[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            MOURNING THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

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                               speech of

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2004

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan's passing gives this nation an 
opportunity to reflect on the can-do attitude that he exuded and the 
greatness of the American people that he believed in. He was the 
essential American, a President born in mid-America, instilled with 
solid Midwestern values. He had a deep love affair with the American 
people, and they with him. Like Franklin Roosevelt, he was an American 
icon, and like Roosevelt, he had an uncanny ability to connect and 
communicate with common people.
  Today we salute four tenets of President Reagan's legacy: economic 
growth, deregulation, peace through strength, and patriotism though a 
return of the American dream.
  The father of Reaganomics launched the boldest economic plan since 
FDR that promoted lower taxes, sound money, and less regulation. Reagan 
unveiled a ``program for economic recovery'' to a Joint Session of 
Congress calling for a $41.4 billion in tax cuts--the largest in 
history.
  Reagan was an advocate for deregulation and free trade pacts. He 
worked to tear down barriers to enterprise and encourage a spirit of 
self enterprise. His commitment to deregulation was evident when in 
1981 he took decisive action to carry out this promise to fire 13,000 
air traffic controllers for an illegal strike.
  After years of crumbling defense spending, President Reagan increased 
defense spending 35 percent during two terms and promoted peace through 
strength. He called the Soviet Union for what it was--an evil empire--
and by standing firm against it hastened the end of the Cold War and 
the return of Russia to the family of nations.
  Influenced by his humble beginnings, Reagan's patriotism and 
optimistic spirit exemplified the American dream. He restored America's 
``can do'' creed. We will always remember the words of his farewell 
address, when he said those of his generation ``were taught, very 
directly, what it means to be an American. And we absorbed, almost in 
air, a love of country and an appreciation of its institutions.''
  He never trimmed his sails or compromised his values. We will 
remember him as a president who understood the balance between 
pragmatism and partisanship. We will remember him as the great 
communicator who united Americans toward common goals. But most of all 
we will remember him as a great president who brought honor and respect 
to the Office of President. I join with all Americans in expressing our 
sympathy to Nancy Reagan and his family for the loss of this great 
American.

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