[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
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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
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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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