[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 3, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H2897-H2899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ON ITS 2009 ROSE BOWL 
                                VICTORY

  Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 153) commending the University of Southern 
California Trojan football team for its victory in the 2009 Rose Bowl.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 153

       Whereas the University of Southern California (USC) Trojan 
     football team achieved many historic accomplishments during 
     the 2008 regular season;
       Whereas the USC Trojan football team has now won more Rose 
     Bowls than any other team in the Nation;
       Whereas USC has achieved its seventh straight top 5 finish;
       Whereas USC achieved an unprecedented seventh consecutive 
     season of at least 11 or more victories;
       Whereas USC was invited to make an unprecedented seventh 
     consecutive Bowl Championship Series appearance;
       Whereas USC won an unprecedented seventh consecutive 
     Pacific-10 (Pac-10) Conference championship;
       Whereas USC has become the first school to win 3 
     consecutive Rose Bowls;
       Whereas USC has appeared in a record-tying fourth 
     consecutive Rose Bowl;
       Whereas USC is now tied with the record for most bowl 
     victories of all time;
       Whereas USC has won 86 of its last 96 games;
       Whereas with USC's 2009 Rose Bowl victory, the Pac-10 
     Conference finished a perfect 5 and 0 in post-season bowl 
     appearances;
       Whereas, during the 2008 season, USC's defense was ranked 
     number one in the Nation, holding opponents to just over 221 
     yards per game;
       Whereas, during the 2008 season, USC featured 3 All-
     American first team players (linebackers Rey Maualuga, Brian 
     Cushing, and safety Taylor Mays);
       Whereas USC will feature 5 players in the Under Armour 
     Senior Bowl game held in Mobile, Alabama (linebackers Rey 
     Maualuga, Brian Cushing, and Clay Matthews, and defensive 
     linemen Fili Moala and Kyle Moore);
       Whereas USC head football coach Pete Carroll is 88 and 15 
     (85.4 percent) in 8 years (2001 to 2008) as a college head 
     coach at USC, his record is the best winning percentage of 
     any current NCAA Division I coach with at least 5 years of 
     experience;
       Whereas Coach Pete Carroll was featured on CBS's ``60 
     Minutes'', not only for his football accomplishments but for 
     his work with ``A Better L.A.'', a nonprofit group consisting 
     of a consortium of local agencies and organizations working 
     to reduce gang violence by empowering change in individuals 
     and communities;
       Whereas, in the fall of 2008, Coach Pete Carroll helped 
     organize ``LA Live Peace 08'', a march and rally at the 
     Coliseum to promote gang intervention and non-violence in Los 
     Angeles;
       Whereas the annual Rose Bowl is the oldest of all college 
     bowl games, and its history and prestige have earned it the 
     title ``The Granddaddy of Them All'';
       Whereas USC has played in the Rose Bowl on 33 occasions and 
     won 24 times, both records exceeding any other collegiate 
     football program;
       Whereas, during the 2009 Rose Bowl game, quarterback Mark 
     Sanchez passed for a game second-best 413 yards, a game 
     record-tying 4 touchdown passes, and ran for a touchdown;
       Whereas Sanchez's efforts resulted in him being named the 
     Offensive Most Valuable Player of the game;
       Whereas, during the 2009 Rose Bowl game, linebacker Kaluka 
     Maiava made 4 tackles and 2 pass breakups, and he was named 
     the Defensive Most Valuable Player of the game;
       Whereas with linebacker Kaluka Maiava taking home Defensive 
     MVP honors, each linebacker in USC's starting lineup has now 
     been named defensive MVP of the Rose Bowl (Kaluka Maiava in 
     2009, Rey Maualuga in 2008, and Brian Cushing in 2007); and
       Whereas, under the leadership of USC's 10th president, 
     Steven B. Sample, USC has established itself as a world-class 
     research university, known for its leadership in the fields 
     of communication, media, public diplomacy, the sciences, and 
     the arts: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) commends the University of Southern California (USC) 
     Trojan football team and USC President Steven B. Sample for 
     USC's victory in the 2009 Rose Bowl;
       (2) applauds Coach Pete Carroll for his leadership not only 
     on the football field, but also in the community; and
       (3) recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, 
     students, alumni, and staff who were instrumental in helping 
     the University of Southern California win the Rose Bowl.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Colorado (Mr. Polis) and the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.


                             General Leave

  Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which 
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on H. Res. 
153 into the Record.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Colorado?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the University of Southern 
California Trojan football team for their victory in the 2009 NCAA Rose 
Bowl game.
  On January 1, the USC Trojans and the Penn State Lions squared off 
for an intense Rose Bowl football game. Defeating the tough Lions team 
by a score of 38-24, the USC Trojans won their third consecutive 
championship.

[[Page H2898]]

  USC has played in a record-tying four consecutive Rose Bowls. And 
now, USC is tied for the most Bowl victories of all time at 31 
victories. They have been to the Rose Bowl on 33 occasions and won 24 
of those games.
  Winning 86 of its last 96 games and finishing the season with an 
impressive 12-1 record, USC stands out as a premiere academic and 
athletic institution. They have won seven consecutive Pac-10 conference 
championships. With all the amazing teams across the country, USC sets 
themselves apart with their athletic success.
  Congratulations are in order for Mark Sanchez, the game's Offensive 
Most Valuable Player. He threw for 413 yards and four touchdowns, and 
he still found a way to rush for one touchdown. He ran the offense 
flawlessly, with no interceptions, while posting 24 unanswered points 
in the second quarter, leading to a 38-24 victory.
  Congratulations are also in order for Kaluka Maiava, the game's 
Defensive Most Valuable Player. Mr. Maiava made four tackles and two 
pass breakups. As one of the three elite USC linebackers, Kaluka Maiava 
has led USC's number one ranked defense this entire season.
  I want to extend my congratulations to head coach Pete Carroll. He 
has only brought success to this program; he took over 8 years ago. 
Coach Carroll has established an 88-15 win-loss record at USC--the best 
winning percentage of any current NCAA Division I coach with at least 5 
years experience.
  Besides coaching, Coach Carroll works with non-profit organizations 
to reduce gang violence in Los Angeles, California. His leadership and 
commitment to his team and city have brought him fame and a place in 
college football history.
  The extraordinary achievement this year is a tribute to the skill and 
dedication of the many players, coaches, students, alumni, families and 
fans that have helped make the University of California a great 
football program. I know the fans of the University will revel in this 
accomplishment as they look forward to the 2009 season.
  Mr. Speaker, once again, I congratulate the University of Southern 
California football team for their success. And I thank Congresswoman 
Watson for bringing this resolution forward.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the gentlelady from California 
(Ms. Watson) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank my two colleagues for allowing me 
this time, and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 153. This is the 
resolution that is honoring the University of Southern California--
``USC,'' as we call it in my district--Trojan football team for their 
historic 2009 Rose Bowl victory.
  During the 2008-2009 season, USC achieved several historic feats, 
with seven being the magic number. The Trojan football team finished 
the season with an unmatched seventh consecutive season with 11 or more 
victories. They appeared in an unprecedented seventh consecutive Bowl 
championship series game. Then the team won an unparalleled seventh 
consecutive Pac-10 title, and achieved a seven straight Top 5 finish.
  USC defeated Penn State by a score of 38-24 in the 2009 Rose Bowl 
game, and I was there to witness it. With the win, USC became the first 
team to win three consecutive Rose Bowls. Also, USC has won now more 
Rose Bowls than any other collegiate football team in the Nation. They 
are now tied for the record for the most Bowl victories of all time.
  USC's coach, Pete Carroll, completed yet another successful season. 
Since becoming head football coach in 2001, Carroll is 88 and 15, an 
average 85.4 percent win. Coach Carroll's winning percentage is the 
best among any NCAA Division I coach with at least 5 years of 
experience.
  USC's quarterback, Mark Sanchez, threw for 413 yards and a record-
tying four touchdown passes. For his performance, Sanchez was named the 
Offensive Most Valuable Player of the game.
  USC's linebacker, Kaluka Maiava, made four tackles and two pass 
breakups. For his performance, Maiava was named the Defensive Most 
Valuable Player of the game.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 153. Let's 
recognize the achievements of the players, the coaches, the students, 
the alumni and staff who were instrumental in helping USC win the 2009 
Rose Bowl.

                              {time}  1300

  I would like to thank my colleague for yielding to me.
  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 153, 
commending the University of Southern California Trojan football team 
for its victory in the 2009 Rose Bowl.
  The USC Trojan football team achieved many historic accomplishments 
during the 2008 regular season but few as meaningful as its victory in 
the 2009 Rose Bowl. With this victory the USC Trojans have now won more 
Rose Bowls than any other team in the Nation.
  Known as ``The Granddaddy of Them All,'' the Rose Bowl game kicked 
off a myriad of college football legacies in 1902. Since then the game 
has showcased 18 Heisman Trophy winners, produced 28 national 
champions, featured 197 consensus All-Americans, and honored 95 college 
football legends by inducting them into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.
  At the conclusion of the 2008 season, USC's football team has won 
seven straight conference championships and played in seven consecutive 
BCS bowls, both NCAA records. They are 6-1 in those big games, 5-0 
against Big Ten teams such as Penn State, and 82-9 since the beginning 
of the 2002 season. They have also won 11 or more games in seven 
straight seasons, another record, and have played in four straight Rose 
Bowls, winning three.
  The success of this team can be directly attributed to the vision of 
its head coach, Pete Carroll. Coach Carroll brought big doses of 
experience, enthusiasm, and leadership in his quest to revive the USC 
football program when he was named the Trojans' head football coach on 
December 15, 2000. The 56-year-old Carroll has 33 years of NFL and 
college experience, including 15 on the college level. Under Carroll 
USC is the first school to have three Heisman Trophy winners in a 4-
year span. In addition, Coach Carroll has produced 30 All-American 
first teamers and 42 NFL draft picks, and his last six recruiting 
classes have been ranked in the top 10 nationally.
  While the tradition of excellence certainly presents itself on the 
gridiron, the University of Southern California's commitment to 
academic excellence is equally abundant. Located in Los Angeles, Ms. 
Watson's district, a global center for arts, technology, and 
international trade, the University of Southern California is one of 
the world's leading private research universities. USC enrolls more 
international students than any other U.S. university and offers 
extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong 
tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC 
fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to 
cross academic and geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.
  I extend my congratulations to Head Coach Pete Carroll, all of the 
hardworking players, the fans, and to the University of Southern 
California. I'm happy to join my good friend and colleague 
Representative Diane Watson in honoring this exceptional team for all 
its accomplishments and wish all involved continued success.
  I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. POLIS. 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 Colorado (Mr. Polis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 153.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

[[Page H2899]]



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