[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10923-10925]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     COMMENDING THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME ON ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1357) commending and congratulating the 
Hollywood Walk of Fame on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1357

       Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a tribute to those 
     who have significantly contributed to the entertainment 
     industry;
       Whereas E.M. Stuart, who served as the volunteer president 
     of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in 1953, is credited 
     with creating the idea of the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame was established to 
     maintain the glory of a community whose name means glamour 
     and excitement in the four corners of the world;
       Whereas in January 1956 the plans for the Hollywood Walk of 
     Fame were submitted to the Los Angeles City Council;
       Whereas the Los Angeles City Council embraced the idea of 
     the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and subsequently instructed the 
     Board of Public Works to prepare the engineering 
     specifications for the Hollywood Walk of Fame and to create 
     the necessary assessment district to pay for the improvements 
     associated with the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce established the 
     Hollywood Improvement Association to work with the City of 
     Los Angeles in creating the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas, while the City of Los Angeles worked on the 
     creation of the assessment district between May 1956 and the 
     fall of 1957, the Hollywood Improvement Association worked on 
     selecting the individuals to be honored by placement of a 
     star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas four categories of stars were established to 
     represent four aspects of the entertainment industry: motion 
     picture, television, recording, and radio;
       Whereas, on August 15, 1958, the Hollywood Chamber of 
     Commerce and the City of Los Angeles unveiled eight stars on 
     Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue to demonstrate what 
     the Hollywood Walk of Fame would look like;
       Whereas these eight stars honored Olive Borden, Ronald 
     Colman, Louise Fazenda, Preston Foster, Burt Lancaster, 
     Edward Sedgwick, Ernest Torrence, and Joanne Woodward;
       Whereas, on February 8, 1960, construction began on the 
     Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas, on March 28, 1960, the first star, awarded to 
     Stanley Kramer, was laid in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas, on November 23, 1960, the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
     was dedicated in conjunction with the Hollywood Christmas 
     Parade;
       Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame was not completed until 
     the spring of 1961, at which time it was accepted by the 
     Board of Public Works and contained 1,558 stars;
       Whereas, on May 18, 1962, the Los Angeles City Council 
     approved an ordinance that specified that the Hollywood 
     Chamber of Commerce should advise the City of Los Angeles in 
     all matters pertaining to the addition of stars to the 
     Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas, by May 21, 1975, the date on which Carol Burnett 
     was awarded a star, a total of 99 stars had been added to the 
     original Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas in 1978 the Cultural Heritage Board of the City of 
     Los Angeles designated the Hollywood Walk of Fame as Los 
     Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument Number 194;
       Whereas in 1980 entertainer Johnny Grant was awarded a star 
     in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas after being awarded the star, Johnny Grant was so 
     enthused about the honor that he involved himself in creating 
     a memorable star ceremony for subsequent star recipients;
       Whereas Johnny Grant was the chairman of the Walk of Fame 
     Committee from 1980 until his death in January 2008;
       Whereas it was through Johnny Grant's work that the 
     Hollywood Walk of Fame turned into an international icon;
       Whereas in 1984, under Johnny Grant's leadership, a fifth 
     category of star, live theater, was added to allow 
     individuals who excelled in all types of live performance to 
     be considered for stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas when constructed the Hollywood Walk of Fame was 
     designed to accommodate 2,518 stars and by the 1990s space in 
     the most popular areas was difficult to find;
       Whereas Johnny Grant approved the creation of a second row 
     of stars in the Hollywood Walk of Fame that would alternate 
     with existing stars;
       Whereas, on February 1, 1994, the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
     was extended one block to the west from Sycamore Avenue to La 
     Brea Avenue on Hollywood Boulevard;
       Whereas, on February 1, 1994, Sophia Loren was honored with 
     the 2,000th star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame;
       Whereas the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a top visitor 
     attraction in the City of Los Angeles; and
       Whereas today an average of two stars are added to the 
     Hollywood Walk of Fame each month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives commends and 
     congratulates the Hollywood Walk of Fame on the occasion of 
     its 50th anniversary.

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


                             General Leave

  Ms. WATSON. 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 California?
  There was no objection.

[[Page 10924]]


  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this 
resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak today and 
to vote for H. Res. 1357, a bill I introduced to honor one of the most 
well-known historical landmarks in the world, the Hollywood Walk of 
Fame.
  For 50 years, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has existed as a tribute to 
those who have contributed to the unparalleled success of America's 
entertainment industry. As the chairwoman of the Congressional 
Entertainment Industries Caucus and a Representative from the City of 
Los Angeles, I am uniquely aware of the role Hollywood has played in 
presenting the values, the culture, and the creativity of the United 
States to audiences around the world. Across the globe, Hollywood means 
glamour and excitement, and in our district it also means solid jobs 
and revenue.
  In 1953, E.M. Stuart, the president of the Hollywood Chamber of 
Commerce, came up with the idea of creating the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
as a tribute to the industry, and on March 28, 1960, filmmaker Stanley 
Kramer was awarded the first star. Fifty years later, an average of two 
stars are added each month, and the Walk of Fame has become one of the 
top visitor attractions in the City of Los Angeles and also a 
destination in the United States.
  I was proud to submit H. Res. 1357 to recognize this important 
cultural landmark, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the 
resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I need to stand in opposition to this. Certainly, the 
Hollywood Walk of Fame has provided enjoyment for untold numbers of 
people. It's a great destination. Hollywood is certainly a unique 
treasure that is unique to the United States of America and 
specifically southern California.
  To my colleagues who wholeheartedly support and endorse and stand 
behind this resolution, maybe I'm a wet bucket of water on a parade; 
but I've got to tell you, I just don't feel like it's the proper role 
of the United States Congress to recognize the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
on its 50th anniversary.
  There are plenty of ways to recognize and to thank and congratulate 
the stars of Hollywood and the impact that they've had on the American 
ideal and the American entertainment industry. I just don't feel like 
it's the proper role of the United States Congress to do this, with all 
due respect. Recognizing educators, absolutely. We're about to 
recognize Flag Day, of course. Hollywood Walk of Fame? Maybe not so 
much.
  So with all due respect to the 50-plus colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle that have supported this resolution, I, for one, as a 
Representative of the United States Congress, simply cannot stand here 
and voice my support that this is a good use of the Congress' time.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I am now proud to yield such time as he 
may consume to my good friend, my distinguished friend from the State 
of New York, Representative Towns.
  Mr. TOWNS. I would like to thank the chair of the subcommittee for 
yielding time to me because I wanted to respond to a couple of things 
that my good friend on the other side of the aisle said. First of all, 
I know him. I know that he's a very dedicated and committed human 
being--and of course outstanding kicker in his day, and of course set 
records as a kicker. I think that he probably misunderstood what this 
bill is named. It's the Hollywood ``Walk'' of Fame. I want to make 
certain that he understands that. And many people who have walked there 
have contributed so much to society, contributed so much to 
organizations.
  When you look back and you see in terms of the contributions that 
these people have made, then I think that my colleague would probably 
review it and probably would withdraw his objections. When you look at 
the amount of money they've given to breast cancer, when you look at 
the amount of money they've given to AIDS and all these diseases that 
we need to do extensive research on, that people that have walked these 
streets and walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame, when we think about the 
things that they've done, then I really feel that if he did, he would 
say wait a minute.
  You know, every now and then we make a mistake or we say some things 
that we wish we had not said, and I think this is the situation now 
with my colleague because if you think about the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
and the contributions of the people that are listed on the Hollywood 
Walk of Fame, then I really feel that he would join us in supporting 
this legislation.
  On that note, I ask my good friend on the other side of the aisle to 
reconsider.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, Chairman Towns is one of my favorite people. I have 
really come to grow and appreciate him; I just happen to disagree with 
him on this.
  There are a lot of people on the Hollywood Walk of Fame who have done 
some amazing and great things, and for that they should be 
congratulated, but not necessarily from the United States Congress. 
There are a whole lot of people on that Walk of Fame we probably 
shouldn't recognize in any way, shape or form.
  The point I'm trying to make is there is a certain segment of our 
population, from the entertainment industry and those involved in 
sports, that gets more adulation from the public than they could 
possibly take, and yet we have true heroes, real heroes who don't get 
an ounce of appreciation from this body that really do deserve it.
  The other day I was watching television--this was just recently--and 
there was a National Guardsman who pulled around a corner--and I can't 
remember what State it was, I want to say it was the State of 
Washington, but I could be wrong on that. All of a sudden, there was a 
truck that had overturned in a river, and suddenly this guy found 
himself in a situation where there is somebody who is struggling for 
his life. He and a few other people, just citizens who woke up that 
morning and had no idea that they were going to be the heroes that day, 
went down that river, they smashed open that window, they grabbed a 
rope and saved this person's life. Where are the recognitions for those 
true heroes?
  I don't think Sophia Loren needs any more congratulations from the 
United States Congress. And as important as it is to the economy in 
southern California--I've got an amusement park in northern Utah called 
the Lagoon. I'm not coming to the United States Congress asking for 
recognition of it.
  Mr. TOWNS. Will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Sure, I would be happy to yield.
  Mr. TOWNS. When I think about the Hollywood Walk of Fame, I think 
about the man who signed the Martin Luther King Holiday bill by the 
name of Ronald Reagan. He's on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I just want 
the gentleman to know that.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Reclaiming my time, good point. I'm happy to recognize 
Ronald Reagan, and I appreciate your support. I'll bring a resolution 
at some point recognizing Ronald Reagan. There's a corner worth 
standing on. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  Look, these issues come before the United States Congress. I think 
there is a time and a place to recognize significant achievements 
within the United States of America. I am going to ask for a recorded 
vote on this. It will be an interesting question.
  My point is, the economy is struggling; we've got real issues out 
there. Like I said, there is a time and a place to make these kinds of 
recognitions. I just don't know that this rises to the same level as 
recognizing teachers or nurses who hold people's hand as they are there 
in the final days of their lives.
  There are a lot of things that I think we could unanimously look at 
and recognize. I, for one, don't think that Hollywood needs more 
recognition. And with all due respect, I, for one, at least will be 
voting against this resolution.

[[Page 10925]]

  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I proudly come before this body representing the 
United States members from all over this country because I think 
Hollywood reflects who we are as a people. And I heard and I am so 
pleased that my colleague, Representative Towns, mentioned that the 
legendary and iconic President, Ronald Reagan, has a star on the Walk 
of Fame. I also want everyone listening to know, Madam Speaker, that 
Senator Fred Thompson, who was a star of a crime series over a period 
of years, has a star on the Walk of Fame and even ran for President of 
the United States. And I want you to know, Madam Speaker and my 
colleagues, that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator, has a 
star on the walk of fame. He is a Republican and proudly serves as a 
Republican. He represents the great State of California where Hollywood 
is.
  I want you to know that I recently took down to South Africa, Madam 
Speaker, a project named after a gentleman who was the face of 
Hollywood, because I was told several years ago that they were getting 
ready to close the Rosa Parks Library and Information in Cape Town 
South Africa. That is the information center attached to our embassy, 
the U.S. Embassy. They were going to close it down because they said 
the Cold War was over.

                              {time}  1415

  So I took 100 of America's best and loved films, films which are 
loved all over the world, which show our principles, our values, our 
beliefs, and our humanity, because everyone is influenced by our 
movies.
  I also want to say, Madam Speaker, that, as our image has been 
tarnished, I feel that our classic movies and the people who starred in 
those movies, who have stars on the Walk of Fame, could be recognized 
in other countries and could help improve our image.
  So I would hope that all Members, Madam Speaker, recognize that they 
represent the people of America, and I would hope that the Members here 
will vote to support an industry that really speaks to the world about 
our mores, our principles, our great talents, and our arts. It is an 
industry that speaks proudly and distinctly to the rest of the world. 
So I would hope that we would have, really, a unanimous vote on 
celebrating, through this resolution, the Walk of Fame.
  I have no further requests for time, and I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, look, there are lots of reasons America and the world 
like Hollywood. I just don't believe, in my heart of hearts, that the 
United States Congress, in a resolution by the House of 
Representatives, is the right way to recognize the Hollywood Walk of 
Fame.
  From my vantage point, you certainly don't look to the Hollywood Walk 
of Fame or to Hollywood in general for the principles and values that 
are representative of the United States of America. That Paul Reubens' 
Pee-wee Herman has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a far cry 
from Ronald Reagan's having a star.
  Again, I am just one voice here in this body, but I've got to tell 
you, as to the people I represent, I'll have a hard time going back to 
them, saying, You know what? I did the work of the people, and I'm back 
there, spending the people's money, and we recognized the Hollywood 
Walk of Fame. I just can't do it.
  Again, with all due respect, there are a lot of good Members back 
there, and that might be an interesting debate to take the few thousand 
people and go back and forth. I'm going to start with Paul Reubens, and 
I appreciate your starting with Ronald Reagan. Somewhere in between is 
probably the right answer.
  We need to get on with the Nation's business, with the debt and with 
the other crises that we are dealing with. That is my point with this, 
Madam Speaker. I won't take any more of the people's time.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WAXMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for H. Res 1357, a resolution congratulating the Hollywood Walk of Fame 
on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  The star-studded sidewalks at Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street are 
an iconic symbol of the American entertainment industry. First 
envisioned by former Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President E.M. 
Stuart, the Hollywood Walk of Fame today prominently fulfills its 
mission to maintain ``the glory of a community whose name means glamour 
and excitement in the four corners of the world.''
  Since its inception in 1960, over 2,000 individuals have been awarded 
stars on the walk in the categories of motion picture, television, 
music, radio broadcasting, and theater. Individually, these stars honor 
the talents and extraordinary achievements of artists as varied as 
Sidney Poitier, Carol Burnett, Elvis Presley, Gloria Estefan and Bob 
Hope. Collectively, the Hollywood Walk of Fame celebrates an 
entertainment industry that is an engine of creativity and ingenuity 
and an emblem of American culture at home and abroad.
  Today, our Nation is proud to honor the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which 
attracts an estimated 10 million visitors a year, and its development 
as a lively hub for tourism and a thriving monument. It is most 
certainly a destination worth visiting and commemorating.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam 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. 1357.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. WATSON. Madam 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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