[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 144 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PETERS:
  S. 3381. A bill to establish a program to accurately document 
vehicles that were significant in the history of the United States, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, few American innovations have changed the 
modern world like the automobile. Cars and trucks are now woven into 
the very fabric of American life and culture. As a Senator from the 
State of Michigan, as well as a car and motorcycle enthusiast, I am 
especially proud of our State's leading role in the American auto 
industry.
  The history of the automobile is really a history of American 
workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and it must be preserved. Right 
before me are two pictures of two really iconic vehicles, vehicles such 
as the 1964 Shelby Cobra at the top and a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro. These 
two cars helped spark a lifelong love of cars for millions of 
Americans. Fifty years later, these vehicles still inspire today's 
innovators and engineers as they work to develop cars and trucks of the 
future to be smarter, safer, more reliable, and more efficient than 
ever before. However, there is currently no dedicated Federal register 
to document historically significant automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, 
and commercial vehicles for future generations of Americans to 
appreciate and to enjoy.
  Today I am introducing the National Historic Vehicle Register Act, 
which will establish a Federal register of historic vehicles and 
document and preserve records of these vehicles for our Nation's 
history. This legislation will ensure that the engineering drawings, 
photos, and stories of historically important vehicles will be 
available to inspire Americans and celebrate the accomplishments of the 
American auto industry.
  The National Historic Vehicle Register Act would build on efforts of 
the Historic Vehicle Association to help document and preserve the 
legacy of some of our most historic vehicles. I recently had the 
opportunity to see two of the autos that have already been documented 
by the Historic Vehicle Association. I saw this vehicle right here at 
the bottom. This is President Taft's 1909 White Steam Car. It was the 
very first Presidential limousine. It is a beautiful and fascinating 
example of steam car technology from the early days of the automobile 
and could reach astonishing speeds up to 60 miles an hour. In addition 
to being a pleasant way to get around, President Taft's use of 
automobiles helped encourage other Americans to adopt the new 
technology as their favorite mode of transportation.
  I also had the honor to see the Jeep up on the top photo, which is 
President Reagan's 1962 Willys Jeep CJ-6. It was a Christmas gift from 
his wife Nancy. Standing next to the Jeep, I could not help but have a 
vivid picture of President Reagan driving it on his ranch in 
California, often accompanied by his dogs Lucky, Freebo, and Victory. 
The register would work to preserve these memories, with members of the 
historic vehicles community selecting automobiles and motorcycles to 
include in the register and establishing collaborative partnerships to 
carry out the register's activities.
  Our Nation's rich automotive history belongs to the American people, 
and it is worthy of its own dedicated register. I look forward to 
working with my Senate colleagues, the historic vehicle community, and 
car enthusiasts across the country to preserve our motor heritage.
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