[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 14 (Thursday, February 1, 1996)]
[House]
[Pages H1201-H1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   1999 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Maryland [Mrs. Morella] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, in an effort to support the continued 
growth of women's sports in general, and of women's soccer in 
particular, I, along with 37 House colleagues, have introduced a 
resolution recognizing and supporting the efforts of the U.S. Soccer 
Federation in bringing the 1999 Women's World Cup tournament to the 
United States.
  Recent evidence demonstrates that there is unprecedented interest in 
the sport of soccer in the United States--the 1994 men's games had the 
highest attendance and the largest viewership of any World Cup ever. On 
the heels of this success, the U.S. Soccer Federation has resolved to 
submit a formal bid to the Federation Internationale de Football 
Association [FIFA] to host the 1999 Women's World Cup.
  The Women's World Cup tournament, like the men's, is hosted every 4 
years by a different country. It is considered the most important 
women's soccer 

[[Page H1202]]
tournament in the world; the 1995 Women's World Cup was broadcast to 
millions of fans in 67 nations.
  Our country's previous participation in this event has displayed to 
the world the abilities and dedication of our gifted female athletes. 
The U.S. National Team won the inaugural title in 1991, and finished 
third in last year's event before sold-out crowds. We now have the 
opportunity to afford the American people the chance to see their 
athletes represent them in person at the highest level.
  In order for the U.S. Soccer Federation to successfully submit a bid 
to the Federation Internationale de Football Association, it must show 
that it has the support of our Government. In 1987, a similar 
resolution was passed to demonstrate support for the U.S. bid to host 
the 1994 World Cup. Additionally, the White House has already pledged 
its support for the event and will designate a senior administrative 
official to be its representative to the Women's World Cup.
  This is an exciting time of growth for women's athletics and U.S. 
soccer. By supporting the U.S. Soccer Federation's bid to host the 1999 
Women's World Cup tournament, we can help be a part of this growth and 
reaffirm our commitment to American athletic excellence and the good 
will and competitive spirit that these games represent.

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