[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



SENATE RESOLUTION 141--TO CONGRATULATE THE UNITED STATES WOMEN'S SOCCER 
        TEAM ON WINNING THE 1999 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

  Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mr. Reid, Mrs. Murray, Ms. Mikulski, Ms. 
Collins, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Feinstein, Mrs. Boxer, Mrs. Hutchison, Mrs. 
Lincoln, and Mr. Daschle) submitted the following resolution; which was 
considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 141

       Whereas the Americans blanked Germany in the second half of 
     the quarter finals, before winning 3 to 2, shut out Brazil in 
     the semifinals, 2 to 0, and then stymied China for 120 
     minutes Saturday, July 10, 1999;
       Whereas the Americans, after playing the final match 
     through heat, exhaustion, and tension throughout regulation 
     play and two sudden-death 15-minute overtime periods, out-
     shot China 5-4 on penalty kicks;
       Whereas the Team has brought excitement and pride to the 
     United States with its outstanding play and selfless teamwork 
     throughout the entire World Cup tournament;
       Whereas the Americans inspired young women throughout the 
     country to participate in soccer and other competitive sports 
     that can enhance self-esteem and physical fitness;
       Whereas the Team has helped to highlight the importance and 
     positive results of title IX of the Education Amendments of 
     1972 (20 U.S.C. 1681), a law enacted to eliminate sex 
     discrimination in education in the United States and to 
     expand sports participation by girls and women;
       Whereas the Team became the first team representing a 
     country hosting the Women's World Cup tournament to win the 
     tournament;
       Whereas the popularity of the Team is evidenced by the 
     facts that more fans watched the United States defeat Denmark 
     in the World Cup opener held at Giants Stadium in New Jersey 
     on June 19, 1999, than have ever watched a Giants or Jets 
     National Football League game at that stadium, and over 
     90,000 people attended the final match in Pasadena, 
     California, the largest attendance ever for a sporting event 
     in which the only competitors were women;
       Whereas the United States becomes the first women's team to 
     simultaneously reign as both Olympic and World Cup champions;
       Whereas five Americans, forward Mia Hamm, midfielder 
     Michelle Akers, goalkeeper Briana Scurry, and defenders 
     Brandi Chastain and Carla Overbeck, were chosen for the elite 
     1999 Women's World Cup All-Star team;
       Whereas all the members of the 1999 U.S. women's World Cup 
     team--defenders Brandi Chastain, Christie Pearce, Lorrie 
     Fair, Joy Fawcett, Carla Overbeck, and Kate Sobrero; forwards 
     Danielle Fotopoulos, Mia Hamm, Shannon MacMillian, Cindy 
     Parlow, Kristine Lilly, and Tiffeny Milbrett; goalkeepers 
     Tracy Ducar, Briana Scurry, and Saskia Webber; and 
     midfielders Michelle Akers, Julie Foudy, Tiffany Roberts, 
     Tisha Venturini, and Sara Whalen; and coach Tony DiCicco--
     both on the playing field and on the practice field, 
     demonstrated their devotion to the team and played an 
     important part in the team's success; and
       Whereas the Americans will now set their sights on 
     defending their Olympic title in Sydney 2000: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the United States 
     Women's Soccer Team on winning the 1999 Women's World Cup 
     Championship.

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I am very pleased to join Senators Snowe 
and Reid as a cosponsor of the resolution congratulating the U.S. 
Women's Soccer Team on their wonderful performance in the 1999 World 
Cup tournament. Through hard work and dedication, they have achieved 
the ultimate goal and placed first in the world. This is truly a feat 
that will inspire women throughout our country to strive to their 
highest aspirations.
  The U.S. Women's Soccer Team will surely have an impact on America's 
already rising numbers of young women and girls playing sports. They 
have created a wave of excitement and pride throughout the country, in 
men and women, boys and girls. All of the women who participated in the 
World Cup tournament are inspirations throughout the world, to women in 
their own countries and to women worldwide. Many young women share the 
dreams the women on the U.S. Women's Soccer Team had. The fact that 
they were able to accomplish their dreams is an inspiration to all of 
us. Their win shows that if girls truly believe in themselves and their 
abilities, their dreams too can come true.
  This U.S. Women's Soccer Team also embodies the success of Title IX, 
a law enacted in 1972 to eliminate sexual discrimination in American 
education and expand sports participation by girls and women. Without 
Title IX, it is possible that such a success would never have occurred. 
It is possible that these women would never have had the chance to play 
soccer. It is possible that their talent would never have been 
realized. Title IX gave them a chance. The success of Title IX was made 
especially vivid in our team's victory.
  Young women need positive role models as they are growing up. The 
U.S. Women's Soccer Team embodies such positive role models. They are 
women who do not work just for themselves but rather for each other and 
for their team. Their success shows that women can achieve anything 
they sincerely put their hearts and minds into. The U.S. Women's Soccer 
Team has proven to young women that they can prevail not only in 
athletics, but in anything and everything through hard work and 
dedication. Such role models are invaluable.
  So, yes, the 1999 U.S. Women's Soccer Team joins the ranks of the 
landmark role models. They will go down in history as the first U.S. 
women's soccer team to win the World Cup. They will be remembered in 
the same light as other women who have had a tremendous impact on our 
society. Their success will not be forgotten, but will live on in its 
inspiration of many young women and girls throughout our country and 
world.
  I am honored to recognize the U.S. Women's Soccer Team for its 
glorious victory. These talented, strong, and committed women have done 
a wonderful job and set a very positive example for all people, but 
especially for girls and women of all ages.

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