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Home , Bob Bowman (coach), Heather Bown, Jessica Long, Katie Hoff, Kim Willoughby, Lindsey Berg

S10424 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 2, 2008 Whereas, in 2007, before the conclusion of The legislative clerk read as follows: won 14 over the course of the working group, authorities of the Gov- A resolution (S. Res. 704) Congratulating his Olympic career, also an Olympic ernment of Lithuania approved additional the members of the Olympic record, and a total of 16 medals. To put construction on the disputed ground; and Paralympic Teams on their success in this astonishing feat into perspective, Whereas, in May 2007, the working group, the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Michael won more gold medals in Bei- consisting of historians, scientists, and rab- Games and supporting the selection of Chi- bis from Lithuania and around the world, jing than all but eight countries! And cago, Illinois, as the site of the 2016 Summer he won more medals in total than all called for a halt in construction activity Olympic and . until completion of a site study to be under- but 24 countries! taken using ground-penetrating radar; There being no objection, the Senate Who will ever forget the incredible Whereas, on September 3, 2008, a group proceeded to consider the resolution. come-from-behind victory Michael and commissioned by the Government of Lith- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise his teammates Garrett Weber-Gale, uania to study the area using the ground- today to recognize the outstanding , and penetrating radar concluded that the bound- Olympic and Paralympic athletes from achieved in Men’s 400-Meter Freestyle aries of the cemetery included the disputed Maryland who proudly represented our Relay event as they edged the favored apartment buildings; country in the 2008 Summer Olympic Whereas the Ministry of Culture of Lith- French team by 8/100ths of a second? uania released a statement dismissing the and Paralympic Games in , That was one of the most exciting and study as inconclusive; . inspirational finishes in Olympic his- Whereas the fact that the Government of II, a swimmer from tory. Just as exciting was Michael’s Lithuania has allowed construction to take ; , a swimmer from finish in the Men’s 200-Meter Butterfly place at the Jewish cemetery located in the Towson; David Banks, a rower from Po- event when a stutter stroke and lunge Snipiskes area of Vilnius, Lithuania, and tomac; Jun Gao, a table tennis player at the end enabled him to beat Laszlo that desecration of sacred sites continues from Gaithersburg; Scott Parsons, a Cseh by the width of a fingernail! into the 21st century, is an affront to the canoe and kayak racer from Bethesda; international Jewish community, the people Despite the epic greatness of his of the United States, and everyone who val- Freddie Adu, a soccer player from achievement, Michael spoke modestly ues religious freedom and ethnic diversity Rockville; Gary Russell, Jr., a boxer after winning his eighth gold, saying, around the world; from Capital Heights; Tatyana McFad- ‘‘Records are always made to be broken Whereas the United States and Lithuania den, a wheelchair racer from Clarks- no matter what they are . . . Anybody signed the Agreement on the Protection and ville; and Jessica Long, a swimmer can do anything that they set their Preservation of Certain Cultural Properties from Baltimore, made all Marylanders mind to.’’ Michael proved not only to on October 15, 2002; proud as exemplary members of Team be a model of what one can achieve Whereas Article 1 of the Agreement states, USA. ‘‘Each Party will take appropriate steps to with hard work and determination, but protect and preserve the cultural heritage of In particular, I especially would like also a model of the courtesy and all national, religious or ethnic groups . . . to recognize the three athletes from sportsmanship upon which the Olym- who reside or resided in its territory and Maryland whose exceptional perform- pics were founded. He is a self-effacing were victims of genocide in its territory dur- ances were rewarded with Paralympic young man whose enthusiasm, mod- ing the Second World War. The term ‘cul- and Olympic medals. esty, cheerfulness, and charm have en- tural heritage’ for purposes of this Agree- Jessica Long won four gold medals, deared him to people around the world. ment means . . . cemeteries and memorials one , and one medal I would be remiss if I didn’t mention to the dead. . . .’’; in the 2008 Paralympics. Jessica not Whereas cemeteries are sacred sites and his extraordinary mother, Debbie, and are established to remain undisturbed in per- only won six medals; she set the world his coach, . The obvious petuity, and the sanctity of a cemetery is de- record in the Women’s 100-Meter Free- affection and respect he has for these termined by the bodies buried in the ceme- style event. two people indicate just how important tery; and Perhaps more extraordinary than her they have been in his life. Whereas, while vandalism of headstones or performance in this year’s games are Michael is not content to rest on his construction of a commercial building on the the challenges she had to overcome laurels. He wants to attract more kids site disgraces the cemetery, it does not just to get to Beijing. Jessica was born to and to teach them about change its sacred status: Now, therefore, be with an abnormality in her lower legs pursuing their dreams, using his own it Resolved, That the Senate— and spent her infancy at an orphanage life as an example. He will donate the (1) expresses strongly to the Government in eastern before an American $1 million Olympic bonus he received of Lithuania that the cemetery located in couple adopted her when she was 13 from to a foundation he has the Snipiskes area of Vilnius, Lithuania, months old. Five months later, she had created to promote water safety and which is an important part of the cultural her legs amputated in the U.S. While youth swimming. ‘‘This is a way for me heritage of the Jewish people, should not be these obstacles may have broken the to really help grow the sport,’’ he said further desecrated; spirit of most others, they only in explaining why he gave the prize to (2) urges the Government of Lithuania to strengthened Jessica’s resolve and she take all the necessary steps to immediately the newly-created Michael Phelps stop and, if necessary, reverse, construction is now a 15-time world record holder. Foundation. on that cemetery; Katie Hoff also excelled in Beijing, Michael knew he wanted to spread in- (3) reaffirms that constructive bilateral re- winning one silver and two bronze med- terest in swimming but also wanted to lations between Lithuania and the United als at the XXIX Olympiad. In addition convey a message that could apply to States are important to the Governments to winning the in the other activities, so he is creating a pro- and citizens of both countries; and Women’s 400-Meter Freestyle event, gram called ‘‘Dream, Plan, Reach.’’ It’s (4) expresses strong support for the work of Katie set American records in winning designed to help children set goals and the United States Commission for the Pres- the silver medal in the Women’s 400- take daily responsibility for pursuing ervation of America’s Heritage Abroad and for the European countries that continue to Meter Freestyle Relay event, in win- them. He is also helping to raise money work to preserve sacred historical sites, de- ning the in the Women’s for charity by autographing photos, spite ongoing challenges. 800-Meter Freestyle Relay event and in USA swim caps, Sports Illustrated cov- f finishing fourth in the Women’s 200- ers, and other collectibles in a deal Meter Freestyle event. with Grandstand Sports & Memora- CONGRATULATING 2008 OLYMPIC Last, but certainly not least, is the bilia, offering fans the chance to own AND PARALYMPIC TEAMS performance of Michael Phelps—the keepsakes from the Beijing Games. Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. Presi- greatest accomplishment in Olympic The people of Maryland are privi- dent, I ask unanimous consent that the history, and one of the greatest ath- leged to have had such an outstanding Senate proceed to the immediate con- letic accomplishments of all time. group represent us at the Olympic sideration of S. Res. 704 submitted ear- This summer, Michael Phelps set Games. All of these athletes sacrificed lier today. seven world records and one Olympic tremendously in order to reach this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The record while winning eight gold med- pinnacle of athletic success, spending clerk will report the resolution by als, the most ever by an individual ath- countless hours in grueling and ardu- title. lete in a single Olympics. He now has ous training in order to wear the red,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:35 Oct 03, 2008 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A02OC6.026 S02OCPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with SENATE October 2, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S10425 white, and blue in Beijing. I commend Santos, , and Kim countries in Beijing: Andrew Hurd for them all for their dedication and valor, Willoughby, all shared a hand in claim- in swimming; Alon Mandel for and the exemplary way in which they ing the silver medal for an exciting in swimming; Natasha Moodie represented the United States of Amer- U.S. Women’s team. for Jamaica in swimming; Valeria ica. They have made Marylanders and The University of has a lot to Silva for Peru in swimming; Nate all Americans proud. be proud of, with all 10 representing Brannen, Kevin Sullivan, and Nicole I am pleased the Senate passed S. athletes—including past alumni and Forrester for Canada in ; Res. 700 yesterday a resolution Senator current students—returning home with Adam Harris for Guyana in track and MIKULSKI and I introduced along with medals. field; Stann Waithe for Trinidad and 12 other cosponsors honoring the I congratulate these remarkable ath- Tobago in track and field; Nick Willis achievements of Michael Phelps, Katie letes, and all of those who competed in for New Zealand in track and field; and Hoff, and the rest of the United States Beijing, and wish them success in all Janine Hanson and Heather Mandoli Olympic Swimming Team for their future endeavors. You made Hawaii for Canada in rowing. record-breaking performances at the and our Nation proud. Athletes rely heavily on the guidance 2008 Summer , where Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I would of trainers, coaches, and others to suc- they won 31 medals, including 12 gold like to take this opportunity to con- ceed. It is impossible to overlook the medals, 9 silver medals, and 10 bronze gratulate all of the athletes who par- important role these individuals play, medals. While records may indeed be ticipated in the 2008 Summer Olympic as they provide the direction, advice, made to be broken, the accomplish- Games in Beijing, China. The Olympic and support central to transforming ments of this team will not be forgot- Games represents the culmination of gifted athletes into Olympians. The ten. It is fitting for the Senate to pay years of dedication, discipline, intense coaches and trainers with ties to tribute and pass along its congratula- training, and determination. These include: Bob Bowman, coach tions for a job superbly well done. Olympians have worked tirelessly and for the U.S. Swim Team; , Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I would sacrificed much for many years for the coach for the Croatian Swim Team; like to congratulate all of our national honor to represent the United States, Steve Fraser, coach for the U.S. Greco Olympic champions. The 2008 Summer and it was a joy and a privilege to Roman Wrestling Team; Lisa Hass, Olympic games held in Beijing brought watch them compete. The sportsman- trainer for the U.S. Rowing Team; the world together, and showcased the ship and athleticism exhibited was in- Scott MacDonald, coach for the Cana- best athletes from around the globe. spiring, and a sleep-deprived nation dian Track and Field Team; Jon I would like to recognize the Olym- was transfixed by the many trium- Urbancheck, coach for the U.S. Swim pians with ties to my home State of phant and thrilling moments that de- Team; and Kevin Jackson, coach for Hawaii. Representing the United fined the Summer Games in Beijing. the U.S. Freestyle Wrestling Team. States: Brandon Brooks, Robyn Ah Our athletes competed admirably and The Olympic Games are charged with Mow-Santos, Lindsey Napela Berg, embodied the Olympic spirit. emotion. Competing in the Olympics is Natasha Kai, Clay Stanley, Heather The 2008 Summer Olympics provided an honor and an athlete’s fleeting op- Bown, , Taylor Takata, an opportunity for athletes and viewers portunity to demonstrate to the world Bryan Clay, and Clarrissa Chun. Rep- from around the globe to witness Chi- his or her ability. The opportunity to resenting the Marshall Islands in their na’s culture and hospitality. As China bring home an Olympic medal is an country’s first Olympics: Anju Jason, opened its doors to the world during honor that many athletes dream about and Jared Heine. Representing Aus- this 16-day span, they treated us to a and only a few ever realize. These ath- tralia: Justine Smethurst, Stacey Por- visually stunning opening and closing letes shoulder a tremendous amount of ter, and Melanie Schlanger. Rep- ceremony, which bookended an equally pressure, yet they are still able to per- resenting the : Iefke Van impressive parade of athletic excel- form with the eyes of the world upon Belkum, and Meike De Nooy. And rep- lence in spectacular venues built spe- them. They create history, and mo- resenting the Philippines: Daniel cifically for these games. ments many will remember for a life- Coakley, and Christel Simms. I would Michigan was well represented in time. The 2008 Beijing Olympics had its also like to recognize the efforts of Beijing, upholding our State’s long tra- share of moments that have been Maui resident and Paralympian Beth dition of producing world class ath- etched into our minds and hearts and Arnoult, who represented the U.S. in letes. It gives me great pride to recog- stories that will be told for years to women’s wheelchair tennis. nize the 27 athletes with Michigan I would now like to highlight a few of come. roots who represented the United Swimming provided some of the most the medal winners. Bryan Clay, from Kaneohe, Oahu, re- States in the 2008 Summer Games: intense moments in the history of the covered from injury last year to win Mike Hessman in baseball; Tayshaun Olympics, and I am proud to join Sen- his first in decathlon with Prince and Katie Smith in basketball; ator CARDIN and others in the Senate an impressive performance. Clay is one Courtney King-Dye in equestrian; Shei- in sponsoring S. Res. 700. This resolu- of two Olympians now featured on the la Taormina in the modern pentathlon; tion, which was passed by the Senate post-Beijing Olympics Wheaties cereal Ellen Tomek and Matt Hughes in row- earlier this week, salutes the historic box, along with gymnast Nastia ing; Carrie Howe in sailing; Daryl achievements of the U.S. Olympic Liukin. Szarenski in shooting; Swim Team. It also salutes the unprec- native Clay Stanley helped and Lindsey Tarpley in soccer; Kara edented achievements of Michael the United States men’s volleyball Lynn Joyce, Michael Phelps, Allison Phelps, who became the first Olympian team defeat the favored team from Schmitt, , and Eric to win eight gold medals in a single to win the gold medal. Vendt in swimming; Olympics. Natasha Kai, a Kahuku High School in tennis; Ebonie Floyd, Dathan These Olympic Games were full of graduate, was the first player in his- Ritzenhein, Brian Sell, and Anna Wil- wonder and joy, and I know I speak for tory to be named Western Athletic lard in track and field; Betsey Arm- all Michiganders when I express my Conference Player of the Year three strong and Alison Gregorka in water pride and gratitude to all of the ath- times while playing for the University polo; and Randi Miller, Adam Wheeler, letes and coaches who participated in of Hawaii soccer team. As a forward on Andy Hrovat, and Spenser Mango in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These indi- the U.S. Women’s team, she scored a wrestling. These Michigan athletes viduals sacrificed countless hours in game-winning goal in overtime to beat proudly represented our State and our practice and pushed themselves and Canada in the quarterfinal round. The Nation and brought home 22 medals: 15 their teammates to perform at their U.S. team went on to win gold. gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. best. To the athletes and coaches from Punahou High School graduate Bran- It also comes as no surprise that the Michigan, I extend to you my heartiest don Brooks helped capture silver for State of Michigan, which boasts some congratulations and thanks for rep- the United States in Men’s Water polo. of the richest collegiate athletics pro- resenting our State and our Nation Punahou graduate , and grams available, has ties to another with dignity. I know my colleagues in former U.H. stars Robyn Ah Mow- dozen athletes who competed for their the Senate join me in honoring every

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:25 Oct 03, 2008 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G02OC6.029 S02OCPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with SENATE S10426 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 2, 2008 athlete who represented Michigan and for her captivating performance at the Whereas more than 200 athletes from the the United States in Beijing. I wish Beijing Olympics. Ms. Harper, a grad- United States competed in 18 sports on be- each athlete future success as they uate of East St. Louis High School and half of the United States in the 2008 Summer UCLA, was a part of the U.S. Women’s Paralympic Games in Beijing, China, from continue to strive for excellence. September 6 to September 17, 2008; Mr. DURBIN. I am honored today to Track Team. Dawn took the gold Whereas the United States Paralympic recognize the achievements of the medal in the 100 meter hurdles, and I Team earned 99 medals, including 36 gold American athletes who competed in couldn’t be more proud. medals, reminding the world that physical the 2008 Summer Olympic and The Olympics and Paralympics are challenges are no limit to human achieve- Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. inspiring. They allow us to watch ath- ment; The Beijing Games were remarkable. letic performance at its very best. Whereas United States Army First Lieu- More than 11,000 athletes representing They also remind us of the enduring tenant Melissa Stockwell, who lost her left over 200 countries competed in this human spirit that drives these athletes leg to a roadside bomb in Baghdad in 2004, to sacrifice, train and prepare for these became the first veteran of the war in Iraq to year’s Olympic Games. The United compete in the Paralympic Games when she States won 110 medals total at the Bei- moments of camaraderie and competi- swam in the women’s 100-meter butterfly, jing Olympics, more than any other tion with peers from countries around 100-meter freestyle, and 400-meter freestyle; country represented. the world. The State of Illinois would Whereas the people of the United States The Paralympic Games, the competi- be proud to host these games in 2016. stand united in respect and admiration for tion for elite athletes with physical We are preparing in the hope that, 8 the members of the United States Olympic disabilities, immediately followed the years from now, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Teams, and the Teams’ ath- Olympic in Beijing. More than 4,200 and Paralympic Games will take place letic accomplishments, sportsmanship, and athletes from 148 countries competed, in the heartland of the United States— dedication to excellence; Whereas the many accomplishments of the the largest number of nations ever rep- in beautiful Chicago, IL. United States Olympic and Paralympic resented at a Paralympic Games. Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. I ask Teams would not have been possible without American Paralympic athletes won 99 unanimous consent that the resolution the hard work and dedication of many oth- medals overall, 36 of them gold. The and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the ers, including the United States Olympic International Paralympic Committee motions to reconsider be laid upon the Committee and the many administrators, has declared these the best Paralympic table en bloc, that any statements be coaches, and family members who provided Games in history. printed in the RECORD, without inter- critical support for the athletes: Americans from coast to coast were vening action or debate. Whereas the Olympic movement celebrates The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without competition, fair play, and the pursuit of electrified by swimmer Michael Phelps, dreams; who broke the record for most gold objection, it is so ordered. Whereas the United States and, in par- medals in one Olympics and for most The resolution (S. Res. 704) was ticular, the city of Chicago, Illinois, cele- gold medals for an Olympian. I had the agreed to. brate those same ideals; and opportunity to admire the two gold and The preamble was agreed to. Whereas Chicago has never hosted the two bronze medals of American swim- The resolution, with its preamble, Olympic and Paralympic Games: Now, there- mer this week. Ryan dedi- reads as follows: fore, be it cated his performance and a portion of S. RES. 704 Resolved, That the Senate— (1) extends congratulations for a job well his winnings to eradicating Duchenne Whereas the 2008 were conducted in Beijing, China, from Au- done to all members of the United States muscular dystrophy, and he was on Olympic and Paralympic Teams and to ev- Capitol Hill this week to raise aware- gust 8 to August 24, 2008; Whereas 10,500 athletes from 204 countries eryone who supported the Teams’ efforts at ness of this cruel and fatal disorder. participated in 302 events in 28 sports and in- the 2008 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Joining U.S. medalists in swimming spired people around the world with their Games; and was a Lake Forest, IL son—Matt dedication, discipline, athletic achievement, (2) encourages the International Olympic Grevers who won a silver medal in the and spirit of fair play, representing the best Committee to choose Chicago, Illinois, as men’s 100m . traditions of Olympic competition; the site of the 2016 Summer Olympic and In addition to Matt, I would like to Whereas 596 men and women represented Paralympic Games and offers support and co- the United States in the 2008 Summer Olym- operation in ensuring successful Olympic and commend the outstanding athletes Paralympic Games in Chicago in 2016. from my home State of Illinois who pic Games as members of the United States f represented the United States in the Olympic Team; Whereas those United States Olympians NATIONAL METHAMPHETAMINE Olympic and Paralympic Games. NBA competed in 27 sports and continued the star Dwyane Wade, a native of Chicago, great legacy of athleticism and sportsman- AWARENESS MONTH helped lead the U.S. Men’s Basketball ship that has characterized the history of Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. I ask Team, often called ‘‘The Redeem United States Olympic competition; unanimous consent to proceed to the Team,’’ to their first gold medal since Whereas, in the 2008 Summer Olympic consideration of S. Res. 703, submitted 2000. of Wheaton, IL, also Games, the United States sustained and in- earlier. took home a gold medal as part of the creased its clear dominance as the most suc- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The U.S. Men’s Volleyball team, and cessful country in the history of the Olympic clerk will report the resolution by Games; of Bloomington, IL, title. Whereas athletes from the United States The legislative clerk read as follows: won a silver medal along with the U.S. won more medals in the 2008 Summer Olym- Women’s Volleyball team. pic Games than athletes from any other A resolution (S. Res. 703) Designating No- Illinois athletes were on the medal country; vember 2008 as ‘‘National Methamphetamine stand during the Paralympic Games, Whereas swimmer Michael Phelps of Mary- Awareness Month,’’ to increase awareness of methamphetamine abuse. too. Jaclyn Barnes of Wadsworth, IL, land earned recognition as one of the great- won a gold in Women’s Goalball. Emily est athletes of all time by winning an ex- There being no objection, the Senate Hoskins of Mascoutah and Jennifer traordinary 8 gold medals in the 2008 Sum- proceeded to consider the resolution. mer Olympic Games to surpass the previous Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. I ask Ruddell of Champaign also brought single-year record of 7 Olympic gold medals unanimous consent the resolution be home gold as part of the Women’s by , also a swimmer from the agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, Wheelchair Basketball team. Nichole United States; the motions to reconsider be laid upon Millage of Champaign and Hope Whereas Michael Phelps now also holds the the table, with no intervening action Lewellen of Palos Park helped earn the record for the most Olympic gold medals or debate, and that any statements be silver for the Women’s Sitting ever won by a single athlete, with a remark- able 14 gold medals; printed in the RECORD. Volleyball Team. At least thirty ath- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without letes and coaches who competed at the Whereas, in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, the United States demonstrated its objection, it is so ordered. Paralympics have direct ties to Illi- continued preeminence in team sports, with The resolution (S. Res. 703) was nois. the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the agreed to. Last but far from least, I would like men’s volleyball team, the women’s soccer The preamble was agreed to. to congratulate Dawn Harper, a native team, and the men’s and women’s 4x400- The resolution, with its preamble, of my hometown of East St. Louis, IL, meter relay teams winning gold medals; reads as follows:

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