[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H3121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR CIRCUS ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION

  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure be discharged from 
further consideration of the current resolution--House Concurrent 
Resolution 34--authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus anniversary commemoration, 
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 Maryland?
  Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, and I 
will not object, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland, the chairman 
of the Subcommittee on Public Buildings and Economic Development, for 
an explanation of his request.
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution merely authorizes the use of the Capitol 
Grounds for a brief performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & 
Bailey Circus on or about April 3, 1995. This event is intended to be a 
salute to the 104th Congress and a celebration of the 125th anniversary 
of the Ringling Brothers Circus. This event promises to be a welcomed 
diversion for Members, their families, staff, and the general public, 
and will be free of charge. It will feature traditional circus 
entertainment, complete with recorded music.
  Ringling Brothers will assume all expenses and liabilities in 
connection with this event, which will be presented under conditions 
prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police 
Board. These officials are currently meeting to discuss the details of 
this event.
  Mrs. SEASTRAND. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's 
explanation, and I too support this resolution. The circus provides 
family entertainment for millions of Americans and families, and we are 
pleased to be able to be a part of this annual event and bring it to 
the Capitol Grounds for this salute to the 104th Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, 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 Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 34

       Whereas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 
     celebrates its 125th year on April 10, 1995, during its 
     engagement in our Nation's Capital;
       Whereas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 
     represents a 200-year tradition of circus in America;
       Whereas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 
     demonstrates to children of all ages that humans and animals 
     can work together in harmony and cooperation; and
       Whereas Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is 
     committed to its goal of educating the people of the United 
     States as to the need to conserve endangered species: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR RINGLING BROS. AND 
                   BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS ANNIVERSARY 
                   COMMEMORATION.

       Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (hereinafter in 
     this resolution referred to as ``Ringling Bros.'') shall be 
     permitted to sponsor a public event, with circus elephants 
     and performers, on the Capitol Grounds on April 3, 1995, or 
     on such other date as the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate 
     may jointly designate.

     SEC. 2. CONDITIONS.

       The event to be carried out under this resolution shall be 
     free of admission charge to the public and arranged not to 
     interfere with the needs of Congress, under conditions to be 
     prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol 
     Police Board; except that Ringling Bros. shall assume full 
     responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident to 
     all activities associated with the event.

     SEC. 3. STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT.

       For the purposes of this resolution, Ringling Bros. is 
     authorized to erect upon the Capitol grounds, subject to the 
     approval of the Architect of the Capitol, such stage, sound 
     amplification devices, and other related structures and 
     equipment as may be required for the event to be carried out 
     under this resolution.

     SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.

       The Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board 
     are authorized to make any such additional arrangements that 
     may be required to carry out the event under this resolution.

     SEC. 5. LIMITATION ON REPRESENTATIONS.

       Ringling Bros. shall not represent, either directly or 
     indirectly, that this resolution or any activity carried out 
     under this resolution in any way constitutes approval or 
     endorsement by the Federal Government of Ringling Bros. or 
     any product or service offered by Ringling Bros.

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

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