[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 86 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                     February 15, 2005.
Whereas on February 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida, the New England Patriots 
        defeated the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 24 to 21 in Super Bowl 
        XXXIX to win the National Football League (NFL) Championship;
Whereas the Patriots' victory in Super Bowl XXXIX resulted in their third 
        championship in the last four years, the first being a 20 to17 victory 
        over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI and the second being a 32 to 
        29 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII;
Whereas the Patriots' victory over the Eagles clinched back-to-back 
        championships for the first time in franchise history;
Whereas in winning Super Bowl XXXIX, the Patriots became only the second 
        franchise in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in four years;
Whereas beginning during the 2003 season and stretching into the 2004 season, 
        the Patriots won 21 consecutive games, 18 during the regular season and 
        3 during the post-season, setting franchise and league records for 
        consecutive victories;
Whereas owner Robert Kraft, through sound management and by instilling a team-
        first philosophy, has made the Patriots the model NFL franchise;
Whereas Head Coach Bill Belichick, Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis, and 
        Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel, stressing teamwork and 
        determination, led the Patriots to their ninth straight playoff victory 
        by winning Super Bowl XXXIX and to their second consecutive 14 win 
        regular season, advancing to the Super Bowl by defeating the record-
        setting Indianapolis Colts and the number one seeded Pittsburgh Steelers 
        in the American Football Conference (AFC) playoffs;
Whereas the Patriots' ability to win despite serious injuries is a testament to 
        the coaching staff and the desire of the team to defend their title and 
        win another Super Bowl;
Whereas wide-receiver Deion Branch, who had a record-tying 11 catches for 133 
        yards, was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Super Bowl 
        for the first time, joining two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom 
        Brady as the only Patriots in NFL history chosen to receive this 
        prestigious award; and
Whereas all of New England is proud of the accomplishments of the entire 
        Patriots organization and the dedication of the faithful New England 
        fans throughout the 2004-05 NFL season: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates the National 
Football League Champion New England Patriots on their extraordinary victory in 
Super Bowl XXXIX.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.