[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
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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
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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. . .
[[Page H1069]]
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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