[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA SPECIAL 
                   OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 359) authorizing the 
use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special 
Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con Res. 359

       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 9, 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, the 2006 
     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 New 
York (Mr. Kuhl) and the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. 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. 359.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 359 authorizes the use of the Capitol 
Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement 
Torch Run to be held on June 9, 2006.
  The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to 
enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities through 
athletics. The Torch Run has historically been the largest and most 
successful Special Olympics fundraiser. Last year, for instance, the 
Torch Run raised over $20 million globally and over $70,000 locally. 
These funds make it possible for athletes with disabilities to compete 
in the annual Special Olympics Summer Games.
  The United States Capitol Police will host opening ceremonies for the 
Torch Run, which will take place on the West Terrace of the Capitol. 
Over 2,000 law enforcement representatives are expected from more than 
60 local and Federal law enforcement agencies, and they will 
participate in this annual event in support of the Special Olympics.
  Congress has traditionally supported this worthy cause by authorizing 
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. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this event needs really little introduction. Eunice 
Kennedy Shriver started the concept of the Special Olympics in the 
early 1960s when she established and opened a summer day camp for 
people with intellectual disabilities.
  2006 marks the 35th anniversary of the D.C. Special Olympics. The 
torch relay event is a traditional part of the opening ceremonies for 
the Special Olympics, which will take place at Catholic University. The 
torch relay event has become a highlight on Capitol Hill and is an 
integral part of the Special Olympics.
  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 Olympics programs worldwide.
  The event is supported by literally thousands of volunteers in the 
region and is attended by thousands of family and friends of the 
Olympians.
  The goal of the games is to 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.
  So I stand in support of this resolution and urge my colleagues on my 
side of the aisle to support this resolution for this very worthwhile 
endeavor of the Special Olympics. I urge support of H. Con. Res. 359.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KUHL of New York. 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 New York (Mr. Kuhl) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 359.
  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. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. 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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