[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 46 (Tuesday, April 25, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H1696-H1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR THE GREATER WASHINGTON SOAP BOX 
                                 DERBY

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 349) authorizing the use of the 
Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 349

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

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF SOAP BOX DERBY RACES ON CAPITOL 
                   GROUNDS.

       The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association (in this 
     resolution referred to as the ``Association'') shall be 
     permitted to sponsor a public event, soap box derby races, on 
     the Capitol Grounds on June 17, 2006, 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.

     SEC. 2. CONDITIONS.

       The event to be carried out under this resolution shall be 
     free of admission charge to the public and arranged not to 
     interfere with the needs of Congress, under conditions to be 
     prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol 
     Police Board; except that the Association shall assume full 
     responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident to 
     all activities associated with the event.

     SEC. 3. STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT.

       For the purposes of this resolution, the Association is 
     authorized to erect upon the Capitol Grounds, subject to the 
     approval of the Architect of the Capitol, such stage, sound 
     amplification devices, and other related structures and 
     equipment as may be required for the event to be carried out 
     under this resolution.

     SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.

       The Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board 
     are authorized to make any such additional arrangements that 
     may be required to carry out the event under this resolution.

     SEC. 5. 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,

[[Page H1697]]

     and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as well as other 
     restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, with respect 
     to the event to be carried out under this resolution.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 349.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorizes the use of the Capitol 
Grounds for the 65th Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to be 
held June 17, 2006. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the 
Capitol; the U.S. Capitol Police; and the Greater Washington Soap Box 
Derby Association, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary 
arrangements for carrying out this traditional event in compliance with 
the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds.
  The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of the largest 
qualifying races in the country. This race takes place on Constitution 
Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, NW. Participants are 
residents of the Washington metropolitan area and range in age from 8 
to 17. The winners of these races will represent the Washington 
metropolitan area at the national finals, held annually in Akron, Ohio.
  I support this concurrent resolution, which continues our custom of 
authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for this exciting event, and 
urge my colleagues to do the same.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such 
time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), a 
good friend of mine and the prime sponsor of House Concurrent 
Resolution 349, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman 
from Tennessee (Mr. Davis) for yielding me time. I want to thank my 
friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for his leadership on this 
issue.
  Madam Speaker, for the 16th straight year, I am proud to sponsor the 
resolution allowing the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association 
to hold its annual race on the grounds of the United States Capitol.
  H. Con. Res. 349 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol and the 
Capitol Police Board to work with the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 
Association to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to 
conduct this race in complete compliance with the rules and regulations 
governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The 65th annual Greater 
Washington Soap Box Derby will be held on Saturday, June 17.
  Soap box derby racing, Madam Speaker, in our Nation's Capital has a 
long and rich tradition. In 1938, Norman Rocca beat out 233 other 
racers to win the inaugural Greater Washington Soap Box Derby, which 
was held on New Hampshire.
  Over the years, thousands of the region's young people have 
participated in this great race, although the location has varied from 
the original site on New Hampshire Avenue to Capitol Hill, with stops 
on Massachusetts Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Eastern Avenue along 
the way.
  The essence of the race has remained the same. homemade gravity-
powered cars, the spirit of competition, and the pure joy of racing. 
The Soap Box Derby consists of dozens of drivers, both boys and girls, 
ranging in ages from 8 to 17. These racers are divided into three 
division: stock, superstock and masters. The local winners of each 
division will automatically qualify to compete with racers from around 
the world in the 69th All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, on 
July 22 of this year.
  The festivities in Akron begin when the racers receive a police 
escort into town and conclude in the winner's circle with the awarding 
of scholarships and merchandise. In between, the racers and their 
families participate in a whirlwind of activities that leave them with 
enduring friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
  The past 6 years, the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby has had one 
of its participants finish in the top 10 in the All-American 
competition. In fact, last year's master's division champion, Robbie 
Reuss of Waldorf, finished an impressive second in Akron. Robbie's 
finish surpassed Gene Bean's third in the 1941 All-American and is the 
best finish for a representative of the Greater Washington Soap Box 
Derby. I am very proud of Robbie, and I am hopeful that this might 
finally be the year when one of our racers from the Greater Washington 
area is finally crowned world champion.
  Madam Speaker, this event has been called the greatest amateur racing 
event in the world, and it is an excellent opportunity for the 
contestants from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia to 
learn basic building skills while gaining a real sense of 
accomplishment.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues, as I expect them 
to, to join me with the other original cosponsors of this resolution, 
Representative Frank Wolf, Representative James Moran, Representative 
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Representative Al Wynn, and Representative Chris 
Van Hollen, in supporting this resolution and congratulating all the 
participants.
  Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, there are many things in America that are purely 
American. It is my understanding that the Soap Box Derby races that we 
have is purely an American phenomenon that started here. Other 
countries may have adopted it, but it is wonderful to be a part of this 
legislation that makes it possible for young men and young women to 
broaden their minds and their scientific knowledge as they develop the 
skills of building the eventual vehicle that they will ride, hopefully 
to victory.
  Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support, along with Mr. Hoyer, Mr. 
Wolf, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wynn, Mr. Van Hollen, and Ms. Norton 
House Concurrent Resolution 349, and acknowledge the efforts of Mr. 
Hoyer, who has been such a great and consistent champion for his 
constituents for this event.
  House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds 
for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. On June 17, 2006 youngsters 
from the greater Washington area will race down Constitution Ave. to 
test the principles of aerodynamics in hand designed and constructed 
soap box vehicles. All the contestants, ages 9 through 16, construct 
and operate their own soap box vehicles.
  Madam Speaker, the All American Soap Box Derby originated in 1933 and 
quickly became a national phenomenon. There are now more than 150 races 
currently taking place nationwide to determine 440 qualifiers for the 
national race finals held in Akron, Ohio.
  Madam Speaker, many hundreds of volunteers donate considerable time 
supporting the event and providing families with a fun filled day, 
which is quickly becoming a tradition in the Washington, DC area. The 
event has grown in popularity and Washington is now known as one of the 
outstanding race cities.
  Consistent with all events using the Capitol Grounds, this event is 
open to the public and free of charge. The organizers will work with 
the Capitol Hill Police and the Office of the Architect.
  I support House Concurrent Resolution 349 and urge passage of this 
resolution.
  Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, I join Mr. Hoyer and Ms. Norton, 
together with Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wolf, and Mr. 
Wynn, in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 349, to authorize use 
of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. I 
especially want to acknowledge the dedication of Mr. Hoyer, the 
resolution's annual sponsor, who faithfully introduces this resolution 
to authorize use of the Capitol Grounds for such a worthwhile event.
  This annual event encourages all boys and girls, ages nine through 
16, to construct and operate their own soap box vehicles. The

[[Page H1698]]

Washington event, which attracts a great number of spectators and 
extensive media coverage, has grown in size and has become one of the 
best-attended events in the country. The winner in each of three 
divisions wins a trip to the national race in Akron, as well as 
trophies and prizes.
  The principles of aerodynamics are combined with fun and excitement 
for all participants and their families in the Greater Washington area. 
It is an excellent opportunity for parents to have direct involvement 
in their children's activities. The derby's mission is to provide 
children with an activity that promotes technical and social skills 
that will serve them throughout their lives.
  The derby organizers will work with the Architect of the Capitol and 
the Capitol Police to ensure the appropriate rules and regulations are 
in place for the event.
  I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to support House 
Concurrent Resolution 349.
  Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Drake). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
349.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this question will 
be postponed.

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