[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 1962-1965]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS 
                      FOR WINNING SUPER BOWL XLII

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 960) congratulating the National Football 
League champion New York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII and 
completing one of the most remarkable postseason runs in professional 
sports history.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 960

       Whereas on February 3, 2008, in Glendale, Arizona, the New 
     York Giants achieved the improbable and upset the previously 
     undefeated New England Patriots by a score of 17 to 14 in 
     Super Bowl XLII to win the National Football League (NFL) 
     Championship;
       Whereas during the 2007-2008 post season, the Giants were 
     the epitome of determination, fortitude, and resiliency as 
     they made their way through the playoffs and ultimately 
     triumphed over the previously undefeated New England 
     Patriots, who were favored by 12 points to win the 
     championship game;
       Whereas quarterback Elisha Nelson ``Eli'' Manning, who had 
     19 completions for 255 yards and 2 touchdowns, was selected 
     as the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XLII;
       Whereas the New York Giants' win over the New England 
     Patriots was the most-watched Super Bowl ever, with 
     97,500,000 viewers, making it the second most viewed American 
     broadcast in television history;
       Whereas the Giants achieved one of the most remarkable 
     feats in sports history by winning an NFL record-breaking 11 
     straight road games, granting them the title of ``Road 
     Warriors'', and in the process became only the second team in 
     NFL history to win 3 playoff games and the Super Bowl away 
     from their home field;
       Whereas in each round of the playoffs, when none of the 
     experts thought they had a chance to win, the Giants and 
     their loyal, dedicated, and passionate fans believed they 
     could accomplish what others declared impossible;
       Whereas Tom Coughlin, in his fourth season as head coach of 
     the Giants, has gone to the playoffs for 3 straight seasons, 
     and this season lead his team, with the help of Defensive 
     Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Offensive Coordinator Kevin 
     Gilbride, and the entire Giants coaching staff, to Super Bowl 
     XLII and brought the Vince Lombardi Trophy back to the 
     Meadowlands;
       Whereas the New York Giants organization is one of the most 
     successful in NFL history, boasting 15 Hall of Fame players, 
     appearing in 26 postseasons, winning more than 600 games, 16 
     NFL divisional championships, and 7 NFL championships, 
     including remarkable title runs in 1987, 1991, and 2008 
     (Super Bowls XXI, XXV, and XLII) that captivated New York and 
     New Jersey;
       Whereas Giants owner and Chief Executive Officer John Mara 
     and Executive Vice President Steve Tisch have done a 
     remarkable job leading this storied franchise with the 
     assistance and dedication of their talented staff;
       Whereas the New York Giants have played all their home 
     games in the Meadowlands Sports Complex, located in East 
     Rutherford, New Jersey, since 1976 and have supported Bergen 
     County and the northern New Jersey and New York areas with 
     community outreach projects; and
       Whereas the entire Giants franchise has become a model of 
     professionalism, teamwork, and community service in 
     representing the entire New York and New Jersey metropolitan 
     area: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     the National Football League champion New York Giants for 
     winning Super Bowl XLII and completing one of the most 
     impressive seasons in professional sports history.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) and the gentleman from Connecticut 
(Mr. Shays) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from North Carolina.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from North Carolina?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues 
today in the consideration of H. Res. 960, which provides for the 
recognition of the National Football League champion New York Giants 
for winning Super Bowl XLII and for completing one of the most 
remarkable postseason runs in professional sports history.
  On Super Bowl Sunday, I was in Columbus, Georgia. And when I realized 
that my flight was scheduled at the very same time as the Super Bowl, I 
cancelled my return and had the privilege of watching this 
extraordinary game at the home of my good friend, Congressman Sanford 
Bishop.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 960 was introduced by Representative Steve 
Rothman of New Jersey, and it has the support and cosponsorship of 60 
Members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, it is only fitting that we consider this resolution 
today as it

[[Page 1963]]

highlights and expresses our commemoration of one of sporting history's 
most exciting wins which occurred on February 3, 2008, when the New 
York Giants battled back from behind to beat the undefeated New England 
Patriots by a score of 17-14 to capture the NFL's coveted Lombardi 
Trophy.
  Super Bowl XLII and the perseverance of the New York Giants to become 
only the second team in football history to go from NFC wild card 
contender to NFL champion will undoubtedly go down in the record books.
  For this accomplishment, we stand to commend the New York Giants 
franchise, players, coaches, and all of the supportive fans from across 
the world on a job well done. I urge the passage of this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, this is great fun.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 960 congratulating 
the New York Giants for their 17-14 victory over the New England 
Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
  It was a second straight Super Bowl victory for the first family of 
football, the Mannings. Peyton Manning led the Indianapolis Colts to 
the title last year, and his younger brother, Eli, threw two touchdown 
passes to lead the Giants to victory this year and claim the Most 
Valuable Player award, like his brother.
  Their father, Archie, of course, was a great pro quarterback himself, 
spending most of his career with the New Orleans Saints.
  John Wooden, the greater former UCLA basketball coach, said sports 
don't build character, they reveal it. So what does this victory say 
about the New York Giants? It says they are a resilient bunch, entering 
the playoffs as the number five seed in a six-team NFC field, then 
defeating a Dallas team who had beaten them twice in the regular season 
and a Green Bay team in arctic conditions to reach the big game.
  There, they stymied an offense that had scored more points, gained 
more yards, and won more games in a season than any team in NFL 
history. They did it by keeping that offense off the field. New York 
owned the ball for nearly 20 of the first 30 minutes. They did it with 
new heroes such as David Tyree, who scored the go-ahead touchdown. He 
had never caught a touchdown pass in the NFL before. And they did it 
with seasoned vets such as Michael Strahan who led a defense that held 
the Pats to a season low of 274 yards.
  So what was revealed of the character of these Giants? That they 
ignored the conventional wisdom which didn't give them a chance, that 
they found in each other the strength to do what they couldn't have 
done any other way, take down the ``next big thing'' in the biggest 
game of the year. Thanks, Giants, for showing us what is possible when 
we don't take ``no'' for an answer.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), the sponsor of this great 
legislation and a good friend of all of us.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 960, 
legislation to congratulate the New York Giants for winning Super Bowl 
XLII and completing one of the greatest upsets in professional sports 
history.
  I introduced this resolution because I am so proud of this team that 
plays at Giants Stadium in the New Jersey Meadowlands in East 
Rutherford, New Jersey. My constituents and I are so honored that we 
have a Super Bowl champion back in our region.
  On Sunday, February 3, in Glendale, Arizona, the New York football 
Giants achieved the highly improbable by beating the previously 
undefeated New England Patriots. The score was 17-14, and they went on 
to win Super Bowl XLII.
  The game was the most watched Super Bowl ever with nearly 100 million 
viewers tuning in to make it the second-most viewed American television 
broadcast in history.
  I offer this resolution to honor the entire Giants organization on 
their incredible season and on their win. Specifically, I would like to 
congratulate Giants owner and chief executive officer John Mara; 
executive vice president Steve Tisch; head coach Tom Coughlin; 
defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo; offensive coordinator Kevin 
Gilbride, and all of the Giants players and support staff on a job very 
well done.
  The entire Giants franchise has been a model of professionalism, 
teamwork, and community service in representing the New York-New Jersey 
metropolitan area.
  Their Super Bowl triumph shows that no matter what the odds, a group 
of determined underdogs can take on a dynasty and emerge victorious. 
This time, the team that slew Goliath were Giants themselves.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House Resolution 960 
and in congratulating the New York football Giants for their 
outstanding season and remarkable win in Super Bowl XLII.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, at this time I am pleased to yield 4 
minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell).
  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the football 
Giants on their improbable and inspirational Super Bowl victory. House 
Resolution 960, I'm sure, will get tremendous support here.
  On any list of the most memorable moments in sports history, the word 
``underdog'' often makes an appearance. We always seem to remember the 
team that overcame adversity, and we always remember the team that 
overcame doubt to steal victory from the grasp of a supposedly superior 
opponent in the last second, against all odds, and against all 
predictions.
  In some ways, we can all see ourselves as underdogs. Sometimes, no 
matter what you do, how hard you try, it can feel like the whole world 
is rooting for the other team and the other guy. There are lessons here 
of perseverance. Whether you are a candidate, whether you are a 
Congressman, whether you are a truck driver is immaterial.
  Maybe this is why the Giants' upset over the heavily favored New 
England Patriots resonates so strongly with the American people and is 
sure to be remembered as one of the greatest victories in the history 
of the National Football League.
  At the start of the playoffs, no one believed the Giants would defeat 
the Dallas Cowboys, their flashy division rivals who had beaten them 
twice during the regular season, but they did.
  No one believed that the Giants would defeat the great Green Bay 
Packers; but on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, and against a 
living legend, they prevailed.
  And no one believed the Giants could compete with New England. The 
Patriots were the team of destiny. Man, we've heard that on this floor 
about a lot of things. They had the perfect team, the perfect season to 
complete.
  Only God is perfect, Mr. Speaker. Only God.
  No one but the Big Blue faithful believed the Giants had a chance to 
win that night.
  But history is known to repeat itself, and the history of sports is 
full of great upsets, victorious underdogs, from the miracle on the 
ice, to Buster Douglas, to Joe Namath. And now, in the same breath, we 
can say the 2007 football Giants.
  Who will ever be able to forget the almost supernatural catch made by 
Wayne, New Jersey, resident David Tyree? Born in Montclair, went to 
schools there. Indeed, it was this graduate from New Jersey's Montclair 
High who caught a not-to-be-believed 32-yard pass from Eli Manning that 
kept the winning drive alive with only 59 seconds left.
  As the final seconds ticked off the game clock, the emotions and 
excitement were immeasurable. But it was a bittersweet moment for me. I 
wished my friend and fellow Fordham alumnus, Wellington Mara, the 
Giants late owner, was alive to witness it.

[[Page 1964]]

  I congratulate the owners, the coaches and players of the Giants on 
an incredible season and a historic championship. I wish them the best 
of luck defending their title next year.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I don't have any speakers at this time, 
except I would have liked to have asked unanimous consent that former 
Congressman Roger Wicker, who was a House Member who was sitting here, 
could speak; but given now he's a Senator, I don't think you would have 
found that in order. But what he said to me was how proud he is that 
Archie Manning, who was his classmate at Ole Miss, had these two 
remarkable sons in Eli and Peyton, and he thinks it reflects well, I 
think, on Ole Miss, and certainly on his dad.
  But I'd also like to express something else. For those of us who are 
not the sports fans that others may be, it was a tremendously proud 
moment for us to see the New York Giants put their best team forward in 
the last game of the season against the New England Patriots when the 
outcome of the game didn't matter to New York, but it mattered to 
people like me and others who feel that the obligation of pro sports is 
to always play their best and always put their best team forward. And I 
think that remarkable game which they almost won led ultimately to the 
remarkable games that followed and to their ultimate victory.
  This is a kick. This was a game that I'll remember the rest of my 
life because it had so much to do about character.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to throw the full weight of my 
endorsment behind a resolution of substantial import and consequence: 
that New York's championship football team be congratulated and honored 
for its come-from-behind Super Bowl win last week, one that left the 
sports world simultaneously stunned and elated.
  The competition was formidable and the challenge facing the Giants 
daunting. Experts did not give the Giant much chance of prevailing and 
the odds-makers in Las Vegas made them 12-point underdogs. The New 
England Patriots represented a veteran squad of impressive offensive 
muscle, strolling onto the field with a historic perfect season and an 
expected fourth championship within its grasp. But the New York Giants 
proved resilient. Eli Manning led the way, charging down the field with 
a 12-play, 83-yard dirve that capitalized on the great skill of David 
Tyree, Brandon Jacobs, Streve Simith, and Plaxico Burress.
  This upset was no ordinary win. Facing a team dead set on making 
history, the G-men blazed a trail of their own, becoming the first NFC 
wild card team to win a Super Bowl. Theirs is a story of unparalleled 
heart and inspiration, of surpassing expectations and securing triumph 
in the face of all odds. Theirs is an American story, and they have 
accordingly ascended from being New York's team to being America's 
team.
  Join me in spirited congratulations and well wishes for America's 
team, the New York Giants, in their 17-41 championship win.
  Mr. ROTHMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 
960, legislation to congratulate the New York Giants for winning Super 
Bowl XLII and completing one of the greatest upsets in professional 
sports history. I introduced this resolution because I am so proud that 
this incredible team plays at Giants stadium, located in East 
Rutherford, New Jersey in my district. I am honored that we have a 
Super Bowl champion back in the New York New Jersey region again.
  On Sunday, February 3rd, in Glendale, Arizona, the New York Giants 
achieved the highly improbable by beating the previously undefeated New 
England Patriots by a score of 17 to 14 in Super Bowl XLII to win the 
National Football League (NFL) championship. The game was the most 
watched Super Bowl ever, with nearly 100 million viewers tuning in--
making it the second most viewed American broadcast in television 
history.
  Since its inception in 1925, the New York Giants organization has 
been a model of professionalism, teamwork, and community service in the 
New York New Jersey metropolitan area. From the beginning, the Giants 
franchise--and indeed the entire National Football League--has 
flourished under the leadership and guidance of the Mara family. Back 
in the 1960s professional football was struggling to survive. It was 
the foresight of Wellington and Jack Mara, co-owners of the most 
profitable team in the NFL, which allowed professional football to 
prosper. They put the league ahead of their team by agreeing to share 
lucrative television revenue equally among all NFL teams, thus 
providing the other teams in the league with much needed capital to 
promote the sport across America. The current success of the NFL is a 
tribute to the character and selflessness of the Mara brothers. They 
proved to the National Football League and the Nation that honorable 
business practices and teamwork can indeed generate great success.
  The New York Giants franchise has been one of the most successful in 
National Football League history. The Giants have had 15 players 
inducted into the Profesional Football Hall of Fame. The team has been 
to the postseason 26 times and won more than 600 games, including 16 
divisional championships and 7 NFL championships--three of which were 
Super Bowls (XXI, XXV, and XLII).
  Since 1976, the Giants have played at Giants stadium in East 
Rutherford, New Jersey--which is located in my congressional district. 
I have always been proud to have such a wonderful organization located 
in our district. In particular, I would like to recognize the ``Giants 
Foundation,'' which was founded by Wellington Mara. It is an 
organization that provides important social and financial support to 
underprivileged youth and their families throughout the entire 
metropolitan area.
  The Giants began the 2007 season with a tough loss to the Dallas 
Cowboys at Texas Stadium. What they didn't know as they walked off the 
field in Irving, Texas, was that this would be the last time they would 
lose a road game all season. After that loss to the Cowboys the Giants 
won 11 straight road games--an unprecedented achievement and a record 
in the National Football League.
  Their impressive road streak began just a few miles away from here in 
Landover, Maryland at FedEx field. The Giants turned their season 
around with a fourth quarter comeback against the Washington Redskins, 
capped by an impressive stop on fourth and goal as time expired.
  After the regular season ended the Giants took their road winning 
streak into the postseason where they won 3 straight road playoff 
games--a National Football Conference record.
  The Giants' victorious journey this season epitomizes the American 
values of hard work, determination, and resiliency. Along each step of 
the journey, few believed they would triumph, but the Giants continued 
to defy conventional wisdom and prove to the so called experts that a 
team of individuals fully devoted to a goal is indeed greater than the 
sum of its parts. Their defense, which allowed 80 points in the first 2 
games, turned their season around to become the best defense in the 
league--capable of holding the most vaunted offense in recent memory to 
2 touchdowns on the biggest stage in sports. Their offense, captained 
by quarterback Eli Manning, was sporadic at best during the regular 
season, but seemed to mature right before our eyes in the playoffs as 
the Giants protected the football and put together clutch drives when 
it mattered most.
  But perhaps the greatest momentum shift of the season was Coach Tom 
Coughlin's decision to have his team play to win against the then 
undefeated New England Patriots in the final game of the regular 
season. In a game that didn't matter for the Giants, as they had 
already clinched a playoff birth, the ``Boys in Blue'' played their 
hearts out and went toe-to-toe against what many were calling the best 
team in NFL history. Even though they lost on that day--the Giants 
gained a great deal of confidence from the contest, which they carried 
with them all the way to their victory against those same New England 
Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
  I am offering this resolution to honor the entire Giants organization 
on their incredible season, and on their outstanding win in Super Bowl 
XLII. Specifically, I would like to congratulate Giants owner and Chief 
Executive Officer John Mara, Executive Vice President Steve Tisch, Head 
Coach Tom Coughlin, Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Offensive 
Coordinator Kevin Gilbride, and all of the Giants players and support 
staff on a job well done. Their triumph shows that no matter the odds, 
a group of determined underdogs can take on a dynasty and emerge 
victorious.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House 
Resolution 960, and congratulate the Giants for their exciting season 
and remarkable win in Super Bowl XLII.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I don't have any additional speakers at 
this time. It's just obvious that we have some Members on this floor 
today who are very proud of the New York Giants.
  Thank you very much for the time. I yield back the balance of my time 
as well.

[[Page 1965]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Jackson of Illinois). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. 
Butterfield) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution, H. Res. 960.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. 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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