[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H1605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING BIRCH BAYH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, a couple of years ago, I was having dinner 
with my good friend from New York (Mr. Weiner) and he posed the 
question, who was more influential in the country, Justices of the 
Supreme Court or United States Senators. I remarked that I have thought 
United States Senators, to his surprise, and probably to the surprise 
of some Members in this body.
  But I say that because it was my Senator, my former Senator, Senator 
Birch Bayh, who did some astonishing and good things for the United 
States. One of the things that he did was push through Title IX, which 
afforded women and children all across this country the opportunity to 
compete as men compete in athletics and other curricular activities. I 
had a particular interest in Title IX myself, being the father of three 
daughters who were given the opportunity to play soccer, volleyball and 
other outside activities, the same as men.

                              {time}  1430

  Today, my good friend, the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson), 
introduced a bill to rename the Federal courthouse and government 
building in Indianapolis after the former Senator.
  From his humble beginnings in Terre Haute to his 18 years of service 
in the United States Senate, Birch Bayh remains one of the most 
respected and beloved Hoosiers of all time.
  He is the first person since the Founding Fathers to offer two 
amendments to the Constitution of the United States, amendments 25 and 
26. His accomplishments are a point of pride for Indiana.
  I mentioned title IX. His years since his Senate service have been 
marked by his championing of numerous social causes, including his 
advocacy for senior citizens, the handicapped, women, and minorities.
  I am proud to support the dedication of a Federal building in 
Indianapolis in our State's capital. It is important and appropriate 
that this Congress honor the service and commitment Senator Bayh gave 
to Hoosier constituents and the institution of the United States 
Congress.

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