Hoyer Remarks in Support of Resolution Allowing Greater Washington-Area Soap Box Derby
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) spoke on the House Floor this afternoon in support of his resolution to allow the Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to take place on the grounds of the United States Capitol. Congressman Hoyer has sponsored the resolution for the past 24 years in support of the derby, which draws youth from around the Washington, DC area, including the Fifth District, to participate in the competition. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:
Click here to watch the video.
"I thank the Gentlelady for yielding. I thank her for using some of the time so I could get up to the Floor. I appreciate that very much and I thank the Gentleman for his leadership.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution which I have sponsored to permit the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to hold its annual competition on the grounds of the United States Capitol.
"I'm sure that both the Chairman and the Ranking Member, Ms. Edwards, have already said that.
"This year will be the 74th Soap Box Derby, held on June 20th.
"On that day, young people from around Washington, DC will gather at the Capitol for an event that is both fun, educational, and a teacher of responsibility and making things in America.
"The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby began in 1938, with Norman Rocca outmaneuvering 233 other racers to win the inaugural race.
"Each year since, dozens of boys and girls, ranging in age from 8 to 17, have competed in three divisions – Stock, Super Stock and Masters.
"The winner in each will qualify to compete with racers from across the country in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.
"Called, and I quote, ‘the greatest amateur racing event in the world,' America's Soap Box Derby bring parents, children, and friends and neighbors together.
"They teach hard work, leadership, sportsmanship, and pride of achievement.
"These values not only make great soap box racers, but great American innovators and leaders in business, government, science, and the arts.
"Participants are often sponsored by community groups, police departments, fire departments, service organizations and others who see future great promise in these children and teenagers.
"Mr. Speaker, I've been sponsoring this resolution for 24 years because I am so proud of America's Soap Box Derby tradition and proud of those from Maryland's Fifth District who participate.
"My district has celebrated a number of Derby champions, including the winners from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
"My district is sort of like John Wooden's UCLA or the Duke Blue Devils, maybe, or the Maryland Terrapins. Young Marylanders who won the Greater Washington race in 2007 and 2008 went on to win the national championship.
"I want to thank my colleagues who have co-sponsored this resolution: Representatives Chris Van Hollen; Gerry Connolly; Don Beyer; John Delaney; Eleanor Holmes Norton; Donna Edwards, who bought this to the Floor with the Chair; and Barbara Comstock.
"I hope all Members of the House will join in supporting our resolution and they will come to watch the Soap Box Derby in action on June 20th.
"And again I thank my colleague from Maryland, Ms. Edwards, for making sure that I got here so I could once again say how proud I am of those who participate in the Soap Box Derby.
"Good luck to all of them.
"I yield back the balance of my time."