[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 145 (Tuesday, October 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2134]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                AUTOMOBILE NATIONAL HERITAGE ACT OF 1998

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Representative Hansen 
for bringing this legislation before the House for consideration. I am 
deeply grateful for his support and the work he has done on H.R. 3910.
  The industrial, cultural, and natural heritage legacies of Michigan's 
automobile industry are nationally significant; they have made this a 
greater country. In cities across Michigan, such as Detroit, Dearborn, 
Flint, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and Saginaw, the automobile was designed and 
manufactured and in turn helped establish and expand the United States 
as an industrial power. The industrial strength of automobile 
manufacturing was vital to defending freedom and democracy in two world 
wars and fueled our economic growth in the modern era.
  Automobile heritage is more than the assembly lines and engineering 
rooms where cars were created and built. Turning a vision into a 
reality, the story of the automobile is a tale of hard work and growth. 
It is the shared history of millions of Americans who fought, during 
the labor movement, for good wages and benefits. This industry shaped 
20th Century America like no other; it is the quintessential American 
story. It is a story worth celebrating and sharing.
  The end product of all this hard work and cooperation, the Automobile 
National Heritage Area, creates something special and lasting both for 
Michigan and America. Again, I thank my colleague from Utah, 
Representative Hansen, along with Chairman Don Young. The gentleman 
from Utah has done a superb job, and I salute him. I say to my 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle, and from all regions of 
America, that the Automobile National Heritage Area will enormously 
benefit the people of the 16th District in the State of Michigan and 
those who work in and are dependent upon the auto industry. This area 
is very, very important to us in Michigan in terms of remembering our 
history, who we are, and what we have done to build America.
  But all these efforts in Washington would not have come about if not 
for the years of planning by educators, local officials, and business 
leaders to bring together--in one package--a way to preserve this 
story. These local, grassroots efforts have been supported by many 
organizations in Michigan, including our major automobile 
manufacturers, labor organizations, businesses, towns and cities, 
chambers of commerce, and elected officials from both parties. There 
are too many individuals to thank today. But I would like to extend my 
gratitude to Ed Bagale of the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Steve 
Hamp of the Henry Ford Museum, Sandra Clark of the State of Michigan, 
Maud Lyon of the Detroit Historical Museum, Bill Chapin, and Barbara 
Nelson-Jameson of the National Parks Service.
  I urge my colleagues to support the rich history and tradition of the 
automobile. Support this unique American story. Support H.R. 3910.

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