[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 7 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E91-E92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         MOURNING THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT GERALD RUDOLPH FORD

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 15, a resolution to honor the late President Gerald Ford who 
passed away on December 26, 2006. A man of great honor and integrity 
who led this country through one of the most difficult times in our 
history, he will be remembered as a fair, respected leader who was able 
to rise above partisanship to serve the citizens of this nation.
  President Ford, born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Grand Rapids, 
Michigan, embodied the spirit of the Midwest. He was hard-working, 
modest, unassuming, and throughout his life held an unabashed pride in 
the University of Michigan where he starred on the football team. 
During World War II, President Ford earned the title of lieutenant 
commander and several honors while serving this country in the U.S. 
Navy.
  Mr. Ford began his political career when he was elected to the U.S. 
House of Representatives as the Representative from Grand Rapids, 
Michigan. He held that seat from 1949 until 1973, and of the 25 years 
he served in the House, he was minority leader for 8.

[[Page E92]]

  In 1973, when Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned, President Richard 
Nixon nominated then Congressman Ford to assume the vice presidency. 
President Ford's nomination was quickly approved by both the House and 
the Senate. However, his time as Vice President was brief and the 
attention of the country was focused on the looming Watergate scandal. 
On August 9, 1974, President Nixon stepped down and President Ford 
assumed the position of Commander-in-Chief.
  As our nation's president, Ford was faced with the critical task of 
regaining the trust of a country that had lost confidence in its top 
leadership. In order to begin to restore transparency and integrity to 
the office of the President, he traveled around the country listening 
and talking to the people of this country. President Ford felt the way 
in which he could help the country to begin to move beyond the wounds 
of Watergate was to grant a full and unconditional pardon to President 
Nixon. President Gerald Ford put the needs of our nation before his own 
vulnerability to political fallout, and that is the mark of a great 
leader.
  On behalf of the families of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional 
District, we extend our prayers and sincerest condolences to Mrs. Betty 
Ford, her children and all of the family and friends of President Ford. 
President Gerald Ford was a loving husband and father and a devoted 
public servant. He will be remembered and honored in the highest 
regard.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of 
President Gerald Ford.

                          ____________________