[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 23 (Thursday, February 6, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 SENATE RESOLUTION 346--CONGRATULATING THE ATHLETES FROM THE STATE OF 
 WASHINGTON AND ACROSS THE UNITED STATES WHO ARE SET TO PARTICIPATE IN 
     THE 2014 WINTER OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES IN SOCHI, RUSSIA

  Mrs. MURRAY (for herself and Ms. Cantwell) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 346

       Whereas the 2014 United States Olympic and Paralympic Team, 
     also known as Team USA, is the largest delegation ever sent 
     to a Winter Olympic Games by the United States;
       Whereas the 230 members of Team USA represent the diversity 
     of their Nation and will perform, with skill and grace, to 
     the best of their ability;
       Whereas diversity among national Olympic teams fosters 
     greater understanding and peace among nations by upholding 
     the values of the Olympic movement;
       Whereas the members of Team USA will represent the spirit 
     of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and fulfill the 
     principles of modern Olympism as outlined in the Olympic 
     Charter as modified by the International Olympic Committee on 
     September 9, 2013;
       Whereas on February 11, 2014, women will compete in ski 
     jumping for the first time in Olympic history;
       Whereas members of Team USA will compete in all 15 
     disciplines in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games across 7 sports, 
     and in 94 of 98 medal events;
       Whereas Team USA features 106 returning Olympians, 
     including 13 Olympic gold medalists;
       Whereas the members of Team USA from the great State of 
     Washington who will proudly represent their Nation are--
       (1) Erik Bjornsen of Winthrop, Washington, who will compete 
     in cross-country skiing;
       (2) Sadie Bjornsen of Winthrop, Washington, who will 
     compete in cross-country skiing;
       (3) J.R. Celski of Federal Way, Washington, who will 
     compete in the 500 meter, 1,000 meter, 1,500 meter, and 5,000 
     meter relay events in short track speedskating;
       (4) Patrick Deneen of Cle Elum, Washington, who will 
     compete in the moguls event in freestyle skiing;
       (5) Brian Gregg of Winthrop, Washington, who will compete 
     in cross-country skiing;
       (6) Torin Koos of Leavenworth, Washington, who will compete 
     in cross-country skiing;
       (7) Christian Niccum of Woodinville, Washington, who will 
     compete in luge; and
       (8) Angeli VanLaanen of Bellingham, Washington, who will 
     compete in the halfpipe event in freestyle skiing; and
       Whereas all of the athletes of Team USA should be commended 
     and honored for their contributions to sport, our country, 
     and the Olympic movement: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) acknowledges the dedication of the United States 
     Olympic Committee, the national governing bodies of each 
     sport that is an event at the 2014 Winter Olympic and 
     Paralympic Games, and the administrators, coaches, families, 
     and all others who support the athletes participating in the 
     Olympic and Paralympic Games; and
       (2) congratulates the members of the United States Olympic 
     and Paralympic Teams and wishes them success at the 2014 
     Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

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