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Home , 2009 NFL season, Arizona Cardinals, Bill Cowher, Deshea Townsend, Mike Tomlin, Rooney family

February 12, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1263 NOT VOTING—8 an electronic vote or a voice vote, but by bringing a cham- Blunt Ryan (OH) Stark you call for the vote of the bill that is pionship to ; Campbell Schock Tiberi on the calendar; is that correct? Whereas James Harrison was Roskam Solis (CA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Sched- named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2008–2009 ; ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE uling decisions are made by the leader- Whereas team owner and team The SPEAKER pro tempore (during ship. President II, the son and grand- the vote). Members are advised that 2 f son, respectively, of minutes remain in this vote. founder Art Rooney, have remarkable loy- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 1344 alty to Steelers fans and the City of Pitts- b PRO TEMPORE burgh, and have assembled an exceptional So (two-thirds being in the affirma- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- team of players, coaches, and staff that made achieving a championship possible; tive) the rules were suspended and the ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair concurrent resolution was agreed to. Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base, will postpone further proceedings known as ‘‘’’, was ranked in The result of the vote was announced today on motions to suspend the rules as above recorded. August 2008 by ESPN.com as the best in the on which a recorded vote or the yeas NFL, citing their current streak of 299 con- A motion to reconsider was laid on and nays are ordered, or on which the secutive sold out games going back to the the table. vote is objected to under clause 6 of 1972 season; and f rule XX. Whereas, for 76 years, the people of the Record votes on postponed questions City of Pittsburgh have seen themselves in PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES the grit, tenacity, and success of the Pitts- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I will be taken later. burgh Steelers franchise, and they proudly have a parliamentary inquiry. f join the team in celebrating their NFL The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- record 6th Super Bowl championship: Now CONGRATULATING THE therefore, be it tleman will state his parliamentary in- PITTSBURGH STEELERS Resolved, That the House of Representa- quiry. Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to tives congratulates the National Football Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, 2 League Champion Pittsburgh Steelers for days ago, the House adopted unani- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- winning Super Bowl XLIII and setting a new mously a motion to instruct the con- lution (H. Res. 110) congratulating the championship standard for the entire NFL. champion ferees on H.R. 1 that stipulated that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super the text of the language of the non- ant to the rule, the gentleman from Bowl XLIII and becoming the most suc- stimulus bill must be available for 48 Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the cessful franchise in NFL history with hours prior to the conferees signing off gentleman from Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ) their record 6th Super Bowl title. on the bill. each will control 20 minutes. Can the Speaker apprise the House as The Clerk read the title of the resolu- The Chair recognizes the gentleman to the availability of that text at this tion. from Massachusetts. The text of the resolution is as fol- point? GENERAL LEAVE lows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- tleman has not stated a parliamentary H. RES. 110 imous consent that all Members may inquiry. Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers won have 5 legislative days in which to re- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Further in- Super Bowl XLIII by defeating the vise and extend their remarks. Cardinals 27 to 23 in Tampa, , on Feb- quiry, Mr. Speaker. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ruary 1, 2009, winning their second Super Bowl championship in 4 years; objection to the request of the gen- tleman will state his inquiry. Whereas with this victory the Pittsburgh tleman from Massachusetts? Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Steelers franchise has set a new National There was no objection. will the House know the timing for the Football League standard for most Super Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I now yield vote to be scheduled on H.R. 1 and Bowl victories with their record 6th Super myself such time as I may consume. whether or not this text will be avail- Bowl championship; As chairman of the House Sub- able for the 48 hours stipulated in the Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers went 15–4 committee on Federal Workforce, Post motion to instruct unanimously adopt- against the hardest-ranked 2008–2009 sched- Office, and the District of Columbia, ed by the House? ule in the NFL and defeated the San Diego Chargers, Ravens, and Arizona and on behalf of the House Oversight The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cardinals during their record-setting post and Government Reform Committee, Chair does not advise on scheduling de- season run; I’m pleased to join my colleagues from cisions. Whereas linebacker James Harrison re- the State of , even though Mr. PRICE of Georgia. So the Speak- turned a goal line 100 yards for this may be a little painful for me as a er is not aware of whether or not that the longest play in Super Bowl history; fan, but I do text will be available 48 hours prior to Whereas heartily join them in congratulating the vote? went 21–30 for 256 yards and led the team the Pittsburgh Steelers in the consid- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The down the field for the 19th and most impor- tant 4th quarter comeback of his career; eration of House Res. 110, which pro- Chair is not involved in scheduling de- Whereas vides for the recognition of the Na- cisions, and Members should consult won the Super Bowl MVP award with a 9- tional Football League’s champion their leadership. catch, 131-yard performance, including the Pittsburgh Steelers for winning Super Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, game-winning in the corner of Bowl XLIII and for becoming, indeed, I have a parliamentary inquiry. the endzone with 35 seconds left in the game; the most successful franchise in NFL The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers new history by capturing their sixth Super tleman will state his parliamentary in- ‘‘’’ defense, including stars Bowl title. I also want to take this op- quiry. James Harrison, Ryan Clark, , , , Larry portunity to welcome our new ranking Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, Foote, , LaMarr Woodley, member, Mr. CHAFFETZ from Utah, in is it the Chair’s responsibility to call , , and Aaron his new role as ranking member of the the vote? Smith were ranked first in the NFL in over- committee. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The all team defense for the 2008–2009 season; House Resolution 110 was introduced Chair is the presiding officer for the Whereas the Pittsburgh Steelers defense by Representative MIKE DOYLE of proceedings of the House. during the 2008–2009 season allowed the least Pennsylvania, of Pittsburgh, on Feb- Mr. WESTMORELAND. Further par- points scored, lowest average passing yards ruary 3, 2009, and currently has the liamentary inquiry. per game, and the least overall yards per support of over 60 Members in cospon- game in the entire NFL; The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Whereas is the sorship, including myself. Also through tleman will state his inquiry. youngest coach to win a Super Bowl cham- the courtesy of Chairman TOWNS, the Mr. WESTMORELAND. So it is not pionship and has continued in the legendary measure has been considered and ap- your responsibility to call for a vote, tradition of head coaches Noll and proved by the Oversight Committee

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:27 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12FE7.006 H12FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H1264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 12, 2009 and now comes to the House floor as a the first appearance in franchise his- have the toughest schedule in the NFL. means of highlighting the Steelers’ tory for the . The un- And there was some talk that we might successful 2008–2009 NFL season and likely Super Bowl contender shook off not even win our division. Cleveland their Super Bowl victory. their reputation as being one of the was seen as the up-and-coming team in Mr. Speaker, the Pittsburgh Steelers most dysfunctional teams in the NFL. our division, and with the schedule, stand as one of sporting history’s The Cardinals soared through the NFC things just didn’t look like they were greatest franchise stories. Founded playoffs, which ended with a con- going to fall in place with the Steelers. back in 1933 during the heyday of Pitts- vincing win over the heavily fortified We had a young coach, Mike Tomlin, burgh’s steel-producing era by the leg- . 36 years old. He has only been head endary Art Rooney, or who many refer In a game marked by miraculous re- coach for a couple of years. And Pitts- to as ‘‘,’’ the Steelers are the ceptions and tremendous plays, who burgh just wasn’t one of the teams fifth oldest NFL franchise. And as a re- could forget one of the most exciting, mentioned when you talked about who sult of their remarkable win against and longest, plays in Super Bowl his- is going be in the Super Bowl. But this the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl tory? With Arizona on the Pittsburgh 2 was a gritty team, emblematic of the XLIII, the Steelers are now the most yard line, poised to take a 14–10 lead people they play for, the people of the successful NFL team with six Super with 18 seconds left in the first half, city of Pittsburgh. And they finished Bowl rings. Pittsburgh linebacker, James Harrison, the season with a 12–4 record. Led by Coach Mike Tomlin, the the NFL’s defensive MVP, picked off When you look at the four toughest youngest coach to capture the coveted ’s pass at the Pittsburgh schedules in the NFL, three of those Lombardi trophy, the Steelers road to goal line. Harrison rumbled and stum- four teams didn’t finish with winning Super Bowl XLIII was lined with its bled 100 yards for a Steelers touchdown records. Only one did, the Pittsburgh fair share of advancements and chal- and a 17–7 half-time lead. Steelers. And they did it behind the lenges as the Steelers moved through While Pittsburgh largely outplayed Nation’s best defense, the number one the hardest ranked 2008–2009 NFL Arizona for most of the game, the defense in the NFL, the Pittsburgh schedule, a road that I must mention, hopes of the Cardinals fans took flight Steelers. We went on to beat the San came through Foxboro, Massachusetts, when Kurt Warner hit receiver Larry Diego Chargers and the Baltimore the home of my beloved New England Fitzgerald for a 64-yard touchdown Ravens to get into the Super Bowl. And Patriots. And that road ended in pass putting the Cardinals up 23–20 then one of the most exciting games I Tampa Bay, Florida, with the unforget- with 2:37 left in the game. But those have ever seen in my lifetime, and I table game winning touchdown pass hopes came crashing to the ground have watched lots of Steeler football, from Ben Roethlisberger to Santonio when Steelers quarterback, Ben and I want to compliment the Arizona Holmes in the waning seconds of the Roethlisberger, engineered a 78-yard Cardinals, that team played a great fourth quarter. drive culminating in a touchdown pass game. I don’t think many people men- For this accomplishment, Mr. Speak- to Santonio Holmes, who made a stun- tioned the Arizona Cardinals when it er, we stand to commend the Pitts- ning, acrobatic catch with 35 seconds came to who was going to be in the burgh Steelers, their franchise, their left to give the Steelers the lead and, Super Bowl either. And they deserve a organization, the players, coaches and after a stalled Cardinals drive, their lot of credit for the way they played the , and of course, the historic sixth Lombardi trophy. that game and how hard they fought. supportive fans that make up the Regardless of who you were rooting Pittsburgh really dominated them ‘‘Steeler Nation,’’ on a job well done. for, this was widely regarded as one of for quite some time, and they came As the city of Pittsburgh and its sur- the greatest Super Bowl games in re- back in the fourth quarter. And for a rounding countryside continue to cele- cent memory, and the fans at home while, it looked like we didn’t know brate its 250th anniversary, I’m certain agreed. According to Nielsen Media Re- what hit us. But then, as Ben that the Steelers win in Super Bowl Roethlisberger has done 18 other times XLIII only adds to the occasion of such search data, the game had 151.6 million in his career, he took the Steelers a historical landmark. viewers, which made it the most- down on a final drive to win the ball In closing, I urge adoption of House viewed program in television history. Resolution 110. With that, I would like to congratu- game with just 35 seconds left as I reserve the balance of my time. late the owners of the Steelers, the Santonio Holmes made a catch that Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield great Rooney family, my colleague, was ballerina like in the way he was myself such time as I may consume. Mr. ROONEY, from Florida, the coaches able to keep his two feet in bounds. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support and players as well as ‘‘Steeler Nation’’ And when we first saw it on television, of H. Res. 110, congratulating the Pitts- and the legions of wav- it looked like he was out of bounds. burgh Steelers for winning Super Bowl ing fans in Pittsburgh and across the But the replay clearly showed that he XLIII and becoming the most success- country. had caught that ball. So Pittsburgh ful franchise in NFL history with their Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of now has been in seven Super Bowls. We record sixth Super Bowl title. my time. have won six of them. Mr. Speaker, the Steelers 27–23 vic- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this As someone who has been born and tory over the Arizona Cardinals in point, I would like to yield to the chief raised in Pittsburgh, my grandparents, Tampa, Florida, on February 1, 2009, sponsor of this resolution, the gen- when they came from Ireland and marked a truly historic moment in tleman from Pittsburgh, MIKE DOYLE, , they ended up in the little town NFL history in several ways. The vic- for 5 minutes. of Pittsburgh. We’ve been there ever tory marked the sixth Super Bowl win Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I was hop- since. I can tell you that this is a for the Steelers, giving them more ing that I would get 6 minutes, 1 collar team, a team that plays with Super Bowl titles than any other team minute for each Super Bowl. But we grit, determination and character. And in the history of the National Football will settle for 5. I can’t tell you how that character is emblematic of . It also gave rise to a new nick- courageous it is to hear my good friend ownership of the Steelers, the Rooney name for the storied franchise that has and colleague, Mr. LYNCH, a New Eng- family. There isn’t a better family in many nicknames, ‘‘Sixburgh.’’ land Patriot fan, have to stand up here football. And the Steelers played be- This is the first Super Bowl win for on the House floor and say such won- cause of the way the Rooney family Coach Mike Tomlin, who became the derful things about the Pittsburgh has set the standard for that. We are youngest coach in NFL history to win Steelers. I’m sure this is going to hurt privileged in the House of Representa- the championship game. In only his him back home in his district. And tives to have the grandson of the second season as the Steelers head STEVE, I appreciate those gracious founder of the Pittsburgh Steelers coach, he joins the ranks of other leg- words. here, and one of my chief cosponsors of endary Steelers coaches, This was a gritty team. In the begin- the bill. and Bill Cowher. ning of the season, not too many peo- So along with the entire Pennsyl- This epic win came against a dan- ple picked the Pittsburgh Steelers to vania delegation, my colleagues, TIM gerous and surprising underdog. This is be in the Super Bowl. We were said to MURPHY and JASON ALTMIRE, we want

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:27 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12FE7.032 H12FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE February 12, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1265 to congratulate the Rooney family. We Steelers never won. And then the chief, was to be a man. In describing the im- want to congratulate the people of the who founded the team in 1933, saw his pact his father had on him, Mike said, city of Pittsburgh. This team epito- team win four Super Bowls in the 1970s, and I quote, ‘‘I had big dreams when I mizes the tough, resilient spirit of the before he died in 1988. Now, we have was a child. But without my dad, those city of Pittsburgh in southwestern two more in the last couple of years, dreams might not have come true. He Pennsylvania. I’m proud to represent and that’s six, more than any team brought stability to my life. He made these folks. And I hope my colleagues ever. I know my grandfather is up my world a safe place in which to will join me in recognizing six-time there in heaven looking down, smiling, think, to learn, and yes, to dream. I Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh smoking a cigar. I miss him every day, would not be coaching the Steelers in Steelers, on the occasion of this latest and I love him very much. the Super Bowl today if it weren’t for victory. Michael, Dan, and my cousin, Artie, the man who walked into my life when Mr. Speaker, do I have any time left? have done a great job carrying his I was a young boy and became my The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- torch, but the other owners in my fam- dad.’’ tleman from Pennsylvania has 11⁄2 min- ily who are part of this team, my Uncle Mike has never forgotten the impact utes remaining. Art, who scouted all those players you his father had on him and has dedi- Mr. DOYLE. I normally don’t yield to saw play in the 1970s that won four cated himself to be that kind of role people from cities that have sore los- Lombardi trophies, my Uncle Tim of model, both to his immediate family, ers. But my good friend, Mr. STUPAK, New York, my Uncle John of Philadel- and in the community. who represents the , phia, my dad, Pat Rooney, Sr. of Flor- And now, Madam Speaker, I include has asked for some time to dispute the ida, and the McGinleys, all ‘‘North Sid- the following article entitled ‘‘Coach resolution. And I guess in the spirit of ers’’ of Pittsburgh, but all make up the Makes a Difference for Many on the Pe- camaraderie, I will yield him some ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers ninsula; Those who know him say Mike time. and play a role in who the Rooneys are Tomlin relishes his status as a role Mr. STUPAK. I thank the gentleman and how they conduct business. model’’ for the RECORD to highlight the for yielding and thank him for his Instilled by my grandfather, the se- work that Mike has done in his home- friendship. cret of the success of the Pittsburgh town community. It was published in As you know, I have been to Pitts- Steelers and the Rooney family is, the Daily Press on February 1. burgh. We went to the new stadium in quite simply, patience, humility, faith, I’d like to once again congratulate Pittsburgh when the Steelers played. trust in our coaches and our players, Coach Tomlin and the entire Pitts- When they opened up the new stadium, but most importantly, defense. De- burgh Steelers team on their historic we were there. I congratulate the fense. victory. Pittsburgh Steelers on their sixth I want to say congratulations to our COACH MAKES A DIFFERENCE FOR MANY ON Super Bowl and their champion- coaches, Mike Tomlin and Dick PENINSULA—THOSE WHO KNOW HIM SAY ship this year. But the last part of your LeBeau, who should be in the Hall of MIKE TOMLIN RELISHES HIS STATUS AS A ROLE MODEL resolution, and every football fan Fame, our front office, our players, (By Dave Fairbank) knows, that the standard for the entire Glades Central High School MVP Santonio Holmes, James Harrison, Larry Orie watched Mike Tomlin grow up. NFL for championships is the Green Saw him play youth sports. Attended his Bay Packers with 13, with 13. with the longest touchdown in Super football games at Denbigh High and later at Bowl history. But most of all to Steel- b 1400 William and Mary. er Nation, get ready for Number 7 in A close friend of Tomlin’s parents since So I would ask the gentleman, you 2009. high school, Orie followed Tomlin’s coaching don’t want to lower the standard, obvi- Go Steelers. career when he reached the National Foot- ously, that we should recognize the Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, at this ball League. He attended games and visited fact that the standard for champion- time I would like to yield 2 minutes to Tomlin at professional coaching stops in Tampa, Minnesota and now as head coach of ships, as your resolution says, in the Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. the Pittsburgh Steelers. entire NFL belongs to the Green Bay Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam ‘‘What I find about him is he’s the same all Packers, and not to my other nice Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the time,’’ said Orie, a retired Newport News team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. the Pittsburgh Steelers on their his- fire chief. ‘‘He’s constant. He wants to give So I just want to make note of it that toric sixth Super Bowl victory. In a back to the community. He’s a role model, I think all of us being football fans rec- game that was exciting down to the even for older folks like me. * * * He defi- ognize the fact that the standard for last minute, the Steelers defeated the nitely wants to be a role model for the com- NFL championships is with the Green Arizona Cardinals 27–23 in Super Bowl munity, especially for where he came from.’’ Bay Packers. That’s why Orie, in his capacity as vice XLIII on Sunday, February 1, 2009. president for membership of the 100 Black Mr. DOYLE. Reclaiming my time, Now, I want to deliver a special note Men of the Virginia Peninsula, recommended Mr. Speaker, I would just say to my of congratulations to the head coach of that the organization recognize Tomlin dur- good friend from Green Bay, I feel your the team, Mike Tomlin. Coach Tomlin ing its annual gala in April. pain. I understand what it’s like to be is a native of the Third Congressional ‘‘Larry said, ‘This is a great guy,’ ’’ chapter on the losing end. You know, Pitts- District of Virginia. He’s a product of President Everett Browning said. ‘‘He’s not burgh went through 40 years of teams the Newport News public schools, grad- just a football coach. This is a person we that didn’t have winning records, so we want our kids to know about and model their uating from Denbigh High School in lives after.’’ understand how it feels to be a Green 1990. Mike was a 3-year starter at the Tomlin—who will attempt to become the Bay fan. College of William and Mary football youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield team, and graduated from the college today, when the Steelers face the Arizona 3 minutes to my distinguished col- in 1994. Cardinals—was the first sports figure se- league from the State of Florida (Mr. Mike’s dedication to coaching at the lected as Role Model of the Year in the 16 ROONEY). professional level places him in the years of the local chapter of 100 Black Men, Mr. ROONEY. Mr. Speaker, thank pantheon of great coaches that the the national organization dedicated to im- proving the lives and opportunities of young you to Congressman DOYLE for spon- Steelers have had over the last 53 blacks. soring this bill. You know, it’s not years, including Chuck Noll and Bill The group usually honors business, polit- really in our family’s disposition to Cowher. ical and community leaders, all of whom sort of brag on itself, but given the op- But what many people do not know have longer resumes than the 36-year-old portunity that I have as a new Member about Coach Tomlin is that his dedica- Tomlin. In the past, it has recognized such of this Congress and the accomplish- tion to coaching comes from the im- figures as former Gov. Doug Wilder, U.S. ments that we’ve had, I’ll do so briefly. pact that coaches and other role mod- Rep. Robert C. ‘‘Bobby’’ Scott Jr. and Hamp- ton University President William Harvey. Our old quarterback, Terry Brad- els have had in his life. His biggest role After spending time around Tomlin on that shaw, called my grandfather, Art Roo- model was his stepfather, who came April day, Browning was convinced that the ney, a good king. But for 40 years, into his life at the age of six and, ac- group had chosen wisely. What sold Brown- MIKE, as you said, the Pittsburgh cording to Tomlin, taught him what it ing wasn’t Tomlin’s demeanor and message

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:27 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12FE7.033 H12FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE H1266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 12, 2009 the night of the affair but an appearance ‘‘Most of the kids looking up to athletes we can make dreams come true. This that morning. think that there’s a possibility that they can ain’t fantasy football. It’s the real Tomlin spoke to more than 100 high school get there,’’ Orie said, ‘‘but there’s a lot more thing. It’s what we believe in. It’s what and middle school students at the Downing- that don’t get there than do. But having we expect. It’s what we all do. And Gross Cultural Arts Center in downtown Mike as another alternative—it’s just like Newport News, where Browning said the Mr. Obama being the president now—a kid that’s why they win. coach was sincere, humble and inspirational. can look up and say, ‘I can do that.’ In the 1970s, Pittsburgh was feeling ‘‘He said, ‘Twenty years ago, I was you ‘‘He’s a good role model because everyone the pains of the steel industry hurting. guys, sitting down in the audience,’ ’’ Brown- that aspires to be an athlete is not going to But the Steelers were winning. The ing remembered. ‘‘A high school student, lis- be one, and he’s an example that you don’t steel mills were closing down, but the tening to people trying to tell me about life have to be one to have a good life and have Steelers were winning. The steel jobs and the things you need to do to be success- an impact on people.’’ were disappearing, but the Steelers ful. Let me tell you, what people are telling Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I you is the truth.’’ were winning. When Pittsburgh was Browning said of Tomlin, ‘‘He said he lived yield 4 minutes to my distinguished struggling the most, the Steelers were his life by the code of being a hard worker, colleague from the State of Pennsyl- winning the most. Four Super Bowls in of being true to one’s self and realizing if you vania (Mr. TIM MURPHY). the 1970s. We saw and we believed that want to get ahead, you have to make sac- Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. no matter what, we could still work to- rifices. I was just elated to hear him say Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, gether and make it, the 11 players on those things to the students.’’ MIKE DOYLE from Pittsburgh, for intro- the field and the 12th player all over Tomlin doesn’t need a black-tie gala or a ducing this resolution and helping the proclamation in his honor to return to the the country. Peninsula, either. Nation know once again what this And here we are again, a fifth Super He took a couple of days’ vacation time towel means. Bowl just a few years ago and a sixth a this past summer and drove from Pittsburgh The six pack, Six-burgh, six few weeks ago. Again, we may be strug- to attend the Peninsula All-Star Football Lombardi trophies, six Super Bowl gling in our town, in our Nation, but Camp, the annual affair staged by Hampton wins, six Super Bowl rings, the only the Steelers find a way to win. The Na- native and NFL Players Association commu- team to have achieved that landmark tion may be hoping we can, but the nications director Carl Francis. status. ‘‘I was shocked, but I wasn’t shocked,’’ Steelers Nation know we can and we Francis said, ‘‘if you know what I mean.’’ The incredible Super Bowl XLIII do. The talent and tenacity of tens of Tomlin didn’t simply put in an appearance champions, from Roethlisberger to thousands of Terrible Towel wielding and stand in the shade, sipping Gatorade. He Polamalu to Holmes to Miller to Ward fans make it happen. was on the field at Christopher Newport Uni- to Harrison, a super team that brings And the way the Steelers won Super versity, bouncing around, working up a pride to Pittsburgh, to Pennsylvania Bowl XLIII was the way we win, fourth sweat, coaching kids and chattering end- and professional football. quarter, behind in the score, but with lessly. But there is a back story here that ‘‘You could see he was excited to be around an on-the-money throw, a long reach, a kids and talk football,’’ said Bethel High needs to be told. How is it that the fingertip catch and by the tip of the coach Jeff Nelson, who also worked the Steelers are able to do so much? After toes, a touchdown that puts them camp. ‘‘Sometimes you see a head coach of a all, other cities have great teams and ahead. And that’s how they win, and big-time program or an NFL team in a set- great talent. What happens here with they do it with class. ting like that, and you get the feeling that this team that unites them so closely This is not just the Pittsburgh Steel- they’re above everybody. With him, he was with the city and its fans, it’s also the ers. They’re the Steelers that are sym- like one of the kids, running around and Steeler Nation. coaching. Kids feed off that.’’ bolic of our Nation. Being behind Francis said, ‘‘I am tremendously grateful First, has to be their attitude about doesn’t mean you give up. Losing a to Mike for what he’s done for me and our winning, the attitude about pushing game doesn’t mean you slink off in the camp. His humility and generosity are gen- themselves harder each week, of play- sunset and write off the season. Like uine. He’s a caring person. There is no armor ing not just the 60 minutes on the field our Nation, we will keep at it and on Mike.’’ till the last second ticks off the clock, fight, time and time over again until Francis’ football camp is part of his work but playing hard in their practice and we win. That’s when we play as a team, with the Hampton Roads Youth Foundation. being part of the community. It’s He remembered that almost two years ago, all with the same goal and determina- he had a conversation with Tomlin—shortly about that drive to do better each tion. We can, we do, we will. Not just after Tomlin became Steelers head coach— time; knowing that the line for excel- champions for the City of Pittsburgh, about the camp and about lining up speakers lence keeps moving up, whatever or but for our Nation. Taking a page from for the foundation’s annual pre-camp ban- wherever it is, you’ve got to get there. their playbook, we will all come from quet. Period. And that’s what they do. behind, we will all be stronger, better ‘‘I was using him as a sounding board,’’ Second, it’s about trust and loyalty. smarter and, as a Nation, just like the Francis said. ‘‘I didn’t ask him to do any- This is a team that raises loyalty and Pittsburgh Steelers, we will win. thing, and he said, ‘Carl, why don’t I just do trust to a whole new standard. Three it?’ Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I con- ‘‘I was like, ‘Mike, look, you’re a new head coaches only in the last 30 years; the tinue to reserve. coach. You’ve got a million things on your Rooney family owning the team from Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I plate. He said, ‘No, no, no. Let’s get it done. the start, that not only stays loyal to yield 3 minutes to my distinguished Just tell me when and where, and I’ll be their hometown of Pittsburgh, where it colleague from the State of Pennsyl- there.’ ’’ works to make the town better for vania (Mr. THOMPSON). Tomlin makes an impression, whether it’s their charitable work and quiet leader- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. speaking to kids in a community center or in the NFL, where he has led the Steelers to the ship. The players trust the coaches and Growing up in Steeler country, I have playoffs in both his years as a head coach. the owners to do the right thing and long viewed the franchise the golden ‘‘I think he’s very important,’’ Francis the best thing. The fans in the city standard of the NFL. Now in their said. trust the team, and the loyalty shows sixth Super Bowl title the entire world ‘‘I don’t know that our area really under- every Sunday in football season when knows what we in central and western stands the magnitude of what he’s doing and the black and gold terrible towel waves Pennsylvania have known for some how he’s perceived. ‘‘If you listen to people around the Na- proudly at every stadium for every time, the Steelers are the greatest pro- tional Football League, all the way up to the game, wherever the Steeler Nation is. fessional football franchise of all time. commissioner’s office, they’ll tell you that Third, know this: The Steelers aren’t From the ownership to the coaching he’s made a tremendous impact around the just a team, and it’s not just a game. staff, the players, the fans, the Steelers league. His maturity and his ability to com- They represent the people and our organization continues to impress me, municate with people is remarkable.’’ hearts. They aren’t some players on both on and off the field. Their com- Tomlin, a father of three, has expanded his the field that we passively watch. We mitment to enriching the lives of west- charitable work to the Pittsburgh area. He has participated in charity events there are there on the field with them, and ern Pennsylvania’s youth and their and is a member of the group All Pro Dad, an they are with us. During that couple of partnership with the community is as organization with deep NFL ties that helps hours every autumn Sunday, we can strong today as it was in 1933 when Ar- men become better fathers. dream and we know that all together, thur J. Rooney first founded the team.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 06:27 Feb 13, 2009 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12FE7.008 H12FEPT1 rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with HOUSE February 12, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H1267 To the Rooney family and the team, lution 110, congratulating the Pitts- Whereas these studies have identified the Coach Tomlin, who I may add is the burgh Steelers on their Super Bowl following as contributing risk factors that youngest head coach in history to win championship. Americans can also take action to modify, a world championship, my good friend treat or control by changing their lifestyle I yield back. or seeking appropriate medical treatment: from Florida and classmate TOM ROO- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Individual response to stress, excessive con- NEY, on behalf of the Fifth District of question is on the motion offered by sumption of alcoholic beverages, use of cer- Pennsylvania, congratulations, and the gentleman from Massachusetts tain illegal drugs, and hormone replacement thank you for everything that you do (Mr. LYNCH) that the House suspend therapy; for central and . the rules and agree to the resolution, Whereas more than 106,000,000 adult Ameri- Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, we con- H. Res. 110. cans have high blood pressure; tinue to reserve. The question was taken. Whereas more than 37,000,000 Americans have cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or high- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the yield 1 minute to my distinguished col- er, the level at which it becomes a major opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being risk factor; league from the State of (Mr. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. Whereas an estimated 43,000,000 Americans KIRK). Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ob- put themselves at risk for heart disease Mr. KIRK. I might just ask the lead- ject to the vote on the ground that a every day by smoking cigarettes; ership why we’re debating this resolu- quorum is not present and make the Whereas data released by the Centers for tion, taking time away from serious point of order that a quorum is not Disease Control and Prevention shows that debate on the hidden stimulus bill. more than 65 percent of American adults do present. not get enough physical activity, and more Why, as the economy tanks, congres- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sional leaders are voting to borrow $2 than 39 percent are not physically active at ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the all; trillion, but we’re debating National Chair’s prior announcement, further Whereas 66 percent of adult Americans are Engineers Week and a football resolu- proceedings on this motion will be overweight or obese; tion. postponed. Whereas 24 million adult Americans have Now I watched the game and it was a The point of no quorum is considered diabetes and 65 percent of those so afflicted good game, but it’s not our core mis- will die of some form of heart disease; withdrawn. sion. We should be debating the $2 bil- Whereas the American Heart Association lion appropriation for, ‘‘neighborhood f projects that in 2009 1,200,000 Americans will stabilization’’ available to organiza- have a first or recurrent heart attack and b 1415 452,000 of these people will die as a result; tions currently under criminal scru- Whereas in 2009 approximately 800,000 tiny like ACORN, a new wellness fund SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF AMERICAN HEART Americans will suffer a new or recurrent or a government medical effectiveness stroke and 160,000 of these people will die as MONTH AND NATIONAL WEAR board now with powers to override de- a result; cisions of you and your doctor. RED DAY Whereas advances in medical research have When we take up resolutions like Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I move significantly improved our capacity to fight this, it’s because we are trying to dis- to suspend the rules and agree to the heart disease by providing greater knowledge tract Members and the American peo- resolution (H. Res. 112) supporting the about its causes, innovative diagnostic tools to detect the disease, and new and improved ple from knowing what they cannot goals and ideals of American Heart treatments that help people survive and re- read in the stimulus bill. We can de- Month and National Wear Red Day. cover from this disease; bate the Super Bowl, but you know, the The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Whereas Congress by Joint Resolution ap- results are not in doubt. What we tion. proved on December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 843; 36 ought to be debating is should we bor- The text of the resolution is as fol- U.S.C. 101), has requested that the President row $2 trillion on behalf of the Amer- lows: issue an annual proclamation designating ican people and does anyone have that February as ‘‘American Heart Month’’; H. RES. 112 Whereas the National Heart, Lung, and cash. Whereas heart disease affects adult men Blood Institute of the National Institutes of We debate Engineer Week instead of and women of every age and race in the Health, the American Heart Association, and asking the Fed when you ‘‘monetize’’ ; many other organizations celebrate ‘‘Na- debt, doesn’t that really mean you’re Whereas heart disease continues to be the tional Wear Red Day’’ during February by printing money? leading cause of death in the United States; ‘‘going red’’ to increase awareness about It’s resolutions like this that weaken Whereas an estimated 80,000,000 adult heart disease as the leading killer of women; the reputation of the U.S. House. Americans, nearly one in every 3, have one and The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. or more types of heart disease, including Whereas every year since 1964 the Presi- high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, DEGETTE). The time of the gentleman dent has issued a proclamation designating congestive heart failure, stroke, and con- the month February as ‘‘American Heart has expired. genital heart defects; Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I Month’’: Now, therefore, be it Whereas extensive clinical and statistical Resolved, That the House of Representa- yield the gentleman from Illinois an studies have identified major and contrib- tives supports the goals and ideals of Amer- additional minute. uting factors that increase the risk of heart ican Heart Month and National Wear Red Mr. KIRK. It’s resolutions like this disease; Day. that weaken the image of this Congress Whereas these studies have identified the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- as a serious legislative body. Let’s take following as major risk factors that cannot ant to the rule, the gentleman from be changed: Age (the risk of developing heart another look at resolutions like these Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH) and the disease gradually increases as people age; ad- for what they really are, distractions gentleman from Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ) so that we do not see what is currently vanced age significantly increases the risk), gender (men have greater risk of developing each will control 20 minutes. happening behind closed doors on the heart disease than women), and heredity The Chair recognizes the gentleman stimulus bill, the growing debt of our (children of parents with heart disease are from Massachusetts. country, and decisions by Federal offi- more likely to develop it themselves; Afri- GENERAL LEAVE cials to begin printing money. can-Americans have more severe high blood Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I ask Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, may I pressure than Caucasians and therefore are unanimous consent that all Members inquire how many more speakers the at higher risk; the risk is also higher among may have 5 legislative days in which to gentleman has? Latina Americans, some Asian-Americans, revise and extend their remarks. Mr. CHAFFETZ. None. and Native Americans and other indigenous The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. LYNCH. We will reserve the bal- populations); objection to the request of the gen- Whereas these studies have identified the ance of our time. tleman from Massachusetts? Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I following as major risk factors that Ameri- cans can modify, treat, or control by chang- There was no objection. urge all Members to support the pas- ing their lifestyle or seeking appropriate Mr. LYNCH. Madam Speaker, I now sage of H.R. 110, and yield back the bal- medical treatment: High blood pressure, high yield myself such time as I may con- ance of my time. blood cholesterol, smoking tobacco products sume. Mr. LYNCH. Again, I ask that all and exposure to tobacco smoke, physical in- On behalf of the House Committee on Members support the underlying Reso- activity, obesity, and diabetes mellitus; Oversight and Government Reform,

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