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Home , American League West, Art Howe, Barry Zito, Bay Bridge Series, Bert Campaneris, Billy Beane

October 1, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6857 Whereas health insurance premiums rose at a time designated by the Chair with- achieve this record, including the leader of by 11% in 2001, driven largely by the in- in 2 legislative days after the resolu- the Central Division of the American creased cost of prescription drugs; tion is properly noticed. League, the : Now, there- Whereas state Medicaid spending increased Pending that designation, the form of fore, be it by 11% in Fiscal year 2002, driven primarily the resolution noticed by the gen- Resolved, That the House of Representa- by increased prescription drug spending and tives congratulates the players, manage- enrollment growth; tleman from Ohio will appear in the ment, staff, and fans of the Oakland Ath- Whereas the number of individuals with RECORD at this point. letics organization for setting the Major health insurance declined by 1.4 million in The Chair will not at this point de- League record for the longest win- 2001, a function of the faltering economy, termine whether the resolution con- ning streak by an baseball rapid health inflation, and a growing number stitutes a question of privilege. That team. of states in which public insurance programs determination will be made at the time The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. are outpacing budgets; designated for consideration of the res- Whereas prescription drugs are prescribed SHIMKUS). Pursuant to the rule, the olution. gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. SUL- by licensed healthcare professionals to con- Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I LIVAN) and the gentleman from Illinois sumers as a non-discretionary purchase es- ask to be heard at the appropriate time sential to their welfare; (Mr. DAVIS) each will control 20 min- on the question of whether this resolu- Whereas it is in the public interest to utes. grant a limited period of exclusivity to in- tion constitutes a question of privilege. The Chair recognizes the gentleman The SPEAKER pro tempore. That ventors of prescription drugs, but extending from Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN). that exclusivity places an inappropriate fis- time will be designated. GENERAL LEAVE cal burden on consumers, insurers, and pubic f sector payers; Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask Whereas generic drugs are sold as alter- CONGRATULATING OAKLAND ATH- unanimous consent that all Members natives to medical inventions for which ex- LETICS FOR SETTING MAJOR may have 5 legislative days within clusivity is no longer available; LEAGUE BASEBALL RECORD FOR which to revise and extend their re- Whereas generic drugs have the same dos- LONGEST WINNING STREAK marks on H. Res. 530. age, safety, strength, quality, and perform- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ance as the medical inventions for which objection to the request of the gen- they serve as substitutes, according to the to suspend the rules and agree to the Food and Drug Administration; resolution (H. Res. 530) congratulating tleman from Oklahoma? Whereas limitations on exclusivity have the players, management, staff, and There was no objection. allowed prescription drug prices to drop 40–80 fans of the organiza- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield percent when generic drugs enter the mar- tion for setting the Major League Base- myself as much time as I may con- ket; ball record for the longest winning sume. Whereas limitations allowing generic streak by an American League baseball Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have drugs to enter the market saved consumers team. the House consider House Resolution $8–$10 billion in 1994 alone, according to the The Clerk read as follows: 530, legislation introduced by my dis- Congressional Budget Office; Whereas the failure to apply limitations to H. RES. 530 tinguished colleague from California the Exclusive rights granted under Public Whereas on September 4, 2002, the Oakland (Mr. OSE). This resolution congratu- Law 98–622 has afforded widely used medi- Athletics set the lates the players, management, staff cines, including Prilosec and Paxil, an in- record for the longest winning streak by an and fans of the Oakland Athletics orga- definite period of exclusivity; American League baseball team by winning nization for setting the Major League Whereas Prilosec and Paxil were among 20 consecutive games; Baseball record for the longest winning Whereas before September 4, 2002, the the 50 medicines seniors used most in 2001; streak by an American League baseball Whereas the Senate has passed S. 812, record for the longest winning streak by an which amends Public Law 98–417 to restore American League baseball team had stood team. constitutionally mandated limitation on for 55 years; The Athletics, or A’s as they are af- medical inventions; Whereas the only other 2 American League fectionately known, won 20 straight Whereas the House has not considered Leg- baseball teams to win 19 consecutive games games earlier this season en route to islation to amend Public Law 98-417 to re- were the 1947 and the 1906 winning their second American League store constitutionally mandated limitations White Sox; West Division championship in the last in medical inventions; Whereas only 2 Major League Baseball three seasons. teams have won 20 or more consecutive Whereas it is the obligation of the House During their remarkable streak, the to consider such legislation in keeping with games—this year’s Oakland Athletics with 20 its constitutionally mandated obligations to consecutive wins and the 1935 A’s outscored their opponents 141 to 62. secure for Limited Times to Authors and in- with 21 consecutive wins; The A’s were defeated 2 to 1 on August ventors the right to their Writings and In- Whereas the team also set a record for the 12 by the and did ventions; Oakland Athletics by winning 24 games dur- not lose until September 6 against the Whereas the failure of the House to restore ing the month of August; Minnesota Twins. limitations on the exclusivity afforded to Whereas during their winning streak the After the game that ended the im- the inventors of prescription drugs, if not Oakland Athletics outscored their opponents probable streak, Twins 141 to 65 and trailed their opponents during remedied, will cost consumers and other pur- Corey Koskie said, ‘‘To win 20 games in chasers $60 billion over the next ten years, only 10 innings of the 180 innings of the according to the Congressional Budget Of- streak; a row, I don’t know too many high fice; Whereas the starting of the Oak- school teams that do that. To do that Whereas the failure of the House to restore land Athletics—, , at the major league level is an amazing limitations on the exclusivity afforded to , and Cory Lidle—pitched into feat.’’ the inventors of prescription drugs, if not the seventh inning in all but 6 of the games Mr. Speaker, and remedied, will leave more seniors and other won as part of the streak and were credited the Oakland Athletics have enjoyed a Americans without access to needed medi- with 15 of the 20 consecutive wins; wonderful season, winning 103 games cines; Whereas and first and qualifying for the playoffs, high- Resolved, that it its the sense of the House baseman each walk-off of Representatives that the House should hits or home runs during the streak; lighted by their phenomenal 20-game consider pending legislation to amend Public Whereas the Oakland Athletics were 41⁄2 winning streak. Law 98–417 to restore constitutionally man- games out of first place in the Western Divi- I ask that all Members honor the ef- dated limitations on medical inventions on sion of the American League and 21⁄2 games forts of the Oakland Athletics this sea- behalf of American consumers, including out of the lead for the American League wild son by supporting the adoption of seniors, American businesses, and tax-funded card at the beginning of the streak, and House Resolution 530. federal and state health insurance programs. ended the streak with a 2 game lead in the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under division; my time. rule IX, a resolution offered from the Whereas the Oakland Athletics accom- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I plished this feat with the help of wise deci- floor by a Member other than the ma- sions by Manager Art Howe and General yield myself such time as I might con- jority leader or the minority leader as Manager ; and sume. a question of the privileges of the Whereas the Oakland Athletics had to Mr. Speaker, on the evening of House has immediate precedence only sweep some formidable opponents in order to Wednesday, September 4, the Oakland H6858 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 1, 2002 Athletics made baseball history by be- They took three against Detroit baseball is defense, baseball is pitch- coming the first American League where even Mother Nature, Mother Na- ing, baseball is offense, baseball is team to win 20 consecutive games. ture, conspired to try to stop them, but scouting. Credit not only goes to the With a 12–11 victory over the Royals where the A’s returned from a 2-hour players, but to the entire A’s organiza- before a record crowd at Network Asso- rain delay to keep on winning. tion. I join with my colleagues in con- ciates Coliseum of 55,528 fans, the A’s They won three against Kansas City, gratulating owners Steve Schott and passed the 1947 Yankees and the 1906 took all three, and Zito led them to Ken Hoffman; Billy Beane, who used to White Sox for the longest-running their 10th straight road victory. play himself; manager Art Howe, who streak in American League history. At that point, they took three more used to play for Houston; and the other The game had plenty of drama and against Minnesota where Tejada went members of staff who contributed to made-for-television episodes. The A’s yard off the almost unhittable Twins building this record-setting team. They jumped out to an 11–0 lead after 3 in- and kept the put this remarkable squad together de- nings, but ended up getting caught streak alive. spite losing many team leaders to free with 11 unanswered runs. The game was Then two more against the Royals agency and with one of the smallest tied when the A’s pulled off a game- where Tejada and first baseman Scott budgets of the league. Despite these winning homer in the bottom of the Hatteberg led the A’s back in the late challenges, they not only set records, ninth. innings with game-winning hitting, but the A’s finished the season with a bet- The Oakland A’s accomplished this as everything must, this came to an ter record this year than last. In Sac- feat by beating many formidable oppo- end. ramento, home of the A’s AAA affil- nents, and I, too, want to congratulate Finally, Twins iate, the , we the team for earning its place in the stopped the seemingly unstoppable A’s, watch many of the young men hope to baseball record book, and I would urge and that is what makes today’s game, make it to the big leagues with Oak- adoption of this resolution. incidentally between the A’s and the land. It is truly a great pleasure to see Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Twins, round 1 in the American League them move up and move into the ma- my time. West playoffs. That is all much more jors and make such an impact. Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield exciting. Guess who is pitching for the I look forward to seeing more great such time as he may consume to the Twins today? It is Brad Radke, and I baseball as the playoffs begin today, gentleman from California (Mr. OSE). just want to bring my colleagues up to but in my mind 2002 will always be the Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the date. year of the Oakland streak. gentleman from Oklahoma for yielding It is the third inning, and the A’s are I would like to thank my colleagues me the time. up 5 to 3. for their support of this resolution, es- Mr. Speaker, it is October 1, and b 1730 pecially my cosponsors, the gentle- every October 1 every American wakes woman from California (Ms. LEE), the up and realizes that it is playoff time. The 20 games the A’s won is the long- gentleman from California (Mr. Today we across the country and in the est winning streak in American League POMBO), the gentleman from California cities fortunate to enough to have history. In the past 55 years, no team (Mr. CALVERT), the gentleman from teams still participating, those play- had even won 19 in a row. In fact, the California (Mr. HERGER), the gen- offs started. only two American League teams to tleman from California (Mr. MATSUI), In the , the defend- win 19 straight were the 1947 Yankees the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. ing world champion Arizona and the 1906 . In NAPOLITANO), the gentleman from Cali- Diamondbacks face off against the St. fact, only one other Major League fornia (Mr. RADANOVICH), the gen- Louis Cardinals while the San Fran- Baseball team has ever won 20 in a row tleman from California (Mr. SHERMAN), cisco Giants challenge the Atlanta and that is the ’35 Chicago Cubs who the gentleman from California (Mr. Braves. Over in the American league, won 21 consecutive games. STARK), the gentlewoman from Cali- the Yankees face the Anaheim Angels, Baseball is a game of statistics. fornia (Mrs. TAUSCHER), the gentleman and the Oakland A’s take on the Min- Think about this. This is truly amaz- from California (Mr. THOMAS), the gen- nesota Twins. ing. Every year every major league tleman from California (Mr. THOMP- It is only appropriate that we take team has 142 opportunities to create a SON), the gentleman from California this opportunity at the end of the sea- 20-game win streak; yet for 55 years, 55 (Mr. MCKEON), and the gentleman from son to look back at the season and at years, this is 2002, so that would have California (Mr. BACA). an amazing record by those amazing been back to just after the end of Mr. Speaker, it is still 5 to 3. The A’s A’s. World War II, for 55 years no team has are winning. The streak is alive. The truly historic part of this past accomplished what the A’s did this Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I season is what we are here to honor year. Right in the face of a heated pen- yield such time as she may consume to today, and that is the record 20-game nant race, they kept at it. the gentlewoman from California (Ms. winning streak of the Oakland A’s. Let us look at some of their numbers. LEE). I do not know if she has had a 20 When the A’s took the field on August During this winning streak, the A’s and 0 record, but I know that she has 14, they were 41⁄2 games back in the outscored their opponents 141 to 65 and won many victories for the people of division stand- trailed their opponents during only 10 Oakland and for people all over the ings. They were 21⁄2 games out in the innings of the 180 innings of the streak. country. wild card race, and they got hot. They Their starting pitchers, Zito, Tim Hud- Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first I want to did not just get hot, Mr. Speaker, they son, Mark Mulder, and Corey Lidle, thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. started to cook. pitched into the seventh inning in all DAVIS), the very distinguished member Left-handed pitcher Barry Zito took but six of the 20 games won and were of the Committee on Government Re- the mound that night and, as he has for credited with 15 of the 20 wins; and form, for yielding me this time and for much of the Athletics’ season, set the even when they did trail, as we all his leadership on so many issues that tone for what was to come. Zito led the would hope, they fought back. we are tackling here in this House. A’s to a narrow 5-to-4 victory, and he I mentioned that Tejada and Also I want to thank the gentleman started something truly amazing. Hatteberg each had walk-off hits con- from California (Mr. OSE) for his efforts The A’s won their next 19 games in a tributing to victories, game-ending ral- in bringing this resolution to commend row. They had a second victory against lies. This is a team that was trailing my hometown team of the Oakland A’s Toronto. the and the Anaheim to the floor today. They took three against the White Angels when August began, and they This is a bipartisan effort; and, Mr. Sox where shortstop Miguel Tejada got came back to win the division. It was a Speaker, as a Democratic sponsor of his 100th RBI of the season. great . this resolution, I rise today to con- They took four against the Cleveland Mr. Speaker, as in everything we do gratulate the amazing Oakland A’s, the Indians, including pitcher Corey Lidle’s in this country, this 20-game winning players, the management, and the one-hit shutout. streak took true teamwork. Defense, staff, for setting the Major League October 1, 2002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6859 Baseball record for the longest winning cer Awareness Day and raised over series, but it was an earthquake that reg- streak by an American League baseball $100,000 for the cause. The athletic istered 7.1 on the Richter Scale, and the area team. scholarship programs, disaster support uniting in response to the emergency situation, On September 4, 2002, the Oakland fund, Little A’s, and A’s Amigos are that we remember best. A’s set the major league record for the just a few examples of how the ath- Today, Mr. Chairman, as the Major League longest winning streak by an American letics organization is really truly in- Baseball postseason begins, I am proud that League baseball team by winning 20 volved in our entire community. The the House of Representatives is taking a mo- consecutive games. Prior to this ac- accomplishments and contributions of ment to recognize the latest accomplishment complishment, the record for longest the Oakland Athletics organization by the Oakland A’s, their amazing 20 game- winning streak by an American League both on and off the field are worthy of winning streak. And I am proud to be an origi- baseball team had stood for 55 years. recognition. So today I would like to nal cosponsor of this resolution honoring this Only two major league baseball teams congratulate the A’s and its fans on a great team. have won 20 or more consecutive truly remarkable record-breaking reg- Mr. Chairman, winning 20 games in a row is games, this year’s Oakland Athletics ular session. no fluke. It takes a sustained effort both by the with 20 consecutive wins, and, it is my Mr. Speaker, does the gentleman pitching staff and line up to win 20 in understanding, the 1935 Chicago Cubs from California (Mr. OSE) know are we a row. I’m proud to say that the fearsome with 21 consecutive wins. still in the third inning with the A’s Oakland starting pitching staff, Barry Zito, Tim During the winning streak, the Ath- up? Hudson, Mark Mulder and Corey Lidle won 15 letics outscored their opponents 141 to Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- of the 20 games in the streak. 65 and trailed their opponents in only tlewoman yield? At the plate, the A’s showed a never say die 10 of the 180 innings of the streak. The Ms. LEE. I yield to the gentleman attitude, with shortstop Miguel Tejada and first key to any successful baseball team is from California. baseman Scott Hatterberg each hitting an RBI of course its pitching staff. During the Mr. OSE. Mr. Speaker, I do not know. at the final of the game, winning the streak and for the duration of the sea- My last report is 3 to 5 A’s. Go A’s. game and keeping the streak alive. This son, Oakland’s pitchers have been Ms. LEE. The fans are rooting and streak is the longest in American League his- nothing short of spectacular. During cheering them on to win their real first tory, second only to the 1935 Chicago Cubs’ the streak, hopeful Barry post-season game. I know that I am not 21 game-winning streak. As we enter base- Zito, Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder, and alone in wishing the amazing A’s the ball’s post season, the 20 game-winning Corey Lidle pitched into the seventh very best in their race for the pennant. streak serves notice to the other teams in the inning in all six of the games, won as a Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gen- playoffs that the Oakland A’s are a team to be part of the streak, and were credited tleman from California (Mr. OSE) and reckoned with. with 15 of the 20 consecutive wins. the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. I congratulate Manager Art Howe, General The phenomenal success of the Oak- DAVIS) for yielding me the time. Manager Billy Beane and the entire Oakland land Athletics can also be attributed to Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I have Athletics organization. the team’s clutch hitting. While the no further speakers, and I reserve the Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I have A’s have a different hero really every balance of my time. no further requests for time, and I night, Miguel Tejada’s emerging super- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. stardom and really uncanny knack for have no further speakers, and I am The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. late-game heroics has led the A’s and pleased and delighted that Oakland has SHIMKUS). The question is on the mo- truly energized the fans. The A’s began had such a great run. It is also great to tion offered by the gentleman from the streak four and a half games out of know that Chicago teams, although Oklahoma (Mr. SULLIVAN) that the first place in the Western Division of quite aways back, 1905 and 1936, at House suspend the rules and agree to the American League and just con- least we were there at that time; but I the resolution, H. Res. 530. cluded the regular session four games certainly congratulate Oakland fans, The question was taken; and (two- ahead of second place Anaheim. Re- the team, its management. thirds having voted in favor thereof) markably, the A’s accomplishments Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- the rules were suspended and the reso- and continued success has come with quests for time, and I yield back the lution was agreed to. the third-lowest payroll in the major balance of my time. A motion to reconsider was laid on leagues. Who said that low-budget Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I the table. teams cannot compete and really win? thank my distinguished colleague from The success of the A’s can also be at- California for bringing this resolution f tributed to the managerial skills of Art to the floor. We congratulate the Oak- HONORING JOHNNY UNITAS AND Howe and the unique ability of general land Athletics for the terrific 2002 sea- EXTENDING CONDOLENCES TO manager Billy Beane to build a peren- son highlighted by their 20-game win- HIS FAMILY ON HIS PASSING nial contender with a very limited ning streak. I urge all Members to sup- Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. Speaker, I move budget. port this resolution. to suspend the rules and agree to the The winning streak and success of Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, growing up in resolution (H. Res. 538), honoring John- the Oakland A’s has brought together Tracy, California, I have been a fan of the ny Unitas and extending condolences people from all walks of life and has Oakland Athletics ever since they first came to to his family on his passing. really brought a new-found excitement Oakland in 1968. I was 7 years old at the The Clerk read as follows: to Oakland fans and the community. time. The accomplishments of the Oakland I remember their Champion- H. RES. 538 Athletics organization really extend ship three-peat teams from 1972, 1973 and Whereas, as a member of the Baltimore far beyond their 20-game winning 1974, which featured players like , Colts, Johnny Unitas’ leadership and passing streak or their American League West , , Jim ‘‘Catfish’’ skills helped change the game of football; Whereas throughout his life, Unitas de- title. For example, the Oakland A’s Hunter, and a young ‘‘Mr. October,’’ fined humility, grace, and determination; community fund supports charitable . Being from the northern part Whereas in 1955 Unitas played for the love organizations in their efforts to im- of California’s Central Valley, just over the of the sport of football, earning just $6 per prove educational programs, aid to the Altamont Pass, the fact that their 1974 World game as a player in the Greater Pittsburgh underprivileged. They in crime Series Championship came by defeating the Football League; and drug prevention and service to made the victory even Whereas Unitas led the Baltimore Colts children, service to our senior citizens sweeter. over the New York Giants for the 1958 NFL and those who work to improve the And what baseball fan can forget the 1989 championship in what came to be known as ‘‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’’ and quar- quality of life for people throughout World Series, the ‘‘’’ be- terbacked the Colts to a 2nd consecutive the Bay Area. tween Oakland and the Giants? title in 1959; On September 15, another example, A great Oakland team, led by , Whereas Unitas threw a touchdown pass in the Oakland Athletics organization , , Mark the Colts victory over the Cowboys in hosted their fourth annual Breast Can- McGwire, and prevailed in that Super Bowl V;