Hoyer Floor Statement on Bill Allowing for 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 71st Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to take place on the United States Capitol grounds. This is the 21st year Hoyer has sponsored the resolution, which draws youth from around the National Capital Region to compete in the race. The legislation passed the House by voice vote. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
"I rise in strong support of this resolution, which I am proud to sponsor. This resolution allows the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to
hold its 71st Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby on the Capitol grounds on June 16.
"This is a wonderful tradition that brings young people from around the area to the Capitol for a fun and educational event. It has taken place since 1938, when Norman Rocca won the inaugural race, besting 223 others as his soap box racer crossed the finish line. That race has continued for over seventy years, and it 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. It brings young people together with their parents and teaches sportsmanship, hard work, and pride of accomplishment.
"America's soap box derbies have been called ‘the greatest amateur racing event in the world,' and we continue celebrating that tradition on June 16 here in
Washington. The spirit of competition that fuels these racers is the same spirit that has long energized our nation's entrepreneurs and innovators. The young people who participate in these derbies are often sponsored by groups from their communities who recognize in them great promise for the future.
"I continue to be incredibly proud of those from Maryland's Fifth District who participate. We've celebrated a number of soap box derby champions from the
Fifth District, including the winners from 2007, 2008, and 2009. The winners in 2007 and 2008, Kacie Rader and Courtney Rayle respectively, went on
to win the national championship.
"I want to thank those Members who have cosponsored this resolution, Representatives Gerry Connolly, Donna Edwards, Jim Moran, Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Chris Van Hollen, and Frank Wolf. I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution."