[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 27, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S3024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SENATE RESOLUTION 233--RELATIVE TO THE 1999 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 
                               TOURNAMENT

  Ms. SNOWE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:


                              S. RES. 233

       Whereas soccer is one of the world's most popular sports;
       Whereas the Women's World Cup tournament is the single most 
     important women's soccer event;
       Whereas the 1995 Women's World Cup tournament was broadcast 
     to millions of fans in 67 nations;
       Whereas the United States Soccer Federation is attempting 
     to bring the 1999 Women's World Cup tournament to the United 
     States;
       Whereas the United States is capable of meeting all of the 
     requirements of a host country, including financing, 
     transportation, security, communication, and physical 
     accommodations;
       Whereas the United States successfully hosted the 1994 
     Men's World Cup tournament in nine cities throughout the 
     Nation; and
       Whereas the 1999 Women's World Cup tournament will 
     contribute to national and international goodwill because the 
     tournament will bring people from many nations together in 
     friendly competition; Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes and supports the efforts of the United 
     States Soccer Federation to bring the 1999 Women's World Cup 
     tournament to the United States; and
       (2) requests that the President of the United States 
     designate appropriate Federal agencies to work with the 
     United States Soccer Federation to meet the Federation 
     Internationale de Football Association's requirements for the 
     1999 Women's World Cup tournament host country.

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to submit a resolution 
supporting the efforts of the U.S. Soccer Federation to bring the 1999 
Women's World Cup tournament to the United States.
  Soccer is one of the world's most beloved sports, and its popularity 
in the United States has grown rapidly over the past 20 years. The 
Women's World Cup tournament, held every 4 years, is the single most 
important women's soccer event; the 1995 Women's World Cup was 
broadcast to millions of fans in 67 nations. Hosting this event will 
contribute to international goodwill and be a clear signal that America 
is serious about encouraging female participation in sports. Indeed, 
this tournament would serve as a showcase of the best female soccer 
athletes in the world, and something to which girls and young women 
could aspire.
  Already, girls' soccer has experienced an explosion in popularity. On 
the high school level, it is reported that 41,119 girls played soccer 
in 1980, while 191,350 played in the 1994-95 school year. That's a 
remarkable increase of over 400 percent.
  This increase is reflected on the collegiate level as well. In 1981, 
77 schools sponsored women's soccer. By 1995, that number had swelled 
to 617. And a recent national survey indicates that of all the 
Americans who played soccer at least once during 1994, 39 percent 
percent were women.
  These are very encouraging numbers. They demonstrate that soccer is a 
very appealing sport to women, and they demonstrate that soccer is an 
excellent way to get girls and women excited about participating in 
sports.
  We all know that sports are just as important an activity for girls 
and women as they are for boys and men. Through sports, girls and women 
can get a feel for the positive competitive spirit which was, until 
recently, almost exclusively the property of boys and men.
  Women and girls who participate in sports develop self-confidence, 
dedication, a sense of team spirit, and an ability to work under 
pressure--traits which enhance all aspects of their lives. In fact, 80 
percent of women identified as key leaders in Fortune 500 companies 
have sports backgrounds.
  Having the United States host the Women's World Cup in 1999 would be 
an inspirational way to highlight the excitement of participation in 
sports, and the heights of greatness which women can reach in 
athletics. Indeed, it would give Americans the chance to see their own 
outstanding female soccer players in action. The U.S. National Team won 
the inaugural title in 1991, and finished third in last year's event 
before sold out crowds.
  The success of the 1994 Men's World Cup Soccer tournament in the 
United States showed the world that we were ready to be the center of 
the soccer universe. Indeed, I think we all felt justifiable pride in 
providing the world with excellent venues as well as first-class 
transportation, security, communication, and accommodations.
  In order for the U.S. Soccer Federation to submit a formal bid to the 
Federation Internationale de Football Association [FIFA] to host the 
Women's World Cup, it must show Government backing. In 1987, a similar 
resolution was agreed to demonstrate support for the U.S. bid to host 
the 1994 Men's World Cup. By agreeing to this resolution, we will 
officially recognize their efforts and request that the President of 
the United States designate appropriate Federal agencies to work with 
the U.S. Soccer Federation to meet FIFA's requirements for the 1999 
tournament's host country.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this worthwhile 
effort.

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