[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6416-S6417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO BULLS ON WINNING THE 1996 NATIONAL 
                  BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 266, submitted 
earlier today by Senators Moseley-Braun and Simon.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 266) to congratulate the Chicago 
     Bulls on winning the 1996 National Basketball Association 
     Championship and proving themselves to be one of the best 
     teams in NBA history.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection to the immediate 
consideration of the resolution?
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Ms. MOSELEY-BRAUN. Mr. President, on behalf of my colleague, Senator 
Simon, the city of Chicago, and the State of Illinois, I rise to offer 
a Senate resolution commemorating the Chicago Bulls for winning the 
1995-1996 National Basketball Association Championship.
  I say to my friend, Senator Patty Murray, that her great State of 
Washington was well-represented in this championship series that ended 
last Sunday. We should all applaud the Seattle Supersonics for an 
excellent season in which they won 64 games. I am sure it will not be 
the last we will hear of them. I am just delighted that this happens to 
be the year of the Chicago Bulls.
  The Bulls have put together a truly remarkable season. There should 
no longer be any doubt that this Bulls team is the best basketball team 
in the 49-year history of the NBA. Yes, the best ever. One need look no 
farther than the numbers. The Bulls finished the regular season with an 
unprecedented record of 72-10. They roared through the playoffs, losing 
only three games in four playoff rounds. Their final record is a truly 
unbelievable 87-13. There has never been a team that has so dominated 
professional basketball at both ends of the court like this year's 
Bulls.
  Coach Phil Jackson once stated that, ``Basketball is a sum of parts 
that sometimes are greater than the whole * * * we try to get the 
concept to the team that you are only as strong as your weakest link.'' 
Coach Jackson's philosophy of teamwork has resonated with the players 
on this team. From Michael Jordan down to the last player on the bench, 
each member know his role, accepted it, and worked for the good of the 
team. They worked hard in practice, meshed their various talents and 
selflessly played together for team, not individual, achievements.

  As is the case with all great teams however, when the team is 
successful, individuals stand out as well. Michael Jordan, the greatest 
basketball player on this planet, was named the league's most valuable 
player for the regular season, for the playoffs, and for the all-star 
game, something that has never been done before. Dennis Rodman won the 
rebounding title. The sixth man of the year award went to Toni Kukoc. 
Coach Jackson was honored as Coach of the Year. And three members--
Jordan, Rodman, and Scottie Pippen--were named to the All-Defensive 
Team.
  Basketball teams around the country have hung banners in their arenas 
commemorating championship seasons. Undoubtedly, some of those team 
possessed more Hall of Famers or had more individual talent. But this 
year's Chicago Bulls team has amassed a record of success that ranks as 
the best of all-time. We are so proud that the city of Chicago is 
associated with the mark of excellence and perfection that this Bulls 
team has shown.
  The values of team, hard work, and both physical and mental toughness

[[Page S6417]]

that the Bulls embody has brought them fans all across the country--in 
every State in the union. It is therefore particularly fitting that the 
Senate recognize the special nature of the Bulls achievement. I, 
therefore, strongly urge my colleagues to join with my distinguished 
senior colleague, Senator Simon, and me, and to vote to approve this 
resolution commending the Chicago Bulls for their fourth NBA 
championship.
  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
and preamble be agreed to, and the motion to reconsider be laid upon 
the table, and that any statements relating thereto be placed in the 
Record at the appropriate place as if read.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 266) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 266

       Whereas the Chicago Bulls at 72-10, posted the best regular 
     season record in the history of National Basketball 
     Association;
       Whereas the Bulls roared through the playoffs, sweeping the 
     Miami Heat and defeating the New York Knicks in five games, 
     before sweeping the Orlando Magic to return to the NBA Finals 
     for the first time in two years;
       Whereas the Bulls displayed a potent offense, and what some 
     consider to be their best defense ever, throughout the 
     playoffs before beating the Seattle Supersonics to win their 
     fourth franchise NBA championship;
       Whereas head coach Phil Jackson, who won his first Coach of 
     the Year award, and the entire coaching staff skillfully led 
     the Bulls through a record 72-win season and a 15-3 playoff 
     run;
       Whereas Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman 
     all were named to the NBA's ``All-Defensive Team'', the first 
     time in 13 years that three players from the same team have 
     been so named;
       Whereas Michael Jordan, in his first full season after 
     coming out of retirement, won his record eighth scoring 
     title, his fourth Most Valuable Player award, and was again 
     named playoff most valuable player for the fourth time);
       Whereas Scottie Pippen again exhibited his outstanding 
     offensive and defensive versatility, proving himself to be 
     one of the best all-around players in the NBA;
       Whereas the quickness, tireless defensive effort, and 
     athleticism of the colorful Dennis Rodman, who won his fifth 
     straight rebounding title, keyed a Bulls front line that lead 
     the league in rebounding;
       Whereas veteran guard Ron Harper, in shutting down many of 
     the league's top point guards throughout the playoffs, 
     demonstrated the defensive skills that have made him a 
     cornerstone of the league's best defense;
       Whereas center Luc Longley frustrated many of the all-star 
     caliber centers that he faced in this year's playoffs while 
     at times providing a much needed scoring lift;
       Whereas Toni Kukoc, winner of the league's ``Sixth Man'' 
     award, displayed his awesome variety of offensive skills in 
     both assisting on, and hitting, several big shots when the 
     Bulls needed them most;
       Whereas the laser-like three-point shooting of career 
     three-point field goal percentage leader Steve Kerr sparked 
     many a Bulls rally;
       Whereas the outstanding shooing of Jud Buechler and Bill 
     Wennington, and the tenacious defense of Randy Brown, each of 
     whom came off the bench to provide valuable contributions, 
     were an important part of each Bulls victory;
       Whereas John Salley and James Edwards provided valuable 
     contributions throughout the season and the playoffs, both on 
     and off the court, at times giving the Bulls the emotional 
     lift they needed; and
       Whereas the regular season contributions of second year 
     forward Dickey Simpkins and rookie forward Jason Caffey, and 
     the constant emotional lift provided by the injured Jack 
     Haley, both on the court and in practice, again demonstrated 
     the total devotion of Bulls personnel to the team concept 
     that has made the Bulls into one of the most devastating 
     basketball forces of modern times: Now, therefore be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the Chicago Bulls 
     on winning the 1996 National Basketball Association 
     championship.

     

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