September 30, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8979 back home. We couldn’t be there, but Bob a smile and a piece of home to U.S. troops never repay Bob Hope for his service to our Hope was. He knew the sacrifices our men around the world. country, H.R. 3011 will continue a fine tradition and women made and he let our brave men John Steinbeck once said of Bob Hope, ‘‘It of honoring an exemplary citizen. I strongly and women know that we supported them is impossible to see how he can do so much, encourage my colleagues to support this bill. back home. can cover so much ground, can work so hard Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Bob Hope is already missed. and be so effective.’’ of my time. Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Former Burbank mayor Michael Hastings The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. honor one of the most beloved and recogniz- said to Hope, ‘‘He was as large in this com- WHITFIELD). The question is on the mo- able talents in the world. Bob Hope is re- munity as he was in the world, and I think Bur- tion offered by the gentlewoman from garded as a gifted entertainer, with an unmis- bank has been a great beneficiary.’’ It seems Michigan (Mrs. MILLER) that the House takable ability to bring laughter and joy to per- only fitting that a city that served such an in- suspend the rules and pass the bill, sons of all ages; however, he was also an am- strumental role in Bob Hope’s life, return that H.R. 3011. bassador of hope to our men and women honor by naming its historic post office after The question was taken; and (two- overseas. the entertainer. thirds having voted in favor thereof) It is with great honor that I stand before you Hope’s ties to the city of Burbank, CA were the rules were suspended and the bill today, and bring to the Floor, House Resolu- numerous. In 1973, he was named the city’s was passed. tion 3011, a resolution cosponsored by all of honorary mayor, and in 1989, the city re- A motion to reconsider was laid on my colleagues from California. This legislation named a portion of Catalina Street near NBC the table. will honor Bob Hope’s many contributions to studios to Bob Hope Drive. In April of 1993, f veterans, active duty troops, the field of enter- those studios were dedicated in honor of HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY tainment and the greater Los Angeles commu- Hope’s 90th birthday and his more than 50- OF BOB HOPE nity, by naming the Burbank, CA, Main Post year association with the network. Donating Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Office for him. more than $1 million to the Providence St. Jo- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules Born in Eltham, England, on May 29, 1903, seph Medical Center Foundation in Burbank, and agree to the resolution (H. Res. Bob Hope seemed to be destined to entertain. Hope also helped raise money to build a vet- 357) honoring the life and legacy of Bob From impersonating Charlie Chaplin in front of eran’s monument in the city, by performing at the neighborhoods firehouse in Cleveland as a Hope. the Starlight Bowl in 1987. The Clerk read as follows: young boy, to celebrating an unprecedented By naming the Burbank, CA Main Post Of- 60 years with NBC in 1996, Hope’s entertain- fice for Bob Hope, we will remember him for H. RES. 357 ment persona has been evident in every dec- his talent and honor him for his extraordinary Whereas Bob Hope was born Leslie Townes ade of the 20th century. impact on the lives of our troops. With the re- Hope on May 29, 1903, in Eltham, England, An avid golfer, Bob Hope had been quoted lease of his very first feature film, ‘‘The Big and immigrated to the United States in 1907 as saying, ‘‘Golf is my profession. I tell jokes at the age of 4; Broadcast of 1938,’’ ‘‘Thanks for the Memory,’’ Whereas Bob Hope entertained America on to pay my green fees.’’ Most notably, he de- became Hope’s signature song. Earning an the vaudeville circuit, the Broadway stage, veloped and hosted the Bob Hope/Chrysler Academy Award, the song will forever remind and in over 1,100 radio shows, 75 movies, and Classic, a pro am tournament held annually in us of the legendary Bob Hope. The classic 475 television programs; Palm Springs, CA. Over four decades later, Hope song ends with the words, ‘‘Aw’ fly glad Whereas for more than 5 decades Bob Hope the Classic draws the most famous pros and I met you, cheerio, and toodle-oo and thank entertained the Nation’s troops overseas celebrity amateurs, and it has gone on to raise you so much.’’ with the United Service Organizations over $35 million for the Eisenhower Medical We thank you Mr. Bob Hope, for all the (USO), putting on shows during World War Center and 70 other various charities. memories. II, the Korea War, the Vietnam War, and the What separated Bob Hope from other be- first Persian Gulf War; Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Whereas during his lifetime Bob Hope do- loved celebrities was his unwavering commit- support of naming a post office for Bob Hope nated more than 1 billion dollars to hos- ment to bringing smiles and hope to American near his hometown of Toluca Lake. This is a pitals, charities, and civic organizations; servicemen and servicewomen overseas. For small tribute for a man who has given so Whereas Bob Hope received the Congres- nearly six decades, during times of war and much to our country. sional Gold Medal in 1962, in recognition of peace, Hope traveled to countless countries to Bob Hope was a man who knew no bound- his service to his country and the cause of entertain the troops. Affectionately referred to aries. He certainly did not heed geographic peace, and the Presidential Medal of Free- as ‘‘G.I. Bob,’’ Bob Hope became a fixture on borders, performing for soldiers in all corners dom in 1969, in honor of his gifts of joy to all the U.S.O. stage. the American people; of the world. Starting in 1941, he headlined Whereas Bob Hope’s commitment to the In May of 1941, Bob Hope performed for USO shows in the South Pacific, Africa, Eu- Nation’s troops was so great that he was the U.S. Troops at March Field, CA, beginning a rope and the Middle East, entertaining millions first person ever to be recognized by the legendary tradition of military performances. of soldiers and bringing laughter to the most United States Congress as an honorary vet- During World War II, he performed almost all desolate places on Earth. eran; of his weekly radio shows from American mili- Bob Hope did not recognize boundaries of Whereas Bob Hope received the Distin- tary bases around the U.S. and in the theaters time, charming audiences of civilians and sol- guished Service Medal from each branch of of war. In his support of our troops, he trav- diers for over sixty years. His first ‘‘last Christ- the Armed Forces; eled to England, Ireland, Africa, Sicily, and the mas tour’’ was in 1972, yet into the 1990’s he Whereas Bob Hope was awarded 5 special Oscars, the George Peabody Award, and more South Pacific. After the war, he continued his could be found performing for troops in Saudi than 50 honorary degrees; and commitment to freedom and humor with a Arabia during ‘‘Operation Desert Storm.’’ No Whereas, on July 27, 2003, America was Christmas show for troops supporting the Ber- other entertainer has given so much for so greatly saddened by the death of Bob Hope: lin airlift. During the 1970s, he brought joy to long. Now, therefore, be it weary soldiers with Christmas shows at bases Bob Hope’s life also eclipsed the boundaries Resolved, That the House of Representa- or veterans’ hospitals throughout Vietnam. of entertainment. His career covered every tives— 1983 took him to Beirut, and in 1987 he trav- field of entertainment, from vaudeville to (1) honors Bob Hope for his legendary ca- reer as an entertainer, decades of dedicated eled around the world to entertain troops in Broadway, radio to television and film to service to the men and women of the Armed the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. stand-up. His signature song ‘‘Thanks for the Forces, and his many philanthropic and hu- His globetrotting commitment to entertain- Memories’’ won an Academy Award. Although manitarian acts; and ment is unsurpassed, in peacetime or in war. he never won an Oscar himself, Bob Hope (2) expresses condolences on his passing to The Navy has honored him with a class of hosted the Oscars a record 18 times and was his wife Dolores, their children, and grand- ships in his name. Not to be outdone, the Air awarded two honorary Oscars. children. Force named a C–17 The Spirit of Bob Hope. On May 29, 2003, America mourned Bob The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- When I was in Iraq in August, I visited a com- Hope’s death at the age of 100. Although he ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from missary named after Bob Hope and saw first starred in more than fifty films, he may be Michigan (Mrs. MILLER) and the gentle- hand how much his visits to the troops meant most remembered for his role as an honorary woman from California (Ms. WATSON) to them. Our Nation’s only honorary veteran, veteran. This honor, the only one ever award- each will control 20 minutes. Bob Hope’s legacy will be that of a wartime ed, was bestowed on him for his commitment The Chair recognizes the gentle- and peacetime soldier, always fighting to bring to our armed services. While America could woman from Michigan (Mrs. MILLER).

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:54 Oct 01, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A30SE7.026 H30PT1 H8980 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE September 30, 2003 Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. this country’s star performers. As a States troops stationed around the Speaker, I yield myself such time as I matter of fact, Drew Carey, Bruce Wil- world. During World War II and the Ko- may consume. lis, Wayne Newton, and others have rean and Vietnam wars and even dur- Mr. Speaker, this resolution, of completed USO tours in Iraq. The tour ing peacetime, Bob Hope toured with a which I am a very proud cosponsor, recently visited 13 camps, more than number of USO shows, entertaining honors the life and legacy of Bob Hope. 7,300 troops, with four performances, U.S. troops and earning the title of He dedicated his life to the Nation he and signed over 3,000 autographs. From USO’s Ambassador of Goodwill. loved, and with House Resolution 357 visits by NFL Cheerleaders to come- Over his lifetime, Bob Hope has been we in Congress can honor his life. dians, to singers, Bob Hope was the awarded more honors than any other Bob Hope not only entertained Amer- catalyst for their participation. These entertainer, an achievement that ica, he contributed to the welfare of celebrities are truly committed to con- earned him a place in the ‘‘Guinness our society through his generosity. He tinue USO tours, even in places such as Book of Records.’’ donated more than $1 billion to hos- Iraq. Our troops truly appreciate the Since 1934, Bob Hope has been mar- pitals and charities and civic organiza- participation, and it makes their dif- ried to Delores Reade, whom he met tions. He donated his time, and he ficult service to our Nation more com- when they appeared together on Broad- risked his life for the benefit of his fel- fortable. way in ‘‘Roberta.’’ The couple has four low citizens serving in the Armed Mr. Speaker, Bob Hope loved the USO children. Forces. and, more importantly, loved the Our condolences go out to the Hope Throughout his life, he gave of him- American soldier. Bob Hope and the family and his legion of fans. Mr. Speaker, I have no further re- self to others. He represented the USO’s commitment to be America’s quests for time, and I yield back the United States and its citizens self- link with her men and women in uni- balance of my time. lessly. This Nation is blessed to have form have withstood the test of time. GENERAL LEAVE had the pleasure of knowing him. ‘‘Bob, With the continued dedication of the Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. thanks for the memories.’’ USO legion of volunteers and chari- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he table support from individuals and cor- all Members may have 5 legislative may consume to the gentleman from porations, the USO will provide its days within which to revise and extend Florida (Mr. MILLER), the sponsor of touch of home for as long as we have this well-deserved resolution, and I their remarks on H. Res. 357. those in service to our country. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. commend him for his work on the reso- So to Bob Hope and the USO, I say, lution. SCHROCK). Is there objection to the re- ‘‘Thanks for the memories.’’ quest of the gentlewoman from Michi- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, gan? myself such time as I may consume. There was no objection. and I rise today as the co-chair of the Mr. Speaker, the son of a stonemason Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, on July 27th, Congressional USO Caucus to mourn and an aspiring concert singer, Bob America mourned the loss of one of its great- the loss of the legendary entertainer Hope had a career that stretched across est citizens when Bob Hope passed away at Mr. Bob Hope, who recently passed the decades. His casual careers in- the age of 100. Our Nation came to know Bob away July 27 at the age of 100. cluded a butcher’s delivery boy, a soda Hope for his great career that spanned stage, The gentleman from Texas (Mr. clerk, shoe salesman, pool hustler and screen, and radio. But it was his unrivaled REYES), who is the co-chair of the Con- boxer, but it was the stage where he commitment to our troops that made him an gressional USO Caucus, and I drafted was most at home. American hero. Hope headlined USO shows this resolution soon after Mr. Hope’s Bob Hope began performing in vaude- during World War II and the Persian Gulf War, death in July. Incidentally, Mr. Speak- ville in the 1920s, performing what he as well as in Korea and Vietnam. Bob Hope er, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. called songs, patter, and eccentric is recognized by the Guinness Book of REYES) regrets he is not able to be dancing. He made his Broadway debut Records as the most honored entertainer in present today for this resolution. How- in 1933 with the musical Roberta. He the world. He has been honored by the enter- ever, he has submitted remarks for the appeared in the 1935 production of the tainment industry, the educational community, CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. Ziegfeld Follies and starred with the every branch of our armed services, and the Bob Hope had an illustrious career legendary Ethel Merman in a produc- United States Congress. He has had more which included more than 1,100 radio tion of Cole Porter’s Red Hot and Blue. than 2,000 awards and citations for humani- shows, 75 movies, and 475 television In addition to his work on the stage, tarian and professional efforts including 54 programs. He has received numerous Hope landed a profitable stint hosting honorary doctorate degrees, and the Presi- accolades, as we have already heard the popular Pepsodent show on NBC dential Medal of Freedom. this afternoon, including five special Radio. His program would air in some In 1997, by an act of Congress, Bob Hope Oscars, the George Peabody Award, and form or another from 1938 until the was made an ‘‘honorary veteran.’’ Upon re- more than 50 honorary degrees. For his 1950s. Bob Hope’s radio fame led him to ceiving the award, Hope said, ‘‘I’ve been given distinguished service, he has received Hollywood, where he appeared in his many awards in my lifetime—but to be num- the Presidential Medal of Freedom first film, The Big Broadcast of 1938. He bered among the men and women I admire awarded in 1969 in honor of his gifts of starred in more than 50 films, but he is most—is the greatest honor I have ever re- joy to all the American people. Most best known for the road movies with ceived.’’ notably, Mr. Hope will be remembered Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. As a combat veteran myself, I was proud to as a selfless entertainer who was be- Though Bob Hope never won a Best welcome Bob Hope among our ranks. Bob loved by our Nation’s Armed Forces. Actor Oscar, he has been awarded two Hope was a great American. He will be Mr. Hope told jokes and entertained honorary Academy Awards and a hu- missed. our Armed Forces overseas and at manitarian award. He made his first Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have been able home for more than five decades. He appearance on television in 1947 when to work with my friend and colleague, Mr. MIL- headlined the USO shows during World he headlined the inaugural broadcast of LER, as a co-author and lead cosponsor of this War II and the Persian Gulf Wars, as KTLA, the first TV station on the West resolution. He and I are the founding Members well as in Korea and Vietnam. For his Coast. and co-chairs of the Congressional USO Cau- unmatched commitment to our Na- cus. I also have the benefit of serving on both 1530 tion’s Armed Forces, Mr. Hope received b the House Armed Services Committee and the the Distinguished Service Medal from In the early 1950s, he appeared fre- House Veterans Affairs Committee with Mr. each branch of the Armed Forces and is quently on ‘‘The Tonight Show’’ with MILLER. As the 137 Members and Senators of the only person, the only person to Johnny Carson and alongside Lucille the Congressional USO Caucus, it is my hope ever be recognized by the United States Ball on her sitcom ‘‘I Love Lucy.’’ that we will be able to support the mission and Congress as an honorary veteran. Beginning in 1953, Hope hosted an an- goals of the USO in Congress in the spirit of Mr. Hope’s legacy continues today as nual Christmas television special, Bob Hope. our troops overseas are treated to a va- many of which were broadcast inter- I encourage my colleagues to support this riety of entertainment headlined by nationally for the sake of the United resolution.

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:50 Oct 01, 2003 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K30SE7.033 H30PT1 September 30, 2003 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H8981 Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I join with my The Clerk read as follows: pointed special master in arbitration colleagues today to honor and remember the H.R. 2075 and investigating back-room judicial legacy of one of the greatest entertainers, hu- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- appointments. Passage of H.R. 2075 manitarians, and patriots this country has ever resentatives of the United States of America in maintains our tradition of recognizing known, Bob Hope. Congress assembled, those very special and deserving indi- Whether it was his early vaudeville routines, SECTION 1. JUDGE EDWARD RODGERS POST OF- viduals. his many movies, or his numerous television FICE BUILDING. I applaud our colleague for seeking to specials, Americans always knew they could (a) DESIGNATION.—The facility of the honor Judge Edward Rodgers in this count on Bob Hope for a good laugh. But per- United States Postal Service located at 1905 manner, and I urge the swift passage of West Blue Heron Boulevard in West Palm haps more impressively, Bob Hope selflessly H.R. 2075. dedicated himself to nearly 50 years of enter- Beach, Florida, shall be known and des- Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the taining our men and women in uniform. It is ignated as the ‘‘Judge Edward Rodgers Post Office Building’’. estimated that ‘G.I. Bob’ performed for over 10 gentleman from Florida (Mr. (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, HASTINGS). million American soldiers between World War map, regulation, document, paper, or other II and Operation Desert Storm, an astonishing record of the United States to the facility re- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. number that speaks to the depth of his dedica- ferred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for tion to our troops. In 1997, in recognition of be a reference to the Judge Edward Rodgers yielding me this time, and I also thank his unfaltering commitment, Congress unani- Post Office Building. the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. mously voted to name Bob Hope an Honorary The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ROS-LEHTINEN) for participating and al- Veteran—the first individual so honored in the ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from lowing this to come to the floor. history of the United States. Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) and the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support I was privileged to have known Bob Hope, gentlewoman from California (Ms. of H.R. 2075, a bill to name the Riviera and have many memories of time spent with WATSON) each will control 20 minutes. Beach U.S. Post Office in honor of him and his wonderful wife, Dolores, and their The Chair recognizes the gentle- Judge Edward Rodgers. Eddie was born family. When you were in his presence, you woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and could not help but be in awe of an individual LEHTINEN). moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in who was virtually unparalleled in his commit- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I 1950, where he met his bride and now- ment to the United States of America. yield myself such time as I may con- deceased wife, who was also a friend of During one of his many commencement ad- sume. mine. dresses, Bob Hope reminded graduating sen- Mr. Speaker, I will defer to my Although he studied political science iors that they would soon take up the torch of friends on the other side of the aisle to as an undergraduate student, he be- freedom and knowledge and that, someday, speak on this worthwhile legislation. came a teacher schooling soldiers at they would pass that torch, burning stronger Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of segregated Roosevelt High School in and brighter, on to others. Bob Hope carried my time. West Palm Beach. Before being pro- that torch for over 100 years and has passed Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield moted to assistant principal, Eddie on to all of us a flame that continues to burn myself such time as I may consume. found himself in the position of argu- as a shining example of the virtues of humor, Mr. Speaker, I am representing the ing before the school board for equal love, and patriotism. gentleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) as pay for black teachers, but support was Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join in a member of the Committee on Govern- not there. The tyranny of segregation honoring the life and legacy of Bob Hope. ment Reform, and I am pleased to join at that time caused him to go to law Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. the gentleman in consideration of H.R. Speaker, I urge all Members to support school at Florida A&M University 2075, legislation naming a postal facil- where I had the good fortune of meet- adoption of H. Res. 357. I congratulate ity in West Palm Beach, Florida, after the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MIL- ing him and his wife and his children. Judge Edward Rodgers. They all came to law school together. LER) for shepherding this through the H.R. 2075 was sponsored by the gen- The reason I know that story very committee process, and I yield back tleman from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS) on the balance of my time. May 13, 2003. The bill has met the Com- well is I was in Judge Rodgers’ class, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mittee on Government Reform policy, one of six of us that graduated in that question is on the motion offered by and has been cosponsored by the entire class from Florida A&M University. He the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Florida delegation. went on to become Palm Beach Coun- MILLER) that the House suspend the Edward Rodgers has lived in West ty’s first black prosecutor and then rules and agree to the resolution, H. Palm Beach since 1950 when he married Palm Beach County’s first black Court Res. 357. West Palm Beach native Gwendolyn of Competent Jurisdiction judge. He The question was taken. would serve in the civil, criminal, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Baker. Mr. Rodgers began his career as a teacher, later becoming an assistant probate courts before retiring in 1995, opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of after 22 remarkable years on the bench. those present have voted in the affirm- principal. In reaction to the injustices of teaching in a segregated society, Mr. His accomplishments are numerous, ative. and I have outlined some of them Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Rodgers became an attorney, grad- which I will include for the RECORD. He Speaker, on that I demand the yeas uating from Florida A&M University Law School in 1963. retired in 1995 and then really did not and nays. retire because he went on to seek elect- The yeas and nays were ordered. He went on to become the first black The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- county prosecutor and the first black ed office in Riviera Beach and went to ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the judge in Palm Beach County. Judge work to restore his hometown, which Chair’s prior announcement, further Rodgers served on the bench for 22 he loves so much, as president of the proceedings on this motion will be years before retiring in 1995. On his Riviera Beach City Council. postponed. first run for office in 1999, Judge Rod- Eddie Rodgers is a man that is gers won a seat on the Riviera Beach known for his compassion, for his fair- f City Council, where he presently serves ness, and his strength. He is a man that JUDGE EDWARD RODGERS POST as council chairman. is respected and loved by his peers. In OFFICE BUILDING Mr. Speaker, Judge Rodgers has the entire community of Palm Beach, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I spent a lifetime working hard to assist throughout the State of Florida, and move to suspend the rules and pass the those in need, championing the rights this Nation, he finds himself a loved in- bill (H.R. 2075) to designate the facility of those with drug addictions and those dividual. I am honored to recognize a of the United States Postal Service lo- who are suffering from mental illness. humanitarian activist, a former col- cated at 1905 West Blue Heron Boule- Judge Rodgers has used his legal and league, but most importantly, a great vard in West Palm Beach, Florida, as judicial talent to improve his town, es- friend by naming the Riviera Beach the ‘‘Judge Edward Rodgers Post Office tablishing a Saturday drug court, Post Office in his honor. I obviously Building’’. working as a mediator and court-ap- would urge the adoption of this bill. I

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