[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 1]
[House]
[Pages 921-923]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE 93D BIRTHDAY OF RONALD REAGAN

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 84) recognizing the 93d birthday of Ronald 
Reagan.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H.J. Res. 84

       Whereas February 6, 2004, is the 93d birthday of Ronald 
     Wilson Reagan;
       Whereas Ronald Reagan is the first former President ever to 
     attain the age of 93;
       Whereas both Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy Reagan have 
     distinguished records of public service to the United States, 
     the American people, and the international community;
       Whereas Ronald Reagan was twice elected by overwhelming 
     margins as President of the United States;
       Whereas Ronald Reagan fulfilled his pledge to help restore 
     ``the great, confident roar of American progress, growth, and 
     optimism'' and ensure renewed economic prosperity;
       Whereas Ronald Reagan's leadership was instrumental in 
     extending freedom and democracy around the globe and uniting 
     a world divided by the Cold War;
       Whereas Ronald Reagan is loved and admired by millions of 
     Americans, and by countless others around the world;
       Whereas the recent tragic loss of the space shuttle 
     Columbia and her crew remind us of how, 18 years ago, Ronald 
     Reagan's eloquence helped heal the Nation after the 
     Challenger disaster;
       Whereas Nancy Reagan not only served as a gracious First 
     Lady but also led a national crusade against illegal drug 
     use;
       Whereas, together Ronald and Nancy Reagan dedicated their 
     lives to promoting national pride and to bettering the 
     quality of life in the United States and throughout the 
     world; and
       Whereas the thoughts and prayers of the Congress and the 
     country are with Ronald Reagan in his courageous battle with 
     Alzheimer's disease: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
     United States of America in Congress assembled, That the 
     Congress, on behalf of the American people, extends its 
     birthday greetings and best wishes to Ronald Reagan on his 
     93d birthday.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Shays) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays).


                             General Leave

  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on the joint resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Connecticut?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  House Joint Resolution 84, introduced by the gentleman from Nevada 
(Mr. Gibbons), recognizes the 93rd birthday of President Ronald Reagan.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation's 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan, turns 
93 years of age this Friday, February 6. He will become the first 
former President to reach the age of 93. While longevity is one aspect 
of President Reagan's life, he deserves our praise and recognition for 
so many more momentous accomplishments. This resolution aims to honor 
the man who led America during the prosperous 1980s, and I am pleased 
that this House has taken the time to consider it today. During his 
presidency, President Reagan revived the American spirit and helped all 
Americans become less reliant on government. From gracefully bouncing 
back from a would-be assassin's attack, to helping a grief-stricken 
Nation cope with the Challenger tragedy, and from leading the U.S. to a 
decisive victory in the war on communism, to creating 20 million new 
jobs, President Reagan's legacy in the White House is one of the most 
legendary in American history.
  Mr. Speaker, we have several Members here today who may want to speak 
on behalf of President Reagan but I want to briefly offer one 
perspective of President Reagan's record. Everyone knows that one of 
President Reagan's top domestic objectives during his presidency was 
returning much of Americans' hard-earned dollars by reducing income tax 
rates. But what many do not realize was that these tax cuts did not 
occur at the expense of vital government social priorities during the 
1980s. The percentage of the gross national product spent on social 
welfare programs steadily rose during the 1960s and 1970s to 11.5 
percent in 1980, the final year of President Jimmy Carter's 
administration. But over the next 8 years while President Reagan 
resided in the White House, Federal social spending remained between 
10.9 and 12 percent. So I think we can safely say that President Reagan 
truly was, to borrow a phrase from our current President, a 
compassionate conservative. During the week of his 93rd birthday, I 
think it is important that we remember this reality.
  President Reagan reinforced this point during his first inaugural 
address on January 20, 1981, when he 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 think all Members can agree with these sentiments, and I 
also believe that President Reagan accomplished these worthy goals 
during his two terms in the White House.
  I thank the gentleman from Nevada for introducing this measure that 
allows this Chamber to recall President Reagan's extraordinary 
contributions to the United States of America. We wish President Reagan 
a very happy 93rd birthday and, to his family, our love and prayers.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, a bigger-than-life screen actor and television 
personality, Ronald Reagan moved from being governor of California in 
the 1960s to President of the United States and dominating American 
politics in the 1980s. Media-made and media-presented, President Reagan 
got millions

[[Page 922]]

of Americans to feel proud of their Nation. America's 40-year Cold War 
with the Soviet Union cooled considerably and perhaps actually ended 
during Reagan's presidency. Many Americans credit him with having 
achieved that significant outcome.
  Born the son of a shoe salesman in small-town Illinois, Reagan's 
impoverished but loving parents instilled in the lad a sense of 
optimism that carried him through college as an average student. After 
graduation, he worked for a few years as a sports broadcaster in 
midwestern radio before landing a film contract with Warner Brothers 
which took him to Hollywood in 1936. Over the next 30 years, he made 
scores of films, including Army films produced during World War II. He 
hosted two popular television series, and he actively engaged in 
politics as president of the Screen Actors Guild.

                              {time}  1545

  In the 1950s, Reagan changed from being a Roosevelt New Deal Democrat 
to a conservative Republican. In 1966, he became Governor of 
California. He was reelected in 1970.
  Using his popularity in California, Reagan unsuccessfully challenged 
President Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination in 1976. He tried 
again and won the nomination in 1980, and thereafter defeated the 
incumbent Democrat, Jimmy Carter. With his 1984 reelection victory, 
President Reagan became the most politically successful Republican 
President since Eisenhower.
  Today, we celebrate former President of the United States Ronald 
Reagan's 93rd birthday. We wish him the best, and recognize the 
contribution that he made to the development of these United States of 
America.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Gibbons), and thank him for introducing this 
resolution.
  Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my friend and 
colleague from Connecticut for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for H. J. Res. 
84, which I introduced to commemorate former President Ronald Reagan's 
93rd birthday. It is a pleasure to join my colleagues here today, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Connecticut 
(Mr. Shays) in honoring the birthday and life of an extraordinary man, 
historic leader and an American icon.
  As we look back on the life and Presidency of Ronald Reagan, it is 
always a challenge to pinpoint a single greatest achievement from his 
many great achievements. His life has been filled with extraordinary 
adventures and monumental accomplishments.
  Ronald Wilson Reagan was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, 
Illinois, the ``Land of Lincoln.'' President Reagan's lifelong career 
of service to fellow Americans began at a young age when he served as a 
lifeguard in Dixon, Illinois. Later, as a fledgling radio sports 
announcer, Reagan traveled from his home in the Midwest to Southern 
California, where he embarked upon an acting career in Hollywood. He 
would soon rise to serve his fellow actors as president of the Screen 
Actors Guild. Reagan's leadership style and keen knack for engaging the 
public through his dynamic speaking skills and endearing nature 
provided him the additional opportunity to enter public service.
  He would serve as Governor of California for two terms before being 
elected President of the United States twice. During his 8 years in the 
White House, President Reagan worked to fulfill his pledge to restore 
``the great confident roar of American progress, growth and optimism.''
  President Reagan's commitment to inspiring the American people and 
strengthening our Nation's leadership role in the world are part of our 
Nation's proud heritage and history.
  Of course, when it comes to recognizing a distinguished leader such 
as Ronald Reagan, it is difficult to find words to adequately express 
how deeply his legacy still affects each and every one of us still 
today. During his 8 years as President, Ronald Reagan successfully 
stimulated economic growth, curbed inflation, increased employment, and 
strengthened national defense.
  President Reagan was instrumental in uniting a divided Berlin, as 
well as a divided world, by bringing about an end to the Cold War. 
Reagan's speech calling on Mr. Gorbachev to ``Tear Down This Wall'' is 
a piece of American, indeed, world history, that will forever elicit a 
special sense of pride among the American people and all freedom-loving 
people across this world.
  Throughout his tenure in the office of President, Mr. Reagan 
maintained a unique grace and uncanny wit. These endearing qualities 
enabled him to easily communicate with American citizens, foreign 
dignitaries and public figures, meriting him the historic title as the 
``Great Communicator.''
  Railroad Ronald Reagan's renowned wit, firm dedication to American 
principles and tireless belief in our ``shining city on the hill'' 
secured Reagan's enduring legacy. President Reagan will forever be 
remembered for his eternal optimism and faith in the ability of the 
American people.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express what an honor it has 
been for me to take the lead in sponsoring this resolution. I would 
like to extend my appreciation to my colleagues, over 100 of them, who 
have cosponsored this measure to recognize one of the greatest leaders 
this Nation has ever known.
  Happy birthday, President Reagan. As always, the thoughts and 
heartfelt sentiments of this Congress are with you.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis).
  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President 
Ronald Reagan on the occasion of his 93rd birthday and to pass along 
the thoughts and prayers of the people of the Second District of 
Kentucky to the President and Mrs. Reagan on this special day.
  President Reagan has dedicated much of his life to public service. 
From the summer shores of his Illinois hometown, to the silver screens 
of Hollywood, to Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and now to his historic 
and heroic battle with Alzheimer's disease, Ronald Reagan's vision and 
competent leadership continues to inspire national spirit, improve 
quality of life in the United States and extend freedom and democracy 
across the globe.
  During his inaugural address in 1981, President Reagan remarked, ``We 
are too great a Nation to limit ourselves to a small dream.'' His dream 
of family, work, neighborhood, peace and freedom embodied the hopes of 
millions of Americans, shepherding the Nation into economic recovery 
and renewed national pride, while demonstrating an uncompromising moral 
leadership abroad that brought communism to its knees.
  His is an exemplary life, uniquely American and worthy of the love 
and admiration of so many men and women across the world.
  Happy birthday, Mr. President.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline).
  Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring a man who 
will forever remain a symbol of the American dream.
  I had the great good fortune and high honor to serve as military aide 
to President Reagan during my time in the United States Marine Corps. 
As the officer assigned to carry the ``nuclear football,'' I had the 
opportunity to observe the President in a wide variety of situations.
  Ronald Reagan was already well known before he entered the 
Presidential field. Through a variety of careers, his thoughtful, 
caring nature and engaging personality were well established. Friends 
and colleagues alike recognized him as gifted, some would say the 
``great communicator,'' who was as accomplished a listener as he

[[Page 923]]

was a speaker. Strong in character and always quick with a joke, the 
best joke teller I ever knew, candidate Reagan, Governor Reagan, earned 
the allegiance, trust, and respect of a Nation and was elected as our 
40th President.
  What struck me almost immediately when I began my service to 
President Reagan was the strong sense of leadership he exuded. Perhaps 
more than any other leader in contemporary history, President Reagan 
knew when to trust his staff and when not to allow his beliefs to be 
swayed. On routine matters, President Reagan displayed enormous 
confidence in his staff, I am proud to say, including me. When told, 
for example, ``Mr. President, please stand here,'' he agreed affably. 
On matters of substance, however, he was guided by unwavering principle 
and would not be moved.
  President Ronald Reagan applied this principle to the many challenges 
he faced. The economic policy of Reaganomics was met with initial 
skepticism and scorn, but its success validated his vision of how to 
address the faltering economy he inherited.
  In international matters, his unflinching opposition to communism led 
to its demise and earned the enduring allegiance of former adversaries. 
This principled vision inspired men and women of all political 
persuasions to put the best interest of our Nation ahead of their 
respective political parties. By holding to his vision of America as a 
beacon for the rest of the world, he brought freedom, hope and 
opportunity to millions here and abroad.
  Today we honor President Reagan for his achievement, his leadership 
and his enduring example. Happy birthday, Mr. President, and thank you.
  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor today to pay 
tribute to a true American patriot on his 93rd Birthday, President 
Ronald Reagan. As we in Congress move forth with reviewing the 
president's FY 2005 budget, I recall the words of Ronald Reagan when he 
submitted his presidential budget. He said,
  ``Government has an important role in helping develop a country's 
economic foundation. But the critical test is whether government is 
genuinely working to liberate individuals by creating incentives to 
work, save, invest, and succeed. 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.''
  Mr. Speaker, as we debate on the proper amount of funding for 
securing our nation, the greatest tribute we can pay to Ronald Reagan 
is to develop a budget that allows our children and grandchildren to 
live in a prosperous economy. For the American people, it was his 
leadership in economic policy that restored hope for the future.
  Thank you Mr. President for your inspiration and leadership which 
continues to guide our nation and which will help us to protect our 
freedoms and liberties in the twenty-first century. May you have a 
wonderful birthday and God bless.
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely do wish former President Reagan and 
his wife well on his birthday, and my thoughts and prayers are with 
them as he deals with the terrible disease of Alzheimer's; however, the 
resolution went well beyond a simple birthday wish. I could not in good 
faith cast a vote for a bill that stated that the Reagan Administration 
ensured renewed economic prosperity when millions of Americans were 
hurt by its economic policies and the Federal government incurred 
massive deficit spending.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank the gentleman from 
Nevada (Mr. Gibbons) for introducing this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Gilchrest). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res 84.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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