[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 62 (Wednesday, May 18, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
AUTHORIZING 1994 SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RELAY TO BE RUN THROUGH CAPITOL 
                                GROUNDS

  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the 
Speaker's table the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 236) 
authorizing the 1994 Special Olympics Torch Relay to be run through the 
Capitol Grounds, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I will not 
object, but I do so to yield to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Traficant] 
for a brief explanation of this resolution.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, the Special Olympics Torch Relay run is a 
very special annual Washington, DC event which requires the use of the 
Capitol Grounds, under the supervision of the Capitol Police and the 
Architect of the Capitol. The event, which would take place on May 20, 
1994, culminates at Gallaudet University and the opening of the Special 
Olympics. This resolution is necessary as there is a law that prohibits 
open flames on the Capitol Grounds and the resolution would waive that 
prohibition.
  As we are all aware, the Special Olympics is an athletic program for 
handicapped children and adults which gives them the opportunity to 
compete in athletic events, and thereby enhances their self-esteem and 
self-image.
  Additionally, members from approximately 65 Federal and local law 
enforcement agencies participate in the ceremony as they relay the 
torch through the District of Columbia to Gallaudet. Their 
participation is a visible sign of support and recognition of these 
very special athletes.
  The committee is pleased to be associated with this worthwhile family 
event and the resolution has strong bipartisan support.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, further reserving the right to object, I 
support H. Con. Res. 236, a resolution authorizing the running of the 
Special Olympics Torch Relay through the Capitol Grounds. This event is 
expected to take place on May 20, 1994.
  The Special Olympics summer games will be held at Gallaudet 
University in Northeast Washington DC. This is a worthwhile endeavor 
that deserves our wholehearted support.
  The relay will be conducted by law enforcement officers from 65 
Federal and local law enforcement agencies. More than 2,500 police 
officers representing their respective agencies will relay the torch 
through the District of Columbia to Gallaudet University.
  I urge my colleagues to support this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 236

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF RUNNING OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH 
                   RELAY THROUGH CAPITOL GROUNDS.

       On May 20, 1994, or on such other date as the Speaker of 
     the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of 
     the Senate may jointly designate, the 1994 Special Olympics 
     Torch Relay may be run through the Capitol Grounds, as part 
     of the journey of the Special Olympics torch to the District 
     of Columbia Special Olympics summer games at Gallaudet 
     University in the District of Columbia.

     SEC. 2. RESPONSIBILITY OF CAPITOL POLICE BOARD.

       The Capitol Police Board shall take such action as may be 
     necessary to carry out section 1.

     SEC. 3. CONDITIONS RELATING TO PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS.

       The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe conditions for 
     physical preparations for the event authorized by section 1.

  The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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