[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H1065-H1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1645
             CONGRATULATING NFL CHAMPION NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

  Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1079) congratulating the National Football 
League Champion New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV and for 
bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, as 
amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1079

       Whereas, on February 7, 2010, the New Orleans Saints 
     defeated the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31 to 17 to win 
     the National Football League (NFL) Championship;
       Whereas the Saints' victory is the first championship in 
     the franchise's 43-year history;
       Whereas the 2009 season was the best in Saints franchise 
     history, including an unprecedented 13-game winning streak;
       Whereas Saints owners Tom Benson and Rita Benson LeBlanc 
     have invested in the success of the Saints and have been 
     remarkable in revitalizing this storied franchise and 
     promoting a strong and united New Orleans and Louisiana;
       Whereas Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis has been 
     successful in building an outstanding team by drafting new 
     players and signing key free agents;
       Whereas Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President of Stadiums 
     and Arenas, helped the Saints return to New Orleans through 
     his integral role in rebuilding the Superdome after Hurricane 
     Katrina;
       Whereas Coach Sean Payton, with the help of Defensive 
     Coordinator Gregg Williams, Offensive Coordinator Pete 
     Carmichael, Jr., and all of the Saints' coaching staff, led 
     the team to its first National Football Conference (NFC) 
     Championship and first ever Super Bowl victory through 
     leadership and a winning philosophy;
       Whereas the Saints led the league with an average of 31.9 
     points and 403.8 yards per game during the 2009 regular 
     season;
       Whereas, in the 2009 regular season, the Saints eclipsed 
     team records in most points and most touchdowns in a season 
     and most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a game;
       Whereas Saints quarterback Drew Brees set an NFL record by 
     completing 70.6 percent of his passes during the 2009 regular 
     season;
       Whereas Drew Brees, Darren Sharper, Jahri Evans, Jonathan 
     Vilma, and John Stinchcomb of the Saints were named to the 
     2010 NFC Pro Bowl squad;
       Whereas Drew Brees was named the Most Valuable Player for 
     Super Bowl XLIV;
       Whereas during Super Bowl XLIV--
       (1) the Saints accumulated a total of 332 yards;
       (2) quarterback Drew Brees passed for 288 yards, threw 2 
     touchdowns, and tied a Super Bowl record with 32 pass 
     completions;
       (3) Marques Colston led the Saints in receiving with 7 
     catches for 83 yards;
       (4) Saints kicker Garrett Hartley set a Super Bowl record 
     with 3 field goals of over 40 yards each; and
       (5) Thomas Morstead's perfectly executed onside kick to 
     start the second half and Tracy Porter's 74-yard interception 
     for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter were integral in 
     the Saints' victory and will forever be remembered by the 
     ``Who Dat'' faithful;

       Whereas Saints owner Tom Benson, during the Lombardi Trophy 
     presentation at midfield, said ``Louisiana, by the way of New 
     Orleans, is back. And this shows the whole world. We're 
     back.'';
       Whereas the Saints' motto all year has been ``Finish 
     Strong'';
       Whereas the Saints repeatedly have been called a beacon of 
     hope for the city of New Orleans and a catalyst for recovery 
     throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region;
       Whereas the Saints have positively influenced and lifted 
     the morale of the people in New Orleans and throughout 
     Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region;
       Whereas the New Orleans Saints are headquartered in the 1st 
     Congressional District of Louisiana in Metairie, Louisiana;
       Whereas ESPN's Wright Thompson in his article ``Saints the 
     Soul of America's City'' captured the essence and importance 
     of the Saints to the city of New Orleans and noted the 
     resilience of this year's team by stating, ``It's perfect, 
     isn't it? The expansion team whose first roster was created 
     from players unwanted by other teams has finally found 
     success with a similar group.''; and
       Whereas the 2009 Saints are evidence of what can be 
     accomplished when self is set aside and a teamwork mentality 
     is adopted by all of the players: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the New Orleans Saints, the team's 
     coaches and players, and the loyal members of the ``Who Dat'' 
     Nation on winning Super Bowl XLIV; and
       (2) recognizes--
       (A) the New Orleans Saints as the soul of New Orleans; and
       (B) the significant contributions made by the team in the 
     recovery efforts of New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Gulf 
     Coast Region.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Melancon) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Cao) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Melancon).


                             General Leave

  Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Louisiana?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Oversight 
and Government Reform, I am proud to present House Resolution 1079 for 
consideration. This resolution congratulates the National Football 
League Champion New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl XLIV and for 
bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
  House Resolution 1079 was introduced by my friend and colleague, 
Representative Joseph Cao of Louisiana, on February 9, 2010, and enjoys 
the support of over 70 Members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, on February 7, 2010, after a hard fought and dramatic 
game, the New Orleans Saints, playing in their first ever championship 
game, defeated the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-17 to win Super 
Bowl XLIV. The victory is the first championship in the Saints' 43-year 
history and caps a truly remarkable season for the franchise. The 
Saints finished the regular season with a franchise best 13 wins and 3 
losses.
  During the 2009 season, they led the National Football League in 
average points per game and yards per game. Furthermore, the 2009-2010 
Saints set franchise records for most points and most touchdowns in a 
season, as well as most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a 
single game. Still, it

[[Page H1066]]

was during the Super Bowl that the Saints truly distinguished 
themselves as the best team in the NFL. Despite facing a formidable 
opponent in the Indianapolis Colts, led by a New Orleans native, Peyton 
Manning, the Saints relied on head coach Sean Payton's aggressive game 
plan and the outstanding play of starting quarterback Drew Brees to win 
the game.
  Brees, who was named Super Bowl MVP, passed for 288 yards, threw two 
touchdown passes, and tied a Super Bowl record with 32 pass 
completions. Along with Brees' impressive performance, Saints kicker 
Garrett Hartley set a Super Bowl record by making three field goals of 
over 40 yards. The Saints also successfully executed a risky onside 
kick to start the second half of the game. And Tracy Porter's--a Port 
Allen native--74-yard interception return for a touchdown ensured the 
Saints' victory.
  The New Orleans Saints' success in Super Bowl XLIV stands as a 
testament to what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and a 
never-say-never spirit. In fact, the Saints' motto throughout the 2009-
2010 season was ``Finish Strong.'' And they certainly did. The Saints' 
commitment to teamwork and to the achievement of excellence is both 
inspiring and commendable.
  Furthermore, their victory has helped raise the spirits of the City 
of New Orleans and the entire State of Louisiana in the midst of the 
region's continued reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Katrina 
and subsequent hurricanes. For all these reasons, the New Orleans 
Saints' achievement deserves our praise. And personally, I want to 
applaud the team's players, coaches, management, and all those who 
helped them accomplish this historic event.
  Mr. Speaker, let us as a body take the opportunity to commend this 
year's Super Bowl champions through the passage of House Resolution 
1079, which congratulates the New Orleans Saints on winning Super Bowl 
XLIV and for bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi Trophy in 
franchise history.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1079, 
congratulating the National Football League Champion New Orleans Saints 
for winning Super Bowl XLIV and bringing New Orleans its first Lombardi 
Trophy in franchise history. As a New Orleanian and Representative to 
Congress for Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, I am honored to 
congratulate the Saints on their historic season.
  I want to thank the 22 original cosponsors and 75 total cosponsors of 
House Resolution 1079 for joining me to congratulate and support the 
Saints. I would also like to thank my colleagues in the entire 
Louisiana delegation for their dedication to the recovery of south 
Louisiana. We have collaborated in Congress on efforts to rebuild our 
region, and I hope to continue working with them in the future.
  The Saints' motto all season has been ``Finish Strong.'' And they did 
that very thing with a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in 
Super Bowl XLIV. The Saints' Super Bowl victory not only shows the 
dedication and hard work of the organization, coaches, and players, but 
also represents a beacon of hope for the City of New Orleans and a 
catalyst for recovery throughout Louisiana. House Resolution 1079 
emphasizes the positive influence that the Saints have had on people in 
New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.
  I introduced House Resolution 1079 to congratulate the Saints because 
for the past 5 years the Saints have symbolized the City of New Orleans 
through their pride, resiliency, traditions, suffering, faith, loyalty, 
and hope.
  This resolution congratulates Saints owners Tom Benson and Rita 
Benson LeBlanc for their investment in the future of the Saints and 
their dedication and commitment to a strong and united New Orleans. 
This resolution also congratulates Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President 
of Stadiums and Arenas, for helping the Saints return to New Orleans by 
playing an integral role in rebuilding the Superdome after Hurricane 
Katrina.
  House Resolution 1079 also brings attention to the individuals who 
made this season a success. I want to specifically thank head coach 
Sean Payton for his love and commitment to the people and the City of 
New Orleans, and to congratulate him in being the lone head coach in 
Saints history to open a season with 13 straight wins and holding the 
all-time winning percentage record for a Saints head coach.
  This resolution also highlights statistics from the Saints' regular 
season and Super Bowl XLIV, such as Drew Brees completing 70.6 percent 
of his passes during the regular season, which is an NFL record; Darren 
Sharper setting an NFL record for most interception return yardage in a 
regular season with 376 yards; the Saints leading the league in 2009 
with 31.9 points per game and 403.8 yards per game; the 2009 Saints 
surpassing team records for most points in a season, most touchdowns in 
a season, longest winning streak, most interception return yards, and 
most interceptions returned for a touchdown in a game.
  Other statistics from Super Bowl XLIV were Drew Brees setting a Super 
Bowl record with 32 pass completions, Marques Colston leading the 
Saints in receiving yards with 83, the team rushing for a total of 51 
yards on 18 carries, and Garrett Hartley setting a Super Bowl record 
with three field goals of over 40 yards.
  For the past several months, I have been reading statements on the 
House floor about the importance of the Saints and their positive 
impact on New Orleans and I want to continue that tradition with a few 
statements from my district.
  Ms. Loretta Brehm writes, ``The whole Saints organization exemplifies 
leadership, professionalism, and a `never give up attitude.' They have 
brought together all parts of our community, regardless of race, 
religion, or economic status. Much has been given to our community by 
their generous spirit and positive actions. If we as a community can 
model from their success, there is no limits to what we can 
accomplish.''
  Ms. Melissa Smith writes, ``All those involved with the Saints 
organization took a chance on the City of New Orleans. Doug Thornton 
performed a miracle and ensured that the team had a facility to play 
in. The Bensons returned the team to New Orleans. And the team as a 
whole provided an avenue for all of us to come home and gave us the 
faith we need to overcome certain odds.''
  New Orleanians remark about the resurgence of the team and how they 
spur the resurgence of the city. ``The New Orleans Saints gave this 
city hope during a time when we didn't have this hope in ourselves. 
They provided people with a plan that depends on discipline, 
dedication, and determination. We may be tired and poor right now, but 
we are contenders. We are New Orleans. We are America.''
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend from 
Indiana (Mr. Carson) to express his gratitude for the New Orleans 
Saints winning. I think that is what he wants to say.
  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I come here today as a proud 
American, a proud Hoosier, and most importantly a proud Colts fan. But 
I also come donning a New Orleans Saints tie given to me by my friend 
and colleague, Representative Scalise of Louisiana, based on an 
agreement that was made between the both of us. The Indianapolis Colts 
indeed are a legendary team. Yes, they are iconic and a juggernaut in 
their own right, but I too must acknowledge the Saints great ability on 
the football field in winning the Super Bowl. And I want to commend the 
New Orleans Saints, as well as the residents of Louisiana, for their 
resilience in a time of great trial, and just to tell them to keep up 
the great work, Who Dat, and Go Colts.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 1 minute to my good 
friend from Indiana, Mr. Dan Burton. He and I entered into a little 
bet, and the bet was 5 pounds of Indiana steaks for 5 pounds of 
Louisiana shrimp. And I must say this past weekend the steaks were 
very, very delicious.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. This may take more than 1 minute, Mr. Cao. But 
let me just say that I have been in Congress a long time, and this 
truly is one of the most humbling moments of my career. I was so 
confident that the Indianapolis Colts were going to beat the Saints 
that you wagered 5 pounds of

[[Page H1067]]

shrimp against 5 pounds of Fisher Farms steaks from Jasper, Indiana. 
And I was so confident that I was going to be eating shrimp, I invited 
all my friends in and bought a bunch of shrimp sauce. And now I have 
got enough shrimp sauce for 5 pounds of shrimp and no shrimp. So it is 
a humbling experience.
  What really adds insult to injury, though, is your quarterback, Drew 
Brees, went to Purdue University in Indiana. It is almost unholy for 
him to do that to us. And the second thing is the fellow that 
intercepted the pass that won the game for you went to Indiana 
University. I just don't understand this. The gods just weren't looking 
at us favorably that day. But in all seriousness, I hope you don't 
choke on that steak you got from me. I hope you enjoy it.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. CAO. I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. This is a great time for New Orleans. They 
have had some real tough times over the past several years. And I think 
Drew Brees and that team really does them proud. And if any team was 
going to win the Super Bowl other than the Colts, I am glad it was the 
New Orleans Saints. So congratulations. But let me just end by saying 
this: We will be back next year.
  Mr. MELANCON. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 16 minutes remaining.
  Mr. MELANCON. Let me just start by saying in New Orleans we have what 
is known as the Who Dats. That is the people that have been loyal since 
day one. We now have in New Orleans a group called the Renew Dats, 
which is the group that wasn't sure every year, and the Saints had to 
try and prove themselves. And we now have a group of people in New 
Orleans and Louisiana and in the South and in the Nation for that 
matter called the New Dats, who have now become believers in the 
Saints.
  My 92-year-old mother-in-law has been a fan of the Manning family, 
since she comes from North Mississippi, and it took her until Super 
Bowl Sunday morning to reconcile how she handled the daughters, 
particularly the one that lives in Louisiana, my wife, and the New 
Orleans Saints versus the Baltimore Colts and Peyton Manning. That 
Sunday morning she called her daughter and said, ``Peachy, I figured it 
out. Peyton has a Super Bowl ring, so I will pull for the New Orleans 
Saints today.'' And Peachy turned around and said, ``It looks like 
we're going to win it.''
  So with that, New Orleans has seen an historic occasion. It is 
euphoric in its mood. It is in a new time, if you would, because of the 
excitement, the love of the franchise, the team players themselves, the 
coaches, and the people that have made this such a great and wonderful 
year.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my 
distinguished colleague from the State of Louisiana (Mr. Fleming).
  Mr. FLEMING. I thank my friend, Mr. Cao, for proposing this 
resolution, and for having this debate today, and certainly other 
members from our delegation.
  Let me just say parenthetically, in response to our good friend from 
Indiana (Mr. Burton) that there is another irony that goes along with 
this as well, and that is that Peyton Manning, the quarterback for the 
Colts, is the son of none other but Archie Manning, who was present for 
the Saints from the very beginning of its franchise. So we have ironies 
boiling over here.
  What I would like to do is congratulate the World Champion New 
Orleans Saints on winning the franchise's first Super Bowl. The New 
Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts by a score of 31-17 on 
February 7, 2010. The Saints are an inspiration to all of us on and off 
the field.
  After not playing a single game in their home stadium in 2005 after 
Hurricane Katrina, the Saints came back in 2006 to a revitalized 
Superdome and carried that momentum to rebuilding a city and its 
people. The team donated money to charities and their time into 
renewing their city. The adversity they overcame is enormous, but the 
hope they gave was even greater. I certainly congratulate the Saints on 
winning Super Bowl XLIV, and I also welcome everyone in America to the 
Who Dat Nation.

                              {time}  1700

  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my dear 
friend from Louisiana (Mr. Cassidy). He has been a wonderful friend as 
well as a wonderful supporter of me in the past year.
  Mr. CASSIDY. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Mr. Cao's resolution, 
honoring the Super Bowl champion, the New Orleans Saints. You know, I 
remember as a child watching the Saints play in the old Tulane football 
stadium. And between the time I was a child and now, there have been 
some rough times. But this year was different. They started off with 13 
wins. They had three hard-fought postseason victories.
  I am especially pleased to say that the victory in the NFC 
championship and Super Bowl was due in great part to decisive 
interceptions by Tracy Porter, who played football at Port Allen High 
School in West Baton Rouge Parish. I represent that area. And Mr. 
Burton is right, he went to Indiana. But to atone the sin of doing so, 
he came back and had a Pick Six against the Colts. Mr. Porter, by the 
way, has also participated, in the week going up to the Super Bowl, in 
a relief effort for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. So not only is 
he a great football player but is also a fine person.
  That said, good things do come to those who wait. No one knows that 
better than the Who Dat Nation. Congratulations to the players, coaches 
and of course the Saints fans back home in Louisiana and across the 
country.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I cannot find a more ardent Saints fan than the 
next speaker, Mr. Steve Scalise. He represents about 10 percent of New 
Orleans and a good part of Jefferson Parish. And most of the fans of 
New Orleans comes from the parishes that Mr. Scalise represents.
  I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise).
  Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Cao, my colleague from 
New Orleans, for bringing the resolution. It's really a special time. 
If you have been in and around the city of New Orleans--and of course 
so many people have been focused on New Orleans in looking at the bad 
things that happened to our city after Hurricane Katrina. But we've had 
such an outpouring over the years of people who have been rooting for 
and pulling for the city to come back. I think what's been the most 
special thing about this past year with the Saints in their success 
that they've had on the football field is that it's really galvanized 
the city, but it's also galvanized the rest of the country.
  I brought a football here, it has the Super Bowl logo, and it 
represents the fact that the Saints won the Super Bowl. And of course 
here we're today congratulating the Saints on winning the Super Bowl. 
But this victory was much more than a football game. Not only do I 
remember back during the years that my dad took me to Tulane Stadium 
when I was a little kid, and as my colleague, Congressman Cassidy, 
talked about some of those leaner years, I think it's the resilience of 
the team, but it really starts at the top.
  We would be remiss if we didn't emphasize the importance to our 
community that the owner, Tom Benson, has meant. The fact that he 
bought the team back in the 1980s, but then the fact that even through 
some of those tough years, he made a dedication to excellence, that he 
was going to build a team--and he said it many times--that would win a 
Super Bowl. And there were a lot of people that wondered if that would 
ever happen. There were a lot of people that were crying in the city of 
New Orleans not only when the Saints won the NFC championship game, but 
when the Saints went to the Super Bowl and won the Super Bowl, because 
there were so many who just thought it never would happen. But it did 
happen.
  I think the Times-Picayune, our local paper, said it best the morning 
after the Super Bowl victory. The headline was ``Amen'' because many 
people's prayers were answered. Of course, the Saints are named after 
the

[[Page H1068]]

saints. I think we had a lot of prayers from above, but those prayers 
were answered.
  In a lot of ways, those prayers were answered by the organization 
that Tom Benson and his wife Gayle and his granddaughter Rita Benson 
LeBlanc and Dennis Lauscha and so many others with the Saints 
organization who made that commitment to build a world-class football 
team. And if you just go through and you look at some of the great 
talent that's been amassed now, you start with the coach, Sean Payton. 
He did one of the more unselfish acts of actually giving up some of his 
own salary to bring in a defensive coordinator who truly helped 
transform that defense into what so many people saw and admired on the 
field.
  But I think that as I talk about a few of the players that I really 
want to feature and commend, it's not so much the acts that they did on 
the field because we saw what they did on the field, and it inspired 
people in the city of New Orleans. It inspired people all across the 
Nation. And Drew Brees winning the MVP and putting up record numbers 
and 32 completions, a Super Bowl record. And Garrett Hartley with 
three-for-three field goal attempts and three over 40 yards, setting a 
Super Bowl record.
  And who can forget Tracy Porter's interception return for a 
touchdown? And of course the gutsy call that Sean Payton made to start 
the second half to do an onsides kick. All of those were great plays. 
But it's what the Saints have done off the field that has really formed 
a unique bond between the Saints and their fans, and it's something 
that we've seen after Katrina.
  You know, for those of us who were in the Super Bowl that night in 
2006 for the Atlanta Falcons game when they reopened the dome, when 
people said the Superdome would never open again; when many people said 
New Orleans would never have an NFL team again, in fact, when many 
people said that New Orleans wasn't going to come back, that really was 
one of those watershed moments that galvanized the city, and it told so 
many other people that they could come back, they could rebuild because 
the Saints came back. Since then, they've served as great role models 
off the field, and that's something important because we don't see that 
enough in sports.
  But Sean Payton's got a Payton's Pay It Forward Foundation, and he 
has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to do great things in the 
community, giving money to other organizations that do great things in 
the community. We've seen Drew Brees. And of course Drew Brees, he has 
gotten so many accolades on the field. But off the field, he has gotten 
accolades as well. His Brees Dream Foundation has donated $4.5 million 
to various causes throughout the city, done wonderful things, helped 
young kids. He was the 2006 Walter Payton Man of the Year, just an 
incredibly high-quality person who has gotten involved in the 
community.
  I want to talk about Reggie Bush finally. Today, by the way, is 
Reggie Bush's birthday. Reggie Bush wears number 25 on the field, and 
today is his 25th birthday. So we want to say happy birthday to Reggie 
Bush. But through Reggie Bush's 619 Foundation, he has donated hundreds 
of thousands of dollars to the community. And in fact, Tad Gormley 
Field, which is a field where many of the high schools in New Orleans 
play their football games, he donated $86,000 to rebuild that field 
after Katrina so that so many young people not only can look up to 
athletes as role models but also can have the opportunity to go and 
participate and learn about sports.
  So it's been an incredible opportunity. We appreciate what the Saints 
have done on the field, but we also appreciate what Tom Benson and his 
leadership and the team have done off the field too.
  Mr. CAO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished Member from the State of Louisiana, Dr. Boustany. Dr. 
Boustany has been a wonderful friend to me as well as a wonderful 
mentor, and it's always good to know that there will always be a great 
person for me to lean on.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague Mr. Cao 
for giving me time and for bringing this resolution to the floor which 
I wholeheartedly support, congratulating the New Orleans Saints for 
winning Super Bowl XLIV and bringing this long overdue NFL championship 
to south Louisiana.
  You know, I was talking to some businessmen back home in my district 
who told me after the victory that they're starting to see out-of-state 
business opportunities come up as a result of the new-found spirit 
that's come about following this great Super Bowl victory, and it's a 
wonderful thing for Louisiana.
  After 43 years without reaching the Super Bowl, the Saints did it. 
They finally did it, and it's been a great victory for all of us. It's 
great for our State. Leading that charge was Super Bowl MVP quarterback 
Drew Brees, who completed 32 out of 39 pass attempts for 288 yards, two 
touchdowns. And Louisiana native Tracy Porter, whose 74-yard 
interception returned for a touchdown sealed this game.
  But I am really especially proud of one player from my district. He 
is a graduate of Opelousas High School, wide receiver Devery Henderson. 
He is in his sixth season with the Saints. He caught 68 passes for 867 
yards this year and four touchdowns, and he played a key role on 
offense in the Super Bowl, catching seven important passes for a total 
of 63 yards.
  This is truly a very special occasion for the Who Dat Nation, all of 
our Saints fans in Louisiana and around this great country. We want to 
honor Sean Payton for his genius and what he has brought to the Saints 
organization, and for the entire Saints family, the organization, for 
what they've done for New Orleans and the rest of the Saints. We are 
exceedingly proud of what has happened. We commend the families and the 
players, the coaches and the support staff and the loudest and most 
loyal fans of all, the Who Dat Nation.
  Mr. CAO. I thank the gentleman very much. And because the Saints have 
been so important to my constituents, I will be making official copies 
of the resolution to be available to them. They can receive a copy by 
contacting my office in Washington or New Orleans.
  I want to close with a prayer for the Saints, delivered by Archbishop 
Philip Hannan at the first Saints and Sinners Banquet in 1968. It 
reads:
  ``Our heavenly Father, who has instructed us that the `saints by 
faith conquered kingdoms and overcame lions,' grant our Saints an 
increase of strength and faith so that they will not only overcome the 
Lions, but also the Bears, the Rams, the Giants, and even those awesome 
people in Green Bay. May they continue to tame the Redskins and fetter 
the Falcons as well as the Eagles. Give to our owners and coaches the 
continued ability to be as wise as serpents and simple as doves, so 
that no good talent will dodge our draft. Grant to our fans 
perseverance in their devotion and unlimited lung power, tempered with 
a sense of charity to all, including the referees. May our beloved 
Bedlam Bowl be a source of good fellowship, and may the `Saints Come 
Marching In' be a victory march for all, now and in eternity.''
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the great city of New Orleans 
and our great State of Louisiana, and her beloved Super Bowl Champions, 
the New Orleans Saints. The bond between this great city and her team 
is a special one indeed. In the past few years, both have worked 
together hand in hand to rebuild and inspire our city. No players in 
the NFL and their community have had a greater bond and love for each 
other then do ours. Because, from out of the devastation of Katrina, we 
have all grown and cried together . . . and so has our love for each 
other. The Saints season this year in many ways has mirrored New 
Orleans and its climb from out of the abyss. This year's Super Bowl was 
not only one of the greatest, but also the largest watched event in the 
history of television. I ask that this poetic tribute penned by Albert 
Caswell of the Capitol Guide Service be placed in the Record in honor 
of them.

     Fat Sunday,
     When, Dat Da Saints Came Marching In!
     A day they'll long remember, as The Football God's will 
           contend there!
     When a Cool Brees blew into town . . . as number ``9'', Drew, 
           and gunned . . . Gunned Da Colts Down!
     As The Saints corralled em, and put em out to pasture . . . a 
           real ``Who Dat?'' Disaster!
     You see, everybody was dissing . . . this Cajun Country's 
           football team's edition. . .
     But, from this City of The Saints . . . where pain and 
           heartache has so been. . .

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     When, came a rising . . . as a team and a city rebuilding, 
           with but tears in eyes then, their dreams realizing!
     For in this land of The Bayou, where hope and dreams and 
           faith somehow never ends . . . Why Who!
     As the Colts came into town, as everyone thought they were 
           the real studs to be found. . .
     But, from those ocean breezes . . . you could hear those 
           ``Who Dat'' heart's a beating!
     Fat Sunday, When Dat Da Saints Came Marching In. . .
     Getting behind early, when Coach Payton . . . said Don't Do 
           Dat . . . Worry!
     As Garrett was showing his Hartley, kicking two fields in the 
           first half . . . To Do Dat his part, he!
     An onside kick by Morsted, playing to win! Be Bold! For 
           that's how the coach has always been!
     As The Saints Came Marching In!
     As Drew Daddy, took em down the field . . . so cool and so 
           unreal . . . as he refused to yield!
     As the defense was Vilmanizing, all those horses, making them 
           losing stride then. . .
     Leaving the Colts offense, with but tears in their eyes then!
     For on the bench it so seemed, like Peyton . . . lost his 
           dream. . .
     Was forever waiting . . . awaiting to get in. . .
     As Thomas showed his promise, as number ``23'' went 16 yds 
           for a TD. . .
     When, in the 4th quarter, touchdown . . . as The Shockey 
           treatment was in order. . .
     As it was getting close . . . with Peyton, moving in for the 
           tying score . . . it meant the most!
     As he threw the ball, you could hear his heart call . . . 
           ``WHO DAT?''
     As it was number ``22'' Porter, saying Peyton, your our of 
           order!
     Running the ball back, all the way back to The French 
           Quarter. . .
     Gator Got You Manning! As Archie cried . . . When I played, 
           where were you guys then?
     As it was one heck of a game, with courageous hearts like 
           Fereeny to be seen. . .
     As a City on this night, took one more giant step towards the 
           light!
     And Healing It Would Seem!
     With, all of that darkness of a past . . . she could smile 
           and she could laugh. . .
     And, let it be said, no more paper bags over heads . . . for 
           The Saints. . .
     ARE NOT THE AINT'S . . . ANYMORE!
     And the world so surely knows, Who Dat? Who Da Does?
     Dat Da Saints! Dat Da World Championaints!

  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1079--
Congratulating the New Orleans Saints for winning Super Bowl 44 and 
bringing this long overdue NFL championship to South Louisiana.
  After 43 years without reaching the Super Bowl, the Saints defeated 
the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts 31 to 17 on February 7th to grasp 
their 1st Lombardi Trophy in franchise history.
  Leading the charge was Super Bowl MVP Quarterback Drew Brees, who 
completed 32 out of 39 pass attempts for 288 yards and 2 touchdowns--
and Louisiana native Tracy Porter, whose 74-yard interception return 
for a touchdown sealed the game for the Saints.
  I am especially proud of one player from my district, Opelousas High 
School graduate--Wide Receiver Devery Henderson. In his 6th season with 
the Saints, Devery caught 58 passes for 867 yards and 4 touchdowns. He 
was also an offensive centerpiece in the Super Bowl, catching 7 key 
passes for a total of 63 yards.
  This championship is very special to Saints fans, also known as the 
Who Dat Nation, and the great State of Louisiana. It is my honor to 
recognize Coach Sean Payton and the 2009 New Orleans Saints for all of 
their accomplishments this season and for bringing home the Lombardi 
Trophy which Coach Payton has yet to let out of his sight.
  I also want to commend the families of these players, coaches and 
support staff, and the loudest and most loyal fans in the NFL.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Melancon) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1079, as amended.
  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. CAO. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  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.

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