[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 168 (Wednesday, October 23, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 28--CONGRATULATING THE PORTLAND TRAIL 
       BLAZERS ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR INAUGURAL SEASON

  Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. Merkley) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation:

                            S. Con. Res. 28

       Whereas the Portland Trail Blazers have proudly and 
     energetically represented Oregon's pioneering spirit on the 
     national basketball stage since 1970;
       Whereas the signature phrase ``Rip City'', coined by long-
     time announcer Bill Schonely, has come to represent the city 
     of Portland and Trail Blazers fans throughout Oregon;
       Whereas dedicated administrators Harry Glickman and Larry 
     Weinberg worked behind the scenes to establish a sustainable 
     and beloved franchise;
       Whereas the Blazers, as they are known, won their first 
     National Basketball Association title in 1977;
       Whereas Bill Walton, colorful personality and backbone of 
     the franchise, was named the Most Valuable Player for the NBA 
     Finals that year, and won the NBA League MVP Award in 1978;
       Whereas the Blazers and their fans own the longest ever 
     streak of consecutive sold-out NBA games, at 814 games;
       Whereas history-making players including Geoff Petrie, 
     Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, and Arvydas Sabonis powered the 
     Blazers through the first quarter century of their existence;
       Whereas 21 consecutive playoff appearances (1983 to 2003) 
     by the Blazers ranks 2nd all-time in NBA history;
       Whereas Blazers Brandon Roy and Rasheed Wallace represented 
     Oregon nationally as All-Stars in 2008 and 2001, 
     respectively, demonstrating that the talent of the Blazers 
     had not waned;
       Whereas Damian Lillard and Brandon Roy blazed into their 
     NBA careers with Rookie of the Year honors in 2012 and 2006, 
     respectively, representing Portland as a hub for dedicated 
     basketball stars;
       Whereas Damian Lillard and his outstanding teammates have 
     lifted this franchise back into the realm of deep playoff 
     runs, including last year's strong showing in the Western 
     Conference Finals;
       Whereas the owner and benefactor of the Blazers for 30 
     years, Paul Allen, is deeply missed after his death on 
     October 18, 2018; and
       Whereas the Portland Trail Blazers have brought Oregonians 
     together for 50 years, each year generating as much 
     excitement, hope, and promise as the first year: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the Portland Trail Blazers for embarking 
     upon their 50th season;
       (2) congratulates all players, administrators, and fans of 
     the Portland Trail Blazers for half a century of dedication 
     to the sport and franchise;
       (3) joins Oregonians and Blazers fans everywhere to 
     celebrate Rip City's 50th anniversary; and
       (4) directs the Clerk of the Senate to produce copies of 
     this resolution for the Portland Trail Blazers team members, 
     staff, and management.

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