Authorizing the Use of Capitol Grounds for Greater Washington Soap Box Derby

Floor Speech

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Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for her steadfast support of this event and her extraordinary representation of the District of Columbia. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina for his consideration in bringing this forward.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution. It authorizes an event that I am proud to support every year: the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

The soapbox 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 pleased to say that every year it has passed unanimously.

This is the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby's 80th year. The race will be held on June 17 and will see soapbox racers, 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.

Soapbox derbies have been called the greatest amateur racing event in the world. Whether that is 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.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to sponsor this resolution today that will authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds, which is essential for this soapbox derby to proceed.

Mr. Speaker, I am 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 am sure all of you are saying, well, it is no surprise that Hoyer supports this resolution on an annual basis. His guys do pretty well. Our racers even won a national championship in 2007 and 2008.

I am excited to see how the Fifth District racers do this year, and to see their colorful and creative soapbox designs.

Mr. Speaker, I hope every Member will join me in supporting this worthy event. I invite them to join me in cheering on the Greater Washington soapbox racers on June 17.

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