[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 166 (Tuesday, December 4, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H8770-H8772]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MAUREEN REAGAN ON THE OCCASION OF HER DEATH AND EXPRESSING
CONDOLENCES TO HER FAMILY
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 60) honoring Maureen Reagan on the occasion
of her death and expressing condolences to her family, including her
husband Dennis Revell and her daughter Rita Revell, as amended.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.J. Res. 60
Whereas the Congress is greatly saddened by the tragic
death of Maureen Reagan on August 8, 2001;
Whereas Maureen Reagan's love of life and countless
contributions to family and the Nation serve as an
inspiration to millions;
Whereas Maureen Reagan was a remarkable advocate for a
number of causes and had many passions, the greatest being
her dedication to addressing the scourge of Alzheimer's
disease;
Whereas in 1994 when former President Ronald Reagan
announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's
disease, Maureen Reagan joined her father and Nancy Reagan in
the fight against Alzheimer's disease and became a national
spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Association;
Whereas Maureen Reagan served as a tireless advocate to
raise public awareness about Alzheimer's disease, support
care givers, and substantially increase the Nation's
commitment to research on Alzheimer's disease;
Whereas Maureen Reagan helped inspire the Congress to
increase Federal research funding for Alzheimer's disease by
amounts proportionate to increases in research funding for
other major diseases;
Whereas Maureen Reagan went far beyond merely lending her
name to the work of the Alzheimer's Association: she was a
hands-on activist on the association's board of directors, a
masterful fund-raiser, a forceful advocate, and a selfless
and constant traveler to anywhere and everywhere Alzheimer's
advocates needed help;
Whereas at every stop she made and every event she attended
in her efforts to eradicate Alzheimer's disease through
research, Maureen Reagan emphasized that researchers are in a
``race against time before Alzheimer's reaches epidemic
levels'' with the aging of the Baby Boomers;
Whereas Maureen Reagan stated before the Congress in 2000
that ``14 million Baby Boomers are living with a death
sentence of Alzheimer's today'';
Whereas despite her declining health, Maureen Reagan never
decreased her efforts in her battle to eliminate Alzheimer's
disease;
Whereas during the last six months of her life, from her
hospital bed and home, Maureen Reagan urged the Congress to
increase funding for Alzheimer's disease research at the
National Institutes of Health;
Whereas Maureen Reagan said, ``The best scientific minds
have been brought into the race against Alzheimer's, a solid
infrastructure is in place, and the path for further
investigations is clear. What's missing is the money,
especially the Federal investment, to keep up the pace.'';
and
Whereas Maureen Reagan's remarkable advocacy for the
millions affected and afflicted by Alzheimer's disease will
forever serve as an inspiration to continue and ultimately
win the battle against the illness: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the
Congress, on the occasion of the tragic and untimely death of
Maureen Reagan--
(1) recognizes Maureen Reagan as one of the Nation's most
beloved and forceful champions for action to cure Alzheimer's
disease and treat those suffering from the illness; and
(2) expresses deep and heartfelt condolences to the family
of Maureen Reagan, including her husband Dennis Revell and
her daughter Rita Revell.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).
General Leave
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks and include extraneous material on the joint resolution under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.J. Res. 60 honoring Maureen
Reagan. I would like to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr.
Markey) for sponsoring this resolution. Maureen Reagan was once
described by one of her critics as one who was ``not schooled in the
ways of holding her tongue.'' Thank goodness she was not because we are
all better off as a result of her powerful words.
Her desire to contribute to our Nation started at a young age when in
1952 she knocked on doors for Dwight Eisenhower. That early enthusiasm
stretched into her adult life. She promoted American businesses abroad
in the early 1980s, represented the United States at the U.N. Decade
for Women Conference in 1985, and chaired the Republican National
Committee as well as the Republican Women's Political Action League.
More than all of this impressive and important work, however, what
stands out most as an inspiration to millions of Americans is her
tireless dedication to addressing the plague of Alzheimer's disease.
The chairman of the Alzheimer's Association board of directors called
her the Joan of Arc of Alzheimer's. Anyone whose life has been touched
or will be touched by the disease owes her a debt of gratitude. Even at
the end of her life she disregarded her own failing health in order to
educate people about Alzheimer's and speak in favor of increased
funding for research. As Ms. Reagan said, ``We are in a race against
time before Alzheimer's reaches epidemic levels.''
Today, 4 million people are living with Alzheimer's; and this number
will grow as the baby boomer population ages. Research is essential to
a cure for Alzheimer's, and funding is essential to research. The
experts are gaining ground, and the course for future science is clear.
Before this disease puts an incredible strain on our Nation's public
health system, we must take the initiative, Maureen Reagan's
initiative, and confront this scourge with a commitment to finding a
remedy.
Mr. Speaker, the Secret Service agents who guarded Maureen Reagan in
life and who carried her casket at her funeral had given her the code
name ``Radiant.'' I believe there is not a more fitting description of
her life, her work and her memory. Mr. Speaker, I hope all of my
colleagues will join me in supporting H.J. Res. 60 in honoring Maureen
Reagan, her work and her courageous spirit.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey),
for his work on this resolution, H.J. Res. 60, recognizing Maureen
Reagan as one of the country's most effective advocates on behalf of
Alzheimer's disease and expresses the House condolences to her family.
Maureen Reagan is the daughter of former President Ronald Reagan and
his first wife, actress Jane Wyman. She died in August of this year
after a courageous 5-year battle with malignant melanoma. She was 60 at
the time. Since her father's diagnosis of Alzheimer's in 1994, Maureen
Reagan was
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committed to raising awareness about Alzheimer's and the importance of
family caregivers.
She was elected a member of the Alzheimer's Association's national
board 3 years ago. She testified on numerous occasions before this
Congress and State legislatures in support of more funding for
Alzheimer's research and caregivers' support.
A year ago she received the Alzheimer's Association Distinguished
Service Award for outstanding service to the national board and for
helping to advance the mission of this organization. She was also
active in raising awareness about melanoma, the deadliest form of skin
cancer. In 1998, she received the president's Gold Triangle Award from
the American Academy of Dermatology for her work in raising awareness
of melanoma and for promoting the importance of skin examination. For
that we recognize her.
Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts
(Mr. Markey).
Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for helping to make
this resolution possible. The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and
I introduced this resolution as a way of honoring this great woman. She
died on August 8. She passed away after having waged a courageous 5-
year battle with cancer. With her passing, this country has lost a true
leader in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. She was an
extraordinary woman, a talented spokesperson, a tireless advocate.
As a member of the Alzheimer's Association's national board of
directors, she worked with Members of Congress to increase funding for
Alzheimer's research. She provided compelling testimony before Congress
warning that Alzheimer's was on the road to becoming the epidemic of
the 21st century unless science could find a way to prevent millions of
baby boomers from getting the disease.
Just prior to her untimely death, she called on Congress to double
the funding for Alzheimer's research at the NIH to $1 billion by 2003.
As co-chair with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) of the
Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, I always valued
Maureen's sage advice on task force goals and legislative initiatives.
In March 2000 when Maureen came to lobby Congress for increased
Alzheimer's research funding, in between a busy schedule of press
interviews and visits with congressional leaders, she spent several
hours meeting with members of the Alzheimer's Task Force, including the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) and myself. In that meeting,
Maureen expertly outlined the research breakthroughs of the 1990s and
reiterated that scientists were in a race against time to find the
answers to Alzheimer's disease.
With grace and warmth and delightful wit, Maureen convinced lawmakers
to pay attention to the scourge plaguing one in 10 Americans over the
age of 65, and 50 percent of the seniors over the age of 85. She took
the tragedy of her own father's illness and chose to fight not only for
him, but also for the 4 million Americans who currently have
Alzheimer's disease and for the 15 million Americans who are predicted
to have this disease by the time all of the baby boomers have retired,
a staggering number of Americans.
Mr. Speaker, it takes tremendous courage to take on Alzheimer's
disease in such a public way when a parent is still at home in a
deteriorating condition from that same disease. She knew that there was
no time to waste, and so she took on the challenge despite a heavy
emotional burden. Even as her own health declined, she refused to let
up in her advocacy role, continuing her fight for more Federal research
dollars from her hospital bed, and later while recovering from cancer
treatments at home in California.
Mr. Speaker, I can think of no better way to pay tribute to Maureen's
legacy than to continue her fight to create a world without Alzheimer's
disease. Although we have lost her voice, Maureen's passion and energy
live on and continue to inspire us as we work to improve the quality of
life for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Maureen and miss her
dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Dennis, her
daughter, Rita, and the entire Reagan family. May she rest in peace.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin).
Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Joint Resolution
60 honoring Maureen Reagan, and I recognize the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) for his extraordinary thoughtfulness and
consideration in offering this resolution. This resolution speaks as
well of Maureen Reagan as it does of its author, the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Mr. Markey), for his fine work as co-chair of the
Alzheimer's task force and for the great work the gentleman has done
for bringing attention to this issue.
Maureen Reagan was a vivacious woman with a passion for life and
family and country. She had a contagious enthusiasm, an unshakeable
will for all of the interests that she pursued. She actively campaigned
for her father, former President Ronald Reagan, and spent much energy
in the 1980s fund-raising for Republican women who were seeking office.
Although she was nationally recognized for her political activities
and her commentary, it was her work for victims of Alzheimer's that
brought the most attention to her life and perhaps her greatest
contribution. When the disease silenced the great communicator, Maureen
Reagan, who shared her father's knack for public speaking, became the
national spokeswoman for the Alzheimer's Association, and her advocacy
raised awareness of not only her father's condition, but also the 4
million Americans currently living with Alzheimer's.
{time} 1615
In the final years of her life she traveled the Nation nearly
nonstop, ignoring her own failing health, to gather support for
Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
She was unwavering in her enthusiasm and optimism that a cure was
close at hand and she made several appearances here before Congress,
calling for increased Federal spending. Although Ms. Reagan did not
live to see a cure for Alzheimer's, the national recognition of the
disease and the resulting progress and research have much to do with
her efforts. Just last week a report was issued that a single
ibuprophen tablet taken each day can literally limit the onset and, in
fact, diminish and decrease the onset of Alzheimer's disease. That kind
of research is possible today, those breakthroughs, because of much of
the work that she did. Her tireless commitment and campaign against
Alzheimer's will serve as an inspiration for those who continue to
fight this ghastly disease.
Again, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Markey),
my dear friend, for his thoughtfulness and consideration in bringing
this resolution forward, and I urge its adoption.
Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons).
Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), my colleague and good friend. I am happy to be
here today to come to the floor of the House to join with my colleagues
in the House to commemorate the life and work of a dear friend, the
strong and vibrant Maureen Reagan.
Mr. Speaker, many things have been said on this House Floor today
about Maureen Reagan, all of which I share, and I would like to join in
and add my voice to the same great comments that have been made about
Maureen Reagan and her life and her dedication to what she did. The
numerous contributions that Maureen made to the causes and charities
that she pursued would remind all of us of the person, the courage, and
the passion and the leadership qualities that she shared with her
father.
Mr. Speaker, many times I have met with Maureen and her family,
either at her home in California or mine in Nevada, and never once did
Maureen, even though she was afflicted with cancer, ever complain about
her status, her health, or the fact that she did have a terrible
disease called cancer. She was always vibrant, she was always
outspoken, always talking positively and
[[Page H8772]]
passionately about the future and where she was going with her work in
dealing with these charitable organizations and issues that she did
deal with.
In putting these great qualities to work, Maureen would go on to
leave many of her own footsteps across this Nation for many to follow.
She never once needed her name to prove both her effectiveness or her
charm. Maureen's deep commitment to raising the awareness of
Alzheimer's disease and the importance of research confirmed her status
as a selfless, dedicated benefactor for millions of Americans. I extend
my heartfelt prayers and deepest condolences to Maureen's husband,
Dennis, and her lovely daughter, Rita. Indeed, the sense of loss that
our Nation has felt is in no comparison to that, I am sure, of
Maureen's own family.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts
(Mr. Markey), as well as the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) for
bringing H.J. Res. 60 to the floor, and I urge my colleagues to join me
in honoring this courageous and amazing woman. Maureen's contributions
to her family and Nation will certainly never be forgotten.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time.
First of all, I want to thank, as did the gentleman from Louisiana
(Mr. Tauzin) a few moments ago, our very distinguished colleague from
Massachusetts (Mr. Markey) for his kindness in sponsoring this
legislation. I think it shows a real sensitivity for Maureen Reagan who
was a very courageous woman, wife and mother, and a tireless advocate,
a champion, for research and medical assistance for Alzheimer's
patients and, equally important, for their caregivers.
As we all know, one of those victims includes her own father,
President Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan was a fighter since his early
days growing up during the Great Depression, but he turned his
disclosure that he suffered from Alzheimer's Disease into a battle for
more research money and more assistance for his fellow patients. When
Ronald Reagan was unable to continue this fight because of his own
deteriorating condition, his daughter, Maureen Reagan, stepped up to
the plate and became one of the most tenacious advocates for
Alzheimer's research and for trying to find a cure for this horrific
disease. Her untimely death to cancer this past summer caused the
Alzheimer's community to lose one of its best.
Significantly, even while battling cancer during 5 tough years,
Maureen never rested in her quest to try to procure more research money
and to help more patients and their loved ones with this terrible
disease. Not long before she died, as the gentleman from Massachusetts
pointed out earlier, she called on Congress to double to $1 billion the
amount of money allocated for Alzheimer's research by the National
Institutes of Health.
As was also pointed out, this disease afflicts so many of our
families. Half of those over age 85 suffer to some degree from
Alzheimer's, and 1 of every 10 Americans over the age of 65 also is in
some stage of Alzheimer's disease. The current number of affected--4
million--will grow to 14 million people if we do not take prompt action
and do all that is humanly possible to mitigate and hopefully eradicate
this terrible disease.
Maureen Reagan was a great champion. She will be sorely missed in
this battle. And we want to just, and I know this will be a unanimous
vote on both sides of the aisle, say to her loved ones, to her husband
and to her daughter and to the entire family, how much we deeply care
for them and how we miss Maureen Reagan.
Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.J. Res. 60 and to
pay tribute to my friend Maureen Reagan, a loving wife and mother, a
dedicated member of the Republican Party, and a crusader for
Alzheimer's Disease sufferers. I also extend my deepest condolences to
her husband, my friend and former constituent, Dennis Revell, and their
daughter Rita.
I had the privilege of knowing Maureen for over two decades. In 1980,
she was a tireless volunteer in her father's campaign for the White
House. Following his election, she became a vigorous activist for
female Republicans, raising funds for over 100 candidates. She also
served in an appointed position in the California Republican Party, and
later ran to be a Member of this House.
After President Reagan poignantly shared with the world his
Alzheimer's diagnosis, Maureen continued to dedicate her life to
another worthy cause: educating the American public about this
debilitating and degenerative disease. Even as Maureen was personally
battling cancer, her resolve in making Americans more aware of
Alzheimer's disease was remarkable; her passion unyielding. Testifying
in front of congressional committees, Ms. Reagan added her voice in
promoting the worthy work of our federal medical research agencies.
Until the very end, Maureen continually reminded all of us how public
advocacy can be vibrant and how public service can be courageous.
She will be missed by her family and friends, by the Alzheimer's
patients for whom she worked so tirelessly, by the Republican party,
and indeed by all Americans.
Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, one of the best parts of seeking my seat in
Congress was meeting Maureen Reagan in 1992, when she ran in the
primary for her party's nomination. It was my good fortune that, after
Maureen lost, her supporters became mine and she and I became great
friends.
Maureen brought an intelligence and vibrancy to the campaign and
although she did not win her party's nomination, she continued to
influence many policy debates, particularly in health care after her
father revealed he was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
I am deeply saddened to lose a friend. California and the nation have
lost a strong and active voice.
I join my colleagues in honoring the life of Maureen Reagan.
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Culberson). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H. J. Res. 60,
as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the joint resolution, as amended,
was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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