USWNT: U.S. Senate takes up resolution to congratulate Women’s World Cup winners

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, has introduced a Senate Resolution congratulating the United States Women’s National Team on their victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Brown’s office announced on Wednesday.

The USWNT received a hero’s welcome on Tuesday when they appeared at a victory celebration in Los Angeles upon their return to the United States following Sunday’s 5-2 cup final win over Japan in Vancouver. A ticket-tape parade will be held in their honor in New York City on Friday.

+READ: USWNT defeats Japan 5-2 to claim third Women’s World Cup title

“From the defensive shutout streak to the hat trick in the finals, the U.S. women broke records while displaying determination through adversity and the will to win,” Brown said in a statement. “All Americans should be proud of these world-class athletes who epitomize teamwork and represent our nation. I’m glad the World Cup is back on American soil – where it belongs.”

Describing Brown as “a strong supporter of USWNT,” the press release notes his calls for FIFA to reach an agreement with WWC players regarding the conflict over the use of artificial surfaces at this year’s tournament in Canada.

The resolution is being led by U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and co-sponsored by U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO); Cory Booker (D-NJ); Maria Cantwell (D-WA); Tom Carper (D-DE); Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA); Richard Durbin (D-IL); Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY); Mazie Hirono (D-HI); Tim Kaine (D-VA); Angus King (I-ME); Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Ed Markey (D-MA); John McCain (R-AZ); Claire McCaskill (D-MO); Barbara Mikulski (D-MD); Patty Murray (D-WA); Gary Peters (D-MI); Marco Rubio (R-FL); Chuck Schumer (D-NY); Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Patrick Toomey (R-PA); Mark Warner (D-VA).

Here’s the full text:

Congratulating the United States Women’s National Team for winning the 2015 FIFA World Cup.

Whereas on July 5, 2015, in Vancouver, Canada, the United States Women’s National Team won the FIFA Women’sWorld Cup; 

Whereas during the FIFA World Cup the United States Women’s National Team finished first in its group before eliminating teams representing the Republic of Colombia, the People’s Republic of China, and the Federal Republic of Germany in the knockout stages to reach the final;

Whereas the United States secured a resounding 5 to 2 victory over Japan in the highest scoring Women’s World Cup Final in history, which included the fastest hat trick in World Cup history by Carli Lloyd by the 16th minute of the game;

Whereas the run of the United States Women’s National Team in the 2015 World Cup included a record-tying 540 consecutive minutes without conceding a goal;

Whereas the United States Women’s National Team became the first team to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup 3 times;

Whereas all 23 players on the roster should be congratulated, including captains Christie Rampone and Abby Wambach, Golden Ball winner Carli Lloyd, Golden Glove winner Hope Solo, as well as Shannon Boxx, Morgan Brian, Lori Chalupny, Whitney Engen, Ashlyn Harris, Tobin Heath, Lauren Holiday, Julie Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg, Ali Krieger, Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher, Kelley O’Hara, Heather O’Reilly, Christen Press, Megan Rapinoe, Amy Rodriguez, and Becky Sauerbrunn;

Whereas head coach Jill Ellis displayed extraordinary leadership, adjusting the team’s starting lineup as the FIFA Women’s World Cup progressed in order to promote teamwork and capitalize on the talents of each player; and

Whereas dedicated fans, including a group of supporters known as the American Outlaws, and citizens across the United States showed their unmitigated support for the United States Women’s National Team as the team competed in Canada, and can now celebrate because the United States women are world champions again:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

• congratulates the United States Women’s National Team for winning the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup through teamwork and determination;
• recognizes the achievements of all of the players, coaches, and staff who contributed to the FIFA World Cup winning team; and
• celebrates the contributions of the millions of fans across the Nation who cheered the United States Women’s National Team to victory, and made the players the best supported team in the world.