March 20, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2733 AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO Wuerffel should be commended for this Craig Dudley REPORT high honor. Dwight Edge It is also important to note that for Bart Edmiston Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I Jerome Evans ask unanimous consent the committees the first time since the NCAA has been McDonald Ferguson have between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. keeping records, two division I college Rod Frazier Wednesday, April 2, to file legislative football teams from the same State Tony George or executive reported legislation. have played each other for college foot- Rod Graddy The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ball’s national championship. Jacquez Green Buck Gurley objection, it is so ordered. I also want to take this moment to honor Coach Bobby Bowden and the Fred Hagberg f Florida State University football team Mike Harris Thomas Hewitt COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF for their outstanding season and for Ike Hilliard FLORIDA FOOTBALL TEAM reaching the national championship Todd Holland game. While they didn’t win the game, Al Jackson Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I the Seminoles and their fans should be Denise Stevens ask unanimous consent that the Sen- proud of their achievements and com- Tom Williams ate proceed to the immediate consider- mended for an outstanding season. Demetric Jackson ation of S. Res. 66 submitted earlier The State of Florida is indeed fortu- Terry Jackson Doug Johnson today by Senators MACK and GRAHAM. nate to be home to three of the finest The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Ryan Kalich college football teams in the Nation: Nafis Karim clerk will report. The University of Florida, Florida The legislative clerk read as follows: Jevon Kearse State University, and the University of Trey Killingsworth A resolution (S. Res. 66) commending the Miami. Together these three teams Erron Kinney University of Florida Football Team for win- combined have won six college football Sean Ladd ning the 1996 Division 1 Collegiate Football national championships. Demetrius Lewis National Championship. Anthone Lott But in 1996, the national football The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Eugene McCaslin championship was won by the Univer- Xavier McCray objection to the immediate consider- sity of Florida. Not only is this a spe- ation of the resolution? Reggie McGrew cial accomplishment that will long be Travis McGriff There being no objection, the Senate remembered by the coaches and play- Anthony Mitchell proceeded to consider the resolution. ers, but it is also a moment to savor Jeff Mitchell Mr. MACK. Mr. President, I rise for Gator fans. After 90 years of ups Dwayne Mobley Mike Moten today to introduce a resolution salut- and downs, great victories and frustra- ing the University of Florida football David Nabavi tion, the Fightin’ Gators are finally Shawn Nunn team on winning the 1996 National the national champions of college foot- Football Championship. Daryl Owens ball. All the loyal sons and daughters Alonza Pendergrass As a proud alumnus of the University of the University of Florida—wherever Jason Perry of Florida, I join with all those who they may be—join me today in con- Mike Peterson have worn the Orange and Blue—both gratulating Coach Steve Spurrier, his Zach Piller Dock Pollard on and off the field—in honoring Coach staff, and the 1996 Fightin’ Gator foot- Steve Spurrier, his staff and the foot- Alan Rhine ball team on winning the 1996 college Jamie Richardson ball team for this outstanding accom- football’s national championship. plishment. Larry Richart Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Wyley Ritch From its humble beginnings in 1906 sent to print in the RECORD the names Willie Rodgers to the present, the University of Flor- of the Gator players, coaches, and staff Taras Ross ida’s football program has had a rich along with their season record and the Johnny Rutledge and proud history. But 1996 will be for- final polls with the Florida Gators in Brian Schottenheimer Nick Schiralli ever known in the hearts and minds of the top position as the national cham- the Gator faithful as ‘‘The Year of the Shea Showers pions. Teddy Sims Gator.’’ There being no objection, the list was From the season opener in ‘‘The Ian Skinner ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as Robby Stevenson Swamp’’ to the national championship follows: Deac Story title game in the Sugar Bowl, the Fred Taylor UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 1996 NATIONAL Gator faithful knew that with Steve Matt Teague FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS Spurrier as their coach and Danny Dwayne Thomas Wuerffel as the team’s quarterback, Players Kavin Walton field leader and spiritual leader, the Tremayne Allen Cedric Warren 1996 season would indeed be one to re- Reidel Anthony Fred Weary Ernie Badeaux member. Elijah Williams Tyrone Baker Scott Wise The 1996 football team compiled a James Bates Lawrence Wright record of 12 wins and 1 loss and Ronnie Battle Danny Wuerffel outscored their opponents 611 to 221 Tim Beauchamp Jon Xynidis points in winning its fourth consecu- Cheston Blackshear Correy Yarbrough tive SEC championship and its first- Noah Brindise Billy Young ever national football championship. Teako Brown Donnie Young For this achievement, the University Pat Browning Michael Younkins Scott Bryan of Florida was recognized by the Asso- Zac Zedalis Zuri Buchanan President: Dr. John Lombardi ciated Press and major college football Jayme Campbell coaches as the 1996 national cham- Cooper Carlisle Director of Athletics: Jeremy Foley pions. Derrick Chambers Coaching Staff This season will also be remembered Ed Chester Head Coach Steve Spurrier because for the first time in the his- Willie Cohens Rod Broadway tory of the Heisman Trophy, an award Mo Collins Jim Collins which is presented annually to college Collins Cooper Dwayne Dixon Keith Council Carl Franks football’s most outstanding player, the Camerson Davis Lawson Holland winner played under a head coach who Reggie Davis Bob Sanders also had won the Heisman Trophy. Jason Dean Jimmy Ray Stephens Coach Steve Spurrier and Danny Ernie Dubose Bob Stoops S2734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE March 20, 1997 Barry Wilson 15. University of Washington least nine games in each season since Steve Spurrier, Jr. 16. Northwestern University his arrival. The 1996 Florida Gators Aubrey Hill 17. Kansas State University have the distinct honor of winning an Strength & Conditioning 18. University of Iowa unprecedented fourth consecutive 19. Syracuse University Jerry Schmidt 20. University of Michigan Southeastern Conference championship Rob Glass 21. University of Notre Dame and their fifth since Coach Spurrier’s Patt Moorer 22. University of Wyoming arrival. Over the past seven seasons, Randy Popple 23. University of Texas Coach Spurrier and his talented staff of Support Staff 24. U.S. Military Academy (Army) assistants have posted a remarkable Norm Carlson 25. Auburn University record of 73 wins on the football field, Dr. Keith Carodine Mr. GRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise and in the always tough, Southeastern Bud Fernandez today with my distinguished colleague Conference, the Gators have achieved a Dave Houts and fellow Florida Gator, Senator John Humenik remarkable record of 53 wins. During Dr. Pete Indelicato CONNIE MACK, to congratulate this his tenure, the Gators have lost ex- Jeff Kamis year’s national champions and one of actly two games at Ben Hill Griffin Betty Ling the top football programs in the his- Stadium, an 80,000 seat fortress that Greg McGarity tory of the Southeastern Conference, Spurrier has dubbed ‘‘the swamp.’’ Chris Partick the University of Florida Gators. The It is clear that the University of Nancy Sain Gators clinched their first national Florida Gators have been winners on Tim Sain championship in football on January 2, the football field, but their winning Dr. Dick Shaara 1997 when they defeated the Florida Danny Sheldon doesn’t stop there. Academically, the State University Seminoles in the Lou- Gators have excelled equally as well. Jamie Speronis isiana Superdome in New Orleans. This Mike Wasik They have achieved a tremendous grad- year’s triumph is indeed special and uation rate for an NCAA Division I 1996 SCHEDULE came on the heels of a perfect nine win football program, and 16 members of August 31st .. Florida 55 SW Louisiana 21 season in the Southeastern Conference, this year’s team were named to the September 7th Florida 62 Georgia Southern 14 which is, as my colleagues know, one of September Florida 29 Tennessee 29 Southeastern Conference’s Academic 21st. the toughest leagues in college foot- Honor Roll. In addition to their awards September Florida 65 Kentucky 0 ball. 28th. for athletic achievement, Lawrence The Gators defeated the Florida October 5th ... Florida 42 Arkansas 7 Wright and Danny Wuerffel both re- October 12th Florida 56 Louisiana State 13 State football team by a score of 52–20 October 19th Florida 51 Auburn 10 ceived Scholar-Athlete Awards from November 2nd Florida 47 Georgia 7 in the Sugar Bowl on January 2nd. It November 9th Florida 28 Vanderbilt 21 was truly an impressive and memo- the College Football Association. November Florida 52 South Carolina 25 rable display of leadership, dedication Their achievements don’t stop on the 16th. football field, however. The Gators November Florida 21 Florida State 24 and teamwork by a college football 30th. team. This historic victory by the have also been major contributors to 1996 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME the greater Gainesville community December 7th Florida 45 Alabama 30 Gators not only brought with it the team’s first national championship, where they volunteer countless hours 1996 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME in support of worthy causes like a lit- January 2nd .. Florida 52 Florida State 20 but the Gators also set an unprece- dented number of bowl records includ- eracy program, an international youth 1996 FINAL DIVISION 1 RANKINGS ing the largest margin of victory education program and support stu- dents with disabilities. ASSOCIATED PRESS POLL against a No. 1 ranked team and the As a Gator and a graduate of the Uni- 1. University of Florida most points scored in a Sugar Bowl 2. Ohio State University game. versity of Florida, I am extremely 3. Florida State University I would also like to commend Florida proud of the 1996 Florida Gators and 4. Arizona State University State’s Head Coach, Bobby Bowden and Head Coach Steve Spurrier for their 5. Brigham Young University his fine team of football players for outstanding achievements both on and 6. University of Nebraska their magnificent season and for earn- off of the football field. 7. Penn State University ing the right to play in the national Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I 8. University of Colorado take some pride in that my brother 9. University of Tennessee championship. Although Florida State didn’t win the game on January 2nd, graduated from the University of Flor- 10. University of North Carolina ida. So I will join in those congratula- 11. University of Alabama they had a great season and they and 12. Louisiana State University their fans should be proud of their ac- tions. 13. Virginia Tech University complishments. I ask unanimous consent that the 14. University of Miami (Fla) The Gators managed to play its full resolution be agreed to, the preamble 15. Northwestern University complement of players during the sea- be agreed to, the motion to reconsider 16. University of Washington son and devastated their opponents by be laid upon the table, and that any 17. Kansas State University averaging: 46.6 points per game, 333.9 statements relating to the resolution 18. University of Iowa yards passing per game and 503.9 yards appear at this point in the RECORD. 19. University of Notre Dame The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 20. University of Michigan total offense per game. Among their 21. Syracuse University numerous record breaking achieve- objection, it is so ordered. 22. University of Wyoming ments on the football field, the Gators’ The resolution (S. Res. 66) was agreed 23. University of Texas players also managed to bring home to. 24. Auburn University the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell The preamble was agreed to. 25. U.S. Military Academy (Army) Award, the Unitas Award, the Davey The resolution, with its preamble, is USA TODAY/CNN COACHES POLL O’Brien Award and the Thorpe Award as follows: 1. University of Florida to name just a few. S. RES. 66 2. Ohio State University Under the extraordinary tutelage and Whereas the University of Florida can 3. Florida State University superior leadership of Head Coach trace its beginnings to 1853 but was formally 4. Arizona State University Steve Spurrier, the University of Flor- established by the State of Florida when 5. Brigham Young University ida football program rose above all Florida Agricultural College merged with 6. University of Nebraska others on the field in 1996. Prior to his East Florida Seminary, South Florida Mili- 7. Penn State University arrival in 1990, no Florida Gator foot- tary College, and St. Petersburg Normal & 8. University of Colorado ball team had captured an official Industrial School in 1905 9. University of Tennessee Whereas the University of Florida adopted 10. Univerity of North Carolina Southeastern Conference championship the colors of orange and blue for its athletic 11. University of Alabama in 56 years even though the university team in 1905 and the alligator as the school’s 12. Virginia Tech University was a charter member of the league. mascot in 1908; 13. Louisiana State University That trend changed in 1990, and Whereas the origins of intercollegiate foot- 14. University of Miami (Fla) Coach Spurrier’s Gators have won at ball at the University of Florida can be March 20, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2735 traced back to 1901, when Dr. T.H. (2) recognizes the achievements of all the assist the parties in promoting their Taliaferro, president of the Florida State Ag- players, coaches, and support staff who were legislative agenda. House Speaker Sam ricultural College, enthusiastically endorsed instrumental in helping the University of Rayburn feared that such policy com- the new sport of football and by that deed Florida win the 1996 Division I collegiate mittees might threaten his authority ensured that the University of Florida football national championship and invites Fightin’ Gator football team exists today; them to the Capitol to be honored in an ap- and refused to support them. Although Whereas the University of Florida is a propriate manner to be determined; the idea was dropped from the Legisla- founding member of the Southeastern Con- (3) requests that the President recognize tive Reorganization Act, it was shortly ference, considered by many to be the tough- the accomplishments and achievements of thereafter incorporated in an appro- est conference in college football; the 1996 University of Florida Fightin’ Gator priations bill but authorized policy Whereas the students, alumni, and friends football team and invite the team to Wash- committees for the Senate alone. Some of the University of Florida are to be com- ington, D.C. for the traditional White House mended for the dedication, enthusiasm, and time later the House also established ceremony held for national championship admiration they share for the Fightin’ Gator policy committees. teams; and football team; Chief credit for the policy commit- (4) directs the Secretary of the Senate to Whereas in 1990, Stephen Orr Spurrier, the tees belongs to Ohio Republican Sen- most fabled football player in the history of make available enrolled copies of this resolu- tion to the University of Florida for appro- ator Robert A. Taft. As chairman of the University of Florida and winner of the the Republican Steering Committee, Heisman Trophy in 1966, was hired to be the priate display and to transmit an enrolled head football coach to lead the team to the copy to each member of the 1996 University from 1944 to 1946, Taft firmly believed ever elusive ‘‘Year of the Gator’’; of Florida Division I collegiate national in thorough preparation and expertise. Whereas in 1992, Coach Spurrier and his as- championship football team. Although Republicans were then in the sistant coaches recruited a group of talented f minority, Taft used the Steering Com- athletes who went on to form the nucleus of mittee to plan and coordinate the par- AUTHORIZING THE PRINTING OF the 1996 football team; ty’s legislative program, rather that Whereas the 1996 Fightin’ Gator football THE HISTORY MANUSCRIPT OF wait to react defensively against the team compiled a record of 12 wins and 1 loss THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMO- initiatives of the President and the ma- and outscored their opponents by a margin CRATIC POLICY COMMITTEES of 611 points to 221 points, and for this jority party. Under Taft the Steering achievement the Fightin’ Gator football Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I Committee helped Republican Senators team was recognized by the Associated Press ask unanimous consent that the Sen- become better informed on pending is- and the Division I college football coaches as ate proceed to the immediate consider- sues. His staff ran evening meetings college football’s 1996 Division I national ation of S. Res. 67 submitted earlier that some called a night school for champions; Whereas the 1996 Fightin’ Gators football today by Senators CRAIG and REID. Senators. The Republican Steering team and coaches are to be commended for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Committee became the model for the winning the school’s first Division I colle- clerk will report. proposed policy committees. Indeed, giate football national championship. The legislative clerk read as follows: when the policy committees were writ- Whereas the 1996 Fightin’ Gator football A resolution (S. Res. 67) authorizing the ten into law, the Republican Con- team broke several school, Southeastern printing of the history manuscript of the Re- ference simply redesignated its Steer- Conference, and Division I football records publican and Democratic Policy Committees ing Committee as the Republican Pol- during the 1996 football season; in Commemoration of their 50th Anniver- Whereas the 1996 senior class of the icy Committee. Chairman Taft and all saries. Fightin’ Gator football team should be com- of the other members of the Steering mended for their leadership and their ‘‘team The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Committee become the first members first’’ approach that helped win the 1996 Di- objection to the immediate consider- of the Policy Committee. vision I collegiate football national cham- ation of the resolution? The Republican Policy Committee pionship, 4 consecutive Southeastern Con- There being no objection, the Senate came into existence at the beginning of ference football championships, and the proceeded to consider the resolution. most victories for a senior class in school the 80th Congress, just as Republicans history; Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise to resumed the majority in the Senate Whereas Danny Wuerffel, the team’s quar- speak on ‘‘A History of the Senate Re- and House. The 50th anniversary finds terback, field leader, and spiritual leader publican Policy Committee, 1947–1997.’’ Republicans back in the majority in should be commended for winning numerous Fifty years ago, the Senate estab- both Houses of Congress. Over the awards and accolades for his performance lished the Republican and Democratic years the Policy Committee’s services during the 1996 football season including the policy committees. At the end of the and functions have expanded consider- Heisman Trophy, which is presented yearly Second World War and at the beginning to college football’s most outstanding play- ably. Since 1947, it has produced the er, and the Draddy Scholarship Trophy, of the cold war, U.S. Senators had con- very useful Record Vote Analyses. which is presented annually to the Nation’s cluded that this venerable old institu- Since 1956, it has hosted working premier football scholar athlete; tion needed modernization to enable it lunches each week for Republican Sen- Whereas Lawrence Wright, the team’s to handle the increasingly complex for- ators. Since 1987, it has operated an in- strong safety, should be commended for win- eign and domestic issues on its agenda, house bulletin-board cable information ning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, and to hold its own against an expand- which is presented yearly to college foot- channel to keep Senators and their ball’s most outstanding defensive back; ing presidential influence. staffs apprised of Senate floor activi- Whereas Reidel Anthony, one of the team’s From 1945 to 1946, a joint committee ties and the upcoming agenda. In 1995, clutch wide receivers, should be commended chaired by Senator Robert M. the Policy Committee stood among the for being selected by both the Football writ- LaFollette, Jr., a Republican from Wis- first Senate offices to develop a home ers Association and the Associated Press to consin, and Representative Mike page on the Internet’s World Wide Web, their respective college football All-Amer- Monroney, an Oklahoma Democrat, in- to provide information inside and out- ican teams; Whereas Ike Hilliard, another of the team’s vestigated ways to reform the legisla- side the Senate on its publications, and deep threats at wide receiver, should be com- tive branch. The joint committee pro- to share information on key Repub- mended for being selected by the Walter posed creation of professional staffs for lican policies. Camp Football Foundation as a member of each standing committee and allowing The Policy Committee staff prepares its college football All-American team; Senators and Representatives to ap- both brief and indepth reports on the Whereas all the loyal sons and daughters of point administrative assistants. It also major issues facing the Senate. The the University of Florida join together in recommended expansion of the Legisla- honoring Coach Spurrier and the 1996 Florida Policy Committee conducts seminars Fightin’ Gators for winning the 1996 NCAA tive Reference Service, now known as for new legislative staff members, and Division I football championship; and the Congressional Research Service. holds issue forums and roundtable dis- Whereas the 1996 season will be known for- Those reforms were incorporated into cussions for Senators. It also hosts reg- ever in the hearts and minds of the Univer- the Legislative Reorganization Act of ular meetings for staff directors, legis- sity of Florida faithful as the ‘‘Year of the 1946. lative directors, and press secretaries. Gator’’: Now, therefore, be it One proposal that was not included During its first 50 years, the Repub- Resolved, That the Senate— (1) commends the University of Florida for in the act was the joint committee’s lican Policy Committee grew into a winning the 1996 Division I collegiate foot- recommendation that the Senate and thriving operation staffed by a variety ball national championship; House establish policy committees to of experts. Working directly with the