[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 12 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H365-H368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS FOR WINNING SUPER BOWL XXXVIII

  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the unanimous 
consent request of February 3, 2004, I call up the Resolution (H. Res. 
512) congratulating the New England Patriots for winning Super Bowl 
XXXVIII, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of House Resolution 512 is as follows:

                              H. Res. 512

       Whereas, on February 1, 2004, at Reliant Stadium in 
     Houston, Texas, the New England Patriots defeated the 
     Carolina Panthers 32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII;

[[Page H366]]

       Whereas this victory is the second world championship for 
     the Patriots in the last three years, the first being a 20-17 
     victory over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI;
       Whereas the Patriots' victory over the Panthers is the 
     fifteenth straight victory for New England, setting franchise 
     records for consecutive wins and most wins in a season;
       Whereas Coach Bill Belichick, stressing teamwork and 
     determination, led his players to the best record in the 
     National Football League through the regular season with a 
     14-2 mark;
       Whereas the Patriots' ability to win despite serious 
     injuries is a testament to the coaching staff and the team's 
     desire to once again hoist the Lombardi Trophy;
       Whereas quarterback Tom Brady was selected as the Super 
     Bowl's Most Valuable Player for the second time, becoming the 
     youngest quarterback to win two Super Bowls and two Super 
     Bowl MVP awards; and
       Whereas all of New England is proud of the accomplishments 
     of the entire Patriots organization and the dedication of the 
     ever faithful New England fans throughout the 2003-2004 NFL 
     season, Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends the 
     World Champion New England Patriots for their extraordinary 
     victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
Tuesday, February 3, 2004, the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. 
Bradley) is recognized for 1 hour.
  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, before I yield myself such 
time as I may consume, for purposes of debate only, I yield 30 minutes 
to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).
  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague and 
friend from New Hampshire for his graciousness in yielding to me, and I 
yield myself such time as I may consume. I am glad to be along with him 
and many of our colleagues from New England cosponsoring this 
resolution congratulating the New England Patriots on their second 
Super Bowl title in 3 years.
  I have said this before, Mr. Speaker. In the profession which we have 
chosen and are lucky enough to have had some success in, we sometimes 
find ourselves being blamed for things that are not our fault. But 
those occasions are offset by those times when we can bathe in entirely 
unearned glory.
  The New England Patriots, as they now are, are an excellent team that 
did a superb job, well coached; they dealt with injuries, they held 
together, compiled a superb record. And those who represent New England 
in Congress get to stand up here and bathe in their glory. I am 
grateful to them for winning the championship and for the fact that we 
can do that.
  I do not think politicians ought to insinuate ourselves into 
professional sports. It has been my experience that at professional 
sports events, the needed ones are the fans. So we are not trying to do 
that. What we are doing jointly is to pay our respects to a group of 
very dedicated, hardworking young men.
  Let us be clear. To do what any professional football team does, 
particularly to do what the Patriots do, requires a degree of 
discipline and dedication and willingness to do hard physical work in 
very adverse weather conditions. They are very well coached. The 
ownership of the team deserves credit.
  I will make just one political point. I am very proud to note that 
the stadium in which they won so many of their games and from which 
they went out to win the Super Bowl championship, in the town of 
Foxborough, Massachusetts that I represent, was not built with public 
money. This is an indication that there is no need to go to the 
taxpayers to get money to build public stadiums. There is an ability to 
do that when a team is well-run and well-managed and well-owned by 
private capital.
  So I really want just again to say how proud the people, not just of 
the town of Foxborough or my district or northern Massachusetts are, 
but all over New England, as my colleague from New Hampshire makes 
clear, because as the team is the New England Patriots, we had to 
import somebody from New Hampshire, because Massachusetts is incapable 
at this point just technically of bipartisanship on our own. But I 
really appreciate the gentleman from New Hampshire's cooperation, and 
congratulations to the New England Patriots for doing an important 
thing so well.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for 
sponsoring this resolution saluting the New England Patriots in their 
second Super Bowl championship in the last 3 years, and I yield myself 
such time as I may consume.
  It is indeed an honor to be able to stand here tonight, Mr. Speaker, 
and talk not only as a fan but as a person from New England about what 
it means to our region to be able to salute these New England Patriots. 
We are always grateful in New England, having rooted for the Red Sox 
for so long and witnessed so many heartbreaking seasons, for well-
coached, well-run, well-organized teams that win and bring home the 
ring.
  So many individuals need to be saluted, but it is important to note 
that when we talk about the New England Patriots, we talk about 
teamwork. We talk about cooperation. We talk about individuals in high-
profile positions subverting themselves to the greater good of the 
team, and that has always been the history of this team that had to 
recover from injuries, that had to recover from the loss of major free 
agents at the beginning of the season and still, despite those 
setbacks, were able to win.
  But it is also important for us to note several individuals that have 
made not only this season possible, but others in the past. It starts 
with the ownership of the New England Patriots. Mr. Bob Kraft and his 
sons have just done a tremendous job bringing back first-class football 
to New England and keeping the franchise in Massachusetts. And were it 
not for the Kraft ownership and all of the things that they have done 
to make this possible, we would not be seeing that success today.
  The coaching staff led by Bill Belichick has done just a stupendous 
job of putting together unique individuals and making the team function 
as something that is greater than the sum of all of the parts.
  But Bill Belichick cannot do it by himself. He has a tremendous staff 
in the front office all the way down to the trainers and the people 
that work in public relations. From the top to bottom, the Patriots' 
organization is a tremendously well-run organization. The players are, 
bar none, the best team in the league. And when Adam Vinatieri kicked 
that field goal, even though he had missed 2 already that afternoon, 
you knew that he was going to kick the third one and that we would win 
again.

                              {time}  1900

  Also, in need of being saluted are long time announcers Gil Santos 
and Gino Cappelletti, the voices of the New England Patriots who for 
many, many years kept the faith alive.
  And perhaps the most important people that need to be celebrated are 
the fans of New England who have never given up on their team not only 
this year but for the last several years and braved the coldest of cold 
weather, the snowiest of snowy days, and were outnumbering the Carolina 
fans in Houston last week by 100 to 1.
  But as we celebrate the Patriots, let us also not forget the fine 
teams that they beat all year, starting with the Carolina Panthers who 
no one gave a chance to be successful in the Super Bowl last week who 
played a tremendous game. It was one of the greatest games in the 
history of the National Football League.
  The Patriots also beat two other fine teams in the playoffs: the 
Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans and had a tremendous 
regular season where they won 12 in a row and then three playoff games. 
Hopefully, we will continue this next year and do it one game at a 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan).
  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Hampshire 
(Mr. Bradley) for yielding. And when I was over at my office and you 
were praising the fans who had braved the cold weather those two 
playoff games, I said he must be talking about me. I have been a season 
ticket holder since 1986. So I wanted to come to the floor and join you 
in giving credit to this outstanding organization.

[[Page H367]]

  And the interesting thing about it is when Robert Kraft and his 
family bought this franchise, they were literally headed to St. Louis. 
In fact, the Kraft family could have made a lot of money simply by 
allowing a group of investors from St. Louis to buy out his interest in 
the stadium and in the contract that the team had with the stadium at 
that time.
  I also want to congratulate the Kraft family for the outstanding 
organization that they have set up, and also Coach Belichick. It is 
interesting there are a lot of people that criticize Bob Kraft, who 
went out and gave up draft choices in order to get Bill Belichick away 
from the New York Jets. And a lot of my colleagues who were Jets fans 
thought they had gotten a great deal because they got draft choices.
  And Bill Belichick has done an outstanding job in terms of fostering 
team work. This is a team that gets introduced before games as a team. 
I think all of us see in professional sports a lot of things that we do 
not necessarily like, the sort of ``me generation'' of individuals 
getting all the credit. That does not happen on this team. And I think 
that sports leagues across America could learn a lot by looking at the 
success of this team, the fact that so few players made the Pro Bowl.
  And, finally, the individual players on that team, starting with 
their quarterback, they exemplify the best. I know I had an opportunity 
to be at the White House when Tom Brady was there. A lot of people 
thought it was a political thing. It was not a political thing. The 
Patriots players contribute to the community. They are involved in the 
community day in and day out. And I was proud that Tom Brady was here 
that evening for the State of the Union.
  And I am looking at next year. As my colleague acknowledged, we have 
two picks in the first round, two picks in the second round, one pick 
in third round, and two picks in the fourth round. It seems to me that 
we have the opportunity to have a top-notch team each and every year.
  I probably have more information that we could go on. But I am glad 
that this resolution is before the House.
  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time 
as I may consume and thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) 
for giving that wonderful description of the Patriots and the fact that 
he was one of the brave 70,000 people that braved well below zero 
weather to root on the Patriots against the Tennessee Titans.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest games in Super Bowl 
history. We all from New England, fans, everyone all across the 
spectrum of New England salute our Patriots.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. 
Meehan).
  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to make the point that one of the 
reasons why I was able to brave the cold weather was because I was 
wearing Malden Mills Polar Tec, which is a great product that you and I 
have worked together to try to help that company. That is why I was so 
warm during those games because I had Malden Mills Polar Tec, 
manufactured right in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, he is very right. I wear 
it all the time as I climb 4,000-foot mountains. I urge passage of this 
resolution.
   Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from 
Massachusetts, Mr. Frank, and the gentleman from New Hampshire, Mr. 
Bradley, for bringing this resolution honoring the New England Patriots 
for their Superbowl victory to the floor today.
   Mr. Speaker, I want to offer my own congratulations to the Patriots 
for winning Superbowl XXXVIII, their 2nd championship in 3 years. The 
team has come together again this year, and proven to us that they 
truly are World Champions.
   While some around the Nation may know of our quarterback, Tom Brady, 
the majority of players on our team are not the superstars found in 
other cities across the country. However, we in New England know Troy 
Brown, Tedy Bruschi and Ty Law, not just for their individual 
accomplishments but for what they are a part of--a team.
   Mr. Speaker, Coach Bill Belichick said it best when he reminded the 
faithful fans that the players ``gave up a little of their 
individuality'' for the greater goal. ``That's what they did, and 
that's why they're champions.'' They have demonstrated to us and the 
rest of the world that winning a title isn't about statistics and 
breaking records, but instead about team work and focus.
   In addition to the Patriots' coaches and players, the team is guided 
by a terrific management team. Robert and Jonathan Kraft have worked 
tirelessly to build a strong organization and they also deserve praise 
today.
   I want to thank each and every player and coach on the team for 
showing their fans, the country and the world, that old-fashioned 
teamwork comes out ahead. Congratulations to the New England Patriots 
and to their fans.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to rise in support of H. Res. 
512, congratulating the New England Patriots for winning Super Bowl 
XXXVIII. The Patriots victory is again cause for celebration on both 
coasts as fans in San Mateo, California and the San Francisco Peninsula 
join in celebrating native son Tom Brady, the MVP Quarterback for the 
Super Bowl champion Patriots.
  Under the glaring lights of Reliant Stadium in Houston, and before an 
estimated worldwide audience of one billion viewers, Tommy Brady, as he 
is known in San Mateo, showed the remarkable poise and the expert 
leadership that his teammates and Patriot fans have come to expect. He 
calmly guided his team down the field toward Super Bowl victory in what 
may have been the greatest Super Bowl of all time.
  In fact, during the game's final drive, with the game tied, and under 
what must have been great pressure, Tom Brady rose to the task by 
completing four out of five passes to set up the game-winning field 
goal.
  Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to support this legislation as well as to 
pay tribute to Tom Brady, who from his days of flag football on Portola 
Drive in San Mateo, to the fields at Juniperro Serra High, to the 
University of Michigan, to the National Football League and being named 
Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII, has always played 
with confidence and charisma and found success at every level. It is 
obvious from watching Tom Brady play that he truly loves the game of 
football. He always smiles, and his enthusiasm and confidence is 
infectious to his team. As one of his wide receivers said, ``You can't 
say enough about that kid. He has a tremendous amount of confidence, 
and it rubs off on everyone else.''
  Now, only 26 years of age, and the youngest quarterback to have two 
Super Bowl MVP awards and two Super Bowl Championship rings, fans 
around the league anxiously await his future accomplishments. His 
stellar performances as well as uncanny ability to guide his teams to 
come from behind victories has reminded many of another quarterback 
with Bay area ties, former San Francisco 49er and Hall of Famer, Joe 
Montana.
  On behalf of the city of San Mateo and football fans everywhere, I 
wish him continued success in his already remarkable career and 
strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 512.
  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, February 1st, the New England 
Patriots won their second Super Bowl in 3 years. The Patriots' season 
was a testament to teamwork, dedication, and determination in the face 
of adversity. Bouncing back from an opening day loss, the Patriots came 
together to put forth a season that will be remembered as one of the 
greatest in New England history.
  At no time in the season did any member of the Patriots profess to be 
more important than any other, and at no point did the loyal fans' 
support wane, even in the harshest conditions. The New England Patriots 
are a shining example of all that is good in sports: teamwork, 
sacrifice, and humility. They are deserving champions, and I am proud 
to join my New England colleagues in co-sponsoring this resolution 
honoring the Super Bowl XXXVIII Champion New England Patriots.
  Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my enthusiastic 
congratulations to the New England Patriots, Super Bowl Champions for 
the second time in three years.
  When the Patriots celebrated their first Super Bowl title in team 
history two years ago, the excitement that we all experienced was 
unparalleled. This year, with the team's second victory, we may have 
surpassed the joy of that first win. I think every New Englander was 
filled with pride yesterday, as a crowd of over 1.5 million fans turned 
out in chilly temperatures to fill the streets of Boston. We watched 
the fans on City Hall Plaza cheer as the Patriots, led by their team 
owner Bob Kraft, gifted Head Coach Bill Belichick, and players now 
known on a first name basis--such as Tom, Ty, and Adam--took to the 
stage.
  These fans were cheering more than just a Super Bowl victory. This 
team of New England Patriots exemplified hard work, determination, and 
humility. They worked together as a team above all else, and respected 
all of their opponents, regardless of their records. It was this 
dedication that led to their amazing streak of 15 straight wins, the 
longest winning streak in the NFL in more than 30 years. Throughout it 
all, they had a keen awareness of what their quest meant to the fans of 
New England who

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have supported them through the good years and bad ones. They were a 
source of joy, hope, and inspiration. We admire the Pats for their 
achievements and look forward to win number three.
  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the New 
England Patriots on their thrilling victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII. In a 
season of tremendous adversity marked by difficult early-season losses 
and numerous injuries, this team displayed the values of hardwork and 
determination that so epitomize the region from which they hail. After 
beginning their season with a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of the 
intra-division rival Buffalo Bills, the Patriots went on to win all but 
one of their next fifteen games, including a franchise-record twelve-
game winning streak. Ignoring the seemingly relentless skeptics, the 
Patriots defeated a hard-nosed Tennessee Titan team and halted the 
high-octane Indianapolis Colts to gain a spot on the world's biggest 
stage in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
  One again relying on the leadership of quarterback Tom Brady and the 
steady foot of kicker Adam Vinatieri for last-second heroics, the 
Patriots defeated a stubborn Carolina Panther team to earn their second 
Super Bowl victory in the past three years. Abiding by the values of 
teamwork and perseverance instilled by head coach Bill Belichick, the 
New England Patriots are an example to all Americans of what it means 
to be a true champion. In addition, I would particularly like to 
congratulate Mike Cloud, a resident of Rhode Island, on being part of a 
team that makes all of New England proud.
  I hope our colleagues will join me in congratulating the Super Bowl 
champion New England Patriots.
  Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 
of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the order of the House of 
Tuesday, February 3, 2004, the resolution is considered read for 
amendment and previous question is ordered.
  The question is on the resolution.
  The resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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