[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20035]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING LANCE ARMSTRONG ON RECORD-SETTING VICTORY IN 2004 TOUR 
                               DE FRANCE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I offer strong support for 
House Resolution 761 that honors Lance Armstrong on his record-setting 
victory in the 2004 Tour de France. In July, Lance Armstrong proved 
again that he remains the world's greatest cyclist by winning his sixth 
consecutive Tour de France, an all-time record. I was pleased to 
advance this resolution to the House floor from the Committee on 
Government Reform, which I am privileged to chair, and I strongly urge 
its adoption by the full House.
  As someone who previously coped with two bouts of melanoma, I am 
particularly in awe of Lance's perseverance to outlast a pernicious 
form of testicular cancer. Incredibly, at just age 25, Lance learned 
that cancerous cells had spread to his abdomen, lungs and brain. 
Through extensive treatments provided by his outstanding doctors, Lance 
was pronounced cancer-free within a year of his diagnosis.
  Lance's wonderful recovery was perhaps only topped by his astounding 
comeback. Winning the 1999 Tour de France highlighted his return to 
racing, just over two years after he beat cancer. He became only the 
second American to ever win the race. As we all know, Lance did not 
stop after one victory. He has returned to France each of the last five 
summers, and he has won the race five more times.
  Lance Armstrong personifies hope for those suffering from cancer and 
other serious illnesses, and indeed, all Americans. Therefore I am 
pleased that the House is taking time to pay tribute to his tenacity, 
work ethic and patriotism.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, I congratulate Lance Armstrong on his 
awesome performance in the 2004 Tour de France and wish him the very 
best in his future pursuits.

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