[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 75 (Thursday, June 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S6260]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATION OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON'S 95TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, I am proud to have this 
opportunity to recognize a company that truly reflects the spirit, 
goals and achievements of a true ``American success story'' as hailed 
by President Ronald Reagan in 1987. Today, Harley-Davidson Motor 
Company is an even more outstanding example of American ingenuity and 
performance. They have seen record earnings 31 of the last 32 
quarters--a prime example of their strength as a business. They have 
seen 32 consecutive quarters of record sales--clearly demonstrating the 
loyalty of their consumer base.
  Harley-Davidson produces its entire line of the very popular 
Sportster motorcycle in Kansas City, Missouri. They opened the doors of 
this facility months ahead of schedule, and are already employing 
hundreds of Missourians. This is evidence of the positive path of 
growth and expansion of Harley-Davidson. The U.S. market share for 
Harley continues to grow; today it is 56 percent. Harley also has a 
great future in the international marketplace and the company is seeing 
increasing demand for its products in Europe, Japan, Australia, and 
other countries.
  Harley has long been a leader in design and safety standards. As 
early as 1921, Harley-Davidson bikes incorporated advancements that are 
still in use today. Twenty years later, during World War II, Harley 
devoted its entire output of motorcycles to the war effort earned the 
coveted Army-Navy ``E'' award for excellence in wartime production.
  In many ways, Harley-Davidson has freed generations of American rider 
to enjoy this country by motorcycle. As Harley-Davidson approaches its 
hallmark 95th anniversary as a producer of quality American goods, I 
want to be among the first of the long list of well wishers to say, 
``Happy Anniversary, Harley! You're still `king of the road!''

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