Lois Capps: “I rise to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Title IX and pay tribute to the significant advancements made for women's…”

“I rise to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of Title IX and pay tribute to the significant advancements made for women's educational and athletic opportunities. Not coincidentally, this year is also the 33rd anniversary of the UC Santa Barbara Lady Gauchos basketball team, this year's Big West Conference champions. I hold a basketball signed by the team members of the 1997 team who participated in the NCAA tournament here in Washington, DC. Any woman who has played for this team can attest to the numerous benefits afforded to them by receiving the same opportunity as men to participate in college athletics. {time} 1030 There is a clear interest for women to play sports, and schools must respond. To anyone who disagrees, I would like you to know that the UCSB women's basketball team sells more season tickets than the men's team. So I am appalled that the Bush administration is trying to weaken the enforcement of Title IX in our Nation's colleges and universities. On this anniversary of Title IX, we must stand up and protect it. ____________________”