[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 27, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H5177-H5179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   PERMITTING USE OF ROTUNDA OF CAPITOL FOR PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF 
          CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO FATHER THEODORE HESBURGH

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 344) permitting the use of the 
rotunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold 
Medal to Father Theodore Hesburgh, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 344

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That the rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to 
     be used on July 13, 2000, for a ceremony to present the 
     Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore Hesburgh. 
     Physical preparations for the ceremony shall be carried out 
     in accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the 
     Capitol may prescribe.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Thomas) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas).
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as was indicated, this is a resolution to use the 
rotunda of the Capitol for the ceremony of awarding a Congressional 
Gold Medal to Father Theodore Hesburgh.
  Dr. Hesburgh's history is truly an impressive one, especially when we 
look at the rapidity with which he moved to the presidency of one of 
the more distinguished private religious and secular universities in 
the United States, the University of Notre Dame.
  He received his ordination as a priest in 1943; studied here at the 
Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., receiving his 
doctorate in 1945; moved to Notre Dame to teach; and then at the age of 
35, in 1952, became the 15th president of the University of Notre Dame 
and held that position until 1987, shaping in a significant way the 
current position of the University of Notre Dame.
  Based upon additional activities, along with this very short 
biography, which my friend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) will 
elaborate on, it is absolutely appropriate that we authorize the use of 
the rotunda to present the Congressional Gold Medal to a religious 
scholar, a scholar, an administrator, and someone who has made a 
significant impact not just on students, not just on faculty, not just 
on Catholics, not just on the United States, but upon the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of our committee, the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Thomas) for facilitating this resolution moving 
forward.
  I particularly want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Roemer), for sponsoring this resolution and for all his 
hard work in getting this body to pass legislation giving the 
Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore Hesburgh, the President 
Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame.
  I leaned over to my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. 
Roemer), and said that when we talked about him being a doctor or this, 
that, or the other, that really what he was was a parish writ large, 
not just for the United States but all the world.
  The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) I know is extraordinarily 
proud that his district is the home of Notre Dame, one of our Nation's 
great academic institutions. Whether it is in the classroom, the 
laboratory, or the athletic fields, Notre Dame is rightfully known for 
producing extraordinary leaders, including, I might say, our colleague, 
the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), who received both his masters 
and his Ph.D. at that school.
  I was, as all of us were, pleased to support the legislation granting 
Father Hesburgh a Congressional Gold Medal. I am honored to rise today 
in support of H. Con. Res. 344, which will grant use of the Capitol 
rotunda on July 13, 2000, for the presentation ceremony.

                              {time}  1045

  The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor, Mr. Speaker, that 
Congress can give to a private citizen of this Nation. We have given 
them to the heroes of our history, those who have displayed uncommon 
valor on the field of battle, courage in the pursuit of civil rights 
and insight in the quest of knowledge. Last October, Congress gave the 
Congressional Gold Medal to Father Hesburgh. We now will provide for 
the awarding of that medal.
  For 35 years, Father Hesburgh guided one of our country's finest 
universities, through a period of unparalleled growth. I spoke at the 
beginning about the excellence of Notre Dame, not just on the athletic 
field but in the classroom and in the community. In large measure, it 
is because of the extraordinary people that have led Notre Dame, none 
of them more extraordinary than Father Hesburgh.

[[Page H5178]]

  When he stepped down from the University's presidency in 1987, his 
tenure was the longest among active American college and university 
presidents. During his years as president of Notre Dame, Father 
Hesburgh used his leadership to seek the advancement of civil rights, 
peace and justice around the world. He has held 15 presidential 
appointments, confronting such diverse issues as the peaceful use of 
atomic energy, campus unrest, immigration reform and Third World 
development.
  Throughout these efforts, Mr. Speaker, Father Hesburgh maintained an 
unwavering commitment to fairness, equality and justice. In 1964 when 
President Johnson awarded the Medal of Freedom to Father Hesburgh, he 
could have sat back and rested on his laurels as one of the most 
respected leaders of our Nation. He could have; but, of course, we know 
he did not. Rather he used his mantle of respect to fight for those 
whose voices are not always heard, whose issues are not always 
respected, and whose needs are not always met.
  In those pursuits, he served not only his country, but most 
importantly, I am sure, to him, his God, and his faith. There is not 
enough time in this debate to review all the good work that Father 
Hesburgh has done in his life, but let me review just a few highlights.
  He sought to bridge America's racial divide as chairperson of the 
Commission on Civil Rights from 1969 to 1972. He fought for the 
interests of the underdeveloped nations as chair of the Overseas 
Development Council for 11 years. He helped heal the scars of the 
Vietnam War with his service as a member of President's Ford's 
Presidential Clemency Board.
  He worked to promote peace by organizing a meeting of world class 
scientists from both sides of the Iron Curtain urging the elimination 
of nuclear weapons.
  After the meeting, he organized a convention of religious leaders who 
endorsed the views of the scientists. In addition, Mr. Speaker, to his 
honors, which include the Franklin Roosevelt Four Freedoms Medal, the 
Distinguished Peace Leader Award and the National Service Lifetime 
Award, Father Hesburgh has received 135 honorary degrees, the most ever 
awarded to any American.
  Father Hesburgh is a wonderful, magnificent example of a good man who 
rose up and did great things. He however, was a humble person, walking 
closely with his God. I can think of no person for whom the honor is 
more appropriate.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues, as I know they will, to 
unanimously support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Roemer).
  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Maryland (Mr. 
Hoyer) for his very articulate comments about Father Hesburgh and for 
his overly generous comments about me.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Thomas) for his hard work and help on this resolution. I would also 
like to thank the Republican and Democratic leadership for their help 
and assistance in passing this Gold Medal to Father Hesburgh, and I 
want to pick out a couple of individual Members of Congress on the 
Democratic and Republican side who helped gather the cosponsors, the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky), the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. King), the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Lewis), the gentlewoman from Kentucky (Mrs. Northup), all 
were very, very helpful. Senator Bayh and Senator Lugar on the Senate 
side in helping us get the needed cosponsors to pass this very 
important resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 344 to 
authorize the use of the U.S. Capitol rotunda for the ceremony in which 
the President will present Father Theodore M. Hesburgh with the 
Congressional Gold Medal. I am deeply grateful to the leadership that 
has called up this resolution and recognizes that the use of the 
rotunda for this occasion is a fitting tribute to one of America's most 
distinguished educators and humanitarians.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take just a quick minute to salute 
the University of Notre Dame for its excellence in research and its 
faculty, for its commitment by its student body, where 10 percent of 
its student body that just graduated will go into voluntary service 
throughout the world, not just America, to help the hungry, to help the 
poor, to help the thirsty and to put a lot of emphasis on social 
justice.
  I want to thank the Holy Cross Order that helps Father Hesburgh and 
Father Malloy, now the president of the university.
  Last year, more than two-thirds of the U.S. House of Representatives 
cosponsored my bill to award the Gold Medal to Father Hesburgh. The 
companion bill was also cosponsored by more than two-thirds of the U.S. 
Senate. The legislation was passed with unanimous consent and signed 
into law by President Clinton on December 9, 1999.
  This bipartisan measure recognizes Father Hesburgh's countless and 
enduring contributions to the United States and the global community.
  Father Hesburgh's remarkable record of public service is as 
distinguished as his contributions are numerous. Over the years, he has 
held 15 Presidential appointments and remained a national leader in 
education, civil rights, and in social justice issues in the Third 
World. Highlighting a long list of awards received by Father Hesburgh 
is a Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian 
honor, bestowed on him by President Johnson in 1964.
  Equal justice has been the primary focus of Father Hesburgh's 
pursuits. He was a charter member of the U.S. Commission on Civil 
Rights, and later, its chairman. Father Hesburgh passionately supported 
the civil rights movement and was dismissed from the commission when he 
criticized the administration for not fully implementing its 
recommendations.
  Father Hesburgh was the longest serving active president of an 
institution of higher learning when he retired from the University of 
Notre Dame in 1987. He continues, he continues, Mr. Speaker, in 
retirement as a leading educator, a leading humanitarian, and inspiring 
generations of students and citizens to serve their country while 
sharing his wisdom and vision for the rights of man.
  Father Hesburgh has served his Nation well, not only on matters of 
civil rights here and abroad, but he has fought against unemployment, 
fought against poverty, fought against hunger, and in support of better 
agriculture for developing nations so that they can feed their people.
  In a recent speech, the United Nations Secretary Kofi Annan said that 
there are one in five of the population in the world today that does 
not have access to safe drinking water. Kofi Annan went on to say one 
out of every five people in the world lives on less than a dollar per 
day.
  Father Hesburgh continues to make these people his highest priority, 
the hungry and the thirsty. Father Hesburgh is beloved by all who have 
known him. I am personally grateful to Father Hesburgh for his 
friendship and guidance, starting with my years as a student at the 
University of Notre Dame. I firmly believe that this resolution to use 
the Rotunda for presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Father 
Hesburgh is entirely an appropriate tribute to one of America's 
greatest citizens and champions of human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support the 
resolution and, again, express my deep gratitude to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Thomas), to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), to 
the leadership of both sides in this bipartisan tribute to be 
considered on the House floor today. I thank both gentlemen for the 6 
minutes of time to talk about Father Hesburgh's lifetime of 
accomplishments.
  Mr. HOYER. Reclaiming my time, I want to again thank the gentleman 
from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), a distinguished graduate of an institution 
that was led so ably and whose service to this country, not only 
leading Notre Dame but service to this country, is so deserving of 
recognition, which the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) has assured 
will happen. I congratulate the gentleman for his leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Traficant).
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, I did not plan to speak on this issue, I 
will be brief. As an athlete, I played against

[[Page H5179]]

Notre Dame. I think it is fitting that the Congressional Gold Medal be 
awarded to this great American.
  I want to commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) and I know 
the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) is not here, a great Notre 
Dame fan as well, but I think as we think about the Congressional Gold 
Medal, the world will always think about Father Hesburgh every time 
they see that golden dome on the television screen and the tenacity and 
the spirit of Notre Dame, much of it has been imbued, developed by 
Father Hesburgh. I think his fingerprints rest on the university of 
such great acclaim. It is known throughout the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), this 
is very fitting, so I want to thank the Republican leadership, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), the gentleman from Maryland 
(Mr. Hoyer), our ranking member, I believe this is most fitting. I am 
just honored to be a part, to be able to say that I had a vote in this 
Congressional Gold Medal award.
  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, lest anyone think that although this is being presented 
in a bipartisan way, that it is purely a partisan interest in Notre 
Dame. I really would be remiss if I did not mention that there are a 
number of Republicans who have attended and indeed graduated from Notre 
Dame, and one that I know is no greater Irish hunk than our former 
colleague Dan Lungren from California, who not only bleeds green and 
gold, but would occasionally wear green and gold on the floor of the 
House, especially after a much-needed win over the University of 
Southern California in the annual football contest.
  Having heard these words about Father Hesburgh, this is simply an 
introduction and an invitation to join in the Rotunda in the 
presentation of that Congressional Gold Medal.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this legislation, 
which authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda on July 13, 2000 for a 
ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore M. 
Hesburgh.
  We look forward to honoring Father Hesburgh for his many achievements 
in such areas as education and international and peace studies. This 
remarkable leader has not only served our nation's presidents but has 
also served a 35 year tenure as President of the University of Notre 
Dame and has demonstrated his leadership in a number of international 
organizations. The list of his accomplishments reflects his devotion to 
many note-worthy and noble causes.
  Father Hesburgh was born in Syracuse, N.Y. on May 25, 1917, the son 
of Anne Murphy Hesburgh and Theodore Bernard Hesburgh.
  Educated at Notre Dame and the Gregorian University in Rome, Father 
Hesburgh received a bachelor of philosophy degree in 1939. In 1943 he 
was ordained a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He received 
his doctorate at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, 
and he joined the Notre Dame Department of Religion in 1945. In 1948, 
he was appointed head of the department and also served as chaplain to 
World War II veterans on campus. When he was 35, in 1952, Notre Dame 
named him their 15th president, and he retired on June 1, 1987.
  In addition to his accomplishments at Notre Dame, Father Hesburgh's 
list of appointments and public service demonstrates a life-time of 
promoting peace, justice, civil and human rights, and education. He has 
held 15 Presidential appointments in such fields as civil rights, 
peaceful uses of atomic energy, and Third World development. He chaired 
the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights from 1969-1972. Between 1979-1981, 
he chaired the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy, and 
its recommendations became the groundwork for Congressional reform 
legislation 5 years later.
  He has also served four Popes, and from 1956-1970 he was Vatican 
City's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency in 
Vienna. In 1968, Pope Paul IV appointed him head of the Vatican 
representatives attending the 20th anniversary of the UN's human rights 
declaration in Teheran, Iran.

  In the field of education, Father Hesburgh has served on a number of 
commissions and study groups that have analyzed issues such as public 
funding of independent colleges and universities and the purpose of 
foreign languages and international studies in higher education. His 
dedication has earned him 135 honorary degrees.
  After retiring as president of Notre Dame, Father Hesburgh has 
continued to promote important causes and, as President Emeritus, to 
work for his university's future. He has continued to participate in 
international organizations; he has traveled the world as a 
distinguished speaker; written numerous articles, books as well as his 
autobiography, ``God, Country, Notre Dame;'' and furthered the interest 
of several Notre Dame academic institutes. Moreover, Father Hesburgh 
chairs the advisory committee for the Kellogg Institute for 
International Studies and the Hesburgh Center for International 
Studies, which was named in his honor.
  Numerous awards reflect all of these achievements. In 1964, President 
Lyndon Johnson awarded him the Medal of Freedom. Other awards include 
the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Medal for Worship, the 
Distinguished Peace Leader Award, and the National Service Lifetime 
Achievement Award.
  Mr. Speaker I urge our colleagues to join in supporting this 
legislation to recognize Father Hesburgh's many accomplishments as well 
as his honorable life dedicated to noble causes.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for the resolution authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda for a 
ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore 
Hesburgh, President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame. I also 
want to thank my colleague from Indiana, Tim Roemer, for his leadership 
in the effort to bestow this honor on Fr. Hesburgh.
  As a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, I have long admired 
Father Hesburgh's commitment to excellence in higher education and his 
extraordinary leadership in the cause of civil rights. I was happy to 
cosponsor the legislation last fall to present him with this 
distinguished award.
  Under Father Hesburgh's stewardship as Notre Dame's president from 
1952 to 1987, Notre Dame established itself as a top academic 
institution while maintaining its standing as a leading Catholic 
university. Fr. Hesburgh's greatest challenge was to demonstrate that 
it was possible to achieve prominence in both arenas and he succeeded, 
creating a model for other Catholic institutions of higher learning 
across the country.
  One of Father Hesburgh's most enduring contributions to the Nation as 
a whole is his commitment to the pursuit of civil rights for all 
Americans. As a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights for 15 
years, three of them as its chairman, Fr. Hesburgh was instrumental in 
the movement that culminated in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964. His legacy of leadership in the cause of civil rights and 
other issues of moral imperative has served as an example for America 
and, indeed, the world.
  Mr. Speaker, in light of these and all of Father Hesburgh's many 
contributions in service to our Nation, I wholeheartedly support this 
resolution.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
344, 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.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________