In Honor of Roger Penske

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a man who has achieved greatness in motorsports, business, and in his community. On October 24th, Roger Penske was awarded the highest honor a civilian can receive, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This award is not given lightly. According to the White House, to receive such an honor one must either contribute ``to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or significant public or private endeavors.'' It is fair to say, that Mr. Penske has done much in his life to grow his community into a better place and his business into the global industry leader it is today.

Mr. Penske has had significant success in both auto racing and business for more than 50 years. After forming his own auto racing team in 1965, Team Penske has won over 500 races and 36 national championships. The team's most recent wins include the 2018 NASCAR championship and 2019 Indianapolis 500, which marks a record breaking 18 Indianapolis 500 victories for a team owner.

Since starting his own car dealership in 1969, Penske Corporation has expanded into a company that generates $32 billion in revenues and employs approximately 64,000 people. However, Mr. Penske is not only a man with a mind for business, he is also a man with a generous heart. In 2005 he was named Michiganian of the Year after vowing to spend $35 million, in order to revive and restore neighborhoods in Detroit. Just as Penske Corporation is an exceptional example of a great American business, so also is Roger Penske an outstanding example of an American citizen. Our country is fortunate to have Roger Penske as a role model for generations to come. I offer Mr. Penske my sincere congratulations on this prestigious honor.

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