James Traficant: “As an athlete, I played against Notre Dame. I think it is fitting that the Congressional Gold Medal be awarded to this…”

“As an athlete, I played against Notre Dame. I think it is fitting that the Congressional Gold Medal be awarded to this great American. I want to commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) and I know the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky) is not here, a great Notre Dame fan as well, but I think as we think about the Congressional Gold Medal, the world will always think about Father Hesburgh every time they see that golden dome on the television screen and the tenacity and the spirit of Notre Dame, much of it has been imbued, developed by Father Hesburgh. I think his fingerprints rest on the university of such great acclaim. It is known throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, I say to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), this is very fitting, so I want to thank the Republican leadership, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), our ranking member, I believe this is most fitting. I am just honored to be a part, to be able to say that I had a vote in this Congressional Gold Medal award.”