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[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 754 Introduced in House (IH)]

110th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 754

 Congratulating the United States Women's National Soccer Team on its 
        performance at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

_______________________________________________________________________

                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 17, 2007

Mr. Udall of Colorado (for himself, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Walsh of New York, 
Mrs. Bono, Mrs. Napolitano, Ms. Bordallo, Mr. Hinchey, Mr. Van Hollen, 
 Mr. Arcuri, Ms. Schakowsky, Ms. Watson, and Mr. Towns) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight 
                         and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
 Congratulating the United States Women's National Soccer Team on its 
        performance at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China.

Whereas the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China and the performance of the 
        United States Women's National Soccer Team marks an exciting new chapter 
        in the continued development of women's athletics;
Whereas the United States all-time tournament record now stands at 24 wins, 3 
        draws and 3 defeats; including being 1 of only a pair of nations to have 
        twice won the FIFA Women's World Cup;
Whereas the United States completed this year's tournament with a record of 4 
        victories, 1 draw and 1 defeat; including victories over Sweden, the 
        rapidly improving English, African Champions Nigeria, and long-time 
        rival Norway in the Third Place Match;
Whereas the victory over Norway in the Third Place Match, following the 
        disappointment of losing in the semi-final, provided a perfect display 
        of the team's character and determination and maintains its record as 
        being the only country to finish in the top 3 in all 5 Women's World Cup 
        tournaments that have been contested;
Whereas Abby Wambach's 2 goals in the Third Place Match gave her a team leading 
        6 goals in 6 matches and won her the ``Silver Shoe'' as the tournament's 
        second leading goal scorer overall;
Whereas the team's performance included the leadership of veteran players, among 
        them: 5-time World Cup veteran, Kristine Lilly; 4-time veteran Briana 
        Scurry; and 3-time veterans Christie Rampone and Kate Markgraf;
Whereas Kristine Lilly becomes the first and only female player to participate 
        in all 5 FIFA Women's World Cups, including being in the starting line-
        up for each and every United States match, since its inception in 1991;
Whereas the team's performance also highlights the continued development of 
        world-class players who ensure that the future of the United States 
        Women's National Team program looks very bright, including: Nicole 
        Barnhart, Shannon Boxx, Marian Dalmy, Lori Chalupny, Tina Ellertson, 
        Angela Hucles, Marci Jobson, Natasha Kai, Carli Lloyd, Stephanie Lopez, 
        Heather O'Reilly, Leslie Osborne, Hope Solo, Lindsay Tarpley, Aly Wagner 
        and Cat Whitehill;
Whereas the Team's make-up reflects a diverse collection of backgrounds and 
        experiences, representing 15 different States, which celebrates our 
        Nation's collective culture and heritage;
Whereas the Team's on and off the field accomplishments and contribution to 
        American female athletics cannot be overstated;
Whereas the Team's success reflects the continued explosive growth in popularity 
        of soccer in the United States and symbolizes the emerging role of 
        soccer for young Americans in sports and society;
Whereas the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Championship performance by Germany must 
        also to be recognized and congratulated for reaching the pinnacle of 
        success in women's soccer and signifies the growing opportunities for 
        women to compete and succeed around the globe;
Whereas the rapid development and quality of women's soccer worldwide owes much 
        to the pioneering efforts of female American role models and the 
        athletic opportunities made available to them over the past 3 decades;
Whereas the improving quality of women's soccer worldwide, as displayed at the 
        2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, creates great anticipation for more of the 
        same as we look forward to the 2008 Summer Olympics and the start of a 
        new women's professional soccer league in the United States in 2009; and
Whereas the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China and the performance of the 
        United States Women's National Soccer Team speaks to parents about the 
        importance of athletic participation for building character and 
        confidence in their children: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the United States Women's National Soccer 
        Team on its performance at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in 
        China;
            (2) recognizes Greg Ryan, the head coach of the United 
        States Women's National Team, his assistant coaches, trainers 
        and managers, and every player on the Team for their dedication 
        to excellence; and
            (3) commends the United States Soccer Federation, the 
        United States Soccer Foundation, and the supporters, coaches, 
        referees, and parents of young soccer players across America 
        for their role in the success of soccer in the United States.
                                 <all>
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