July 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8543

Guthrie Marshall Rothman (NJ) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE zation for Security and Cooperation in Eu- Gutierrez Massa Roybal-Allard The SPEAKER pro tempore (during rope and the Mediterranean Partners for Co- Hall (NY) Matheson Royce the vote). Two minutes remain on this operation, currently Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Hall (TX) Matsui Ruppersberger Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia, dates back to Halvorson McCarthy (CA) vote. Rush the origins of the Helsinki Process and is Hare McCaul Ryan (OH) rooted in the important geographical, histor- Harman McClintock Ryan (WI) b 1648 ical, cultural, economic, and political links Harper McCollum Salazar So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Hastings (FL) McCotter between them and the states of the Medi- Sa´ nchez, Linda tive) the rules were suspended and the Hastings (WA) McDermott T. terranean region; Heinrich McGovern Sanchez, Loretta bill was passed. Whereas the OSCE participating states Heller McHenry Sarbanes The result of the vote was announced have declared their intention to promote the Hensarling McHugh Scalise as above recorded. development of cooperative relations with Herger McIntyre Schakowsky A motion to reconsider was laid on the Mediterranean Partners and to encour- Herseth Sandlin McKeon Schauer Higgins McMahon the table. age the development of mutually beneficial Schiff cooperation in various fields of economic ac- Hill McMorris Schmidt f Himes Rodgers tivity and have sought to increase mutual Schock Hinchey McNerney confidence so as to promote security and sta- Schrader REPORT ON H.R. 3288, TRANSPOR- Hinojosa Meek (FL) Schwartz TATION, HOUSING AND URBAN bility in the Mediterranean region as a Hirono Meeks (NY) Scott (GA) whole; Hodes Melancon DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED Scott (VA) Whereas, since its establishment by the Hoekstra Mica AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Sensenbrenner 1990 Charter of Paris, the Parliamentary As- Holden Michaud ACT, 2010 sembly of the OSCE has called for enhanced Holt Miller (FL) Serrano Hoyer Miller (MI) Sessions Mr. OLVER, from the Committee on engagement with the Mediterranean Part- Hunter Miller (NC) Sestak Appropriations (during consideration ners for Cooperation and their constituent Shadegg Inglis Miller, Gary of H.R. 2920), submitted a privileged re- assemblies in the pursuit of improved eco- Inslee Miller, George Shea-Porter nomic cooperation, and security and sta- Israel Minnick Sherman port (Rept. No. 111–218) on the bill (H.R. bility in the Mediterranean region; Issa Mitchell Shimkus 3288) making appropriations for the De- Whereas in the 1992 Helsinki Document, Jackson (IL) Mollohan Shuler partments of Transportation, and the leaders of the OSCE participating states Shuster Jackson-Lee Moore (KS) committed to widening cooperation and in- Simpson Housing and Urban Development, and (TX) Moore (WI) creasing dialogue with the Mediterranean Jenkins Moran (KS) Sires related agencies for the fiscal year end- Johnson (GA) Moran (VA) Skelton ing September 30, 2010, and for other Partners as a means to promote social and Johnson (IL) Murphy (CT) Slaughter purposes, which was referred to the economic development in order to narrow Johnson, E. B. Murphy (NY) Smith (NE) the prosperity gap between Europe and its Johnson, Sam Murphy, Patrick Smith (NJ) Union Calendar and ordered to be Mediterranean neighbors and to protect the Jones Murphy, Tim Smith (TX) printed. Mediterranean ecosystems; Jordan (OH) Murtha Smith (WA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Whereas in the 1999 Istanbul Document, Kagen Myrick Snyder ant to clause 1, rule XXI, all points of the OSCE participating states encouraged Kanjorski Nadler (NY) Souder the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation Kaptur Napolitano order are reserved on the bill. Space to draw on the expertise of the participating Kennedy Neal (MA) f Speier states in setting up structures and mecha- Kildee Neugebauer Spratt Kilpatrick (MI) Nunes Stark ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER nisms in the Mediterranean region for early Kilroy Nye Stearns PRO TEMPORE warning, preventive diplomacy, and conflict Kind Oberstar prevention; Stupak The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- King (IA) Obey Sullivan Whereas the 2003 Maastricht Ministerial King (NY) Olson Sutton ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair recognized that threats originating or evolv- Kingston Olver Tanner will postpone further proceedings ing in adjacent regions are of increasing im- Kirk Ortiz Taylor today on motions to suspend the rules portance, and therefore the OSCE will inten- Kirkpatrick (AZ) Pallone Teague on which a recorded vote or the yeas sify its cooperation with its Mediterranean Kissell Pascrell Terry Klein (FL) Pastor (AZ) and nays are ordered, or on which the and Asian Partners for Cooperation, and also Thompson (CA) encouraged the Partners for Cooperation to Kline (MN) Paul Thompson (PA) vote incurs objection under clause 6 of Kosmas Paulsen Thornberry embrace the principles and commitments of Kratovil Payne rule XX. the OSCE; Tiahrt Record votes on postponed questions Kucinich Pence Tiberi Whereas the Mediterranean Partners for Lamborn Perlmutter Tierney will be taken later. Cooperation participate as observers in the Lance Perriello Titus f annual meetings of the OSCE Ministerial Langevin Peters Tonko Council as well as the regular meetings of Larsen (WA) Peterson Towns HONORING OSCE MEDITERRANEAN the OSCE Permanent Council and Forum for Larson (CT) Petri Turner Latham Pingree (ME) PARTNERS FOR COOPERATION Security Cooperation; Upton LaTourette Pitts Whereas, the Mediterranean Partners for Van Hollen Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Latta Platts Cooperation actively participate in the work Vela´ zquez move to suspend the rules and agree to Lee (CA) Poe (TX) Visclosky of the Contact Group within the Permanent Lee (NY) Polis (CO) the resolution (H. Res. 654) honoring Walden Council, as well as OSCE yearly events, in- Levin Pomeroy the Organization for Security and Co- Walz cluding the Annual Security Review Con- Lewis (CA) Posey Wamp operation in Europe Mediterranean ference, the Economic Forum, the Human Lewis (GA) Price (GA) Wasserman Dimension Implementation Meeting, and the Linder Price (NC) Partners for Cooperation, and for other Schultz Lipinski Putnam purposes. Annual, Fall and Winter Sessions of the Waters LoBiondo Quigley The Clerk read the title of the resolu- OSCE Parliamentary Assembly; Watson Loebsack Radanovich tion. Whereas since 1995, the OSCE and the Med- Lofgren, Zoe Rahall Watt iterranean Partners for Cooperation have or- Waxman The text of the resolution is as fol- Lowey Rangel ganized annual Mediterranean Conferences Lucas Rehberg Weiner lows: Welch to provide the opportunity for the OSCE par- Luetkemeyer Reichert H. RES. 654 ticipating states and the Mediterranean Luja´ n Reyes Westmoreland Lummis Richardson Wexler Whereas the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and Partners to exchange views on matters of Lungren, Daniel Rodriguez Whitfield subsequent agreements and the work of the mutual interest and to strengthen their co- E. Roe (TN) Wilson (OH) Organization for Security and Cooperation in operative relationship; Lynch Rogers (AL) Wilson (SC) Europe (OSCE), as well as its Parliamentary Whereas in 2001, the President of the OSCE Mack Rogers (KY) Wittman Assembly and affiliated institutions, encom- Parliamentary Assembly appointed the first Maffei Rogers (MI) Wolf pass what is referred to as the Helsinki Proc- Special Representative on Mediterranean Af- Woolsey Maloney Rohrabacher ess; fairs, Mr. Michel Voisin of France, in order Manzullo Rooney Wu Marchant Ros-Lehtinen Yarmuth Whereas the 1975 Helsinki Final Act in- to enhance engagement of members of par- Markey (CO) Roskam Young (AK) cluded a specific section on ‘‘Questions relat- liament from the 56 participating states of Markey (MA) Ross Young (FL) ing to Security and Cooperation in the Medi- the OSCE with members of parliament from terranean’’ in recognition of the interrela- the Mediterranean Partner states; NOT VOTING—9 tion between security in Europe and security Whereas since 2001, successive OSCE Par- Arcuri Cassidy McCarthy (NY) in the Mediterranean region; liamentary Assembly Special Representa- Buchanan Granger Thompson (MS) Whereas the long-standing relationship be- tives on Mediterranean Affairs have been ap- Carter Honda Tsongas tween the participating states of the Organi- pointed by former Assembly Presidents, Mr.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:42 Jul 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22JY7.027 H22JYPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H8544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 22, 2009 Bruce George of the United Kingdom, and as past President of the Parliamentary bility in the Mediterranean region. The Mr. Goran Lennmarker of Sweden, as well as Assembly, and as the current Special efforts toward this cooperation have al- by current President, Mr. Joao Soares of Representative on Mediterranean Af- ready borne fruit, with the Partnership Portugal, reaffirming the OSCE Parliamen- fairs. The important relationship be- addressing issues such as migration tary Assembly’s commitment to the Medi- terranean Partners for Cooperation; tween the OSCE and its Mediterranean and integration and exchanging infor- Whereas, under the leadership of then- Partners dates back to the founding of mation on ‘‘best practices’’ in order to President of the OSCE Parliamentary As- the organization in 1975. The Helsinki develop strategies which reduce feel- sembly, Mr. Bruce George of the United Final Act rightly recognized the con- ings of exclusion and estrangement Kingdom, the Parliamentary Assembly con- nection between European and Medi- among immigrant populations which, vened its first conference dedicated to ensur- terranean security, as well as the deep- as we’ve all seen, can contain the po- ing peace, democracy, and prosperity in the ly rooted geographical, historical, cul- tential to motivate some individuals to region of the Mediterranean in Madrid in tural, economic and political ties be- embrace extremist ideologies. 2002; and Whereas the OSCE Parliamentary Assem- tween the states in this region. In par- I note that representatives of the bly has convened Mediterranean Seminars at ticular, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, OSCE and its Mediterranean Partners its fall meetings since 2003, with the active Morocco and Tunisia have been active will meet in Washington this week to participation of members of parliament rep- partners in this OSCE partnership. discuss further expansion of relations resenting the Mediterranean Partners for Co- Since the OSCE Parliamentary As- and to hold a dialogue on shared con- operation: Now, therefore, be it sembly was established in 1990, it has cerns. Dialogue on these complex but Resolved, That the House of Representa- called for enhanced collaboration be- critical issues is a meaningful way to tives— tween Members of Parliament from the enhance the stability and economic (1) honors the People’s Democratic Repub- lic of Algeria, the Arab Republic of Egypt, participating states of the OSCE and growth of both the OSCE member- the State of Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom Mediterranean legislators in order to states and the countries of the Medi- of Jordan, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the promote regional stability and eco- terranean region. I support the resolu- Tunisian Republic for their participation in nomic cooperation. The House of Rep- tion which underlines the worthy en- the Organization for Security and Coopera- resentatives is pleased to welcome the deavors being undertaken by the OSCE tion in Europe (OSCE) as Mediterranean representatives of the OSCE Mediterra- and its Mediterranean Partners for Co- Partners for Cooperation; nean Partners for Cooperation to operation. (2) welcomes the representatives of the Washington, D.C. later this week for a I reserve the balance of my time. OSCE Mediterranean Partners for Coopera- Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I tion to Washington, DC, on the occasion of seminar on further strengthening ties the Commission on Security and Cooperation between OSCE and this region. yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman in Europe Seminar on OSCE Mediterranean In addition to the European Union’s from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). Partner Engagement, July 22–23, 2009; Euro-Mediterranean partnership and Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Let me (3) encourages the OSCE to re-evaluate its NATO’s Mediterranean dialogue, this thank the distinguished gentleman past practices and ongoing activities in the OSCE initiative provides another valu- from Florida. There are two distin- Mediterranean dimension in order to further able forum in which Israel and its Arab guished gentlemen from Florida, the empower the OSCE Mediterranean Partners neighbors can discuss issues of common manager of this particular legislation, for Cooperation in the work of the OSCE, regional concern, both formally and in- H. Res. 654, and my dear friend who has and to support the Partners’ leadership on been leading the Organization for Secu- matters which impact their citizens, their formally. It also gives these Mediterra- governments, and the region; and nean and Middle Eastern states an op- rity and Cooperation for a number of (4) encourages the OSCE Mediterranean portunity to learn firsthand about years. Partners for Cooperation to continue to neighboring Europe’s ongoing security I rise to support this resolution in work with the OSCE participating states to needs and to benefit, through example, honor of the efforts by the Organiza- enhance trade, economic development, secu- from Europe’s hard-won success in es- tion for Security and Cooperation in rity, and stability in the Mediterranean re- tablishing viable security structures, Europe Mediterranean Partners for Co- gion, and to embrace existing OSCE commit- looking to the day when a peaceful operation because I believe, as a mem- ments, including those in the Human Dimen- ber of the Foreign Affairs Committee, sion. Middle East will perhaps want to estab- lish its own OSCE-like security archi- the efforts of collaboration that we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tecture. have addressing the questions of peace ant to the rule, the gentleman from In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wish to and security are crucial. Florida (Mr. KLEIN) and the gentleman commend the OSCE for its efforts to I’d like to acknowledge some of the from Texas (Mr. POE) each will control engage more closely with the Medi- aspects of the OSCE’s work. The 1999 20 minutes. terranean region and to encourage the Istanbul document, the OSCE partici- The Chair recognizes the gentleman Partners for Cooperation to further pating states encourage the Mediterra- from Florida. their efforts to enhance trade, security nean Partners for Cooperation to draw GENERAL LEAVE and economic development. I strongly on the expertise of the participating Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I support this resolution and urge my states in setting up structures and ask unanimous consent that all Mem- colleagues to do the same. mechanisms in the Mediterranean re- bers may have 5 legislative days to re- I reserve the balance of my time. gion. As well, you can also believe or vise and extend their remarks and in- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I manage to see that the OSCE provides clude extraneous material on the reso- yield myself such time as I may con- the kind of bridge of cooperation that lution under consideration. sume. is very, very important. We welcome The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I rise in support of this resolution, the representatives of OSCE that are objection to the request of the gen- which highlights the efforts of the Or- here. I want to thank Mr. HASTINGS for tleman from Florida? ganization for Security and Coopera- his great leadership in this effort. There was no objection. tion in Europe and its Mediterranean Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Partners for Cooperation. Twenty yield such time as he may consume to yield myself as much time as I may years ago the OSCE and its Mediterra- the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. consume. nean Partners for Cooperation recog- SMITH). Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support nized that, in an increasingly Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. of H. Res. 654, which honors the Organi- globalized world, the security chal- Speaker, I rise in strong support of the zation For Security and Cooperation in lenges confronting them in their re- resolution today which honors the Europe for its cooperation with Medi- spective regions were increasingly OSCE’s Mediterranean Partners of terranean partners. I wish to thank my linked. As a result, they agreed to for- Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tuni- good friend from Florida (Mr. malize a diplomatic mechanism to fa- sia and Algeria. And I do want to ex- HASTINGS) for introducing this resolu- cilitate closer cooperation on a range press deepest respect and gratitude to tion. I would also like to commend him of issues, including the development of ALCEE HASTINGS for his for his excellent leadership for many a model strategy to address 21st cen- groundbreaking work with each of years in the Helsinki Commission, both tury security threats and improve sta- those six partners. Mr. HASTINGS is the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:42 Jul 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22JY7.028 H22JYPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE July 22, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8545 former President of the Parliamentary mate. Our districts abut each other in The commission seminar seeks to Assembly, and now serves as Special South Florida. And I am especially support these efforts and reprioritize Representative on Mediterranean Af- grateful to my good friend from New the potential of this essential partner- fairs, and is trying to bring the Hel- Jersey for his kind remarks regarding ship. sinki process, the three baskets of the not only the OSCE, but his compliment Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends Helsinki Final Act, which emphasize to me and the work that I’ve done that again for their support and urge my economic issues, human rights issues could not have been done but for the colleagues to vote for H. Res. 654 to and security issues and, really, to bring extraordinary work that he and others truly sustain vital diplomatic instru- that good, positive process that has that are Members of the CSCE referred ments and partnerships which bring worked wonders over the years in elec- to as the Helsinki Commission here in greater stability and prosperity to our tion reform. Mr. HASTINGS has ob- Washington undertake. CHRIS has been world. served—how many is it now, ALCEE? the Special Representative on a subject Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pleasure Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Eleven. of vital concern to the world, and that to honor the Organization for Security and Co- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Eleven is human trafficking. And he has no operation in Europe (OSCE) Mediterranean different elections overseas, usually as peer, not only in this institution, but Partners for Cooperation. the head of the delegation. And we’re in the 56 participating states he is fully My good friend Majority Leader STENY trying to inculcate those kind of values recognized in that regard. HOYER and I introduced H. Res. 654 with 16 and to say to our partners, learn from other colleagues to recognize the contributions b 1700 the Helsinki process. It works. It has of a unique partnership of the OSCE which yielded tremendous results and Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great engages Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mo- progress in the area of human rights. pleasure to honor the OSCE Mediterra- rocco and Tunisia, in supporting security and And so I want to, again, thank him for nean Partners for Cooperation. stability in the Mediterranean Region. his work and again for this resolution. My good friend, Majority Leader I would truly like to thank my friends of the I’d also like to welcome the Presi- STENY HOYER, and I introduced H. Res. Committee on Foreign Affairs especially Chair- dent of the Parliamentary Assembly, 654 with 16 other colleagues to recog- man HOWARD BERMAN, Ranking Member Joao Soares, as well as Goran nize the contributions of a unique part- ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN, Subcommittee Chairs Lenmarker, who is the immediate past nership of the OSCE which engages Al- GARY ACKERMAN, ROBERT WEXLER, DONALD President of the Parliamentary Assem- geria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco PAYNE, BILL DELAHUNT, ENI FALEOMAVAEGA, as bly; Jerry Grafstein, our good friend and Tunisia in supporting security and well as Ranking Members CHRIS SMITH and from Canada, who’s also here, who has stability in the Mediterranean region. DANA ROHRABACHER who all supported this done yeoman’s work again. I would truly like to thank my resolution and demonstrated the pivotal geo- Everybody knows about NATO, Mr. friends of the Committee on Foreign political importance of positive partnerships Speaker. They don’t necessarily, at Affairs, especially Chairman HOWARD with North Africa and the Middle East. least in the United States, know about BERMAN and Ranking Member ILEANA Mr. Speaker, it is also my pleasure to wel- the good work that the OSCE has done ROS-LEHTINEN, and Subcommittee come representatives of these States to all these years. The Parliamentary As- Chairs GARY ACKERMAN, ROBERT Washington, DC for the ‘‘Commission on Se- sembly was formed in the early 1990s to WEXLER, DONALD PAYNE, BILL curity and Cooperation in Europe Seminar on be, really, the voice of Members of Par- DELAHUNT, and ENI FALEOMAVAEGA, as OSCE Mediterranean Partner Engagement,’’ liament and Congresses around the 56 well as Ranking Members CHRIS SMITH which will take place tomorrow and Thursday, countries that make up the OSCE. And and DANA ROHRABACHER, who all sup- here in the Capitol. we have really become friends. I was ported this resolution and dem- High-level delegations from all of the Medi- Chairman of the Helsinki Commission onstrated the pivotal geopolitical im- terranean Partner countries will participate in for 12 years. I’ve been on it since my portance of positive partnerships with the seminar, along with the President of the second term in 1983, and now serve as North Africa and the Middle East. OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, representa- ranking member. And Mr. HASTINGS Mr. Speaker, it is also my pleasure to tives of the Greek Chairmanship of the OSCE and BEN CARDIN are serving as co- welcome representatives of these and other OSCE participating States. I invite chairs. This is a remarkable organiza- states to Washington, D.C., for the all of my colleagues to attend and actively par- tion that, again, far too few people Commission on Security and Coopera- ticipate in the proceedings. know the contributions that it makes, tion in Europe Seminar on OSCE Medi- Mr. Speaker, for the past several years, I particularly in the area of human terranean Partners. As I speak, a re- have served as OSCE Parliamentary Assem- rights. ception is ongoing, being hosted by the bly Special Representative for Mediterranean So again, I want to thank Mr. Speaker of the House for these mem- Affairs and it is through this work that I have HASTINGS and wish him great success bers who are here for this seminar, and sought to enhance the long-standing relation- with the conference that’s underway, I thank our Speaker as well. ship between the OSCE participating States but especially for the hard work and High-level delegations from all of the and the Mediterranean Partners for Coopera- very under-appreciated work in reach- Mediterranean partner countries are tion. ing out to those partners in the Medi- participating in this seminar, along This relationship dates back to the origins of terranean to say, learn from the OSCE with the president of the OSCE par- the Helsinki Process with the signing of the and maybe even provides some insights liamentary assembly, representatives 1975 Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on also as to how we can improve our of the Greek chairmanship of the OSCE Security and Cooperation in Europe, now the work as well. in office, and other OSCE participating OSCE. The Final Act recognized this unique Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask states, including Kazakhstan has rep- and important relationship in a specific section unanimous consent that Mr. SMITH resentatives here. They’re the next on ‘‘Questions relating to Security and Co- from New Jersey may manage the rest chair in office. operation in the Mediterranean.’’ of this resolution and the remainder of Mr. Speaker, for the past several In the succeeding decades the OSCE Par- the Foreign Affairs resolutions. years, I have served as parliamentary ticipating States and their Mediterranean Part- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there assembly special representative for ners have worked to increase mutual con- objection to the request of the gen- Mediterranean affairs, and it’s through fidence and develop economic and environ- tleman from Texas? this work that I have sought, along mental cooperation in order to promote secu- There was no objection. with others, to enhance the long-stand- rity and stability throughout Europe and the Mr. POE of Texas. I reserve the bal- ing relationship between the OSCE par- Mediterranean basin. It is through this unique ance of my time. ticipating states and the Mediterra- forum that Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mo- Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I nean partners. rocco and Tunisia continue to develop their yield 4 minutes to the sponsor of the In the interest of time, I would put capacity for leadership in the region, all the bill, the gentleman and my good friend my full statement in as a part of the while exchanging expertise with the OSCE from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS). RECORD, but I would point out since participating States. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I thank 1975 much has been accomplished. How- Since 1975 much has been accomplished, my good friend and geographic soul ever, much more needs to be done. however, much more needs to be done. The

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:42 Jul 23, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K22JY7.093 H22JYPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H8546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 22, 2009 Commission’s seminar seeks to support these Whereas enthusiasm for Olympic and tion, to promote their city’s bid to host efforts and reprioritize the potential of this es- Paralympic sport is at an all-time high: the 2016 summer games and to urge my sential partnership. Now, therefore, be it colleagues to support this resolution. Resolved, That the House of Representa- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends again for tives— their support and urge my colleagues to vote (1) supports Olympic Day and the goals my time. for H. Res. 654 to truly sustain vital diplomatic that Olympic Day pursues; and Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. instruments and partnerships, which bring (2) encourages the International Olympic Speaker, I yield myself such time as I greater stability and prosperity to our world. Committee to select Chicago, Illinois, as the may consume. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. host city for the 2016 Olympic and I rise in support of H. Res. 538, sup- Speaker, I yield back the balance of Paralympic Games. porting Olympic Day and encouraging my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the International Olympic Committee Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ant to the rule the gentleman from to select Chicago, Illinois, as the host have no further requests for time, and Florida (Mr. KLEIN) and the gentleman city for the 2016 Olympic and I yield back the balance of my time. from New Jersey (Mr. SMITH) each will Paralympic games, and I congratulate The SPEAKER pro tempore. The control 20 minutes my good friend and colleague Ms. question is on the motion offered by The Chair recognizes the gentleman SCHAKOWSKY for sponsoring this, bring- the gentleman from Florida (Mr. from Florida. ing it to the floor today. I think it KLEIN) that the House suspend the GENERAL LEAVE sends a very clear message of the soli- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I darity that we have that this be the Res. 654. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- venue for the 2016 Olympic games. Last month, the world observed the The question was taken; and (two- bers may have 5 legislative days to re- 61st annual Olympic Day, a celebration thirds being in the affirmative) the vise and extend their remarks and in- commemorating the creation of the rules were suspended and the resolu- clude extraneous material on the reso- International Olympic Committee. tion was agreed to. lution under consideration. Olympic Day was first observed in 1948, A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there 54 years after the founding of the Inter- the table. objection to the request of the gen- national Olympic Committee. As the f tleman from Florida? only annual, worldwide event of the There was no objection. ENCOURAGING SELECTION OF CHI- Olympic movement, Olympic Day is a Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I CAGO AS THE 2016 OLYMPIC fitting tribute to the ideals of the rise in strong support of this legisla- HOST CITY Olympic charter. tion and yield myself as much time as Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I These are: ‘‘to create a way of life I may consume. based on the joy of effort, the edu- move to suspend the rules and agree to Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thank- cational value of good example and re- the resolution (H. Res. 538) supporting ing the gentlelady from Illinois (Ms. spect for universal fundamental ethical Olympic Day on June 23, 2009, and en- SCHAKOWSKY) for introducing this reso- principles,’’ and ‘‘to place sport at the couraging the International Olympic lution supporting Olympic Day and en- service of the harmonious development Committee to select Chicago, Illinois, couraging the International Olympic of man,’’ and I would add woman, as the host city for the 2016 Olympic Committee to select Chicago as the ‘‘with a view to promoting a peaceful and Paralympic Games, as amended. host city for the 2016 Olympic and society concerned with the preserva- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Paralympic games. tion. tion of human dignity.’’ H. Res. 538 provides an opportunity The theme of this year’s Olympic The text of the resolution is as fol- for the House to celebrate the Olympic lows: Day is ‘‘Move, Learn and Discover,’’ ideal of peace through sport and to rec- and it was celebrated last month with H. RES. 538 ognize Olympic Day, the founding anni- the 22nd annual Olympic Day run spon- Whereas Olympic Day, June 23, 2009, cele- versary of the modern Olympic games. sored in various locations around the brated the Olympic ideal of developing peace For over a century, the modern Olym- through sport; world by over 150 national Olympic pic games have brought together ath- committees. Whereas June 23 marks the anniversary of letes from all around the world and in the founding of the modern Olympic move- This resolution also encourages the ment, the date on which the Congress of the process has helped forge countless selection of Chicago, Illinois, as the Paris approved the proposal of Pierre de relationships found by friendship, soli- host city for the 2016 Olympic and Coubertin to found the modern Olympics; darity and fair play. Paralympic games. Whereas for more than 100 years, the Olympic Day promotes the Olympic Selected in April of 2007 as the Olympic movement has built a more peaceful ideal by encouraging the teaching of United States bid city for the summer and better world by educating young people Olympic history, health, arts, culture Olympics in 2016, Chicago is a thriving through amateur athletics, by bringing to- to students across the country. It also gether athletes from many countries in example of our Nation’s heartland, its encourages a new generation of Amer- urban vitality, and its remarkable di- friendly competition, and by forging new re- ican athletes to take part in Olympic lationships bound by friendship, solidarity, versity. and fair play; and Paralympic sports. The contributions of international Whereas the United States and Chicago, Il- As we support the ideals of Olympic sport to personal fitness and inter- linois, advocate the ideals of the Olympic Day, it is only fitting that we also urge national understanding deserve our movement; the International Olympic Committee recognition, and I thank again my dis- Whereas hundreds of local governments to support the City of Chicago’s bid to tinguished colleague from Illinois for from across the United States are joining to- host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic introducing this resolution which de- gether to show their support for bringing the games. Last year, the IOC named Chi- serves our unanimous support. Olympic Games to Chicago, Illinois, in 2016; cago one of the finalist cities to host Whereas Olympic Day will encourage the I reserve the balance of our time. development of Olympic and Paralympic the games, and the winning city will be Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Sport in the United States; selected this October. yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Whereas Olympic Day encourages the par- Hosting the 2016 games would bring Illinois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY), one of the ticipation of youth of the United States in significant benefits to Chicago, one of sponsors of the bill and a great fan of Olympic and Paralympic sport; our Nation’s truly world-class cities, Chicago and who is ready to go. Whereas Olympic Day will encourage the and would provide an excellent oppor- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. I thank the gen- teaching of Olympic history, health, arts, tunity for American athletes to com- tleman. and culture among the youth of the United pete in the summer Olympic and Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support States; of House Resolution 538, a bipartisan Whereas Olympic Day will encourage the Paralympic games in front of a home youth of the United States to support the crowd for the first time since 1996. resolution I introduced to express the Olympic movement and the selection of Chi- I congratulate the gentlelady from Il- support of the House of Representa- cago, Illinois, as the host city for the 2016 linois for her tireless efforts, along tives for the City of Chicago’s bid to Olympic and Paralympic Games; and with the other members of the delega- host the summer Olympics in 2016.

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