On the recordJuly 23, 2018
Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McClintock for yielding me such time as I may consume to address the subject matter of this bill. Mr. Speaker, for once on this floor, this is a laughing matter. The purpose of this bill is to officially designate the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York, as the National Comedy Center for the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, our country doesn't currently have a national center to recognize comedy and the important role it plays in American culture. I can think of no better place for such a center than in our district in the city of Jamestown, the birthplace of Lucille Ball. Across the country and all over the world, people recognize Lucille Ball and ``I love Lucy'' as one of the most popular television shows of all time. The National Comedy Center will celebrate her impact and many others in the world of comedy when it hosts this August the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival for the grand opening of the National Comedy Center. All jokes aside, Mr. Speaker, this museum is much bigger than one person in Lucille Ball. This is about comedians who have practiced their art and have celebrated the healing aspects of humor in our society. With more than 50 exhibits that engage and excite, this museum is the first of its kind dedicated to celebrating comedy in all its forms and the people who share the laughter it brings. It is the Cooperstown of baseball, the Dayton of pro football, and the Cleveland of Rock and Roll.…





