Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Madam Speaker, I want to thank the distinguished gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Davis) for yielding me time. I want to thank my friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) for his leadership on this issue.

Madam Speaker, for the 16th straight year, I am proud to sponsor the resolution allowing the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to hold its annual race on the grounds of the United States Capitol.

H. Con. Res. 349 authorizes the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board to work with the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to conduct this race in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds. The 65th annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby will be held on Saturday, June 17.

Soap box derby racing, Madam Speaker, in our Nation's Capital has a long and rich tradition. In 1938, Norman Rocca beat out 233 other racers to win the inaugural Greater Washington Soap Box Derby, which was held on New Hampshire.

Over the years, thousands of the region's young people have participated in this great race, although the location has varied from the original site on New Hampshire Avenue to Capitol Hill, with stops on Massachusetts Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and Eastern Avenue along the way.

The essence of the race has remained the same. homemade gravity- powered cars, the spirit of competition, and the pure joy of racing. The Soap Box Derby consists of dozens of drivers, both boys and girls, ranging in ages from 8 to 17. These racers are divided into three division: stock, superstock and masters. The local winners of each division will automatically qualify to compete with racers from around the world in the 69th All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, on July 22 of this year.

The festivities in Akron begin when the racers receive a police escort into town and conclude in the winner's circle with the awarding of scholarships and merchandise. In between, the racers and their families participate in a whirlwind of activities that leave them with enduring friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

The past 6 years, the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby has had one of its participants finish in the top 10 in the All-American competition. In fact, last year's master's division champion, Robbie Reuss of Waldorf, finished an impressive second in Akron. Robbie's finish surpassed Gene Bean's third in the 1941 All-American and is the best finish for a representative of the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. I am very proud of Robbie, and I am hopeful that this might finally be the year when one of our racers from the Greater Washington area is finally crowned world champion.

Madam Speaker, this event has been called the greatest amateur racing event in the world, and it is an excellent opportunity for the contestants from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia to learn basic building skills while gaining a real sense of accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues, as I expect them to, to join me with the other original cosponsors of this resolution, Representative Frank Wolf, Representative James Moran, Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton, Representative Al Wynn, and Representative Chris Van Hollen, in supporting this resolution and congratulating all the participants.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), a good friend of mine and the prime sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 349, authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

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

Madam Speaker, there are many things in America that are purely American. It is my understanding that the Soap Box Derby races that we have is purely an American phenomenon that started here. Other countries may have adopted it, but it is wonderful to be a part of this legislation that makes it possible for young men and young women to broaden their minds and their scientific knowledge as they develop the skills of building the eventual vehicle that they will ride, hopefully to victory.

Madam Speaker, I am delighted to support, along with Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wynn, Mr. Van Hollen, and Ms. Norton House Concurrent Resolution 349, and acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Hoyer, who has been such a great and consistent champion for his constituents for this event.

House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. On June 17, 2006 youngsters from the greater Washington area will race down Constitution Ave. to test the principles of aerodynamics in hand designed and constructed soap box vehicles. All the contestants, ages 9 through 16, construct and operate their own soap box vehicles.

Madam Speaker, the All American Soap Box Derby originated in 1933 and quickly became a national phenomenon. There are now more than 150 races currently taking place nationwide to determine 440 qualifiers for the national race finals held in Akron, Ohio.

Madam Speaker, many hundreds of volunteers donate considerable time supporting the event and providing families with a fun filled day, which is quickly becoming a tradition in the Washington, DC area. The event has grown in popularity and Washington is now known as one of the outstanding race cities.

Consistent with all events using the Capitol Grounds, this event is open to the public and free of charge. The organizers will work with the Capitol Hill Police and the Office of the Architect.

I support House Concurrent Resolution 349 and urge passage of this resolution.

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

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 349) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 349.

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

House Concurrent Resolution 349 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 65th Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to be held June 17, 2006. The resolution also authorizes the Architect of the Capitol; the U.S. Capitol Police; and the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association, the sponsor of the event, to negotiate the necessary arrangements for carrying out this traditional event in compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the Capitol Grounds.

The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of the largest qualifying races in the country. This race takes place on Constitution Avenue between Delaware Avenue and Third Street, NW. Participants are residents of the Washington metropolitan area and range in age from 8 to 17. The winners of these races will represent the Washington metropolitan area at the national finals, held annually in Akron, Ohio.

I support this concurrent resolution, which continues our custom of authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for this exciting event, and urge my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I join Mr. Hoyer and Ms. Norton, together with Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wolf, and Mr. Wynn, in supporting House Concurrent Resolution 349, to authorize use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. I especially want to acknowledge the dedication of Mr. Hoyer, the resolution's annual sponsor, who faithfully introduces this resolution to authorize use of the Capitol Grounds for such a worthwhile event.

This annual event encourages all boys and girls, ages nine through 16, to construct and operate their own soap box vehicles. The

Washington event, which attracts a great number of spectators and extensive media coverage, has grown in size and has become one of the best-attended events in the country. The winner in each of three divisions wins a trip to the national race in Akron, as well as trophies and prizes.

The principles of aerodynamics are combined with fun and excitement for all participants and their families in the Greater Washington area. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to have direct involvement in their children's activities. The derby's mission is to provide children with an activity that promotes technical and social skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

The derby organizers will work with the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police to ensure the appropriate rules and regulations are in place for the event.

I support this resolution and urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 349.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H. Con Res. 349, just received from the House, and at the desk.

I ask unanimous consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements be printed in the Record.