Expressing support for designation of June 30 as "National Corvette Day".

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. 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.

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''.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

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.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to enthusiastically support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the motions to suspend the rules relating to the following measures be considered as adopted in the form considered by the House on Tuesday June 24, 2008:

House Resolution 1294, House Concurrent Resolution 163, House Resolution 353, House Resolution 1231, H.R. 2245, H.R. 4264, H.R. 4918, House Resolution 1271, House Concurrent Resolution 370, House Concurrent Resolution 195, House Resolution 970, House Concurrent Resolution 365.