[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15689-15697]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TITLE 9 TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 916) to make technical amendments to section 10 of title 9, 
United States Code, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 916

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. VACATION OF AWARDS.

       Section 10 of title 9, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by indenting the margin of paragraphs (1) through (4) 
     of subsection (a) 2 ems;
       (2) by striking ``Where'' in such paragraphs and inserting 
     ``where'';
       (3) by striking the period at the end of paragraphs (1), 
     (2), and (3) of subsection (a) and inserting a semicolon and 
     by adding ``or'' at the end of paragraph (3);
       (4) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
       (5) in paragraph (5), by striking ``Where an award'' and 
     inserting ``If an award'', by inserting a comma after 
     ``expired'', and by redesignating the paragraph as subsection 
     (b).

     SEC. 2. COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE.

       The Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (47 
     U.S.C. 1001-1021) is amended--
       (1) in section 102, by adding at the end the following:
       ``(9) The term `installed' means equipment, facilities, or 
     services that are operable and commercially available for use 
     anywhere within a telecommunications carrier's network.
       ``(10) The term `deployed' means equipment, facilities, or 
     services that are commercially available anywhere within the 
     telecommunications industry and capable of being installed or 
     utilized in a telecommunications carrier's network, whether 
     or not such equipment, facilities, or services were actually 
     installed or utilized within the carrier's network.
       ``(11) The term `significantly upgraded or otherwise 
     undergoes a major modification' means a material and 
     substantial change in the configuration of a 
     telecommunications carrier's network, including the 
     installation of hardware or software that fundamentally 
     alters the equipment, facilities, or services of that 
     network, but does not include the upgrade of switching 
     equipment or other modifications made in the ordinary course 
     of business or made so as to comply with Federal or State law 
     or regulatory requirements.'';
       (2) in section 107(a), by striking paragraph (3);
       (3) in section 108(c)(3), by striking ``on or before 
     January 1, 1995'' and inserting ``before June 30, 2000'';
       (4) in section 109--
       (A) in subsection (a)--
       (i) in the heading strike ``January 1, 1995'' and inserting 
     ``June 30, 2000''; and
       (ii) by striking ``January 1, 1995'' and inserting ``June 
     30, 2000'';
       (B) in subsection (b)--
       (i) in the heading strike ``January 1, 1995'' and inserting 
     ``June 30, 2000''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (1)--

       (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``January 1, 1995'' and inserting ``June 30, 2000''; and
       (II) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``January 1, 1995'' 
     and inserting ``June 30, 2000''; and

       (iii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``January 1, 1995'' and 
     inserting ``June 30, 2000'';
       (C) in subsection (d)--
       (i) in the heading strike ``January 1, 1995'' and inserting 
     ``June 30, 2000''; and
       (ii) by striking ``January 1, 1995'' and inserting ``June 
     30, 2000'';
       (5) in section 110, by striking ``and 1998'' and inserting 
     ``1998, 1999, and 2000''; and
       (6) in section 111(b), by striking ``on that date that is 4 
     years after the date of enactment of this Act'' and inserting 
     ``no earlier than June 30, 2000''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas).


                             General Leave

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and to include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as part of the Record, I submit two specific letters 
that have to do with this legislation determining the jurisdiction for 
our committee.

                                         House of Representatives,


                                        Committee on Commerce,

                                    Washington, DC, July 12, 1999.
     Hon. Henry J. Hyde,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Rayburn House Office 
         Building, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Hyde: It is my understanding that you intend 
     to bring H.R. 916, a bill to make technical corrections to 
     section 10, of title 9, United States Code, before the House 
     under the Suspension calendar in the near future. While H.R. 
     916 was not referred to the Committee on Commerce upon its 
     introduction, it is my further understanding that you intend 
     to bring up a manager's amendment which contains provision 
     substantially similar to section 204 of H.R. 3303 as it 
     passed the House in the 105th Congress (amending title I of 
     the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (47 
     U.S.C. Sec. 1001 et seq.)) which falls within the 
     jurisdiction of our two committees pursuant to Rule X of the 
     Rules of the House of Representatives.
       Because of the importance of this legislation, I recognize 
     your desire to bring it before the House in an expeditious 
     manner and will not object to its consideration under the 
     Suspension calendar. By agreeing to permit this bill to come 
     to the floor under these procedures, however, the Commerce 
     committee does not waive its subject-matter jurisdiction over 
     the aforementioned provisions. In addition, the Commerce 
     Committee reserves its authority to seek conferees on any 
     provisions of the bill that are within its jurisdiction 
     during any House-Senate conference that may be convened on 
     this or similar legislation. I ask for your commitment to 
     support any request by the Commerce Committee for conferees 
     on H.R. 916 or similar legislation.
       I request that you include this letter and your response as 
     part of the Record during consideration of the legislation on 
     the House floor.
       Thank you for your attention to these matters.
           Sincerely,
                                                       Tom Bliley,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                    Washington, DC, July 13, 1999.
     Hon. Tom Bliley,
     Chairman, Committee on Commerce,
     House of Representatives, Rayburn Office Building, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: Thank you for your letter regarding your 
     Committee's jurisdictional interest in H.R. 916.
       I agree that portions of the bill are within your 
     committee's Rule X jurisdiction and that you would be 
     entitled to conferees on those issues should this bill go to 
     conference. I also agree that these letters will be placed in 
     the record.
       Thank you again for your cooperation.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Henry J. Hyde,
                                                         Chairman.

  Mr. Speaker, the bill before us is exemplary of something that we 
lawyers have, over the centuries, complained that a misplaced comma can 
sometimes so alter a provision in the law that it can wreak havoc in 
the courts of justice and in our communities. Such a mistake of a 
misplaced comma was made, and it was brought to our attention through a 
constituent of the

[[Page 15690]]

gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), who in the arbitration laws of 
our codes found that a misplaced comma could throw out of whack an 
interpretation of a particular section.
  So the bill before us is simply a technical correction to make sure 
that that misplaced comma is placed correctly. This is not one of the 
most momentous bills we have ever had in front of the House of 
Representatives, but it does emphasize that a technical correction from 
time to time is absolutely necessary if we are to do business properly 
in the Congress of the United States.
  Similarly, in the telecommunications field another technical 
correction is one that we require and which will be embodied in this 
bill. It is the enforcement act of 1994, which we call CALEA, the 
Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act, also very important. 
But the grand-fathering certain provisions becomes very important as a 
technical correction, and we offer that along with the misplaced commas 
as the reason for our appearance here today.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 916, as amended.
  As reported by the Committee on the Judiciary, H.R. 916, makes purely 
technical revisions to section 10 of title 9 of the United States Code, 
that correct some typographical flaws that has long evaded detection. 
Section 10 enumerates several grounds for vacating an arbitrator's 
award, but the fifth clause is obviously not a ground for vacating an 
award, but rather the beginning of a new sentence. The bill simply 
corrects this error. H.R. 916 also revises some compliance dates and 
related provisions in the Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement 
Act of 1994 (``CALEA''), Public Law 103-414.
  CALEA was enacted to preserve the government's ability, pursuant to 
court order or other lawful authorization, to intercept communications 
involving advanced technologies (such as digital or wireless 
transmissions) and services (such as call forwarding, speed dialing, 
and conference calling). It is also intended to protect the privacy of 
communications and without impeding the introduction of new 
technologies, features, and services.
  In the constantly evolving environment of digital telecommunications, 
the need for law enforcement to retain it ability to use court 
authorized electronic intercepts is even greater. Nevertheless, it 
appears that the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the 
telecommunications industry have been unable after several years of 
discussions and negotiations to resolve certain differences regarding 
compliance with CALEA. As a result, implementation of the act has been 
delayed.
  This delay accordingly necessitates these revisions. They chiefly 
consist of replacing H.R. 916's effective date with one that takes into 
account this delay in CALEA's implementation. The act's grandfather 
provisions are likewise revised. Further, the bill defines certain 
terms that the Act failed to include and, hopefully, with their 
addition, will assist the parties involved in the implementation of 
CALEA.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation and concur with 
the description of the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania 
(Chairman Gekas) of its purpose and effect. This misplaced comma was 
actually brought to our attention by a State Supreme Court justice of 
the New York State Supreme Court in my district who pointed out the 
obvious intent of Congress was very clear, but the comma and the 
paragraph were in the wrong place, and so this changes that.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not think the courts have misinterpreted the law, 
but why tempt them to do so by not correcting this comma?
  In addition, the technical change to the CALEA bill that is in this 
bill, the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act, is also a 
technical change that extends several effective dates until the FCC and 
the FBI can work out certain technical standards that they are working 
out; and the minority has been consulted on this, and we certainly have 
no objection to it. It is a technical extension. We are in support of 
it.
  So I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the H.R. 
916. During the 105th Congress I introduced as the original author the 
Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) Implementation 
Amendment of 1998 (H.R. 3321). Section 2, of H.R. 916 embodies the 
principles of this legislation I introduced in 1998.
  Last year, the House of Representatives passed the Department of 
Justice Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999, 2000, and 
2001, which included language to deal with this important issue. 
However, the United States Senate did not act on this legislation.
  I believe it is incumbent on us in Congress to recognize the delays 
that have occurred in the implementation of CALEA, passed by Congress 
and signed into law in 1994, by extending the time for compliance, and 
to clarify the ``grandfathered'' status of existing telecommunication 
network equipment, facilities, and services during the time period the 
CALEA-compliant technology is developed.
  Fundamentally, the purpose of CALEA is to preserve the federal 
government's ability, pursuant to a court order or other lawful 
authorization, to intercept communications involving advanced 
telecommunication technologies, while protecting the privacy of 
communications; and without impeding the introduction of new 
technologies, features, and services. CALEA further defined the 
telecommunication industry's duty to cooperate in the conduct of 
electronic surveillance, and to establish procedures based on public 
accountability and industry standard setting.
  CALEA necessarily involved a balancing of interests of the 
telecommunications industry, law enforcement, and privacy groups. The 
law allowed the telecommunication industry to develop standards to 
implement the requirements of CALEA, and establish a process for the 
U.S. Attorney General to identify capacity requirements of electronic 
surveillance. The law required the federal government to reimburse 
carriers their just and reasonable costs incurred in modifying existing 
equipment, services or features deemed necessary to comply with the 
assistance capability requirements of the law. The CALEA law also 
required the federal government pay for delays in the implementation of 
the law that have prevented the telecommunication industry and law 
enforcement from complying with its provisions.
  The development and adoption of industry technical standards have 
been much delayed, and these standards are now being challenged before 
the Federal Communications Commission by both law enforcement and 
privacy groups. The release of the federal government's capacity notice 
for electronic surveillance needs was over two and a half years late. 
It is clear from telecommunications equipment manufacturers, that no 
CALEA-compliant technology will be available for purchase and 
implementation by telecommunication carriers by the effective date. 
Further, since the enactment of CALEA, substantial changes have 
occurred in the telecommunication industry, such as the enactment of 
the Telecommunication Reform Act of 1996, which resulted in many new 
entrants in the industry and other changes in the competitive 
marketplace. Finally, during the four year, ``transition period'' 
initially contemplated by Congress for the implementation of CALEA, the 
telecommunication industry has installed, and continues to deploy, 
technology and equipment which is not compliant with assistance 
capacity requirements of CALEA, since ``CALEA technology'' has not been 
fully developed or designed into such equipment.
  Mr. Speaker, House of Representatives Report No. 103-827 makes it 
clear the federal government intended to bear the costs CALEA 
implementation during the four-year transition period between enactment 
and effective dates. Congress recognized it was much more economical to 
design new telecommunications switching equipment, features, services 
the necessary assistance capability requirements, rather than to 
retrofit existing equipment, features, and services. Congress 
recognized some retrofitting would nonetheless be necessary, provided 
that carriers would be in compliance with CALEA, absent a commitment by 
law enforcement to reimburse the full and reasonable costs of carriers 
for such modifications to their existing equipment.
  The Department of Justice Appropriation Authorization Act for 1999 
recognizes during the four year, CALEA transition, virtually no federal 
government funds have been expended to reimburse the telecommunication 
industry for its implementation costs of CALEA. During the first year 
transition period, virtually all telecommunications carrier equipment 
which had been installed or deployed, is based on pre-CALEA technology 
and does not include those features necessary to implement the 
assistance capacity requirements of CALEA.
  It is therefore necessary to extend the time of compliance. This step 
is absolutely essential, to enable the industry to complete the

[[Page 15691]]

standard-setting and development processes required to implement CALEA 
in an economical, efficient and reasonable fashion. This approval also 
recognizes existing telecommunications equipment, features, and 
services should be grandfathered during the interim.
  On the completion of the development of CALEA compliant-technology, 
the federal government can then decide which carrier equipment it 
chooses to retrofit at federal government expense, and the 
manufacturers can then design CALEA capabilities and services to be 
deployed in carrier networks in the future.
  Thus, it is necessary to move both the effective and the 
``grandfather'' dates of CALEA to recognize the delays in CALEA 
implementation and to ensure its implementation continues as intended 
by Congress five years ago.
  Mr. Speaker, it is also necessary to clarify the meaning of several 
terms in the cost reimbursement provisions of CALEA. The use of the 
terms `installed' and `deployed' in CALEA, are intended to make clear 
Congress intended separate and distinct meanings for these terms as 
they are used in CALEA. The term, ``installed,'' refers to equipment 
actually in place and operable to the network of carriers. The term 
``deployed,'' relates to equipment, facilities or services that are 
commercially available within the telecommunication industry, to be 
utilized by a carrier whether or not equipment, facilities or services 
were actually installed or utilized within the network of the carrier. 
The term, `deployed,' is also intended to refer to technology available 
to the industry.
  The use of these terms recognizes Congress clearly intended to 
reimburse the telecommunications carriers with federal government 
expenses, or grandfather the existing networks of carriers to the 
extent they were installed or deployed prior to the development of 
CALEA-compliant technology. This decision was based on industry 
standards developed to meet assistance capacity requirements of CALEA 
terms, ``significantly upgraded'' or ``otherwise undergoes major 
modifications.'' These terms were intended to mean the carriers' 
obligations to assume the costs of implementing CALEA technology in a 
particular network switch, is not triggered until a particular network 
switch is fundamentally altered, such as by upgrading or replacing it 
with a new fundamentally altered switch technology. For example, 
changing from digital to asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching 
technology.
  Thus, once CALEA-compliant technology is developed and can be 
designed into, or deployed in, carrier networks, the costs of such 
deployment shift to the industry. Prior to that time, however, existing 
carrier networks are ``grandfathered'' unless retrofitted at federal 
government expense as intended by Congress. In addition, switch 
upgrades or modifications performed by carriers to meet federal or 
state regulatory mandates or other requirements, such as number 
portability requirements, are not to be considered a ``significant 
upgrade'' or a ``major modification'' for purposes of CALEA.
  Mr. Speaker, these provisions should make clear that existing carrier 
networks are grandfathered, unless retrofitted at federal government 
expense. The effective date for compliance with CALEA has been extended 
for approximately two years to provide additional time for industry 
development of CALEA-compliant technology, in response to industry 
technical standards to meet the assistance capacity requirements of 
CALEA.
  I support this important legislation and ask my colleagues to support 
H.R. 916.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from New York and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 916, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title of the bill was amended so as to read: ``A bill to make 
technical amendments to section 10 of title 9, United States Code, and 
for other purposes.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

  EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE HOUSE WITH REGARD TO THE UNITED STATES 
  WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM AND ITS WINNING PERFORMANCE IN THE 1999 WOMEN'S 
                          WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 244) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives with regard to the United States Women's Soccer Team 
and its winning performance in the 1999 Women's World Cup.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 244

       Whereas each of the athletes on the United States Women's 
     Soccer Team has honored the Nation through her dedication to 
     excellence;
       Whereas the United States Women's Soccer Team has raised 
     the level of awareness and appreciation for women's sports 
     throughout the United States;
       Whereas the members of the United States Women's Soccer 
     Team have become positive role models for American youth 
     aspiring to participate in national and international level 
     sports; and
       Whereas the United States Women's Soccer Team has qualified 
     for the 2000 summer Olympic games: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the United States Women's Soccer Team on 
     its winning championship performance in the World Cup 
     tournament;
       (2) recognizes the important contribution each individual 
     team member has made to the United States and to the 
     advancement of women's sports; and
       (3) invites the members of the United States Women's Soccer 
     Team to the United States Capitol to be honored and 
     recognized by the House of Representatives for their 
     achievements.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on H. Res. 244.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 244 honoring 
the U.S. Women's Soccer Team and its winning performance in the 1999 
women's world cup tournament.
  For the past 3 weeks, no household in America has been immune to the 
fever that has swept our Nation during the 32 games of the women's 
world cup soccer series. When the series began, total attendance was 
set on the high side. Crowds of up to 350,000 were expected to extend 
the games in seven cities throughout the country. By Sunday when the 
series ended at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, more than 660,000 fans had 
attended including 90,000 people for the final. Another 40 million 
tuned in to watch the match on television.
  What we saw in that final matchup of the series pitting China against 
Team USA was a battle of titans. For a grueling 120 minutes of play 
neither side budged, neither side blinked, and neither side gave up a 
goal. What we saw was an American dream come true. For generations 
little boys have grown up wishing to become another Babe Ruth, Mickey 
Mantle, Gale Sayers or Michael Jordan. But it is only recently that 
little girls have anywhere near the same dream, to one day be the next 
Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, or Jackie Joyner Kersee.
  Now little girls have the dream. They have the women of Team USA. 
they have Briana Scurry, Carla Overbeck, Kate Sobrero, and Brandi 
Chastain.

                              {time}  1130

  They have Joy Fawcett and Julie Foudy, Michelle Akers and Kristine 
Lilley. They have Mia Hamm. They have Cindy Parlow, Tiffany Milbrett, 
Sara Whalen, Shannon MacMillan, and Tisha Venturini. They have Lorrie 
Fair, Christie Pearce, Tiffany Roberts, Danielle Fotopoulos, Saska 
Webber and Tracy Ducar.
  The women of team U.S. won the World Cup series, but they also won 
the respect and admiration and the hearts of all Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Kuykendall), sponsor of the resolution.

[[Page 15692]]


  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to rise in strong 
support of House Resolution 241, expressing the sense of the House 
regarding the United States Women's Soccer Team in its World Cup 
victory last Saturday afternoon and inviting that team to come to the 
House and be recognized.
  It is a victory not simply for the United States but for the game of 
soccer, for women's athletics, and for all of us who have become jaded 
by the egotism and commercialism of professional sports. It is a huge 
win for teamwork and the pure joy of competing. To me, that makes the 
players of Team USA not just champions but heroes, heroes willing to 
accept the challenge and be role models for young people.
  Few of us imagined when we passed Title IX back in 1972 that a 
women's final sporting event this year would have 90,000 attendees or 
over 40 million people watching it on TV. Impressive. Very impressive.
  One of the hallmarks of this success has been a group that is 
headquartered in my district called the American Youth Soccer 
Organization. This group was founded before Title IX. It started in 
1964. It started in Torrance. There were 125 children, ages 4 to 18, 
boys and girls, and their parents who thought there were four things 
important. One was that they are going to play well-balanced teams. 
Everyone is going to play. They are going to have the parents involved. 
They are going to have positive coaching.
  That is now one of the most successful youth programs in America. 
There are hundreds of thousands of young people. It has taken us a 
generation, 35 years, to bring that to fruition and see it exemplified 
in this World Cup win.
  Eight years ago, the United States women won the first World Cup in 
1991. In 1991, we played in China. In 1991, hardly anybody in America 
knew we played. Yet, the women were dominant then. A young lady from my 
district at that time was the most valuable player of the World Cup. 
Her name was Karen Gabara. She is now the coach of the United States 
Navy team.
  This group of women have made a mark on the country, and I think it 
is important that the country recognize their achievement, because 
their achievement is far more than athletic prowess.
  It is not often that a group of people gather our heart, they put 
their arms around us. We want to put our arms around them. They are a 
wonderful group of examples for young people in this country, men or 
women, to look at. They play for the pride of being successful. They 
play because they enjoy it. They play because they know there is an 
example to be set. They obviously play with national pride, the United 
States national pride.
  We are a great Nation. We are measured by many things. But, in this 
case, we are measured by the success of a young team of soccer players. 
I urge my colleagues all to support this.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Foley).
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. 
Biggert) for introducing this resolution and share in the excitement I 
think all of America feels today as we congratulate the U.S. Woman's 
National Soccer Team on their 1999 World Cup.
  As we look back in the history of sports, certain moments transcend 
the arena and represent something larger than a single victory. The 
woman's World Cup final, which became the biggest woman's sporting 
event in history, is a testament to the respect and devotion that these 
champions have earned.
  This achievement will be remembered with the awe of Jesse Owens 
competing in Nazi Germany or the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team 
defeating the Soviet Union.
  These athletes represent the American dream, the ability of any 
person to become a teacher, an astronaut, or a World Cup champion.
  The women's national team played with dedication, sportsmanship, and 
heart. I think one of the things that I found most telling was the team 
themselves and the members who participated actually functioned as a 
team. Maybe all of us in America can reflect on that for a moment and 
take the word ``I'' out of our vocabulary and use the world ``we,'' 
because we the people and we as a people can achieve great things if we 
work as a team.
  I watched the young ladies on the Today Show being interviewed by 
Katie Couric and Matt Lauer, and each one of them went on to praise the 
other in even more glowing terms about how they helped succeed and how 
they helped the team.
  So I hope as we reflect upon this wonderful victory that these ladies 
have celebrated and we think about the uplifting it brings to America 
and hopefully in the new century, as we approach the millennium, that 
all of us share in the spirit of pride of this country, of pride of 
individual abilities, of pride of collective victories, but, more 
importantly, as, working together, we can achieve the greatest things 
before us.
  So, again, I commend the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and to 
people everywhere as the role models they are and will be for future 
generations of America. They are a team that America can truly be proud 
of. I again thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for 
introducing this bill.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, it certainly is my pleasure to be a cosponsor of this 
legislation. This past Saturday, the United States Women's World Cup 
Soccer Team put on a performance that will not soon be forgotten. The 
extraordinary game that was played in Pasadena, California, was not 
only a testament to the United States team's hard work but to what can 
happen when individuals are given an equal opportunity. That is why I 
am so pleased to cosponsor this legislation.
  The educator, the professor from Yale, Dr. James Comer, said 
something that really applies to this situation. He said that a person 
can have all the genetic ability they want and they can have all the 
will they want, but if they do not have the opportunity, it is almost 
impossible for them to achieve their goals. Here we have a situation 
where these great, great young ladies were given an opportunity, and 
they certainly showed what they could accomplish.
  Saturday's game was a competition against the Chinese National Team 
that involved strength, skill, endurance, and guts. The game remained 
tied through 90 exhausting minutes of regulation play and two 15-minute 
sudden death overtime periods. It then went into a shoot-out in which 
the United States women outshot the Chinese women five to four in order 
to capture the well-deserved title of world champions.
  This victory is more than just one team coming out ahead of the 
other. It is a victory for the United States, for the sport of soccer 
as a whole and, most importantly, for women of all ages who aspire to 
be or already are athletes.
  It makes me proud when I think about the possibilities. I told my 
daughter the other day as she graduated from high school, I said, ``I 
am excited about your possibilities.'' And as a father of two 
daughters, it makes me excited about the possibilities of all women who 
want to be involved in sports.
  The women of this World Cup team have proven that they cannot be 
taken lightly. The ever-popular saying, ``you throw a ball like a 
girl'' is quickly becoming outdated.
  The over 90 million exuberant fans that attended the championship 
game made it the most highly attended women's sporting event in 
history. That certainly does not include the many, many fans, like 
myself, who Saturday were glued to the television set watching this 
exciting play.
  Over 400,000 fans attended the games in which the United States 
competed, and approximately 650,000 fans attended the tournament 
overall. That says something. The world was certainly watching.
  Since its conception in 1985, the United States Women's World Cup 
Team has proudly boasted a record of 144 wins, 12 ties, and only 31 
losses.

[[Page 15693]]

They defeated China in the very first Women's World Cup in 1991; and, 
in 1995, they finished third behind Norway and Germany.
  The history of this team has been showered with success after 
success. However, this success has not come without hard work and an 
incredible attitude. Without a professional program for women, the 
national team has had to rely mostly on college teams to provide 
players with skills necessary for their success. In turn, the success 
of college programs is in a large part due to Title IX of the 
Educational Amendments of 1972.
  With the passage of Title IX, schools were forced to fund women's 
athletic programs at the same level men's athletic programs were being 
funded. Schools still have the flexibility to choose sports based on 
student body interests, geographic influence, budget constraints, and 
gender ratio. Yet, there must be gender equity. That is so very 
important, gender equity. Women must have an opportunity to play and 
compete in the world of sports. Women have shown us just what they can 
do, given the opportunity.
  I think that one of the things that we do not realize is, when we see 
young women performing, other young women watch them. Not only are they 
excited about soccer, but it also says that they can achieve other 
things, too, and that they are excited about the excellence that our 
team showed. It says to them that we will also compete in the legal 
world, we will also compete in the field of medicine and what have you.
  So not only does it affect the soccer world, not only does it affect 
athletics, but it affects all of the young ladies, no matter where they 
are and no matter what status of life they are in.
  The Women's National World Cup team are the pioneers for their sport 
and for women athletes all over the world. They have gladly assumed the 
status of role model and truly deserve it. Young girls all over the 
country adore them and look upon them as heroes or, as some would say, 
sheroes. But not only are young girls looking at them, men, young men, 
old men, all kinds of men are looking at them, too, because they see 
what they have been able to accomplish when given that opportunity.
  Although women have been playing soccer for a long time, this World 
Cup team has opened the eyes of billions. I believe there is an 
exciting future ahead, and I will look forward to watching it unfold.
  I am proud to support and be a cosponsor of this resolution honoring 
the 1999 Women's World Cup team. They have certainly given us a lot to 
be proud of.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois 
(Mrs. Biggert) for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Kuykendall) for introducing this very important legislation upon which 
there is certainly bipartisan support.
  I want to add my cheers for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and 
1999 Women's World Cup champions. These dedicated, determined and 
accomplished young women make me so proud to be associated with the 
cause of getting more girls and women involved with sports and fitness.
  When I was growing up, girls did not play soccer. When we played 
basketball, it was only on half of the court. Women's choices in sports 
were relegated to cheerleading and getting a good seat as a spectator 
in the stands. That was before Title IX.
  Title IX and the U.S. National Women's Soccer Team have changed the 
playing field for girls and women in athletics. Mia Hamm, Carla 
Overbeck, Julie Foudy, Tiffany Milbrett, Brianna Scurry, Brandi 
Chastain, and the whole U.S. team are all long distance runners in the 
challenge and the struggle to raise the status of women's sports to the 
same level as that of men's athletics.
  They are heroes and healthy role models for our sisters, daughters, 
granddaughters that want to participate in sports. I have a number of 
granddaughters who are participating in soccer and other sports. They 
speak to the importance of the sports experience in building self-
confidence, perseverance and the competitive edge.

                              {time}  1045

  Young women who participate in sports are more likely to finish 
school and less likely to have an unwanted pregnancy. The availability 
of athletic scholarships has enabled more women to pursue a college 
education and opened opportunities for women at dozens of colleges.
  My praises to the Women's World Cup President Marla Messing, and 
World Cup Chair Donna de Verona, who had the vision and the dedication 
to focus the attention of a whole Nation on the Women's World Cup 
Championship. No longer is it an insult to tell someone, ``You play 
like a girl.'' Now, indeed, it is a compliment.
  Like the passage of Title IX in 1972, the 1999 Women's World Cup 
Championship will go down in history as the milestone, the turning 
point in elevating women's sports to the gold medal platform where it 
belongs.
  I urge the House to vote unanimously for this resolution.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Eshoo), one of the many world cup women we have in the 
House who is truly a role model for the world, just as these young 
ladies are with regard to the soccer world.
  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), for yielding me this time and 
for his work on this resolution, as well as my colleagues who are 
cosponsors of this resolution. I cannot think of a time coming to this 
floor since I was elected to the House that I skipped over with glee to 
come to the floor to salute the women of this championship team.
  I am not really someone that can give my colleagues very many 
statistics about sports, and I think that that was shaped from my 
childhood because we were really not encouraged to be participants on 
the playing field of sports. My father taught me how to swim very well 
and also how to water ski, but when it came to the other sports, we 
were not encouraged; the teams were not there in the schools that we 
went to. But this weekend that all changed when billions of people 
around the world were glued to their TV sets to watch the American team 
do something that really raised up the whole issue of women in sports 
and how we can compete and be world champions.
  Our American flag that is behind you, Mr. Speaker, was carried 
throughout the stands in the Rose Bowl in California, my home State, 
and I think that the message that went around the world is that America 
can compete; that we all have a share in the opportunity in this 
country, which is really what the idea of America is all about.
  So I salute each woman that brought this victory home, to each of 
them that wove together this exceptional team, and I say bravo, bravo, 
bravo, and especially as a woman Member of the Congress of the United 
States I could not be prouder of them. They have made history, they 
have raised up the hopes and the aspirations of every girl and young 
woman in our Nation and sent out the message around the world that 
America is a can-do country and that women indeed are part of the 
championship of this idea of America.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time each 
side has?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. 
Cummings) has 11 minutes remaining, and the gentlewoman from Illinois 
(Mrs. Biggert) has 10 minutes remaining.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
the District of Columbia (Ms. Eleanor Holmes Norton), another one of 
our world cup legislators.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time and I thank him for his leadership and the leadership of the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) as well for this timely and 
wonderful resolution.

[[Page 15694]]

  I want to say up front, though, that now that we have our own women's 
world cup team, which has found a home in the hearts of their 
countrymen and countrywomen, that I hope, as the Member who represents 
the Nation's Capitol that women will find a home right here for a team 
from the yet-to-come but sure-to-come women's soccer league. We have in 
this town a men's soccer league championship team, D.C. United, which 
has won back-to-back championships. All we need now is a women's team 
to match our male champions.
  I am awfully proud of the Congress' well, because the Congress had a 
lot to do with the victory that was achieved last week. Congress helped 
bring this victory when more than 25 years ago, we passed Title IX. 
Thus Congress was on the field when Briana Scurry, the goalie, blocked 
the Chinese penalty kick to set up Brandi Chastain, who of course, did 
the winning kick. When 90,000 people in the Rose Bowl cheered, they 
were also cheering for what Congress did when it enacted Title IX.
  Title IX, each of these women has said when interviewed, made them 
the best in the world, because Title IX gave them the opportunity that 
bore fruit on the soccer field this past week. Title IX has done the 
same for women's basketball, and Title IX is doing the same for women's 
sports all across this land where women and girls have discovered that 
sports is for them, too.
  Let the victory on the soccer field settle the controversy over the 
division of funds by colleges and universities between men and women's 
teams. Equality on the field.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Capps), who, as the gentlewoman from the District of 
Columbia talked about opening the doors and what Title 9 has done, is 
one who is constantly doing everything in her power to open doors for 
all people.
  Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Cummings), for yielding me this time, and I rise in 
wholehearted enthusiastic support of this bipartisan resolution, House 
Resolution 244, congratulating our U.S. Women's Soccer Team.
  I am doing so today on behalf of the young women in my district in 
Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, girls for whom soccer is 
more than a sport, it is a passion; soccer and all of the other sports 
that are claiming increasing amounts of their time and enthusiasm. This 
is undeniably due to Title 9 and the fundamental principle that all 
programs deserve equal funding, and I thank those in this House that 
were instrumental in passing that landmark initiative.
  I also commend this U.S. Women's Soccer Team for their extraordinary 
hard work and determination and their enthusiasm, which was so 
contagious. It was beautiful to watch them play. Not only did they give 
us the incredibly entertaining and most attended women's sports event 
in history, they are also now giving to young women all over the 
country remarkable role models to look up to.
  Mr. Speaker, along with my colleagues, the gentlewoman from New York 
(Mrs. Kelly) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), the 
chairs of the Women's Caucus, I recently invited the Women's Soccer 
Team to celebrate their success on Capitol Hill. We look forward to 
welcoming these American heroines to the Halls of Congress.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 seconds to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished 
gentleman and I congratulate all the ladies and offer my great 
congratulations to the soccer team. When women play, women win; and 
thank God for Title IX.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Slaughter).
  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, the looks on the faces of the little 
girls gazing up with hero worship to the U.S. Women's Soccer Team made 
an awful lot of struggles that we have gone through worthwhile. When 
Title IX was first written and passed in the Congress, there was a 
great furor about it. The idea of making athletics open to women was 
almost anathema. We have seen now what a wonderful opportunity we have 
given; that girls in school know that they too can achieve in sports 
and that they too can be part of that wonderful experience of being a 
member of a winning team.
  It helps us to reduce the inequality and the differences in Americans 
and says to everybody, ``You too can be a winner.''
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much time I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) 
has 6\3/4\ minutes remaining.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I just want to take a moment first of all to thank Leah 
Phillips, one of our interns who was very helpful to us, who also 
happens to play soccer at Mary Washington College, and I want to thank 
her for all her efforts and our entire staff for what they have done 
with regard to this very, very important resolution.
  I want to send a message out to our U.S. Women's Soccer Team. We want 
you to understand, soccer team, that you have made us very, very proud. 
The fact that you took advantage of an opportunity and turned it into 
something very, very, very significant is so important to all of us.
  So often in the past women have not had the opportunities that you 
have had. So often when we stand on the floor of this House and we 
speak, and so often when we push the button, green or red, we do not 
know exactly what impact we are having. But when the House of 
Representatives of the United States of America, as our Members watched 
you, we were reminded that the things we do here today do affect your 
lives.
  But understand that you have affected so many people. There were 
little girls sitting around television sets watching you, watching your 
every move, and they see you as role models. By not only were the 
little girls watching you, there were little boys, too, and they were 
watching and they were excited and they saw all of those fans in the 
stands. And now when they go back to their fields this evening and 
tomorrow evening and they play the soccer games, they will be reminded 
of the greatness that you have brought to their living rooms and to 
their lives.
  So, to you, some may say that sports does not mean a lot. Well, I 
happen to differ in that opinion. Sports mean a lot. It means a lot 
when one takes the opportunity and gives their blood, sweat and tears 
and gives it everything they have to be the best that they can be. All 
of us, as Americans, are very, very proud of you. Not only are we proud 
of you, we are proud of all that you stand for, all that is good in 
America; for it was your efforts, it is what you did, that said not 
only to America but to the world that we are, indeed, the greatest.
  It was something called Title IX that opened up so many, many doors. 
Going back to what I said a little earlier, we realize that you have 
the genetic ability, we realize that you have the will, but what you 
have been given is the opportunity to make a difference, and you have. 
And so we say, we are proud of you, we wish you Godspeed, and may God 
bless.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
New York (Mrs. Kelly).
  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United 
States Women's Soccer Team for their spectacular efforts in the 1999 
Women's World Cup. For the last 3 weeks the entire country has been 
consumed by soccer fever. Mr. Speaker, this is not only an achievement 
for the women on the team but an achievement for our Nation.
  In a time when the most exciting part of the Superbowl seems to be 
watching to see the million-dollar commercials, this tournament was one 
of the most captivating athletic events of the year. Six hundred fifty 
thousand tickets were sold for the 32 matches and for the 90,000 
spectators at the

[[Page 15695]]

final game between the United States and China. They definitely got 
their money's worth.
  After 90 minutes of regulation play and two 50-minute periods of 
sudden death overtime, the team moved to a penalty kick series where 
the U.S. women scored five goals to defeat China.
  Mr. Speaker, this was the game of a lifetime. No one could imagine a 
more exciting end to this sensational run for these athletes. Many of 
these athletes have been playing soccer since they were 5 and 6 years 
old, and this achievement is the pinnacle of their athletic career. For 
the girls of this country, this event gave them the role models that 
they so often lack. But, Mr. Speaker, more importantly, this team and 
this championship season has given our Nation a great sense of pride.
  I commend all the players on this 1999 Women's Soccer Team and all of 
those women and who inspired them to be the players that they are 
today.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my esteemed colleague across the aisle, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), for his remarks and the remarks 
on that side of the aisle and all my esteemed colleagues on this side 
of the aisle.
  I would especially like to thank my colleague from California (Mr. 
Kuykendall) for offering this resolution and giving me the opportunity 
to handle the resolution on the floor.
  Looking back on my own childhood, really, the sports that we had were 
ballet and music lessons. So soccer is a relatively new sport for 
Americans but especially for American girls. Of my three daughters, 
only the youngest, Adrienne, had the opportunity to play soccer from 
kindergarten on through college.
  As the assistant soccer coach for her team in the mid and late 1980s, 
I can well remember the excitement of the girls and their parents when 
girls soccer first became a recognized team sport in our high school. 
That meant that Adrienne, just like my son Rody before her, would have 
the opportunity to play a sport that she loved throughout her years in 
school.
  Thanks to the passage of Title IX in 1972, my daughter Adrienne, 
along with the women of Team USA and young women and young girls 
throughout America, has come to benefit from the opportunity enjoyed 
for so long by young men and boys throughout America. Title IX has 
enabled young women to participate in school sports, to learn the value 
of teamwork and competition, and to gain the self-confidence and skills 
that are so valuable in business and in other future careers.
  Mr. Speaker, the women of Team USA have shown teamwork, dedication 
and a complete commitment to excellence in their field. They also 
showed a love for the sport and for those who will follow them. They 
are mentors, role models and an inspiration for all of us, regardless 
of age or gender.
  Following their victory and visit to Disneyland on Sunday, the women 
of Team USA boarded a plane and flew east overnight, landing at Newark 
Airport at 4:30 in the morning. Here is how team member Brandy Chastain 
described their arrival. ``There were 10 little girls waiting in the 
airport,'' Chastain said. They were wearing World Cup and Soccer USA 
stuff. They were all so excited. They had slept there. They were 
jumping around and asking for autographs. We all obliged. They deserved 
it.''
  Mr. Speaker, the women of Team USA deserve the recognition today. I 
urge my colleagues to show their support for this tremendous 
accomplishment by supporting the resolution of the gentleman from 
California.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to reclaim my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Pease). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentleman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to say that the distinguished 
congresswoman from California (Ms. Roybal-Allard) had a similar 
resolution and she worked very hard on that, and I just wanted to 
express the fact that she, too, is very concerned about this. It is 
very important to her. I want to thank my colleagues on the other side 
for the resolution.
  Mr. HASTERT. Mr. Speaker, as a parent and former coach, I rise in 
strong support of this Resolution to celebrate the many contributions 
the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team has given to the American people.
  These young women have illustrated the American spirit on a global 
stage. They have shown young and old alike that teamwork still works. 
They have also demonstrated that it's not always about winning, but how 
you perform on and off the field. These are all positive life lessons 
that everyone around the globe can take to heart--especially our 
children, the next generation of leaders.
  As one who has worked for a long time to improve the athletic 
opportunities for women and men, I am particularly heartened to see the 
success of our World Cup Champions. We must be ever vigilant in our 
quest to open more doors so those who want to participate in 
extracurricular activities can do so. I have seen first-hand how sports 
and team play have molded young kids into future leaders. We need more 
of that in today's society.
  In closing, congratulations to Coach Tony DiCicco, his assistants, 
and the U.S. National Women who brought home the World Cup. I would 
hope that as they make their way around the country on their well-
deserved victory tour they'll make a stop in Washington so all 
Americans can celebrate their accomplishments through a National Pep 
Rally at the U.S. Capitol.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
244, congratulating the U.S. women's national soccer team for winning 
the 1999 Women's World Cup. Their achievement is something in which all 
Americans can take pride.
  On July 10, the U.S. women's national soccer team played the Chinese 
national women's soccer team to a scoreless draw after 90 minutes of 
regulation and 30 minutes of overtime. The match pitted two extremely 
well-balanced and talented teams against each other and while both 
teams' defenses held the other scoreless, all spectators were treated 
to a fast-paced and exciting match.
  The success of the U.S. team is the clear result of Title IX, the 
1972 law banning sex discrimination in schools, including 
discrimination in athletics. All of the players on the U.S. team are 
the children of Title IX and now all Americans can enjoy their success 
and the success of that landmark legislation.
  I am proud to live in a country that has given women the ability to 
play in an event that has become the most successful women's sporting 
event in history. Over 90,000 fans attended the final, the largest 
attendance ever for a women's sporting event and the game received a 
13.3 rating, a national record for a soccer match. In addition, the 
nearly month-long event sold over 650,000 tickets, far exceeding 
organizer's initial expectations.
  As one of the host cities, San Francisco and its citizens 
participated in the excitement surrounding the 1999 Women's World Cup. 
I join the citizens of San Francisco in congratulating the U.S. women's 
national soccer team on attaining their second World Cup and wish them 
success in the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, last month few people knew that the United 
States had a Women's World Cup Soccer team but today there is talk of 
starting a professional women's soccer league. The women's world cup 
tournament, a one month long tournament that features the sixteen 
strongest teams in the world, has created a sort of ``soccer frenzy.'' 
All of the credit for starting this new craze should be given to the 
women of the United States World Cup team. Girls, boys, men and women 
alike tuned in to watch the games of this tournament. People who had 
never before this tournament watched a soccer game in its entirety are 
now caught up in the craze.
  This past Saturday these women played their hearts out to beat the 
National team of China. They never gave up and they worked--literally 
for Michelle Akers--to the point of exhaustion. They are heroes for 
millions of people not only because of their raw talent, but also 
because of their dedication and inspirational attitudes. They played 
for themselves, for the sport, and for everyone who supported them 
throughout the tournament.
  I don't need to prove to you how likable these women are, how 
enjoyable they are to watch, or how successful they have been. Their 
numbers are the proof.
  An overwhelming 90,000 fans attended their final game at the Rose 
Bowl in Pasadena this past Saturday and that 90,000 does not even come 
close to including the millions of people who tuned in to watch from 
around the world.

[[Page 15696]]

  The women's national team, coached by Tony Dicicco, worked together 
in a way that should be inspiring for us all. Not only did they work 
together but they played together and celebrated together. They have 
displayed an amazing dedication to their fellow teammates and to their 
country that has made us all proud.
  I fully support the passage of this resolution that is meant to honor 
these women for their hard work and dedication.
  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, Brandi Chastain of my hometown of San Jose, 
California did the nation proud on Saturday when she scored the final 
goal to win the World Cup for her team, country, and women everywhere.
  When the game came down to the high-pressure penalty goal finale, 
Brandi stood before a crowd of 90,000, and without hesitation or even 
looking into the eyes of her only opponent, Chinese goalie Gao, pounded 
the soccer ball into the net and victory.
  Brandi did for young women what Michael Jordan, Willie Mays, and 
Steve Young did for young men: She gave them a role model.
  Brandi, a native of San Jose, has played for the U.S. National team 
since 1988. She announced her presence in 1991 with five goals in one 
game against Mexico. But this was no surprise to people at home who had 
seen her lead her high school, Archbishop Middy, to three straight 
state championships. She went on to be named All-American while playing 
for my alma mater Santa Clara University leading the Broncos to two 
final four appearances. Now she gives back to her sport as an assistant 
coach at Santa Clara University.
  Brandi is a heroine, not only to the soccer players and fans in San 
Jose, but also to women throughout the world. She, along with her 
teammates, tirelessly fought to attain their goal of winning the World 
Cup. They prove that women can achieve the same high level of 
athleticism as their male counterparts. Most importantly, they showed 
that teamwork and dedication can make an entire country proud.
  It is a great honor to stand up and commend Brandi Chastain and her 
teammates today for the hope and joy they have given young girls 
everywhere.
  Mr. LUTHER. Mr. Speaker, the United States Women's Soccer Team 
deserves our nation's highest congratulations on their success in the 
World Cup. In particular, I would like to praise Briana Scurry, the 
goalkeeper for the team. Originally from Dayton, Minnesota, Ms. Scurry 
graduated from Anoka High School in my district in 1990. It was her 
speed and agility that allowed her to block the critical Chinese 
penalty kick and secure a victory for the U.S. team. Perhaps it is no 
surprise, then, that her teammates refer to her as ``The Rock''. Anoka 
High School, the State of Minnesota and the entire Nation are very 
proud of Ms. Scurry and all of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team. They are 
wonderful role models for the girls and women of America and the world. 
They have contributed immensely to women's sports, and we owe them a 
debt of gratitude.
  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 241 
and offer my hearty congratulations to the United States Women's Soccer 
Team. Their perseverance and grace on the field was a testament to the 
spirit of the American women. The crowd they drew to the Rose Bowl--
more than 90,000 people, the largest ever to watch a women's sporting 
event--shows how far women's professional sports have come.
  Among that crowd and in the vast international television audience 
were thousands of young girls, who play in local soccer leagues and on 
school teams. The U.S. Women's Team could not have provided better role 
models and I commend them for the contribution they have made to those 
young lives.
  I hope these ladies will accept our invitation, so that we may give 
them our thanks in-person.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the U.S. 
Women's Soccer Team. Once again, they have proven to be the world's 
best by winning the 1999 Women's World Cup tournament.
  Last Saturday, 90,185 spectators in the Rose Bowl and millions of 
Americans via-television watched the U.S. women's soccer team defeat 
the People's Republic of China to earn the Women's World Cup title. 
Their victory has captured the hearts of our nation and helped raise 
awareness of women's sports nationwide. As role models to millions of 
young women across America, the U.S. Women's Soccer Team members stress 
teamwork and commitment and are true American sports heroes.
  I want to personally congratulate my 51st District constituent, 
Shannon MacMillan of Escondido, Calif. Shannon plays forward and has 
been an integral part of the winning U.S. team. Her career highlights, 
which I have attached below, reminds us of her many accomplishments 
with the U.S. National team and her heroics in the 1996 Olympics.
  To Shannon and all of the women of the 1999 Women's World Cup 
championship team, I say congratulations for a job well done.


              Career highlights of Shannon Ann Mac Millan

                         U.S. Soccer Federation

  U.S. Team: A member of the U.S. gold medal winning team at both the 
1998 Goodwill Games and 1996 Olympics * * *
  Led the Olympic Team with three goals in their five matches, 
including the match-winners against Sweden and Norway * * *
  Her ``Golden Goal'' against Norway was one of the most important in 
U.S. Soccer history, putting the USA into the Olympic final and 
avenging the loss at the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup * * *
  Appeared on the cover of Sport Illustrated's daily Olympic issue 
after her goal against Norway * * *
  Originally left off the roster for residential training camp leading 
up to the Olympics, she battled her way back onto the team and into the 
starting lineup * * *
  The youngest member of the U.S. Women's National Team that won the 
silver medal at the 1993 World University Games in Buffalo, N.Y., where 
she made her debut with the U.S. team * * *
  Member of the U.S. Women's Under-20 National Team from 1993-94, 
winning the International Women's Tournament in Montricoux, France in 
1993.
  College: Winner of the 1995 Missouri Athletic Club Award and the 1995 
Hermann Award as college soccer's top player * * *
  The 1995 Soccer America Player of the Year * * *
  Won the 1995 Bill Hayward Award as Oregon's Top Female Amateur 
Athlete * * *
  Finalist for the MAC Award and Hermann Trophy in 1993-94 * * *
  All four-time All-American, All-Far West Region First Team and West 
Coast Conference selection from 1992-95 at the University of Portland * 
* *
  Second on the team in goals scored with 22 in 1994 behind U.S. 
teammate Tiffeny Milbrett * * *
  Missed four games in 1994 due to a broken bone in her left foot, had 
a pin inserted into the foot and returned to the starting line-up 13 
days later * * *
  The 1993 and 1995 University of Portland Female Athlete of the Year * 
* *
  Completed her sophomore season in 1993 as the women's NCAA Division I 
scoring leader with 23 goals and 12 assists while starting all 21 games 
* * *
  She finished her freshman year in 1992 as the highest scoring 
freshman in the nation and fourth leading scorer overall with 19 goals 
* * *
  The WCC Freshman of the Year, she was Second-Team NSCAA All-American 
and was voted to Soccer America's All-Freshman Team.
  Miscellaneous: Attended San Pasqual High School in Escondido, Calif., 
where she was a three-year letterwinner * * *
  Named as the honorary captain of the San Diego Union-Tribune All-
Academic team * * *
  Played club soccer for La Jolla Nomads, which won the state club 
championship two consecutive years, 1991 and 1992, winning the Western 
Regionals in 1991 before going on to finish second at the national 
championships * * *
  Played 1996 and '97 seasons in the Japanese women's professional 
league with Shiroki Serena alongside college and national team teammate 
Tiffeny Milbrett * * *
  Majored in social work at Portland * * *
  Currently an assistant women's soccer coach at Portland, helping the 
team to the NCAA Final Four in 1998, her first year on the bench.
  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate a great victory 
not only for the U.S. Women's Soccer Team, which has just won its 
second World Cup, but for girls and women throughout our Nation.
  The Women's World Cup finals, held this past Saturday, July 10, 1999, 
in Los Angeles, drew more than 90,000 spectators in the stands and some 
40 million television viewers--the largest audience ever for a women-
only sporting event!
  The 20 members of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team have won passionate 
fans not just among the 2.5 million girls playing soccer in the United 
States but among all Americans. These healthy, strong, disciplined, and 
exciting athletes are wonderful role models for our nation's girls and 
young women, and I know they will inspire many more to experience the 
joy, benefits, and opportunities that sports bring. Participation in 
soccer by women and girls increased by almost 24 percent between 1987 
and 1998--I predict that this percentage will rise significantly over 
the next year.

[[Page 15697]]

  I send my aloha and heartfelt congratulations to each and every one 
of the team members. Michele Akers, Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett, Julie 
Foudy, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, and Carla Overbeck deserve special 
mention as they are all veterans of the 1991 Women's World Cup 
victory--a victory that was largely overlooked by the media and public. 
This team also won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, where 
they were again virtually ignored by the media.
  But all of that has changed. Women's soccer is here to stay and the 
number of players and fans will continue to grow. We can all look 
forward to seeing this championship team again at the 2000 Olympics in 
Sydney, where the media will no longer dare to ignore women's soccer.
  This is also a victory for Congress and a testament for the power of 
this institution to change our nation for the better. Mia Hamm, one of 
women's soccer's brightest stars, was born in 1972--the same year Title 
IX became law. Without Title IX, she and many of the other team members 
who brought such pride to all Americans might never have had the 
opportunity to develop their talent for and love of the sport.
  When Edith Green and I drafted the original language for Title IX 
some 28 years ago, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in 
educational programs receiving federal financial assistance, we dreamed 
that someday girls would enjoy equal access to academic and athletic 
opportunities in our schools. We are not there yet, but the 
achievements of and excitement generated by the U.S. Women's Soccer 
Team shows that we are on our way. No longer can anyone say that girls 
don't deserve equal opportunity in athletics because they don't have 
the interest or aptitude.
  Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
244, to honor and congratulate our United States Women's Soccer Team. 
The hard work, strength, determination and talent exhibited by these 
women captures the American spirit. It is this type of spirit that 
inspires us all to never give up on our dreams. In a sport that is not 
traditionally an American strong suit, these women worked tirelessly to 
attain a dream and awoke to 90,000 cheering fans helping make that 
dream a reality.
  As a Southern Californian, I am particularly pleased that the 
Pasadena Rose Bowl played host to the World Cup finals. I was also 
honored to have the U.S. women's team grace the field of Pomona-Pitzer 
College in my congressional district to practice their talents. These 
women demonstrated ``grace under fire'' and were ``class acts'' in 
their representation of the United States. They set an example that all 
U.S. teams and Americans should aspire to emulate. I look forward to 
cheering these women on in Sydney next summer as the United States 
defends its gold medal. I am confident that these women will, once 
again, make America proud.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 244.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________