[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H6668-H6670]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE HARLEY-
DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY
Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 296) recognizing the 100th anniversary
of the founding of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, which has been a
significant part of the social, economic, and cultural heritage of the
United States and many other nations and a leading force for product
and manufacturing innovation throughout the 20th century.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 296
Whereas in 1903, boyhood friends, hobby designers, and
tinkerers William S. Harley, then 21 years old, and Arthur
Davidson, then 20 years old, completed the design and
manufacture of their first motorcycle, with help from Arthur
Davidson's brothers, Walter Davidson and William A. Davidson;
Whereas, also in 1903, Harley and the Davidson brothers
completed 2 additional motorcycles in a makeshift ``factory''
shed in the Davidson family's backyard at the corner of 38th
Street and Highland Boulevard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin;
Whereas the design features and construction quality of the
early Harley-Davidson motorcycles proved significantly more
innovative and durable than most other motorcycles of the
era, giving Harley-Davidson a distinct competitive advantage;
Whereas in 1905, Walter Davidson won the first of many
motorcycle competition events, giving rise to a strong
tradition of victory in motorcycle racing that continues
today;
Whereas in 1906, Harley-Davidson Motor Company constructed
its first building, financed by the Davidsons' uncle James
McClay, on the site of the Company's current world
headquarters one block north of the Davidson home site, and
manufactured 50 motorcycles that year;
Whereas in 1907, Harley-Davidson Motor Company was
incorporated and its 18 employees purchased shares;
Whereas in 1908, the first motorcycle for police duty was
delivered to the Detroit Police Department, beginning Harley-
Davidson's long and close relationship with law enforcement
agencies;
Whereas in 1909, to enhance power and performance, Harley-
Davidson added a second cylinder to its motorcycle, giving
birth to its hallmark 45-degree V-Twin configuration and the
legendary Harley-Davidson sound;
Whereas during the years 1907 through 1913, manufacturing
space at least doubled every year, reaching nearly 300,000
square feet by 1914;
Whereas Arthur Davidson, during Harley-Davidson's formative
years, set up a worldwide dealer network that would serve as
the focal point of the company's ``close to the customer''
philosophy;
Whereas Harley-Davidson early in its history began
marketing motorcycles as a sport and leisure pursuit, thus
laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity;
Whereas in 1916, Harley-Davidson launched ``The
Enthusiast'' magazine, which today is the longest running
continuously published motorcycle magazine in the world;
Whereas also in 1916, Harley-Davidson motorcycles saw their
first military duty in skirmishes in border disputes along
the United States border with Mexico;
Whereas in World War I, Harley-Davidson supplied 17,000
motorcycles for dispatch and scouting use by the Allied armed
forces, and the first Allied soldier to enter Germany after
the signing of the Armistice was riding a Harley-Davidson
motorcycle;
Whereas by 1920, Harley-Davidson was the world's largest
motorcycle manufacturer, both in terms of floor space and
production, with continual engineering and design innovation;
Whereas during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the
company survived when all but 1 other domestic motorcycle
manufacturer failed, on the strength of its product quality,
the loyalty of its employees, dealers, and customers, steady
police and commercial business, and a growing international
presence;
Whereas in 1936, Harley-Davidson demonstrated foresight,
resolve, and faith in the future by introducing the company's
first overhead valve engine, the ``Knucklehead'' as it would
come to be known, on its Model EL motorcycle, thus
establishing the widely recognized classic Harley Davidson
look and the company's reputation for styling;
Whereas Harley-Davidson workers in 1937 elected to be
represented by the United Auto Workers of America, thus
launching a proud tradition of working with Harley-Davidson
to further build the company through advocacy and the
development of effective programs and policies;
Whereas William H. Davidson, son of the late founder
William A. Davidson, became president of Harley-Davidson in
1942 and would lead the company until 1971;
Whereas Harley-Davidson built more than 90,000 motorcycles
for United States and Allied armed forces use during World
War II, earning 4 Army-Navy ``E'' Awards for excellence in
wartime production;
Whereas Harley-Davidson, during the 1950s and 1960s,
recharged its sales and popularity with new models, including
the Sportster and the Electra Glide, new engines, and other
technological advances;
Whereas the Company developed the concept of the ``factory
custom'' motorcycle with the 1971 introduction of the Super
Glide and the 1977 Low Rider, under the design leadership of
William ``Willie G'' Davidson, vice president of Styling and
grandson of company founder William A. Davidson;
Whereas since 1980, as a national corporate sponsor of the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Harley-Davidson has raised
more than $40,000,000 through company, dealer, customer, and
supplier contributions, to fund research and health services;
Whereas in 1981, a group of 13 Harley-Davidson executives,
led by chairman and CEO Vaughn Beals purchased Harley-
Davidson from its then corporate parent AMF Incorporated;
Whereas by 1986, Harley-Davidson, against incredible odds,
restored the company's reputation for quality and innovation
and returned the company to vitality, thus ensuring a highly
successful initial public stock offering;
Whereas throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Harley-Davidson
became a national role model for positive labor-management
relations, product innovation, manufacturing quality and
efficiency, and phenomenal growth;
Whereas President Ronald Reagan, President William J.
Clinton, and President
[[Page H6669]]
George W. Bush all have visited Harley-Davidson manufacturing
facilities and extolled the example set by Harley Davidson
through its practices;
Whereas the Harley Owners Group, with more than 800,000
members and 1,200 chapters worldwide, is celebrating its 20th
anniversary year in 2003 as a driving force in the company's
heralded ``close to the customer'' operating philosophy; and
Whereas Harley-Davidson Motor Company is today the world's
leading seller of large displacement (651 cc plus)
motorcycles, with annual revenues in excess of
$4,000,000,000, annual motorcycle shipments in excess of
290,000 units, strong international sales, and 17 consecutive
years of annual revenue and earnings growth since becoming a
publicly held company: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the achievements of Harley-Davidson Motor
Company, widely regarded as a tremendous American business
success story and one of the top performing companies in
America, as its employees, retirees, suppliers, dealers,
customers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and friends worldwide
commemorate and celebrate its 100th anniversary milestone;
(2) recognizes the great impact that Harley-Davidson has
had on the business, social, and cultural landscape and lives
of Americans and citizens of all nations, as a quintessential
icon of Americana; and
(3) congratulates the Harley-Davidson Motor Company for
this achievement and trusts that Harley-Davidson will have an
even greater impact in the 21st century and beyond as a
leading force for innovative business practices and products
that will continue to provide enjoyment, transportation, and
delight for generations to come.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Oregon (Mr. Walden) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).
General Leave
Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend
their remarks and include extraneous material on this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Oregon?
There was no objection.
Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 296, a resolution
recognizing the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Harley-
Davidson Motor Company.
The history of the Harley-Davidson Company is the story of an
American dream. Four young men began to experiment with the internal
combustion engine in a tiny wooden shed. The motorcycle they developed
and built goes on to serve for 100,000 miles and under five owners.
That is the beginning of a legacy that has lasted a century and
continues to go on strong today.
Harley-Davidson is an American institution, Mr. Speaker. The company
also has a close tie with the American law enforcement community and
with the U.S. during times of war. Harley-Davidson built motorcycles
for the Detroit Police Department in 1906 and went on to build cycles
for use by allied forces during World War I and built more than 90,000
motorcycles for the U.S. and allied forces during World War II.
This is a company that has weathered the ups and downs of the
American economy, during times of war and of peace. And in keeping with
the spirit of the United States, it never gave up, never stopped
striving for success and always continued to push forward.
Not only is the Harley-Davidson a strong employer and provider of an
excellent motorcycle, the company also has a heart. For 23 years,
Harley-Davidson has supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association,
raising over $40 million in company, dealer, customer and supplier
contributions. Harley-Davidson hopes to raise a minimum of $5 million
as part of its Road to a Cure during the 100th anniversary celebration.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 296,
celebrating Harley-Davidson's 100th anniversary, as well as its amazing
accomplishments and achievements in providing motorcycles, jobs and
excitement over the course of a century.
While I have never been a Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner, I can
tell my colleagues that my neighbors are, and they are emphatic about
it, I would say nearly addicted, over Harley-Davidson's motorcycles. In
fact, one of my neighbors has an antique that he has restored; and it
is a gorgeous bike that he rode back to I think it is Sturgis for the
big confab of motorcyclists.
So to those Harley-Davidson's riders in this Chamber now,
congratulations on a great motorcycle; and to Harley-Davidson, the
maker of those motorcycles, congratulations on your centennial.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes.
(Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I commend the distinguished gentleman from
Louisiana, chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for moving
this legislation so expeditiously to the House floor.
I rise in support of H. Res. 296, recognizing the 100th anniversary
of the founding of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, a great
institution, manufactured great motorcycles and motor vehicles and one
which has contributed mightily to American culture, American industry,
which has a splendid relationship with the United Auto Workers and with
labor. Indeed, their relationship with labor is a role model for labor-
management relations and product innovation, as well as manufacturing
quality and efficiency.
My constituents enjoy their vehicles; and I commend Harley-Davidson
on its 100th anniversary, wish it great success in the next 100 years.
Mr. Speaker, with great pride and pleasure, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kleczka), my distinguished friend, a
great Member of Congress, with my thanks and commendation for
introducing this legislation.
Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Michigan
(Mr. Dingell) for yielding time and also to recognize the gentleman
from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin), the chairman of the committee, for
expediting this resolution through the Committee on Energy and
Commerce.
Mr. Speaker, the resolution before the House today recognizes the
100th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. In 1903, four
men, William Harley and brothers Arthur, Walter and William Davidson,
completed work on their first motorcycle in a small shed in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. The company founded that day has gone on to produce the
world's finest and most popular motorbikes. Today, Harley-Davidson has
8,168 employees throughout the country, with nearly 4,000 working in
Wisconsin.
What started as a small business at the beginning of the last century
soon developed into the largest motorcycle producer in the country.
Harleys can be seen at nearly every turn in recent American history.
During World War I, Harley-Davidson supplied most of the 20,000
motorcycles used by the Armed Forces. The day after the armistice was
signed, Corporal Roy Holtz of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was the first
American to enter Germany. He was riding a Harley-Davidson.
During World War II, Harley-Davidson suspended production of its
civilian motorcycles. The company produced some 90,000 motorcycles for
U.S. soldiers and was awarded four Army-Navy ``E'' Awards for
excellence during wartime and for their wartime production.
In 1953, Harley-Davidson became the sole U.S. motorcycle
manufacturer, a distinction it would hold for the next 46 years.
{time} 1715
During this time, Harley produced some of its most innovative
designs. The first Sportster was offered, which premiered a 55-cubic
inch overhead valve engine.
Also the Super Glide and the Super Glide II were introduced with a
rubber-isolated, 5-speed powertrain and welded stamp frame.
Additionally, the Ultra Classic Electra Glide debuted. This motorcycle
became the first Harley to include sequential port electronic fuel
injection.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Harley-Davidson has planned a 3-
day gala beginning on August 28 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It will
include exhibits on design and manufacturing of
[[Page H6670]]
the Harleys, music, fireworks and ceremonies on Lake Michigan, and a
parade of 100,000 Harleys through downtown Milwaukee. Leading up to the
festivities will be events in every corner of the country.
Harley-Davidson is a remarkable corporation that demonstrates
American ingenuity, dedication, and workmanship. I urge my colleagues
to join me in honoring Harley-Davidson for the jobs they create, the
quality of the products they manufacture, and their lasting
contributions to motorcycling in this country and around the world.
Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may
consume to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan).
Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman on the
Committee on Energy and Commerce for expediting this bill, and I thank
the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kleczka) for drafting this
legislation and moving it through the committee and bringing it here to
the floor today.
I represent the First Congressional District of Wisconsin, which is
just below Milwaukee. We in our area have a number of the employees
that work for Harley. We have the distribution center in Franklin. We
also make Buell motorcycles, which is a division of Harley-Davidson.
Eric Buell, an entrepreneurial upstart, started Buell Motorcycles, it
is now a part of Harley, and that is very much in keeping with the
tradition of Harley-Davidson. We have 4,000 employees just in the
Milwaukee area who are so proud to produce Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Harley-Davidson is an icon in the American culture. They more than
just represent the American idea and dream of entrepreneurship, of
starting a business in a woodshed in Milwaukee in 1903, and bringing it
to a wonderful corporation providing a lot of jobs and pleasure.
Mr. Speaker, more than that, Harley-Davidson is America. It is
America because it brings our beautiful hogs all around the world. It
is an ambassador of some of the greatest craftmanship of America. What
is occurring this year on its 100th-year anniversary is events are
taking place not just in Wisconsin, not just in America, but events are
taking place all over the world to celebrate the 100th-year anniversary
of this wonderful motorcycle, all of which are culminating in a huge
event at the end of August in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We are anticipating
10,000 motorcycles to ride in on that weekend with 200,000 people
coming.
I want to add my voice to the rest of those who have spoken today to
commemorate Harley-Davidson, an American icon in our culture, something
which has been there to provide for our American defense forces in
World War I and World War II, has provided great jobs and given a lot
of pride to the workers, and something that has given great pride to
the riders and owners who restore these beautiful Harley-Davidson
motorcycles.
Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th
anniversary of the founding of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, an
institution that has been a significant part of the social, economic,
and cultural heritage of the United States.
Harley-Davidson is special to Wisconsin. In 1903, William S. Harley
and Arthur Davidson designed and produced their first motorcycle. They
continued to manufacture motorcycles, with help from Walter and William
Davidson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and soon the city became headquarters
for the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
Since the first small shop opened a century ago, Harley-Davidson has
designed and produced millions of motorcycles enjoyed by people all
over the globe. From the first V-twin powered motorcycle in 1909 to the
Softail Deuce in 2003, Harley-Davidson has proven itself to be a leader
in technological innovation, a tradition we hope will continue for
years to come.
Mr. Speaker, Harley-Davidson has come to the service for this country
when asked and without hesitation. During World War I, the company
supplied 17,000 motorcycles for dispatch and scouting use by the Allied
armed forces. In fact, the first Allied soldier to enter Germany after
the signing of the Armistice was riding a Harley. At the outbreak of
World War II, the company almost entirely suspended its civilian line
in favor of military production. By war's end, almost 90,000
motorcycles were produced for the military.
When we constantly hear stories of corporate greed and misconduct, it
is refreshing to have a company like Harley-Davidson leading by example
by donating millions to reputable charities. For example, since 1980
the company has been a national corporate sponsor of the Muscular
Dystrophy Association, raising more than $40 million to fund research
and health services.
The impeccable craftsmanship and high-reliability of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles is evident in the company's intensely loyal fan base. Since
its inception 20 years ago, the Harley Owners Group, affectionately
known as ``H.O.G.,'' has grown to more than 800,000 members and 1,200
chapters worldwide.
Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the
8,168 employees, over 4,000 of which are in the great state of
Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson for their 100 years of hard work and
dedication. Each of them is part of a company that has enjoyed a long,
rich history and tradition. I know I stand with the rest of my
colleagues in wishing Harley-Davidson the best of luck for the next 100
years.
Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my strong
support for H. Res. 296, which recognizes the 100th anniversary of one
of America's greatest companies--the Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
For one hundred years, Harley-Davidson has been a testament to
American hard work, perseverance, and ingenuity. Today, Harley-Davidson
remains an American institution and is recognized all over the world as
the manufacturer of the best motorcycles in the world.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company retains its domestic roots
by maintaining production facilities in Missouri, Alabama,
Pennsylvania, and, of course, Wisconsin. I am proud to have in my
district, Harley-Davidson powertrain operations in Wauwatosa and
Menomonee Falls, and a product development center in Wauwatosa.
I am pleased to echo the sentiments of former President Ronald
Reagan, who called Harley-Davidson ``an American success story''. To
all the members of the Harley-Davidson family, please allow me to
express my sincerest congratulations on the 100th anniversary of this
great American company.
Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hastings of Washington). The question is
on the motion offered by the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) that
the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 296.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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