A resolution commending the University of Southern California Trojans football team for winning the 2004 Bowl Championship Series national championship game.

Mr. President, as a strong supporter of California's college athletes, I rise today with Senator Boxer in support of S. Res. 12 commending the University of Southern California Trojans football team for winning the 2004 Bowl Championship Series national championship game.

No one who witnessed the Trojans decisive 55 to 19 victory over the University of Oklahoma in the FedEx Orange Bowl can deny that USC is the best college football team in the Nation. Led by Head Coach Pete Carroll, the Trojans brought home their 11th national championship, their 22nd straight win, and 27th victory in a bowl game, second all time to only the University of Alabama.

Not even the most die-hard Trojan fan could have anticipated such a win.

In addition to winning 13 games during the 2004 season for the first time in the history of the school, USC became the first team since the University of Nebraska in 1994-1995 to repeat as Associated Press national champions and the second team to start and finish the season at number one in the Associated Press poll. As the number one team in the country, they took on the best and they beat the best.

Every USC player deserves praise and recognition for their fine play on the field, but I would like to particularly point out the accomplishments of Heisman Trophy winner and Associated Press Player of the Year, quarterback Matt Leinert, who completed 18 of 35 passes for a total of 332 yards and set an Orange Bowl record with five touchdown passes. There were times when he could do no wrong and his play reminded me of a couple quarterbacks from my hometown team, the 49ers: Joe Montana and Steve Young.

Matt has also distinguished himself by announcing that he would return to school for his senior year, foregoing an opportunity to be the first pick in the National Football League draft. I wish more college athletes would follow his lead.

Ultimately, however, this was a team win featuring a high scoring offense and a tenacious defense. USC ranked in the top 10 in every defensive category and set a school record by scoring at least 20 points in the last 38 games.

Led by All-Americans Matt Leinert, tailback Reggie Bush, defensive tackle Shaun Cody, and linebacker Matt Grootegoed, USC brought much pride to the University and the Pacific Ten Conference.

Legions of Trojan fans across the country celebrated the victory and have already made plans for a return trip to the championship game in 2005.

And anyone who has seen a USC game over the past few years knows that another championship run is a strong possibility.

Let me also take a moment to congratulate the University of Oklahoma Sooners for their great season. They were a worthy opponent and a credit to the University and their State.

Years from now, as Americans engage in one of their favorite pastimes and debate the great college football teams of all-time, the 2004 University of Southern California Trojans will surely make the list. I congratulate the team once again for their incredible season and I look forward to watching them make another run at a championship next year.

Mr. President, today I offer a resolution celebrating the December 26 election in Ukraine. I am pleased that Ukraine has dominated newspaper headlines and media broadcasts all over the world for the last sixty days. In that time, extraordinary events have occurred. A free press has revolted against government intimidation and reasserted itself. An emerging middle class has found its political footing. A new generation has found its hope for the future. A society has rebelled against the illegal activities of its government. It is in our interests to recognize and protect these advances.

I congratulate the people of Ukraine in their undeniable quest for freedom and democracy. Furthermore, I would also like to congratulate President Viktor Yushchenko, who was inaugurated last Sunday, for his victory.

The December 26 election in Ukraine was a tribute to Ukraine's maturing democracy and places Ukraine on a path to join the community of European democracies. A fraudulent and illegal election would have left Ukraine crippled. The new president would have lacked legitimacy with the Ukrainian people and the international community.

With the stakes so high, I commend President Bush, his Administration, and the international community for providing the people of Ukraine with the support they needed to withstand the threats to free and fair elections. Even in the face of repeated attempts to end any hope of a free and fair election, I was inspired by the willingness and courage of so many citizens of Ukraine to demonstrate their passion for free expression and the building of a truly democratic Ukraine.

I am hopeful that the momentum to foster democratic freedom around the world will continue. In his inaugural speech last week, President Bush stated his unequivocal support for democracy and put securing individual freedom at the forefront of America's foreign policy. I agree with the President. We must be prepared to play an active role in ensuring that democracy and basic freedoms are promoted and preserved around the world.

The future of Ukraine rests with its leaders and its people, but the United States and Europe must continue to support a foundation of democracy, rule of law, and a market economy, which will allow Ukraine to prosper and reach its full potential. I urge my colleagues to lend their support to U.S. policy in Ukraine and ask their support for this resolution.

Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the outstanding accomplishments of the University of Southern California football team. Earlier this month, the Trojans completed a perfect season by winning the Orange Bowl and their second consecutive national championship.

Last year, USC shared the championship after being excluded from the Bowl Championship Series title game.

This year, there was no doubt. The Trojans won all 13 of their games and led both the Associated Press and the USA Today/ESPN coaches polls from the preseason through the bowl games.

On Tuesday, January 4, they ended the season with a bang. In a much- anticipated meeting with second-ranked Oklahoma, the Trojans overwhelmed the Sooners by a score of 55-19 to win the Orange Bowl and the national championship in utterly convincing fashion.

I would like to congratulate USC President Steven B. Sample, Head Coach Pete Carroll, and the Trojan football team for an unforgettable season.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 12, submitted earlier today by Senators Feinstein and Boxer.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, without intervening action or debate.

Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, today I rise to submit a concurrent resolution on behalf of myself, Senators Allard, Allen, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Sessions and Enzi expressing the sense of the Congress that the Department of Defense should continue to exercise its statutory authority to support the activities of the Boy Scouts of America, in particular the periodic national and world Boy Scout Jamborees.

I ask unanimous consent that, the attached letter from Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld be printed in the Record.