[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 3, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1128]
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. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we know how 
difficult the transition to Washington, DC, can be for our spouses. The 
Congressional Club provides them a home away from home, encouraging 
bipartisan friendships.
  The Congressional Club was established in 1908, by a group of 25 
women from Washington who sought to establish a nonpolitical group 
which would bring the spouses of Members of Congress together when in 
Washington, DC. The Club was officially chartered by a unanimous Act of 
Congress in 1908, and remains the only club to be established by 
Congressional action. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the 
Congressional resolution into law on May 30, 1908.
  Today, the Club is a charitable organization active in the 
Washington, DC, community and hosts events for the spouses of foreign 
dignitaries.
  Since its beginning, the Congressional Club has participated in a 
wide range of charitable work, including rolling bandages, purchasing 
two evacuation planes for wounded soldiers, and honoring local fire and 
police departments. They have hosted Christmas parties and end of 
school pizza parties for inner-city children, appreciation days for 
local nursing home senior citizens. The annual First Lady's luncheon 
raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity.
  To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the club has a year full of 
festivities and ceremonies that include a Founder's Day program, a 
birthday cake at the First Lady's Luncheon, an anniversary postage 
stamp, and a 100-year pin/pendant designed by past president Lois 
Breaux.
  I would like to thank all the members of the Congressional Club for 
all their work and dedication over the years. Congratulations on your 
first 100 years. I wish you many, many more.

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