H1576 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 16, 1997 canine that has served alongside offi- H. CON. RES. 61 vide greater opportunities for the rest cers enforcing our laws. Because of Whereas Jackie Robinson was the first four of us. their unique role, many of these ani- sport letterman at the University of Califor- The list of firsts is long and should mals have had protection training, nia at Los Angeles; never be forgotten. The Rosa Parkses, which could make them a danger to Whereas on April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson the Frederick Douglasses, the Arthur public safety if they are handled by was the first African-American to cross the Ashes, the Marian Andersons, the color barrier and play for a major league someone who had not been trained in baseball team; James Merediths, the Jesse Owenses this capacity. Whereas Jackie Robinson, whose career and, in Oklahoma, Prentiss Gautt and As a result, these canines should not began in the Negro Leagues, went on to be Ada Louis Sipuels, and most recently simply be sold to the highest bidder at named Rookie of the Year and subsequently in our Nation we know of Tiger Woods. an auction to be taken home as a fam- led the Brooklyn Dodgers to six National These are all men and women who had ily pet. Unfortunately, if no appro- League pennants and a World Series cham- the courage, heart and insight to be priate trained handler comes forward pionship; the first to create change in our soci- Whereas Jackie Robinson’s inspiring ca- ety. to bid on the property, there is a possi- reer earned him recognition as the first Afri- bility that this dog would be caged or can-American to win a batting title, lead the Being the first can often be lonely, even in some cases destroyed. league in stolen bases, play in an All-Star but these American heroes have had This is hardly humane, a hardly hu- game, win a Most Valuable Player award, the strength to push ahead and find mane treatment of an animal that has play in the World Series and be elected to justice where injustice had prevailed. spent its life protecting Americans and baseball’s Hall of Fame; As a former professional athlete, I upholding our laws. Whereas after retiring from baseball Jack- am thankful for the Jackie Robinsons ie Robinson was active in the civil rights and the firsts of this world. They have b 1415 movement and founded the first bank owned gone before and not only opened the by African-Americans in New York City; According to the CRS research, there Whereas his legacy continues to uplift the door but they have left it wide open for are over 500 canines in service of the Nation through the Jackie Robinson Foun- people like me. Federal Government. H.R. 173 would dation that has provided 425 scholarships to April 15, 1947, was the first day that allow the surplus canines to be donated needy students; Jackie Robinson crossed the color bar- to their handlers, who would thereby Whereas Jackie Robinson’s courage, dig- rier with the Brooklyn Dodgers. What assume all the costs and responsibil- nity, and example taught the Nation that made Jackie Robinson so memorable ities related to the care of that animal. what matters most is not the color of a was that his list of achievements did man’s skin but rather the content of his This is a simple solution to a unique not stop with that crashing of racial character; barriers. His accomplishments, includ- problem that confronts our Federal law Whereas Jackie Robinson, in his career, enforcement canine units. H.R. 173 re- consistently demonstrated that how you ing being named Rookie of the Year moves the hoops agencies must jump play the game is more important than the and leading the Dodgers to six National through to place a canine that has final score; League pennants, including a World Se- served our country with a handler and Whereas Jackie Robinson’s life and herit- ries championship, matched his brav- a nurturing home. age help make the American dream more ac- ery. cessible to all; and Jackie Robinson understood that he Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Whereas April 15, 1997, marks the 50th an- gentleman from California [Mr. HORN] could lock arms with other blacks and niversary of Jackie Robinson’s entrance into fight racism and fight bigotry, but he and the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. major league baseball: Now, therefore, be it BURTON] and the committee’s action on Resolved by the House of Representatives (the also understood that success is deter- this bill, and I urge my colleagues to Senate concurring), That the achievements mined by the individual effort, not by support H.R. 173 to ease the adoption of and contributions of Jackie Robinson be the group. Federal law enforcement canines. honored and celebrated; that his dedication Jackie was a true entrepreneur. His Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back and sacrifice be recognized; and that his con- life did not stop with baseball. He went tributions to African-Americans and to the on to be active in the Civil Rights the balance of my time. Nation be remembered. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. movement during the 1960’s. He served The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- UPTON). The question is on the motion in Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s ad- offered by the gentleman from Califor- ant to the rule, the gentleman from ministration and started the first California [Mr. HORN] and the gentle- nia [Mr. HORN] that the House suspend black-owned bank in New York City, as the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 173, as woman from New York [Mrs. Maloney] well as a construction firm. amended. each will control 20 minutes. Last night the Nation celebrated this The question was taken; and (two- The Chair recognizes the gentleman anniversary during the fifth inning of thirds having voted in favor thereof) from California [Mr. HORN]. the Dodgers-Mets game. Mrs. Robinson the rules were suspended and the bill, Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- graciously accepted the accolades and as amended, was passed. mous consent that I may yield my time America paused to recognize number The title of the bill was amended so to the gentleman from Oklahoma, [Mr. 42. as to read: ‘‘A bill to amend the Fed- WATTS], and that he be permitted to Athletics is one of the few arenas eral Property and Administrative Serv- yield blocks of time. today where we are judged on our mer- ices Act of 1949 to authorize donation The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there its. If an individual is good enough to of Federal law enforcement canines objection to the request of the gen- play, they play. Jackie is an icon be- that are no longer needed for official tleman from California? cause of his integrity and character There was no objection. purposes to individuals with experience and what he proved by being the first The SPEAKER pro tempore. The handling canines in the performance of and opening the door. He accomplished Chair recognizes the gentleman from law enforcement duties.’’ more for all people than he could have Oklahoma [Mr. WATTS]. A motion to reconsider was laid on accomplished in Washington with more Mr. WATTS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the table. legislation. self such time as I may consume. There is a lesson in the life of Jackie f Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support Robinson for all of us. of House Concurrent Resolution 61. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of HONORING THE LIFETIME This resolution encourages all Ameri- my time. ACHIEVEMENTS OF JACKIE ROB- cans to remember the achievements of Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. INSON Jackie Robinson at this important Speaker, I yield myself such time as I Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I move to time in our country’s history. may consume. suspend the rules and agree to the con- There is something magical about Jackie Robinson is a true American current resolution (H. Con. Res. 61) the firsts in our society. I sometimes hero. Fifty years ago yesterday he honoring the lifetime achievements of think God gave them broader shoulders stood up against racism, prejudice and Jackie Robinson. to carry the tremendous load they have hate and changed this country for the The Clerk read as follows: had to bear to make life better and pro- better. We applaud the strength that April 16, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1577 he showed on the field and especially about over when I finally got to the big But going back to the question that I the courage he exerted off the field. He leagues. When I started out I was in asked before, the question is how would was a pillar of strength in the civil the American League with Detroit and he feel. I think that and I hope that as rights movement and we are fortunate he was in the National League with we celebrate this great man’s life, and that his legacy is continued today in Brooklyn, so the only time I really got certainly we do not celebrate because the Jackie Robinson Foundation. to face him was in spring training he died but because he lived, I hope Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of games in 1954, 1955, and 1956. that we will keep a lot of things in my time. But in those days, Brooklyn was the mind, and I am sure if Jackie Robinson Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- team to beat. They had a real dynasty were here today he would agree with er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman going. In fact, they made it to the me. from California, [Mr. HORN]. World Series in 1952, 1953, and again in First of all, it is true that he did Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the 1955 and 1956. And Jackie Robinson was break the color barrier with regard to gentleman for yielding me this time. It one of the biggest reasons they were baseball. But as I read his history, it is a great day when Members in both such an outstanding team. went far beyond that. He was a man parties can honor one of the really fine He was a real trail blazer and an out- who spoke eloquently about race rela- Americans of this century. standing ball player. A man of destiny. tions. He stood up for what was right, Jackie Robinson did break barriers In the mid 1950’s, when I finally made no matter what the situation was. And throughout his life: as a college stu- it to the major leagues, nearly 10 years that is very important in our society; dent, a college player, and as a profes- after Jackie Robinson broke the color that we ought to bring about positive sional player. I am delighted to note in barrier, there were not too many change. the city of Long Beach, which I am blacks in the American League, and I would submit that he was a great honored to represent and in which I that was 8 years after Jackie Robinson man of integrity. The great writer Ste- live, a few years ago we established the played his first game for Brooklyn. phen Carter, in his book ‘‘Integrity’’ Jackie Robinson Academy. It is located I can tell my colleagues this: Under says that integrity is based upon three in the inner city. It is an academic the best of circumstances, when an in- things: No. 1, he says one must discern achieving school. President Clinton has dividual is starting out, it is pretty between what is right and wrong, what visited there, spent time with the stu- frightening to walk out to the pitcher’s is good and bad. And Jackie Robinson dents and the faculty in the school, and mound or to the batter’s box in a big surely did that. Mrs. Robinson was there on the dedica- league game. That is even true when an b 1430 tion day, as were a few thousand oth- individual’s race is not an issue. So it ers. And it was a great spirit that he is mind-boggling to consider the kind He did it over and over and over would have been proud to see if he were of pressure that Jackie Robinson must again. He did not take a walk when it still alive. have been under when he walked out came time to stand up for what he be- It is that spirit and gentlemanliness, there the first time when race was an lieved in. He made a decision between that compassion that he personifies, issue, a very big issue. right and wrong, and he stood on that. and that I think all who study his ca- The fact that he tried, the fact that Even when people spat on him and peo- reer hopefully will emulate. he dared, the fact that he made it is ple called him all kinds of names, Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield tremendous testimony to his courage, names that I dare not say in this 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illi- his self-confidence, and to his love of Chamber, the fact is that he stood for nois, [Mr. DAVIS]. baseball. Jackie Robinson changed the what he believed in. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I face of baseball and, for that matter, The great writer, Stephen Carter, want to thank the gentlewoman from all other sports, and he made a tremen- goes on to say that there is a No. 2 New York for yielding me this time. dous contribution to race relations in thing that we must do to have true in- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join this Nation. tegrity, and Jackie Robinson had it. with all of those who have come to- Fifty years ago Jackie Robinson That is that you must act upon what gether in this resolution to honor the made a difference. It is right and fit- you believe in even to your own peril. life, the legacy, and the contributions ting that we honor the memory of his So I say to America and to our coun- of a great American. achievements here today and his cour- try and to this great Congress that his I grew up during the Jackie Robinson age in doing the things that he did example is one that we must live up to. era and I can tell my colleagues, as a when he lived. My good wishes to That is, that we must look at a man young person there was nobody alive at Rachael and all his family today. called Jackie Robinson, who broke this that moment who had as much impact. Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask color barrier 50 years ago, who stood up As a matter of fact, Jackie Robinson unanimous consent that I may yield over and over and over again for what was so important to us and to every- my time to the gentleman from Mary- he believed in, even to his own peril. I body that I knew that we could recite land, [Mr. CUMMINGS], and that he be cannot even imagine what he must the Brooklyn Dodger lineup, beginning permitted to yield blocks of time. have felt going onto a field with people with the catcher to the right fielder. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there calling him everything but a child of More important than that, Jackie objection to the request of the gentle- God. I cannot imagine it. But yet and Robinson demonstrated not only skill woman from New York? still, he performed quite nicely under but courage and determination to help There was no objection. all of those circumstances. break down the barriers of racism, of Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Going back to the writer Stephen prejudice, of assumptions that individ- myself such time as I may consume. Carter, he says you must do one other uals could not all play on one field and It certainly is an honor to stand here thing. He says, No. 1, you must discern make a score. If we can remember that, today to salute a great hero. As I between right and wrong; No. 2, you then I think we will score well not only watched the President on television must act, even to your own peril, on for ourselves but for generations yet to last night, and as I listen to my col- what is right; but then he says some- come. leagues, and I am very grateful to all of thing else, that you must tell someone Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- them for every syllable that is spoken about it. The reason why he says you er, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman on behalf of Jackie Robinson, I stand, must tell someone about it is because from Kentucky, [Mr. BUNNING.] Mr. Speaker, and wonder what he of the fact that in order to change the (Mr. BUNNING asked and was given would feel if he were standing here world, in order to change the world, permission to revise and extend his re- today. you have to tell people what you stood marks.) In Baltimore, where I hail from, we for and what you did with regard to Mr. BUNNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise in have a team that is doing pretty good that. strong support of House Concurrent right now. I look at that team and I And so it is that Jackie Robinson Resolution 61. I did not get to pitch ask myself, if it were not for a Jackie told the world. He told the world that against Jackie Robinson very many Robinson, how many African-American no matter what, I shall stand up for times in his career, because it was just players would be there today? what I believe in. He told the world H1578 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 16, 1997 that I will play baseball even under dif- Mr. Speaker, we rise today to honor black man to win the Master’s golf ficult circumstances. the memory and legacy of Jackie Rob- tournament. But, Mr. Speaker, he had something inson, who described himself as an Jackie Robinson and baseball were at else going for him, too. He had a vision. eternal optimist. He did so in one of the forefront of America’s race rela- I am sure he had a vision that one day the most difficult moments in our his- tions. As baseball went, I am proud to every team in the American League, tory. In the wake of the assassination say, so too has gone the country, slow- every team in the National League of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jack ly improving race relations and moving would have African-American players Roosevelt Robinson said, I am an eter- toward equality for all Americans re- playing great baseball, African-Amer- nal optimist and I believe some good gardless of color. Children growing up ican players sharing rooms with white will come even of this tragedy. in the late 1940’s and the early 1950’s players, African-American players Jack Robinson was one who was a could look to Jackie Robinson and to doing everything that they could to pioneer in many areas. He stood his Dodger teammates and witness stand up for what they believed in, just unafraid to speak the truth as he saw firsthand black and white working to- as Jackie Robinson did. And so it is it, active in both major political par- gether, being part of a common team. with great honor that I stand here in ties, and it is that eloquence, that abil- And while there remained much support of House Concurrent Resolu- ity and, yes, that pioneer spirit that we progress to be made after Jackie Rob- tion 61. honor today. inson integrated baseball and much Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. Speaker, to his widow Rachel, to progress still to be made today, a my time. his family and most of all to the people major step had been taken. Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- of the United States of America, we go When Jackie Robinson and Branch er, I say to the gentleman from Mary- on record today proud to honor the leg- Rickey showed the courage to chal- land, that was very well said. acy of Jack Roosevelt Robinson. lenge baseball and America, to reevalu- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield ate American racial policy, they helped gentleman from Arizona [Mr. myself such time as I may consume. start a movement that continues to HAYWORTH]. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the this day. While much progress remains Mr. HAYWORTH. I thank my col- gentleman from Arizona who just to be made in today’s race relations, league from Oklahoma for yielding me spoke for his comments. He said some- we have made great strides in the last this time and my colleague from Mary- thing that I would like to just piggy- 50 years, strides that would not have land who preceded me with his com- back on just a bit. been possible but for heroes like Jackie ments. Robinson and others similar. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support So often out of difficult cir- cumstances come great things. I think I join the gentleman and am pleased of this resolution to honor the memory to support this resolution and am and the legacy of Jack Roosevelt Rob- that when you look at what Jackie Robinson did and coming through the proud to be a part of this effort. inson. A couple of Arizonans offer a Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield difficulty that he did come through, unique perspective on the life of Jackie 3 minutes to the distinguished gen- the fact is, is that he opened the doors Robinson. One is former Phoenix tleman from Philadelphia, PA [Mr. for so, so many. I would venture to Mayor Sam Mardian, who grew up in FATTAH]. the modest Pasadena neighborhood in guess that the 39 members of the Black Mr. FATTAH. Mr. Speaker, I thank close proximity to Jackie Robinson. Caucus, the Congressional Black Cau- the gentleman from Maryland for In a recent column in the Arizona cus, owe a great debt of gratitude to yielding me this time, and I rise in sup- Republic, he spoke of Robinson’s this great man, for he did open many port of our attempt to honor the life unique gift not only as a great athlete doors. But he did it through pain. I and legacy of this great African Amer- but as one who could reach across bar- think that if we are to learn anything ican. riers, as one who could work to extol from this great man, we should learn I am reminded, however, that as we the virtues of teamwork. And even as that through pain, a lot of times come come to honor Jackie Robinson, we we recognize that, we dare not, we can- great things. should be clear what brought him to not pause without reflecting on Robin- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the opportunity to play major league son’s incredible athletic gifts. A four- my time. baseball. It was in its own way an af- sport letterman at UCLA. Indeed, base- Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- firmative action program in which he ball, ironically, was not his greatest er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman was sought out, brought in to deal with sport. But in baseball it is where he from Arizona [Mr. SHADEGG]. the fact that African-Americans had began to make a difference for this (Mr. SHADEGG asked and was given been excluded from the opportunity to land of ours. permission to revise and extend his re- play in major league baseball. If it Another recollection comes from an- marks.) were not for the active effort to include other man who now calls Phoenix Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Speaker, I thank him, then we would not be here today home, former Dodger pitcher Joe the gentleman for yielding me this honoring him, and as we honor him as Black, who joined the Brooklyn organi- time, and I thank and compliment all a nation, we should think about the zation after Jackie broke the color line of those involved in this great discus- other doors that are sometimes locked and who had the occasion to room with sion this afternoon. to persons of color because, for what- Mr. Robinson. Joe Black recalls that Jackie Robinson played his first ever reason, people are unable to get Jackie’s first words to him were, major league baseball game on April past prejudices, to deny people access ‘‘You’re a big man, Joe. I bet you’re 15, 1947. That was 7 years before the Su- to law school and medical school, to good in a fight, but we’re not here to preme Court’s historic decision in colleges, college preparatory schools, fight.’’ Brown versus Board of Education. It to deny them access to contracts and A personal recollection. My grand- was 18 years before the voter registra- employment opportunities. father spent 50 years in major league tion drives in Selma, AL. It was 16 We know all too well that the racism baseball. He was honored to scout, years before Martin Luther King’s fa- that existed that prevented Jackie alongside Branch Rickey, many of mous ‘‘I have a dream’’ speech. And it Robinson from being able to play and those who would come from the Negro was 18 years before passage of the Vot- others who were even more qualified leagues into major league baseball. ing Rights Act of 1965. than him perhaps and were denied the And what Jack Robinson brought to It was 1 year before President Tru- opportunity to play in major league the game was more than a great phys- man ordered the integration of the baseball at that time has not evapo- ical ability, it was an incredible ability United States Army and 21 years before rated totally in this country over the to bring his intellectual capacities, the Arthur Ashe would become the first last 50 years. notion of strategy. Indeed, he helped to black man to win the U.S. Open men’s So I come to the floor to join my change the face of baseball. The strat- singles title. It was 16 years before Mi- voice to the voices of others, but I egy of using his speed to even steal chael Jordan was born and 50 years be- want to remind us that as we pay hom- home changed the face of baseball just fore Tiger Woods, to the pride of mil- age to Jackie Robinson and as we mar- as suredly as he broke the color line. lions this weekend, became the first vel at the ability of a Tiger Woods, we April 16, 1997 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1579 should know that they represent the spirit, wherever he is, Jackie Robinson sport he tried. He was an all-American in bas- reality that Americans of every color I say to him, thank you, thank you for ketball and broke the long jump record. During and persuasion have gifts given to standing up, thank you for being an ex- his time at UCLA, he also became a star foot- them by the Creator and are capable if ample, thank you for being someone ball player. they are given the opportunity. We that little boys and little girls could When World War II broke out, Robinson should continue as a Congress to try to follow and who can say that you were joined the Army and was commissioned a sec- find ways to open those doors of oppor- a true role model. Thank you for being ond lieutenant. Despite his outstanding athletic tunities so that these young people and a role model. Thank you for not taking ability and commissioned officer status, Robin- people like them can continue to cre- a walk and saying to our young people son came face-to-face with the harsh reality of ate a circumstance in which we can all that I will not be a role model, that I a segregated America. He was denied an op- be proud. am not a role model. You were a role portunity to play on either the Army's football Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the model. or baseball teams. When he personally chal- gentleman from Maryland, and thank So we say to him today, thank you, lenged the so-called Jim Crow laws that pro- my colleagues from the other side of thank you for lifting us up, thank you hibited Blacks from sitting in the front of a bus, the aisle. I hope that as we vote to for all of us who are now in our 40s, 50s, Robinson faced a court martial. Although, he honor Jackie Robinson, we will not and 60s, thank you for being that ex- was found innocent, his Army career was vote to close doors of opportunity to ample, thank you for bridging the gap. soon over. other young people, those same doors Thank you for building bridges so that After his military service, Jackie Robinson that we today rise to congratulate and we reach out to one another and say we returned to his first love, baseball, joining the recognize the accomplishments of this too are America and so that when little Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro American great African-American. children sing, my country ’tis of thee, League. When the Dodgers' general manager Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield sweet land of liberty, so that when Branch Rickey recruited him for the major myself the balance of my time. they sing those wonderful songs about leagues, Robinson was not the most famous As I close, Mr. Speaker, I just want this patriotic world that we live in, or talented of the Negro league players. But to go back to something that the dis- this country that we live in, they can Rickey saw in Jackie Robinson a man of great tinguished gentleman from Pennsylva- too stand there and say that I can too courage and conviction, someone who could nia just talked about. He talked about stand up to adversity and turn the other cheek succeed, that I can too be powerful, the fact that there had been doors to those who were out to destroy his career that I can too make a difference. closed over and over again to people of Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance and the dreams of all African-Americans. African-American descent. And there Over and over again Robinson was put to of my time. the test. He faced the boos, the racial slurs, have been doors closed to many immi- Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- and even death threats from many fans. Even grants that have come to this country. er, I yield myself such time as I may the other players were far from supportive. As I sat there listening to what he had consume. to say, I could not help but be re- Jackie Robinson said, Some of Jackie's own teammates threatened minded of my childhood as a young boy to strike. And, once on the field, players dug Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re their spikes into him as they slid into base. in south Baltimore, where we did not going to spend your whole life in the grand- have many opportunities. We did not stands just watching what goes on, in my Pitchers baited him by throwing balls directly play on grass. We played on asphalt. I opinion you’re wasting your life. at his head. Jackie Robinson responded say- will never forget looking up to a Jackie Mr. Speaker, Mr. Robinson did not ing, ``I'm not concerned with you liking me or Robinson and saying there is a man waste his life. He inspired the lives of disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me who looks like me, who looks like my others. He carried the weight of the as a human being.'' Jackie Robinson had to put up with other in- father, there is a man who came from world on his shoulders on April 15, 1947, dignities as well. He couldn't stay in the same the same kind of neighborhood that I to make America better. He carried the hotels as his teammates or join them for a came from, there is a man who is doing weight of the world on his shoulders in it, and so I know that I can do it, too. meal at many restaurants. In some cities, he order to raise the conscious level of the had to drink from colored only water fountains That was very significant for me. American people concerning injustices I shall never forget standing and and catch a ride in colored only cabs. of our great Nation at the time, and be- singing in class, in elementary school, Throughout it all, Jackie Robinson resisted the cause Jackie Robinson became better, ‘‘My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of temptation to strike back. He let his actions on not bitter, he challenged us all to be liberty, of thee I sing.’’ And then I the field speak for themselves. By the end of our best. asked the question, but am I singing his first season, his power hitting and aggres- Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous sup- for a dream that can be fulfilled? Am I sive base running earned him the Rookie of port for this resolution. singing for a dream like a Jackie Rob- the Year honor as he led the Dodgers' to the Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, inson? National League Pennant. today I join my colleagues in honoring a real Mr. Speaker, I would submit to the Jackie Robinson went on to be the spark American heroÐa man who changed the face Members of this great Congress that it that ignited the great Dodger teams of the of baseball and inspired so many others to is people like Jackie Robinson that 1950's. He batted .300 or better 6 years in a break down barriers. Fifty years ago this stood up for little boys and girls all row and led the National League in stolen week, Jackie Robinson walked onto Ebbets over our country. bases during two seasons. He was the Na- Field, wearing his Brooklyn Dodgers uniform tional League's Most Valuable Player in 1949 b 1445 and before a crowd of 26,623 fans, became with a batting average of .342. And then, in When they looked at Jackie Robin- the first African-American to play major league 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall son, they said to themselves, ‘‘He looks baseball. For young people today, it's probably of Fame. Years later, in 1987, the National like me, he comes from my same kind hard to imagine a time when the color of your League Rookie of the Year Award was re- of neighborhood, he stands up like my skin could keep you from fulfilling your dream named in his honor. father, he looks like my father, and if of playing professional ball. But for half a cen- Mr. Speaker, Jackie Robinson was a great he can do it, so can I.’’ tury, America's most beloved past time had ball player, but as we celebrate his achieve- And so it is that it is only fitting been off limits to anyone who was not white. ments on the field, we must also remember that on this 50th anniversary that we When Jackie Robinson took to the field that the contributions he made to the American pause, and sometimes, Mr. Speaker, it day, it marked a turning point in American his- way of life. Jackie Robinson put his own fears is so important that we simply pause tory. As Jackie Robinson's wife, Rachel, later aside, stood up to bigotry and hatred, and he in our lives to take a moment to recog- wrote: ``I think the single most important im- triumphed. His remarkable achievement has nize great people, that we pause out of pact of Jack's presence was that it enabled been a rallying cry to confront all forms of our busy schedules and say, wait a white baseball fans to root for a black man, prejudice. Jackie Robinson's legacy is still visi- minute, time out; let us take a mo- thus encouraging more whites to realize that ble today in the faces of the young boys and ment to realize and recognize what a all our destinies were inextricably linked.'' girls of all different colors who dream of be- great man did. Jackie Robinson's major league debut was a coming a professional athlete or of achieving, So to Jackie Robinson, who is not triumph for a naturally gifted athlete who grew in some other way, their own special place in here, but I do believe that he is here in up in Pasadena, CA, and excelled in every history. H1580 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 16, 1997 In the words of Jackie Robinson ``a life is ie Robinson's first game with the Brooklyn GENERAL LEAVE not important except in the impact it has on Dodgers. Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- other lives.'' Jackie Robinson's life can serve Not only was Jackie Robinson a great ath- er, I ask unanimous consent that all as an inspiration to all of us, both young and lete, he was a man of amazing courage and Members may have 5 legislative days old, that through hard work and determination grace who served as a powerful role model to in which to revise and extend their re- we can overcome any obstacles and break so many of us growing up in that era. marks and include extraneous material down what appear to be insurmountable I recall vividly when I was a young boy the on House Concurrent Resolution 61. barriers. excitement among my friends as we followed The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, on the career of Jackie Robinson. In fact, in UPTON). Is there objection to the re- this 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's 1946, when he was still with the International quest of the gentleman from Okla- major league debut, I am proud to say that I League, he played in Jersey City, which is homa? am and always have been a fan of Jackie now in my congressional district, before a There was no objection. Robinson. Not just for his athletic prowess, but wildly enthusiastic crowd of 26,000 cheering f for what I believe is his greatest achievement: fans. DOS PALOS LAND TRANSFER his ability to keep his eye on the goal of play- He led the Dodgers to six National League Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I ing baseball and doing his best in the face of pennants and a World Series championship in move to suspend the rules and pass the the catcalls, the hissing, and the jeers. 1955. Over the course of his major league ca- With all the societal pressures placed on bill (H.R. 111) to authorize the Sec- reer, he was named to six all-star teams. He him, Jackie Robinson breathed life to the idea retary of Agriculture to convey a par- distinguished himself by winning a batting title, of community and equality; and proved to his cel of unused agricultural land in Dos leading the league in stolen bases, and win- contemporaries that the only color that Palos, CA, to the Dos Palos Ag Boost- ning a Most Valuable Player Award. mattered to him was Dodger blue. But more ers for use as a farm school, as amend- importantly, he made sure he was judged not I had the opportunity to see Jackie Robin- ed. by the petty mans' standard of skin color, but son play the year he broke the color barrier, The Clerk read as follows: by the higher standard of merit, performance, 1947. For African-Americans, his accomplish- H.R. 111 ments were a source of great pride and hope ability, tenacity, and perseverance. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- No doubt, Jackie Robinson had tough times for the future. resentatives of the United States of America in and dreary days throughout his career. His gift Last night many of those who knew Jackie Congress assembled, to baseball and, indeed, to America, was his Robinson best, his former teammates and col- SECTION 1. LAND CONVEYANCE, UNUSED AGRI- sensibility to see past the setbacks, the bi- leagues, testified to his strength and persever- CULTURAL LAND, DOS PALOS, CALI- ance under enormous day to day pressure. FORNIA ases, the bigotry, and the prejudices directed (a) CONVEYANCE.—In accordance with the at him and focus on the enormous task of Sadly, that strain took a personal toll which provisions of this section, the Secretary of playing baseball, well, and proving that shades undoubtedly led to his medical problems and Agriculture shall convey to the Dos Palos Ag of skin color do not make the player or the premature death. Boosters of Dos Palos, California, all right, man. I recall that in 1972, the year which marked title, and interest of the United States in In high school, I was on the track and field the 25th anniversary of his debut in the major and to a parcel of real property (including team, and now, as many of my colleagues leagues, a special tribute was, at long last, improvements thereon) held by the Sec- know, I play annually on the Republican base- given in his honor. At that ceremony, he retary that consists of approximately 22 acres and is located at 18296 Elign Avenue, ball team. I cherish those times on the field. looked beyond the accolades given to him Dos Palos, California, to be used as a farm It's hard to imagine that, before Jackie Robin- personally, and spoke out in behalf of future school for the education and training of stu- son broke the color barrier, so many were ex- opportunities for other African-Americans. He dents and beginning farmers regarding farm- cluded from the opportunities and rewards that said that our mission would not be complete ing. The conveyance shall be final with no playing organized and professional sports pro- until an African-American was given the op- future liability accruing to the Secretary of vide us. Some of life's greatest skillsÐteam- portunity to become a manager, a privilege Agriculture. work, stick-to-itiveness, determination, dili- which he was never offered despite his obvi- (b) CONSIDERATION.—As consideration for ous talent and ability. He put his sentiments in the conveyance under subsection (a), the gence and comraderyÐare learned and rein- transferee shall pay to the Secretary an forced on the ball field, and to have excluded these words: ``I will be even more pleased amount equal to the fair market value of the an entire race from our national pastime is un- when I can look at the third-base coaching parcel conveyed under subsection (a). conscionable. box and see a black manager. I'd like to live (c) ALTERNATIVE TRANSFEREE.—At the re- I have four children, Mr. Speaker, who, like to see a black manager.'' quest of the Dos Palos Ag Boosters, the Sec- myself, have a passion for sports. Every sport Jackie Robinson never got his wish. He died retary may make the conveyance under sub- my children participate in, from baseballÐthat 9 days later. section (a) to the Dos Palos School District. (d) DETERMINATION OF FAIR MARKET VALUE would be my son, ChrisÐto lacrosseÐmy As President Clinton noted last night, our AND PROPERTY DESCRIPTION.—The Secretary daughter MelissaÐto soccerÐmy son Mike Nation can best honor Jackie Robinson's leg- shall determine the fair market value of the and my youngest daughter, Elyse, is a lesson acy by striving to become a society where we parcel to be conveyed under subsection (a). in unity and selflessness. And no one lived all work together in a spirit of harmony and a The exact acreage and legal description of that lesson better than Jackie Robinson. With shared vision for the future. the parcel shall be determined by a survey two out and one on in scoring position, and Mr. Speaker, as we remember the remark- satisfactory to the Secretary. The cost of any such survey shall be borne by the trans- your teammate coming to the plate for the able legacy of Jackie Robinson, let us also re- possible game winning RBI, you stand and feree. solve to honor the lessons he so eloquently (e) ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.— root him on. And your teammate isn't Jackie, taught us. The Secretary may require such additional the African-American kid, he is Jackie, your Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- terms and conditions in connection with the friend, and the best darn player on the team. er, I yield back the balance of my time. conveyance under this section as the Sec- Each time my children step on to a field with The SPEAKER pro tempore. The retary considers appropriate to protect the their teammates and I see the matching colors interests of the United States. question is on the motion offered by of their jerseys worn by a vibrant mix of eth- the gentleman from California [Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- nicity and race, I know that we are getting ant to the rule, the gentleman from Or- HORN] that the House suspend the rules closer to an equal and unified society. I thank and agree to the concurrent resolution, egon [Mr. SMITH] and the gentleman Jackie Robinson for breaking the color barrier House Concurrent Resolution 61. from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM] each will and laying the foundation. Yet, I know Jackie control 20 minutes. Robinson would be disappointed in all of us if The question was taken. The Chair recognizes the gentleman we didn't finish what he so courageously Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- from Oregon [Mr. SMITH]. began. By remembering and honoring him er, on that I demand the yeas and nays. (Mr. SMITH of Oregon asked and was today we rededicate ourselves and our nation The yeas and nays were ordered. given permission to revise and extend to equality and liberty and justice for all. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- his remarks.) Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, last night I had ant to clause 5 of rule I and the Chair’s Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I the honor of attending the ceremony at Shea prior announcement, further proceed- yield myself such time as I may Stadium marking the 50th anniversary of Jack- ings on this motion will be postponed. consume.