Hoyer Floor Statement on Bill Allowing for 72nd Annual Greater Washington-Area Soap Box Derby
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) spoke on the House Floor in support of his resolution allowing the 72nd Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to take place on the United States Capitol grounds. This is the 22nd year Hoyer has sponsored the resolution. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery and a link to the video:
Click here to watch the video.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, which I am proud to have sponsored for the last twenty-two years.
"It allows the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to hold its 72nd annual competition on June 15 on the grounds of the Capitol.
"This is a long standing tradition, which brings young people ages eight to seventeen and their families from around the DC Metro area to the Capitol for a fun and educational experience.
"Since 1938, the Derby has inspired thousands of the region's young people to learn the physics behind gravity racing and the engineering used to design soap box racers.
"America's soap box derbies have been called ‘the greatest amateur racing event in the world,' and on June 15 it will continue to make history.
"The Derby teaches sportsmanship, hard work, and pride of accomplishment – and it imbues its young participants with that same spirit of innovation that has long fueled America's greatness.
"The young people who participate in these derbies are often sponsored by community groups, police departments, fire departments, and others who want to invest in our country's future in a very direct way.
"Every year, I am incredibly proud of my constituents from Maryland's Fifth District who participate. A number of Soap Box Derby champions have come from the Fifth District, including the winners from 2007, 2008, 2009, and last year.
"The winners in 2007 and 2008, Kacie Rader and Courtney Rayle, respectively, went on to win the National Soap Box Derby Championship. Last year's winners from the Fifth District were Brittany Sorli and Brandon Sorli of Waldorf, who won the Masters and Super Stock Divisions.
"I want to thank the Members who are cosponsoring this resolution: Reps. Gerry Connolly, Donna Edwards, Jim Moran, Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Chris Van Hollen, John Delaney, and Frank Wolf. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution."