[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E171-E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS 
                      FOR WINNING SUPER VOWL XLII

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 12, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to throw the full weight of my 
endorsement behind a resolution of substantial import and consequence: 
that New York's championship

[[Page E172]]

football team be congratulated and honored for its come-from-behind 
Super Bowl win last week, one that left the sports world simultaneously 
stunned and elated.
  The competition was formidable and the challenge facing the Giants 
daunting. Experts did not give the Giants much chance of prevailing and 
the odds-makers in Las Vegas made them 12-point underdogs. The New 
England Patriots represented a veteran squad of impressive offensive 
muscle, strolling onto the field with a historic perfect season and an 
expected fourth championship within its grasp. But the New York Giants 
proved resilient. Eli Manning led the way, charging down the field with 
a 12-play, 83-yard drive that capitalized on the great skill of David 
Tyree, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Smith, and Plaxico Burress.
  This upset was no ordinary win. Facing a team dead set on making 
history, the G-men blazed a trail of their own, becoming the first NFC 
wild card team to win a Super Bowl. Theirs is a story of unparalleled 
heart and inspiration, of surpassing expectations and securing triumph 
in the face of all odds. Theirs is an American story, and they have 
accordingly ascended from being New York's team to being America's 
team.
  Join me in spirited congratulations and well wishes for America's 
team, the New York Giants, in their 17-14 championship win.

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