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

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 43) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby.

The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.

The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: H. Con. Res. 43

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), SECTION 1. USE OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR SOAP BOX DERBY RACES.

(a) In General.--The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association (in this resolution referred to as the ``sponsor'') shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, soap box derby races (in this resolution referred to as the ``event''), on the Capitol Grounds.

(b) Date of Event.--The event shall be held on June 17, 2023, or on such other date as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate jointly designate. SEC. 2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

(a) In General.--Under conditions to be prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board, the event shall be--

(1) free of admission charge and open to the public; and

(2) arranged not to interfere with the needs of Congress.

(b) Expenses and Liabilities.--The sponsor shall assume full responsibility for all expenses and liabilities incident to all activities associated with the event. SEC. 3. EVENT PREPARATIONS.

Subject to the approval of the Architect of the Capitol, the sponsor is authorized to erect upon the Capitol Grounds such stage, sound amplification devices, and other related structures and equipment as may be required for the event. SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS.

The Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board are authorized to make such additional arrangements as may be required to carry out the event. SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT OF RESTRICTIONS.

The Capitol Police Board shall provide for enforcement of the restrictions contained in section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code, concerning sales, advertisements, displays, and solicitations on the Capitol Grounds, as well as other restrictions applicable to the Capitol Grounds, with respect to the event.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. EDWARDS. Con. Res. 43.

Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 43 authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby later this month.

Every year, we authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for this event.

The national All-American Soap Box Derby has been running since 1934 and provides opportunities for young people to demonstrate their innovation and ingenuity through a family-friendly competition-- something we need much more of this day and age.

The Greater Washington Soap Box Derby is one of many local races that will qualify winning competitors for participation in the national Soap Box Derby .

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source