[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RONALD REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, today I voted in support of renaming 
Washington National Airport as the Ronald Reagan National Airport.
  I am aware of the concerns about the need for local control over the 
airport. That's why I voted in favor of the Daschle Amendment that 
would have given the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority the 
final say over renaming the airport. I have always been a strong 
supporter of local control over National Airport.
  However, in the end, I decided that the decision to rename National 
Airport should rise above party politics. My decision to support S. 
1575 was a personal one.
  It's no secret that I didn't always agree with President Reagan's 
policies. As a matter of fact, when it came to politics, President 
Reagan and I disagreed quite often. However, Ronald Reagan and I shared 
one important thing: our respect for the Presidency.
  President Reagan devoted much of his life to serving the people of 
this country--first as the Governor of California, then as our 
President. For that reason, he deserves our respect. He has mine. No 
matter how different our political viewpoints were, I have always 
respected President Reagan and always will.
  In the twilight of his distinguished life, President Reagan and I 
have something else in common. Like the President, my father suffered 
from Alzheimer's disease. I know how devastating this illness is and 
the strength it requires from a family. My thoughts and prayers are 
with Mrs. Reagan and all of the President's family. One thing I learned 
during my father's illness was the importance of gestures. Renaming 
National Airport as the Ronald Reagan National Airport is a gesture 
that I support.
  Today, like many of my fellow Senators, I saluted President Reagan. 
While I would have preferred that the decision was made by the Airports 
Authority, I believe it is the end that matters, not the means. That is 
why I voted in favor of this bill.
  Mr. DORGAN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the distinguished Senator 
from North Dakota.




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