WASHINGTON (January 19)- The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-6) congratulating the University of Alabama and its football team for winning college football's national championship.   

The resolution was cosponsored by the entire Alabama delegation.  The measure "commends the University of Alabama for winning the Bowl Championship Series National Championship" and "recognizes the achievements of the players, coaches, students, and support staff who were instrumental in the victory." 

Copies of the resolution will be sent to University President Dr. Robert Witt and Coach Nick Saban for appropriate display. 

Congressman Bachus' remarks follow.  To view his remarks, click here. 

REMARKS OF CONGRESSMAN SPENCER BACHUS (AL-6)

H. RES. 1007

CONGRATULATING UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM

Mr. Speaker: 

Thank you for giving the Alabama delegation this opportunity to congratulate the University of Alabama and its football team for winning the national championship.  And thank you to Congressman Artur Davis for serving as lead cosponsor of the resolution. 

This is a celebration of the culmination of a very successful season on the field of play between the University of Alabama and the University of Texas, two teams that exemplify college football at its best. 

In the previous year, Alabama was undefeated but then lost to Florida in the SEC Championship Game and Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

Disappointing losses like might tear some teams apart.  Instead, it made Alabama's coaching staff and players even more determined to put in the hard work needed to make it all the way to the top.   The hard work started in spring practice and continued through the long fall schedule.  One important lesson is never allow your defeats to hold you back.  Instead, learn from them and move forward.  Alabama did this. 

To make it to the national championship game, you must have the discipline to win in the regular season, week in and week out.  Alabama always came prepared to play to the very end, whether it was in the season opener against a talented Virginia Tech team or against the demanding competition in the SEC, which many believe is presently the toughest football conference in the nation.  There were games won by comfortable margins, and there were close calls against Tennessee and Auburn.  There was the return matchup with Florida, the defending SEC Champion and National Champion, and its outstanding quarterback Tim Tebow in the SEC Title Game.   

 Each game and each victory was a building block towards the BCS Championship Game on January 7 where the team achieved its ultimate goal.   

The matchup in Pasadena was fitting because The University of Alabama and the University of Texas both have proud football histories with legendary players and coaches like Paul "Bear" Bryant and Darrell Royal.  The fans on both sides were avid and dedicated fans who came out to support their teams in great numbers.  But in doing so, they were very respectful and hospitable towards each other.  That is the way college athletics should always be. 

The game had inspiring personal stories.  The quarterback for Texas, Colt McCoy, is a fine young man.  When he was injured, his team took from his example and never gave up, fighting until the end.  Alabama's quarterback, Greg McElroy, quietly played with two broken ribs.  Alabama running back Mark Ingram, the MVP of the game and the first Heisman Trophy winner in school history, is a student-athlete of outstanding character and spirit.  

In the end, Alabama came out on top and finished the season with a perfect 14-0 record and its first National Championship season since 1992 under Coach Gene Stallings. 

The passionate fans in Alabama can be very proud of the way that thier student-athletes have represented both the University and the State.  I commend President Dr. Robert Witt and his administration and Coach Nick Saban and his staff for setting high standards on and off the field, and last but not least we congratulate the alumni, the fans, and the students of the University of Alabama for their support.  

Through their hard work, the players have earned the right to be called Champions.  We in Alabama salute them, and appreciate the opportunity to honor them with this resolution.