Resolution Passes U.S. House to Allow 63rd Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement today on a resolution he sponsored to permit the 63rd race of the "Greater Washington Soap Box Derby" to take place on the grounds of the United States Capitol. The resolution, H. Con. Res. 376, passed the U.S. House of Representatives this morning. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 19. Hoyer released the following statement:

"For the past twelve years, I have sponsored a resolution for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to hold its race on the capitol grounds, along Constitution Avenue.

"Once again, I am proud to have sponsored such a resolution, H. Con. Res. 376, to permit the 63rd running of the Soap Box Derby races. It is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 19, 2004.

"The resolution authorizes the Architect of the Capitol, the Capitol Police Board, and the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to negotiate the necessary arrangements for conducting the race in complete compliance with the rules and regulations governing the use of the capitol grounds.

"Therefore, I request my colleagues to join with me, and other cosponsors, including Representative Frank Wolf, Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Albert Wynn, James Moran and Chris Van Hollen in supporting this resolution.

"The Soap Box Derby has been held in the Washington, DC area since 1992. It has attracted over 50 participants each of those years, ranging in age from 9 to 16. The participants work very hard to prepare their own race cars from a kit provided by the All-American Soap Box Derby Program. The contestants are given an opportunity to learn basic skills of workmanship and to enhance their building skills while creating their own basic style car.

"Winners of three levels of the local race become eligible to compete in the National Soap Box Derby races held in Akron, Ohio. Prior to the national races, they attend a week of camps in "Derbytown", where they make lasting friendships while participating in a variety of sporting activities. The national races are held in July and give the participants a chance to win scholarships and merchandise prizes.

"Mr. Speaker, this event has been called "the greatest amateur racing event in the world". This is a wonderful opportunity for our children from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia to venture into the world of science, while experiencing the spirit of competition."

For more information see the All-American's web site at www.aasbd.org.

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