[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 94 (Tuesday, July 18, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H5331-H5332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONGRATULATING ITALY ON WINNING THE 2006 WORLD CUP
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 908) congratulating Italy on winning
the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World
Cup, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 908
Whereas for the first time in 24 years, the Italian
National Soccer Team won the Federation Internationale de
Football Association (FIFA) World Cup;
Whereas Italy is one of the most successful countries in
World Cup history, reaching the finals 6 times and winning 4
championships, in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006;
Whereas the 2006 championship is due in large part to the
extraordinary leadership of head coach Marcello Lippi and
team Captain Fabio Cannavaro;
Whereas in 2006, team Italy (known as ``Azzurri'' or simply
``the Blue'') went undefeated in World Cup play and won the
final game in only the second World Cup Championship to be
determined by shoot-out;
Whereas in winning the World Cup, the Italian National
Soccer Team faced adversity and overcame setbacks;
Whereas the vibrant culture and heritage of Italy were
brought to our Nation by millions of Italian immigrants;
Whereas Italian Americans have made significant
contributions to our Nation in all fields of endeavor;
Whereas Italian Americans rejoiced in the victory of the
soccer team of their ancestral homeland, many spontaneously
celebrating in American neighborhoods throughout our Nation;
Whereas all Americans can take pride in the knowledge that
the United States National Soccer Team was the only team that
Italy was unable to defeat during this World Cup, needing to
settle with a 1-1 tie; and
Whereas the fans of the Italian National Soccer team, many
hailing from the United States, represent some of the most
enthusiastic in the world: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates
Italy and the Italian National Soccer team on winning the
2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
World Cup.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr.
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.
General Leave
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to request my colleagues' support for H.
Res. 908, a resolution congratulating Italy on winning the 2006
Federation Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA, World Cup.
On July 9, 2006 the Italian team, known affectionately in Italy as
Azzurri, or ``The Blue,'' secured its place as one of the most
successful teams in World Cup history, having reached the finals six
times and having just won its championship.
Under the leadership of Coach Marcello Lippi and Captain Fabio
Cannavaro, the Italian team went undefeated in World Cup play. I must
point out in a bit of national pride that the only team Italy was
unable to defeat was our very own United States National Team, with
whom Italy tied 1-1.
The Italian championship at the FIFA World Cup highlights the vibrant
culture and the heritage of Italy, the same vibrant culture and
heritage brought to America by millions of Italian immigrants that has
enriched and continues to enrich our great Nation through countless
contributions to every aspect of our society.
This is a proud heritage that is shared by millions of Italian
Americans, and a pride which extends to the Italian National World Cup
team. Countless Americans throughout the United States rejoiced at
Italy's success, and it is with a hearty ``bene fatto'' that I extend
congratulations to Italy and to the Italian International Soccer team
on winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup. I urge my colleagues to do likewise
by agreeing to this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
(Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend
his remarks.)
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida
(Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for the management of this legislation.
Madam Speaker, just over a week ago I had the tremendous pleasure of
watching the thrilling finale of the World Cup championship match in
Germany. As the winning penalty kick zipped past the French goalkeeper,
I felt the joy of millions of Italians as they celebrated their
historic fourth World Cup victory. For that matter, the entire planet
with billions of people witnessing this special event, the number one
sport in the world, not American football, I beg to say, Madam Speaker.
The Italians are known for the passion they exhibit in every endeavor
they undertake. I cannot agree more with that. Whether it is in art,
literature, mathematics, business or especially soccer, Italians all
over the world pour their heart and soul into every task they assume.
Madam Speaker, this passion has led great men like Christopher
Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Constantino Brumidi, Enrico Fermi and
captains of industry A.P. Giannini, to contribute to the rock-solid
foundation on which this country is built. Not to mention some of my
favorite singers, Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Perry Como,
and the list goes on. This passion has also contributed mightily to the
strong alliance between Italy and the United States since the end of
World War II. Our bond with Italy kept the Soviet menace at bay during
the decades of the Cold War.
Today, Italy aids in the fight for democracy. Our Italian allies
fight, bleed, and even die to bring democracy to the people of
Afghanistan and Iraq.
This passion was unabashedly unleashed in the worldwide celebrations
following the Italian national soccer team's historic victory in
Germany. I, for one, reveled in the images of our Italian friends
singing and dancing around the world.
In all this praise for Italy and its fantastic soccer team, I would
like to congratulate the fans who traveled to Germany to support their
beloved Azzurri, as the national soccer team is known. During the
month-long tournament, the fans were a model of civility and good
spirits.
Madam Speaker, the Italian fans, along with those from 31 other
nations, enjoyed the beautiful country of Germany and all of its 64
thrilling soccer matches without any major incidents.
Finally, I would like to commend those involved with the security of
the World Cup tournament. As we all know, this kind of world gathering,
unfortunately, presents potential terrorist opportunities as well as
other
[[Page H5332]]
dangers. The German Government and security officials performed
magnificently, the venues were safe, and the atmosphere always
enjoyable.
This was an exciting month, capped off with an unforgettable ending
for our longtime friends and allies, the Italian people. I strongly
support this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume
to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella), the original sponsor of
this resolution.
(Mr. FOSSELLA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
As mentioned, last week with approximately a billion people watching,
for the first time in 24 years, the Italian National Soccer Team won
the Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup. It was
indeed a great day for the people of Italy. I know they celebrated with
pride and enthusiasm, and they probably still are, and rightfully so.
But it was also a very important and poignant day for many Americans
of Italian descent. While I, like many here, rooted for the American
team, and I tip my hat to the U.S.A. team that tied the Italian soccer
team, they should be very proud for trying and giving their best and
representing our Nation well in Germany.
But no question, Italy's victory captivated the world and showed that
teamwork is the key to success.
It was wonderful to watch the game across Staten Island and Brooklyn,
whether it was the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, and I spent much
of the day in Bensonhurst along 18th Avenue. I stopped into many of the
clubs and restaurants, and literally televisions were in the middle of
the street as people poured out to watch their favorite players and
cheer. There were thousands celebrating into the night as well.
During the game, we were proud to watch Italy play with a passion,
overcoming every challenge to go undefeated in the tournament and walk
away the champions.
Team Italy, known as Azzurri, or simply ``The Blue'' went undefeated
in World Cup play and won the final game in only the second World Cup
championship to be determined by a shoot-out.
That makes Italy the second most successful country in World Cup
history, winning four championships in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. But
fate rested on the side of Italy this year, and despite strong
competition of many countries, Italy was the victor.
I am delighted to have introduced this resolution to recognize
Azzurri and extend our praise to its coach, Marcello Lippi, and the
entire team. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen,
Ranking Member Lantos. And also, finally, I know this has been a great
relationship, which has just been mentioned, between Italy and the
United States. The role that Italy has played is often taken for
granted. It is one of our largest trading partners.
{time} 1530
It is a nation that embraces Western values, that celebrates and
cherishes freedom and individual liberty and has been an especially
strong supporter of our country in the last several years as we engage
in the war on terror.
There is no question that we have a tremendous bond with the Italian
people and that it serves our interests as well as theirs. There is no
question that there are many Americans of Italian descent who have made
this country the greatest in the history of the world. From the art,
the literature, the law, politics, music, you name it, there have been
contributions from Americans of Italian descent.
And I would say, finally, if you had a visual of driving around at
least Brooklyn on that day to see the American flag waving so proudly
outside people's houses and on their door steps, and next to it the
Italian flag, I think it represents the strong alliance and
unbelievable embrace that Americans of Italian descent love this
country, respect their heritage, and on that day, Italy proved to the
world that teamwork and pride works. No, ifs, ands, or head butts.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I just have a couple of minutes and
I want to yield to myself to again commend the gentleman from New York
(Mr. Fossella) for offering this legislation.
We have a long way to go as far as the sport of soccer is concerned.
I just wish that maybe if it wasn't so much into American football, our
Nation could concentrate and focus on the fact that this is the number
one sport in the world. And I am sure that if we turn our resources,
our technology, our know-how into becoming competent and being really
proactive in this support, maybe our own country could also be favored
to be among the top players in this sport.
It was interesting to note, Madam Speaker, that all the expectations
were supposed to be on Brazil, and the great player Renaldo was
supposed to give Brazil another World Cup. And then even Argentina was
supposed to focus on this. But never was there any expectation that
teams from Europe would dominate as they did, where Italy has now won
this great sport.
Madam Speaker, I did have the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley)
to come and also make a presentation, but unfortunately he is tied up
with other meetings, but I am sure that he will have a separate
statement to be submitted to be made part of the Record.
Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Italy on
winning the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association
(FIFA) World Cup. Throughout the competition Italy exhibited great
sportsmanship and competitive skill that carried them through to the
final round. Billions of soccer fans across he globe had the
opportunity to follow Italy as the team progressed to become one of the
most successful countries in World Cup history.
Under the extraordinary leadership of head coach Marcello Lippi and
team Captain Fabio Cannavaro, Italy was able to win the championship
for the fourth time in World Cup history. Some of the most enthusiastic
fans of Italy hailed from the United States and were able to support
their favorite team. Italy's victory was especially exciting for the
millions of Italian Americans who proudly value Italian culture and
heritage.
I would like to commend Congressman Fossella for introducing H. Res.
908 to honor Italy's great athletic accomplishment. By participating in
the FIFA World Cup, Italy was able to partake in an excellent forum for
the development of international friendship and relationships.
Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of
H. Res. 908, which congratulates the Italian national soccer team for
their 2006 FIFA World Cup championship. The World Cup is a true
testament of nations of the world putting aside their differences to
come together in competition and athletic excellence.
Following Fabio Grosso's goal in penalty kicks sealing the Italian
victory, people around the globe joined the people of Rome, Naples, and
Milan in celebration of Italy's return to World Cup glory. Even back in
my district, Italian Americans took to the streets of Franklin Avenue
in the south end of Hartford with Italian flags, jerseys, face paint,
and smiles in jubilation of the Italian victory.
I join my fellow colleagues, those back in my district, and Italians
around the world in congratulating the Italian national soccer team on
their undefeated tournament run and their incredible achievement of the
Italian nation's fourth World Cup victory.
Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers and yield
back the balance of my time.
Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I also have no further requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 908, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was
agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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