[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H3062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR 1998 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res 262) authorizing the 1998 District
of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be run
through the Capitol grounds, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Con. Res. 262
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring),
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF RUNNING OF D.C. SPECIAL OLYMPICS
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN THROUGH CAPITOL
GROUNDS.
On May 29, 1998, or on such other date as the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate may jointly designate, the 1998
District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run (in this resolution referred to as the ``event'') 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 actions as may be
necessary to carry out the event.
SEC. 3. CONDITIONS RELATING TO PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS.
The Architect of the Capitol may prescribe conditions for
physical preparations for the event.
SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY OF PROHIBITIONS.
Nothing in this resolution may be construed to waive the
applicability of the prohibitions established by section 4 of
the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C. 193d; 60 Stat. 718),
concerning sales, displays, and solicitations on the Capitol
Grounds.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Kim) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Kim).
Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 262 authorizes the 1998
District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be
conducted through the grounds of the Capitol only May 29, 1998, or on
such date as the Speaker of the House and the Senate Committee on Rules
and Administration jointly designate.
The resolution also authorizes the activities of the Architect of the
Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the D.C. Special Olympics, the
sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for
carrying out the event in complete compliance with the rules and
regulations governing the use of the Capitol grounds. In addition, the
sponsor of the event will assume all the expenses and liability in
connection with the event, and all sales, advertisements and
solicitations are prohibited. The Capitol Police will host the opening
ceremonies for the run on Capitol Hill, and the event will be free of
charge and open to the public.
Over 2,000 law enforcement representatives from local and Federal law
enforcement agencies in Washington will carry the Special Olympics
torch in honor of 2,500 Special Olympians who participate in this
annual event to show their support of the Special Olympics.
For over a decade, the Congress has passed legislation in support of
this worthy endeavor. I am proud to sponsor the legislation this year.
I support it, and urge colleagues to pass this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the resolution.
Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, the relay event is a traditional part of
the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, which take place at
Gallaudet University, in the District of Columbia.
This year approximately 2,500 special Olympians compete in 17 events,
and more than one million children and adults with special needs
participate in Special Olympics worldwide programs.
The goal of the games is to help bring mentally handicapped
individuals into the larger society under conditions whereby they are
accepted and respected. Confidence and self esteem are the building
blocks for these Olympic games. Better health, coordination, and
lasting friendships are the results of participation.
D.C. Special Olympics is the sole provider in the District of
Columbia of these special services. No other organization provides
athletic programs for citizens with developmental disabilities.
I support H. Con. Res. 262 and urge its passage.
Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Kim) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 262, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as
amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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