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Home , Art Rooney, Bill Cowher, Casey Hampton, Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers, Rooney family

S778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 7, 2006 Whereas almost one million Americans die I think deserve particular recogni- has been, again, another important of cardiovascular disease each year, result- tion—and, by the way, Senator SPEC- piece of the family now for ing in up to 42 percent of all deaths in the TER and I have put forth a congratula- better than a dozen years. He continues United States; tory resolution, which we brought to show that a hometown boy can come Whereas the presence of a serious con- genital heart defect often results in an enor- down to the floor and I am sure will be back, somebody who wasn’t a star in mous emotional and financial strain on cleared and we will be able to get that but a solid guy from Pitts- young families who are already in a vulner- passed today. burgh who understands the importance able stage of their lives; I congratulate the . of the Steelers to the community and Whereas severe congenital heart disease This is a family enterprise that has lives by that ethic and the code the requires that families dedicate extensive fi- been, since 1933, running the Steelers. I Rooneys have established very well and nancial resources for assistance and care don’t know of any other team in the makes Pittsburgh a better place as a both within and outside of a hospital envi- NFL that has had the kind of stable result. ronment; ownership and closeness with the com- It is great to see Coach Cowher get a Whereas congenial heart defects exceed more than $2.2 million a year for inpatient munity that the Rooney ownership has , it is great to see the team surgery alone; and brought over the past 73 years. They back on top, and it is great to see Whereas February 14, 2006, would be an ap- are a great Pittsburgh family. Art Roo- Pittsburgh, a town that has gone propriate day to recognize A Day for Hearts: ney, who bought the team back in 1933, through a lot in the steel industry in Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day: was one of the founders of the NFL. the —they have seen pretty dark Now, therefore, be it For years and years and years, he was times in the 1980s in particular as a Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- one of the great men of football but community. We have been going resentatives concurring), That the Congress supports the goals and ideals of A Day of never won a championship for over 40 through a renaissance in Pittsburgh in Hearts: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness years being in the league, and then the last 10, 12 years, a tremendous Day to— they had a great run in the 1970s. transformation of that city. It is nice (1) increase awareness about congenital After his passing, Dan, his son, took to see that the Steelers put a punctua- heart defects; it over, and has been a tremendous pil- tion mark which, hopefully, draws (2) encourage research with respect to the lar of the Pittsburgh community. This some attention and makes us feel bet- disease; and is a man who is as humble as any man ter about ourselves because not only (3) support the millions of Americans who I have ever met. In contrast with some have we made the transformation, but are affected by this disease. of the high-flying owners of the NFL, we have a winning team and a good, f this is a man who still flies around in positive attitude about how we go for- CONGRATULATING THE a little single-engine plane. They have ward. a training camp well out of town, so in- So I am proud to be a Pittsburgher, Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask stead of having to drive from his home, and I am proud particularly to be a unanimous consent that the Senate he takes this little plane and flies out Pittsburgh Steeler fan today. I con- now proceed to consideration of S. Res. to the airport near St. Vincent College. gratulate the entire organization and 367 submitted earlier today. He still remembers his roots and does all of the people in Pittsburgh for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The so much for the community. One of the tremendous support you continue to clerk will report the resolution by things he does most for the community give the Steelers and the great attitude title. is he keeps the beloved Steelers a local you bring to our fair city. The legislative clerk read as follows: community team, a team that is good Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I rise A resolution (S. Res. 367) congratulating to its players and good to the commu- to compliment the Pittsburgh Steelers the Pittsburgh Steelers for their victory in nity and puts the community first. on a phenomenal season and a great Super Bowl XL. That is one of the reasons the Steelers Super Bowl victory. I regret I could not There being no objection, the Senate are so beloved in Pittsburgh—because go to to see the game. But a proceeded to consider the resolution. they are so much a fabric in the city session had been scheduled many weeks Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, it is because they participate in community ago to bring in Attorney General an honor for me to be here today to organizations, and their players have Gonzales on the electronic surveillance speak on behalf of a great organization great relationships throughout the issue at 9:30 yesterday morning. I and a great group of men who accom- Pittsburgh area and make a difference checked it out, and the earliest I could plished the heights of their profession. in the community. That is really what have gotten back to Washington would The Pittsburgh Steelers were vic- professional sports should be more have been the middle of the night. I torious in Super Bowl XL on Sunday. about. thought it more sensible to attend to As I speak right now, there is a parade We have true role models in people those important duties for the hearing going through downtown Pittsburgh of like who have added so with the Attorney General and to our warriors, our champions who have much to the texture of Pittsburgh. watch the game on television. brought back the Super Bowl trophy, Over the years, we have had many I was very heartened to see that the Lombardi trophy, to Pittsburgh for great players in and out, and because game, to see that 75-yard run, the long- the fifth time, which ties a record with of the leadership of the Rooney family est in Super Bowl history, to see that the and the and the stability of the coaching ranks, phenomenal catch, practically a ‘‘hail Cowboys, having won five Super Bowls. from Chuck Knoll to , we Mary,’’ on the 3-yard line, to see the During the 1970s, we won four and got have seen that stability, that bond young comfortable with the fact that Pitts- with the city that has been transferred carry it over on the replay and the burgh was a city of champions, winning to the players. They feel that special great dispute about whether there was both football titles and two World Se- relationship and obligation to be role a touchdown, and it was a touchdown. ries titles in 1972 and 1979; and in 1979 models in the community. Overwhelm- The earlier touchdown was nullified we won both the Super Bowl and the ingly, they have lived up to that. when a receiver had pushed off World Series. It has been a long time— So it is a very proud moment, not and been called with an infraction. And 26 years—since we were able to get, as only because they won a football then when the Steelers were driving at the saying goes in Pittsburgh, ‘‘one for game—in fact, they won four improb- 14 to 3 toward a putaway touchdown, the thumb.’’ We didn’t yet have the one able games against worthy opponents— the intercepted pass and long runback, for the thumb. But the time for the one they were a team that barely made the and the Seahawks came within 14 to 10. for the thumb has come. We have, in playoffs, but they went through and Then the Seahawks mounted a drive fact, gotten over the hump, and we not only got to a championship game and were closing in on a touchdown have a lot more to look forward to, in and won the AFC championship, they which would have put them ahead 17 to my view, in the years to come with then won the Super Bowl. They are 14, and then came the Steelers’ inter- this great squad. truly a remarkable team, inspired by ception. So, it was phenomenal and I congratulate, obviously, the team. I this great family, the Rooney family, thrilling game. To have the Steelers, also congratulate some other folks who and a great coach, Bill Cowher, who from a wild-card position, go on the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:46 Feb 08, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07FE6.039 S07FEPT1 ycherry on PROD1PC64 with SENATE February 7, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S779 road and beat and then go Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XL, provided dental treatment and oral on the road and beat Denver and Indi- joining , , and health information to more than 17,430 anapolis and that phenomenal tackle as the only Steelers to earn needy children. made by Roethlisberger, which may be that prestigious award; Whereas, at the age of 23, Pittsburgh quar- Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask as important in Steelers’ lore as the terback Ben Roethlisberger was the young- unanimous consent the resolution be ‘‘’’ by Franco est starting quarterback ever to win a Super agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, Harris many years ago—as you can Bowl; the motion to reconsider be laid upon tell, I am a diehard football fan. Whereas the defense of the Steelers, led by the table, and any statements relating The Steelers have brought great Pro-Bowl performers , Joey thereto be printed in the RECORD. credit to with their vic- Porter, and , held the highest tory, great credit to America with scoring team in the NFL, the Seattle The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without their sportsmanship and accomplish- Seahawks, to more than 18 points below objection, it is so ordered. their season average of 28.3 points per game; ments. and The resolution (S. Res. 369) was A special tribute to the Rooney fam- Whereas the Rooney family, who have agreed to. ily which owns the Pittsburgh Steelers. owned the Pittsburgh Steelers since the The preamble was agreed to. I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Art founding of the team in 1933, have provided Rooney, who bought the Steelers in the Steelers organization with a level of sta- The resolution, with its preamble, about 1933 for reputedly $2,500. I have bility and commitment to community that was agreed to as follows: had occasion to work with his son Dan is unmatched in the modern sports environ- S. RES. 369 Rooney, who is now the family patri- ment and have created a team that is as be- arch, and his grandson . loved by its hometown as any in the world; Whereas access to dental care for children Now, therefore, be it is a vital element of overall health care and They are a wonderful family. Resolved, That the Senate congratulates development; Bill Cowher is the coach. I know him, the Pittsburgh Steelers on their hard-fought, Whereas dental caries (more commonly to some extent. It is a great tribute. well-deserved victory in Super Bowl XL. known as tooth decay) is the most common I have taken these few moments to f chronic childhood disease; comment about the great victory and Whereas untreated tooth decay results in to offer congratulations. I am sorry CONGRATULATING THE AMERICAN thousands of children experiencing poor eat- that I couldn’t be in Pittsburgh today DENTAL ASSOCIATION ing and sleeping patterns, suffering de- to attend the parade. But we have a pa- Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent creased attention spans at school, and being rade on the Senate floor which takes unable to smile; that the Senate proceed to the imme- Whereas due to a confluence of factors, my attention. I don’t think I will be diate consideration of S. Res. 369, children eligible for Medicaid and the State missed in that crowd. which was submitted earlier today. children’s health insurance program are 3 to Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 5 times more likely than other children to the resolution be agreed to, the pre- clerk will report the resolution by experience and suffer from untreated tooth amble be agreed to, and the motion to title. decay; reconsider be laid upon the table. The legislative clerk read as follows: Whereas dentists provide an estimated $1,700,000,000 annually in non-reimbursed The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without A resolution (S. Res. 369) congratulating objection, it is so ordered. dental care; the American Dental Association for spon- Whereas nearly 11,000 dentists provided ap- The resolution (S. Res. 367) was soring the 4th annual ‘‘Give Kids a Smile’’ agreed to. proximately $33,000,000 of free care to almost program which emphasizes the need to im- 500,000 children in the 3rd annual ‘‘Give Kids The preamble was agreed to. prove access to dental care for children, and a Smile’’ program held on February 4, 2005; The resolution, with its preamble, thanking dentists for volunteering their Whereas the participation of dentists in reads as follows: time to help provide needed dental care. the 4th annual ‘‘Give Kids a Smile’’ program, S. RES. 367 There being no objection, the Senate established and sponsored by the American Whereas, on Sunday, February 5, 2006, the proceeded to consider the resolution. Dental Association and held on February 3, Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Seattle Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, 2006, serves to remind people in the United Seahawks by a score of 21–10, in Detroit, today I wish to speak about a resolu- States about the need to end untreated ; tion to congratulate the American childhood dental disease; and Whereas that victory marks the 5th Super Whereas the generous support of numerous Dental Association for establishing the corporations, such as Crest Healthy Smiles, Bowl Championship for the Steelers organi- ‘‘Give Kids a Smile’’ Program. I am zation, tying Pittsburgh with the San Fran- Sullivan-Schein Dental, and DEXIS Digital cisco 49ers and the for the pleased to be joined by my colleagues, X-ray Systems, helps make the ‘‘Give Kids a most Super Bowl wins in the history of the Senators COLEMAN, COCHRAN, and FEIN- Smile’’ program a success: Now, therefore, be ; in recognizing this annual event. it Whereas, after losing a game to Cincinnati This Friday is the fourth ‘‘Give Kids Resolved, That the Senate— on December 4, and dropping their record to a Smile’’ day, which emphasizes the (1) congratulates the American Dental As- 7 wins and 5 losses, the Steelers won 8 con- need to improve dental care access for sociation for establishing and continuing its secutive games, the last of which earned the children. Tooth decay is the most com- sponsorship of the ‘‘Give Kids a Smile’’ pro- team an overall record of 15–5 and the right mon chronic childhood disease and can gram; to be named Super Bowl Champions; be the cause of poor eating and sleep- (2) emphasizes the need to improve access Whereas the path of the Steelers to the to dental care for children; Super Bowl included road victories against ing patterns, decreased attention spans (3) thanks the thousands of dentists, dental the , the Indianapolis at school, and sadly, children not being hygienists, dental assistants, and others who Colts, and the , making the able to smile. Children who are eligible volunteered their time to bring a smile to Steelers the 2nd team in NFL history to win for Medicaid and the State Children’s the faces of hundreds of thousands of chil- 3 playoff games on the road; Health Insurance Program are three to dren on February 3, 2006; Whereas Bill Cowher, a Pittsburgh native five times more likely than other chil- and the longest tenured in the dren to have untreated tooth decay. f NFL, was a steady presence throughout the season and earned his 1st Super Bowl victory I also want to thank the members of after 14 seasons at the helm of the Steelers the American Dental Association for APPOINTMENT TO READ WASHING- team; participating in this program. I am es- TON’S FAREWELL ADDRESS Whereas Jerome Bettis, who is affection- pecially proud of all of the dentists in ately known as ‘‘The Bus,’’ and is the 5th Michigan who took the time to make The PRESIDING OFFICER. The leading rusher in NFL history, was the emo- the annual ‘‘Give Kids a Smile’’ day Chair, on behalf of the Vice President, tional leader of the Steelers team and was such a great success. Last year, more pursuant to the order of the Senate of able to return to his hometown of Detroit to than 330 dentists in Michigan volun- January 24, 1901, as modified by the participate in his 1st Super Bowl, after which he announced his retirement from the teered their valuable services for ‘‘Give order of February 2, 2006, appoints the game of football; Kids a Smile’’ events across the State. Senator from Colorado, Mr. SALAZAR, Whereas , who caught 5 passes These dentists, along with more than to read Washington’s Farewell Address for 123 yards and 1 touchdown, was named 1,000 staff members and volunteers, on Friday, February 17, 2006.

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