Durbin Emanuel Introduce Resolution to Congratulate Chicago on Olympic Bid
Press Release
DURBIN, EMANUEL INTRODUCE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE CHICAGO ON OLYMPIC BID
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Congressman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) are planning to introduce a resolution this week expressing the sense of Congress that the City of Chicago should be commended for being chosen to represent the United States in the International Competition for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"It has been over 100 years since a Midwestern city has hosted the Olympic Games," said Durbin. "Chicago is recognized as a city with a remarkable amount of diversity, culture and history that inspires people around the world. From its beautiful downtown parks to the magnificent lakefront to its terrific sports venues, Chicago is truly a world-class city that has what it takes to bring the Olympics back to the United States."
"Bringing the 2016 Olympics to our nation's third coast will be a boon for Chicago and a gold medal for the United States," said Emanuel.
On April 14, 2007, Chicago was selected by the United States Olympic Committee to represent America in its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The last time a Summer Olympic Games was held in a U.S. city was in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996. Today's resolution encourages the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago as the site of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
On April 15th, Emanuel and Durbin (D-IL) announced plans to introduce legislation that will ensure international Olympic officials, coaches and athletes receive visas efficiently in order to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Barack Obama (D-IL) and Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Melissa Bean (D-IL), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Jerry Weller (R-IL), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Judy Biggert (R-IL), Dennis Hastert (R-IL), Timothy Johnson (R-IL), Donald Manzullo (R-IL), Phil Hare (D-IL), Ray LaHood (R-IL) and John Shimkus (R-IL).
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