Reid Ribble: “H. Con. Res. 44 would authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia's Special Olympics Law…”

“H. Con. Res. 44 would authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia's Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run that will be held on September 27, 2013. I would first like to thank Ranking Member Norton, of the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, for introducing this resolution, as well as to thank Chairman Barletta of the subcommittee for cosponsoring it. As in years past, the torch run will be launched from the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol and will continue through the Capitol Grounds as part of the journey to the annual D.C. Special Olympics Summer Games. The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities through athletics and competition. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when the police chief of Wichita, Kansas, saw an urgent need to raise funds for and to increase awareness of the Special Olympics. The Torch Run was then quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Today, the Torch Run is the largest grassroots effort that raises funds and awareness for the Special Olympics program. The event in D.C. is one of many law enforcement torch runs throughout the country and across 40 nations. I support the passage of this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.”