[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16063-16067]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VENUS AND SERENA WILLIAMS

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 94) honoring the contributions of Venus and 
Serena Williams.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 94

       Whereas, although Venus and Serena Williams are only 20 and 
     19 years old and only in their sixth and third full years as 
     professional tennis players respectively, they have over 43 
     professional titles between them;
       Whereas Venus and Serena Williams have broken racial and 
     socioeconomic barriers with pride and poise by showing the 
     world that tennis is a sport for all people;
       Whereas Venus Williams is the first African-American woman 
     to win the Wimbledon Championships since 1958, is the first 
     United States woman since 1924 to win an Olympic gold medal 
     in both singles and doubles, holds the women's world record 
     for the fastest serve at 127 miles per hour, and is one of 
     only seven women to win the singles titles in both the 
     Wimbledon Championships and the U.S. Open in the same year;
       Whereas Serena Williams is only the second African-American 
     woman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title, is only the 
     sixth American woman to win the U.S. Open singles title since 
     1968, is only the fifth woman to win both singles and doubles 
     Grand Slam titles in the same year, and is the first woman to 
     reach the finals in a U.S. Open debut since 1978;
       Whereas Venus and Serena Williams are the first sisters in 
     professional tennis history to each win a Grand Slam singles 
     title, the first to be ranked in the top ten simultaneously 
     since 1991, the first to win a Grand Slam doubles title 
     together, the first to compete against one another in a 
     Women's Tennis Association Tour final, and the first to win 
     an Olympic gold medal in doubles together;
       Whereas Venus and Serena Williams have inspired and 
     encouraged people of all backgrounds and ages, especially 
     those in their hometown of Compton, California, demonstrating 
     through the spirit of sport that education, a good work 
     ethic, teamwork, fortitude, and determination are ingredients 
     for success;
       Whereas Venus and Serena Williams are African-American role 
     models, coached to excellence by their father, and encouraged 
     by both parents to be leaders, to demonstrate high moral and 
     ethical standards, to value education, and to never stray 
     from these family values; and
       Whereas Venus and Serena Williams have been beacons of 
     light to their community, passing out tennis rackets and 
     conducting tennis clinics for low income children, raising 
     funds for community development, and joining our Nation's 
     leaders in support of the Department of Transportation's seat 
     belt campaign ``Buckle Up America!'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) honors and recognizes the achievements and strides made 
     by Venus and Serena Williams by giving back to their 
     community, promoting excellence, breaking barriers with pride 
     and poise, showing that tennis is a sport for all people; and
       (2) urges all Americans to recognize the contributions to 
     American society made by Venus and Serena Williams through 
     their achievements and community involvement.

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


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MORELLA. 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. 94.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution expresses the sense of the House of 
Representatives in recognizing the contributions, heroic achievements 
and dedicated work of Venus and Serena Williams.
  Venus and Serena Williams are only 22 and 20 years of age, 
respectively, yet they have broken racial and socio-economic barriers 
with pride and poise by showing the world that tennis is a sport for 
all people.
  Mr. Speaker, Venus and Serena Williams have inspired and encouraged 
people of all backgrounds and ages, especially those in their hometown 
of Compton, California. Venus and Serena Williams demonstrate that the 
spirit of sports, education and a good work ethic, as well as team 
work, fortitude and determination, are essential ingredients for 
success.
  Venus and Serena Williams are African American role models. Their 
father coached them to excellence. They were encouraged by both parents 
to be leaders, to demonstrate high moral and ethical standards, to 
value education, and to never stray from those family values. Venus and 
Serena Williams have accomplished many firsts in tennis. Their firsts 
include being the first sisters in professional tennis history to each 
win a grand slam singles title and being the first sisters to compete 
against one another in a Women's Tennis Association tour final.
  Venus and Serena Williams have been beacons of light to their 
community, passing out tennis rackets and conducting tennis clinics for 
low-income children and raising funds for community development. Venus 
and Serena Williams joined our national leaders in support of the 
Department of Transportations's seatbelt campaign, Buckle Up America.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate that the House recognize the dedicated 
work and outstanding accomplishments of Venus and Serena Williams 
today. I ask that all Members support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, July 6, 2002, Serena and Venus Williams 
captured first and second places in the ladies' singles championship at 
Wimbledon. The very next day the sisters went on to win first place in 
the ladies' doubles championship for the second time in three years. 
Today Venus and Serena are making their way to the U.S. Open quarters 
in Flushing Meadows on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court and possibly another 
victory.
  Venus and Serena Williams are the youngest of five sisters. Venus 
broke into the professional women's tennis circuit at the age of just 
14. Coached by their father Richard, the sisters learned to play tennis 
on the courts of Compton, California. Both girls entered the world of 
professional tennis at the age of 14. At just 18, Serena won her first 
grand slam title. Venus won her first grand slam the following year at 
just 20 years of age. Since winning their first grand slam titles both 
sisters have broken innumerable records. Between Serena and Venus, they 
have won 16 singles titles in the last year and 7 of the last 12 grand 
slam events.
  Serena Williams is only the second African American woman to ever win 
a

[[Page 16064]]

grand slam, while Venus is the first African American woman to win at 
Wimbledon since 1958.
  In 1999, for the first time in over 115 years, sisters met in the 
finals at Wimbledon. In September of that same year, Serena was named 
female athlete of the month by the United States Olympic Committee. 
Venus is the first United States woman since 1924 to win Olympic gold 
in both the singles and doubles tournaments. These are only a few of 
the sisters' many accomplishments in their lives. Serena and Venus 
Williams strive to make a difference both on and off the court. The 
sisters support and participate in events sponsored by Oracene Williams 
Learning Foundation, an organization that seeks to help children with 
learning disabilities.
  Additionally, in 1995, Venus, Serena and Richard Williams conducted a 
clinic with the California Tennis Association for underprivileged 
youth. This clinic has since developed into a full year tutoring tennis 
academy for the underprivileged youth in California. Venus and Serena 
Williams have become role models for many African American children. In 
Monday's Washington Post, columnist Courtland Milloy noted the impact 
the sisters have had on the Means sisters, four sisters aged 8 through 
12, who live here in Washington, D.C. The Means sisters play tennis and 
do after-school work at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in the 
District of Columbia. When asked about what impact Serena and Venus 
Williams have had on their lives, the Means sisters were quoted as 
saying, ``They show us we can compete against one another and still be 
friends. They let us see ourselves as champions. We might even end up 
being number one, two, three and four.''
  House Resolution 94 congratulates the Williams sisters for all of 
their dedication and extraordinary accomplishments, and I join with my 
colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), in 
not only supporting this resolution, but in commending the Williams 
sisters, who did not choose to be sisters, but have in fact chosen to 
be friends and champions.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1615

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I have no requests to speak, and I reserve 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 4\1/2\ 
minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), 
the originator of this resolution.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my dear 
friend the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) and my dear friend 
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for helping to usher this to 
the floor, along with my thanks to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Portman), who helped to ensure this piece of legislation came to the 
floor.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to respect the two 
outstanding young women who have taken the tennis courts by storm. They 
happen to be my former constituents from the City of Compton.
  I first introduced this bill in March of 2001 expressing the sense of 
Congress in its admiration of the achievements of these two remarkable 
sisters, Venus and Serena Williams, tennis champions and first class 
human beings. I am pleased that hundreds of my esteemed colleagues have 
agreed to cosponsor this measure with me.
  Since this measure was introduced, another year has only brought 
added luster to Venus' and Serena's professional triumphs. They are the 
first sisters in the history of the Women's Tennis Association tour to 
attain number one and two ranking, and of course, they are the first 
Americans to achieve this exalted status. This alone should encourage 
us to acknowledge their prowess and courage on the courts which follows 
the illustrious and historic achievements of the African American 
tennis champion Althea Gibson in the 1950s.
  As of July 9, Serena Williams moved to number one in the WTA tour 
ranking after winning the French Open and the women's Wimbledon title 
and is the 11th woman to hold this title since the ranking system began 
in 1975.
  Venus Williams has moved to number two after having held three stints 
at number one for a total of 11 weeks since February.
  On July 7, at Wimbledon, the sisters united to win their second 
doubles title victory in 3 years.
  However, in saluting these remarkable young women and their 
achievements in the sport of tennis we must not lose sight of the other 
contributions of these sisters as citizens. We must also give 
recognition to their parents, Oracene and Richard Williams, who had the 
foresight to see their daughters as winners and the sacrifice to make 
this attainment possible. By this recognition, too, we celebrate the 
African American family and its demonstration of solidarity, initiative 
and resolve.
  In particular, though, Mr. Speaker, the unselfish coaching of their 
father, Richard Williams, of his daughters over many years that 
provided both a healthy sense of self-regard and a sense of confidence 
must be commended. This outstanding father, who knew not how to coach, 
had never coached in his life, took this on. He saw the talents in his 
young daughters, and he coached them through the streets and through 
the hard cement courts of Compton to bring them to where they are 
today.
  From those cement courts of Compton to the grass groomed courts of 
Wimbledon, Serena and Venus Williams have triumphed over an enormous 
scale, but we should also salute them because they are giving back and 
sharing their prosperity and talent with children from minority 
communities in our country, as well as in Africa's impoverished 
neighborhoods, which they will soon be traveling to.
  In Los Angeles, many inner city high school players are advancing in 
the game of tennis due to the support of the Venus and Serena Williams 
Tutorial/Tennis Academy. These students who enroll in the tutorial 
program also are mentored on college and career possibilities. They see 
that need as well, Mr. Speaker.
  The Williams sisters also support the J.P. Morgan Chase Tennis 
Challenge, the proceeds of which are directed to the OWL Foundation, 
which is named after their mother, Oracene Williams Learning 
Foundation, which was started by their money to provide grants for at-
risk students to participate in educational remedial assistance 
programs. The foundation's mission is to ensure that every child is 
treated as an individual and provided the opportunity to learn.
  Another initiative supported by the sisters and Doublemint provides 
grants to recognize the contributions that college students and student 
service organizations make on campuses and in communities.
  Mr. Speaker, Serena and Venus were also instrumental in assisting the 
founding of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center in Washington, 
D.C., and helped to open this extensive facility in April of last year.
  Mr. Speaker, on and off the courts Venus and Serena Williams are 
indeed giving back, and we should take pride and pleasure in their 
accomplishments and salute them for their fine sportsmanlike or 
sportswomanlike conduct and citizenship.
  I cannot say enough about these outstanding two young women who 
happen to be black but indeed are outstanding citizens to this America, 
and for that, Mr. Speaker, I salute them and ask for a successful 
passage.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek), a great athlete, 
former coach, great dancer, great African American, great humanitarian 
and legislator.
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, 
first of all, for his great oratorical skills as well as his academic 
prowess.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Millender-McDonald) and her colleagues on the other side of the aisle 
who have seen to it, specifically the gentlewoman from California (Ms.

[[Page 16065]]

Millender-McDonald), who just persevered and kept pushing this 
resolution when many thought it would never come to the floor.
  I am glad that it is here, Mr. Speaker, because it speaks very loudly 
for this Congress to see the advent of these two young women who belie 
many of the stereotypical ideas about African Americans when it comes 
to sports such as tennis. They have shown America and shown the world 
that with their long muscle prowess and their beauty and their grace 
and just the refinement which they have shown and the femininity is 
great for America.
  That is why I want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Millender-McDonald) and commend her for this. Mr. Speaker, Venus and 
Serena, they are great tennis champions, but they are even more than 
that, Mr. Speaker, because what they are doing is legendary and has 
turned around the tennis world.
  I am, as my good friend from Illinois mentioned, an old athlete. I 
remember when black women had a very difficult time in tennis. I 
remember two other Williams sisters, very, very old from Wilberforce, 
Ohio. Wilberforce was one of the first universities that really pushed 
tennis for African Americans, and these two Williams sisters were 
there. I was in school with Althea Gibson, who rose to great heights in 
the tennis world and was recently honored by the Republican Party and 
the Speaker down at one of the women's groups here. That to me was a 
great thing as well.
  I look forward to this kind of honor for women athletes who have been 
able to really persevere and come forward in the sports world.
  These two women are wonderful women because they are tremendously 
talented and they make role models for other women, not only African 
American women but women of all races, colors, creeds, and they have 
come to this achievement and they have come to it with grace, and when 
we see them on television and see them being interviewed, we can see 
the grace, politeness and intelligence and confidence and good humor, 
and we can see the beauty. We can see why her name is Venus because, in 
mythology, Venus was a beautiful and strong woman. She was not small of 
build either. She was well-appropriated, and so is Venus. It is good to 
see this in tennis here in America, and I want to compliment them for 
another thing.
  They have made the black family look better because stereotypically 
people do not believe many times that the black family is strong but it 
is. Here is a father, a father, as my good colleagues have said, who 
has shown that there is perseverance, there is tenacity, there is this 
family connection, and it can be spent in strengthening the American 
family, and athletics is one way it can be strengthened. Scholarship 
and good skills is another.
  Mr. Speaker, I could say a lot more, but that is good. I just want to 
say that these two women have shown America that. It has gotten a 
message to America and has done us all proud.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman 
from Florida for her history of female athletics, and it is my pleasure 
to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings).
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the 
time, and I thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-
McDonald) for sponsoring this resolution and certainly the gentleman 
from Ohio (Mr. Portman).
  Mr. Speaker, we have heard already the great achievements of these 
two wonderful young ladies, and I cannot help but think about the words 
of Swindall, the great theologian, when he said that so often people do 
things which are unnoticed, unseen, unappreciated and unapplauded, and 
the fact is that so often they do these things quietly, and then there 
comes a time when all of that hard work and all of that effort and all 
the things that they have done behind closed doors and behind closed 
walls suddenly emerges into the spotlight of the sun.
  We have two wonderful young ladies here who have worked very hard, 
and it has already been said, worked hard within a family structure, a 
father who stood up for them over and over and over again, who saw in 
them so much. He had a vision, Mr. Speaker, but not only did he have a 
vision, he turned the vision into a mission. So often what happens is 
that folks have visions but they never do anything with it, but he saw 
in these two wonderful ladies something that would be great, and in 
other words, what he saw and if others, Mr. Speaker, had told him many 
years ago that his daughters would achieve all these things, some 
people may have considered it the impossible, but Richard was about the 
business of doing the impossible and he did. So I come here to salute 
these wonderful ladies.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest moments of my life came at 
Howard University's graduation just this May when Venus Williams was 
being awarded a special award by the president of the university, and 
she really literally took all of our breaths away when she got up and 
she spoke about her sisters who had graduated from my alma mater, by 
the way, Howard University, and then she said something that really 
struck everybody in the audience. She said, ``They say I am worth 
millions, but I would give every penny I have got if I could walk 
across the stage like you are doing today,'' talking to the graduates, 
and I think that really touched everybody and put everything into 
context. One of the things she also said is that ``I have been busy 
playing tennis and making money, but I am going to return and make sure 
I get my degree.''
  So it is that kind of spirit. It is a spirit that Swindall talks 
about, unnoticed, unappreciated, unapplauded and unseen, and so they 
are now in the sunlight of life, and they have so much to give and so 
many people to inspire, so many little girls looking up to them, and by 
the way, little boys also looking up to them. We salute them today and 
may God bless these great ladies.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield 3 
minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson).
  Ms. WATSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 
94, honoring the sisters Venus and Serena. Congratulations are indeed 
in order for these champions. My colleagues have already outlined some 
of the outstanding accomplishments that these two young women from 
Compton, California, have achieved, and I too pay my respects to the 
number one and the number two ranked Women's Tennis Association players 
in the world.
  These young adults have created many first-time achievements for 
American women in world tennis. Their skill, charisma, dedication, plus 
love for the sport herald an exciting era in women's tennis.
  Venus and Serena have shown not only athletic dominance on the court 
but social consciousness and mature contributions off the court and 
have made wise contributions of not only their time but their money as 
well.
  The Williams sisters who grew up in Compton, California, have 
overcome considerable odds to excel in their chosen sport.

                              {time}  1630

  Their accomplishments similar to those of Tiger Woods in golf prove 
that with hard work, dedication, the right kind of guidance, and 
nurturing, all Americans can achieve and succeed in activities and 
careers that have been traditionally reserved for those with a higher 
economic status. The Williams sisters exemplify this and have smashed 
many contemporary barriers, providing a beacon of light for all 
Americans; and so many people have said this could not be done. I 
commend Venus and Serena for their past deeds and look forward to what 
their future brings, and we will enjoy the seeds that they have sown 
across America for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I am happy to cosponsor H. Res. 94.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume. I know that the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) was 
trying to get in before we closed. He is a great tennis player himself 
and has been playing a long time.

[[Page 16066]]

  Mr. Speaker, I simply want to commend the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Millender-McDonald) for her sensitivity in bringing this 
legislation before us, and I also want to express my appreciation for 
the opportunity to work with the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. 
Morella). It is always indeed a pleasure to work with her, and I thank 
her so much.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our time.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  In closing, I also want to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Millender-McDonald), my friend, for introducing this resolution. It 
does say a lot to the fact that people can make a difference and 
inspire others to great heights. So I urge adoption of this measure.
  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the achievements and 
determination of Venus and Serena Williams. These two young women 20 
and 19 years old respectively are only in their sixth and third full 
years as professional tennis players and they have over 43 professional 
titles between them.
  Venus Williams is the first African-American woman to win the 
Wimbledon Championships since 1958 and she is the first United States 
woman since 1924 to win an Olympic gold medal in both singles and 
doubles. She also holds the women's world record for the fastest serve 
at 127 miles per hour, and is one of only seven women to win the 
singles titles in both the Wimbledon Championship and the U.S. Open in 
the same year.
  Serena Williams is only the second African-American woman ever to win 
a Grand Slam singles title and is only the sixth American woman to win 
the U.S. Open singles title since 1968. Ms. Williams is only the fifth 
woman to win both singles and doubles Grand Slam titles in the same 
year, and is the first woman to reach the finals in a U.S. Open debut 
since 1978.
  They are impressive women who overcame social and racial barriers to 
achieve excellence. Venus and Serena Williams have inspired and 
encouraged people of all backgrounds and ages, especially those in 
their hometown of Compton, California, demonstrating through the spirit 
of sport that education, a good work ethic, teamwork, fortitude, and 
determination are ingredients for success.
  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, in viewing the tremendous achievements of 
tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, once again on display for the 
pleasure of their many fans at the U.S. Open in my hometown, New York, 
one must acknowledge the legacy of past trailblazers, the parental 
roles of Richard and Oracene Williams and the natural ability of 
tennis's most recent stars.
  Tennis pioneers Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe successfully gained 
national and international status despite legal and customary exclusion 
of African-Americans from tennis during most of the 20th century. In 
1951 Althea Gibson was the first African-American of either gender to 
play in U.S. Open and also in 1951 she became the first black American 
to play at Wimbledon. In 1957 Gibson made history by winning the 
Wimbledon singles and doubles championships. Breaking ground in the 
game of tennis, she also became the first Black female to be on the 
cover of Sports Illustrated. Despite the confines of race, gender, and 
class, she transcended the role of black female athletics and became a 
spokesperson for racial equality and inclusion by challenging racial 
segregation in American society. By challenging and ultimately 
transforming the racial and social climate in sports, Gibson created a 
legacy and opened opportunity for future black tennis players. Similar 
to the achievements of Gibson, Richmond, Virginia native Arthur Ashe 
rose to prominence in tennis. Noted for his grace, hard-hit topspin, 
and outstanding backhand, Ashe won the 1968 U.S. Open, the Australian 
Open, and the Wimbledon title in 1975.
  Following in a great tennis legacy, Venus and Serena Williams have 
also made history by becoming the first sisters to win Grand Slam 
crowns individually and collectively in the 20th century.
  Almost fifteen years ago, Richard Williams stood on a crumbling 
tennis court in Compton, California and told his daughter Venus that 
she was going to be one of the best tennis players in the world. For 
Williams, a neighborhood tennis coach, this was a bold and idealistic 
vision because no Black person had excelled in the game since tennis 
greats Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. However, despite the odds and the 
inability to provide expensive and private tennis lessons, Williams and 
his wife recognized and nurtured the natural ability of Venus and her 
youngest sister Serena. Similar to the challenges faced by Gibson and 
Ashe, the issues of race and class were always prevalent in their 
matches against white competitors. In meeting those obstacles, their 
parents fostered a work ethic that encouraged them to play aggressively 
and to always strive to be the best. While catering to their talents, 
the Williams also valued the education of their daughters and did not 
allow their schooling to take a back seat. Unlike some parents who 
sacrificed schooling for competitions, the Williams strongly advocated 
education and viewed it as a top priority. By instilling a victorious 
attitude, value in education, and graceful demeanors, Richard and 
Oracene Williams have given sports and the world two talented athletes 
and young women who are true role models.
  Considered the most dominant players in recent tennis history, Venus 
and Serena Williams have revolutionized and literally transformed the 
sport with forty-three professional titles between them. Venus and 
Serena have broken racial and socio-economic barriers with pride and 
poise by illustrating to the world that tennis is a sport for all 
people. The pair made history by becoming the first African-Americans 
to win national and international titles since tennis pioneers Althea 
Gibson and Arthur Ashe.
  Claiming her first Grand Slam victory in 2000 at the age of twenty, 
Venus Williams became the first African-American female champion at 
Wimbledon since Gibson in 1957 and 1958. Elevating her game to the next 
level, Venus is the first American woman since 1924 to win an Olympic 
gold medal in both singles and doubles. She holds the women's record 
for the fastest serve at 127 miles per hour, and is one of the seven 
women to win the singles title in both the Wimbledon Champions and the 
U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001.
  Creating history in her own right, Serena Williams is currently the 
number one ranking female tennis player. Following in the footsteps of 
her older sister, Serena is only the second African-American woman ever 
to win a Grand Slam singles title. She is also the sixth American woman 
to win the U.S. Open singles title since 1968 and is the fifth woman to 
win both singles and doubles Grand Slam titles in 2002.
  Among other note-worthy titles, the sisters are the first in 
professional tennis history to each win a Grand Slam singles, the first 
to be ranked in the top ten simultaneously since 1991, the first to win 
a Grand Slam doubles title together, the first to compete against one 
another in Women's Tennis Association Tour Final, and the first to win 
an Olympic gold medal in doubles together. Recently, rated the numbers 
one and two women players in professional tennis, the Williams sisters 
have broken ground in rewriting tennis history with their historic 
wins.
  Inspiring and encouraging thousands of young players from different 
racial and socio-economic backgrounds, Venus and Serena have become 
role models for young women of their generation. They have gracefully 
illustrated and proven that through hard work, dedication, teamwork, 
and determination all dreams can be achieved. Moreover, the sisters 
have embraced the notion that high moral and ethical standards and 
strong family values are the ingredients to success. Putting rhetoric 
with action, the Williams sisters are actively engaged in encouraging 
young people in minority communities to become interested in tennis. 
They are opening doors of opportunity in tennis for young people of 
color all over this nation and as a result of their work will leave a 
living legacy of young champions of color in the years to come.
  In viewing their accomplishments, the Williams sisters have continued 
the long tradition and outstanding achievements of blacks in tennis. 
Furthermore, they have shown the world the continued legacy of Blacks 
in tennis, the spirit of sportsmanship, and the gift of serving and 
encouraging young people around the world.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker. I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 94, a resolution honoring the contributions and accomplishments of 
tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams.
  To say that Venus and Serena Williams are trailblazers would be an 
enormous understatement. The first sisters ever to be ranked number one 
and two in women's tennis, they have achieved a feat worthy of 
congressional recognition and international praise.
  The Williams sisters first came to the public's attention in 1997 
shortly after they began their road to becoming a tennis powerhouse. 
During that year, the sisters lost nearly every game they played and 
despite the media attention and the multi-million dollar endorsements, 
a long-term career in tennis looked bleak. However, within five years 
these two young ladies managed to propel themselves to arguably become 
the best women

[[Page 16067]]

tennis players and most recognized of all time, winning more than seven 
Grand Slam titles between the two of them.
  Mr. Speaker, in their efforts to establish themselves as great 
athletes, they also established themselves as great role models. 
Through the Venus and Serena Williams Tutorial/Tennis Academy each year 
their foundation helps more than 40 inner city kids through the 
workings of after school programs, summer tennis camps, mentoring, and 
cultural enrichment education. As a result now more than ever, young 
African American children are playing sports and participating in 
programs traditionally played by whites.
  With Venus and Serena's performance at the U.S. Open this week, I 
cannot think of a more fitting time for this resolution to come before 
the House of Representatives. They have shown and continue to show 
their dedication to their career and community. They are young leaders 
who have vowed to take the world by storm, working to defeat everyone 
in their path so they may reign as tennis champions.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-
McDonald) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, 
H. Res. 94.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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