Congressman Lamar Smith 21st district of Texas

Contact: Beth Frigola (202) 225-4236

Washington, Feb 14, 2006 - Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX-21) will join President Bush and other members of the Texas Congressional Delegation today as they welcome college football’s national Champions, the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns to the White House. The UT football team also will be recognized in the House of Representatives later today when Congressman Smith delivers a floor speech congratulating the team on their undefeated season.

“The Longhorns have a special place deep in the heart of all Texans,” said Congressman Smith. “Their undefeated season was capped-off by one of the most heroic Rose Bowl efforts in football history.”

Smith added, “Through hard work and determination the Longhorns beat the odds and became an example for all of us.”

The UT campus is part of the 21st Congressional District that Smith represents. He plans to address the United States House of Representatives in recognition of the team’s unbeaten season and historic Rose Bowl win. This will be the third speech Smith has given this Congress congratulating UT on its athletic accomplishments. In June, the Longhorns baseball team won their sixth national championship title. And last January, UT won the Rose Bowl over the University of Michigan.

“The Longhorns are keeping me busy in Washington,” Smith joked. “The University has given our community and our state much to be proud of.”

Under Coach Mack Brown, and led by quarterback Vince Young, the Longhorns won 20 straight games.

“Credit for this outstanding season is due to the entire team, the coaching staff and the athletic department at the University of Texas,” said Smith. “Now everyone in America understands the meaning of "Hook ‘em Horns!"