[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 13, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H3985-H3986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR D.C. SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW 
                         ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 128) authorizing the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the D.C. Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch 
Run.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 128

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR D.C. 
                   SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN.

       On June 6, 2003, or on such other date as the Speaker of 
     the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and 
     Administration of the Senate may jointly designate, the 2003 
     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, 
     advertisements, displays, and solicitations on the Capitol 
     Grounds, as well as other restrictions applicable to the 
     Capitol Grounds, in connection with the event.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Burgess) and the gentleman from Maine (Mr. Michaud) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).
  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 128 authorizes the use of 
the Capitol Grounds for the 18th annual District of Columbia Special 
Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will occur 6 June, 2003. This 
event is cosponsored by the United States Capitol Police, who will host 
opening ceremonies on the Capitol Grounds, and, once lit, the torch 
will be carried to Fort McNair.

                              {time}  1445

  This event is the Special Olympics' largest grass-roots fund raiser, 
raising

[[Page H3986]]

over $20 million during 2002. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers 
participated in the event worldwide last year, and an estimated 2,000 
law enforcement officers representing 60 local and Federal law 
enforcement agencies will participate in this year's event.
  Though the torch run will not occur until June 6, the District of 
Columbia Special Olympics is hosting their summer games this week on 
the campus of Catholic University. The sponsors of the event work with 
the Architect of the Capitol and the United States Capitol Police to 
comply with all applicable regulations relating to the use of the 
Capitol Grounds.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join the law enforcement 
community in supporting the special Olympics and join me in supporting 
this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this event needs little introduction. 2003 marks the 
35th anniversary of the D.C. Special Olympics. The torch relay event is 
a traditional part of the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics in 
the District of Columbia.
  Each year, approximately 2,500 Special Olympians compete in over a 
dozen events. More than 1 million children and adults with special 
needs participate in the Special Olympics worldwide programs. The event 
is supported by literally thousands of volunteers.
  The goal of the games is to help bring mentally challenged 
individuals into larger society under conditions whereby they are 
accepted and respected. Confidence and self-esteem are the building 
blocks of these Olympic games.
  I enthusiastically support the resolution and the very worthwhile 
endeavor of the Special Olympics. I urge support for House Concurrent 
Resolution 128.
  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my full 
support for House Concurrent Resolution 128, authorizing the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the 2003 DC Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch 
Run.
  This event occurs in over 35 countries, but was founded by the Chief 
of Police in Wichita, Kansas, who saw a unique opportunity to raise 
funds and increase awareness about the Special Olympics. The event was 
then adopted by the International Association of Police Chiefs.
  This is the 18th year the event has been held on the Capitol Grounds, 
and each year it is the largest single grass-roots fundraising event 
for the Special Olympics.
  Every two years, law enforcement officers representing their State or 
Nation's Torch Run program comprise a final leg team which carries the 
``Flame of Hope'' into the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics 
World Games.
  I am proud to support this resolution, and encourage my colleagues to 
do the same.
  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional requests for time, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
128.
  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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