[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 85 (Thursday, May 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CONGRESSIONAL 
                                  CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN S. TANNER

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Club, founded 100 
years ago as an official organization of the spouses of those of us 
serving in this House and in the Senate. I am very familiar with their 
great work, because my wife Betty Ann is an active member and presently 
serves on the Congressional Club's board.
  The Congressional Club is host to one of the most important 
nonpartisan events that happens in Washington--the annual First Lady's 
Luncheon. It also hosts monthly lectures, children's parties, tours for 
charitable organizations and senior citizen luncheons.
  The members of the Congressional Club realize the incredible 
opportunities and responsibilities they have toward national service. 
During WorId War I and World War II, the Congressional Club curtailed 
many of its social events so that members of the Club could roll 
bandages for the Red Cross, help provide for servicemembers' families 
and assist troops in transit to their service. At the encouragement of 
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the Congressional Club sold war bonds, 
using the proceeds to purchase two evacuation airplanes, one named The 
Congressional Club and one named The U.S. Congress, to airlift wounded 
troops from the battlefield.
  The important role spouses play in the work we do is evident in one 
legend surrounding the establishment of the Congressional Club. 
According to the story, one wife knew her husband, a member of this 
body, planned to vote against the incorporation of the Congressional 
Club, so she came into the Capitol and distracted him outside the House 
Chamber while the House voted on and approved the resolution that 
allowed for the formal recognition of the organization.
  Mr. Speaker, no one is quite sure whether that story is true, but it 
does help stress an important point with which few can argue: 
Congressional spouses play an instrumental part in the work we do. I am 
honored to join with you in honoring their work on this 100th 
anniversary of the Congressional Club.

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