[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H2743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page H2743]]
  AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL 
                   OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 389) 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. 389

       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 4, 2004, 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 2004 
     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.

     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 5104(c) of title 40, 
     United States Code, 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 
Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Honda) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette).
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  House Concurrent Resolution 389 authorizes the use of the Capitol 
grounds for the 19th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run which benefits 
the District of Columbia Special Olympics. The torch will cross the 
Capitol grounds on June 4, 2004.
  For 31 years, Special Olympics D.C. has provided sports training for 
citizens with developmental disabilities. Athletic competition provides 
athletes with increased confidence and self-esteem and allows them to 
demonstrate courage and experience the joy of sport. There are now more 
than 2,000 Special Olympics athletes in the District of Columbia. This 
event is the largest public awareness campaign for the Special 
Olympics. Last year over 85,000 law enforcement officers from 35 
countries participated in the torch run. It is my hope that this trend 
will continue. 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.
  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. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this event needs little introduction. 2004 marks the 
37th anniversary of the D.C. Special Olympics. The torch relay event is 
a traditional part of the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics 
which take place at Gallaudet University in the District of Columbia. 
Each year approximately 2,500 Special Olympians compete in over a dozen 
events and more than 1 million children and adults with special needs 
participate in Special Olympic worldwide programs. The event is 
supported by literally thousands of volunteers from the District and 
the region.
  The goal of the games is to help bring mentally challenged 
individuals into the larger society under conditions whereby they are 
accepted and respected. Confidence and self-esteem are the building 
blocks for these Olympic games. I enthusiastically support this 
resolution and the very worthwhile endeavor of the Special Olympics. I 
urge support for H. Con. Res. 389.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, the District of Columbia Special Olympics 
is the premier event in the region that highlights the athletic 
accomplishments of disabled children and young adults. Thanks to the 
tenacity of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her family, thousands of special 
Olympians see their self-confidence, self-esteem, and health increase 
by participating in these games.
  The goal of the games is to help bring mentally disabled individuals 
into the larger society under conditions where they are accepted and 
respected. Confidence and self-esteem are the building blocks for these 
Olympic games. Better health, coordination, and lasting friendships are 
the results of participation.
  Law enforcement officers, who are part of the extensive volunteer 
network that supports the games, carry the Olympic torch across the 
Capitol Grounds through the District of Columbia to Gallaudet 
University.
  These games are a wonderful expression of inclusiveness and a 
confirmation of individual contribution. I enthusiastically support 
this resolution and the very worthwhile endeavor of the Special 
Olympics.
  I urge support for H. Con. Res. 389.
  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of the concurrent 
resolution.
  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 Ohio (Mr. LaTourette) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 389.
  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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