Permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on March 12, 2003.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 67) permitting official photographs of the House of Representatives to be taken while the House is in actual session on March 12, 2003.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise here today for some mundane business, but important as far as the history of the House is concerned, and that is consideration of House Resolution 67, which would authorize the use of the Chambers of the House for a photograph, official photograph of the House of Representatives for the 108th Congress while we are in session.

I am pleased to do this today on behalf of the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) of the Committee on House Administration who is not able to be with us; but as a Member I am pleased that the official photograph of the House will be taken, and I will announce this on March 12, 2003.

Payments associated with the taking, preparing, and distributing of the photo may be made from the applicable accounts of the House. The official photo of the House of Representatives, as we all know, has become a tradition for each of our Congresses. I believe this photograph is not only an appropriate moment to the Members serving in the 108th Congress but also a valuable historical record. I urge full support of this bipartisan request for this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Again, this is a bipartisan request. It is too bad that the picture is not taken today when we all look relaxed, refreshed, coming back from our districts, but it will be taken, as I said, March 12.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and wish to associate myself with the remarks of my esteemed colleague from Florida (Mr. Mica) on what has become a quintessential Kodak moment for the Members of this august body. And I look forward to that photo opportunity because I agree with the gentleman that this clearly is a historic moment for the House as well.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the subject of House Resolution 67, the resolution just agreed to.