Republicans Win Great Congressional Shootout

REPUBLICANS WIN GREAT CONGRESSIONAL SHOOTOUT -- (House of Representatives - May 20, 2004)

(Mr. HAYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, believe it or not, this House works together on a bipartisan basis on a number of things.
This past Monday my colleague and cochair of the Sportsmen's Caucus, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson), and I got together and enjoyed a wonderful day afield. The Sportsmen's Caucus is the largest group of a bipartisan nature on the Hill for anyone who enjoys the out-of-doors.

In this particular instance, it was the Great Congressional Shootout. Fortunately, the Republicans won, but our Democratic friends, including the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Peterson) who was top gun for the Democrats and the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), top gun for our side, did a great job.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to my colleague and cochairman the gentleman from California (Mr. Thompson).

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from North Carolina for yielding.

I too want to express appreciation to everyone in the Sportsmen's Caucus who came out, put aside the partisan battles and entered into some good fun and sportsmanship in advance of the shooting sports and to congratulate everyone who participated.

This year we had a record turnout, 13 Democrats, 13 Republicans. Most important, a whole group of new Members who came out had never participated in the event in the past. Next year, I would only ask that you not spray the Democrats' targets with the bulletproof spray paint so we have at least a chance.

Mr. HAYES. I thank my colleague and I thank everyone who participated. Our cochairs, also, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Boswell) for the Democrats and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) on our side.

END