[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 16, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4549-H4552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
COMMENDING THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1357) commending and congratulating the
Hollywood Walk of Fame on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
[[Page H4550]]
H. Res. 1357
Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a tribute to those
who have significantly contributed to the entertainment
industry;
Whereas E.M. Stuart, who served as the volunteer president
of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 1953, is credited
with creating the idea of the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame was established to
maintain the glory of a community whose name means glamour
and excitement in the four corners of the world;
Whereas in January 1956 the plans for the Hollywood Walk of
Fame were submitted to the Los Angeles City Council;
Whereas the Los Angeles City Council embraced the idea of
the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and subsequently instructed the
Board of Public Works to prepare the engineering
specifications for the Hollywood Walk of Fame and to create
the necessary assessment district to pay for the improvements
associated with the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce established the
Hollywood Improvement Association to work with the City of
Los Angeles in creating the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas, while the City of Los Angeles worked on the
creation of the assessment district between May 1956 and the
fall of 1957, the Hollywood Improvement Association worked on
selecting the individuals to be honored by placement of a
star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas four categories of stars were established to
represent four aspects of the entertainment industry: motion
picture, television, recording, and radio;
Whereas, on August 15, 1958, the Hollywood Chamber of
Commerce and the City of Los Angeles unveiled eight stars on
Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue to demonstrate what
the Hollywood Walk of Fame would look like;
Whereas these eight stars honored Olive Borden, Ronald
Colman, Louise Fazenda, Preston Foster, Burt Lancaster,
Edward Sedgwick, Ernest Torrence, and Joanne Woodward;
Whereas, on February 8, 1960, construction began on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas, on March 28, 1960, the first star, awarded to
Stanley Kramer, was laid in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas, on November 23, 1960, the Hollywood Walk of Fame
was dedicated in conjunction with the Hollywood Christmas
Parade;
Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame was not completed until
the spring of 1961, at which time it was accepted by the
Board of Public Works and contained 1,558 stars;
Whereas, on May 18, 1962, the Los Angeles City Council
approved an ordinance that specified that the Hollywood
Chamber of Commerce should advise the City of Los Angeles in
all matters pertaining to the addition of stars to the
Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas, by May 21, 1975, the date on which Carol Burnett
was awarded a star, a total of 99 stars had been added to the
original Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas in 1978 the Cultural Heritage Board of the City of
Los Angeles designated the Hollywood Walk of Fame as Los
Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument Number 194;
Whereas in 1980 entertainer Johnny Grant was awarded a star
in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas after being awarded the star, Johnny Grant was so
enthused about the honor that he involved himself in creating
a memorable star ceremony for subsequent star recipients;
Whereas Johnny Grant was the chairman of the Walk of Fame
Committee from 1980 until his death in January 2008;
Whereas it was through Johnny Grant's work that the
Hollywood Walk of Fame turned into an international icon;
Whereas in 1984, under Johnny Grant's leadership, a fifth
category of star, live theater, was added to allow
individuals who excelled in all types of live performance to
be considered for stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas when constructed the Hollywood Walk of Fame was
designed to accommodate 2,518 stars and by the 1990s space in
the most popular areas was difficult to find;
Whereas Johnny Grant approved the creation of a second row
of stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame that would alternate
with existing stars;
Whereas, on February 1, 1994, the Hollywood Walk of Fame
was extended one block to the west from Sycamore Avenue to La
Brea Avenue on Hollywood Boulevard;
Whereas, on February 1, 1994, Sophia Loren was honored with
the 2,000th star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a top visitor
attraction in the City of Los Angeles; and
Whereas today an average of two stars are added to the
Hollywood Walk of Fame each month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends and
congratulates the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the occasion of
its 50th anniversary.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Watson) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.
General Leave
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include 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. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today and
to vote for H. Res. 1357, a bill I introduced to honor one of the most
well-known historical landmarks in the world, the Hollywood Walk of
Fame.
For 50 years, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has existed as a tribute to
those who have contributed to the unparalleled success of America's
entertainment industry. As the chairwoman of the Congressional
Entertainment Industries Caucus and a Representative from the City of
Los Angeles, I am uniquely aware of the role Hollywood has played in
presenting the values, the culture, and the creativity of the United
States to audiences around the world. Across the globe, Hollywood means
glamour and excitement, and in our district it also means solid jobs
and revenue.
In 1953, E.M. Stuart, the president of the Hollywood Chamber of
Commerce, came up with the idea of creating the Hollywood Walk of Fame
as a tribute to the industry, and on March 28, 1960, filmmaker Stanley
Kramer was awarded the first star. Fifty years later, an average of two
stars are added each month, and the Walk of Fame has become one of the
top visitor attractions in the City of Los Angeles and also a
destination in the United States.
I was proud to submit H. Res. 1357 to recognize this important
cultural landmark, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the
resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I need to stand in opposition to this. Certainly, the
Hollywood Walk of Fame has provided enjoyment for untold numbers of
people. It's a great destination. Hollywood is certainly a unique
treasure that is unique to the United States of America and
specifically southern California.
To my colleagues who wholeheartedly support and endorse and stand
behind this resolution, maybe I'm a wet bucket of water on a parade;
but I've got to tell you, I just don't feel like it's the proper role
of the United States Congress to recognize the Hollywood Walk of Fame
on its 50th anniversary.
There are plenty of ways to recognize and to thank and congratulate
the stars of Hollywood and the impact that they've had on the American
ideal and the American entertainment industry. I just don't feel like
it's the proper role of the United States Congress to do this, with all
due respect. Recognizing educators, absolutely. We're about to
recognize Flag Day, of course. Hollywood Walk of Fame? Maybe not so
much.
So with all due respect to the 50-plus colleagues on both sides of
the aisle that have supported this resolution, I, for one, as a
Representative of the United States Congress, simply cannot stand here
and voice my support that this is a good use of the Congress' time.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I am now proud to yield such time as he
may consume to my good friend, my distinguished friend from the State
of New York, Representative Towns.
Mr. TOWNS. I would like to thank the chair of the subcommittee for
yielding time to me because I wanted to respond to a couple of things
that my good friend on the other side of the aisle said. First of all,
I know him. I know that he's a very dedicated and committed human
being--and of course outstanding kicker in his day, and of course set
records as a kicker. I think that he probably misunderstood what this
bill is named. It's the Hollywood ``Walk'' of Fame. I want to make
certain that he understands that. And many people who have walked there
have contributed so much to society, contributed so much to
organizations.
[[Page H4551]]
When you look back and you see in terms of the contributions that
these people have made, then I think that my colleague would probably
review it and probably would withdraw his objections. When you look at
the amount of money they've given to breast cancer, when you look at
the amount of money they've given to AIDS and all these diseases that
we need to do extensive research on, that people that have walked these
streets and walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame, when we think about the
things that they've done, then I really feel that if he did, he would
say wait a minute.
You know, every now and then we make a mistake or we say some things
that we wish we had not said, and I think this is the situation now
with my colleague because if you think about the Hollywood Walk of Fame
and the contributions of the people that are listed on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame, then I really feel that he would join us in supporting
this legislation.
On that note, I ask my good friend on the other side of the aisle to
reconsider.
Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, Chairman Towns is one of my favorite people. I have
really come to grow and appreciate him; I just happen to disagree with
him on this.
There are a lot of people on the Hollywood Walk of Fame who have done
some amazing and great things, and for that they should be
congratulated, but not necessarily from the United States Congress.
There are a whole lot of people on that Walk of Fame we probably
shouldn't recognize in any way, shape or form.
The point I'm trying to make is there is a certain segment of our
population, from the entertainment industry and those involved in
sports, that gets more adulation from the public than they could
possibly take, and yet we have true heroes, real heroes who don't get
an ounce of appreciation from this body that really do deserve it.
The other day I was watching television--this was just recently--and
there was a National Guardsman who pulled around a corner--and I can't
remember what State it was, I want to say it was the State of
Washington, but I could be wrong on that. All of a sudden, there was a
truck that had overturned in a river, and suddenly this guy found
himself in a situation where there is somebody who is struggling for
his life. He and a few other people, just citizens who woke up that
morning and had no idea that they were going to be the heroes that day,
went down that river, they smashed open that window, they grabbed a
rope and saved this person's life. Where are the recognitions for those
true heroes?
I don't think Sophia Loren needs any more congratulations from the
United States Congress. And as important as it is to the economy in
southern California--I've got an amusement park in northern Utah called
the Lagoon. I'm not coming to the United States Congress asking for
recognition of it.
Mr. TOWNS. Will the gentleman yield?
Mr. CHAFFETZ. Sure, I would be happy to yield.
Mr. TOWNS. When I think about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I think
about the man who signed the Martin Luther King Holiday bill by the
name of Ronald Reagan. He's on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I just want
the gentleman to know that.
Mr. CHAFFETZ. Reclaiming my time, good point. I'm happy to recognize
Ronald Reagan, and I appreciate your support. I'll bring a resolution
at some point recognizing Ronald Reagan. There's a corner worth
standing on. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Look, these issues come before the United States Congress. I think
there is a time and a place to recognize significant achievements
within the United States of America. I am going to ask for a recorded
vote on this. It will be an interesting question.
My point is, the economy is struggling; we've got real issues out
there. Like I said, there is a time and a place to make these kinds of
recognitions. I just don't know that this rises to the same level as
recognizing teachers or nurses who hold people's hand as they are there
in the final days of their lives.
There are a lot of things that I think we could unanimously look at
and recognize. I, for one, don't think that Hollywood needs more
recognition. And with all due respect, I, for one, at least will be
voting against this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I proudly come before this body representing the
United States members from all over this country because I think
Hollywood reflects who we are as a people. And I heard and I am so
pleased that my colleague, Representative Towns, mentioned that the
legendary and iconic President, Ronald Reagan, has a star on the Walk
of Fame. I also want everyone listening to know, Madam Speaker, that
Senator Fred Thompson, who was a star of a crime series over a period
of years, has a star on the Walk of Fame and even ran for President of
the United States. And I want you to know, Madam Speaker and my
colleagues, that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator, has a
star on the walk of fame. He is a Republican and proudly serves as a
Republican. He represents the great State of California where Hollywood
is.
I want you to know that I recently took down to South Africa, Madam
Speaker, a project named after a gentleman who was the face of
Hollywood, because I was told several years ago that they were getting
ready to close the Rosa Parks Library and Information in Cape Town
South Africa. That is the information center attached to our embassy,
the U.S. Embassy. They were going to close it down because they said
the Cold War was over.
{time} 1415
So I took 100 of America's best and loved films, films which are
loved all over the world, which show our principles, our values, our
beliefs, and our humanity, because everyone is influenced by our
movies.
I also want to say, Madam Speaker, that, as our image has been
tarnished, I feel that our classic movies and the people who starred in
those movies, who have stars on the Walk of Fame, could be recognized
in other countries and could help improve our image.
So I would hope that all Members, Madam Speaker, recognize that they
represent the people of America, and I would hope that the Members here
will vote to support an industry that really speaks to the world about
our mores, our principles, our great talents, and our arts. It is an
industry that speaks proudly and distinctly to the rest of the world.
So I would hope that we would have, really, a unanimous vote on
celebrating, through this resolution, the Walk of Fame.
I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, look, there are lots of reasons America and the world
like Hollywood. I just don't believe, in my heart of hearts, that the
United States Congress, in a resolution by the House of
Representatives, is the right way to recognize the Hollywood Walk of
Fame.
From my vantage point, you certainly don't look to the Hollywood Walk
of Fame or to Hollywood in general for the principles and values that
are representative of the United States of America. That Paul Reubens'
Pee-wee Herman has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a far cry
from Ronald Reagan's having a star.
Again, I am just one voice here in this body, but I've got to tell
you, as to the people I represent, I'll have a hard time going back to
them, saying, You know what? I did the work of the people, and I'm back
there, spending the people's money, and we recognized the Hollywood
Walk of Fame. I just can't do it.
Again, with all due respect, there are a lot of good Members back
there, and that might be an interesting debate to take the few thousand
people and go back and forth. I'm going to start with Paul Reubens, and
I appreciate your starting with Ronald Reagan. Somewhere in between is
probably the right answer.
We need to get on with the Nation's business, with the debt and with
the other crises that we are dealing with. That is my point with this,
Madam Speaker. I won't take any more of the people's time.
[[Page H4552]]
I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, 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. 1357.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not
present.
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.
The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.
____________________