[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 3, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H270-H272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 93D BIRTHDAY OF RONALD REAGAN
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 84) recognizing the 93d birthday of Ronald
Reagan.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.J. Res. 84
Whereas February 6, 2004, is the 93d birthday of Ronald
Wilson Reagan;
Whereas Ronald Reagan is the first former President ever to
attain the age of 93;
Whereas both Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan have
distinguished records of public service to the United States,
the American people, and the international community;
Whereas Ronald Reagan was twice elected by overwhelming
margins as President of the United States;
Whereas Ronald Reagan fulfilled his pledge to help restore
``the great, confident roar of American progress, growth, and
optimism'' and ensure renewed economic prosperity;
Whereas Ronald Reagan's leadership was instrumental in
extending freedom and democracy around the globe and uniting
a world divided by the Cold War;
Whereas Ronald Reagan is loved and admired by millions of
Americans, and by countless others around the world;
Whereas the recent tragic loss of the space shuttle
Columbia and her crew remind us of how, 18 years ago, Ronald
Reagan's eloquence helped heal the Nation after the
Challenger disaster;
Whereas Nancy Reagan not only served as a gracious First
Lady but also led a national crusade against illegal drug
use;
Whereas, together Ronald and Nancy Reagan dedicated their
lives to promoting national pride and to bettering the
quality of life in the United States and throughout the
world; and
Whereas the thoughts and prayers of the Congress and the
country are with Ronald Reagan in his courageous battle with
Alzheimer's disease: 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 behalf of the American people, extends its
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birthday greetings and best wishes to Ronald Reagan on his
93d birthday.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).
General Leave
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on the joint resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Connecticut?
There was no objection.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
House Joint Resolution 84, introduced by the gentleman from Nevada
(Mr. Gibbons), recognizes the 93rd birthday of President Ronald Reagan.
Mr. Speaker, our Nation's 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan, turns
93 years of age this Friday, February 6. He will become the first
former President to reach the age of 93. While longevity is one aspect
of President Reagan's life, he deserves our praise and recognition for
so many more momentous accomplishments. This resolution aims to honor
the man who led America during the prosperous 1980s, and I am pleased
that this House has taken the time to consider it today. During his
presidency, President Reagan revived the American spirit and helped all
Americans become less reliant on government. From gracefully bouncing
back from a would-be assassin's attack, to helping a grief-stricken
Nation cope with the Challenger tragedy, and from leading the U.S. to a
decisive victory in the war on communism, to creating 20 million new
jobs, President Reagan's legacy in the White House is one of the most
legendary in American history.
Mr. Speaker, we have several Members here today who may want to speak
on behalf of President Reagan but I want to briefly offer one
perspective of President Reagan's record. Everyone knows that one of
President Reagan's top domestic objectives during his presidency was
returning much of Americans' hard-earned dollars by reducing income tax
rates. But what many do not realize was that these tax cuts did not
occur at the expense of vital government social priorities during the
1980s. The percentage of the gross national product spent on social
welfare programs steadily rose during the 1960s and 1970s to 11.5
percent in 1980, the final year of President Jimmy Carter's
administration. But over the next 8 years while President Reagan
resided in the White House, Federal social spending remained between
10.9 and 12 percent. So I think we can safely say that President Reagan
truly was, to borrow a phrase from our current President, a
compassionate conservative. During the week of his 93rd birthday, I
think it is important that we remember this reality.
President Reagan reinforced this point during his first inaugural
address on January 20, 1981, when he said, ``It is not my intention to
do away with government. It is rather to make it work, work with us,
not over us; stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can
and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not
stifle it.'' I think all Members can agree with these sentiments, and I
also believe that President Reagan accomplished these worthy goals
during his two terms in the White House.
I thank the gentleman from Nevada for introducing this measure that
allows this Chamber to recall President Reagan's extraordinary
contributions to the United States of America. We wish President Reagan
a very happy 93rd birthday and, to his family, our love and prayers.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, a bigger-than-life screen actor and television
personality, Ronald Reagan moved from being governor of California in
the 1960s to President of the United States and dominating American
politics in the 1980s. Media-made and media-presented, President Reagan
got millions of Americans to feel proud of their Nation. America's 40-
year Cold War with the Soviet Union cooled considerably and perhaps
actually ended during Reagan's presidency. Many Americans credit him
with having achieved that significant outcome.
Born the son of a shoe salesman in small-town Illinois, Reagan's
impoverished but loving parents instilled in the lad a sense of
optimism that carried him through college as an average student. After
graduation, he worked for a few years as a sports broadcaster in
midwestern radio before landing a film contract with Warner Brothers
which took him to Hollywood in 1936. Over the next 30 years, he made
scores of films, including Army films produced during World War II. He
hosted two popular television series, and he actively engaged in
politics as president of the Screen Actors Guild.
{time} 1545
In the 1950s, Reagan changed from being a Roosevelt New Deal Democrat
to a conservative Republican. In 1966, he became Governor of
California. He was reelected in 1970.
Using his popularity in California, Reagan unsuccessfully challenged
President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976. He tried
again and won the nomination in 1980, and thereafter defeated the
incumbent Democrat, Jimmy Carter. With his 1984 reelection victory,
President Reagan became the most politically successful Republican
President since Eisenhower.
Today, we celebrate former President of the United States Ronald
Reagan's 93rd birthday. We wish him the best, and recognize the
contribution that he made to the development of these United States of
America.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons), and thank him for introducing this
resolution.
(Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend and
colleague from Connecticut for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H. J. Res.
84, which I introduced to commemorate former President Ronald Reagan's
93rd birthday. It is a pleasure to join my colleagues here today, the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Connecticut
(Mr. Shays) in honoring the birthday and life of an extraordinary man,
historic leader and an American icon.
As we look back on the life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan, it is
always a challenge to pinpoint a single greatest achievement from his
many great achievements. His life has been filled with extraordinary
adventures and monumental accomplishments.
Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico,
Illinois, the ``Land of Lincoln.'' President Reagan's lifelong career
of service to fellow Americans began at a young age when he served as a
lifeguard in Dixon, Illinois. Later, as a fledgling radio sports
announcer, Reagan traveled from his home in the Midwest to Southern
California, where he embarked upon an acting career in Hollywood. He
would soon rise to serve his fellow actors as president of the Screen
Actors Guild. Reagan's leadership style and keen knack for engaging the
public through his dynamic speaking skills and endearing nature
provided him the additional opportunity to enter public service.
He would serve as Governor of California for two terms before being
elected President of the United States twice. During his 8 years in the
White House, President Reagan worked to fulfill his pledge to restore
``the great confident roar of American progress, growth and optimism.''
President Reagan's commitment to inspiring the American people and
strengthening our Nation's leadership role in the world are part of our
Nation's proud heritage and history.
Of course, when it comes to recognizing a distinguished leader such
as Ronald Reagan, it is difficult to find words to adequately express
how deeply his legacy still affects each and every one of us still
today. During his 8 years as President, Ronald Reagan successfully
stimulated economic
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growth, curbed inflation, increased employment, and strengthened
national defense.
President Reagan was instrumental in uniting a divided Berlin, as
well as a divided world, by bringing about an end to the Cold War.
Reagan's speech calling on Mr. Gorbachev to ``Tear Down This Wall'' is
a piece of American, indeed, world history, that will forever elicit a
special sense of pride among the American people and all freedom-loving
people across this world.
Throughout his tenure in the office of President, Mr. Reagan
maintained a unique grace and uncanny wit. These endearing qualities
enabled him to easily communicate with American citizens, foreign
dignitaries and public figures, meriting him the historic title as the
``Great Communicator.''
Railroad Ronald Reagan's renowned wit, firm dedication to American
principles and tireless belief in our ``shining city on the hill''
secured Reagan's enduring legacy. President Reagan will forever be
remembered for his eternal optimism and faith in the ability of the
American people.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express what an honor it has
been for me to take the lead in sponsoring this resolution. I would
like to extend my appreciation to my colleagues, over 100 of them, who
have cosponsored this measure to recognize one of the greatest leaders
this Nation has ever known.
Happy birthday, President Reagan. As always, the thoughts and
heartfelt sentiments of this Congress are with you.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis).
Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President
Ronald Reagan on the occasion of his 93rd birthday and to pass along
the thoughts and prayers of the people of the Second District of
Kentucky to the President and Mrs. Reagan on this special day.
President Reagan has dedicated much of his life to public service.
From the summer shores of his Illinois hometown, to the silver screens
of Hollywood, to Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and now to his historic
and heroic battle with Alzheimer's disease, Ronald Reagan's vision and
competent leadership continues to inspire national spirit, improve
quality of life in the United States and extend freedom and democracy
across the globe.
During his inaugural address in 1981, President Reagan remarked, ``We
are too great a Nation to limit ourselves to a small dream.'' His dream
of family, work, neighborhood, peace and freedom embodied the hopes of
millions of Americans, shepherding the Nation into economic recovery
and renewed national pride, while demonstrating an uncompromising moral
leadership abroad that brought communism to its knees.
His is an exemplary life, uniquely American and worthy of the love
and admiration of so many men and women across the world.
Happy birthday, Mr. President.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline).
Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring a man who
will forever remain a symbol of the American dream.
I had the great good fortune and high honor to serve as military aide
to President Reagan during my time in the United States Marine Corps.
As the officer assigned to carry the ``nuclear football,'' I had the
opportunity to observe the President in a wide variety of situations.
Ronald Reagan was already well known before he entered the
Presidential field. Through a variety of careers, his thoughtful,
caring nature and engaging personality were well established. Friends
and colleagues alike recognized him as gifted, some would say the
``great communicator,'' who was as accomplished a listener as he was a
speaker. Strong in character and always quick with a joke, the best
joke teller I ever knew, candidate Reagan, Governor Reagan, earned the
allegiance, trust, and respect of a Nation and was elected as our 40th
President.
What struck me almost immediately when I began my service to
President Reagan was the strong sense of leadership he exuded. Perhaps
more than any other leader in contemporary history, President Reagan
knew when to trust his staff and when not to allow his beliefs to be
swayed. On routine matters, President Reagan displayed enormous
confidence in his staff, I am proud to say, including me. When told,
for example, ``Mr. President, please stand here,'' he agreed affably.
On matters of substance, however, he was guided by unwavering principle
and would not be moved.
President Ronald Reagan applied this principle to the many challenges
he faced. The economic policy of Reaganomics was met with initial
skepticism and scorn, but its success validated his vision of how to
address the faltering economy he inherited.
In international matters, his unflinching opposition to communism led
to its demise and earned the enduring allegiance of former adversaries.
This principled vision inspired men and women of all political
persuasions to put the best interest of our Nation ahead of their
respective political parties. By holding to his vision of America as a
beacon for the rest of the world, he brought freedom, hope and
opportunity to millions here and abroad.
Today we honor President Reagan for his achievement, his leadership
and his enduring example. Happy birthday, Mr. President, and thank you.
Mr. JEFF MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to pay
tribute to a true American patriot on his 93rd Birthday, President
Ronald Reagan. As we in Congress move forth with reviewing the
president's FY 2005 budget, I recall the words of Ronald Reagan when he
submitted his presidential budget. He said,
``Government has an important role in helping develop a country's
economic foundation. But the critical test is whether government is
genuinely working to liberate individuals by creating incentives to
work, save, invest, and succeed. We don't have a trillion-dollar debt
because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because
we spend too much.''
Mr. Speaker, as we debate on the proper amount of funding for
securing our nation, the greatest tribute we can pay to Ronald Reagan
is to develop a budget that allows our children and grandchildren to
live in a prosperous economy. For the American people, it was his
leadership in economic policy that restored hope for the future.
Thank you Mr. President for your inspiration and leadership which
continues to guide our nation and which will help us to protect our
freedoms and liberties in the twenty-first century. May you have a
wonderful birthday and God bless.
Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely do wish former President Reagan and
his wife well on his birthday, and my thoughts and prayers are with
them as he deals with the terrible disease of Alzheimer's; however, the
resolution went well beyond a simple birthday wish. I could not in good
faith cast a vote for a bill that stated that the Reagan Administration
ensured renewed economic prosperity when millions of Americans were
hurt by its economic policies and the Federal government incurred
massive deficit spending.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank the gentleman from
Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) for introducing this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gilchrest). The question is on the
motion offered by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) that the
House suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res 84.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of
those present have voted in the affirmative.
Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
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