaborative, critical thinking and problem solving skills, which are vital throughout life; and

WHEREAS,  with more than 2.8 million current members nationwide and nearly 60 million alumnae and with a high percentage of the women in the United States House of Representatives and of women business owners being former Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts has ample living proof of its importance and success; now, therefore, be it