[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 17892-17894]
[From the U.S. 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;

[[Page 17893]]

       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 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 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. 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.

[[Page 17894]]

  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 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.

                          ____________________