[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10] [House] [Pages 13548-13549] [From the U.S. 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 [[Page 13549]] 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. 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. ____________________