[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       PROVIDING FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF A STATUE OF GERALD R. FORD

  Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
immediate consideration of H. Con. Res. 27 which was received from the 
House and is at the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the concurrent 
resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 27) providing for the 
     acceptance of a statue of Gerald R. Ford from the people of 
     Michigan for placement in the United States Capitol.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
concurrent resolution.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, the Senate is poised to approve a 
concurrent resolution providing for the acceptance of a statue of 
President Gerald R. Ford to be placed in the Capitol. I am proud as a 
Michiganian, and proud as an American, to support this resolution.
  In this turbulent moment, it is good to remember that this is not the 
first time our Nation has faced adversity. At another time--a time of 
distress and doubt and anguish--Gerald Ford assumed our Nation's 
highest office. We were fortunate indeed that at that time of great 
danger, Jerry Ford was there to take the helm and keep our country on 
an even keel.
  President Ford's courage in the performance of his duties and his 
willingness to act in the Nation's interest even when it brought 
criticism were the capstone of a lifetime of service. As a young Navy 
officer during World War II, this son of Grand Rapids served his Nation 
with distinction. In December 1944, when a great typhoon and fire 
threatened Ford's ship, he demonstrated the courage and cool judgment 
that would serve him so well in Congress and the White House.
  Gerald Ford served Michigan and his country for 13 terms as a Member 
of the House of Representatives, earning bipartisan respect. He became 
Vice President at a time of great controversy, but it was in navigating 
the storm that brought him to the Presidency that he provided his 
greatest service. At a time when our nation needed healing, he was a 
healer. When we needed unity, he was our unifying force.
  The people of Michigan are proud to call Gerald Ford one of our own. 
Placement of this statue, a gift from the people of Michigan, in the 
Rotunda of the Capitol on May 3, will be a fitting tribute to his 
service.
  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
concurrent resolution be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid 
upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any 
statements related to the measure be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 27) was agreed to.

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