[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 23, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H1496-H1497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR 1999 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
               SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 50) authorizing 
the 1999 District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch 
Run to be run through the Capitol Grounds.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 50

       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 June 11, 1999, or on such other date as the Speaker of 
     the House of Representatives

[[Page H1497]]

     and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate 
     may jointly designate, the 1999 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. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS.

       The Capitol Police Board shall provide for enforcement of 
     the restrictions contained in 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, as well 
     as other restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, with 
     respect to the event.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Franks) and the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Shows) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Franks).
  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  House Concurrent Resolution 50 authorizes the 1999 District of 
Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run to be conducted 
through the grounds of the Capitol on June 11, 1999, or on such date as 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee on 
Rules and Administration jointly designate. The resolution also 
authorizes 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. The sponsor of the event will assume all expenses and 
liabilities in connection with the event; and all sales advertisements 
and solicitations are prohibited.
  The Capitol Police will be hosting the opening ceremonies for the run 
starting 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 for the Special 
Olympics.
  For over a decade the Congress has supported this worthy endeavor by 
enacting resolutions for the use of the grounds. I am proud to sponsor 
this resolution this year, and urge my colleagues to support it as 
well.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This event needs little introduction. 1999 marks the 31st anniversary 
of the D.C. Special Olympics. The torch relay event is a traditional 
part of the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, which takes 
place at Gallaudet University in the District of Columbia.
  Each year approximately 2,500 Special Olympians compete in over a 
dozen events, and more than one million children and adults with 
special needs participate in Special Olympic worldwide programs. The 
event is supported by literally thousands of volunteers.
  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.
  I enthusiastically support this resolution and the very worthwhile 
endeavor of the Special Olympics. I urge passage of House Concurrent 
Resolution 50.
  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 will 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 disabled 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. 50 and urge its passage.
  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey (Mr. Franks) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, House Concurrent Resolution 50.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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