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TheWeekInCongress.com

Week Ending February 18, 2005

House Resolution 86 congratulating the New England Patriots for winning Super Bowl 39.

BRIEF

A bit past its prime, the Resolution commends and congratulates the New England Patriots on defeating the Philadelphia Eagles to win Super Bowl 39. Three Super Bowl wins in four years including a first ever back – to – back win in NFL history.

Sponsor: Representative Barney Franks (D-MA-4^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote (Feb. 15, 2005)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

MORE INFORMATION

Whereas on February 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida, the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 24 to 21 in Super Bowl XXXIX to win the National Football League (NFL) Championship;

Whereas the Patriots' victory in Super Bowl XXXIX resulted in their third championship in the last four years, the first being a 20 to17 victory over the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI and the second being a 32 to 29 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII;

Whereas the Patriots' victory over the Eagles clinched back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise history;

Whereas in winning Super Bowl XXXIX, the Patriots became only the second franchise in NFL history to win three Super Bowls in four years;

Whereas beginning during the 2003 season and stretching into the 2004 season, the Patriots won 21 consecutive games, 18 during the regular season and 3 during the post-season, setting franchise and league records for consecutive victories;

Whereas owner Robert Kraft, through sound management and by instilling a team-first philosophy, has made the Patriots the model NFL franchise;

Whereas Head Coach Bill Belichick, Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis, and Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel, stressing teamwork and determination, led the Patriots to their ninth straight playoff victory by winning Super Bowl XXXIX and to their second consecutive 14 win regular season, advancing to the Super Bowl by defeating the record-setting Indianapolis Colts and the number one seeded Pittsburgh Steelers in the American Football Conference (AFC) playoffs;

Whereas the Patriots' ability to win despite serious injuries is a testament to the coaching staff and the desire of the team to defend their title and win another Super Bowl;

Whereas wide-receiver Deion Branch, who had a record-tying 11 catches for 133 yards, was selected as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Super Bowl for the first time, joining two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady as the only Patriots in NFL history chosen to receive this prestigious award; and

Whereas all of New England is proud of the accomplishments of the entire Patriots organization and the dedication of the faithful New England fans throughout the 2004-05 NFL season: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates the National Football League Champion New England Patriots on their extraordinary victory in Super Bowl XXXIX.

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