[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 52 (Tuesday, May 2, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H2364]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING FOR APPOINTMENT OF ALAN G. SPOON AS CITIZEN REGENT OF BOARD 
                 OF REGENTS OF SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules 
and pass the Senate joint resolution (S.J. Res. 40) providing for the 
appointment of Alan G. Spoon as a citizen regent of the Board of 
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              S.J. Res. 40

       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That, in 
     accordance with section 5581 of the Revised Statutes of the 
     United States (20 U.S.C. 43), the vacancy on the Board of 
     Regents of the Smithsonian Institution, in the class other 
     than Members of Congress, occurring by reason of resignation 
     of Louis Gerstner of New York, is filled by the appointment 
     of Alan G. Spoon of Maryland. The appointment is for a term 
     of 6 years and shall take effect on the date of enactment of 
     this joint resolution.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson).
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, S.J. Res. 40 provides for the appointment of Alan Gary 
Spoon to serve on the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.
  This 17-member board, which governs the Smithsonian Institution, is 
comprised of the Chief Justice and Vice President of the United States, 
three Members each from the House and Senate, and nine citizens who are 
nominated by the Board and approved jointly in a resolution of 
Congress.
  Alan Spoon has served as chief operating officer and director of The 
Washington Post Company since May of 1991 and was elected president of 
that organization in September of 1993.
  Prior to that experience, Mr. Spoon also served as president of 
Newsweek Magazine.
  The Washington Post Company's involvement in areas of education and 
electronic information services, as well as producing technology 
publications, can prove to be a useful background in his service to the 
Smithsonian.
  Before joining The Washington Post, he was a partner with an 
international consulting firm specializing in corporate strategy.
  Mr. Spoon also brings previous experience with the Smithsonian as a 
member of the National Museum of Natural History's board of directors.
  I believe the Smithsonian can benefit from Alan Spoon's financial, 
marketing, and management background. I urge my colleagues to support 
S.J. Res. 40.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I have listened intently to the words of the 
distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) on behalf of Mr. 
Spoon's nomination to the Smithsonian Board of Regents.
  Mr. Spoon is indeed, as has been represented by the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), an outstanding American, an outstanding member 
of this community, a distinguished business executive; and he will 
bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom to serve on the 
Smithsonian Board of Regents.
  I share the view of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) that 
he will be a very, very worthy addition to this Board and will serve 
the Smithsonian and the Nation well. I rise in support of this 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the Senate joint resolution, S.J. Res. 40.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the Senate joint resolution was 
passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________