Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 97.djvu/224

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97 STAT. 192 PUBLIC LAW 98-31—MAY 20, 1983 Public Law 98-31 98th Congress Joint Resolution May 20, 1983 Declaring the siipport of the United States Government for efforts of the United [H J Res 2191 States Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1986, designating the Secretary of Commerce as the official representative of the United States Government to the Federation Internationale de Football Association, and for other purposes. Whereas the direct involvement and support of the government of the host country is essential to the successful organization of the World Cup; Whereas bringing the World Cup to the United States would serve as a tremendous impetus to national and international tourism; Whereas the United States is already capable of meeting all the requirements imposed on a host country; Whereas hosting the World Cup would encourage the continued development of professional soccer and ensure the growth of soccer at all levels in the United States; Whereas soccer is the world's most popular sport; and Whereas the World Cup is the most popular professional sporting event in the world: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United World Cup. States of America in Congress assembled, That the United States Hosting of soccer Government decl£U'es its support for the efforts of the United States event m u.b. Soccer Federation to bring the World Cup to the United States in 1986, and encourages the Federation Internationale de Football Association to visit the United States and actively consider the United States application to host the World Cup. SEC. 2. The Secretary of Commerce is designated as the official representative of the United States Government in any discussions with the Federation Internationale de Football Association, with the authority to delegate that responsibility to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism. Approved May 20, 1983. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:—H.J. Res. 219 (S.J. Res. 69): CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 129 (1983): May 3, considered and passed House. May 6, considered and passed Senate.