[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 14828-14830]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING ITALY ON WINNING THE 2006 WORLD CUP

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 908) congratulating Italy on winning 
the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World 
Cup, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 908

       Whereas for the first time in 24 years, the Italian 
     National Soccer Team won the Federation Internationale de 
     Football Association (FIFA) World Cup;
       Whereas Italy is one of the most successful countries in 
     World Cup history, reaching the finals 6 times and winning 4 
     championships, in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006;
       Whereas the 2006 championship is due in large part to the 
     extraordinary leadership of head coach Marcello Lippi and 
     team Captain Fabio Cannavaro;
       Whereas in 2006, team Italy (known as ``Azzurri'' or simply 
     ``the Blue'') went undefeated in World Cup play and won the 
     final game in only the second World Cup Championship to be 
     determined by shoot-out;
       Whereas in winning the World Cup, the Italian National 
     Soccer Team faced adversity and overcame setbacks;
       Whereas the vibrant culture and heritage of Italy were 
     brought to our Nation by millions of Italian immigrants;
       Whereas Italian Americans have made significant 
     contributions to our Nation in all fields of endeavor;
       Whereas Italian Americans rejoiced in the victory of the 
     soccer team of their ancestral homeland, many spontaneously 
     celebrating in American neighborhoods throughout our Nation;
       Whereas all Americans can take pride in the knowledge that 
     the United States National Soccer Team was the only team that 
     Italy was unable to defeat during this World Cup, needing to 
     settle with a 1-1 tie; and
       Whereas the fans of the Italian National Soccer team, many 
     hailing from the United States, represent some of the most 
     enthusiastic in the world: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved,  That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     Italy and the Italian National Soccer team on winning the 
     2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) 
     World Cup.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. 
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida.


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to request my colleagues' support for H. 
Res. 908, a resolution congratulating Italy on winning the 2006 
Federation Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA, World Cup.
  On July 9, 2006 the Italian team, known affectionately in Italy as 
Azzurri, or ``The Blue,'' secured its place as one of the most 
successful teams in World Cup history, having reached the finals six 
times and having just won its championship.
  Under the leadership of Coach Marcello Lippi and Captain Fabio 
Cannavaro, the Italian team went undefeated in World Cup play. I must 
point out in a bit of national pride that the only team Italy was 
unable to defeat was our very own United States National Team, with 
whom Italy tied 1-1.
  The Italian championship at the FIFA World Cup highlights the vibrant 
culture and the heritage of Italy, the same vibrant culture and 
heritage brought to America by millions of Italian immigrants that has 
enriched and continues to enrich our great Nation through countless 
contributions to every aspect of our society.
  This is a proud heritage that is shared by millions of Italian 
Americans, and a pride which extends to the Italian National World Cup 
team. Countless Americans throughout the United States rejoiced at 
Italy's success, and it is with a hearty ``bene fatto'' that I extend 
congratulations to Italy and to the Italian International Soccer team 
on winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup. I urge my colleagues to do likewise 
by agreeing to this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) for the management of this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, just over a week ago I had the tremendous pleasure of 
watching the thrilling finale of the World Cup championship match in 
Germany. As the winning penalty kick zipped past the French goalkeeper, 
I felt the joy of millions of Italians as they celebrated their 
historic fourth World Cup victory. For that matter, the entire planet 
with billions of people witnessing this special event, the number one 
sport in the world, not American football, I beg to say, Madam Speaker.
  The Italians are known for the passion they exhibit in every endeavor 
they undertake. I cannot agree more with that. Whether it is in art, 
literature, mathematics, business or especially soccer, Italians all 
over the world pour their heart and soul into every task they assume.
  Madam Speaker, this passion has led great men like Christopher 
Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, Constantino Brumidi, Enrico Fermi and 
captains of industry A.P. Giannini, to contribute to the rock-solid 
foundation on which this country is built. Not to mention some of my 
favorite singers, Mario Lanza, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, 
and the list goes on. This passion has also contributed mightily to the 
strong alliance between Italy and the United States since the end of 
World War II. Our bond with Italy kept the Soviet menace at bay during 
the decades of the Cold War.
  Today, Italy aids in the fight for democracy. Our Italian allies 
fight, bleed, and even die to bring democracy to the people of 
Afghanistan and Iraq.
  This passion was unabashedly unleashed in the worldwide celebrations 
following the Italian national soccer team's historic victory in 
Germany. I, for one, reveled in the images of our Italian friends 
singing and dancing around the world.
  In all this praise for Italy and its fantastic soccer team, I would 
like to congratulate the fans who traveled to Germany to support their 
beloved Azzurri, as the national soccer team is known.

[[Page 14829]]

During the month-long tournament, the fans were a model of civility and 
good spirits.
  Madam Speaker, the Italian fans, along with those from 31 other 
nations, enjoyed the beautiful country of Germany and all of its 64 
thrilling soccer matches without any major incidents.
  Finally, I would like to commend those involved with the security of 
the World Cup tournament. As we all know, this kind of world gathering, 
unfortunately, presents potential terrorist opportunities as well as 
other dangers. The German Government and security officials performed 
magnificently, the venues were safe, and the atmosphere always 
enjoyable.
  This was an exciting month, capped off with an unforgettable ending 
for our longtime friends and allies, the Italian people. I strongly 
support this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume 
to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Fossella), the original sponsor of 
this resolution.
  Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  As mentioned, last week with approximately a billion people watching, 
for the first time in 24 years, the Italian National Soccer Team won 
the Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup. It was 
indeed a great day for the people of Italy. I know they celebrated with 
pride and enthusiasm, and they probably still are, and rightfully so.
  But it was also a very important and poignant day for many Americans 
of Italian descent. While I, like many here, rooted for the American 
team, and I tip my hat to the U.S.A. team that tied the Italian soccer 
team, they should be very proud for trying and giving their best and 
representing our Nation well in Germany.
  But no question, Italy's victory captivated the world and showed that 
teamwork is the key to success.
  It was wonderful to watch the game across Staten Island and Brooklyn, 
whether it was the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, and I spent much 
of the day in Bensonhurst along 18th Avenue. I stopped into many of the 
clubs and restaurants, and literally televisions were in the middle of 
the street as people poured out to watch their favorite players and 
cheer. There were thousands celebrating into the night as well.
  During the game, we were proud to watch Italy play with a passion, 
overcoming every challenge to go undefeated in the tournament and walk 
away the champions.
  Team Italy, known as Azzurri, or simply ``The Blue'' went undefeated 
in World Cup play and won the final game in only the second World Cup 
championship to be determined by a shoot-out.
  That makes Italy the second most successful country in World Cup 
history, winning four championships in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006. But 
fate rested on the side of Italy this year, and despite strong 
competition of many countries, Italy was the victor.
  I am delighted to have introduced this resolution to recognize 
Azzurri and extend our praise to its coach, Marcello Lippi, and the 
entire team. I would like to thank Chairman Hyde, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, 
Ranking Member Lantos. And also, finally, I know this has been a great 
relationship, which has just been mentioned, between Italy and the 
United States. The role that Italy has played is often taken for 
granted. It is one of our largest trading partners.

                              {time}  1530

  It is a nation that embraces Western values, that celebrates and 
cherishes freedom and individual liberty and has been an especially 
strong supporter of our country in the last several years as we engage 
in the war on terror.
  There is no question that we have a tremendous bond with the Italian 
people and that it serves our interests as well as theirs. There is no 
question that there are many Americans of Italian descent who have made 
this country the greatest in the history of the world. From the art, 
the literature, the law, politics, music, you name it, there have been 
contributions from Americans of Italian descent.
  And I would say, finally, if you had a visual of driving around at 
least Brooklyn on that day to see the American flag waving so proudly 
outside people's houses and on their door steps, and next to it the 
Italian flag, I think it represents the strong alliance and 
unbelievable embrace that Americans of Italian descent love this 
country, respect their heritage, and on that day, Italy proved to the 
world that teamwork and pride works. No, ifs, ands, or head butts.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I just have a couple of minutes and 
I want to yield to myself to again commend the gentleman from New York 
(Mr. Fossella) for offering this legislation.
  We have a long way to go as far as the sport of soccer is concerned. 
I just wish that maybe if it wasn't so much into American football, our 
Nation could concentrate and focus on the fact that this is the number 
one sport in the world. And I am sure that if we turn our resources, 
our technology, our know-how into becoming competent and being really 
proactive in this support, maybe our own country could also be favored 
to be among the top players in this sport.
  It was interesting to note, Madam Speaker, that all the expectations 
were supposed to be on Brazil, and the great player Renaldo was 
supposed to give Brazil another World Cup. And then even Argentina was 
supposed to focus on this. But never was there any expectation that 
teams from Europe would dominate as they did, where Italy has now won 
this great sport.
  Madam Speaker, I did have the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) 
to come and also make a presentation, but unfortunately he is tied up 
with other meetings, but I am sure that he will have a separate 
statement to be submitted to be made part of the Record.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Italy on 
winning the 2006 Federation Internationale de Football Association 
(FIFA) World Cup. Throughout the competition Italy exhibited great 
sportsmanship and competitive skill that carried them through to the 
final round. Billions of soccer fans across he globe had the 
opportunity to follow Italy as the team progressed to become one of the 
most successful countries in World Cup history.
  Under the extraordinary leadership of head coach Marcello Lippi and 
team Captain Fabio Cannavaro, Italy was able to win the championship 
for the fourth time in World Cup history. Some of the most enthusiastic 
fans of Italy hailed from the United States and were able to support 
their favorite team. Italy's victory was especially exciting for the 
millions of Italian Americans who proudly value Italian culture and 
heritage.
  I would like to commend Congressman Fossella for introducing H. Res. 
908 to honor Italy's great athletic accomplishment. By participating in 
the FIFA World Cup, Italy was able to partake in an excellent forum for 
the development of international friendship and relationships.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 908, which congratulates the Italian national soccer team for 
their 2006 FIFA World Cup championship. The World Cup is a true 
testament of nations of the world putting aside their differences to 
come together in competition and athletic excellence.
  Following Fabio Grosso's goal in penalty kicks sealing the Italian 
victory, people around the globe joined the people of Rome, Naples, and 
Milan in celebration of Italy's return to World Cup glory. Even back in 
my district, Italian Americans took to the streets of Franklin Avenue 
in the south end of Hartford with Italian flags, jerseys, face paint, 
and smiles in jubilation of the Italian victory.
  I join my fellow colleagues, those back in my district, and Italians 
around the world in congratulating the Italian national soccer team on 
their undefeated tournament run and their incredible achievement of the 
Italian nation's fourth World Cup victory.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers and yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Madam Speaker, I also have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by

[[Page 14830]]

the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 908, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________