[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H1478-H1481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THANKING VANCOUVER FOR 2010 WINTER OLYMPICS

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1128) thanking Vancouver for hosting the world 
during the 2010 Winter Olympics and honoring the athletes from Team 
USA, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1128

       Whereas the people of Canada opened their hearts and their 
     home to the athletes of the world;
       Whereas the Olympics foster healthy competition and 
     interaction among nations;
       Whereas these games were not without moments of tribulation 
     and tragedy, but the courage and resolve of the athletes to 
     continue was inspirational;
       Whereas the United States won a record 37 medals, 9 gold, 
     15 silver, and 13 bronze;
       Whereas the United States won the overall medal count for 
     the first time since 1932, the highest medal total by any one 
     nation in the history of the Winter Olympics;
       Whereas the United States men's and women's silver medal 
     hockey teams excited and inspired the games with their world 
     class play;
       Whereas Apolo Anton Ohno won his seventh and eighth medals 
     to become the most decorated United States Winter Olympian of 
     all time;
       Whereas the United States earned medals in Nordic Combined 
     events for the first time in history, took the gold in men's 
     figure skating, and won a gold medal in bobsledding for the 
     first time since 1948;
       Whereas United States teams and individual athletes should 
     be honored for their contributions to these monumental 
     achievements;
       Whereas some athletes must overcome great personal 
     adversity to realize their Olympic dreams;
       Whereas the strong performances by United States Olympic 
     athletes inspire children across the Nation to engage in 
     physical fitness, work hard, and set high personal goals;
       Whereas the dedication and sacrifice of the families, 
     coaches, and communities associated with Olympic athletes 
     should also be recognized; and
       Whereas the Olympic torch has been extinguished in 
     Vancouver, but the flame of camaraderie burns on in the 
     hearts and minds of the world community: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the City of Vancouver, Team USA, and the 
     athletes of the world for an outstanding and inspiring 2010 
     Winter Olympics; and
       (2) wishes participants in the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games 
     success in their athletic endeavors.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include

[[Page H1479]]

extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Last month, over 2,600 athletes from 82 nations came together in the 
beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada, to compete in the 21st Winter 
Olympic Games. All of us were proud to watch as Team USA not only won 
more medals than any other country, the first time they had done that 
since 1932, but the most medals ever won by a single nation in any 
Winter Games.
  Apollo Anton Ohno won his seventh and eighth Olympic medals in short 
track speed skating, making him the most decorated American Winter 
Olympian of all time. Americans Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller both won 
multiple medals in the thrilling alpine skiing events. American 
athletes won Olympic medals in the sport of Nordic combined for the 
first time ever and the first gold in bobsled since 1948. And Evan 
Lysecek won the gold in the men's figure skating, the first time an 
American has done that since 1988.
  As we celebrate the incredible achievements of Team USA, it is also 
important to recognize the accomplishments of other nations and 
athletes. Host nation Canada won 14 gold medals, more than any other 
country. Some nations won their first Olympic gold medals, others 
competed for the first time ever.
  We will never forget the performance of Canadian Joannie Rochette who 
had the courage to compete just days after her mother died and ended up 
winning the silver medal in women's figure skating. And we mourn the 
loss of an athlete from the country of Georgia who was killed in a luge 
training run just before the opening ceremony.
  Simply getting to the Olympics required an enormous sacrifice from 
each and every one of the participating athletes. The vast majority of 
them did not win medals, but all of them tried their best and all had 
the unique experience of being Olympians. Their determination in the 
face of adversity helps us all recognize our common values and foster 
the mutual respect that brings nations closer together.
  Olympic athletes inspire young people around the world to set their 
highest and most ambitious goals, to pursue those goals and to believe 
that they can achieve their dreams. We salute the athletes of Team USA 
for serving as role models and for their important contributions to the 
Olympic ideal.
  Finally, we send our thanks to the Canadian people for being such 
gracious hosts and commend the Vancouver organizing committee for all 
their efforts to ensure that the games were a great success. And I 
thank my good friend and colleague from California, Susan Davis, for 
taking the initiative to introduce this important resolution. I urge 
all my colleagues to join me in supporting it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise today in support of House Resolution 1128 and join my 
colleagues in congratulating Team USA and Vancouver, Canada, for an 
outstanding 2010 Winter Olympics. Though this year's events were 
initially marked by tragedy, there were also many historic 
achievements. This year, the United States won the overall medal count 
for the first time since 1932. In fact, it was the highest medal total 
by any one nation in the history of the Winter Olympics. I would like 
to applaud and congratulate our Olympians for this amazing 
accomplishment.
  The determination, the sacrifice, the commitment required of the 
athletes, their coaches and their families to qualify for the Olympics, 
let alone medal in the Olympics, is tremendous.
  I would like to especially recognize Jennifer Rodriguez, a four-time 
participant of the Winter Olympic Games and a proud native of my home 
district of Miami, Florida. Considered to be one of the best long 
distance skaters in the United States, Jen also carries the unique 
distinction of being the first Cuban American to win an Olympic medal 
after taking the bronze in the 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters in 2002.
  Again, I would like to congratulate all of the Olympians who competed 
in the 2010 Winter Games and thank our friends in Canada for hosting 
us.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California, Representative Susan A. Davis, a member of the Committee on 
House Administration.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. I thank my colleague from California for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, the Olympics entertain us, inspire us, and humble us. 
The athletes who participate are committed to a dream, a dream that we, 
as spectators, are all privileged to witness.
  I introduced House Resolution 1128 to honor the athletes who 
represented the United States in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and to 
thank Vancouver, Canada, for showing hospitality to athletes from 
around the world. American athletes won 37 medals for the United 
States, the most medals ever won by any nation at a single Olympic 
Winter Games.
  The Olympics fosters good-natured competition between nations and 
builds a sense of camaraderie in cities and communities around the 
world. In the United States, we don't identify our Olympians as 
Californians or Coloradans. We honor and respect them as Americans. 
With the help of families, coaches and their own inner strength, these 
athletes continue to break records and set new standards of athletic 
performance. We celebrate their victories as national achievements and 
respect them for their hard work and their dedication in getting there.

                              {time}  1630

  The athleticism and dedication of our athletes should be an example 
to all Americans. Adults and children alike can aspire to be dedicated 
to a healthy exercise regimen. We can't all be Olympic athletes, but we 
can all try to keep our bodies fit and healthy.
  Mr. Speaker, you may wonder why a San Diegan is honoring Winter 
Olympians. It's true we don't get quite as much snow as they do in 
other parts of the country, but we have a strong connection to this 
Winter Games. Rachel Flatt, the graceful figure skater, and the two 
Shauns, Shaun Palmer and Shaun White, both accomplished snowboarders, 
all have ties to San Diego. And also, the U.S. Olympic Training Center 
south of San Diego is an important training ground for winter athletes.
  Athletes benefit from the temperate climate and natural resources of 
San Diego. They are able to train with Navy SEALs and participate in 
wind tunnel assessments. This Olympic Training Center helps athletes 
train for alpine skiing, for freestyle skiing, for bobsled and 
skeleton, speed skating, luge and snowboard events.
  The unsung heroes of the Olympics are the organizers and support 
staff who create a safe and enjoyable experience for the athletes and 
spectators. And I want to join all of my colleagues again in thanking 
Vancouver, Canada for opening its doors to the world and completing the 
behind-the-scenes work involved in a public event of this nature.
  The first-class resources used for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games are 
now being used for the 2010 Paralympic Games, which began on March 12, 
and I certainly wish all the participating paralympic athletes an 
exhilarating and safe competition.
  May the flame of the Olympic torch burn bright, and may the 
dedication and perseverance it represents inspire us for years to come.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I would yield 4 minutes to the gentleman 
from Colorado, Representative John T. Salazar, member of the Committee 
on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
1128, honoring the 2010 American Winter Olympic team. This resolution 
recognizes the incredible accomplishments of the most decorated group 
of Winter Olympians in history and graciously thanks the people and the 
Government of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Canada for hosting Team 
USA.
  I want to draw, however, special attention to the exceptional 
Vancouver Olympians from the Third Congressional District of Colorado. 
Trained on

[[Page H1480]]

the slopes of Aspen, Steamboat Springs, and Durango, there were 12 
Olympians from the Third District competing in the 2010 Olympic Games, 
one of the highest from any congressional district in the country.
  It is no secret that Colorado is a wonderful place to ski, snowboard, 
ice skate, and the exceptional athletes that competed in Vancouver are 
an inspiration to the young winter sports enthusiasts across the 
country. All of us in the Third District are proud, not only of what 
they have accomplished, but also the way that they have represented 
themselves, their families, and the State of Colorado and our Nation.
  I would like to especially congratulate Johnny Spillane for his three 
silver medals in individual and team nordic combined, and his teammate 
Todd Lodwick for his silver in team nordic combined, both of Steamboat 
Springs, Colorado.
  I'm so proud of Team USA, and I will continue to support their 
efforts. On behalf of the entire Third District of Colorado, 
congratulations on your success.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to Representative Jim 
McDermott from Washington. He's the chairman of the Subcommittee on 
Income Security and Family Support.
  (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I want to begin by congratulating Canada 
and Vancouver, specifically, for putting on a great Olympics this 
winter. They are our neighbor in Seattle, and we welcome and were 
pleased with having our neighbor have such a good party.
  To compete in the Olympics is an enormous accomplishment, and I want 
to commend each and every one of the Olympians who participated. It's 
not a national team that goes; it's individuals. The spirit of the 
Olympics is that an individual strives to have his best or her best 
performance in whatever event he or she is involved in.
  And I want to take this time to recognize at least one athlete from 
my district, in particular, whose career I've followed since he was a 
young man in Seattle. Apolo Ohno exemplifies what it means to be an 
Olympian. He trained not in Seattle, but he went up to Canada, to 
Vancouver, and trained every week. And after winning his eighth medal 
in this Vancouver Olympics, he is now the most decorated American 
athlete to compete in the Winter Games. He has now appeared in three 
Winter Olympics and has both won and lost races, but he has always 
returned to compete against younger and sometimes even faster 
opponents.
  I also want to congratulate his father, Yuki Ohno, who has raised 
Apolo by himself, and helped him realize the dream of competing in the 
Olympics.
  When I think about Apolo's achievements and all he has overcome, I 
recall a quote from Teddy Roosevelt, who said, ``The credit belongs to 
the man or the woman who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred 
by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes 
short again and again, because there is no effort without error and 
shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds, who knows 
the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a 
worthy cause, who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high 
achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while 
daring greatly, so that his or her place shall never be with those cold 
and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.''
  To all the athletes, and to Apolo Ohno especially, I commend you for 
your performance in this Winter Games.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I'd like to take a moment to highlight the fact that shortly before 
our friends in Canada were kind enough to host the Olympics in 
Vancouver, my home district of Miami, Florida, was hosting Canadian 
Premier Danny Williams as he underwent cardiac surgery at Mount Sinai 
Medical Center, located in my congressional district of Miami Beach.
  Responding to criticisms of his decision to receive medical treatment 
in the U.S., Premier Williams said, and I quote, ``This was my heart, 
my choice, and my health. I did not sign away my right to get the best 
possible health care for myself when I entered politics.''
  And that is exactly, Mr. Speaker, what the Republican response to 
health care reform is all about, making the necessary changes to 
strengthen our health care system so that the American people may 
receive the best possible health care in the world. By instituting 
commonsense, responsible solutions, we can lower health care cost. We 
can expand access to quality care without a government takeover of our 
Nation's health care system.
  Instead, the majority leadership is hoping to force a health care 
system on the American people. This would kill jobs, will raise taxes. 
It will cut Medicare for our Nation's seniors. We have seen time and 
time again what happens when health care is not patient-centered. Why 
would we wish that on the American people? Especially when the American 
people have made it abundantly clear that this is not what they want.
  It is time that cool heads prevail so that responsible decisions can 
be made. We must listen to the American people and not force this 
health care bill through.
  I have no further requests for time, Mr. Speaker, so I thank you, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank my colleague, Ms. 
Ros-Lehtinen. I'd like to thank the House for the opportunity to honor 
the achievement of all Olympic athletes who participated in the 2010 
Winter Games and the nation of Canada for their successful execution of 
this event.
  The lighting of the Olympic torch every 2 years for both the Summer 
and the Winter Games initiates the beginning of a great global coming 
together. All around the world, people are uniquely unified by the 
thrill of competition and a spirit of sportsmanship.
  I recall my own relative back in 1964 who ran in the Japanese 
Olympics and won the 100-yard dash, and she became quite interested in 
where this ability came from because her mother played tennis at UCLA. 
And so she traced us way back and found out that we came from Nancy, 
France, through Quebec, and then down to and through New Orleans, 
through the Louisiana Purchase.
  But I say all this to say that being an American and having a good 
health care system is essential. And she would say to me now, We need 
to reform health care. We need to provide every American with the best 
health care that money can provide. And so, we are proposing to this 
House that we do the right thing.
  I want more Olympians in my family. My brother has eight children, 
and I want to see that they all have an opportunity to be their best, 
like our young people were, and we won the most medals.
  I was so happy. And I used to ski when I was teaching school in 
France, and I am so happy that we are preparing our youth to be 
winners. And we can only do that if we have a health care system that 
provides for every American, and that's what we are attempting to put 
in place.
  So I am so proud. And I want to thank our ranking member for bringing 
health care reform to the attention, and all this morning, from 12 to 
just a few minutes ago, all their people came, and they weren't too 
happy with what we were trying to do.
  But we're going to clarify the misstatements and we're going to let 
America know that we cannot wait. We cannot delay health care because 
we want champions. We want winners in this country. And America has 
been known for being a Nation of winners, and other countries need to 
look up to us again. And that is what we are preparing to do.
  So I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1128, 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.

[[Page H1481]]

  Ms. WATSON. 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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