[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION TO ENCOURAGE UNITED STATES PARTICIPATION IN 
                         THE SHANGHAI 2010 EXPO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to introduce a 
resolution to encourage full United States participation in the 
Shanghai 2010 Expo. The upcoming 2010 Shanghai Expo--the World's Fair--
includes more than 170 countries, tens of millions of visitors, and 
thousands of displays of new and emerging technologies and products to 
spur economic growth and trade. But the United States is in danger of 
being a no-show. While we have made verbal commitments to participate, 
the necessary diplomatic and fundraising efforts have lagged, throwing 
into doubt an important opportunity to demonstrate our global 
leadership, improve relations with China, and convey to millions of 
visitors our country's many technological and cultural achievements.
  Madam Speaker, the World's Fair is a lasting and venerable 
international institution dating back to the mid-19th century. It is 
older than the modern-day Olympics, and remains behind only the 
Olympics and the World Cup in global economic and cultural impact. The 
United States has a long history of involvement in the World's Fair, 
hosting over 20 fairs. Few people realize that these fairs, in addition 
to showcasing important American technological and cultural 
achievements, have also left behind lasting reminders of their 
importance, such as the Seattle Space Needle, the San Francisco Palace 
of Fine Arts, and the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. 
Unfortunately, in the last decade the United States has declined to 
participate in many World's Fairs and other international expositions, 
depriving the international community of experiencing unique features 
of American economic and cultural life.
  Madam Speaker, the upcoming Shanghai Expo presents a unique and 
important opportunity for the United States to apply our ``soft power'' 
in relations with the international community, especially China. The 
Chinese government has generously allocated over 60,000 square feet for 
the American pavilion to anchor one side of the central promenade, 
sharing that honor only with China. This prominence will afford 170 
other nations and millions of citizens the occasion to appreciate the 
United States' technological innovations, cultural traditions, our 
participation in peaceful and beneficial global events, and our 
national respect for other nations and cultures. As a global leader, 
the United States has a responsibility to fully participate in this 
international affair.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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