[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6385-S6386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING THE CHICAGO BULLS ON WINNING THE 1997 NATIONAL 
                  BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 103, 
submitted earlier today by Senators Moseley-Braun and Durbin.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 103) to congratulate the Chicago 
     Bulls on winning the 1997 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 the City of Chicago, 
and the State of Illinois, I would like to offer this Senate Resolution 
with my friend and colleague from Illinois, Senator Dick Durbin, 
congratulating the Chicago Bulls for winning the 1997 National 
Basketball Association Championship.
  The Bulls have now repeated, once again, as champions--winning for 
the fifth time in seven years. This year's triumph expands the team's 
indisputable place in history.
  I say to my colleagues from Utah, Senator Hatch and Senator Bennett, 
that their great State of Utah was well represented in this 
championship series that ended Friday in Chicago. We should all applaud 
the Utah Jazz for a successful season, and an enormously exciting NBA 
Finals.
  The Bulls have put together an exceptional season and a remarkable 
dynasty. There should be no doubt that the Bulls are the best team in 
the 50 year history of the NBA, and that Michael Jordan is the best 
player. Despite suffering from flu-like symptoms, Jordan scored a 
dramatic 38 points in game 5 to lift his team to a crucial victory. To 
say ``His Airness'' is the Most Valuable Player is truly an 
understatement.
  And each and every Bulls player is a superb individual basketball 
player. What makes them all so very special is the way they have come 
together, under Coach Phil Jackson's guidance, to blend their talents 
as the team, playing in a way that makes each of them better. That is 
the real hallmark of champions.
  The Bulls have become a national and international sensation. They 
have brought millions together as fans and as admirers. Bulls fever 
cuts across race and ethnic lines and knows no national boundary. You 
can go to the far reaches of the globe and see a Bulls hat, or a 
Michael Jordan jersey.

[[Page S6386]]

  In recognition of the Bulls' historic accomplishment, it is my 
pleasure to offer this congratulatory resolution, and I urge my 
colleagues to swiftly approve its passage.
  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolution and preamble be agreed to en bloc, that the motion to 
reconsider be laid upon the table, and that any statements relating 
thereto be placed in the Record as if read at the appropriate place.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 103) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 103

       Whereas the Chicago Bulls at 69-13, posted the second best 
     regular season record in the history of the National 
     Basketball Association;
       Whereas the Bulls once again roared through the playoffs, 
     sweeping the Washington Bullets and defeating the Atlanta 
     Hawks in 5 games, before beating the Miami Heat in 5 games to 
     return to the NBA Finals for the second straight year;
       Whereas the Bulls displayed a potent offense and stifling 
     defense throughout the playoffs before beating the Utah Jazz 
     to win their second consecutive NBA championship their fifth 
     in the last 7 years;
       Whereas head coach Phil Jackson and the entire coaching 
     staff skillfully led the Bulls through a 69-win season and a 
     15-4 playoff run;
       Whereas Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were again named 
     to the NBA's ``All-Defensive First Team'', the only 2 players 
     from the same team to be so named, and were each voted to be 
     among the 50 greatest players in NBA history;
       Whereas Michael Jordan won his record ninth scoring title, 
     is the sixth leading scorer in NBA history, and was named 
     playoff most valuable player for the fifth time in 5 playoff 
     appearances;
       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 sixth 
     straight rebounding title, keyed a strong Bulls front line;
       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, despite injury, displayed his awesome 
     variety of offensive skills in both assisting on, and 
     hitting, several big shots when the Bulls needed them most;
       Whereas Steve Kerr, with his laser-like 3-point shooting, 
     sparked many a Bulls rally and hit the championship winning 
     shot in game 6 of the NBA finals;
       Whereas the outstanding play of Brian Williams and Jason 
     Caffey, 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 Jud Buechler and Robert Parish 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 injured center 
     Bill Wennington, forward Dickey Simpkins, and rookie Matt 
     Steigenga, both on the court and in practice, again 
     demonstrated the total devotion of Bulls personnel to the 
     team concept that has made the Bulls one of the great sports 
     dynasties of modern times: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate congratulates the Chicago Bulls 
     on winning the 1997 National Basketball Association 
     championship.

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