[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14362]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                A GOLD MEDAL TO NANCY AND RONALD REAGAN

  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now 
proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 578, H.R. 3591.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 3591) to provide for the award of a gold medal 
     on behalf of the Congress to former President Ronald Reagan 
     and his wife Nancy Reagan in recognition of their service to 
     the Nation.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, tonight, we pass and clear for the 
President's signature a fitting tribute for a pair of American heroes, 
the Congressional Gold Medal. I am privileged and deeply honored to 
have been joined and supported by so many of my colleagues and others 
in this effort.
  In his first inaugural address, President Reagan encouraged a nation 
by stating, ``Let us begin an era of national renewal. Let us renew our 
determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our 
faith and our hope.''
  Former President Ronald Reagan spoke these words almost two decades 
ago at his first inauguration ceremony, inspiring a generation. During 
his 8 years as President of the United States, Ronald Reagan 
successfully reshaped America's hope and sparked a national renewal, 
marked by unprecedented global peace, economic growth, military 
superiority, and the spread of freedom and liberty.
  Serving as the leader of the world's greatest superpower, President 
Reagan preferred to see himself as a simple citizen who had been called 
upon to aid the Nation he so loved. He believed fervently in the 
American dream and wanted the American people to realize it fully.
  Through every historic fight and landmark decision, the ever-gracious 
First Lady, Nancy, was by President Reagan's side. A distinguished 
leader in her own right, she traveled tirelessly throughout the country 
promoting her famous ``Just Say No'' campaign. The project is aimed at 
preventing alcohol and drug use among our youth.
  In his tenure, President Reagan restored America's sense of pride and 
set us squarely on the course of prosperity we still enjoy today. He 
facilitated the collapse of the Soviet Union that brought an end to the 
cold war. Who could forget his ringing challenge from Berlin's 
Bradenburg Gate, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this Wall!'' By 1989, to 
the amazement of the world, Germany was unified, and the Wall was a 
memory. Reagan's character, wit, and eloquence as the ``Great 
Communicator'' brought honor to the Office of the President and 
endeared him to all Americans and, indeed, all the world.
  Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher once commented, ``Not 
since Lincoln, or Winston Churchill in Britain, has there been a 
President who has so understood the power of words to uplift and 
inspire.'' Mr. President, I couldn't agree more.
  His one-time rival for superpower dominance, Mikhail Gorbachev, 
described honoring the Reagans with the Congressional Gold Medal as ``. 
. . a fitting tribute to the fortieth President of the United States, 
who will go down in history as a man profoundly dedicated to his people 
and committed to the values of democracy and freedom.''
  Together, the Reagans selflessly dedicated their lives to promoting 
national pride and bettering the quality of life in America. Together, 
they continue their battle with Alzheimer's disease, displaying the 
dignity for which they are famous. Mrs. Reagan remains committed to 
community service. In his honor, she has become a national advocate for 
heightening Alzheimer's disease awareness. Their fight inspires hope in 
millions of Americans who share their struggle.
  The leadership and dedication that President and Mrs. Reagan provided 
this Nation undeniably abides with us still. It is fitting for a 
grateful people and Nation to say, ``Thank you.''
  Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be 
considered read the third time, passed, the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table, and that any statements relating to the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 3591) was read the third time and passed.

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