takamiyama daigoro competed in over 1,400 matches winning 12 gold stars and prizes. in 1972 he became the first foreigner to win the emperor's cup, the top division championship in the sport of sumo wrestling. after that victory, the u.s. ambassador read a message from president nickon marking the first time english words were used, ever spoken at a sumo tournament. takamiyama daigoro to this day is the first and only foreigner to open his own training stable for sumo wrestlers. i urge my colleagues to support the passage of this resolution. and i reserve the balance of my time. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. the gentleman from florida is recognized. mr. bilirakis: mr. speaker, i yield myself such time as i may consume. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman is recognized. mr. bilirakis: i rise in support of this resolution which gives long overdue recognition to the accomplishments of sumo champion takamiyama daigoro, who won japan's top division championship in 1972. this native son of hawaii, also known as jesse kuhaulua,

resolution honoring the contributions of takamiyama daigoro and to united states-japan relations. the speaker pro tempore: pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from american samoa, mr. faleomavaega, and the gentleman from florida, mr. bilirakis, each will control 20 minutes. the chair recognizes the gentleman from american samoa. mr. faleomavaega: mr. speaker, i ask unanimous consent that all members may have five legislative days to revise and extend their remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. mr. faleomavaega: and revise and extend on the resolution. mr. speaker, i rise in strong support of this resolution recognizing the contributions of takamiyama daigoro to the sport of sumo wrestling, the most ancient sport in japan, and the u.s.-japan relationship. i yield myself such time as i may consume. mr. speaker, june 15, 2009, marks the day before tacka meama's 65th birthday when those in sumo must retire. over the course of this exceptional 45-year career, takamiyama daigoro, not only achieved great success as a sportsman, but also built enduring bridges -- building g