[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan's legacy is the end of the 
Cold War and the greatest economic expansion in United States history. 
He ended the outrageous income tax rate of 70% and simplified the tax 
system with the 1986 Tax Act. He nominated the best Federal Reserve 
Chairman in history, Alan Greenspan and forced the Soviet Union to make 
massive nuclear reductions through his ``peace through strength'' plan.
  Ronald Reagan presided over eight years of peace and prosperity. He 
was a great governor, presiding over my home state of California, and a 
great President. He exalted the rights and dignity of the individual 
and preached that government must be the servant, not the master of its 
citizens. Ronald Reagan is a great American and he deserves to be 
recognized.
  Earlier this week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee passed a resolution to rename Washington National Airport the 
Ronald Reagan National Airport in order to honor Reagan prior to his 
86th birthday. I was shocked to learn that this legislation did not 
pass unanimously, but by a lopsided vote of 39-28. Democrats are 
actually openly opposing this bill to honor one of our nation's 
greatest leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the one man who likely made 
the greatest impact of any human being on our lives. This bill should 
not be made into a political agenda item by the Democrats. When Ronald 
Reagan took the oath of office, the United States economy was in the 
midst of its worst recession since World War II. Big government ruled 
at home and abroad and the U.S. government had income tax rates as high 
as 70%. President Ronald Reagan changed the direction of the country 
and I applaud my colleague, Bob Barr, for introducing and fighting for 
this measure.

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