Congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the National League Championship.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution congratulating the Colorado Rockies on their National League Championship and first-ever franchise appearance in the World Series. The Rockies defied the odds this year by making it to the World Series, capturing the best hopes of Coloradans and giving us all a reason to cheer for their success. Despite a tough loss to a great team in the Boston Red Sox, we remain proud of the Rockies' efforts and astonished at their meteoric rise to the top of the National League.

Toward the close of the season, the Rockies were the underdogs in the National League pennant race. The challenge of making the playoffs seemed as large and daunting as the mountain range for which the Rockies were named, but the team maintained an optimism and competitive spirit that kept them alive long after commentators had written them off. Winning 21 of their last 22 games prior to the World Series--an unprecedented feat in baseball history--the Rockies rolled over expectations and swept the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS.

The World Series proved to be a bigger challenge than the Rockies could surmount, and they lost in four games to a very talented Red Sox team. Despite the losses, the Rockies carried themselves with dignity and true sportsmanship, giving Coloradans something to be proud of. As the father of two young athletes I can say that the way the Rockies carried themselves is a tremendous example for our young people. We would have loved to have seen the Rockies bring home a victory this year, but, as the Red Sox' Manny Ramirez said during the ALCS, there's always next year. I know I am not alone in looking forward to watching some great Rockies baseball in the future.

I hope my colleagues will join me in congratulating the Colorado Rockies on a great season and in thanking them for serving as great examples of professional athletes practicing sportsmanship.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 816) congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the National League Championship and playing in the 2007 World Series, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

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

I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration of H. Res. 816, as amended, congratulating the Colorado Rockies on winning the National League Championship.

H. Res. 816 was introduced by the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) on November 9, 2007, and reported from the Oversight Committee on December 12, 2007, as amended, by voice vote.

This measure has been cosponsored by 54 Members. The Colorado Rockies defied the odds this year, winning the 2007 National League Championship and capturing the best hopes of Coloradans, and giving us all a reason to cheer for their success.

Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for the recognition the Rockies' victory affords and urge swift passage of this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge passage of H. Res. 816, congratulating the Colorado Rockies for winning the National League Championship and participating in the World Series.

Mr. Speaker, to go to the World Series is to be special. To win it is a 50-50 chance. So I think it is appropriate when we look at a team that had won 21 of 22 games, defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the Division Series and the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League Championship to claim their spot in the World Series that, in fact, we in Congress take a few moments before our colleagues, many of them arriving back from their districts, to add this to what we will celebrate for America tonight, because nothing is greater to celebrate for America than its pastime of baseball, particularly at a time when we are cleaning up baseball.

So with that, there's no asterisk behind this resolution, and I urge its support.

I yield back the balance of my time.