[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 26]
[House]
[Pages 35549-35550]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE COLORADO ROCKIES ON WINNING THE NATIONAL LEAGUE 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 816) congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning 
the National League Championship and playing in the 2007 World Series, 
as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 816

       Whereas on October 15, 2007, the Colorado Rockies completed 
     a remarkable 21 out of 22 game-winning streak, with a 4-game 
     sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and won the 2007 National 
     League Championship series;
       Whereas the Colorado Rockies then played in the franchise's 
     first World Series against the Boston Red Sox;
       Whereas the Colorado Rockies demonstrated remarkable team 
     unity, as well as individual initiative and personal 
     determination, and serve as a prime example of good 
     sportsmanship;
       Whereas the Colorado Rockies fans demonstrated their 
     passion for their team, their love of baseball, and their 
     character as some of the world's greatest baseball 
     enthusiasts; and

[[Page 35550]]

       Whereas the city of Denver and the State of Colorado 
     exhibited their ability to host a fantastic Major League 
     Baseball post-season: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates--
       (A) the Colorado Rockies on winning the 2007 National 
     League Championship;
       (B) the players, manager, coaches, support staff, 
     ownership, and executives whose commitment to the game made 
     all this possible; and
       (C) the Boston Red Sox for their extraordinary success in 
     winning the 2007 World Series; and
       (2) directs the Enrolling Clerk of the House of 
     Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this 
     resolution to--
       (A) the 2007 Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox baseball 
     teams;
       (B) Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle; and
       (C) Colorado Baseball Partnership's chief executive officer 
     and chairman Charlie Monfort.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) and the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Issa) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia.


                             General Leave

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H. Res. 816, 
as amended, congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the National 
League Championship.
  H. Res. 816 was introduced by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) 
on November 9, 2007, and reported from the Oversight Committee on 
December 12, 2007, as amended, by voice vote.
  This measure has been cosponsored by 54 Members. The Colorado Rockies 
defied the odds this year, winning the 2007 National League 
Championship and capturing the best hopes of Coloradans, and giving us 
all a reason to cheer for their success.

                              {time}  1315

  Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for the recognition the Rockies' 
victory affords and urge swift passage of this bill.
  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. I yield myself 
such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of H. Res. 816, 
congratulating the Colorado Rockies for winning the National League 
Championship and participating in the World Series.
  Mr. Speaker, to go to the World Series is to be special. To win it is 
a 50-50 chance. So I think it is appropriate when we look at a team 
that had won 21 of 22 games, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the 
Division Series and the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League 
Championship to claim their spot in the World Series that, in fact, we 
in Congress take a few moments before our colleagues, many of them 
arriving back from their districts, to add this to what we will 
celebrate for America tonight, because nothing is greater to celebrate 
for America than its pastime of baseball, particularly at a time when 
we are cleaning up baseball.
  So with that, there's no asterisk behind this resolution, and I urge 
its support.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
resolution congratulating the Colorado Rockies on their National League 
Championship and first-ever franchise appearance in the World Series.
  The entire Colorado delegation joined me in introducing the 
resolution, and it is now cosponsored by more than 50 other Members of 
Congress. I greatly appreciate their support.
  The Rockies defied the odds this year by making it to the World 
Series, capturing the best hopes of Coloradans and giving us all a 
reason to cheer for their success. Despite a tough loss to a great team 
in the Boston Red Sox, we remain proud of the Rockies' efforts and 
astonished at their historic rise to the top of the National League.
  Toward the close of the season, the Rockies were the underdogs in the 
National League pennant race. The challenge of making the playoffs 
seemed as large and daunting as the mountain range for which the 
Rockies were named, but the team maintained an optimism and competitive 
spirit that kept them alive long after commentators had written them 
off. Winning 21 of their last 22 games prior to the World Series--an 
unprecedented feat in baseball history--the Rockies rolled over 
expectations and swept the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS.
  The World Series proved to be a bigger challenge than the Rockies 
could surmount, and they lost in four games to a very talented Red Sox 
team. Despite the losses, the Rockies carried themselves with dignity 
and true sportsmanship, giving Coloradans something to be proud of.
  As the father of two young athletes I can say that the way the 
Rockies carried themselves is a tremendous example for our young 
people. We would have loved to have seen the Rockies bring home a 
victory this year, but, as Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez said during 
the ALCS, there's always next year. I know I am not alone in looking 
forward to watching some great Rockies baseball in the future.
  I urge all our colleagues to join me in congratulating the Colorado 
Rockies on a great season and in thanking them for serving as great 
examples of professional athletes practicing sportsmanship.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 816, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
  The title was amended so as to read: A Resolution congratulating the 
Colorado Rockies on winning the National League Championship.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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