[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 28 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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116th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. CON. RES. 28

 Congratulating the Portland Trail Blazers on the 50th anniversary of 
                        their inaugural season.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 23, 2019

   Mr. Wyden (for himself and Mr. Merkley), submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, 
                      Science, and Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
 Congratulating the Portland Trail Blazers on the 50th anniversary of 
                        their inaugural season.

Whereas the Portland Trail Blazers have proudly and energetically represented 
        Oregon's pioneering spirit on the national basketball stage since 1970;
Whereas the signature phrase ``Rip City'', coined by long-time announcer Bill 
        Schonely, has come to represent the city of Portland and Trail Blazers 
        fans throughout Oregon;
Whereas dedicated administrators Harry Glickman and Larry Weinberg worked behind 
        the scenes to establish a sustainable and beloved franchise;
Whereas the Blazers, as they are known, won their first National Basketball 
        Association title in 1977;
Whereas Bill Walton, colorful personality and backbone of the franchise, was 
        named the Most Valuable Player for the NBA Finals that year, and won the 
        NBA League MVP Award in 1978;
Whereas the Blazers and their fans own the longest ever streak of consecutive 
        sold-out NBA games, at 814 games;
Whereas history-making players including Geoff Petrie, Clyde Drexler, Terry 
        Porter, and Arvydas Sabonis powered the Blazers through the first 
        quarter century of their existence;
Whereas 21 consecutive playoff appearances (1983 to 2003) by the Blazers ranks 
        2nd all-time in NBA history;
Whereas Blazers Brandon Roy and Rasheed Wallace represented Oregon nationally as 
        All-Stars in 2008 and 2001, respectively, demonstrating that the talent 
        of the Blazers had not waned;
Whereas Damian Lillard and Brandon Roy blazed into their NBA careers with Rookie 
        of the Year honors in 2012 and 2006, respectively, representing Portland 
        as a hub for dedicated basketball stars;
Whereas Damian Lillard and his outstanding teammates have lifted this franchise 
        back into the realm of deep playoff runs, including last year's strong 
        showing in the Western Conference Finals;
Whereas the owner and benefactor of the Blazers for 30 years, Paul Allen, is 
        deeply missed after his death on October 18, 2018; and
Whereas the Portland Trail Blazers have brought Oregonians together for 50 
        years, each year generating as much excitement, hope, and promise as the 
        first year: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), 
That Congress--
            (1) recognizes the Portland Trail Blazers for embarking 
        upon their 50th season;
            (2) congratulates all players, administrators, and fans of 
        the Portland Trail Blazers for half a century of dedication to 
        the sport and franchise;
            (3) joins Oregonians and Blazers fans everywhere to 
        celebrate Rip City's 50th anniversary; and
            (4) directs the Clerk of the Senate to produce copies of 
        this resolution for the Portland Trail Blazers team members, 
        staff, and management.
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