OUR VIEW: A time out on resolutions

Utah U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz has enjoyed success in big-time sports under pressure. In the 1988 Freedom Bowl, Chaffetz calmly kicked two field goals in the final minutes of the game to lead the BYU Cougars to a 20-17 win over the Colorado Buffaloes.

So, while we may not agree with Republican Chaffetz on every issue, we respect his opinions on sports. And we agree with Chaffetz that congressional resolutions related to sports have gotten way out of hand. We're glad the freshman congressman has decided to vote against all symbolic sports resolutions, and we hope colleagues will follow his lead.

"It's an absolute embarrassment," Chaffetz said on the House floor before opposing a resolution honoring the start of the racing season at Saratoga race course in New York. He's right. What in the heck does that have to do with running our country? It's ridiculous, particularly when we are locked in partisan deadlock and squabbles over crucial issues such as health care, the environment, the war on terror, immigration, financial reform, etc. What need is there to honor a race course or the Penn State women's volleyball team, or even Real Salt Lake soccer club's 2009 league championship?

Chaffetz took heat from some lawmakers, who were angered at his stance. They pointed out, correctly, that Chaffetz sponsored a 2009 resolution saluting RSL for its soccer championship. Chaffetz admitted his past complicity in the resolution game, but said he now realizes they are a waste of time.

The Utah congressman's history as an athlete of note with the BYU football team should prompt his colleagues to listen carefully to his arguments. The sheer number of resolutions passed in Congress have diminished the impact and importance of a congressional resolution. It's become more like a souvenir for participants and fans of a team, person or event than a notable mark of historical importance. And sports, no matter how seriously millions of us follow games, is not important enough to waste valuable congressional time on.

There may be a solution. Chaffetz and Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Penn., have suggested a bill at the end of the year for all sports resolutions to be honored in one take. Frankly, we don't need any of them. But if Congress can't control its need to have them, this is a good compromise to stop the time-wasting.