[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 9630-9634]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE CONGRESSIONAL 
                                  CLUB

  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1026) recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 
founding of the Congressional Club.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1026

       Whereas the Congressional Club was organized in 1908 by 25 
     women who were influential in Washington's official life and 
     who wanted to establish a nonsectarian and nonpolitical group 
     that would promote friendship and cordiality in public life, 
     and founded the Club to bring the wives of Members of 
     Congress together in a hospitable and compatible environment 
     in the Nation's Capital;
       Whereas the Congressional Club was officially established 
     in 1908 by a unanimous vote in both the House and Senate and 
     is the only club in the world to be founded by an act of 
     Congress;
       Whereas the resolution establishing the Congressional Club 
     was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on May 30, 1908;
       Whereas the Congressional Club's founding was secured by 
     womanly wiles and feminine determination in the passage of 
     the enacting resolution unanimously on May 28, 1908, in order 
     to overcome the opposition of Representative John Sharp 
     Williams of Mississippi, who opposed all women's 
     organizations;
       Whereas when Representative Williams was called out of the 
     chamber by Mrs. Williams, the good-mannered representative 
     obliged and withdrew his opposition and request for a 
     recorded vote, saying, ``upon this particular bill there will 
     not be a roll call, because it would cause a great deal of 
     domestic unhappiness in Washington if there were'';
       Whereas the first Congressional Clubhouse was at 1432 K 
     Street Northwest in Washington, DC, and opened on December 
     11, 1908, with a reception for President-elect and Mrs. 
     William Taft, but after Mrs. John B. Henderson of Missouri 
     donated land on the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and U 
     Street, the cornerstone of the current Clubhouse was laid at 
     that location on May 21, 1914;
       Whereas the Congressional Clubhouse was built by George 
     Totten in the Beaux Arts style and is listed on the National 
     Register of Historic Places, and its mortgage was paid for by 
     the sales of the Club's cookbook and burned by Mrs. Bess 
     Truman in a silver bowl on the 40th Anniversary of the Club's 
     founding;
       Whereas the Congressional Club has remained a good neighbor 
     on the U Street corridor for over 90 years, encouraging the 
     revitalization of the area throughout the time of 
     socioeconomic challenges, and leading the way in upkeep and 
     maintenance of historic property;
       Whereas the Congressional Club honors and supports the 
     people of its neighborhood by inviting the local police and 
     fire departments to the Clubhouse for lunch and delivering 
     trays of Member-made cookies and candies to them during the 
     holidays, by hosting an annual Senior Citizens Appreciation 
     Day luncheon for residents of a neighborhood nursing home, 
     and by hosting an annual holiday brunch for neighborhood 
     children each December which includes a festive meal, gifts, 
     and a visit from Santa;
       Whereas the Congressional Club hosts the annual First 
     Lady's Luncheon every spring since 1912 to honor our First 
     Lady, and donates tens of thousands of dollars to charities 
     in the name of the First Lady annually;
       Whereas the Congressional Club has chosen among its many 
     charitable recipients mentoring programs, United National 
     Indian Tribal Youth, literacy programs, the White House 
     library, youth dance troupes, domestic shelters, and child 
     care centers;
       Whereas the Congressional Club members, upon the suggestion 
     of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, are encouraged to become 
     discussion leaders on national security in their home States, 
     from the trials of World War II to the threats of terrorism;
       Whereas the Congressional Club extends the hand of 
     friendship and goodwill globally by hosting an annual 
     diplomatic reception to entertain the spouses of ambassadors 
     to the United States;
       Whereas the Congressional Club is solely supported by 
     membership dues and the sale of cookbooks, and has never 
     received any Federal funding;
       Whereas the 14 editions of the Congressional Club cookbook, 
     first published in 1928, reflect the life and times of the 
     United States with recipes and signatures of Members of 
     Congress, First Ladies, Ambassadors, and members of the Club;
       Whereas the Congressional Club membership has expanded to 
     include spouses and daughters of Representatives, Senators, 
     Supreme Court Justices, and Cabinet members, and has included 
     7 members who became First Lady: Mrs. Florence Harding, Mrs. 
     Lou Hoover, Mrs. Bess Truman, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, Mrs. 
     Patricia Nixon, Mrs. Betty Ford, and Mrs. Barbara Bush;
       Whereas several members of the Congressional Club have been 
     elected to Congress, among whom are Past President Mrs. Lindy 
     Boggs, Mrs. Jo Ann Emerson, Mrs. Lois Capps, Mrs. Mary Bono, 
     and Past President Mrs. Doris Matsui;
       Whereas leading figures in politics, the arts, and the 
     media have visited the Clubhouse for the past 100 years;
       Whereas the Congressional Club is home to the First Lady's 
     gown display, a museum with replica inaugural and ball gowns 
     of the First Ladies from Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln to Mrs. Laura 
     Bush;
       Whereas the Congressional Club is charged with receiving 
     the Presidential couple, honoring the Vice-President and 
     spouse, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and 
     spouse, and the Chief Justice and spouse, and for the 
     orientation of spouses of new Members of Congress; and
       Whereas the Congressional Club will celebrate its 100-year 
     anniversary with festivities and ceremonies during 2008 that 
     include the ringing of the official bells of the United 
     States Congress, a Founder's Day program, a birthday cake at 
     the First Lady's Luncheon, an anniversary postage stamp and 
     cancellation stamp, a 100-year pin/pendant designed by Past 
     President Lois Breaux, and invitations to President and Mrs. 
     Bush, Speaker and Mr. Pelosi, Chief Justice and Mrs. Roberts 
     to visit and celebrate 100 years of public service, civility, 
     and growth at the Congressional Club: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the founding of the 
     Congressional Club;
       (2) acknowledges the contribution of political spouses to 
     public life in America and around the world through the 
     Congressional Club for the past 100 years;
       (3) honors the past and present membership of the 
     Congressional Club;
       (4) encourages all Americans to strive for greater 
     friendship, civility, and generosity in order to heighten 
     public service, elevate the culture, and enrich humanity; and
       (5) encourages all Americans to seek out opportunities to 
     give financially and to volunteer to assist charitable 
     organizations in their own communities.

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

[[Page 9631]]




                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. 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 
gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform presents for consideration H. Res. 1026, which 
recognizes the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional 
Club. The measure was introduced by Representative Sanford Bishop from 
the State of Georgia on March 6, 2008, and I, along with over 75 of my 
colleagues, are proud to be cosponsors of this bill.
  H. Res. 1026 was taken up and approved by the Committee on Oversight 
and Government Reform as of April 9, 2008, which brings us up to 
today's consideration of the resolution.
  Originally established on May 20, 1908, for the purpose of providing 
a nonpartisan social setting for the spouses of Members of the House 
and the Senate, the Congressional Club continues to serve its initial 
purpose, although the breadth and activities of the club have greatly 
expanded over the past century, to include such annual events as the 
First Lady's Luncheon and Founders Day.
  I yield now to Mr. Sanford Bishop for as much time as he may consume.
  Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I thank the gentlelady for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representatives Todd Tiahrt, 
Jeff Miller, Doris Matsui, Jo Ann Emerson, John Tanner and 76 other 
cosponsors of H. Res. 1026 to commemorate the Congressional Club on its 
100th anniversary.
  The Congressional Club was established in 1908 ``to promote 
sociability among its members, create a common meeting place, and 
further a personal acquaintance among the women of the Congressional 
circle.'' In the early 20th century, Members of Congress actually had 
little time for making friends outside of Congress and/or government. 
It largely fell upon the wives to forge acquaintances in the Nation's 
capital, since many of them led solitary lives while away from their 
home States.
  In 1914, the club moved into a Beaux Arts-style mansion located on 
the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and U Street, Northwest, here in 
Washington, D.C., where it continues to be the meeting place to this 
day. It has maintained its mission of serving as a place for spouses of 
Members of both the House and the Senate to develop nonpartisan, 
bipartisan, I might say, friendships. In addition, its membership has 
been broadened to include both female and male spouses as more women 
have been elected to Congress over the last century.
  The club also counts among its members spouses of Supreme Court 
Justices and the President's Cabinet, as well as former First Ladies. 
It has been a center for service since its founding, providing aid to 
our Nation's soldiers; supporting local police and fire departments; 
hosting receptions for senior citizens, the disadvantaged, young people 
and spouses of ambassadors. It is entirely self-supporting from 
membership dues and the sale of the Congressional Club cookbook, which 
includes recipes and signatures of Members of Congress, First Ladies, 
Ambassadors, as well as members of the club.
  It's interesting to note that 100 years ago this May it took the 
charm of a determined wife of a Member of Congress to get the Federal 
legislation incorporating the club approved by the House of 
Representatives. The House minority leader, John Sharp Williams of 
Mississippi, had opposed the bill and was using parliamentary 
procedures to delay and to defeat the bill.
  History has it that when Mrs. Williams, his spouse, who favored the 
club, heard about her husband's opposition, she invited him to lunch 
the day that the measure was to be considered on the House floor. After 
lunch, he withdrew his opposition and his request for a recorded vote, 
saying that, ``It is the opinion of the gentleman from Mississippi that 
there will not be a roll call because it would cause a great deal of 
unhappiness in Washington.''
  As the proud spouse of the current president of the Congressional 
Club, Vivian Creighton Bishop, I'm pleased to be the sponsor of this 
resolution commemorating the club on reaching this important milestone.
  I want to commend a number of people for their outstanding work in 
bringing this resolution to the floor: Richard Henkle on Congressman 
Tiahrt's staff; Doug Thompson on Congressman Tanner's staff; Denise 
Wilson on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee; and 
Jonathan Halpern on my staff. I also would like to thank Vicki Tiahrt, 
Susie Skelton and Lydia de La Vina De Foley for their excellent efforts 
in support of the club and, of course, in support of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I again thank my colleagues who are cosponsors for their 
extraordinary support of this resolution, and I urge its immediate 
adoption.

                              {time}  1400

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise in support of this resolution. I 
certainly believe that 100 years of the attempts by spouses to have 
this body work together in a better, more collegial fashion is 
noteworthy.
  Today, though, as we honor the work of our spouses, and particularly 
those who would say that if, in fact, you don't do what I'd like you to 
do, it could cause a great deal of domestic unhappiness--I believe was 
the line--in Washington, we should take note that this body is not 
operating in a collegial fashion. This body has, in fact, broken down. 
The concept of bipartisan behavior, including the long tradition of a 
motion to recommit, a long tradition of amendments and opportunities 
for ideas to be exchanged on and off the dais, has broken down.
  So I do think it's important that we turn to recognizing an effort 
made 100 years ago at a time in which Members of Congress--House, 
Senate, Republican, Democrat--went to dinner together in each other's 
homes. Their children played together. They, in fact, lived here in 
Washington.
  Living here in Washington has become sort of a term for misconduct. 
The idea that you would come and that you would work with 434 of your 
colleagues to make a better America, that you would walk across the 
Capitol and work with 100 Senators to make a better America seems to 
have fallen out of favor.
  Today, unfortunately, we spend a lot of time meeting in our 
conferences on a partisan basis. In those conferences we ask, well, how 
can we beat them? How can we beat them now? How can we beat them in the 
election? We should be asking, how do we work together for a better 
government and a better America?
  So I hope that the efforts of this club, which have been long, hard, 
and successful in many, many ways certainly in bringing our spouses 
together, certainly in activities for the community, will be a starting 
point today for us looking across the aisle and asking, why is it that 
we're afraid to have dinner together? Why is it that our meetings are 
Republicans with Republicans and Democrats with Democrats? We need to 
work together.
  We have big problems in America today; some of them are obvious to 
Americans. We talk of the war and we talk of gas prices, we even talk 
of the Pelosi premium. Well, I believe it's a Pelosi premium, but it's 
a premium built on years of other people's mistakes and other people's 
watches.
  Today, I use the opportunity given to me to talk about this important 
bipartisan resolution to say, let's solve gas and oil problems on a 
bipartisan basis. Let's deal with the challenges we face in Iraq and 
Afghanistan on a bipartisan basis. Let's deal with the immigration 
reform challenge on a bipartisan basis. Most of all, let's make sure 
that America's next 100 years is 100 years of success in competing 
worldwide. We can do this if we do it on a bipartisan basis. One 
hundred years ago, mostly women worked tirelessly to form an 
organization to help us do just that. Let's commit ourselves to doing 
just that today.
  With that, I yield back the balance of my time and urge support.

[[Page 9632]]


  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, for its rich history and ongoing traditions, 
I hope that we can come together as a body representing Americans far 
and wide, and in good humor, and following the procedures of this 
House, that we join together in recognizing the 100th anniversary of 
the Congressional Club. They do stand for bipartisanship. They do stand 
for working together. We, indeed, can eat together as fellows, friends, 
partners in making policy. And so let's use the example of this 
Congressional Club by agreeing to pass H. Res. 1026.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield the remaining time to the man from 
Missouri, the Honorable Ike Skelton.
  Mr. SKELTON. I certainly thank the gentlelady from California for her 
addition and leadership on this bill, as well as my friend from Georgia 
(Mr. Bishop) for sponsoring it.
  It's with a great deal of understanding as well as a bit of nostalgia 
that I speak in favor of this resolution.
  I know full well of the bipartisanship of which my friends from 
California speak. I know full well of the work that this Congressional 
Club has done over, now that I've witnessed, nearly 32 years. I know of 
the friendships, both Democrat and Republican, that have been formed 
and have been forged together that will last a lifetime. I know, and I 
hope this body will fully recognize the fact that this Congressional 
Club has set forth the real standard on understanding one another in 
this body in the full spirit of bipartisanship.
  It was my late wife, Susie, who had the honor to serve as the 
Treasurer of this Congressional Club in 1983 and 1984, and again as 
President of the Club in 1987 and 1988. And it should be of note that 
our colleague from California, Doris Matsui, served as an officer in 
the Club simultaneously with my late wife, Susie.
  It is an excellent resolution for an excellent organization. I hope 
the next 100 years will see the same effort in friendship and 
bipartisanship reign as it has in the past.
  Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1026, 
recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional 
Club. Founded by an act of Congress in 1908 and signed into law by 
President Theodore Roosevelt, the Congressional Club has been a home 
away from home for spouses of Members of Congress, fostering 
friendships across party and geographical lines.
  The Congressional clubhouse was constructed in 1914, and since that 
time the club has been a vital and influential member of the U-Street 
corridor community, encouraging revitalization of the area by hosting 
programs with inner-city children, planning appreciation days at local 
nursing homes with senior citizens, and honoring the District's fire 
and police departments.
  Mr. Speaker, the generosity of the Congressional Club members extends 
well beyond the District of Columbia. Club members have raised funds 
for the purchase of two evacuation planes for wounded soldiers, and 
donate tens of thousands of dollars to charity on an annual basis.
  As a member of the Congressional Club now for several years, my wife 
Billie Gingrey has seen first-hand how the club has been a good friend 
and neighbor to the Washington, DC, community. I encourage all Members 
to join me today in recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 
Congressional Club, and to thank its members for their work and 
contributions to the community.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today in support of 
House Resolution 1026, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 
Congressional Club. One hundred years ago, the Congressional Club was 
founded to promote friendship among the spouses of Members of Congress. 
While keeping true to its purpose, the club throughout the years has 
become much more. Not only does this distinctive club build 
relationships between the two political parties, but it also organizes 
charity events and diplomatic receptions. Every spring since 1912, the 
spouses gather to host a luncheon in honor of our First Lady, and they 
donate tens of thousands of dollars to charities in her name. Many of 
the club's charitable recipients include mentoring programs, literacy 
programs, the White House library, youth dance troupes, domestic 
shelters, and child care centers.
  Fulfilling their own mission to encourage all Americans to strive for 
greater friendship, civility, and generosity in order to heighten 
public service, elevate the culture, and enrich humanity; the spouses 
extend their hands globally in friendship and goodwill by hosting an 
annual diplomatic reception to entertain the spouses of Ambassadors to 
the United States. The Congressional Club encourages all Americans to 
seek out opportunities to give support and to volunteer to assist 
charitable organizations in their own communities.
  I am proud and honored that my wife, Vicki Miller, is the incoming 
president of the Congressional Club next year. She follows in the 
footsteps of admirable Presidents including Mrs. Vivian Bishop, Mrs. 
Lindy Boggs, Mrs. Jo Ann Emerson, Mrs. Lois Capps, Mrs. Mary Bono Mack, 
and Ms. Doris Matsui. I know Vicki is looking forward to carrying on 
the friendships and bipartisan traditions of the club.
  Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate the Congressional 
Club on its 100th anniversary and to recognize these spouses in their 
efforts to promote the greater good both here at home and abroad. May 
God bless them and may the Congressional Club continue in their 
friendship and charitable efforts for many years to come.
  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1026, 
recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Congressional 
Club.
  As the resolution states, the club was ``organized in 1908 by 25 
women who were influential in Washington's official life and who wanted 
to establish a nonsectarian and nonpolitical group that would promote 
friendship and cordiality in public life.''
  Congressional spouses are active in the group, which is one of 
Washington's oldest and most venerable social clubs.
  The Congressional Club has hosted the annual First Lady's luncheon 
for nearly a century, and makes numerous charitable donations in the 
name of the First Lady each year. The club also plays host to the 
spouses of foreign ambassadors serving here in the U.S.
  For 100 years, the Congressional Club has contributed its time and 
efforts to numerous charitable causes, improved the cultural atmosphere 
in Washington, and extended a hand of friendship to the foreign 
diplomatic corps of countless nations.
  The club deserves our recognition today, and I am proud to be a 
cosponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 1026, a resolution 
recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Congressional 
Club.
  From its very start, the Congressional Club has helped the spouses of 
Members to come together on a nonpartisan basis to form friendships and 
perform public service.
  The role of the Congressional Club is as essential now as it was when 
the club was formed in 1908. Back then, Members and spouses often had 
to spend a long time travelling to Washington. Once here, spouses in 
particular faced the challenge of developing acquaintances and 
friendships in a new city and finding ways to share their talents to 
benefit the community and their country.
  The club provided a refreshing nonpolitical atmosphere for 
friendships and charitable activities, a hallmark that continues to 
this day. Its headquarters at New Hampshire Avenue and U Street is 
listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and serves as an 
architectural anchor for the neighborhood.
  Today, the Congressional Club continues to be a haven of civility and 
culture where the spouses of Members can meet outside of a political 
world that sometimes can be all-consuming and far too partisan. It is a 
testament to the positive things that happen in this town when creative 
and talented people get together for the sole purpose of serving the 
public good.
  The Congressional Club has provided charitable support to literacy 
programs, domestic shelters, child care and seniors citizens, the White 
House library and United National Indian Tribal Youth. It brightens the 
holidays every December by delivering cookies to our local police and 
fire departments and hosting luncheons for nursing home residents and 
neighborhood children.
  One of its best-known events is the First Ladies luncheon, which 
funds charitable activities. My wife Linda was chair of the First 
Ladies luncheon in 2007, so I well appreciate the tremendous amount of 
planning and organization that goes into making this such an 
anticipated and successful event.
  The vital role that the Congressional Club plays in the life of the 
Capitol Hill community and this city at large is evident by the fact 
that it is the only club in the Nation founded by an act of Congress.
  With its tradition of civility and service, the Congressional Club 
remains as important to the life of the U.S. Congress as it was when

[[Page 9633]]

it was founded 100 years ago. I extend my sincere commendations to all 
of its members, past and present, and wish the club all the best on 
this memorable centennial.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to support House 
Resolution 1026. recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Congressional 
Club. This non-political group promotes friendship and cordiality in 
public life, and brings the wives of Members of Congress together in a 
warm and welcoming atmosphere in the Nation's Capital. Not only does 
this distinctive club build relationships between the two political 
parties, but it also organizes charity events and diplomatic 
receptions. Every spring since 1912, the women gather to host our First 
Ladies' Luncheon, honoring our First Lady and donating tens of 
thousands of dollars to charities in her name. Many of the club's 
charitable recipients include mentoring programs, literacy programs, 
the White House library; youth dance troupes, domestic shelters, and 
child care centers.
  Fulfilling their own mission to encourage all Americans to strive for 
greater friendship, civility, and generosity in order to heighten 
public service, elevate the culture, and enrich humanity; the women 
extend their hands globally in friendship and goodwill by hosting an 
annual diplomatic reception to entertain the spouses of ambassadors to 
the United States. The Congressional Club encourages all Americans to 
seek out opportunities to give financially and to volunteer to assist 
charitable organizations in their own communities. Mr. Speaker, today I 
would like to congratulate and recognize these kind-hearted, strong, 
and talented women in their efforts to promote the greater good here at 
home and abroad. May God bless these women and may the Congressional 
Club continue in their friendship and charitable efforts for many years 
to come.
  Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express support 
for House Resolution 1026. For over one hundred years, the 
Congressional Club has been a place to cultivate friendships among the 
spouses of sitting or former Members of Congress, Supreme Court 
Justices and Members of the President's Cabinet. Although the group was 
founded as an organization for congressional wives, the group includes 
husbands too, as we are privileged to now have 86 women serving in this 
great body, in addition to the many before them and those who have 
served in Presidential Administrations since 1908.
  I am also pleased to rise today, as someone very special to me has 
been involved with this organization since my first election to 
Congress in 2002. My wife, Alfredia, was the chair of the 2008 
Congressional Club First Lady's Luncheon, an event held by the Club 
annually since 1912. At the event entitled ``The Many Splendors of 
Spring,'' Mrs. Bush was presented with a lovely quilt commissioned by 
Arts Clayton, an organization located in my congressional district, 
which was handmade by Ms. Debra Svitil of Alpharetta, Georgia.
  Artist Theresa Fontes-Black, of Snellville, Georgia, was also 
commissioned to create over 2,000 glass-bead necklaces of various 
shapes and designs for luncheon attendees as party favors. It was an 
honor for Arts Clayton and the 13th Congressional District to have such 
beautiful recognition in this time-honored tradition. In addition to 
this outstanding social event, members are also involved in social 
service projects to benefit those less fortunate. Proceeds from the 
sale of the Congressional Club's annual cookbook not only support the 
clubs activities but also support charitable giving to organizations 
throughout the area.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, it is with great pleasure that I recognize 
the important work of the Congressional Club by celebrating its 
centennial on the House floor today and urging its passage.
  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the Congressional Club on 
the occasion of their Founder's Day Celebration and their 100th 
anniversary. I am grateful to the Congressional Club for embracing my 
family since I was elected to the House in 1994. It has played such an 
important role in our lives that my wife, Vicki Holland Tiahrt, served 
as president of the Club in 2005 and 2006, and remains very involved. 
This organization, founded in 1908 by a unanimous act of Congress, has 
provided a setting for bipartisan friendships for 100 years. The only 
club to be commissioned by an act of Congress, the bill was signed by 
Teddy Roosevelt, who knew the value of a loving wife. When his wife 
passed away, President Roosevelt lamented, ``The light has gone out of 
my life.''
  It was so wise for Congress in 1908 to form the Congressional Club 
for wives. While never receiving any tax dollars or public money, and 
governed by a bipartisan board, the Congressional Club has remained a 
home away from home for spouses, a safe place for sharing the trials of 
public life, and for developing bipartisan friendships that encourage 
civility and good will in government. The membership and relationships 
extend to the administration of the White House and the Supreme Court.
  A clubhouse was built in 1914 at 2001 New Hampshire Avenue, in 
Northeast (Washington). The land was donated by Mary Foote Henderson 
and chosen because the women could look south down 16th Street and see 
the White House. Immediately, embassies began building in that area in 
order to be close to the Congressional Club. The Club has been a good 
neighbor for nearly a century, staying when others left as the area 
suffered urban decay. The women paid their mortgage and kept their 
property in good repair with money raised from dues and the selling of 
14 published editions of the Congressional Cookbook. Due to its 
success, the club was able to pay off its mortgage in 1948. To 
commemorate the occasion, Club member and First Lady Bess Truman 
ceremonially burned the papers at the 40th anniversary celebration. 
Since that time, their funds have been given to charity, and been used 
to pay for the upkeep of this historic home. The presence of the 
Congressional Clubhouse helped promote renewal in the DuPont Circle 
neighborhood until finally the U Street corridor is booming and busy 
again. The Clubhouse is on the National Register of historic places.
  This is much more than just a social club. During World War I, the 
women rolled bandages and kept a room at Union Station for traveling 
soldiers. During World War II, Eleanor Roosevelt encouraged the women 
to promote patriotism and public safety in their home districts as part 
of the war effort. After September 11, the spouses were given a 
briefing to share with their home districts about how to prepare their 
families and communities for the possibility of additional terrorist 
attacks.
  For a century now, spouses have done inner-city charity work. Every 
December, a Christmas party hosts underprivileged children who 
celebrate the season with gifts and a holiday meal, the singing of 
carols and making of crafts with Congressional families. At the end of 
each school year, a pizza party is held at the Club for at-risk inner 
city children. The wives have encouraged a sense of community by 
honoring the local fire and police departments and hosting the annual 
appreciation day for local nursing home senior citizens.
  They continue to contribute to the lives of Congressional families by 
providing orientation for spouses of newly elected Members, annually 
honoring the First Lady and giving tens of thousands of dollars to a 
charity in her name. Their regular luncheons provide programs of 
education and entertainment.
  Also worth mentioning is the global reach of the spouses through the 
annual honoring of ambassadors' wives. This past week, the 
Congressional Club hosted over 50 countries, who modeled fashions from 
their native land. This extension of the hand of friendship around the 
world surely promotes good will and encourages understanding of our 
culture of freedom and equality for all people.
  I would also be remiss if I did not mention the work of the Club's 
Anniversary Committee, and its president, my beloved wife, Vicki. They 
have put together a number of events celebrating the anniversary, 
including a ringing of the official bells of the United States 
Congress, a birthday cake at the annual First Lady's luncheon, and a 
commemorative cancellation stamp.
  It is fitting that this Congress should honor the good work of our 
political spouses and of the Congressional Club. In a time of extreme 
partisanship that all too often poisons relationships and stymies 
legislative action, the Congressional Club serves as a poignant 
reminder of life without partisanship. I urge my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing Congressional Club and their 100 years of friendship and 
community service.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
1026, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the 
Congressional Club. I congratulate and thank the Club for its century 
of service to Members and their families.
  When a Member is first elected, one of the first events his or her 
spouse will be invited to is a welcome at the Congressional Club, 
bringing together both Republican and Democratic spouses in friendship 
as they adjust to their new lives in public service.
  Throughout the year, there are social opportunities to get to know 
women and men from around the country and even around the world as the 
Club sometimes hosts events with the international community, such as 
the recent Diplomatic Parade of Nations. The Club also draws on its 
members' talents and energies for designated non-political, non-
partisan service projects.
  In a city that can sometimes be known for its political tensions, the 
Congressional Club

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offers a longstanding oasis of good will and friendship for 
Congressional couples and families which share a great deal in common. 
It is a tradition that has helped build a community for 100 years and I 
hope will continue to do so for centuries to come.
  Mr. TANNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of the Congressional Club, founded 100 
years ago as an official organization of the spouses of those of us 
serving in this House and in the Senate. I am very familiar with their 
great work, because my wife Betty Ann is an active member and presently 
serves on the Congressional Club's board.
  The Congressional Club is host to one of the most important 
nonpartisan events that happens in Washington--the annual First Lady's 
Luncheon. It also hosts monthly lectures, children's parties, tours for 
charitable organizations and senior citizen luncheons.
  The members of the Congressional Club realize the incredible 
opportunities and responsibilities they have toward national service. 
During WorId War I and World War II, the Congressional Club curtailed 
many of its social events so that members of the Club could roll 
bandages for the Red Cross, help provide for servicemembers' families 
and assist troops in transit to their service. At the encouragement of 
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the Congressional Club sold war bonds, 
using the proceeds to purchase two evacuation airplanes, one named The 
Congressional Club and one named The U.S. Congress, to airlift wounded 
troops from the battlefield.
  The important role spouses play in the work we do is evident in one 
legend surrounding the establishment of the Congressional Club. 
According to the story, one wife knew her husband, a member of this 
body, planned to vote against the incorporation of the Congressional 
Club, so she came into the Capitol and distracted him outside the House 
Chamber while the House voted on and approved the resolution that 
allowed for the formal recognition of the organization.
  Mr. Speaker, no one is quite sure whether that story is true, but it 
does help stress an important point with which few can argue: 
Congressional spouses play an instrumental part in the work we do. I am 
honored to join with you in honoring their work on this 100th 
anniversary of the Congressional Club.
  Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Congressional 
Club on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its founding.
  The Congressional Club was founded to promote friendship and 
cordiality amongst those in public life regardless of their political 
affiliation. It was also founded to bring together the wives of Members 
of Congress in a social setting.
  The Congressional Club is the only club in the world to be founded by 
an Act of Congress, a high honor to the club and evidence of its 
important place in Washington, DC political life. While founded by an 
Act of Congress, the Club does not receive Federal funding and subsists 
solely by membership dues and the sale of cookbooks.
  The Congressional Club Cookbook was first published in 1928, and is a 
popular item in the gift stores on Capitol Hill. There have been 14 
editions of the Cookbook that contains recipes and signatures of 
Members of Congress and their spouses, First Ladies, Ambassadors and 
members of the Club.
  The Club has played a significant role in the community and each year 
donates tens of thousands of dollars to charities in the name of the 
First Lady. Among the recipients of the charitable donations are the 
United National Indian Tribal Youth, literacy programs, the White House 
Library, youth dance troupes, domestic shelters, and child care 
centers.
  The Congressional Club is an organization that leads by example. It 
promotes friendship, civility, community service, and generosity 
despite a difference of opinion with your neighbor, and it is truly an 
example that we should all work diligently to follow.
  I want to take this opportunity to wish the Congressional Club a 
happy 100th anniversary and look forward to the many good works that 
will be done by the Congressional Club in its next 100 years.
  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we know how 
difficult the transition to Washington, DC, can be for our spouses. The 
Congressional Club provides them a home away from home, encouraging 
bipartisan friendships.
  The Congressional Club was established in 1908, by a group of 25 
women from Washington who sought to establish a nonpolitical group 
which would bring the spouses of Members of Congress together when in 
Washington, DC. The Club was officially chartered by a unanimous Act of 
Congress in 1908, and remains the only club to be established by 
Congressional action. President Theodore Roosevelt signed the 
Congressional resolution into law on May 30, 1908.
  Today, the Club is a charitable organization active in the 
Washington, DC, community and hosts events for the spouses of foreign 
dignitaries.
  Since its beginning, the Congressional Club has participated in a 
wide range of charitable work, including rolling bandages, purchasing 
two evacuation planes for wounded soldiers, and honoring local fire and 
police departments. They have hosted Christmas parties and end of 
school pizza parties for inner-city children, appreciation days for 
local nursing home senior citizens. The annual First Lady's luncheon 
raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity.
  To celebrate its 100th anniversary, the club has a year full of 
festivities and ceremonies that include a Founder's Day program, a 
birthday cake at the First Lady's Luncheon, an anniversary postage 
stamp, and a 100-year pin/pendant designed by past president Lois 
Breaux.
  I would like to thank all the members of the Congressional Club for 
all their work and dedication over the years. Congratulations on your 
first 100 years. I wish you many, many more.
  Ms. WATSON. 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 California (Ms. Watson) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1026.
  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. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  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.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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