[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H5992-H5993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         NATIONAL CORVETTE DAY

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 970) expressing support for designation of June 30 
as ``National Corvette Day''.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 970

       Whereas the Chevrolet Corvette is America's first sports 
     car;
       Whereas the first production Corvette rolled off a Flint, 
     Michigan, assembly line on June 30, 1953;
       Whereas the Corvette is now manufactured in Bowling Green, 
     Kentucky;
       Whereas the Corvette is the most widely respected 
     production sports car in United States history;
       Whereas the Corvette is truly a symbol of American pride;
       Whereas General Motors is celebrating its 100th anniversary 
     in 2008; and
       Whereas the 30th of June would be an appropriate day to 
     designate as ``National Corvette Day'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives 
     supports the designation of a ``National Corvette Day'' to 
     honor the Chevrolet Corvette.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Clay) and the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Missouri.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Missouri?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, being a car enthusiast, this is one bill that gives me 
great pleasure. And I stand to join my colleagues in the consideration 
of H. Res. 970, which supports the designation of June 30 as National 
Corvette Day, offered by my friend from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
  Mr. Speaker, when we think of American-manufactured sports cars, one 
of the first vehicles that probably comes to mind is the Chevrolet 
Corvette. The Corvette debuted fresh off of the assembly lines back in 
1953 as part of Chevy's new wave sports cars. Since then, the Corvette 
has become a hallmark in the automobile industry both here in America 
as well as around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, the Corvette has been America's favorite sports car for 
the past 55 years. And in honor of its performance, prowess and 
prestige, I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing support for the 
designation of June 30 as National Corvette Day by voting in favor of 
H. Res. 970.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution designating June 30 
as National Corvette Day.
  In the early 1950s, General Motors' chief designer, Harley J. Earl, 
began ruminating about a sports car that would cost about the same as 
an American sedan, the ``poor man's supercar.''
  With GIs returning from service during World War II sporting stylish 
European sports cars, GM wanted to develop an American competitor. At 
the 1953 Motorama, GM debuted their new supercar, the Corvette. Less 
refined than European counterparts, but nevertheless a visible 
portrayal of the American psyche, the Corvette captured American 
hearts, and the first one rolled off the line in Flint, Michigan on 
June 30, 1953.
  As we honor the 100th anniversary of General Motors, it is only 
fitting that we honor one of their most successful creations. Over the 
years, the Corvette has become an American icon and source of national 
pride. Never straying from its roots, the Vette has a long history of 
melding exceptional handling and brutal amounts of engine power into an 
affordable package. Driven by celebrities, national heroes, 
superheroes, and average citizens, including many in the Fifth District 
of North Carolina, the Corvette is America. Built in our heartland at 
the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant for the heart of our country, we rise 
today to honor this legendary icon of the highways.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this 
resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to enthusiastically 
support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 970.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.

[[Page H5993]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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