Hoyer Floor Remarks in Support of Resolution Allowing for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby on Capitol Grounds

WASHINGTON, DC – This afternoon, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) spoke on the Floor of the House of Representatives in support of H. Con. Res. 43, his resolution to allow the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to take place on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The annual event, which will take place on June 17, includes youth from across the Washington Metropolitan area, including many from the Fifth District. Congressman Hoyer has sponsored a resolution in support of the race for the past 29 years. The resolution passed this evening. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:

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Click here for a link to the video.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the gentlelady from the District of Columbia for her steadfast support of this event and of her extraordinary representation of the District of Columbia. I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina for his consideration in bringing this forward. Obviously, Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution. It authorizes the event that I'm proud to support every year, the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. The Soap Box Derby brings people together from across the Greater Washington Metro Area, encouraging kids, families, and communities to compete in a fun and educational race.

"Mr. Speaker, this is my 30th year introducing this resolution. I am grateful to say that every year it's passed unanimously. This is the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby's 80th year. The race will be held on June 17 and see Soap Box racers from ages 8 to 17 compete in three divisions: stock, super stock, and masters. The winner from each division will have a chance to compete at the National All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.

“Soap Box derbies have been called the greatest amateur racing event in the world—whether that's absolute fact, it is very close. They have become a staple of the American experience all over our country. They teach sportsmanship, engineering, manufacturing, leadership skills, and so many other skills as well. Oftentimes racers are sponsored by local civic groups, service organizations, and police or fire departments with Members coming out to cheer their local hometown participants. I'm proud to sponsor this resolution today, Mr. Speaker, that will authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds, which is essential for this Soap Box Derby to proceed for this year's Soap Box Derby.

"I'm also proud that several Greater Washington Soap Box Derby champions have come from Maryland’s Fifth District. Including the winners from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2018. I'm sure all of you are saying, ‘Well, it's no surprise that Hoyer supports this resolution on an annual basis. His guys do pretty well.’ Our racers even won a National Championship, Mr. Speaker, in 2007 and 2008. I'm excited to see how Fifth District racers do this year and to see their colorful and creative soapbox designs.

"I hope every member, Mr. Speaker, will join me in supporting this worthy event. I invite them to join me in cheering on the Greater Washington Area's Soap Box racers on June 17. I thank the gentlelady for yielding."