Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Floor Speech

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2010 -- (Senate - September 30, 2009)

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2016 OLYMPICS

Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, more than 100 years ago, four American cities competed to host the world's Columbian Exposition. Elected leaders and proud citizens traveled here to Washington to make the case for their hometowns. After much debate, Congress decided that the exposition would take place in the center of the American heartland--Chicago, IL.

The Chicago delegation had made the strongest case and shown the most pride and conviction in their city. They bragged that their hometown on the beautiful banks of Lake Michigan was the perfect site for the Columbia Exposition and that no other city could compare. Folks from Chicago argued so long and so hard that a reporter referred to their hometown as ``that Windy City,'' and the nickname, of course, has stuck throughout the years.

The Columbian Exposition of 1893 was a resounding success. Almost one-fourth of the entire U.S. population came to Chicago, and the city overflowed with happy visitors from across the country and all over the world.

Today, Chicago remains an economic and cultural center of America. The city that hosted the Columbian Exposition has boomed into a world-class metropolis. And once again the proud citizens of the Windy City have stepped forward to make the case for our hometown.

In 2016, 10,000 athletes from more than 200 countries will come together to celebrate the human spirit. Tourists, visitors, and millions of dollars will flow into a single place as a part of the greatest spectacle on Earth.

The whole world will be watching the city that hosts the Olympic Games, and in 2016 that city should be Chicago, IL. From Lake Shore Drive to the West Side, it is a diverse and inclusive city that represents the very best of what it means to be American. It has always been a global leader in culture, art, architecture, commerce, sports, and even cuisine.

I know Chicago will shine on the world stage in 2016, just as it did more than a century ago. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a powerful force for global unity. It is time to bring the games back to the United States.

President Obama understands what the Olympics will mean to our Nation and for Chicago. New construction and infrastructure improvement will revitalize the Midwest; tourist dollars from all over the world will begin flowing to American businesses once again; jobs will be created, revenue will increase, our local economy will be jolted back to prosperity as we prepare to host the games.

It doesn't stop there. This impact will also be felt at the national level. Foreign visitors who travel to the Olympics in Chicago will also stop in Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, Miami, Seattle, New Orleans, and a dozen other cities during their stay in the United States. The international spotlight will be focused on America and it will bring prosperity and good will. That is why I support President Obama's decision to travel to Copenhagen in support of our Olympic bid.

Some have criticized this trip. Some say it is an unnecessary distraction from the challenges we face. But I believe it is just the opposite. It shows that the President is more focused than ever on bringing economic prosperity and international prestige back to the United States.

A few days ago I was meeting with the mayor of Chicago and I told Mayor Daley that I thought the President and the First Lady would go to Copenhagen. There was some consternation as to whether he was going to appear, but because of the importance of the Olympics to Chicago and the Nation, I knew the President's decision was going to be made that would allow him to make an appearance in Copenhagen. I know they are proud Chicagoans, and I am pleased they have decided on strong support for their hometown. The trip will be a short one, but it could make a world of difference for Chicago and for America, because this is not just about Chicago or Illinois, it is about bringing the Olympic Games back to the United States of America. The Olympics will be a boon to our economy and they will strengthen our friendship with other nations.

By appearing before the International Olympic Committee in person, President Obama can make the case that America is ready to lead once again, ready to light the torch of cooperation and prosperity for all of the citizens of the world. He can show the committee that Chicago is by far the best choice among the four remaining finalist cities. For the athletes, world-class training facility and event locations would be very close together, allowing for convenience and ease. For visitors, outstanding public transportation and modern infrastructure would make all events easy to attend. For residents of the city and people all across the United States, Chicago would shine on the world stage and dollars would pour in from across the globe to make it clear it is alive and well in my hometown.

The Chicago 2016 Committee recognizes the importance of the games in renewing old friendships around the world as well as establishing new ones. Its ideals and the value of ``friendship through sport'' is at the heart of the city's Olympic bid.

Let us support President Obama as he travels to Denmark in hopes of bringing the Olympics and Paralympic Games back to the United States. They are a powerful, inspiring force for unity in a world divided. Let us come together once again to welcome the people of every continent to our shores. Just as the people of Chicago did more than 100 years ago, let us celebrate our Nation by sharing one of the greatest cities with all of the world, by sharing its greatest city with the rest of the world, that great city on the lake--Chicago.

I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.

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