[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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