[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 106 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H6396]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TITLE IX AND ROLE OF U.S. WOMEN'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM

  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, I raise my voice in praise of title IX and 
the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team.
  There is no doubt in my mind that title IX has been successful in 
expanding opportunities for women in athletics. Before title IX, women 
represented only 1 percent of college athletes, and virtually no 
athletic scholarships went to women. Because of title IX, more than 
100,000 women now participate in intercollegiate college sports.
  The purpose of title IX is to provide the same opportunities for 
women in education as men. While we celebrate the great strides that 
women have made in competitive athletics, we should also recognize that 
title IX has made an impact and opened doors in other areas of 
education.
  The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, our 1999 Women's World Cup 
champions, they certainly made it clear that women can make a 
tremendous contribution to sports. These dedicated, determined, and 
accomplished young women make me proud to be associated with the cause 
of getting more girls and women involved with sports and fitness.
  Title IX and the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team have changed the 
playing field for girls and women in athletics. But since title IX was 
passed in 1972, there has been a world of change in our expectations of 
what women can achieve.
  Women like Mia Hamm and Michelle Akers on the soccer field, and 
Colonel Eileen Collins, who is commander of the shuttle flight 
Columbia, they have shown the skeptics that women can successfully 
participate in every walk of American life. They are all long-distance 
runners in the challenge and the struggle to raise the status of women 
in our society.
  When I was growing up, most people thought that girls were not as 
interested in sports as boys. Consequently, girls were discouraged from 
participating in sports activities. Now research by the Women's Sports 
Foundation shows that, on the contrary, boys and girls between the ages 
of 6 and 9 are equally interested in sports participation. By the age 
of 14, however, girls drop out of sports participation at a rate six 
times greater than boys. Something must have happened.
  Now, after the U.S. Women's Soccer Team has won the 1999 Women's 
World Cup, young girls have aspirational and inspiration role models 
that will no doubt increase their participation in sports. They are 
growing up and appreciating the sports skills of women, and they see 
images of themselves excelling in sports.
  Young women who participate in sports are more likely to finish 
school, less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy. The availability of 
athletic scholarships has enabled more women to pursue a college 
education and has opened opportunities for women at dozens of colleges.
  Let me just point out the health benefits of regular and rigorous 
physical exercise are extensive. Studies show that women who 
participate in sports actually lower their risk of breast cancer and 
are 92 percent less likely to be involved with drugs. There are also 
psychological benefits. Young women who play sports have a higher level 
of self-esteem, a lower incidence of depression, and a more positive 
body image.
  I am sure that, all over America, young girls are achieving success 
on the athletic field and thinking about growing up to be soccer or 
basketball stars. Others are applying themselves to their studies, and 
they are dreaming about becoming scientists or engineers or even 
Members of Congress.
  These young women can feel safe and secure in their dreams because 
title IX will be there to protect them from the barriers of 
discrimination.

                          ____________________