[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 20 (Wednesday, February 9, 2011)]
[House]
[Pages H576-H584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING PRESIDENT RONALD WILSON REAGAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 5, 2011, the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.


                             General Leave

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, as the author of the legislation creating 
the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission, I was asked by the Reagan 
Foundation to host a Special Order this afternoon, and I am honored to 
have many of my colleagues here to join us on this floor today.
  As a fellow Californian, I had the great privilege of spending some 
time with President Reagan in my early years here in Congress, and I 
can tell you that those times will be etched in my mind forever. 
Coincidentally, my own personal residence happens to be almost adjacent 
to the Ronald Reagan Library--in fact, only a few hundred yards away--
in Simi Valley, California.
  I simply can't say enough about how grateful I am for the opportunity 
to have known Ronald Reagan. I could go on for hours, but we have other 
Members to whom I want to yield this afternoon, Members from all across 
the country. So I will stand back and yield to my colleagues, and then 
have enough time so maybe I can wrap it up.
  At this point, I yield to my good friend Steve Stivers from the State 
of Ohio.
  Mr. STIVERS. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, in my office, I have a picture of President Ronald 
Reagan, with a quote from January 25, 1988. It reads: After all our 
hard-fought victories earned through the patience and courage of every 
citizen, we cannot--must not--turn back. We will finish our job. How 
could we do anything else? We are Americans.
  These thought-provoking words from President Reagan still inspire us 
today. We are facing a number of challenges in our country: a tough 
economy, fierce competition for jobs from nations like India and China, 
and the fighting of two wars with determined enemies who are committed 
to destroying the American way of life.

                              {time}  1500

  President Reagan's words remind us that while we face difficult 
challenges, we must face them together, not as Democrats or 
Republicans, but as Americans because we're all in this together.
  His actions lived up to his own words. He rolled up his sleeves, 
worked with Members on both sides of the aisle, and provided leadership 
to move America forward.
  Today, with a Republican House, a Democratic-led Senate and 
administration, we only need to look to President Reagan's work with 
Speaker Tip O'Neill on Social Security reform in 1983 to learn an 
important lesson. It shows us today that you can be successful in 
making a good faith effort to work together toward a common goal if you 
work together and don't lose sight of your core principles.
  America is a shining city on a hill, and we will always be living 
President Reagan's legacy. You know, we need to honor his optimistic 
spirit by living and leading by his example.
  I'd like to join my colleagues in honoring President Reagan on the 
100th anniversary of his birth. He was truly one of our great 
Presidents, a man who understood what it meant to be an American 
leader.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Steve. At this point I'd like to 
yield to the gentleman from California on the other side of the aisle, 
my good friend, John Garamendi.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I was on my way out the door when I 
realized that this Special Order was going to be on President Reagan, 
and as I was walking out the door, I recalled a picture that's been on 
my family's wall for a long time. It was a picture of President Ronald 
Reagan. I'm kind of standing to one side, and he's bending over, and 
he's shaking the hand of my daughter. It was in the White House. This 
was in the 1980s when I was in the California legislature.
  Embodied in that picture is so much the character of Ronald Reagan, 
the smile, the bright eyes, the enthusiasm, greeting a young girl. She 
was about 7 years old at the time, and you can just see that he wanted 
to spend that moment with her and to give to her his enthusiasm for 
life, his enthusiasm for America.
  That picture has always been there, and every now and then some of my 
Democratic friends, including the President, see it; what's that doing 
in this house? And I say, that's a very special moment in the life of 
my daughter Christina. But that's the way Ronald Reagan was. I was in 
California when he became the President and actually came into the 
legislature the day he left office, and he set the stage in California 
for much of what is good there, and he certainly did that for America, 
also.
  So I join with my colleagues on the Republican side and colleagues on 
the Democratic side to say a very special man, a very special man in 
the life of America and a very special man in my life and in my 
daughter's life. Thank you for the time.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank John very much. I'd just like to say, in 
listening to the gentleman from California, when we were working on 
this bill, it got a little complicated at the end, but you know what 
the simplest part of making this bill work was? I did not have one 
individual on either side of the aisle say, no, Elton, I can't be a 
cosponsor. I don't think there's anytime in history that I've had as 
many people agree on--we can't get that many people to agree on what 
day of the week it is around here.
  Mr. GARAMENDI. That's true.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. And it was very special to me to hear the comments from 
the folks on the other side of the aisle. While they may have disagreed 
with him on certain policy, I don't know that anyone disagreed on the 
man's integrity and his compassion for this country and how committed 
he was to make it a better place, and with that, he was able to get a 
lot of things done on the other side of the aisle that he wouldn't 
otherwise have been able to do. Thank you very much, John.
  At this time, I'd like to yield to my friend, the gentlelady from 
Kansas, Lynn Jenkins.
  Ms. JENKINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for 
yielding to me.
  ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' With those words, President 
Reagan felled not only a wall dividing a city but an ideology that 
divided the world. I carry a piece of that wall with me today, and 
though 20 years have passed, I am struck by the enormity of what this 
used to represent and the courage, conviction, and character of the man 
who stared down the Soviet empire and won.
  President Reagan was not just ``a,'' he was ``the'' Great 
Communicator, but

[[Page H577]]

it wasn't his style that made the difference. It was his content and 
corresponding action. Too often rhetoric is turned around in this town 
with little thought and even less action.
  As we celebrate this 100th birthday of President Reagan, I desire 
that we can remember that not only did President Reagan inspire us with 
hope for a new morning in America, that he took real action that led a 
country waiting in gas lines, on the brink of nuclear war, and reminded 
us all that we truly are a shining city on the hill.

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Lynn.
  I now yield to the gentleman from South Carolina, Jeff Duncan.
  Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my 
colleague from California for hosting us out there recently at the 
Reagan library. What an inspiration it was to be at the Reagan library 
and to understand what President Reagan did and the man, Ronald Reagan, 
did for liberty, not just in the United States but also around the 
world.
  Today, I join my colleagues in honoring one of my true heroes, Ronald 
Reagan. It's fitting that we pay tribute to Reagan during a time when 
conservatives are once again waging battle against dangerous and out-
of-control Federal spending. President Reagan understood the dangers of 
government expansion all too well. In his famous ``A Time for 
Choosing'' speech, he called America to action because, ``If we lose 
freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the last stand on 
Earth.'' This was our ``rendezvous with destiny.''
  As we in the Congress who uphold Reagan's values continue toward that 
rendezvous with destiny, we should keep Reagan's thoughts about 
government at the forefronts of our minds.
  As I walk the Halls of Congress, his words reverberate in my ears 
every day that ``man is not free unless government is limited.'' You 
have to wonder what Reagan would say to out-of-control government 
growth as we see in this administration.
  I learned a lot about politics from President Reagan, and one 
particular quote has resonated with me about how we should live our 
lives. He said that ``We should not carry a banner of pale pastels but 
of bold colors which makes it unmistakably clear where we stand on the 
issues.''
  I've always tried to live my life that way, so let me be bold today 
and say, in honor of President Reagan, I believe in God; I believe in 
the United States Constitution; I believe that government spends too 
much money, borrows too much money, and indebts the American people; 
and I believe that by protecting liberty in this country that our 
Nation once again will be a shining city on the hill.
  When President Reagan spoke of that shining city, it inspired 
Americans to greatness. It inspired them to strive for something that 
is beyond comprehension at times. He spoke about a new day in America. 
I think that honoring President Reagan and remembering what he did 
inspires me as a Congressman and others to help us, once again, be a 
shining city for America, a shining city for liberty, a shining city 
for those who believe in freedom. Let us once again strive for a new 
day in America.
  Thank you, Mr. Reagan.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Jeff, and I really enjoyed you 
coming out to California and getting an opportunity to really enjoy the 
Reagan library. It's truly a place that every American should have an 
opportunity to visit one time or another. It's pretty inspiring. Thank 
you, Jeff.
  At this point I'd like to recognize the gentleman from New York, 
Michael Grimm.

                              {time}  1510

  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in 
celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Ronald 
Reagan this past Sunday.
  President Reagan has left a lasting mark on our world, inspiring 
people to turn to democracy. He often spoke of freedom and made it a 
driving force behind his foreign policy. During his Presidency, Reagan 
was instrumental in the collapse of the Soviet Union. He worked 
tirelessly; and with the words, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,'' 
he helped bring freedom to people under Soviet control. He left behind 
a legacy known for the spread of democracy and freedom throughout the 
world.
  Reagan also understood the value of conservative economic policies. 
In a 1982 address, he said, ``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.'' Thirty years later, this message couldn't be more 
true.
  While Reagan may be best known for leading our country through a 
strong economic recovery or for the fall of the Soviet Union, the Great 
Communicator was known for his optimism. I hope that Americans can once 
again find that optimism as we move forward to put power back into the 
hands of the people. By returning to the same conservative principles 
on which Reagan relied, I am optimistic that we can restore the honor, 
individual liberties, and economic prosperity that once defined our 
great Nation.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Michael. We know Michael is from 
the great State of New York, so we have got both coasts covered today, 
from sea to shining sea.
  At this point, I have another great Californian and a new Member. 
It's my honor and pleasure to recognize my good friend from California, 
Jeff Denham.
  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of our 
Nation's greatest leaders, President Ronald Reagan. And Congressman 
Gallegly, you truly are privileged to live so close to Ronald Reagan, 
in the area, as well as to his library.
  This past weekend, on his 100th birthday, Americans in Simi Valley 
and across the country remembered President Reagan's legacy not only as 
Governor of California but as the 40th President of the United States.
  In tough times, President Reagan was a true leader who inspired 
millions of Americans with a bold vision to return greatness to our 
country. While focusing on shrinking the size of the Federal 
Government, reducing taxes, and growing our economy, he played an 
influential role in unifying a divided Europe and spreading the 
principles of democracy across the world.
  A true believer in liberty and freedom and limited government, 
President Reagan taught us important lessons and led with a conviction 
that continues to encourage us today in the 112th Congress. President 
Reagan will always be remembered and celebrated not only by 
Californians but by individuals worldwide.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Jeff.
  At this point, I yield to Rick Crawford from the great State of 
Arkansas.
  Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today 
to speak in honor of the legacy of President Ronald Reagan.
  While running for this office, I was often asked, ``Why are you 
conservative? Why are you conservative?'' My answer was always, 
``Ronald Reagan.''
  As a soldier, I was stationed in a bomb disposal unit in 
Pennsylvania, and I was tasked several times with Secret Service 
details protecting the President. And there was one in particular that 
I remember, September 17, 1987, when he gave the address at the 
bicentennial of the Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. 
I was literally standing in the shadow of history and, as a 21-year-old 
soldier, didn't fully appreciate it. And as I look back on that moment 
now, I fully appreciate what President Reagan had to say.
  In his speech, he said the Founding Fathers had the presence of 
something higher that enabled them to write the Constitution. He said, 
``It was that ideal that enabled them to rise above politics and self-
interest, to transcend their differences, and together create this 
document, this Constitution that would profoundly and forever alter not 
just these United States but the world.''
  We can learn a lot by looking back at President Reagan's speech. 
President Reagan always remembered the principles and sacrifices this 
country was built upon. In my opinion, the best way we can honor 
President Reagan's legacy is to walk these Halls with the sacrifices of 
our Founding Fathers in mind, just as President Ronald Reagan did.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Now, from Ronald Reagan's home State, the great State 
of Illinois, Randy Hultgren.

[[Page H578]]

  Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Congressman.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to be with you today to honor one of 
my heroes. And I bring greetings to the United States Capitol from 
Tampico, Illinois, Ronald Reagan's birthplace, and Dixon, Illinois, 
Ronald Reagan's boyhood home. I am privileged to represent those areas 
back in Illinois. I was there over this weekend and was able to be in 
Ronald Reagan's birthplace and also his boyhood home. And I heard from 
them again all the memories that they have and the incredible roots 
that were developed there in Illinois into one of our greatest 
Presidents ever, Ronald Reagan.
  As I look back about 30 years ago to 1981, I see that times are 
similar today as they were when Ronald Reagan took office. It was 
desperate economic times. There was very discouraging unemployment 
news. It also was a very dangerous world that we faced. And yet Ronald 
Reagan came in and had an impact in turning our world around, bringing 
hope once again.
  I see in Ronald Reagan several things:
  First of all, he clearly was a man of faith. It was almost exactly 30 
years ago next month when, tragically, Ronald Reagan was shot. We are 
so grateful that he survived and did well through that. And through 
that lesson and through that horrible experience, Ronald Reagan said he 
dedicated his life and his Presidency to God. He was a man of faith.
  He was also a man of optimism. He saw that the opportunity in 
America's future was not in government but in the American people.
  He was also a man of vision. I appreciate his statement that ``it's 
morning in America again,'' and I see that same opportunity today, 
where our days are brighter ahead than they were in the past because of 
the great American people and their spirit.
  Ronald Reagan had three big goals when he entered the Presidency, and 
he had incredible focus on these three goals. When you talked to people 
who were here at that time, it was amazing that oftentimes he was the 
only one talking about these things or had the idea that we could be 
successful.
  One of those was restoring our economy, getting things turned around 
again, getting people working again. He also wanted to restore American 
exceptionalism, and he fought diligently to do that, to recognize that 
we are a great Nation because of our great people. He also was 
committed to defeating communism. And his strong voice and strong 
presence against the USSR showed and was successful ultimately because 
of his diligence and his focus and his vision. And we are so thankful. 
It is a different world today because of Ronald Reagan.
  I look back at so much that he accomplished. Let's go back to the 
roots that he developed, the Midwestern roots in Illinois that went so 
deep. I see it still in the people there--a commitment to America, a 
commitment to service, a commitment to a brighter future. All of those 
things were born and bred into Ronald Reagan in Tampico and Dixon, 
Illinois, and continued on through his life out in California and right 
here in Washington, DC.
  It is my honor to recognize one of my heroes just a couple days after 
his 100th birthday and say, Thank you, President Reagan. Thank you for 
all that you've done. Thank you for the hope and the future that we all 
enjoy because of what you have done.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Randy.
  Mr. Speaker, how much time do we have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Duncan of South Carolina). The gentleman 
has 39 minutes remaining.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. At this point, I yield to the gentleman from Maryland, 
Andy Harris, a freshman Member and good friend.
  Mr. HARRIS. I thank the gentleman from California for giving me this 
opportunity.
  ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' Mr. Speaker, perhaps those 
were Ronald Reagan's most famous words, words which meant a great deal 
to millions of people. But his speech at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin 
that June afternoon touched me and my family personally.
  As many of you may know, my immigrant parents were victims of 
communist regimes in Eastern Europe. My Hungarian father served 2 years 
in a Siberian gulag for his anticommunist views, and my Ukrainian 
mother fled just before the Red Army seized control of her native 
country. They, like Ronald Reagan, understood that communism, 
especially the Soviet brand of communism, meant a life of restriction, 
oppression, and in many cases violence or cold-blooded murder.

                              {time}  1520

  While some derided President Reagan when he took on the USSR to win 
the Cold War, it was a point of inspiration for the Harris family. His 
courage and unwavering belief that freedom must always conquer evil has 
forever immortalized him to those who witnessed and lived through one 
of the most despicable and deadly regimes in the history of mankind.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Harris family, I want to thank 
President Reagan. May his legacy always remain a beacon for those 
around the world who seek the asylum of freedom and liberty.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield to my 
very good friend from the State of Texas, Tyler, Texas, as a matter of 
fact, Judge Louie Gohmert.
  Mr. GOHMERT. Thank you, my friend from California. At Fort Benning, 
Georgia, in 1978-1980, we saw the military being cut, demoralized and 
marginalized. Our U.S. embassy in Iran was attacked and our diplomats 
taken hostage, while the sad administration wrung its hands and begged 
Iran to let them go. The U.S. seemed pathetic in the face of a vicious 
enemy.
  Interest rates were rising from 12 percent up to 20 percent as my 
wife and I purchased our first home. Inflation and unemployment were 
both in double digits.
  The Carter administration decided to deal with an over-reliance on 
foreign oil by asking people to wear sweaters at home and leave the 
heat turned down lower. Then, as now, the President waged a private war 
against producing our own energy, so then, as now, the price of 
gasoline skyrocketed.
  We in the U.S. Army could not publicly express our dismay over our 
dismal leadership because it is a military crime to be disrespectful of 
the Commander in Chief.
  Then in 1980, a new day dawned with the election of Ronald Reagan. 
Our hostages were released when President Reagan took office, and we 
had a newfound respect from other countries. As Reagan's tax-cutting 
policies took over, double-digit inflation, unemployment, and interest 
rates all came down.
  Our military began to be respected again and feared again, which 
provided much needed protection for America.
  The Bible says, ``Joy comes in the morning.'' It truly was morning in 
America. Thank God for the life and the gift of Ronald Reagan.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Louie. And now I would like to 
yield to the gentleman from California, my good friend, Ken Calvert, 
who played an instrumental role in helping to bring Air Force One to 
Simi Valley.
  Mr. CALVERT. I want to thank my good friend, Elton Gallegly, from 
Simi Valley, California, where, of course, our library for Ronald 
Reagan is located. We're very proud of it.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and pay tribute to the 100th 
birthday of the late President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, a 
man who deeply loved our country and who, through the course of his 
life, changed the world to a better place.
  Upon taking office, President Reagan initiated sweeping economic 
reforms to combat double-digit unemployment and inflation. His policies 
ended the recession and provided one of the longest peacetime economic 
booms in our history. I wish we can do that again very soon.
  America was also facing a 35-year-long war at that time, the Cold 
War, and President Reagan never shied away from speaking in defense of 
freedom. He delivered his courageous address near the infamous Berlin 
Wall and demanded, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' This was the 
beginning of the end of the Cold War and the wall would come down 1 
year after President Reagan left office.
  President Reagan brought so much greatness to the world; and 2 years 
ago,

[[Page H579]]

as a Californian, working with my friend, Elton Gallegly, and others, I 
had the privilege of initiating the effort to bring the statue of 
President Reagan to our Nation's Capitol. So those of you who visit the 
Capitol, I encourage you to go visit the statue. It's a fitting tribute 
to our former President of the United States. The statue is a constant 
reminder of his legacy. Today, as we honor his life, we will always 
remember his words and pledge to forever preserve his vision of America 
as a shining city on a hill for all mankind to see. God bless America. 
God bless Ronald Reagan, and thank you for the time.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you, Ken.
  I'd now like to yield time to my next-door neighbor in the Rayburn 
Building and a friend of mine, I think the only senior Member to me 
here today, the gentleman from Indianapolis, Indiana, Dan Burton, who 
personally knew Ronald Reagan very well.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Let me just say that we all talk about what Ronald Reagan did as 
President and the great things he did for the country and for the 
world. But I want to tell you a story that's a personal story of mine.
  My mother was a waitress for 18 years, and my stepfather only went to 
the seventh grade. And I told them when I entered politics one day I 
was going to run for Congress, and if I got elected to Congress, I was 
going to take them in the front door of the White House and introduce 
them to the President of the United States. So finally I got elected to 
Congress after quite a while.
  And I called the White House and I got a hold of Reagan's secretary, 
and I told her the story about how I'd promised this to my mother and 
how she'd worked for 18 years as a waitress, and about my stepfather. 
And she says, well, let me talk to the President about it. So I got a 
call about a day or two later, and she said, the President can see you 
on this particular day. So I called my mother and my stepfather and I 
said, I want you to come out, I want to take you in the front door of 
the White House to meet the President.

  Well, it came out my mother loved Ronald Reagan as an actor. He was 
her favorite. And so here she was coming in the front door of the White 
House, and I've got her hand in one hand and my stepfather in the 
other, and they're both shaking because here they are very common 
folks, and they're going to meet the most powerful man in the world, 
and her great favorite actor.
  So we go in. And when we walked in the Oval Office, Ronald Reagan 
stole my heart forever, and I want to tell you why. He came up and he 
looked at my mother and he looked at me and he put his arm around me 
and he says, Ms. Kelly, I want you to know your son is one of the 
brightest young men we have in Congress, and he's going to do great 
things for America. And I know you had to wait on tables, and I know he 
shined shoes and I know you had a tough time. We had a tough time in my 
family like that. And he says, but I know things are going to be great 
from here on out, and you ought to be very proud of him.
  And I kept thinking, how does he know all this? And he had called my 
office to get information so he'd make my mother feel really, really 
proud and happy. And they took those pictures, and my mother carried 
those pictures with her till the day she died. And from that moment on, 
I'd have done anything for that guy. He could walk on water. He was not 
only a great President; he was a great human being. Thanks for the 
time.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you, Danny.
  I now yield to a Member from Ronald Reagan's home State, Bob Dold 
from Illinois.
  Mr. DOLD. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Times have changed, but familiar challenges remain. We must strive to 
make our government smarter, protect America in a dangerous world, and 
create jobs here at home. As we enter a new era, we look to the past 
for guidance, to the man from Dixon, Illinois, who redefined our party 
and who reshaped the world, and we look forward always with the 
optimism and competence of our 40th President.
  At a time when the world stood at the intersection between freedom 
and tyranny, President Reagan's leadership made it clear that the 
American path was the right way to go. As we work to create jobs and 
rein in spending right now, it is critical that this Congress, and 
indeed all Americans, stay committed to his vision.
  Ronald Reagan trusted the American people, believing that we possess 
the strength of character to freely lead our lives, to grow our 
businesses and to create jobs. As I talk with people back home in my 
district, one constant I hear is the desire for the Federal Government 
to simply stop making things so difficult on them, to get out of the 
way.
  Today we face great challenges, massive deficits, a weakened economy, 
and businesses struggling to provide jobs. Moving forward, we need not 
just a dose but a full commitment to the principles of individual 
liberty and free markets championed by President Reagan. I believe we 
need to empower our citizens to create new opportunities for growth.
  Today we admire President Reagan for his eternal optimism and his 
firm belief in American exceptionalism.

                              {time}  1530

  Mr. GALLEGLY. One of the things that creates a challenge for us on a 
Special Order like this is we have so many folks that want to speak and 
reminisce about what a great man Ronald Reagan was and I only have so 
much time. So if you will be sensitive to that, I want to make sure 
everyone has an opportunity to recognize Ronald Reagan this afternoon 
that would like to.
  At this point, I yield to my neighbor from California and good 
friend, Gary Miller.
  Mr. GARY MILLER of California. Thank you for giving me the time, Mr. 
Gallegly. I know you are honored to represent the library and are 
personal friends with the family, and that speaks volumes for your 
character.
  I rise today to honor the remembrance of the most beloved figure and 
inspiring man I know of in politics, the late Ronald Reagan.
  I think many Members of Congress and politicians speak volumes for 
the man when they stand before a crowd and say, ``I'm a Reagan 
Republican.'' When you can leave a legacy like that behind, because not 
many people say they're a Miller Republican or a Gallegly Republican, 
but a Reagan Republican, speaks volumes for who the man was.
  As we commemorate Ronald Reagan's centennial birthday, I am honored 
to have the opportunity to reflect on his many accomplishments as a 
leader and a person. As President, Ronald Reagan believed in the 
American Dream. And when he talked about the American Dream, he always 
had this huge smile on his face because he believed in the American 
Dream.
  His wisdom and leadership in promoting freedom, prosperity, and 
compassionate respect for all individuals guided our great Nation 
during times of both tranquility and turmoil.
  President Reagan's strong belief in a limited government and fiscal 
responsibility should serve as a model for us today. As President, he 
refused to deviate from his principles and strong belief in the power 
of the free market. His success in reducing taxes and government 
spending led to a period of unprecedented economic growth and 
prosperity.
  In the area of foreign policy, Ronald Reagan's support for a strong 
national defense strengthened America's standing in the world. His 
belief that America should serve as a beacon for democracy and freedom 
was unrelenting. The Reagan administration's tough stance against 
communist regimes and the negotiation of treaties with Soviet Leader 
Mikhail Gorbachev culminated in the symbolic end of the Cold War and 
the liberation of millions across the globe.
  As we reflect on the life and legacy left by President Reagan, his 
resounding words of resolve bring hope to our Nation through these 
times of trial and tribulation. It is my hope that President Reagan's 
vision for our Nation will long be remembered and revered.
  I am honored to represent this man in California and say he is a 
hero.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the gentleman.
  The next gentleman I would like to introduce is Scott Tipton from the 
State of Colorado. I had the real honor

[[Page H580]]

of showing Scott and his wife, Jean, around the library just last 
weekend. We had a great time, and I am sure you can attest to what a 
great venue that is and a tribute to a great man.
  Mr. TIPTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And, indeed it was. 
Thank you so much for your hospitality. That was exceptional.
  Members, in 1976, I had the honor and pleasure of serving as the 
youngest delegate to the Republican National Convention. At that 
convention, I listened to Ronald Reagan tell us, ``Go out and 
communicate to the world that we may be fewer in numbers than we have 
ever been, but we carry the message that they are waiting for.'' His 
words inspired me to the realization that ours is a Nation of 
ascendancy, and filled me with hope for the future.
  Like then, the future of our country now depends upon our present 
actions and our ability to deliver a powerful message. Our message is, 
and must be, clear. We cannot continue down a path of reckless spending 
that satisfies government excess while enslaving future generations to 
insurmountable debt. It is time that we roll up our sleeves. For while 
many may have never met a government program that they do not like, it 
is time that we get to work cutting spending.
  We must embrace Reagan's prudence and heed his warning that 
government always finds a need for whatever money it gets, and remember 
that it is our responsibility to tend that fragile flame of liberty so 
that our children and grandchildren may know brighter days.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina, Trey 
Gowdy.
  Mr. GOWDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a modern-day forefather who rekindled 
the foundational beliefs of our country, a leader who earnestly 
believed in American exceptionalism and the durable power of individual 
aspirations.
  At a time when the prevailing mood in our country suggested that our 
best days were in the past, a time when the challenges seemed larger 
than our capacity to meet them, President Reagan gave us a reason to 
hope.
  Through his words, through his actions, he forced us to take a hard 
look at ourselves and, in doing so, recapture the ideals that made this 
Nation great: Hard work, perseverance, personal responsibility, the 
collective belief that, when working together, greatness is always 
within our grasp. One by one, he re-inspired the robust American spirit 
of optimism that sustains us as individuals and unifies us as a 
country. He was a founding father of the New America, and for that we 
honor his memory and remain forever grateful.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Speaker, would you be kind enough to advise me how much time is 
remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman has 22 minutes left.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
  At this time, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to introduce 
another Californian, the gentlelady, the leader of the minority, Nancy 
Pelosi.
  Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for calling this 
Special Order to give us the opportunity to join in a bipartisan way to 
celebrate and pay tribute to what would be the 100th birthday of 
President Ronald Reagan, and to do so with great pride as members of 
the California delegation.
  In August of 2006, the California legislature passed a law in a 
bipartisan way to have President Reagan representing our State as one 
of the two statues in the Capitol. Just a year-and-a-half ago, again in 
a bipartisan way, we celebrated the life of President Reagan by 
welcoming this statue to the Capitol. So for the last few years we have 
been building in a tribute to the President.
  It is impossible to talk about President Reagan and the optimism he 
had for life and the love he had for our country and his patriotism 
without talking about Mrs. Reagan. They shared one of the great love 
stories of our time. Mrs. Reagan in recent years has turned that love 
into action, speaking out powerfully about stem cell research. In doing 
so, she has saved lives, found cures, and given hope to millions. 
Today, as we pay tribute to President Reagan, we also honor Mrs. Reagan 
for her service to our Nation and for her love of her husband.
  On what would be his 100 birthday, we remember President Reagan's 
optimism for our Nation, always believing that America's best days are 
ahead, and we share his patriotism, his life of service to our country.
  To honor him, a Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission has been 
established, and I am pleased to recognize three House appointments--
two Republican, one Democrat--to the Reagan Centennial Commission and 
thank them for their service to the legacy of President Reagan: 
Congressman Gallegly, congratulations to you; Congressman Aaron Schock, 
one of the newest Members of Congress and youngest; and Congressman 
Silvestre Reyes, who proudly serves in that capacity.
  Again, as a Californian, we take great pride in the fact that Ronald 
Reagan was not born in California but from California, that his life of 
service and patriotism is recognized in the Capitol, and that today we 
send our deepest regards and respect to Mrs. Reagan in celebration of 
the President's 100th birthday.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I thank the gentlelady, our leader of the minority, and 
fellow Californian.
  I now yield to Paul Gosar from the great State of Arizona.

                              {time}  1540

  Mr. GOSAR. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to honor President Ronald Reagan and 
to commemorate his hope, optimism, and eternal belief that America is 
truly the greatest country in the world.
  Reagan once 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 can think of no better time than the present to listen to the 
wisdom of Reagan's words. We are at a turning point in our Nation and 
the American people are asking for a government that works with the 
people, not one that picks winners and losers. I am forever encouraged 
by the words of Reagan and will always be inspired to keep his dream of 
a smaller, more nimble government alive.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I now yield to Diane Black, a new Member from the great 
State of Tennessee.
  Mrs. BLACK. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great legacy of our 40th 
President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. As I watched some of the coverage of 
the President's centennial, I found myself filled with the same hope 
and idealism that he inspired in me over 20 years ago.
  During the 8 years he was in the White House, President Reagan faced 
great challenges but was always optimistic that the greatness of our 
country and its people would bring us to a brighter day. A truly one-
of-a-kind leader, President Reagan inspired freedom throughout the 
world and kept the American dream alive and burning brightly for all of 
us.
  He reminded us that democracy is a precious gift, but one that is 
dependent on the dedication of all Americans. He believed strongly in 
American exceptionalism and reminded us that as citizens of such a 
great Nation, we had a responsibility to be a beacon of hope to all of 
those around the world who do not enjoy the same freedoms. All of these 
years later, his ideals still stand true for all of us, and his message 
is just as urgent today as it was in the past, perhaps even more so.
  President Reagan is a personal hero of mine, and I want to work with 
my colleagues to keep his ideals of a smaller government, a commonsense 
government, alive here in Washington.
  President Reagan believed that the people of this country are the 
best hope for the future, not the government or its bureaucrats. He 
believed that the ideal of self-government that this Nation was founded 
on was one of the greatest ideas of history, and that by giving 
government back to the people, our Nation would become stronger and 
more prosperous.
  Like Reagan, I too am optimistic. I believe that our best days are 
still

[[Page H581]]

ahead of us and that a smaller government that answers to the people 
will let America thrive again. As we face the challenges ahead of us 
today, let us remember President Reagan, and with hard work we can get 
this country back on track to a brighter morning.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to my good friend and freshman Member 
from the great State of Florida, Dennis Ross, and also, I might add, a 
fellow member on our Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. ROSS of Florida. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to President Reagan on his 
centennial celebration. As our country 's 40th President, no leader in 
modern history has had a more lasting and greater impact in shaping 
America's policy on economics, national defense, and social issues. 
Throughout his time as a public servant, President Reagan championed 
the core values of lower taxes and less burdensome government that 
stimulated the economy and brought this country out of a long 
recession.
  Reagan's firm belief in a strong national defense inspired future 
democracies all over Europe and led to the defeat of the ``evil 
empire,'' which ended the Cold War and brought peace with Russia.
  He became a role model for all Americans with his sense of humor, his 
sense of compassion, untiring belief in unlimited freedom and respect 
for the unborn. President Reagan was a leader of extraordinary 
character, courage, and vision. He changed our great nation and never 
tired of firmly believing that America's best days were ahead.
  Happy birthday, Mr. President.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Dennis.
  I would now yield to Larry Bucshon, a new Member from Indiana. 
Indiana is well represented here this afternoon for President Reagan.
  Mr. BUCSHON. I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of our Nation's 40th 
President. Today, we honor Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday on the floor 
of the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the People's House, and 
Ronald Reagan was the people's President.
  President Reagan championed the individual by lowering the tax burden 
on America's citizens and promoting free markets, actions that 
resonated with me as a young college student. As a 19-year-old in 1981, 
it was President Reagan's optimism about our future and clear 
conservative message that guided me to become a Republican.
  What stood out the most to me about President Ronald Reagan was his 
conviction and steadfast leadership in pulling us out of the Cold War. 
I am honored to be able to stand here today on the House floor in 
celebration of a great leader, President Ronald Reagan.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to Kevin Brady from Texas, a longtime 
friend and one of our best baseball players on the congressional 
baseball team.
  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for your 
leadership as well.
  ``Before I refuse to take your questions, I have an opening 
statement.''
  Mr. Speaker, that was one of the many quips we remember from the 
Great Communicator, Ronald Reagan. As we mark the 100th anniversary of 
his birth this week on Capitol Hill, we reflect on President Reagan's 
many accomplishments, his leadership in tough economic times, and his 
ability to bring us together, which was good humor.

  During his presidency, Ronald Reagan worked across the aisle to grow 
our economy by cutting tax rates and getting Washington off the backs 
of our job creators. He believed, as he said, ``entrepreneurs and their 
small enterprises are responsible for almost all the economic growth in 
the United States.'' He said, ``concentrated power has always been the 
enemy of liberty.''
  Those two statements of President Reagan's were never more true than 
today, as we have a much greater and bigger Washington bureaucracy than 
we could have ever imagined or could ever afford.
  President Reagan believed that we grow our economy by getting 
Washington out of the way, not by spending more tax dollars borrowed 
from our children and grandchildren. President Reagan knew that fiscal 
responsibility was key to our freedom, and he said, ``if we lose 
freedom here, there is no place to escape to.''
  The American economy is at a crossroads, and the good news is we have 
been here before, and we know the way to a stronger future, thanks to 
Ronald Reagan.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. May I again inquire of the time remaining, Mr. Speaker.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Denham). The gentleman has 10 minutes 
remaining.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to Tim Walberg, making his second 
tour as a Member from the great State of Michigan.
  Welcome back, Tim.
  Mr. WALBERG. Thank you, my friend and colleague from California. I am 
delighted to be here.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember a great man and a great 
President, Ronald Reagan. Although President Reagan's 100th birthday 
would have been celebrated this year, I am reminded how clear and 
timeless his principles of limited government and individual freedom 
remain. Many of his ideas ring as true today as they did when I first 
heard him speak so many years ago.
  Beginning in 1984, I had the pleasure of meeting President Reagan 
several times as a member of the Michigan legislature. The first time I 
met him was when I had the honor of welcoming him to Michigan on behalf 
of the House of Representatives and the Republican caucus. Though I 
forgot most of my planned speech in greeting him, he treated me as a 
colleague and expressed a genuine interest in our agenda for the State.
  His warmth and disarming kindness is what I will always remember 
about him personally. I always left, after subsequent meetings, 
believing more strongly in America's exceptionalism and knowing that 
his commonsense principles would always succeed here and abroad when 
attached to character, courage, and grace. I am certain that his 
timeless principles when followed will endure for many, many years to 
come.
  May God bless the history and memory of Ronald Reagan and the country 
he loved.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to Scott DesJarlais from the great 
State of Tennessee, a new Member.
  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  My colleagues have done an excellent job today in eloquently paying 
tribute to Ronald Reagan's life and the many accomplishments he 
achieved throughout his presidency. I would like to take a moment, 
though, to recognize one of the most instrumental figures in shaping 
the Reagan legacy, Nancy Reagan.
  In the immutable words of John Donne, ``No man is an island, entire 
of itself,'' and with all the accolades we bestow on President Reagan, 
we must remember that Nancy was a key part of the Reagan team.

                              {time}  1550

  She was an uncommon confidant and was always there to provide the 
President with unconditional support, which no doubt served as a source 
of his strength.
  I believe President Reagan would find any tribute to him inadequate 
without also recognizing the person he described as the ``companion 
without whom I'm never quite complete or happy.'' So, thank you, Mrs. 
Reagan for the role that you played in guiding our country through 
difficult times and ensuring that America forever remains a shining 
city upon a hill.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to Bobby Schilling from President 
Reagan's home State. Illinois is very well represented today.
  Mr. SCHILLING. Today, we remember our Nation's 40th President, 
President Ronald Wilson Reagan. He would have been 100 this year. 
President Reagan hails from my home State of Illinois. He spent much of 
his childhood growing up in the Dixon area and also worked with WOC 
Radio in Davenport, Iowa. And our area, we believe, had a little bit to 
do with forming the Great Communicator.
  Ronald Reagan was famous for saying, Government is not the solution 
to our problem. Government is the problem. Reagan stared down the 
Soviet Union and demanded that they tear down the wall. He nominated 
the first female Supreme Court Justice in Judge Sandra Day O'Connor.

[[Page H582]]

  President Reagan is one of my heroes because he showed what can be 
accomplished when the best interest of the country are placed ahead of 
party affiliation. And we need more of this.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be standing here today to celebrate 
President Ronald Wilson Reagan's 100th birthday.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Now it's my distinct honor and pleasure to recognize 
the gentleman from Illinois.
  Aaron, I don't know if you were even born when Ronald Reagan was 
first elected, were you?
  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Gallegly, I was not.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. But you knew who he was, and I have heard you speak 
about him.
  It is an honor to yield to the gentleman from Illinois, Aaron Schock.
  Mr. SCHOCK. To my friend from California (Mr. Gallegly), I appreciate 
the deference. No, I was not born when Ronald Reagan became President, 
but what a tribute to President Ronald Reagan this is. Rarely in 
Congress do we run out of time when we're talking about an issue, but 
Democrat-Republican time has expired. I had prepared all kinds of 
flowery remarks that I was going to make in tribute to the President 
who hails from my home State of Illinois that I represent--Eureka 
College, his alma mater--but I can't think of anything more to say 
other than the fact that so much has been said that we've run out of 
time. And I can't think of a greater tribute. It's why east coast, west 
coast, Midwest, Republican, Democrat, the oldest Member, the youngest 
Member have taken time to come to the floor today. And I thank you, Mr. 
Gallegly from California for organizing this hour.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I'd just also like to recognize your tribute to Ronald 
Reagan the other night at the Reagan Library. It was very inspiring. 
And it was an honor to have you there.
  Mr. SCHOCK. I like California weather.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to the gentleman from Georgia, Austin 
Scott.
  Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I 
just want to say this about President Reagan. He understood that it is 
the American, not the government, that will make America the greatest 
Nation on Earth. It's time for this body to tackle some tough issues 
and follow through on tough decisions. And if I can just read his 
words, the Gipper's own words: Let us be sure that those who come after 
will say of us in our time that in our time we did everything that 
could be done. We finished the race; we kept them free; we kept the 
faith.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Next, we have my good friend from the State of 
Virginia, and seat partner for the last 20 years on Judiciary, Bob 
Goodlatte.
  Mr. GOODLATTE. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. I 
also want to tell him how much I enjoyed visiting his congressional 
district less than 2 weeks ago and visiting the Reagan Presidential 
Library, which is a fabulous recounting of the life of the man who I 
think was the greatest President of the 20th century. He led America to 
win the Cold War. He reinstilled the economic greatness of this country 
from the malaise of the 1970s. And, most importantly, he instilled in 
us his eternal optimism in America.
  In his farewell address, Reagan described how he envisioned the 
``shining city'' he invoked countless times. He observed of his time in 
office, ``We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made 
the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good 
hands. All in all, not bad; not bad at all.''
  ``Not bad,'' reflects the modesty of the man but not the magnitude of 
his accomplishments.
  Asked what Americans saw in him, Ronald Reagan replied, ``Would you 
laugh if I told you that I think, maybe, they see themselves . . . ?''
  Hardly would we laugh.
  A few years ago I visited Rancho del Cielo, Reagan's beloved ``Ranch 
in the Sky''. The home reflects the man . . . with Nancy's and his TV 
trays still standing by their respective recliners, both facing the old 
black and white television. It seems they've just gone out for a trail 
ride and will return at any moment.
  At purchase the ranch was a mere 600 sq. feet. Reagan labored 
diligently to remodel and expand it. Even so, the only thing grand 
about it is the natural surroundings. Asked once to explain the ranch's 
almost magnetic appeal for him, Reagan replied with a quote from the 
Psalms: ``I look to the hills from whence cometh my strength.''
  Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth were among 
the notables he hosted there. Gorbachev was disappointed by the humble 
ranch, knowing the lavish palaces of European leaders. However, it's 
fitting that the place at which Reagan felt most at ease disarmed the 
world's dignitaries . . . he always related best with common folks.
  And yet he was far from ordinary. To the contrary he lived an 
extraordinary life which had a profound impact on the span of human 
history.
  He left us on the eve of the 60th anniversary of D-Day, and almost 20 
years to the day of one of his most beloved speeches, where he offered 
a compelling picture of how ``the boys of Point du Hoc,'' struck a 
death knell to the Nazism and Fascism gripping Europe.
  He extended this same moral clarity to the great conflict of his day, 
possessing a steadfast commitment to not just contain communism, but 
defeat it. In rebuilding the military, and facing down the tyranny of 
communism, he relegated the Evil Empire to the ash heap of history. In 
restoring our faith in the free enterprise system through cutting taxes 
he encouraged innovation.
  And most importantly he instilled in us his eternal optimism in 
America.
  In his farewell address Reagan described how he envisioned the 
``shining city,'' he had invoked countless times. He observed this of 
his time in office, ``We weren't just marking time. We made a 
difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we 
left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.''
  Not bad reflects the modesty of the man but not the magnitude of his 
accomplishments. He set this Nation on a new course that still inspires 
us. We have a right to dream great dreams he said . . . because after 
all we are Americans.
  Yes, Mr. President we do see ourselves in you.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you very much, Bob.
  At this time I yield to the gentlelady from New York, Nan Hayworth.
  Ms. HAYWORTH. Mr. Chairman, thank you so very much.
  What inspires me about President Reagan so greatly is that the power 
of his vision was so strong that a mere 20 minutes after he took the 
oath of office on January 20, 1981, our Iranian hostages left the 
airspace of that hostile country because they knew when he was elected 
that America would not stand down from its commitment to them, nor its 
commitment to democracy. And now is the time for all of us to take 
renewed inspiration from President Reagan's example. He articulated 
American exceptionalism and the American Dream more eloquently than any 
President in decades. And now is the time for us to take his example 
and let it strengthen us as we face tremendous challenges in this 
country today.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. I would now yield to the gentleman from Louisiana, 
Steve Scalise.
  Mr. SCALISE. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding.
  It's such an honor to be able to pay tribute to Ronald Reagan here on 
the House floor, especially remembering his 100th birthday. It was 
special about a week and a half ago to be in the gentleman from 
California's district, going to the Presidential Library--Ronald 
Reagan's library; actually walking through that Air Force One plane 
that, among other places, took President Reagan to Germany, where he 
gave that famous speech and demanded, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this 
wall.
  It was Reagan's optimism that pulled our country out of the malaise 
of the 1970s. We need some more of that optimism here today. But while 
he is no longer with us, Ronald Reagan's legacy still endures today as 
an example of how we can get to that ``shining city on a hill'' again.
  Mr. GALLEGLY. Thank you, Steve.
  Mr. Speaker, there are so many things that I would like to express, 
but I thought it was really important that we had this Nation 
represented from sea to shining sea. And I think we did that this 
afternoon with all of our speakers from States from California to New 
York and everywhere in between.
  In closing, and it just seemed appropriate this morning as I was 
pulling into the Rayburn garage, I came in a little early this morning, 
and there was a car that had to stop for something for a minute--and I 
don't normally read bumper stickers, but that bumper

[[Page H583]]

sticker said it all: I miss Ronald Reagan.
  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th 
birthday of Ronald Reagan. Or as he would have preferred 61st 
anniversary of his 39th birthday.
  Our friendship began when he was Governor of California and I was a 
newly elected Assemblyman. We had a private meeting about a complex 
childcare issue. I walked away impressed by his grasp of the subject 
and how we shared a belief in the importance of the mother's 
involvement to early childhood development.
  I was also impressed by Reagan's efforts to ease the impact of 
automobile exhaust in California. For too long, a dense layer of smog 
hid the gorgeous California landscape. Reagan worked tirelessly to make 
sure that, along with curtailing factory pollution, automobile 
emissions were kept in check.
  President Reagan's leadership style blended deeply held conviction 
with an ability to transcend partisanship. His friendships with those 
across the aisle are a timely reminder of how the governing process 
should work. Reagan meant it when he said ``There's no limit to what a 
man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets the credit.''
  Reagan's contributions on behalf of freedom around the world are 
unparalleled since the end of World War II. There is no more Cold War, 
there is no more Berlin Wall, there is no worldwide threat of Communist 
dictatorship because of the leadership of President Reagan.
  When the history of our time is written, the accomplishments of 
President Reagan will shine out. He made America the land of 
opportunity once again, and brought the breath of freedom to millions 
of people around the world who had spent decades under the yoke of 
tyranny. His memory will live on among all the freedom-loving people 
around the world.
  For me, the most endearing of his traits was his eternal optimism. 
Ronald Reagan truly believed that America was a ``shining city on a 
hill.'' His ability to see that, despite tough times, America is a 
nation of limitless potential was an inspiration to all.
  I am honored to have both known and worked with Ronald Reagan, one of 
the great leaders of the 20th century. On behalf of all my 
Congressional colleagues, I wish him the happiest of birthdays.
  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, one hundred years ago, an 
ambitious little boy named Ronald Reagan was born in Tampico, Illinois; 
a little boy who was determined to be someone important. When that 
little boy became this nation's 40th president, he told us that America 
was too great for small dreams, and that there was purpose and worth in 
every life.
  President Reagan believed in the individual character of the American 
people. He believed in the great power that human liberty and freedom 
had to change the lives of citizens not only in this country, but of 
those around the world. Ronald Reagan acknowledged that oppression, 
tyranny, and evil anywhere in the world was a threat to us all, and he 
was not afraid to call it by its proper name. He was determined to not 
merely contain communism, but to conquer it. In his 1982 speech to the 
British Parliament, President Reagan predicted ``The march of freedom 
and democracy will leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash-heap of history as 
it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the 
self-expression of the people.'' In his unwavering determination to 
defeat communism through initiatives like his foreign policy offensive, 
pro-democratic public diplomacy, along with what became known as the 
Reagan Doctrine, President Reagan brought communism to its knees. The 
most symbolic result of his efforts came on the 9th of November, 1989, 
when the Berlin Wall separating Western and Eastern Germany came 
crumbling down. Pieces of that wall can now be found beneath the feet 
of President Reagan's statue in the Capitol Rotunda, a reminder that 
Tyranny must be temporary in order for human liberty to prevail.
  President Reagan also believed that a prosperous nation relied on 
economic freedom; that the entrepreneur and their small enterprises 
were the driving force behind economic growth in America. This belief 
was reflected in his policies of freedom and his ``common sense'' 
approach to economics that laid the foundation for a prosperous nation. 
On August 17, 1981, President Reagan signed the Economic Recovery Tax 
Act into law, cutting all income taxes by 25 percent and reducing the 
top marginal tax rate from 70 percent to 50 percent. President Reagan's 
policies reduced inflation, lowered unemployment, cut the prime 
interest rate in half, and increased economic growth by 6 percent only 
two years into his administration. In addition to those 
accomplishments, nearly 17 million new jobs were created by the time 
Reagan left office.
  Mr. Speaker, today we not only honor a former President, but a 
remarkable American who truly loved his country. And through his 
impeccable character and leadership, his generosity and humor, the 
American people loved him. Throughout his eight years in office, we 
laughed together and we cried together. Even in its darkest days, 
President Ronald Reagan recognized that American character and 
generosity, ideas and ingenuity, liberty and individual freedom are the 
reasons that the United States of America is and always will be the 
shining city upon a hill. He believed that it is our inescapable 
destiny to be the leaders of the free world and that America's best 
days are yet to come; that our most glorious days are just ahead. On 
that note, Mr. Speaker, I end with this quote from President Reagan; 
``If you're afraid of the future, then get out of the way, stand aside. 
The people of this country are ready to move again.''
  Mr. TURNER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to speak today in remembrance 
of the life and legacy of our 40th President, Ronald Reagan.
  Just prior to Ronald Reagan assuming the Presidency, many people 
wondered whether this country's best days were behind us.
  ``What I'd really like to do,'' he said after six months in the White 
House, ``is go down in history as the President who made Americans 
believe in themselves again.''
  He created a sense of pride in our nation that was severely lacking 
following the Vietnam war.
  His reforms to our tax code, tax cuts and a significantly lowered 
rate of inflation lead to the longest peacetime economic expansion in 
our history.
  President Reagan's longest lasting legacy remains his role in winning 
the Cold War.
  While the common doctrine of the time called for containing 
Communism, Reagan boldly predicted that it would soon be ``left on the 
ash-heap of history.''
  During the journey that was the Reagan Revolution, he restored 
prosperity, confidence, optimism, faith, and pride in America.
  We along with countless others around the world will be forever 
grateful.
  Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, it is almost impossible to imagine what 
the world would be like today if Ronald Reagan had never come along. 
That is because so much of the past 100 years of American and world 
history was directly impacted by the courage and convictions of our 
40th President.
   As we all know, the course of the 20th century was not always a 
smooth ride for the United States or for freedom. At a time when we 
needed a hero, we got one in the Gipper.
  When Ronald Reagan saw the country he loved succumb to the hubris of 
the welfare state, high taxation, rampant spending and crippling 
regulation, he set his sights on Washington to turn things around. He 
believed that government was not the solution but the problem. The 
status quo of the time begged to differ and he saw no choice but to 
challenge it. Against all odds, he succeeded.
  That same misguided consensus also told us that Soviet communism 
would forever co-habit the globe with Western democracy. Again, 
President Reagan disagreed. To him, communism wasn't just flawed--it 
was evil. That conviction shaped his entire worldview. His forecast for 
the Cold War was simple: ``We win, they lose.'' His optimism led him to 
predict a decade before the Cold War ended that ``the West won't 
contain communism, it will transcend communism.'' Again, President 
Reagan was right.
  All Americans live in a freer and more prosperous world because of 
Ronald Reagan.
  One hundred years from now, President Reagan's legacy will continue 
to inspire Americans to believe in the greatness of our country. And as 
long as his principles are cherished and passed down to every new 
generation, America will remain that ``shining city on a hill'' and the 
last best hope for man on earth.
  Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues in 
celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Ronald 
Reagan this past Sunday, February 6th.
  President Reagan has left a lasting mark on our world, inspiring 
people to turn to democracy. He often spoke of freedom and made it a 
driving force behind his foreign policy.
  During his presidency, Reagan was instrumental in the collapse of the 
Soviet Union. He worked tirelessly and with the words ``Mr. Gorbachev, 
tear down this wall,'' he helped bring freedom to people under Soviet 
control, leaving behind a legacy known for the spread of democracy and 
freedom throughout the world.
  Reagan also understood the value of conservative economic policies. 
In a 1982 address he said, ``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.'' Thirty years later, this message couldn't be more 
true.
  While Reagan may be best known for leading our country through a 
strong economic recovery or for the fall of the Soviet Union, the Great 
Communicator was also known for his optimism. I hope that Americans can 
once again find that optimism, as we move forward to put power back 
into the hands of the people.

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  By returning to the same conservative principles on which Reagan 
relied, I am optimistic that we can restore the honor, individual 
liberties, and economic prosperity that once defined our great Nation.

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