[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 119 (Thursday, September 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF MARGARET THATCHER CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL ACT

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                         HON. MARK STEVEN KIRK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill with Congressman 
Jim Matheson awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Margaret 
Thatcher.
  The Congressional Gold Medal is the Nation's highest and most 
distinguished civilian award. First presented to General George 
Washington in 1776, the Congressional Gold Medal is awarded to 
individuals who perform outstanding acts of service to the security, 
prosperity, and national interest of the United States. Margaret 
Thatcher's distinguished service to the West included helping to win 
the cold war and reviving the economies of Europe. During her tenure as 
prime minister, America had no better ally.
  Margaret Thatcher was the first female head of state of a Western 
nation, and the longest serving British prime minister in the 20th 
century. Soviet leaders called her the ``Iron Lady.'' And so she was in 
the West's final chapter against the Soviet empire. The end of the cold 
war was due in no small part to her close partnership with the United 
States with the shared goal of defeating Eastern European communism.
  Margaret Thatcher was a woman of principle and a strong leader. She 
resurrected a stagnant British political landscape and forever 
strengthened the Anglo-American relationship. For her unwavering 
friendship to the United States, I can think of no greater honor than 
bestowing on her the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal.
  I want to thank my good friend Congressman Jim Matheson for being the 
lead cosponsor of this legislation. I look forward to working with him 
and my other colleagues on this important initiative.

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