Congressional Record—House H3794

H3794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 order under the Calendar Wednesday Resolved, That the House of Representa- Two years after that, a group of rule be dispensed with on Wednesday tives— seven Republican freshmen legislators next. (1) expresses its deepest appreciation for were invited to the Governor’s home The SPEAKER. Is there objection to the profound public service of President Ron- for a little dinner. They had a set of ald Reagan; the request of the gentleman from (2) expresses its condolences to Nancy card tables in the living room, a couple Texas? Reagan and to Patti, Michael, Ron, and the sat down at one card table, I sat on an There was no objection. entire Reagan family; extra chair, and, lo and behold, the f (3) calls on the people of the United States Governor sat down beside me. The gen- to reflect on the record of President Reagan tleman from California (Mr. WAXMAN) MOURNING THE PASSING OF during this national period of remembrance may remember that I was a bit more PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN and to remember always his encouraging brash in those days than I choose to be Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- words: ‘‘We have every right to dream heroic now. er, pursuant to the order of the House dreams.’’; and And so almost immediately, I raised of today and as designee of the major- (4) directs the Clerk of the House of Rep- the subject of interest to me to the resentatives to transmit a copy of this reso- ity leader, I call up the resolution (H. lution to the family of President Reagan. then-Governor Reagan. I asked him Res. 664) mourning the passing of what he thought about preschool and President Ronald Reagan and cele- b 1915 child care. It did not take 30 seconds brating his service to the people of the The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the for me to begin to understand that I United States and his leadership in order of the House of today, the resolu- had asked the right question, for Gov- promoting the cause of freedom for all tion shall be debatable on this legisla- ernor Reagan knew an awful lot more the people of the world, and ask for its tive day for 2 hours, equally divided about preschool and child care than I immediate consideration. and controlled by the Majority and Mi- ever thought of knowing. He and Nancy The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- nority Leaders or their designees which had been thinking about this subject lows: may be extended for an additional hour for some time. And indeed, as a result H. RES. 664 on each demand of the Majority Leader of that beginning point of working to- Whereas President Ronald Reagan re- or his designee. gether in this very special area of edu- minded us that our great Nation was founded The resolution shall be debatable on cation, the Child Development Act was and built by people with great dreams and the legislative day of June 9, 2004, for 3 signed in 1972 by Governor Reagan and the courage to take great risks; hours equally divided and controlled by became the first major State quality Whereas President Reagan reminded his the Majority and Minority Leaders or day care programming that included countrymen of the Nation’s calling in world their designees. health components and education com- history: ‘‘From our forefathers to our mod- The Chair at any time may postpone ponents and involved parental respon- ern day immigrants, we’ve come from every further consideration of the resolution sibilities as well. corner of the earth, from every race and until a time designated by the Speaker. The Governor was way ahead of the every ethnic background, and we’ve become curve, as one might see; for some 25 a new breed in the world. We’re Americans, The gentleman from California (Mr. and we have a rendezvous with destiny.’’; LEWIS), as the designee of the Majority years later, Washington discovered the Whereas President Reagan championed Leader, and the gentleman from Cali- importance of child care. freedom and democracy throughout the fornia (Mr. WAXMAN), as the designee Another illustration of an interesting world, bringing courage to millions of people to the Minority Leader, each will con- side of the Governor who by many was suffering the bondage of tyranny and oppres- trol 1 hour. considered to be some way out there, sion; The Chair recognizes the gentleman far out on the right; but quickly those Whereas on June 12, 1987, President Reagan from California (Mr. LEWIS). who would observe carefully recognized stood at the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol that this Governor was looking out for GENERAL LEAVE of communism’s brutal oppression, and de- the benefit of all people of California manded: ‘‘General Secretary Gorbachev, if Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- and because of that, shortly he became you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the er, I ask unanimous consent that all very well known as an environmental Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek Members may have 5 legislative days Governor. He joined quickly with Gov- liberalization: Come here to this gate. Mr. within which to revise and extend their ernor Laxalt of Nevada, and together Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, remarks on the resolution under con- tear down this wall!’’; hand in hand they literally saved Lake sideration. Whereas on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Tahoe. The SPEAKER. Is there objection to Wall was torn down, signifying the end of the A leader way ahead of his time, it Cold War; the request of the gentleman from was my privilege to spend so much Whereas President Reagan, and his wife California? time in those early days with Governor There was no objection. Nancy, brought dignity and respect to the Ronald Reagan. At another time in White House and dedicated their lives to pro- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- this evening’s discussion I would like moting national pride and to bettering the er, I yield myself such time as I may to spend a moment discussing with all quality of life in the United States and consume. of you my first experience with Gov- throughout the world; Mr. Speaker, through the years of ernor Reagan when he became Presi- Whereas on May 16, 2002, Congress be- having the opportunity to know Presi- stowed the congressional gold medal in rec- dent of the United States. ognition of their service to the Nation; dent Ronald Reagan, one could go down Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Whereas Ronald Reagan’s eloquence united many a pathway in recalling his great- my time. Americans in times of triumph and tragedy; ness. My first recollection of Ronald Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Whereas on January 28, 1986, President Reagan, I can recall clearly I was lying myself such time as I may consume. Reagan comforted a grieving nation as on the living room floor, and he was Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay trib- Americans mourned the death of seven giving this speech on behalf of Barry ute to President Ronald Reagan. Presi- American astronauts who ‘‘slipped the surly Goldwater. The remarks in that speech dent Reagan has been a part of my en- bonds of earth to touch the face of God’’; entitled, ‘‘A Time For Choosing,’’ Whereas President Reagan spent the twi- tire political life. President Reagan got light of his life as he always lived, leading a never to forget, ‘‘You and I have a ren- his start in politics when he was elect- fight against Alzheimer’s disease with faith, dezvous with destiny. We will preserve ed Governor in 1966. Two years later, I courage, and dignity, with the greatest love for our children this, the last best hope got my start in politics when I was for the Nation and eternal optimism for its of man on Earth, or we will sentence elected to the California legislature. I future; them to take the last step into a thou- served in the State legislature until Whereas by opening his heart to the Na- sand years of darkness.’’ I will never 1974, the last year of Governor Rea- tion about his affliction with Alzheimer’s forget rolling over on the floor and say- gan’s term. And, of course, I served in disease, President Reagan promoted greater ing to my family, ‘‘This guy ought to awareness of this condition; and the Congress of the United States for Whereas President Reagan appealed to the be Governor of California.’’ And, by the entire 8 years of his Presidency. best hopes of the American people, not their golly, just 2 years later, he was: Gov- I knew from those early days that worst fears, and to their confidence rather ernor Ronald Reagan, elected in 1966 by President Reagan had remarkable po- than their doubts: Now, therefore, be it the people of California. litical skills. He is known as the Great

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.019 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3795 Communicator and, truly, he was. President Reagan came to Wash- Today America’s light shines a little President Reagan knew how to connect ington at a moment when our country dimmer because he is gone, but, Mr. with people. And he could articulate was in great malaise. Interest rates Speaker, it shines much brighter than values and resonate across America had risen as high as 211⁄2 percent. Infla- it would have if he had not been here. and around the world with his ideals. tion was raging the country. Jobs were He made a difference in America. He He was also likable and charming. very, very difficult to come by. And in made a difference in the world. Today For many years, President Reagan typical Ronald Reagan fashion, the people all over the world are remem- was actually my constituent. Holly- President for whom the glass was al- bering and recognizing that difference. wood, the place and the industry asso- ways more than half full, he began set- Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am ciated with it, had a great impact on ting forth policies that reduced inter- pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gen- his life. It refined his communication est rates, that impacted inflation, and tleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS), dis- skills and honed his sense of drama and created jobs. He set a stage for tomor- tinguished member of the Committee delivery. And it gave him something row that would lead us all to believe in on Government Reform, to offer his that many people do not fully appre- America again and have new hope and presentation on this resolution. ciate, an understanding that in Amer- opportunity within our country. Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ica, with hard work and honest values, It is my privilege, Mr. Speaker, to want to thank the ranking member of Hollywood endings really can come yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from the Committee on Government Reform true. Missouri (Mr. BLUNT). for yielding me the time. President Reagan thought our Nation Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I want to Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with should be a shining example to the thank the gentleman from California my colleagues as we pay tribute to the world. And under his leadership, we (Mr. LEWIS) for yielding this time to life and legacy of President Reagan. A were really admired and respected me and leading this important recogni- bigger-than-life screen actor and tele- around the world. He viewed America tion today. vision personality, Ronald Reagan as a city on the hill, a beacon for free- I also want to thank you, Mr. Speak- moved from being Governor of Cali- dom and a model for democracy. er, for your special understanding of fornia in the 1960s to President of the And here is another thing many peo- President Reagan from your work in United States and dominating Amer- ple do not fully appreciate: President the military serving alongside him in ican politics in the 1980s. He was the Reagan was a pragmatic leader. He had his days in the White House. first President to be reelected to a sec- strong convictions, but if he learned What all of those that served with ond term since Dwight D. Eisenhower. that those convictions were taking the President or watched him from afar Media-made and media-presented, America in the wrong direction, he had were able to see was how his optimistic President Reagan got millions of the confidence and the wisdom to leadership reinvigorated the American Americans to feel proud of their Na- change course. tion. America’s 40-year Cold War with As everyone knows, President spirit and how it redefined the politics the Soviet Union cooled considerably Reagan was afflicted with Alzheimer’s of his time. Born in a small town near and perhaps actually ended during Rea- disease in the last 10 years of his life. the middle of America, this son of a gan’s Presidency. Many Americans President Reagan struggled with this shoe salesman rose to heights of gigan- credit him with having achieved that terrible condition with great dignity. tic proportion and lifted his country- significant outcome. And with great courage he and his wife men along with him. Born the son of a shoe salesman in Nancy shared his struggle with the After facing his last great challenge small-town Illinois, President Reagan’s American people. It is a true tragedy with courage and patience, Ronald impoverished but loving parents in- that this country lost the opportunity Reagan now takes his place where his stilled in him a sense of optimism that to have this elder statesman involved vision is once again clear, his faith re- carried him through college as an aver- and seek his advice and leadership in warded, and his storied sense of humor age student. After graduation, he the last years of his life. returned. He placed his faith in God I know that all of us in this body along with economic and permanent worked for a few years as a sports would like to find a fitting way to freedom. And the world is a better broadcaster in Midwestern radio before honor President Reagan’s life. For my place because of those beliefs. landing a film contract with Warner part, I can think of no better tribute President Reagan helped raise indi- Brothers, which took him to Hollywood than an accelerated effort to address viduals up and helped tear down the in 1936. the horrific disease known as Alz- Berlin Wall. He inspired us, and he was Over the next 30 years, President heimer’s. Mrs. Reagan, the President’s inspired by us. President Reagan’s Reagan made scores of films, including beloved wife, bravely spoke out about leadership inspired more current mem- Army films produced during World War this just last month. In her moving bers of our conference on my side of II. He hosted two popular television se- words she said, ‘‘Science has presented the aisle than any other political fig- ries and was actively engaged in poli- us with a hope called stem cell re- ure in the 20th century. tics as president of the Screen Actors search which may provide our sci- When I became the majority whip in Guild. entists with many answers that for so this Congress, I named the conference In the 1950s, President Reagan long have been beyond our grasp. We room in the whip’s office the Reagan changed from being a Roosevelt New have lost so much time already. I just Room for the brief time I am privileged Deal Democrat to a conservative Re- really cannot bear to lose any more.’’ to make that designation. And I hope publican. In 1966, he became Governor Well, it is past time for us to seize the many of my colleagues come by that of California and was reelected in 1970. potential that Nancy Reagan identi- room during this week on the third Using his popularity in California, he fied. There could be no important or floor of the Capitol and view the photo- unsuccessfully challenged President more lasting legacy to her husband. graphs there chronicling the life of this Gerald Ford for the Republican nomi- America has lost a devoted citizen remarkable man from his days as a nation in 1976. He tried again and won and a dedicated leader. I want Mrs. radio announcer to those that fore- the nomination in 1980 and thereafter Reagan and the Reagan family to know shadowed the end of the Soviet Union. defeated the incumbent Democrat they are in my heart and in my Jimmy Carter. With his 1984 reelection b 1930 thoughts. President Reagan’s passing victory, President Reagan became the is truly felt among Democrats and Re- President Reagan said, We are a pow- most politically successful Republican publicans, by all Americans, and people erful force for good. With faith and President since President Eisenhower. of goodwill all around the world. We courage we can perform great deeds In the last 7 years, as President will certainly miss him. and take freedom’s next step, and we Reagan battled Alzheimer’s disease, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of will. our Nation went from having zero my time. America is taking freedom’s next drugs for this devastating disease to Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- step, and we are doing so in large part today having five new prescriptive er, I yield myself such time as I may because of President Ronald Wilson drugs to help manage and treat the consume. Reagan. progression of Alzheimer’s. Today it is

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.021 H08PT1 H3796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 even possible to diagnose Alzheimer’s library stands. His grave overlooks the conversation when God called and said, with more than 90 percent accuracy. It farmlands, ranches and chaparral of who will go for us and whom shall we is clear that Alzheimer’s does not dis- the Tierra Rejada Valley. On a clear send, that great prophet Isaiah said, at criminate on whom it affects, regard- day, one can see the Channel Islands in no hesitation, here I am, Lord, send less of gender, ethnicity, socio- the Pacific Ocean more than 30 miles me. economic status, political ideology or away. It is a fitting place for America’s Ronald Reagan responded the same if one worked the fields, in the fac- greatest son. way. I can almost see it. When the tories or in the Oval Office. Mr. Speaker, it is the end of an era, Lord called and said, who will go for us With now more than 4.5 million peo- but it is the beginning of a legacy that and who will we send to perform that ple suffering from this disease, the up- will last forever. We will miss him. nobility of purpose in life that Ronald setting effects of Alzheimer’s is grow- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Reagan did, which is the legacy of his ing faster than modern medicine can KLINE). The gentleman from Texas (Mr. Presidency, I can see him getting to at- manage. This is only likely to become STENHOLM) is recognized as the des- tention and saying, here I am, Lord, more complicated with the aging of the ignee of the minority leader. send me. baby boomers, boosting the number of Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield God bless Ronald Reagan. Alzheimer’s patients to an astounding such time as he may consume to the Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- 11 to 16 million people by the middle of gentleman from Georgia (Mr. SCOTT). er, it is my honor to yield 6 minutes to the century. Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from California (Mr. As a way to honor President Reagan, today we remember a true leader, a THOMAS), the chairman of the Com- let us make the greatest commitment statesman and a great man who led our mittee on Ways and Means. that we can to real investment in re- country with dignity, with grace and (Mr. THOMAS asked and was given search for Alzheimer’s disease and fol- with strength. President Reagan was permission to revise and extend his re- low through with clinical trials to the quintessential American who ex- marks.) translate the research into treatments. emplified unbridled optimism, a strong Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, we are We must now act to make the lives of sense of faith and the idea that our Na- all going to talk about President all Alzheimer’s patients more com- tion was a true beacon for the world. Reagan, Commander-in-Chief Reagan, fortable with a better quality of life, There is no doubt that among his leader of the free world Reagan. Some while hopefully being able to prevent greatest achievements was his resolve of us were privileged to know him in a this disease in the future. to end the Cold War so that other Na- different context. My friend from Cali- Mr. President, as one might say in a tions could experience the glory of fornia (Mr. LEWIS), the chairman, has western movie, you had a good ride and freedom and the power of democracy. talked about his relationship with him our country is proud to say, ‘‘Much His combination of political strength when he was Governor of California. obliged.’’ and personal appeal, his ability to com- I knew him in a number of different Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- municate set the forces in motion for contexts, and I was always amazed at er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman the walls of communism to crumble, one thing, and that was he was the from California (Mr. GALLEGLY). and for this he will always be remem- same person regardless of the context Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I bered. in which you met him, worked with thank the gentleman from California However, President Reagan should him and was led by him. (Mr. LEWIS) for bringing this resolution also be remembered, especially in this In 1974, I decided that I would run for to the floor today. House, for his willingness to fight in public office. He was then in the last President Reagan’s impact on Amer- the political arena with dignity, with year of his governorship, and he de- ica and the world is immeasurable. He respect for his opponents, and his cided to come to Bakersfield, and so I ended the Cold War and restored Amer- strong belief that democracy was for planned an event for the Governor. We ica’s confidence. His Republican ad- all of our citizens, even those with decided that we would charge what ministration rebuilt our economy with whom he might have disagreed. Presi- seemed to be an appropriate amount, the help and support of a Democratic dent Reagan exemplified civility and $25 a head, and almost 500 people came House of Representatives. honor in an arena that is often lacking to see the Governor. I had no doubts President Reagan achieved such suc- in both, and because of that he earned about why they were coming. cesses because when you sat in a room the goodwill not only of his supporters, We picked him up at the airport, and with him, there could be over 1,000 peo- but often of his friendly adversaries. In when we got in the car, he started quiz- ple in the room, yet you felt like there the end we remember a man, Ronald zing me about me, and so I was visiting was only the two of you, and his won- Reagan, not only as a great leader, but with him. But as we got closer, I said, derful wit would put you at ease. That as a good and decent man. well, do you want to take just a little was a tremendous gift. My condolences and prayers are with time now so that you can get ready for That is why some of his biggest polit- his family and with his wife Nancy, the event? He said, Bill, if I am not ical enemies were among his closest who shared him with our country. ready now, 5 minutes will not make personal friends. It is why a staunch Mr. Speaker, we are all called by God any difference. anti-Communist could negotiate with for a special purpose with this turn at the President of the Soviet Union. light that he gives us. Some nobility of b 1945 President Reagan reached across and purpose is embedded in each of us with He was always prepared. He was al- President Reagan connected with peo- that calling, and as it is the case with ways on time, whether it was a minor ple. Ronald Reagan, there will be on his event or if it was a debate with other President Reagan is now at rest. We tombstone 1911 to 2004, but the most leaders of the world. mourn his passing, but we are grateful important thing on his tombstone will And you see him in a bunch of dif- for the gifts he gave us: a safer world, be the dash in between. For the funda- ferent contexts and you say, well, of strong economic base, and a renewed mental call from God is always what course, because he was a movie star belief in America’s greatness. will we do with the dash. and he is supposed to carry himself. Mr. Speaker, President Reagan will Ronald Reagan did great things with And the point I want to make, if I do be laid to rest at his Presidential li- his dash. For those 93 years in that not make any other point, is he was brary in Simi Valley, California. It is dash was actor, head of a union, broke that way because of who he was, not where I began my political career as down the barriers of communism, the because of what he did. Because, frank- mayor and city councilman. It has Star Wars defense system, his legacy of ly, if you tried to write a script and been my home for more than 35 years. rebuilding the Republican Party. went to Hollywood on Ronald Reagan’s President Reagan often spoke about Yes, Ronald Reagan was a great man, life, you would last about 2 minutes in a shining city on a hill. The Ronald and he, as so many of us, have heeded the room. Because people are willing to Reagan Presidential Library is such a the call, and as I think of Ronald suspend belief, but not that much. place. President Reagan will be laid to Reagan, I am reminded of the great And what I like most about the jux- rest at the edge of a high hill where his prophet Isaiah who said in that great taposition of Ronald Reagan and his

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.023 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3797 career, which was kind of molded out particularly pleased that the gen- gentleman from California (Mr. LEWIS), of the context that he found himself in, tleman from Texas is managing the supported his efforts to build up our de- was that the American people were time, because I think if Ronald Reagan fenses, to deploy those Persian and wise enough, first of all to choose him were here, he would say, CHARLES cruise missiles, to, yes, even provide as Governor of California for the tradi- STENHOLM was one of those who stood for multiple warheads on the MX mis- tional two terms, had he chosen to run with me on principle, who believed that sile, and say to the Soviet Union, if for a third term he probably could have we needed to get this country moving, you want to compete, we are prepared gotten elected; and the American peo- and believed that we needed to have to compete; but we would rather seek ple chose him for two terms as Presi- sound policy; and CHARLES STENHOLM peace together. And he had the courage dent, a now constitutionally limited stood with me. And as the gentleman to build up, and he had the courage to period of time. Were it not for that from California (Mr. THOMAS) just re- make peace. constitutional limit, he may have been lated, for Ronald Reagan the concrete While Democrats disagreed with and elected again. cracked again, frankly, when he viewed strongly opposed much of his domestic And so when you watch people recog- the program adopted and thought that agenda, our political differences never nizing Ronald Reagan as they pass the perhaps some changes needed to be hardened into paralyzing personal ani- casket, as they did in California, many made. mosity on his side or on ours. We were people will have an individual memory, Mr. Speaker, like every Member of blessed by the fact that we were led by perhaps a general shared one, and per- this House, I offer my sincere condo- two great Irishmen, Ronald Reagan haps a personal one. For me, Ronald lences to the family and friends of and Tip O’Neill. They were friends. And Reagan’s life means that any American former President Reagan, particularly, they had a third friend, his name was can do anything any American wants of course, his beloved wife, Nancy, and Michel, Bob Michel, an extraordinary to do. For Ronald Reagan, the public his children. What a wonderful example leader of this House. And they, to- person, it means he made sure that he Nancy Reagan set for our country. gether, believed that country was more set up a structure which allows any Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan important than partisanship and party. American to do whatever any Amer- clearly loved one another deeply and For the most part, they worked to- ican wants to do; and his justification cared for one another, and Nancy gether. On those matters that they dis- and enabling of that is, he would tell Reagan has shown extraordinary cour- agreed on, they took their own sepa- you, because I did. age and fidelity not only throughout rate ways. But when they could agree, You are going to hear him called the the course of their marriage but par- they did. The Social Security reform of Great Communicator a lot. What you ticularly in the course of Ronald Rea- 1983 was probably the most stark exam- also need to know was he was a great gan’s final illness. ple of that cooperative spirit. It was compromiser. It can be put no more Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan loved good for the country, it was good for clearly than a comment he made when this Nation and served it with distinc- Social Security, and they came to- he was Governor of California, because tion; and he will ever be remembered gether, worked together, and succeeded he became Governor with an enormous for his humor, his grace, his irrepress- together. debt at that time for the State of Cali- ible optimism which mirrored the That was due in great measure to the fornia. California did not have a with- American spirit and buoyed it in peri- leadership styles and personalities of holding tax, and he needed to create a ods of difficulty. President Reagan and Speaker O’Neill. front load for money to solve the prob- The last decade, when this man who These two men, the most powerful po- lem that he was facing. He had, how- had lived life with such physical vigor litical figures in our Nation in the ever, made a statement earlier that his slowly slipped away, was an especially 1980s, one a Republican, the other a feet were in concrete over not having a cruel blow. However, let us be com- Democrat, demonstrated to all Ameri- withholding tax. Once he looked at the forted today that he has been sum- cans that our elected leaders could dis- options in front of him and he realized moned to a far better place. agree politically without being dis- he did not have any options other than Having been elected to Congress just agreeable personalities or personally. instituting a withholding tax, having 4 months after he took office, and just They reminded all of us that cynicism worked with the legislature, he then 6 weeks after an assassin’s bullet near- and mean-spiritedness are inimical to went to the microphone and said, ly claimed his life, I had a front-row American democracy, and that our real ‘‘That cracking sound you hear is the seat during President Reagan’s 8 years adversaries lie beyond our shores, not cement breaking away from my feet.’’ in Washington. He was a man I both here. And so when you wonder why Ronald liked and respected. I liked him for his The surest tribute that we can pay to Reagan could get along with so many warmth and for the respect that he ac- Ronald Reagan today is to commit our- different people in so many stages of corded others, and I respected him for selves to recapture the generosity of life, whether small or great, it was be- the honesty of his convictions and the spirit that always guided him. In a cause Ronald Reagan was the same per- intellectual integrity that he displayed very real way, Ronald Reagan’s life son regardless of the job the American in pursuing them. was the embodiment of the American people gave him. He was always pre- After signing into law what was then Dream. Both President Reagan and pared, he was always on time, and he the largest tax cut in American history President Clinton, like Harry Truman, was a very, very sincere man. He was in 1981, President Reagan had the for- gave credence to the promise that in also quite smart, in ways that many titude to face fiscal reality, just as the America neither privileged birth nor people never understand. gentleman from California (Mr. THOM- economic advantage is necessary to en- So what I want to do tonight is to AS) reflected upon. His policies caused able one to become the President of the just share briefly the memoirs of some- yawning deficits and spiraling debt, United States of America. It was, for one who, if you are looking for an ex- consequences that he subsequently them, and for millions to follow their ample, he certainly stands out, not just tried to address, although not as suc- example, the land of opportunity. in what he did but the way in which he cessfully as I am sure he would have President Reagan’s leadership re- lived his life and the way in which he hoped. Without question, Ronald newed the conviction that the future recognized his condition later in life Reagan held strong ideological beliefs. would be better, better than the past, and the way in which he concluded his But one of his real strengths was his and that America’s best days were still life. All of us should pause and remem- willingness to put pragmatism above ahead. That is a philosophy that all of ber that he was an amazing, amazing ideology, to make sure that his coun- us should embrace and convey to our person. He was an American. try had programs that were working. fellow citizens. I believe it is the case, Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield I also remember him as a person who Ronald Reagan believed it was the such time as he may consume to the early in life committed to equality and case, and may God bless his soul and gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER). justice for all, and later in life to the comfort his beloved wife, Nancy. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank success of freedom and democracy Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. STEN- around the world. I believed he was er, it is a great honor to yield 6 min- HOLM) for yielding me this time. I am right in that endeavor, and like the utes to the gentleman from California

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.026 H08PT1 H3798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 (Mr. ROHRABACHER), who served Ronald frequently and taking people’s lives. I spent those years of his life making Reagan as a part of his staff before have sought help. I have read the scrip- this a better world for my children. I coming to Congress. ture, and I have talked to other people just had three children just 6 weeks Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, it about this, and I have come to the con- ago today, and I am so grateful that he is a blessing that Ronald Reagan did clusion that if we are executing people made it a better world for them. not die immediately after leaving of- for revenge, that it is inconsistent with Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield fice in 1989. In these last 16 years that the principles that Jesus Christ taught such time as he may consume to the we have had Ronald Reagan with us, it us, but if we are executing murderers gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. ALEX- has given America a chance to take a in order to deter people from killing ANDER). look at who Ronald Reagan was and other human beings, we are doing it (Mr. ALEXANDER asked and was what he meant to our country. And then to save people, to save innocent given permission to revise and extend now, with 16 years that have passed, we people, and that is totally consistent his remarks.) can look back and see what an enor- with Christianity. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I mous difference Ronald Reagan made At that point Evelle Younger who want to thank the gentleman from not only to our lives as Americans but was the attorney general of the State, Texas (Mr. STENHOLM) for this time. to the entire world. reaches over and grabs the mike and Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness Let me note that Ronald Reagan was says, oh, this religious and philo- that we devote this week to honor the 56 years old when I first met him, and sophical stuff does not mean anything. memory and the contributions of our that was when he was running for the The voters of this State voted for the 40th President Ronald Reagan. My first time for public office. He ran for death penalty, and they are going to thoughts and prayers are with Presi- public office for the first time when he get it. Well, my opinion of Ronald Rea- dent Reagan’s family and all of the was 56 years old. And all of these gan’s sword, I knew that he was a man Americans who grieve this week. things we are talking about, a man who did not take these things lightly, Mr. Speaker, President Reagan was a who accomplished so much and a man of strong conviction, but a man true patriot, committed to the ideals of changed the world for the better, hap- who deeply cared about people enough a democratic Nation, and dedicated to pened after he was 56 years old. He had to think about it and to pray about de- maintaining the strength of America already had a successful life, a full ca- cisions like this. He was not just a as a world power. His abilities as a reer. great communicator, and I worked for strong leader and a communicator gave And he did come from a relatively him as a speechwriter for 7 years in the Americans confidence and strength poor family. I know his first job was White House. He was, yes, someone during a time of economic hardship and being a lifeguard. That affected his way who understood the fundamentals of struggling with the Soviet Union. of looking at things his entire life. He communication, but that is not what President Reagan once said, ‘‘There saved 77 people’s lives as a lifeguard. made him great. He was not the great is no limit to what a man can do or And having gotten to know him as communicator. He was America’s great where he can go if he does not mind President and also during his cam- leader. He had ideals that helped direct who gets the credit.’’ We should follow paigns, I think he always had that con- his decisions. this example and remember that public sciousness, that he was there to save We have heard about his strong con- service is not about partisan battles or the day for the people who were in victions. We know today that most taking credit, it is about serving the some type of a crisis. people with strong convictions are not American people to the best of our He was a sports broadcaster, and he very pleasant to be around. When they ability. was a moderately successful film actor. talk about people with philosophies, I am honored to be here in Wash- But all of that seemed to be over when there is a saying that you cannot ington during this week of memorial he was 50 years old. And then, when he change somebody’s mind, and he will services. I am grateful to all of those was 56, he jumped into political life. not change the subject. Ronald Reagan involved with arranging the safety and Now, why did he do that? Because Cali- was a person who taught me that you logistics during a week when thousands fornia was a mess in 1966. can have strong principles and have a of Americans will journey to our Na- solid philosophy, but be a pleasant per- tion’s Capital to pay their respects to b 2000 son and care about people at the same President Reagan. And he came and stepped forward be- time. It was that type of humane ap- Mr. Speaker, as we face a new decade cause he felt he had a contribution to proach that permitted Ronald Reagan and new challenges, let us honor the make. He jumped into the political wa- to capture the hearts of the American life and contributions and remember ters to save the day. people and inspire us. the debt of gratitude we owe our 40th I was a youth volunteer in that first When our country was in such ter- President, Ronald Reagan. campaign, and I got to meet him per- rible peril economically and in retreat Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- sonally, and it was one of the joys of internationally, and our spirit had er, I yield myself such time as I may my life. been destroyed, people were not even consume. Let me note that years later after I waving the American flag back in the Ronald Reagan became President in got finished with school, I became a late 1970s, Ronald Reagan dove into the 1981 after an election in 1980. At that journalist, and I covered Ronald Rea- political waters again to save the day. point in our history, our defenses had gan’s last 2 years as Governor as a And he saved us. He was the lifeguard been reduced to such significant levels, journalist. I remember that he had a who saved us, and he saved the world. all of us were concerned about the fu- press conference one day, it was near Jim Bruelte, a political person in ture of America’s ability to defend the end of his term, where he was an- California, noted on D-Day the Amer- itself. Indeed, there were great leaders nouncing the findings of his law and ican soldiers liberated half of Europe. who recognized the importance of order task force. One of their findings Ronald Reagan liberated the other half building our defenses. Among those was an expanded use of the death pen- of Europe and did it without firing a who have come here since President alty. And just as I am now, I was then shot. Reagan was with us is the gentleman always trying to get to the heart of the We live in a more prosperous coun- from California (Mr. CUNNINGHAM). matter and ask the tough questions, try, a safer country, and hundreds of Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the and I asked President Reagan, who was millions of people now live in relative gentleman from California (Mr. then Governor, well, how can you be in freedom than if he would not have been CUNNINGHAM). favor of expanding the use of the death here. We are so grateful to Ronald Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, we penalty when you are a committed Reagan for having dove in to save us, rise to honor and mourn Ronald Christian? And, you know, he sat for- and he did. He saved America, and he Reagan. ward, and he leaned forward to the saved us personally. But first I would like to thank Mrs. mike, he says, I take that question I am now 56 years old, the same age Nancy Reagan. The wisest of men very seriously. I prayed about this, Ronald Reagan was when he first en- knows it takes a good woman to make about using the death penalty more tered politics. I am so grateful that he a good man, and what a good wingman

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.028 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3799 she has been, both in sickness and in God bless you, Nancy Reagan, and your membered. He will be forever remem- health. This Nation also owes Nancy family and the President. bered for the warmth and the respect Reagan a debt of gratitude; both of Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield with which he accorded others. Fur- them good and decent people. Ronald such time as she may consume to the thermore, our thoughts and prayers are Reagan was one of the most respected gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACK- with Nancy and his children at this dif- and effective Presidents in American SON-LEE). ficult time. history. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Strong beliefs and a love of our coun- Mr. Speaker, the Irish have a toast, Speaker, I thank the gentleman for try are the only way to bring this and it goes like this. It is to those who yielding me this time, my friend and country forward as we face a costly and support Ronald Reagan, and everybody colleague, and also thank the gen- difficult war in Iraq and a budget that lifts their glass; to those who may sup- tleman from California (Mr. LEWIS) for is struggling to survive. Strength and port Ronald Reagan, and everybody allowing us to come at this time. leadership is what we need now. lifts their glass; and to those that will I imagine this time is the reason why Strength and leadership will be re- never support President Ronald so many of us, in fact I would say this quired to bring this Nation back to the Reagan, may God strike them in their entire House, cherishes this body and standards by which we have always shins so we shall know them by their cherishes this institution, because it been known. I believe it is appropriate limping. But there are not many of allows us to come at a time like this to read his famous words: ‘‘We have those, Mr. Speaker. and shed our Democratic and Repub- every right to dream heroic dreams. President Reagan said, you know, the lican labels and simply approach this Those who say that we’re in a time United States was never meant to be tribute as Americans. I would imagine when there are no heroes, they just the second best Nation. We set our that is what these times, although sad, don’t know where to look.’’ sights high for the stars, and we are allow us to do. President Reagan himself admitted going for the gold. He said that back in I am proud as an American to come that he was an optimist and he be- the 1980s. He came to the job with one forward and to salute an American lieved that this Nation had an opti- President, and to be able to join the underlying goal, and that was freedom. mistic future, and so he was always millions of Americans mourning the Freedom for you, Mr. Speaker, and peo- able to rise to the occasion and share passing of President Ronald Reagan ple all over the world, much to the words of encouragement. President and celebrate his service to the people same challenges that we have today; Reagan always stressed that America of the United States and his leadership the freedom in Bosnia, in Kosovo, in is a ‘‘can do’’ country. I would say to in promoting the cause of freedom for Afghanistan and in Iraq, and with the you that we Democrats agree. We can all of the people of the world. United Nations signing a resolution Protest has its place, protest is good and will get back on the right track, today following in suit much as Ronald in life, but protest has no place in largely through his legacy of integrity Reagan guided us through troublesome death, and so this opportunity is to ac- and hard work. With strong leadership times when he was President. knowledge the principles by which this and a real commitment to confronting Ronald Reagan restored the economy President lived and stood for during his the problems facing American families, of a double-digital inflation, interest Presidency. The love that President we can improve upon our weaknesses. rates the same thing. He gave this Na- Reagan had for this Nation was infec- Optimism, the true challenge for all tion tax relief, much as President Ken- tious to the point that it reflected on Americans, something President nedy and President Bush. He increased everyone who listened to him, here in Reagan has left as his legacy. the coffers by three times the amount. America and abroad. He once said, ‘‘The house we hope to Unfortunately, it was Congress that Even when his actions did not agree build is not for my generation but for spent a lot of that money. with the policies and initiatives of yours. It is your future that matters. He followed his pledge to restore our many of us who wear a different polit- And I hope that when you are my age, military. Ronald Reagan believed in ical hat, he maintained himself with you will be able to say as I have been peace through strength, and I think it integrity and engaged in honest and able to say, we lived in freedom, we showed through. He eliminated an en- open debate. We have heard repeatedly lived lives that were a statement, not tire class of nuclear weapons. He is re- over these last couple of days that de- an apology.’’ sponsible for bringing down the Berlin spite partisan disagreements, former It was interesting to hear over these Wall, ended the Cold War, and chal- President Reagan followed the tenet last couple of days the number of lenged governments to have a new way that at 5 p.m., we are no longer Demo- young people, then young people, who of life to bring freedom to their people, crats or Republicans; rather, we are were amazed that they had the oppor- also a task that we face today in this Americans, families and friends. tunity to work in President Reagan’s body and in this Nation. I am reminded of the stories told administration. Sixty-nine years old For his imprint on history, for his about he and Speaker of the House Tip when he took office, it seemed that he legacy which will be felt for genera- O’Neill, who shared in their Irish herit- gravitated toward young people. Now tions to come, this Nation owes Presi- age a bit of good conversation and being able to recite their wonderful ex- dent Reagan and Nancy Reagan a debt maybe a little bit of drink. periences again, a tribute to a man who of gratitude. had a great history. The President’s many legacies. b 2015 We will always remember him as the Navy’s newest nuclear carrier, the USS The differences may have been real; man who tore the Iron Curtain down. Ronald Reagan, will reside in San but because of the way President He did it with a kind of leadership and Diego. That aircraft carrier will travel Reagan led, he taught us that there is integrity but sternness and all over the world, much as Ronald a big difference between strong beliefs determinedness. I will simply say no Reagan did, and serves as a symbol of and bitter partisanship. As the Com- one will ever forget him challenging the respect and elegance of his family. mander in Chief, he was the voice of Mr. Gorbachev by saying, ‘‘Open this Throughout his political career, Presi- America in imparting both good news gate’’ and, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down dent Reagan always concluded his cam- and bad news. As we mourned the loss this wall.’’ We are better for it. He did paign in San Diego. He called it his of our brave astronauts in the Chal- it with a sternness but also with an at- lucky city. We feel fortunate that he lenger tragedy, it was President titude of peace. considered San Diego so. It is only fit- Reagan who reminded us, ‘‘Nothing I am grateful also for the shining ex- ting that this great new shining city on ends here. Our hopes and our journeys ample of the wonderful relationship be- the hill, San Diego, will be called the continue.’’ We in Texas at that time tween him and his wife Nancy, the home of the USS Ronald Reagan, our appreciated his strong leadership and great love that they shared and the latest and newest nuclear aircraft car- that in fact even in spite of the Chal- fact that they were married for some 52 rier. lenger tragedy at that time, we would years. Might I share with you some Mr. Speaker, we bid Ronald Reagan prevail and we would go forward. words that he wrote in 1983 on their adieu and thank the Reagan family for President Ronald Wilson Reagan was 31st wedding anniversary as he was what they have given to this Nation. an American who will always be re- riding on Air Force One, and might I

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.030 H08PT1 H3800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 commend to you Nancy’s book, ‘‘I Love Despite partisan disagreements, former you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the You, Ronnie,’’ published in 2000, but President Reagan followed the tenet that ‘‘at 5 Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek hear these words. He wrote, ‘‘I more p.m., we are no longer Democrats or Repub- liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. than love you, I’m not whole without licans; rather we are Americans, friends, and Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, you. You are life itself to me. When family.’’ tear down this wall!’’ The speech was made to you are gone I’m waiting for you to re- The differences were real, but because of the free people of West Berlin, but it was turn, so I can start living again.’’ That the way President Reagan led, he taught us clearly audible on the East side of the Wall, is a true testament to the value of that there is a big difference between strong and soon those words would help make it pos- marriage and partnership and they did beliefs and bitter partisanship. sible that the people of East and West Berlin it unabashedly and without fear. As the Commander-in-Chief, he was the could finally hear each other. For all of his Mrs. Reagan wrote in 1989, ‘‘Some of voice of America in imparting both good news achievements and acclaim, I am certain that the reporters who wrote about me felt and bad news. As we mourned the loss of our President Reagan’s greatest accomplishment that our marriage was at least partly brave astronauts in the Challenger tragedy, it will be the demise of the Soviet Union. As an act. But it wasn’t and it isn’t.’’ And was President Reagan who reminded us that Margaret Thatcher said, he was the man who I believe her. ‘‘Nothing ends here; our hopes and our jour- ‘‘won the cold war without firing a shot.’’ Finally, in 1998 she told Vanity Fair neys continue.’’ The world President Reagan faced when he magazine: ‘‘Our relationship is very President Ronald Wilson Reagan was an came in to office in 1981 was very different special. We were very much in love and American icon. He will be forever remembered from the world we see today. Today the still are. When I say my life began with for the warmth and the respect he accorded United States is the unquestioned superpower Ronnie, well, it’s true. It did. I can’t others. Furthermore, our thoughts and prayers of the world, but two decades ago this world imagine life without him.’’ are with Nancy and his children at this difficult was dominated by the struggle between two Mr. Speaker, I started by saying that time. superpowers: the United States and the Soviet is why I cherish this institution, be- Strong beliefs and a love of our country are Union. President Reagan came in to office cause it allows us now to come to- the only way to bring this country forward as with his own vision on how this great struggle gether again, not wearing any partisan we face a costly and difficult war in Iraq, the could be dealt with. He succeeded in main- hat but simply saying that we are largest budget deficit in history, escalating taining the stand-off with the Soviet Union so Americans. I do not know if she would health care costs, and two million jobs lost that the world did not have to witness the con- mind me saying this, but my daughter over the past three years. Strength and lead- sequences of a brutal nuclear war. He fought is now 24, I remember her as a small ership will be required to bring this Nation the Soviet Union indirectly wherever they girl, very small, and she always used to back to the standards by which we have al- sought to threaten the freedom of the world’s refer to Ronald Reagan as the grand- ways been known. people. In Afghanistan he mobilized our allies father. I had to kind of clarify that for We must follow his famous words: ‘‘We and our resources in the region to ensure that her, but it was out of the mouth of a have every right to dream heroic dreams. the Soviet’s would not have a stranglehold on child that described him as such. Those who say that we’re in a time when the continent of Asia. The Reagan Doctrine And so I simply leave you with the there are no heroes, they just don’t know succeeded in a time where grave danger not idea of why we have come today to be where to look.’’—January 20, 1981 only threatened our Nation, but indeed the fate able to honor this American President. President Ronald Reagan always stressed of the world as we know it. It is because he did leave us with a that America is a ‘‘can do’’ country. We Demo- President Reagan used his great commu- sense of optimism and an ability to go crats agree. We can and will get back on the nication skills to help end the Cold War with- forward, to look at the troubles that right track, largely through his legacy of integ- out the necessity of another World War. As we might be facing both to the left and rity and hard work. With strong leadership and with his speech at the Brandenburg Gate, to the right and forward and back but a real commitment to confronting the problems President Reagan inspired people throughout yet to say that we are determined to facing American families, we can improve our the world to believe that freedom and pros- succeed. I would only say that in his weaknesses. perity were indeed possible. passing, let us maintain the legacy of The President once said: ‘‘The house we President Reagan made Americans believe optimism for this country. ‘‘We are the hope to build is not for my generation but for again that our Nation was the greatest on showcase of the future. And it is within yours. It is your future that matters. And I Earth and that we would indeed be victorious. our power to mold that future, this hope that when you are my age, you will be Finally, his words made the leadership of the year and for decades to come. It can be able to say as I have been able to say: We Soviet Union believe that they were fighting as grand and as great as we make it. No lived in freedom. We lived lives that were a from a side of weakness, that the good of our crisis is beyond the capacity of our statement, not an apology.’’ beliefs and our national system would prevail. people to solve, no challenge too So when we return to work next week, I His words were inspirational two decades ago, great,’’ the words of Ronald Reagan on hope this House will be inspired by the leader- but today they have been proven true. The January 5, 1974. ship of Ronald Reagan instead of mired in the Soviet Union no longer threatens our world, With that, Mr. Speaker, I simply say, partisan politics and a lack of integrity that and we must always pay tribute to President farewell, farewell. And though we say have too often affected our work as of late. Reagan for that accomplishment. farewell to a great and wonderful We should be inspired by his patriotism and REAGAN’S RELATIONSHIP WITH WIFE NANCY American President, his legacy will devotion to our country. Moreover, we should At a time when war and bloodshed are one live on that America’s future is found- remember his faith, his optimism, and his un- of the biggest thoughts on the minds of Ameri- ed in our optimism and our belief in wavering commitment to his convictions as we cans, the history of President Reagan’s rela- freedom and democracy and certainly do the work of the American people. tionship with his wife is a refreshing thought this day our understanding that we all THE SOVIET UNION AND THE COLD WAR that has restored a feeling of compassion in are Americans. President Reagan had a calm speaking our hearts. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the voice and forceful diction that earned him the Relationships—whether they be diplomatic, resolution offered by my colleague, Represent- title of ‘‘the Great Communicator.’’ This task spousal, or plantonic, have not been placed in ative LEWIS of California, to mourn the passing was surely the work of a leader of fortitude the greatest light as of late in America. We of President Ronald Reagan and to celebrate and commitment to the betterment of our dip- have been marred by accounts of human his service to the people of the United States lomatic relations with that Nation. rights abuse and other examples of a dis- and his leadership in promoting the cause of Mr. Reagan’s efforts and tenacity contrib- regard for the rights and personhood of our freedom for all the people of the world. uted greatly to the end of the Cold War. His neighbors. The love that President Reagan had for this policies included strong support of the U.S. In contrast, the relationship between Ronald Nation was infectious to the point that it re- military and the doctrine of ‘‘peace through and Nancy Reagan was one of the greatest flected on everyone who listened to him—here strength.’’ love stories in U.S. presidential history. The in America and abroad. Even when his actions In a few days it will be exactly seventeen two were utterly devoted to each other, and did not agree with the policies and initiatives years to the day that President Reagan stood Nancy was said to have been a key adviser of my Democratic colleagues, he maintained at the Brandenburg Gate in what was then and confidante during her husband’s two-term himself with integrity and engaged in honest West Berlin, Germany, in which he famously presidency from 1981 to 1989. Though they and open debate. proclaimed: ‘‘General Secretary Gorbachev, if were married 52 years, Nancy has told with

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:32 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.032 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3801 great pain how her husband did not recognize were back in the 1950s when I was yet Mr. ISRAEL. I thank my friend from her during the final years of his struggle with in grammar school, and I observed him Texas for yielding me this time. Alzheimer’s disease. as he hosted the ‘‘General Electric The- Mr. Speaker, I rise in joining my col- Nancy, who was herself a Hollywood starlet ater.’’ And then again I remember him leagues on both sides of the aisle in in the 1940s and ’50s, said it was virtually love just after graduating from high school mourning the loss of President Reagan. at first sight when she met Mr. Reagan in in 1964 when he campaigned and he I did not agree with the President on 1949 when he was president of the Screen spoke out for Barry Goldwater. Ronald every issue, but there were three val- Actors’ Guild. President Reagan left messages Reagan stood for ideals that simply ues that he exuded which I do share of love for his wife at the White House and were not being expressed anyplace else. deeply: first, a respect for the demo- wrote a constant stream of love letters; some The appropriately named Reagan cratic process and the building of con- were published in Nancy’s book ‘‘I Love You, Revolution was precisely that. He was sensus to move us forward and to make Ronnie,’’ published in 2000. No matter where one of the main reasons I ran for polit- us safer; secondly, a fundamental belief he was in the world, he made sure he wrote ical office. In the late 1970s, we heard in a strong military and a strong de- to his wife. our leaders talk about lowering expec- fense; and, third, as we have heard be- In 1983, on the 31st anniversary of their tations and the good times are over fore, a boundless optimism about wedding, the President was on Air Force One and that our Nation is in a, quote, gen- America’s capacity and our potential when he wrote: ‘‘I more than love you, I’m not eral malaise. This was mirrored in high and our role in making the world safe whole without you. You are life itself to me. inflation that reached 10 to 12 percent, for democracy. When you are gone I’m waiting for you to re- unemployment rates that were over 10 I never had the privilege of person- turn, so I can start living again.’’ percent or more, and a prime interest ally meeting President Reagan, but I At official engagements, including even his rate that reached as high as 21.5 per- did work here in Congress during his swearing-in, the couple sometimes embar- cent. administration for a former Member of rassed their staff by just gazing at each other. But then in stepped Ronald Reagan Congress, and I have a sense that even In her 1989 autobiography, Mrs. Reagan saying America could do better and tonight, President Reagan and former wrote: ‘‘Some of the reporters who wrote America would do better. When Ronald Speaker Tip O’Neill are looking down about me felt that our marriage was at least Reagan said it, you believed it. His vi- upon this House with rather wry and partly an act. But it wasn’t, and it isn’t.’’ Fi- sion of the shining city on the hill gave proud smiles wishing us the best as we nally, in 1998 she told Vanity Fair magazine: hope to countless millions of Ameri- join together, as they join together to ‘‘Our relationship is very special. We were cans. Back then I, as a small business move our country not to the left, not very much in love and still are. When I say my owner who grew up on a ranch, the to the right but forward, and they life began with Ronnie, well, it’s true. It did. I American dream appeared endangered guide us not from the left, not from the can’t imagine life without him.’’ by high taxes and big government. In right, they guide us from above. CONCLUSION California, property taxes were dou- Several months ago, I had the privi- Mr. Speaker, again, I support Mr. LEWIS’ bling and tripling. With Ronald lege of participating in an issues forum resolution saluting a leader whose influence Reagan, there was someone we could in New York with Ronald Reagan, Jr. and positive legacy will live on with not only rally around. His hope, his direction, Tonight my thoughts and prayers are the American people but the entire inter- and his moral clarity gave us all re- with him and the entire Reagan family national community. Thank you, Mr. President, newed energy. Ronald Reagan had the as they mourn the loss of a father and and may you rest in peace. May your family great ability to say what so many of us a husband and as America mourns the find strength and courage through these very were thinking, what we were thinking loss of a President. difficult days. about our national budget, about our Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- I conclude now by reciting some of Presi- national defense, about taxes; and, yes, er, it is my privilege to yield 5 minutes dent Reagan’s spirited words to us as Ameri- about a better America. to the gentleman from California (Mr. cans: The first time I ever met Ronald DREIER), chairman of the Committee The house we hope to build is not for my Reagan was in 1980 when I was running on Rules. generation but for yours. It is your future for the State Assembly in California (Mr. DREIER asked and was given that matters. And I hope that when you are and I journeyed to Simi Valley to get permission to revise and extend his re- my age, you will be able to say as I have my picture taken with him. I can re- marks.) been able to say: We lived in freedom. We member growing up hearing my mother Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, let me say lived lives that were a statement, not an talking about President Franklin Roo- at the outset I think it is extraor- apology. dinarily appropriate that the gen- The challenge of statesmanship is to have sevelt, how she would listen to Presi- the vision to dream of a better, safer world dent Roosevelt on the radio during the tleman, the former mayor of Simi, and the courage, persistence, and patience to Great Depression and during World California, the home of the Ronald turn that dream into reality.—March 8, 1985 War II. President Roosevelt gave hope Reagan Library and what will be the We have every right to dream heroic to her generation. Ronald Reagan was final resting place for Nancy and Ron- dreams. Those who say that we’re in a time to my generation what FDR was to my ald Reagan, is presiding over this insti- when there are no heroes, they just don’t parents. tution at this moment. I would also know where to look.—January 20, 1981 In Congress I had the privilege to like to thank my friend, the true dean We are the showcase of the future. And it is within our power to mold that future—this meet Ronald Reagan six or seven of our California congressional delega- year and for decades to come. It can be as times. Just being around President tion, for yielding me this time. grand and as great as we make it. No crisis Reagan was inspiring. He lit up the A generation was inspired by Ronald is beyond the capacity of our people to solve; room. To those of us who believed Reagan is what we have been hearing, no challenge too great.—January 5, 1974 strongly in the American dream, in but it was really a generation and then Again, farewell, Mr. President. May your op- traditional values and the Judeo-Chris- some inspired by Ronald Reagan. The timism live on. tian faith, Ronald Reagan was indeed a gentleman from California (Mr. LEWIS) Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- shining light in the city when there heard Ronald Reagan’s speech in behalf er, the eloquence of our colleagues seemed to be none. His spirit will live of Barry Goldwater in 1964. Two years from both sides of the aisle reflect the on in the hearts of Americans. He was later, Ronald Reagan was elected Gov- best of Ronald Reagan. His leadership truly one of our Nation’s greatest ernor of California, and 2 years after indeed recognized that there was little Presidents. that the gentleman from California partisanship when you were really Ronald Reagan, thank you, thank (Mr. LEWIS) was elected to the Cali- working towards solving problems for you, for all you have done for me. fornia State Assembly, serving 6 of the America’s people. Thank you, thank you, for all you have 8 years that Ronald Reagan was Gov- Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to done for our great Nation. ernor of California. In fact, he is the yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield only Republican Member here who did California (Mr. HERGER). such time as he may consume to the serve while Ronald Reagan was Gov- Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, some of gentleman from New York (Mr. ernor of California. He went on to in- my first impressions of Ronald Reagan ISRAEL). spire many others. I am among them.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:49 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08JN7.031 H08PT1 H3802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 I was pleased this morning to be able looked down there, and there was ev- into law an increase in the debt limit, to include in the RECORD very thought- erything just as I remembered it, the and so he invited me to meet with him. ful remarks that were provided by a south lawn, the rose garden, David Now, mind you, this was the first great American, George Shultz, who Gergen,’’ who was at that moment major piece of legislation of the Sunday afternoon read his statement working for President Bill Clinton. And Reagan administration. In the past, to me and I read it into the RECORD we knew then that even though the prior to President Reagan’s being this morning, and I would like to com- President was obviously not in the elected, Republicans had always op- mend it to my colleagues because it most robust of health, that sparkle posed increasing the debt limit. Repub- talks about the vision and the perspec- continued. He still had that amazing licans had denounced Democrats for tive that Ronald Reagan offered in a wonderful sense of humor. voting to increase the debt limit. So wide range of areas. Ronald Reagan I see my friend from San Diego Mr. here was the first Republican President made it very clear that the Republican Lowery here on the House floor. I was in many years coming to ask conserv- Party is the party of ideas. We con- very pleased to, along with Bill Lowery ative Democrats for support in passing stantly hear about Ronald Reagan and 51 others, be part of the Reagan this very thing into law, something being the Great Communicator, but he Revolution. We came here to the House members of his own party had opposed had a message to communicate. Mem- of Representatives, elected in Novem- on many occasions in the past. bers on both sides of the aisle have ber of 1980, and we made Ronald We had a lengthy talk. The twinkle talked about that message. Reagan an honorary member of our in the eye that many of those who had To me it embraced four very simple class in 1980, and that is because he was known him much better from Cali- points: his commitment to a free econ- leader of the revolution that brought fornia were there, and we finally omy, limited government, a strong na- all of us here and allowed us to vigor- struck a deal. We had an understanding tional defense, and personal freedom. ously pursue those goals that we that if the President could deliver 100 Those are the bases from which Ronald shared in common. votes from Republicans, then we would Reagan made his decisions on public We stand on his shoulders. George W. do our best to deliver the necessary policy issues, but he had those deeply Bush stands on his shoulders. The simi- Democratic votes. President Reagan rooted principles. And because they larities, to me, are so striking. The more than held up his end of the bar- were so deeply rooted, he was able to ‘‘ism’’ that Ronald Reagan stood up to gain. He ultimately delivered 150 Re- communicate them extraordinarily was communism. The ‘‘ism’’ that publican votes. So in the spirit of bi- well. Why? Because it came right from George W. Bush is standing up to is partisanship and on a very tough issue, the heart. It came right from his heart. terrorism. Ronald Reagan had broad, Reagan successfully secured the votes We have heard a lot of very serious across-the-board tax cuts to stimulate he needed, from Democrats and Repub- statements made about Ronald economic growth. That is exactly what licans, and got the increase in the debt Reagan; but, of course, one of the most we have done. He did it in 1981. George limit, just as he and we needed it. memorable things as people talked W. Bush has started it in 2001. The I was proud to have several opportu- about his ability to communicate was party of ideas is strong and vibrant. It nities to work with the President in his ability to communicate with that is doing extraordinarily well, and it is the months and years ahead to build amazing sparkle, that twinkle in his the vision that Ronald Reagan put for- bipartisan coalitions, especially on his eye. There were some wonderful things ward. economic agenda. I still proudly dis- that he said that were able to, in fact, And I thank my friend for taking this play a picture in my home in Abilene, break the ice and really entertain all of time, and I thank my colleagues on the Texas, of President Reagan signing the us. Remember, it was Ronald Reagan other side of the aisle who are joining 1981 tax bill. I got one of the pens and who said, ‘‘Hard work never killed any- in this very important recognition of one I treasure. body, but I figured, why take the one of our Nation’s greatest leaders. Reagan had very strong principles chance?’’ It was Ronald Reagan who Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield and very strong values. We know what after he had been hit by that bullet, myself such time as I may consume. they were. But he also understood that right up Constitution here at the Mr. Speaker, it is not just nostalgia in order to govern, it was important to Washington Hilton when the statement that makes us remember President find a middle ground. And I was lucky was made to him shortly thereafter Ronald Reagan especially so fondly enough to be in the middle of many of that the government was working as upon the occasion of his death. Poli- those compromises. usual and he looked up and said, ‘‘Why tics, ideology, geography aside, there is One of his greatest strengths was his would that make me happy?’’ a mark of leadership and charisma ability to communicate, a skill that he which undeniably stamps some men used to great effect when courting b 2030 and women. votes in Congress. His courting of There was, of course, his last speech Ronald Reagan was one of those men Members of Congress was the best of which really stuck with me. It was on whose leadership was felt by all who any President I have served with, and I February 3 of 1994, and the Republican encountered him. When President have now been privileged to serve with National Committee was having a din- Reagan first came to office, he quickly five. If the Members can imagine a sec- ner over here at the Pension Building, understood that enacting his economic ond-termer sitting in the Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan was obviously quite agenda would require bipartisan sup- Room in the White House talking elderly then, and the speech was deliv- port in Congress, which was under about some issues with the President’s ered literally months before he wrote Democratic control, 242–192 and 1 ab- Cabinet members and others and hav- his famous letter in November of that sent. It took 52 bipartisan votes to ing the President walk in unannounced year to the American people stating enact anything, and President Reagan and put his hands on his shoulder; some that he had Alzheimer’s. So when he understood that. telephone calls that we had many stood up at this meeting, I remember I met with the President on several times when there was a vote and the that Bill Clinton had been elected occasions as he sought to build that bi- President had to work the phones like President of the United States the year partisan coalition to pass his legisla- no President that I have seen since, before, and we as Republicans were tion. I met with President Reagan one rounding up the votes, and he was very gathering, we were poised to win our on one in the Oval Office as well as in effective at doing that. majority, and Ronald Reagan stood up Air Force One, and for a second-termer President Reagan’s private and pub- without a great deal of strength as he in 1981 that was pretty tall cotton for a lic demeanors was the same. What one got up for this speech. Jones County cotton farmer. saw was what one got. That is the He stepped up to the lectern, and he In 1981, I was just in my second term mark of a great leader. looked out at the audience, and he and was a member of the conservative Ronald Reagan was a very decent said, ‘‘Well, I flew into town today to Democratic forum better known as the man, and he understood how he could give this speech this evening, and as we Boll Weevils, the precursor to today’s use his office to make a difference in came in, we circled the White House, Blue Dogs. In the very first month countless lives. This aspect of his per- and as I looked out the window, I Reagan was in office, he had to pass sonality was always very clear to me

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.034 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3803 because it was this decency, this under- viet President Mikhail Gorbachev to a positive way, not to dominate, but, in standing of the power of the office that ‘‘tear down this wall.’’ Then, as per- fact, to liberate, I think that is the leg- gave me the most rewarding oppor- haps now, critics did what they so acy that Mr. Reagan would want. tunity I had to work with President often do. They cast aside the genuine- And if I can take a personal liberty Reagan. ness of his statement and, in fact, said on behalf of Mrs. Reagan, I believe that The context was very personal. In that his speech was a publicity ploy. continuing to look for a cure to the May of 1983, I was contacted by the The Soviets and East Germans called it terrible illness that plagued President grandfather of Ashley Bailey, a baby an infringement of East German sov- Reagan for his last 10 years of life and girl in Abilene, Texas, who needed a ereignty, an unwarranted meddling by promote and continue stem cell re- liver transplant to survive. At that the American President. search consistent with what this body time organ donations and organ trans- Two years later the wall came down. has passed would also be a tremendous plants were not as common as now, and Mr. Speaker, President Reagan was a addition to the Reagan legacy. leader with the foresight and strong the organ donation system was not or- b 2045 ganized to the extent it is today. conviction to get things done. He be- I spoke to President Reagan’s folks lieved in America so much that he I am determined to work for both of about it to ask for his help in getting made America believe in itself again. these, and I ask this body to take those the baby girl a new liver. Shortly after He valued freedom, especially for those steps to free those who were not freed receiving my letter, President Reagan who had none. He understood that for under President Reagan, and to com- used his weekly radio address to pub- America to be great, it first had to be mit itself to the research to end the licize Ashley’s situation and encourage good. He understood that America’s terrible illness that the Reagan family all Americans to fill out organ donor problems, the malaise of the years pre- has suffered under for 10 long years. cards. He also called Ashley’s mother, ceding his Presidency, were simply Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Annette. America’s not understanding how great er, it is my privilege to yield 4 minutes Unfortunately, the President’s plea it was and how great it could be. to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania did not result in finding a liver in time Mr. Speaker, I was just a soldier dur- (Ms. HART). to save Baby Ashley, but it did end up ing the period leading up to Mr. Rea- Ms. HART. Mr. Speaker, I thank the saving the lives of dozens of other ba- gan’s becoming President Reagan, but I gentleman from California for allowing bies who needed liver transplants. was a businessman starting a business me to mix in with the Californians to- President Reagan later started a na- from scratch when President Reagan night. tional organ donor awareness program, came to office, and I recognized over- I think like most of us, we all have which led to the designation of Na- night that this was a special time to be our own different, but very similar, in- tional Organ Donation Awareness an American, a time when we had a spirations from President Reagan. I Week every April. To this day I con- President who was saying that an first heard about Ronald Reagan prob- sider this one of the highlights of my 25 American hero was somebody who took ably around the dinner table when I years in Congress. chances, who made a difference for the was a kid when he was Governor of Reagan knew how to disagree with- world, but particularly somebody who California and when he first decided to out being disagreeable, rise above poli- cared enough to work those extra run for President. But I had grown up tics, and these qualities, unfortu- hours and to care enough about his in an era that was pretty difficult. I nately, are rare today. President country. grew up thinking assassinations were Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill, Ronald Reagan knew America. He normal, remembering the assassina- the Massachusetts liberal, were good knew what was right about our Nation. tions of Martin Luther King and Rob- friends who got along very well during What was right about our Nation and ert Kennedy; that government corrup- their years of service together. They what was right about America would tion was normal, remembering Water- never lost their philosophical convic- set the world in a better direction. gate; and that a failure of government tions, and they never let those philo- Ronald Reagan led America, and the to properly serve its people was nor- sophical convictions hijack their un- rest of the world became a freer place. mal. Very high inflation, for example. derstanding that America’s democracy Under his leadership we headed toward But I remember also the things that requires respect for all opinions and a more than 400 million people in 27 my dad and my mom and my grand- practical determination to work out countries finding a freedom they did father, who was an immigrant, told me our differences for the good of the not have. Today the soldiers of some of about America. They were patriotic country. those democracies now fight side by people. Ronald Reagan was a patriotic President Reagan spoke of hope and a side in Iraq and Afghanistan. man. And I heard his message, and it better tomorrow. He reminded us that President Reagan showed us that our resonated with me, because it was we live in the greatest country in the freedom and our determination can something that I had always heard at world, and he made us believe it and tear down walls. home, but, unfortunately, had not seen believe in ourselves. He believed that Many Speakers will come here to- much in practice in government. I be- we, as Americans, had a special duty to night, and they will talk of how pro- came interested, and, as I guess some- promote peace and freedom for the rest foundly President Reagan affected what of a precocious seventh-grader, of the world. He always told us that for them, and I would be no different, but wrote an editorial in my middle school America, the best was yet to come. perhaps I can be slightly different to- newspaper supporting Ronald Reagan It is good for all of us to remember night by saying that the only way to for President. He did not win that Ronald Reagan’s optimism, his kind- honor President Reagan’s legacy is to time, but it was not because I did not heartedness, and his cordiality. As we take it to the next step. Today we are try. But that legacy and what he stood remember this great man this week, it trying to do that for people in the Arab for stuck with me. would do us good to remember how we and Muslim world, and we have not fin- My family paid attention. I was very should behave today and in the future. ished that job. Today Communist fortunate. Our normal dinner conversa- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of China still denies rights to the people tion often dealt with politics. So when my time. of its own country and is attempting to I turned 18 in 1980, Ronald Reagan was Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- stifle the freedom and independence of running for President, and I volun- er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman Hong Kong. Today Cuba, to our south, teered. I found out that politics is a from California (Mr. ISSA). is still a Communist nation, having lit- means of achieving a greater good and (Mr. ISSA asked and was given per- tle or no respect for the rule of law and could be respected. I was hooked. He mission to revise and extend his re- for its people. showed for us the America that we all marks.) All of these and more need to be part knew could exist. It was the America Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, on this sec- of the American struggle because, Mr. that my parents believed in. It was the ond week of June, 17 years ago, Presi- Speaker, only if we determine that America we knew we could get back. dent Ronald Reagan stood in the then- America’s greatness will be in our will- Ronald Reagan said, it is not my in- divided city of Berlin and called on So- ingness to set a course for the world in tention to do away with government, it

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.036 H08PT1 H3804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 is rather to make it work. Make it I know that I have had a lot of occa- Reagan’s beloved ‘‘Ranch in the Sky.’’ work with us, not over us; to stand by sions to visit with him. Jim Baker was The home reflects the man. It does not our side, not ride on our back. Govern- in his Cabinet at that time, and Jim feel like a museum; quite the opposite, ment can and must provide oppor- and I had been longtime friends when I with Nancy’s and his TV trays still tunity, not smother it. It must foster was 10 years in the Texas Senate. I standing by their respective recliners, productivity, not stifle it. Government knew Jim Baker, Hines Baker, Rex both facing the old black-and-white is to walk with us. That is the most Baker and all of his folks. That gave television. It seems they have just gone important thing, and it is important me access to President Reagan. George out for an afternoon ride and will re- because it is the American dream. Bush, I had been a Navy pilot with turn at any moment. After 10 years of volunteering on George Bush. He was his Vice Presi- At purchase the ranch was a mere 600 campaigns, and after Ronald Reagan dent, so I had access to the President, square feet. Reagan labored diligently was elected that first time, through and I enjoyed that access, enjoyed vis- with his own hands to remodel and ex- law school, through the private prac- its with him over there. pand it. Even so, the only grand thing tice of law, it led me to take part in One time I went in and the President about it is the natural surroundings. the process in a big way, to dream big said, Congressman HALL, what would it Asked once to explain the ranch’s al- dreams, and to take some risks. So at take to get you to vote for my budget most magnetic appeal for him, Reagan 28 I ran for the State senate, unseated cuts? I said, well, Mr. President, I have replied with a quote from Psalms: ‘‘I an incumbent, and had the opportunity a brother that always wanted to be a look to the hills from whence cometh to pursue the same dream. Federal judge. He said, well, that my strength.’’ Ronald Reagan said America is too should not be any problem. He turned Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret great for small dreams. There are to George Bush and he turned to Jim Thatcher, and Queen Elizabeth were many of us here in Congress today who Baker and said, can you get one of among the notables that he hosted agree with him. Let us in government Ralph’s brothers, can you get him ap- there. Gorbachev is said to have been remember him and his legacy and act proved by the Senate and go through disappointed by the humble ranch, on that legacy. confirmation there? They said, I think knowing the lavish palaces of European Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- we can. I said, well, wait just a minute, leaders. However, it is fitting that the er, I could not feel more strongly than Mr. President; he is not a lawyer. And place at which Reagan felt most at I do about the gentlewoman’s remarks. the President got a big kick out of ease disarmed the world’s dignitaries. Indeed, one of the wonderful things that. He never really forgot that. Any He always related best with the com- that has happened in recent years in time he would see me out in a group, mon man, yet he was far from ordi- the House is the advent of young he would come shake hands with me. nary. To the contrary, he lived an ex- women like this stepping up to the But he liked me. Sometimes he really traordinary life which had a profound plate, running for Congress, and mak- could not think of my name, but he impact on the landscape of our Nation ing a big difference in the People’s would say, how is your brother. He and the greater span of human history. House. liked my brother because he was not a He left us on the eve of the 60th anni- It is my honor, Mr. Speaker, to yield lawyer. versary of the D-Day liberation, and al- such time as he may consume to the I just think that this country is most 20 years ago to the day of one of gentleman from Texas (Mr. HALL). stronger today and this country is his most beloved speeches on the cliffs Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I came to great today because of the gifts of Ron- overlooking the beaches of Normandy. the United States Congress in 1981, the ald Reagan, for the time he gave us, for Looking out at faces wizened by time, same year President Reagan was sworn the honesty that he brought to the of- calling them the ‘‘boys of Point du in as our President. I examined the fice, for the common man background Hoc,’’ Reagan offered a compelling pic- brochures that he ran on and looked at that he had, that he understood frailty ture of how these young men, free- the brochures that I ran on, and I found of men and women and their need for dom’s army, struck a death knell to them to be almost identical: jobs and help. the nazism and fascism which had a security, and jobs meant dignity; a I am honored to have known him. I stranglehold on formerly-free Europe. strong military; a concern for the un- am very lucky to have been a friend of He extended this same moral clarity born; strong second amendment rights. Ronald Reagan. to the great conflict of his day, pos- All of those things we totally agreed Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- sessing a steadfast commitment not upon. At that time I was a Democrat. I er, we appreciate the comments of our just to containing communism, but to was a member of the Boll Weevils and colleague from Texas. I am reminded of transcend it, and transcend it he did. the Conservative Democratic Forum. that tragic day when Ronald Reagan, Bursting on the national political We have heard others speak here be- shortly after he became President in scene during the 1964 Presidential cam- fore us tonight and know of the respect March of 1981, and the assassination at- paign with his now famed ‘‘A Time For and admiration that we all had for tempt took place. As they rolled him Choosing’’ speech, he spoke to a di- President Reagan. I had the pleasure of on a gurney into the emergency room, vided and searching Nation: ‘‘You and I going out to Camp David with him and he looked up and said to his wife, I have a rendezvous with destiny. We spent times and hours, and had the op- guess I forgot to duck, honey. Ronald will preserve for our children this, the portunity for discussions, and we dis- Reagan, a man who was always ready last best hope of man on Earth, or we cussed everything from the problems of to try to calm down the other person will sentence them to take the first the day to his times in the movies. He and make sure they felt okay, our step into a thousand years of darkness. was a good, down-to-Earth guy that President. If we fail, at least let our children and you could talk to. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to our children’s children say of us, we I just know that he knew of our yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from justified our brief moment here. We did needs. He knew that our military had Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE), the chair- all that could be done.’’ atrophied away. He knew that we need- man of the Committee on Agriculture. These words reflected his eternal op- ed to have an injection there, and that Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I timism not just in America, this great United Airlines could employ one of thank the gentleman from California experiment in self-governance, but in our pilots the minute they graduated (Chairman LEWIS) for yielding me this Americans. and had spent their time. He knew that time and for undertaking this great op- In 1979, we were in the throes of a na- the enlisted men, 35 percent of them portunity to honor President Reagan. tionwide recession, the Soviets had in- were eligible for food stamps, and he Asked in 1980 what Americans saw in vaded Afghanistan, and the hostage knew something had to be done there. him, Ronald Reagan replied, ‘‘Would crisis in Iran dominated the nightly I think he is responsible for the strong you laugh if I told you that I think news. Yet Reagan saw us as a ‘‘shining position that we have, the strong fi- maybe they see themselves?’’ Mr. city on a hill,’’ the hope of the world. nancial position we have, the strong Speaker, hardly would we laugh. Reflecting on his death, may we find geopolitical position we have in the A few years ago I had an opportunity consolation in his own words spoken to world. to visit Rancho del Cielo, President a grieving Nation in the wake of the

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.038 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3805 Challenger disaster, whose crew per- became close friends, think of that, your confidence in us is leading us in ished on his watch. They, and now he, two enemies became close friends, the right direction today. We salute has ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of Earth Gorbachev was heard to say, Who your great accomplishments. to touch the face of God.’’ would have thought it. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- In his farewell address from the Oval Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman Office, a place where he refused to re- minutes to my colleague, the gen- from New York (Mr. BOEHLERT). move his suit jacket out of a humble tleman from Florida (Mr. WELDON). (Mr. BOEHLERT asked and was given respect for the post he held, Reagan de- Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- permission to revise and extend his re- scribed how he envisioned the shining er, I was a young intern in 1984. I had marks.) city he had invoked countless times. been through medical school and col- Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, earlier He went on to observe this of his time lege and had not really followed poli- today I joined my colleagues in voting in office: ‘‘We weren’t just marking tics much, but I was rotating through for a resolution expressing the pro- time. We made a difference. We made the cardiologist service. And I remem- found regret and sorrow of the House of the city stronger, we made the city ber asking one of our attendees who he Representatives on the death of Ronald freer, and we left her in good hands. All was going to vote for in the 1984 elec- W. Reagan, former President of the in all, not bad, not bad at all.’’ tion. Ronald Reagan was running United States of America. I did not ‘‘Not bad’’ reflects the modesty of against Walter Mondale. He said he was cast that vote as one Member of this, the man, but not the magnitude of his voting for Ronald Reagan because he the people’s House, nor as a accomplishments. In rebuilding the had a wife and three kids at home and Congressperson for 654,000 New Yorkers military and facing down the tyranny the tax cuts that Reagan had put who it is my privilege to represent here of communism, calling the Soviet through were putting about $200 a in our Nation’s capital. Rather, that Union the evil empire that it was, and month more in his pocket. And it was vote reflected the profound regret and calling on President Gorbachev, calling just making it easier for him to take sorrow felt far beyond the borders of upon him to tear down the Berlin Wall, care of his family. one district, one State, one Nation. in restoring our faith in the free enter- I had not followed politics much, but It is illustrative of the sincere senti- prise system through cutting taxes and I was very much impressed by Rick ment of a world community in collec- encouraging innovation, and, most im- Monsor’s comments and began to read tive mourning. President Reagan was portantly, in raising our spirits, he more and more about the policies of so much more than a head of state. He made us proud to be Americans. Ronald Reagan. And over time I came was an inspiration to all whose lives he to realize, like millions of other Ameri- 2100 touched, not just by his words, which b cans, that his economic policies had He set this Nation on a new course reached across the great divides that been reducing taxes on Americans, ac- separate people, but by his deeds which that still inspires us today. We have a tually had precipitated a great eco- right to dream great dreams, he said, always sought to bring people together nomic recovery. It had resulted in a in common cause. because after all, we are Americans. doubling of revenue into the Federal The President’s noble achievements, Yes, Mr. President, we do see ourselves Treasury, a dramatic reduction in un- and there were so many, have been and in you. We still dream great dreams of employment. It was essentially the will continue to be chronicled by histo- freedom and opportunity around the right economic policy. And it is an eco- rians for time immemorial. world. And I am honored to pay tribute nomic policy that we still follow to So many of my colleagues who pre- tonight to President Reagan, the great- this day. est President of the last century. Of course, Ronald Reagan is most ceded and those who will follow have Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I yield well known for ending the Cold War, been and will be eloquent in their trib- myself such time as I may consume. precipitating the break up of the So- utes to the lasting legacy of this great Mr. Speaker, tonight, certainly, our viet Union, and allowing millions of man, and deservedly so. For my part, I prayers go out to Nancy Reagan and to people in Eastern Europe to taste free- simply want to add a listing of the the Reagan family. And in the true dom, freedom of speech, freedom of re- words which come immediately to spirit of the character that has been ligion, freedom of assembly for the mind when recalling President Reagan: exemplified over and over by those that first time in their lives. Millions of words like integrity, conviction, honor, have known President Reagan tonight, people besides those of us here in faith, grace, dignity, friendship, I yield the balance of my time to my America were positively affected by humor, values, honest, humble. The classmate and the gentleman from the policies of Ronald Reagan. list of positives in the life of this man California (Mr. LEWIS) to use in what- But what is most dear to my heart of principle and character is endless. ever manner he might see fit tonight. about Ronald Reagan was his indefati- To President Reagan and his beloved Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- gable optimism, belief in the power of partner, Nancy, who was always at his er, I yield myself such time as I may American ingenuity, the American side and in his heart, I am but one of so consume. spirit, the can-do attitude. At the time many who say a heart felt thank you Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate that he took office, we were facing, as for leading by example and serving so my colleague from Texas joining with many of us know, terrible problems many so well for so long. You will al- us in this discussion this evening of with inflation and a declining economy ways be an inspiration and you will al- perhaps America’s greatest President, and as well our defenses were in de- ways be in our thoughts and prayers. Ronald Reagan. In his words, Ronald cline. It was not only his policies that Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Reagan said, ‘‘Some argue that we moved us in a positive direction but his er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman should encourage democratic change attitudes and beliefs that lifted our Na- from Texas (Mr. BARTON). and right-wing dictatorships but not in tion and helped us to move on to better (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and communist regimes. Well,’’ he said, ‘‘to things. was given permission to revise and ex- accept this preposterous notion, as And he once said the following, tend his remarks.) some well-meaning people have, is to ‘‘Whatever else history may say about Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, invite the argument that once coun- me when I’m gone, I hope it will record I was driving down to Corpus Christi tries achieve a nuclear capability, they that I appealed to your best hopes, not last Saturday afternoon with my wife, should be allowed an undisturbed reign your worst fears; to your confidence Terry, and her daughter Lindsey and of terror over their own citizens. We re- rather than your doubts. My dream is her cousin Jackie and Terry’s family ject this, of course.’’ that you will travel the road ahead for a brief family vacation when my As Ronald Reagan rebuilt America, with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps staffer Andy Black called me on the his defense budget designed to re- and opportunity’s arm steadying your telephone and said, Have you heard the strengthen our country’s ability to de- way.’’ news that President Reagan died this fend itself, he stared down the Evil Em- President Reagan, your desire has be- afternoon? And I said no, I have not pire and negotiated a nuclear arms come a reality. You did appeal to our heard that, but we immediately treaty with Gorbachev. As two enemies best hopes and not our worst fears. And switched on the radio; and sure enough,

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.040 H08PT1 H3806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 there was a news bulletin from Cali- the Caribbean. Their largest export sessment of the legacy of Ronald fornia that President Reagan had crop is sugar. It would really help my Reagan. Conservative commentators passed away. job as Secretary of State if you allowed will credit him with the fall of the And so as we continued to drive down more sugar to come into the United former Soviet Union, new approaches to Corpus, I began to reminisce about States. And the President said, Thank to the economy, especially with tax the President. My mind went back to you, Mr. Secretary. cutting strategies. And, in large meas- the late 1970s when this country was He said, Is there any other discus- ure, the rise of today’s Republican mired in recession and interest rates sion? The rest of the Cabinet just sat Party can trace its roots to his leader- were sky high and we had hostages in there. The President said, Well, what ship. His was a strong voice for the Iran and there was a spirit of pes- we ought to do is take American wheat conservative perspective from cor- simism that America could not be and Caribbean sugar and create cookies porate spokesperson to the governor- great anymore. And Governor Reagan and create a cookie export, cookies for ship of our country’s largest State, to came out of California and announced peace program maybe, to the Third two terms as our President. for the Presidency and said that there World. The Cabinet chuckled about was hope, that not only could we be that; but he said, Really, I have heard b 2115 great again, but we would be great what is best for the State Department again. And that inspired me to cam- and I have heard what is best for the There were, of course, areas of policy paign for him to be President of the Agriculture Department, now I want disagreement, some of which I had United States in the 1980 election. you gentlemen to tell me what is best strong feelings about. There were also And the night that he won in Novem- for America. And there were no cam- areas of mistakes, blunders for which ber of 1980, I dusted off an old White eras and he really said that. President Reagan characteristically House Fellows application and changed And I just was absolutely inspired and clearly assumed personal responsi- the date and signed it and mailed it in. when he said it. I was sitting directly bility. White House Fellows is a program that across from him behind Vice President Balanced commentary will spotlight takes young men and women from all Bush. Of course, I had been told I could his pragmatic approaches as Governor over the country and puts them in po- not say anything, but when the Presi- and President; his ability to reach sitions to observe the workings of the dent said that, Gentlemen tell me what across party lines, to listen, to work, Federal Government either in the is best for America, it kind of jumped to add a human touch. There was his White House or in the Cabinet agen- out from me, I said, Right. That is why willingness to protect the economy and cies. The year that I applied there were I voted for you. And, of course, the Sec- work with moderates, for instance, in about 1,600 applications, and I was for- retary of Energy was aghast that I had both parties, even to the point of sig- tunate enough to be one of like 15 or 16 said something. But the President nificant tax increases when he was that got selected. looked over and he looked around the faced with spiraling budget deficits and I worked in the Department of En- Vice President, he looked at me with a felt that it was important for our coun- ergy as a White House Fellow for Sec- twinkle in his eye, did not say any- try. retary of Energy James P. Edwards. thing, he just smiled. And I knew then I personally am content for history The spring of 1982 the Secretary called that that is why the American people and the passage of time to sharpen the me into his office and said, Joe, I am trusted him, because he wanted to do focus and place his entire career in per- going over to the White House this whatever the issue was, what was right spective, but I am thinking this afternoon for a Cabinet meeting. Would for America. evening of how he became a leader and you like to go with me? I said, Mr. Sec- So when I finished my White House a symbol in his last years as he made retary I would love to go with you. He Fellows program, I went back to Texas. a stark admission that he suffered from said, There is one thing: you cannot And in 1984, John Tower announced Alzheimer’s disease. His wife Nancy be- say anything. You can only sit in the that he was not going to run for the came a champion in this great struggle back of the room and listen. So I said, U.S. Senate, and Congressman Phil to help lead the fight against Alz- I promise. Gramm of the 6th district announced heimer’s. So we went over to the White House, that he was going to run for the Senate At a time when there are some who and they walked us into the Cabinet and Joe Barton announced that he was would put ideology ahead of meeting room, and I was seated directly behind going to run for the 6th district as a the needs of victims and families, Vice President Bush, who was seated Republican. Because I wanted to be a Nancy Reagan stood tall and spoke out directly across from President Reagan. part of the Reagan revolution in Wash- forcefully on the needs and benefits of The President came in from the Oval ington. stem cell research. Because of the af- Office and shook hands with his Cabi- I was very fortunate that I got elect- fection for President Reagan and the net, and he reached over and got a ed that year. I primarily got elected strength of Nancy Reagan, millions handful of jelly beans out of a jar in because my entire campaign was will someday be spared this suffering. the middle of the cabinet table and ate Reagan-Gramm-Barton. And when peo- My personal memory of President the jelly beans and asked if anybody ple went to vote for President Reagan Reagan will be dominated by his al- wanted them. and Senator Gramm, they also voted Then he said, Gentlemen, what is the most magic ability to reach out and for me. touch the American people. Along with agenda for the day? And a Cabinet Sec- So now as a senior member of the Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy, retary said it is the Caribbean Basin majority in the House of Representa- Ronald Reagan stands out as someone initiative and what to do about sugar tives, I simply hope that I can do what who could truly communicate with the quotas. The Secretary of Agriculture little I can to help foster the Reagan American people. Would that the Jack Block raised his hand, he said, vision for America, which is always do American public today would be able to Mr. President, you have tasked me to what is right for America. hear his calm, confident, friendly try to help the American farmers and Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- voice. we are doing the best that we can, but er, I appreciate my colleague yielding sugar prices are low in the world mar- his time back, and now we know why He has earned our respect and our ket. And I think it would be disastrous he is chairman of the Committee on thanks. The American people send for American farmers if you let more Energy and Commerce. their condolences and best wishes to sugar into our country. And the Presi- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the Mrs. Reagan and the entire family. dent said, Thank you, Mr. Secretary. gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Then the Secretary of State, I think BLUMENAUER). er, it is my honor to yield 3 minutes to it was General Haig, raised his hand Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. and said, Mr. President, I am the Sec- appreciate the gentleman’s courtesy in OSBORNE), my favorite coach. retary of State and you have tasked me permitting me to speak this evening. Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank with creating this Caribbean initiative As we observe the news, we have the gentleman for providing so many of to help the emerging democracies in commentators rushing to give an as- us with this opportunity.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.043 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3807 I would like to express my apprecia- of the evil empire of the Soviet Union, was easily recognized. A fellow kept tion to President Reagan for his adher- I deeply thank President Reagan for re- inching close to him on the street ence to principle rather than to expedi- storing our Nation’s confidence and our wanting to say hello. Reagan saw him, ency; for standing firm against Amer- hope. looked over, reached out his hand and ica’s enemies when so many urged con- God bless you, Ronald Reagan, and said hello. The man said, ‘‘May I have tainment and conciliation; for dis- may God continue to bless the America your autograph, Mr. Milland?’’ Reagan playing a sense of humor when events whose spirit of eternal optimism you wrote Ray Milland on his paper and were grim; for being decent when inde- helped renew. walked on. Michael Deaver said, ‘‘Why cency was so common; for realizing Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- didn’t you tell him who you were?’’ that an offensive strategy is superior er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes Reagan said, ‘‘I know who I am. He to defense when confronted by grave to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. wanted to meet Ray Milland.’’ danger; for restoring a troubled econ- LINDER). That was pure Ronald Reagan. He omy by putting more resources in the Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, I thank was not interested in making sure a people’s hands and less in the govern- the gentleman for yielding me the stranger knew of his importance. He ment’s hands; for promoting optimism time. cared about making this one stranger when many were discouraged; for his On an October evening in 1975, before happy. capacity to disagree without being dis- he announced that he would seek the Four years later he was President. He agreeable; for his willingness to reach Republican nomination for President, faced a military where one-third of our out to members of both parties in unit- Ronald Reagan addressed the 20th fleet was in dry dock, one-third of our ing, rather than dividing, this country; birthday celebration of The National planes could not fly for lack of spare for showing kindness in the face of hos- Review. It was an uplifting and humor- parts. Our soldiers were practicing tility; for communicating so clearly ous speech until the end, when he som- with pretend bullets. The economy had with words from his own heart and berly quoted Whittaker Chambers. Two a 21 percent interest rate and a 14 per- mind, written by his own hands; for in- decades earlier, Chambers had written, cent inflation rate, and we were in spiring courage in others through his ‘‘It is idle to talk of preventing the trouble. own courage; and finally, for displaying wreck of Western civilization, it is al- On January 20, 1981, President trust in God, rather than human insti- ready a wreck from within. That is Reagan addressed these challenges and tutions, through an unwavering faith why we can do little more now than then said this: ‘‘. . . together, with in God’s sovereignty and mercy. snatch a fingernail of a saint from the God’s help, we can and will resolve the Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- wrack, or a handful of ashes from the problems which now confront us. er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes fagots, and bury them secretly in a ‘‘And, after all, why shouldn’t we be- to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. flower pot against that day, ages lieve that? We are Americans.’’ GINGREY). hence, when a few men begin again to Over the next 8 years, his economic (Mr. GINGREY asked and was given dare to believe that there once was policies took an economy from $2.5 tril- permission to revise and extend his re- something else, that something else is lion to $5 trillion. Revenues to the Fed- marks.) thinkable, and need some evidence of eral Treasury went from $519 billion to Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Speaker, I thank what it was, and the fortifying knowl- $1.054 trillion. We created 20 million the gentleman from California for edge that there were those who, at the new jobs, and on the foreign front yielding me the time. great nightfall, took loving thought to Reagan was the first President since Mr. Speaker, I am humble to be one preserve the tokens of hope and truth.’’ 1917 to ignore the bureaucracy and of the many Americans from all across Chambers spent 13 years in the serv- speak truth to evil. Eight years later our Nation who are paying tribute to ice of the Soviet Union as a spy. He al- President Ronald Reagan this week. the evil empire was crumbling, and the Members of Congress, including my- ways believed that the world was en- Cold War was over. self, came to this floor in February to gaged in a battle between the two great I always thought that the biggest celebrate President Reagan’s 93rd religions, communism and freedom. He missed opportunity of the past 60 years birthday, but it is with a sad heart to- believed that communism could not was to not have celebrated the end of night that we come to the floor of the survive in a world where people be- the Cold War. Ronald Reagan deserved House of Representatives to eulogize lieved in a higher power. Freedom, on that, and now he takes his leave. one of our greatest Presidents. the other hand, could not survive in a It has been a very difficult decade for It was appropriate that Ronald world where people did not. A nascent Mrs. Reagan and the family, but for Reagan, a small-town American from faith took hold in Chambers, and in those of us who love freedom, we re- Dixon, Illinois, would make a career 1937 he left communism for freedom. As member a man who dared to believe and a home in California, would rep- he did so, he told his wife that he that there once was something else, resent the very best of American life. feared they were moving to the losing that something else was thinkable. He As Governor of California, President side. gave us evidence of what it was in the Reagan became adept at representing This is what Ronald Reagan was fortifying knowledge that he would be the diverse nature of our country and thinking of in October of 1975. Com- there at the great nightfall to take lov- cared deeply for all Americans. munism was ascendant, and free people ing thought to preserve the tokens of As he is laid to rest, Ronald Reagan’s were losing their confidence, becoming hope and truth, and he was there. Not legacy for America will carry on eter- fearful and timid of the future, and a bad final act for a B actor from nally in the annals of history. Not over the following 4 years, the Soviet Dixon, not bad at all. since Lincoln and Roosevelt has one Union increased its influence in 14 sov- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- man touched the core of what it means ereign nations around the globe. er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman to be an American: Through unity and I was privileged to travel in his cam- from South Carolina (Mr. WILSON). strength, we can achieve peace; and paign plane in 1976 when he was in the Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. through self-determination, responsi- Southeast, and in several meetings Speaker, I would like to thank the gen- bility and character, we can live the thereafter, with large numbers of peo- tleman from California (Mr. LEWIS) for American dream. ple or small numbers of people, he al- his leadership tonight to pay tribute to Ronald Reagan restored faith in ways spoke less than anyone else in the the Gipper, President Ronald Reagan. America during one of our darkest room, enjoyed watching others have it Mr. Speaker, the world is grieving hours of self-doubt. He gave us hope out, and indeed, the next day he may this week over the loss of a true Amer- and promise when we needed it most. not have remembered the name of ev- ican hero, President Ronald Wilson Reagan’s true legacy is the restoration eryone in the room, but he never forgot Reagan. Words cannot describe the ad- of the dream that is America. Even who he was. He never forgot who he miration and respect that I have for with his passing, Reagan’s sense of was. this great man. He led a revolution for hope and strength lives on. Michael Deaver tells a wonderful free enterprise, for victory of democ- As someone who has been inspired by story about walking on a street with racy over communism and for national his leadership and courage in the face Ronald Reagan in 1978. By this time, he political realignment.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.045 H08PT1 H3808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 For many Americans in mourning, racies and American allies. The people and, indeed, that struggle is bound to including myself, Ronald Reagan was I have met over the years from last for years to come. It was the leg- not just a good President, he was our Bratislava, Slovakia, to Novosibirsk, acy of Ronald Reagan that laid the President. He defined the honor and Russia, regard President Reagan as foundation for America to best be pre- dignity of the office of the Presidency, their own hero, a man who was pared to defend itself for liberty and and he lifted the spirit of a Nation with unafraid to tell the truth about the for freedom. his hope and joyfulness that sprang evil empire. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to from an abiding faith in God and deep- While we mourn his passing, Presi- yield 5 minutes to my colleague, the ly held belief in the American dream. dent Ronald Reagan will never be for- gentleman from California (Mr. CAL- I am grateful to have lived the gotten. Children will read for centuries VERT). Reagan revolution as a foot soldier pro- to come about the ‘‘Happy Warrior’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. moting his vision of a dynamic econ- who helped liberate tens of millions BURGESS). The gentleman from Cali- omy, creating jobs through tax cuts from totalitarian communism and re- fornia has 2 minutes remaining of his and free markets, his support of Amer- stored America’s position in the world original time. ica’s military to achieve success in lib- as ‘‘the shining city on a hill.’’ Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- erating millions by victory in the Cold er, pursuant to the order of the House b 2130 War, and his transformation of devel- today and as the designee of the major- oping the Republican Party which Democracy is more widespread today ity leader, I request an additional hour today holds the majority of State legis- in the world than any time in history of debate on the resolution. lative seats across America for the due to President Reagan’s success of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- first time since 1952. He reinvigorated peace through strength. tleman from California (Mr. LEWIS) is the Republican Party with optimism We cannot help but be reminded of recognized for an additional 1 hour. and vision. his legacy as America faces similar The gentleman from California (Mr. He entered office during a time of battles today against the oppression of CALVERT) is recognized for 5 minutes. doubt and despair and malaise, with terrorism, and his critics deride our Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the economy sputtering in a looming President, much as they did President my good friend from California, our Cold War that threatened our families. Reagan 20 years ago. America is under dean, Chairman Lewis, our able chair- With these seemingly insurmountable attack because we are a symbol of lib- man of the Subcommittee on Defense, problems he faced, many critics under- erty in the world, and we must meet for yielding me this time. estimated the former California Gov- this challenge with the same courage Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay trib- ernor. Yet President Reagan brought and conviction that Ronald Reagan ute to one of the greatest Presidents in with him his conservative principles of had. the history of our Nation, Ronald Wil- individual freedom, limited govern- As he said in the 1964 Goldwater cam- son Reagan, the 40th President of the ment, personal responsibility, and paign in what has simply become United States. peace through strength. He also known as ‘‘the speech’’ and was earlier He was a leader when our country brought an optimism that America’s referenced by Chairman Lewis, ‘‘You needed it most, at a time when many greatest days were ahead of us. and I have a rendezvous with destiny. Americans, including myself, had found Proving all of his detractors wrong, We will preserve for our children this, ourselves disaffected by politics. His President Reagan won the Cold War, the last best hope of man on earth, or optimism gave our Nation the con- spurred the economy to robust growth we will sentence them to take the last fidence and motivation to resume its and restored our national confidence step into a thousand years of dark- place as a world leader. and patriotism. As author and former ness.’’ I well remember the 1970s after Presi- Presidential staffer Peter Robinson May God bless the Reagan family, dent Nixon’s resignation and the pes- said recently, ‘‘Ronald Reagan was God bless our troops, and may God con- simism that followed, when many great, because Ronald Reagan was tinue to bless America. Americans disassociated themselves right.’’ Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- from public service. Ronald Reagan His straightforward speeches began er, I yield myself such time as I may came onto the Presidential scene and to change minds across America, and consume. reminded us that the ‘‘best was yet to many became Reagan Democrats. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman come,’’ that we are not to blame for Today in my home State, Republicans from South Carolina (Mr. WILSON) very the world’s problems; and yet, as a hold most statewide offices, a complete much for those very eloquent com- great Nation, we had a place of respon- turnaround that has occurred through- ments. I am reminded of the fact that sibility and a role to play. out the South thanks to the leadership in very simple form, Ronald Reagan President Reagan believed, as our of Ronald Reagan. challenged the world on behalf of lib- Declaration of Independence states, all He started a revolution where in 1980 erty, on behalf of peace. He had this re- men are created equal, that they are Republicans in South Carolina held markable relationship that developed endowed by their creator with certain only 16 seats in the statehouse, and over time with Mikhail Gorbachev. unalienable rights, life, liberty and the now there is a Republican super- After he described the Evil Empire in pursuit of happiness. Additionally, he majority of 76 out of 124 members. In straightforward terms, they began to knew better than most that strength the State senate, Republicans soared communicate as leaders of two great comes from within, from the people. from three members in 1980 to now a countries. Indeed, together over time Therefore, first and foremost, Reagan supermajority of 27 of 46 members. they reduced the nuclear threat by used his first term as President to For 2 years I was honored to work in coming to agreement with one another. bring these rights back to Americans the Reagan administration as Deputy It has been said earlier, but let me starting with what was then known as General Counsel to the Secretary of repeat the words of Ronald Reagan: Reaganomics. Energy Jim Edwards. I am a proud ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if He sought to restore America to the Reagan alumni association member, you seek prosperity for the Soviet people by giving them back control of and in 1990, because of his efforts to Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek their pocketbooks. Uncle Sam was put win the Cold War and bring freedom to the liberalization, come here to this on a diet of lower taxes, sound money the oppressed people of the Soviet gate, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, and fewer regulations, allowing us the Union, I was asked by former Repub- tear down this wall.’’ benefits of hard work. By the time that lican National Committee Chairman And indeed, within a couple of years, Reagan left office, only two income Lee Atwater to observe the first demo- that wall came down. The East-West brackets existed, with a top rate of 28 cratic elections in Bulgaria. confrontation began to thaw; and be- percent, compared to the 14 income I saw firsthand the Reagan legacy of tween these two leaders, the world has brackets, with the top rate of 70 per- peace and freedom, as Central and seen a different kind of opportunity for cent, that existed when he took office. Eastern Europe rose from the ashes of peace. Today we face the challenge Additionally, government was scaled communism to become strong democ- that involves the war on terrorism; back and red tape eliminated, allowing

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.047 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3809 Americans to take care of themselves. Thank you, Mr. President, and God quote: ‘‘It is the Soviet Union that As Reagan was apt to say. ‘‘Govern- bless Ronald Reagan. runs against the tide of history. It is ment is not the solution to our prob- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- the march of freedom and democracy lem; government is the problem.’’ er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman which will leave Marxism-Leninism on He saw the rebuilding of America’s from North Carolina (Mr. HAYES). the ash heap of history, as it has left military. After years of low morale and (Mr. HAYES asked and was given other tyrannies which stifle the free- interest in the armed services, Presi- permission to revise and extend his re- dom and muzzle self-expression of the dent Reagan made a return to the pre- marks.) people.’’ Vietnam days of faith and professional Mr. HAYES. Mr. Speaker, first let me No truer words have been spoken. I appeal in our military. As Commander thank my dear friend and colleague, believed it then, and I believe it now. in Chief, he oversaw the largest peace- the gentleman from California (Mr. We all saw Reagan’s words validated time buildup of military spending in LEWIS), for his leadership tonight in when the Soviet Union fell apart short- history, leading to the collapse of the honoring such a wonderful man. Presi- ly after President Reagan left office. Soviet Union and the end of the Cold dent Ronald Reagan was a good man Finally, even when facing a dev- War. His revolutionary policies regard- who became a great President. His astating diagnosis, President Reagan ing investment in military technology, leadership has inspired me throughout still delivered the news with his typical good training, and pay laid the founda- my career in public service, as I am optimism for America and his belief for tion for a strong military that later sure Reagan inspired many folks pres- the American people. On November 5, claimed victory in Operation Desert ently serving in the public arena. 1994, he wrote a letter to the American Storm and continues to protect our na- One of my favorite Ronald Reagan people announcing that he had Alz- tional security well into the 21st cen- quotes comes from his 1986 State of the heimer’s disease: ‘‘In closing, let me tury and, now, in the war on terror. Union address, and I quote: ‘‘Govern- thank you, the American people, for Ronald Reagan lived a life worth liv- ment growing beyond our consent had giving me the great honor of allowing ing. He saw both the birth and death of become a lumbering giant, slamming me to serve as your President. When Communism. He won the hearts of shut the gates of opportunity, threat- the Lord calls me home, whenever that Americans and world leaders. How? He ening to crush the very roots of our day may be, I will leave with the great- believed in peace through strength, and freedom. What brought America back? est love for this country of ours and he lived his convictions based on expe- The American people brought us back, eternal optimism for its future. I now rience, intuition, and love of life. with quiet courage and common sense; begin the journey that will lead me I will end with one of my favorite with undying faith that in this Nation into the sunset of my life. I know that quotes: ‘‘Above all, we must realize under God the future will be ours, for for America there will always be a that no arsenal, no weapon in the arse- the future belongs to the free.’’ bright dawn ahead.’’ nal of the world is so formidable as the That is one of my favorite Reagan I do believe that the United States will and moral courage of free men and quotes for a number of reasons. First, does face a bright dawn. And President women.’’ it addresses one of the main reasons I Reagan and his leadership can take a Thank you, President Reagan. May switched parties. Like President large part of the credit for that fact. God bless you and your family, and Reagan, I began my career not as a Re- While I am saddened that President may God bless America. publican but as a Democrat; and, like Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Reagan is no longer with us, I rejoice Reagan, I switched parties because I er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman knowing that he has met his maker, felt that ‘‘big government was slam- from Indiana (Mr. CHOCOLA). and his maker is looking him in the Mr. CHOCOLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank ming shut the gates of opportunity, eye and saying, President Reagan, the the gentleman for yielding me this threatening to crush the very roots of Gipper, you are a good and faithful time, and I join my colleagues tonight our freedom.’’ servant. and rise in tribute to a great man, Ronald Reagan’s conservative prin- He is now in a far better place. He is President Ronald Reagan. ciples, put into successful action, looking down on the country and the In 1980, I turned 18, and the first per- changed our Nation’s attitude on the people that he loved. May God bless son I ever voted for was Ronald role of government and personal re- and protect America and the vision Reagan. With that vote, the world sponsibility. Without President that was Ronald Reagan’s for us and changed. It changed because President Reagan, there would not have been a our future; that the freedom belong to Reagan clearly understood that the bipartisan effort to reform welfare and the free. greatest strength of this Nation is the end that vicious cycle of government Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- American people. He believed in us so dependency. er, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman much that he inspired us to believe in The other thing I like about this from California (Mr. HUNTER), the ourselves. quote is that it reveals so much about chairman of the Committee on Armed And in his typical humble fashion, the character of Ronald Reagan: his Services, and I understand that some- during his last speech from the Oval unbridled optimism, his belief in the where in the building his son and his Office, he said, ‘‘I wasn’t a great com- American people, and his humbleness. son’s bride are wandering around. His municator, but I communicated great He was too humble to take sole credit son, Sam, was not born when the gen- things, and they didn’t spring full for the United States’ return to great- tleman came to these Chambers, so be- bloom from my brow; they came from ness, even though had his measures cause of family relations and other- the heart of a great Nation.’’ failed he would have assumed the wise, I now yield to him. Mr. Speaker, President Reagan cap- blame. Instead, he gave the credit to Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank tured the hearts of the American peo- the American people, because he be- the gentleman from California (Mr. ple and he unleashed the power, the lieved in the American people. LEWIS) for yielding me this time, and I hope, and the optimism that comes One of his favorite quotes was: want to thank my great friend also for with a sincere understanding and love ‘‘There is no limit to what you can ac- not only helping to preside over this of freedom and democracy. President complish if you don’t care who gets the special tribute, but for everything that Reagan changed the world by simply credit.’’ And he lived that quote on a he did in helping to lead the California reminding us all of exactly who we are. daily basis. delegation to be a source of strength He inspired us to become the Nation we One of the other things I admired for President Reagan when he put forth were all along. He always saw the shin- about Ronald Reagan was his steadfast those monumental changes in the di- ing city on the hill, and he gave us the determination to stand up to com- rection of our government. vision to see it with him. munist aggression. Even though he I have listened to his statements and Although we deeply mourn his pass- knew such a determined view may not just now to the statement of the gen- ing, Ronald Reagan’s life was a gift to be popular, he never backed away from tleman from North Carolina (Mr. the world, a gift that will never be for- his firm belief that communism was HAYES), and many others, in talking gotten by all who love freedom and the wrong. In 1982, speaking before the about this wonderful American, Ronald shining example he gave us. British Parliament, Reagan said, and I Reagan; and I thought I might just

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.048 H08PT1 H3810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 touch on a couple of the things he did Ronald Reagan had that brought so years in the California lower house for in the way of national security. many people, attracted so many peo- the assembly, and Ronald Reagan was We have short memories, Mr. Speak- ple, even people of very different polit- then Governor of California. He came er; and President Reagan was not al- ical persuasion. into this room, and here were 41 mem- ways popular, especially with the My son Sam was not even born in bers of the new majority sitting there media and often with our European al- those days when we first came in. I re- in front of him. He is sitting at a table lies. I can remember in the 1980s, when member the picture of the cowboy that in front of us, his legs dangling from he responded to the Soviet Union’s the President drew for my other son the table, he has argyle socks on. ringing Western Europe with the SS–20 Duncan, who is now a United States He said, I was trying to think about missiles and he started to move those marine and deployed overseas. what I should say to you all. We have Persian missiles and ground launch I think the one thing that this Presi- not had a majority before. We have to cruise missiles into Europe to offset dent sold in boatloads was inspiration. govern, he said, and he said, it is pos- the Soviet strength of their strategic He was great at inspiration. He realized sible from time to time we may dis- programs and their intermediate range a little secret, and that is this country agree with each other as we go about ballistic missiles that they were mov- runs on inspiration. Whether it is the making decisions on public policy. ing in. And there were massive dem- markets or the economy or people de- As I was thinking about what to say onstrations against Ronald Reagan and ciding whether or not they are going to to you, I was reminded of my father-in- against those who supported him in join the uniformed services, inspiration law, who is a dentist. It seems he had Europe and lots of sniping by the press is the fuel that this country runs on, this fellow sitting in the chair, and the in this country. and that is something that Ronald guy had an abscessed tooth which had Reagan had an endless supply of. to come out. And my father-in-law b 2145 He was tough during the tough times. began to put this needle in his jaw. And yet because of that strength and You have to have good endurance to be About that time my father-in-law felt because he rebuilt national security, a good President, and he had great en- kind of a groping at the lower part of the Russians at one point, especially durance. He was able to handle the dif- his abdomen. He looked down startled, after the Reykjavik summit when he ficult times, the times when he was not and the fellow looked back up and said, refused to give up the Strategic De- real popular, and outlast his critics. It we are not going to hurt each other, fense Initiative, that is missile defense, has been kind of fun in the last couple are we, Doc? the right of Americans to defend them- of days to watch people who criticized For those who knew Ronald Reagan, selves against incoming ballistic mis- him very severely to seem now to re- he would get just to the edge of color, siles, after he did that, there was lots member that he was not such a bad guy but nonetheless, he knew how to make of hand-wringing among the elite after all. Not only was he not such a a point to bring people together in a media and lots of our European allies bad guy, but he brought this country very special way; a man never to be who said, there it goes, the last chance together as a family. He was, of course, forgotten, recognizing how important for peace, and lo and behold, the Rus- the head of the family. it is that we work together. sians picked up the phone and said, can It is a time for us to mourn this Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the we talk? President, but also to celebrate his gentleman from Texas (Mr. Ronald Reagan at that point started great life and the big piece of this life HENSARLING). to negotiate with the Soviet Union, that he gave to our Nation. I will never Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, this and not just to negotiate a peace, but forget when I was first running for week millions of Americans and people to negotiate the disassembly of the So- Congress, I was practicing law on be- around the globe mourn the loss of one viet empire, the tear-down of the So- half of a barbershop on the waterfront of our Nation’s greatest heroes, Ronald viet empire, which is manifest today in in San Diego. My dad came in and said, Reagan. From the time that he took numerous free states where once there you can be a Member of Congress. He the oath of office until he left the was one state ruled by tyranny. said, Ronald Reagan is running. He is White House, few American Presidents Mr. Speaker, I remember the gen- going to run on a platform of national ever enjoyed the popularity, support tleman from California (Mr. LEWIS) was defense and jobs, and in San Diego that and love that Ronald Reagan engen- present as one of our senior members, is the same thing. I said, what do I dered. He developed a special bond with and the gentleman from California (Mr. need to start running? He said, we need the American people, and one can see HERGER) had not been elected yet, one thing; you need a picture with from the tremendous outpouring of along with the gentleman from Cali- Ronald Reagan, and we are going to go sympathy and support across our great fornia (Mr. THOMAS) and the gentleman up and get it, and we went up and got Nation that that special bond still en- from California (Mr. DREIER), and Bob it in L.A. That launched my foray into dures today. Lagomarsino, and John Rousselot, and politics. So many of us won that year More than any other person, Presi- Chip Pashayan, and my colleague Bill who had no chance of winning because dent Reagan is responsible for winning Lowery, and Bobby Fever, new Repub- we were riding along with a guy named the Cold War. He engaged his Com- licans who had come in in the Reagan Ronald Reagan. munist adversaries in the battle of win of 1980, and the President invited Let us take a message and a lesson ideas and achieved victory by winning us to Blair House. The President in- from this great American and proceed the war for the hearts and minds of vited us to Blair House even while ahead with optimism and with dedica- people. In his heart he knew these peo- President Carter was still in the White tion to the idea that you get peace ple. He knew the Bulgarian student House. We were standing in the foyer, through strength. That was a trade- who was never allowed to read Thomas celebrated this victory of our Com- mark of Ronald Reagan’s foreign pol- Jefferson. He knew the East German mander-in-Chief-to-be because he had icy. I think we are following it with mother who wanted a better life for her not been sworn in yet, and the Presi- this President. I think we need to stay children. He knew the Polish factory dent-elect came down the stairs, and he the course and stay steady. worker who longed to be free of Soviet talked to us about being up on his Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman subjugation. ranch in Santa Barbara and killing an from California (Mr. LEWIS) for letting One 65-year-old Czech who lived especially big rattlesnake the day be- me say a few things. under the Soviet regime said, ‘‘For us, fore while he was cutting brush. We Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Reagan was important because we had a great time talking with the er, I yield myself such time as I may knew he was really anti-Communist, President-elect. After a while he said, I consume. emotionally anti-Communist. For us, am tired, I am going to go upstairs and Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from he was a symbol of the United States’ hit the hay. He said, you guys turn off California (Mr. HUNTER) reminds me of genuine determination to bring com- the lights when you leave. He went another time when Ronald Reagan was munism to an end.’’ right upstairs; we continued to have a trying to bring together Republicans to A Romanian man who was recently good time. That represented that west- form a majority. It was 1969, and there interviewed struggled to find the words ern hospitality, that great charm that was a majority for approximately 2 to describe President Reagan’s legacy,

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.050 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3811 and then he simply said, ‘‘It is due to serve as a reminder. As President Ronald Reagan and what he left to him that we are free.’’ Reagan also said, ‘‘There is much work America and to the world. Ronald Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s deter- before us. Not easy tasks perhaps, but Reagan will always be larger than life mined leadership, untold millions were I would remind you, they are not im- to millions of people around the world liberated from Communist tyranny and possible, because after all, we are who were freed from the shackles of from the palpable fear of nuclear anni- Americans,’’ and perhaps none more so Communism because he stood firm hilation. than Ronald Reagan. against what he so correctly called the America was fortunate to have Ron- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Evil Empire. Ronald Reagan’s deter- ald Reagan. At a time when our coun- er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentle- mination and leadership forced an end try needed a hero, Ronald Reagan was woman from Illinois (Mrs. BIGGERT), to the Cold War. His philosophy of cut- able to rekindle the American spirit. Ronald Reagan’s home State. ting taxes and easing Federal regula- He inspired us with his powerful words Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, unlike tions brought about one of the largest and unwavering optimism. He had a many other Members of this body, I periods of economic growth in Amer- steadfast belief in the goodness of never had the great privilege of serving ican history. And his eternal optimism America. No amount of pessimism, with Ronald Reagan. When President and hope for a brighter day lifted the strife or tragedy could discourage that Reagan was elected in 1980, I was rais- spirits of a Nation. thinking or blur his vision of America ing my four children and running a law Much has been said about Ronald as a ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ practice out of my home in Hinsdale, Reagan’s charisma, quick wit and abil- I was one of perhaps hundreds of Illinois. Back then I did not follow ity to put people at ease. He was also thousands of people that had the privi- world events or political developments blessed with a great asset for anyone in lege to shake the hand of the former like I do now. In those days, it was all public life, a sense of timing. Whether President, look him in the eyes and I could do to keep up with kids’ soccer it was one of his famous one-liners or thank him for all he did for America. games, make it to the school board the ability to do just the right thing at Frankly, next to my marriage and the meetings on time, and ensure that I did the right time, he always seemed to birth of my children, it was one of the not miss a court deadline for an impor- disarm a tough national press corps or most profound moments in my life. An tant client. defuse a difficult political issue. earlier generation was inspired to pub- This week, like most Americans, I Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of lic service by Barry Goldwater. Many revel in the stories that my colleagues witnessing an example of his instinc- in my generation were inspired to serve and others who knew him well have re- tive timing and humor in 1980 in Mis- by Ronald Reagan. counted about their special moments sissippi when then-candidate Ronald A woman in Santa Monica recently Reagan and his wife, Nancy, came to stated, ‘‘When I think of him, I think with our 40th President. Like most Americans, I cannot get enough of the Neshoba County Fair in Philadel- of America. What is that saying, Amer- phia, Mississippi. The Neshoba County ican, like Mom and apple pie. He Ronald Reagan. What strikes me as I think back Fair is called Mississippi’s largest should be in that, too, because he rep- house party and has been the premier resented what this country is all through the years of those Reagan times of the 1980s are two very impor- gathering for political speeches during about.’’ the hot Mississippi summers for more President Reagan was what this tant things. They are the things that than a century. Ronald Reagan’s visit country is all about. He believed in the he said that touched my life and my in- was the first ever by a Presidential American dream. He believed in the terests as a busy mother and a died-in- power of free men and free markets. He the-wool Republican. candidate to this most celebrated po- championed less government, lower First is what later became known as litical event in my home State. One of the issues that had surfaced in taxes and lifting regulation. He be- the Reagan 11th commandment. Ron- Mr. Reagan’s Presidential campaign lieved in our country’s ability to ald Reagan said, and practiced this was the question of his age. He was 69 produce boundless possibilities and principle, ‘‘Speak no ill of a fellow Re- years old. Some questioned whether he limitless opportunity. His policies ush- publican.’’ might be too old for the job. At the ered in a new age of entrepreneurship Second was the Reagan rule for suc- Neshoba County Fair an incident oc- and innovation, and led to one of the cess: ‘‘There is no limit to the good a greatest economic expansions in our man can do in this world if he does not curred which could have potentially ex- Nation’s history. care who gets the credit.’’ aggerated the issue of his age. After We believed in President Reagan be- Mr. Speaker, tonight my thoughts Mr. Reagan’s speech, a local craftsman, cause he believed in us. He always saw and prayers go out to the Reagan fam- Gary Harkins of Mississippi, presented the best in us, and he never stopped be- ily. It is true I never met him, but they Mr. Reagan with a rocking chair. I am lieving in the decency and ingenuity of will never know how much his words, sure some of the candidate’s advisers the American people. He believed deep- his deeds and his common sense have and staff were horrified to think of the ly in the strength of democracy and influenced and will continue to posi- prospect that the one image coming never lost hope of America realizing its tively affect the generations of leaders from this appearance was a picture of ‘‘rendezvous with destiny.’’ that will follow him. the 69-year-old former Governor sitting Our Nation will deeply miss Ronald in a rocking chair. But without hesi- b 2200 Reagan. Undoubtedly future genera- tation, Ronald Reagan sat down in the tions of Americans will remember him Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- chair, grabbed his wife, Nancy, by the among the pantheon of America’s great er, it is my pleasure to yield 5 minutes hand and pulled her onto his lap. They leaders, among the names of Wash- to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. appeared at that moment to be the ington, Jefferson and Lincoln, but WICKER), a member of the Sub- very picture of vitality and energy. there will never be another President committee on Defense of the Com- The widely distributed photograph and Reagan. mittee on Appropriations. film footage which followed went Let us remember his words the way Mr. WICKER. I thank the gentleman around the Nation and nobody seeing he wished to be remembered: ‘‘What- for yielding me this time, and I thank that image thought Ronald Reagan was ever else history may say about me him for controlling the time tonight too old to be President. when I am gone, I hope it will record and affording us the opportunity even Mr. Reagan’s quick thinking prob- that I appealed to your best hopes, not at this hour to pay tribute. ably boosted his candidacy and dis- your worst fears, to your confidence Mr. Speaker, I too rise and join so pelled doubts in the minds of some vot- rather than your doubts. My dream is many of my colleagues on both sides of ers. The incident also changed the life that you will travel the road ahead the aisle in paying tribute to Ronald of Greg Harkins, the craftsman who with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps Wilson Reagan, the 40th President of made the rocking chair and whose and opportunity’s arm steadying your the United States. I agree with so fledgling business was energized by his way.’’ much of what has been said here today short encounter on the national stage. Mr. Speaker, today should serve and throughout the Nation in the past Mr. Harkins soon began receiving hun- more than just a memorial, it should few days about the incredible legacy of dreds of requests for chairs from across

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.052 H08PT1 H3812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 the Nation and around the world. His dled the American spirit and patriotic came from the West and actually kind business is still going strong today fervor in this country. We shall never of showed us the hope and opportunity nearly 25 years later, and Ronald forget the grace and style with which that you heard repeated on this floor Reagan provided the spark for that lit- President and Mrs. Reagan represented over and over and over again. tle bit of business success. Harkins was America. Our country will always re- I can remember as the campaign gen- quoted recently as saying, ‘‘What they member Ronald Reagan. erated momentum in 1980 at UNC, my did was give me a foothold on some- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- fraternity, the Sigma Nu house, got thing that I can be able to carry on for er, I yield such time as he may con- real energized about the campaign and the rest of my life.’’ sume to the gentleman from Tennessee by the convention when they had that Mr. Harkins represents just one (Mr. WAMP). strong conservative Governor from the small example of how Ronald Reagan Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the West team up with maybe the best per- touched the lives of people in ways gentleman for taking the leadership to- son on paper that had run in 100 years, that are hard to quantify. We may not night. The previous speaker, the gen- George Herbert Walker Bush. It was know all of their names or their unique tleman from Virginia (Mr. GOODE), my- like that did it. That sealed the deal. stories, but his fellow citizens gained self, and President Reagan all shared What a great team. And on election inspiration from Ronald Reagan’s lead- one thing in common as many do in night in the fall of 1980 we loaded up in ership and his attitude that it really this House and that is we used to be cars from UNC. It was Lee Ives and was ‘‘morning in America.’’ Democrats and we are Republicans. Tom Nesbit and Tony Floyd and Allen Whether it was a young American an- That brings me to what I want to share Miller and Lyn Thornburg and a group swering a call to public service or be- tonight, which is the change in the po- of us, and we drove to Washington, D.C. coming involved in the growing con- litical landscape brought about by the and we were here that night in 1980 servative movement or simply taking life and service of Ronald Wilson when Ronald Reagan was elected Presi- the initiative to exercise their rights Reagan; but I want to start by saying dent of the United States. and register to vote for the first time, that I believe, and I think this honors I was a Southern conservative Demo- Ronald Reagan energized many Ameri- his memory, that neither party has an crat who became a Republican. Our en- cans to action. They followed him be- exclusive on integrity or ideas, neither tire family shifted from our party iden- cause they trusted this man of prin- party always has it right or always has tification over the hope, the oppor- cipled beliefs and because he captured it wrong and the two-party system con- tunity, the fresh start that Ronald their imagination, and they simply tinues to serve our country extremely Reagan brought to the political proc- liked him. well. ess. That changed the political land- Ronald Reagan, some people said, I am proud of the first half of my life scape in the United States of America, would be limited because he was only when I was a Democrat and proud of and it moved our country from what an actor. He was perhaps the best ex- the second half of my life as a Repub- was more left of center to slightly ample of an actor turned politician; lican, but the story in my life as a right of center. but he ended up being the real thing, Southern conservative Democrat goes The Founding Fathers did not want the true article, the genuine American; way back generations. My father’s things to change dramatically. This is and, Mr. Speaker, I believe he will be great great grandfather, Enoch like a big ship of state. If you turn it recorded as being the greatest Presi- Alldredge, served in the 19th century in one degree, you arrive at a different dent of our time. the Alabama General Assembly for in destination. The country went from Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- excess of 40 years. My mother’s great being left of center to right of center er, before I proceed any further, pursu- uncle Reuben Alldridge served in the over the leadership, the strength and ant to the order of the House of today 20th century in the Alabama General what I would say is the constancy of and as the designee of the majority Assembly for a number of years, both Ronald Reagan. He stood for some- leader, I request an additional hour of very prominent political figures from thing, and he simply articulated to this debate on the resolution. the northern part of Alabama, all as country what he stood for, and he The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Democrats. So I grew up honestly as a never wavered. When people elect a BURGESS). The gentleman is recognized Southern conservative Democrat. President, they want a strong leader for 30 minutes. As a matter of fact, my first real that can make a decision, that will Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- memory of it all as a young person was stand his ground. When the wind blows, er, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman watching my parents be involved in he stands firm. Ronald Reagan did from Virginia (Mr. GOODE). local campaigns and then, in the fall of that. Mr. GOODE. Mr. Speaker, first I 1976, going to Woolen Gym at the Uni- That is why the 8 years is a legacy want to thank the gentleman from versity of North Carolina at Chapel beyond measure. As the previous California for allowing me a couple of Hill as a 19-year-old freshman and vot- speaker said, in our lifetime, the minutes during this period of tribute. ing for Jimmy Carter as President of model, the great leader is Ronald The death of President Reagan re- the United States and then having my Reagan. I salute him. He made a Re- minded Americans and many around parents attend the inaugural in Wash- publican out of me, and I have been in the world of the achievements of his 8 ington here with Franklin and Emmy the House of Representatives as a Re- years in office. A significant part of his Haney, two of the biggest Democrats in publican elected official for 10 years. I legacy is that he helped the United the State of Tennessee and being proud ran once and lost to get here, and I am States to feel good about itself again that my parents were here and saluting proud of the whole story. I am very and the tax cuts that he advocated in the new President, Jimmy Carter. typical of a lot of Southern boll weevil the early 1980s stimulated the eco- But the years that followed in my conservatives that believed in that nomic boom that lasted until the end formative years certainly gave me an simple limited government, personal of the century. opportunity and hope when I saw Ron- responsibility, traditional values, History may well show that Presi- ald Reagan. I saw the malaise we were strong national defense, lower taxes, dent Reagan’s greatest accomplish- in. Let me say that Jimmy Carter has take care of yourself and your family ment was reestablishing our military proven what a fine and outstanding first and your extended family, look to strength and bringing about the col- man he is over these last 24 years since the government last, but do it with a lapse of the Soviet Union, which had leaving office. It was a low point in our smile on your face and love in your been the principal adversary of the free country’s history, but he is a good and heart. He is like a father, a big brother, world in the Cold War that had raged decent man; and frankly I will stand by a great leader who we could trust and since the close of World War II. The that vote as a Democrat at that time, have confidence in. Today we remem- strengthened military was the one that but over those next 4 years at the Uni- ber a truly great American President, waged Desert Storm successfully and versity of North Carolina, we saw a Ronald Wilson Reagan. laid the foundation for the United real low in our country’s history and Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- States military that is leading the war then all of a sudden there was a new er, I yield myself such time as I may on terrorism. President Reagan rekin- day in 1980, and it seemed like someone consume.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.054 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3813 The gentleman from Tennessee, I forth by the waves. Not Reagan. He was dom and experience with us. He stated must say, reminds me a bit of my own like a battleship, always moving for- that ‘‘the future does not belong to the youth, for I was raised in a family ward in its destination, always certain fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.’’ where my father was a Republican, my of victory. I believe he would want us to continue mother was a Democrat. I was some- Though he has now left us, his im- to make this Nation great by pre- what confused. But the gentleman re- pact never will. Every time we see a serving its goodness. He would want us minds me of another thing. I remember free person in a foreign land vote in a to continue in the struggle between as a student at UCLA having the democratic election, Ronald Reagan is right and wrong and good and evil. chance to participate in a pre-Peace there. Every time we see a new job cre- Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan’s life Corps people-to-people program. I was ated through innovation and cre- was a transformed one, one that re- headed with a group of 11 other stu- ativity, Ronald Reagan is there. And flected the light from within, and he dents on our way to India to talk about every time we see an American taking shared that light with all of us in the freedom and hope and opportunity. pride in his country, Ronald Reagan is brightness and warmth of his smile and During that time, I was really con- there. in his grace and good humor. fused myself. Would I become a mem- Ultimately we mourn for ourselves, Mr. Reagan said this of his Savior: ber of one of our great parties, the not for Reagan, for his life was one of ‘‘He promised there will never be a Democratic Party, or would I become a victory. Like few other leaders in his- dark night that does not end, and by member of the Republican Party? It tory, he lived to see his vision vindi- dying for us, Jesus showed how far our was amazing what that summer did. I cated. Just as he had predicted, he saw love should be ready to go: all the made that decision for myself in the communism repudiated and freedom way.’’ Ronald Reagan’s dark nights on summer in India. Why? Because one of spread across the globe. this Earth have ended, and he is at this our great parties was of the view that Ronald Reagan always knew who he moment in the presence of his precious maybe individuals in our society need- was and what he believed. He knew Savior. And now for Mr. Reagan each ed a little help, maybe individual peo- why America was great and why Amer- day has a bright new dawn and a shin- ple could not do it for themselves and ica must lead. We recognize tonight his ing sunset, and while he was here, he government was a requirement. It was achievements and his legacy, but also went all the way. And, Mr. Speaker, if another of the great parties that let us also remember his style and his he could speak to us one last time, I thought the individual was critical, self-deprecating humor. We give him truly believe that he would tell us the made a difference in our future, and if the credit he did not seek or think im- same message that he told us so many you apply your spirit, your talent, your portant. times before when he said, you and I energy within that party, the survival At the end of his Presidency, Reagan have a rendezvous with destiny. We can of the individual was the key. That is was asked if he objected to all the fa- preserve this, the last best hope of how I made my decision. The gen- vorable press coverage that Mikhail mankind on Earth, for our children, or tleman from Tennessee reminded me a Gorbachev got. ‘‘Good Lord, no,’’ we can sentence them to take that lot of that tonight. It is a pleasure to Reagan responded. ‘‘I co-starred with very last step into a thousand years of be with him. Errol Flynn once.’’ darkness. If we do fail, at least let our Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- children and our children’s children er, it is my pleasure to yield such time er, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman say of us that we justified our brief mo- as she may consume to my dear friend, from Arizona (Mr. FRANKS). ment here. We did all that could be the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speak- done. GRANGER). er, tonight it is my deepest heart-felt Thank you, Mr. President, for your Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I am honor to remember and to celebrate life, and thank you for reminding us all tempted to begin by saying that I come the life of Ronald Wilson Reagan. of our rendezvous with destiny. to honor the life of Ronald Reagan; but President Reagan was a man of unfet- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- the truth is nothing I can say, nothing tered principle. He was not afraid to do er, I yield 3 minutes to the gentle- anyone can say can speak more loudly what was right. And not only was he woman from Tennessee (Mrs. than Reagan’s own achievements do. not afraid, he was tenaciously com- BLACKBURN). His legacy will endure and his memory mitted to doing only that that he Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I will remain. thought was right in his own heart. thank the chairman for yielding me Mr. Speaker, President Reagan this time. b 2215 warned us all to beware of the tempta- It is an amazing thing to join our col- Many leaders have changed history. tion to ignore the facts of history and leagues tonight and to thank President Ronald Reagan changed the future. the ‘‘aggressive impulses of any evil Reagan and his family for their decades How soon we forget the environment he empire, to simply call the arms race a of service. And as I have listened to our inherited in 1981, double-digit inflation, giant misunderstanding and thereby colleagues tonight, I thought about the high interest rates at home, and Soviet remove ourselves from the struggle be- first time I had the opportunity to see aggression combined with American tween right and wrong, good and evil.’’ and hear President Reagan, and this malaise abroad. Yet through his con- Mr. Reagan understood that some was back in the early 1970s, and he had viction, his courage, and his commit- things were worth fighting, even dying, come into Jackson, Mississippi, for a ment, Ronald Reagan changed the Na- for, and he was resolute about them in Republican Party event. And I at- tion and the world. his heart. tended that event with my parents and The story of Ronald Reagan is the President Reagan made us all believe was absolutely amazed at several story of America. He was an ordinary that America still had what it takes to things as I listened to and watched man who led a most extraordinary life. be victorious, to rise above and out of Ronald Reagan. It was his warmth, his Born in poverty, Reagan rose to the difficult circumstances, and to face ability to communicate, the way he greatest political office in the world. devastating challenges. He said, used simple words for a very strong Along the way he did not merely argue ‘‘Every promise, every opportunity, is message, one that really showed his for American values, he lived them. His still golden in this land. And through principle and his commitment in those determination was matched only by his that golden door, our children walk still convictions that never ever decency, his leadership equaled only by into tomorrow with the knowledge wavered. his love of country. that no one can be denied the promise And one of the things that really im- He was a great President who was that is America. Her heart is full, her pressed me was that this was a man also a good man, and he was a man so future bright. She has arms big enough who really loved America. He loved ev- unlike any other in politics. Politics is to comfort and strong enough to sup- erything that America stood for. And I filled with people who go with the flow, port.’’ By the grace of God, those words think that it is fitting that we have a change with the times, and exchange are still true today. world that stands in awe today as they principles for polls. These politicians Mr. Speaker, President Reagan on so look back and they remember those are like tugboats, pushed back and many occasions simply shared his wis- commitments in and accomplishments.

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:53 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.057 H08PT1 H3814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity Mr. Speaker, President Reagan was and is Great Depression. Despite these challenges, to return today with some of my col- today the personification of all that is good in he put himself through college by earning a leagues from being in Normandy to cel- America. All that knew him have commented scholarship, washing dishes, waiting tables, all ebrate and to commemorate the 60th on the eternal optimism he exuded, much like while sending some of his earnings home to anniversary of D-Day and the fight for the hope America presents to the rest of the his parents to help support his family. His freedom that was so important to our world. strong character was forged by hard work. allies and also to our Nation, and to He was a beacon of light for freedom and Driven by the belief that all people should have an opportunity to share with so for freedom loving people everywhere. The be able to live freely, Ronald Reagan joined many of those individuals their love of fact is that today there are not hundreds, not the American people and the world community President Ronald Reagan. And I think thousands, but millions of people in the world to rally against the tyrannical oppression of the they all saw in him something that we who live in freedom, and these people are free Axis powers and to defeat Nazism in Europe. appreciated and maybe could not al- because of the leadership of President Ronald United behind the many brave soldiers fighting ways put into words. But he promised a Reagan. He had a vision that set this nation for freedom in Europe and the Pacific, Ronald renewal of American spirit for us, and down a path of greatness that historians shall Reagan volunteered his talents to create in- by sheer willpower, he made that hap- look back on as a vital turning point for not structional videos critical to the training of pen. And I think, yes, that he believed only this country, but indeed the world as well. Army recruits during World War II. A staunch in us more than we believed in our- There is an old military axiom that there are defender of freedom and democracy, Ronald selves as he became the President of no bad battalions only bad leaders. As a cor- Reagan would, after the defeat of the Axis this great country, and he taught us ollary, I propose that there are no great na- powers, turn his attention to vanquishing from how to enact that belief. tions, only great leaders. the world another threat to liberty: Com- He also taught us that tax relief President Reagan was indeed one of this munism. would make our economy boom, and country’s greatest leaders. During the eight Ronald Reagan began his political ascend- that indeed happened with an unprece- years he was President, he turned this country ancy in 1966 during his campaign for Gov- dented economic expansion. He also around militarily, economically and diplomati- ernor of California. He would go on to win the showed us how one could say, I am not cally. And as a result, he stands with many of first of two terms as California’s governor be- going to hide behind diplomatic plati- the great leaders of our country’s past—like fore reaching the White House in 1980. His tudes, and I am not going to allow the George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Frank- conservatism appealed to many across polit- Soviet Union to slowly eat away at the lin Roosevelt, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. ical and cultural lines. We will always remem- What he left most importantly was a legacy West. He simply communicated the ber his optimism and confidence in America’s of optimism and a restored faith in the Amer- truth about communism and exposed it future. ican presidency. In 1984, the year I was elect- for what it was: a cruel system built by From ‘‘sea to shining sea,’’ President ed to Congress, President Reagan said while thugs and murderers. Reagan, recognized the importance and value speaking to students at Fudan University in And President Reagan truly was the of every individual and every community to our Shanghai, China, ‘‘We’re an optimistic people. quintessential American hero, the country’s strength. On two separate occa- Like you, we inherited a vast land of endless small-town boy with the can-do atti- sions, President Reagan visited Guam, Amer- skies, tall mountains, rich fields, and open tude who set out with a dream and ica’s most distant Territory. On these occa- prairies. It made us see the possibilities in ev- ended up changing the world. He had sions, I had the honor of hosting President erything. It made us hopeful.’’ He made us courage, he had wisdom, and he be- Reagan as First Lady of Guam along with my hopeful even in the face of adversity. lieved in the best that there was with Who can forget that cold, grim day the husband Governor Ricky Bordallo, experi- America. God bless, Ronald Reagan. He hours after the Challenger disaster, when our ences I remember fondly. Donning ‘‘island- was a true American original. nation was stunned and weeping? He com- wear’’ rather than more formal business attire, Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- forted us with a poem: President Reagan was approachable and per- er, I yield myself such time as I may ‘‘We will never forget them, nor the last time sonable and put those around him at ease. consume. we saw them this morning, as they prepared His charm and grace left a lasting impression Mr. Speaker, from the days I knew for their journey, and waved goodbye, and on those he came into contact with. He was Ronald Reagan as Governor, and he slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the as genuine and real in person as he was be- was a key leader who sponsored early face of God.’’ hind the podium or in front of the camera. development of child care in our State, And today, we as American people, are He recognized the importance of Guam in recognizing the importance of quality comforted for it is most certain that as he promoting American values in the region, call- daycare in terms of the future of Amer- heads on his final journey, we wave goodbye ing our island ‘‘America’s flagship in the west- ica’s children, the environmental gov- to our fortieth President and he ‘‘slips the surly ern Pacific.’’ President Reagan declared: ‘‘It’s ernor who saved Lake Tahoe, to the bonds of earth to touch the face of God.’’ Well said that it’s here on Guam each morning that days that I had a chance to watch him done, Mr. President. I will miss you and Amer- the Sun first casts its rays upon the Stars and rebuild America’s strength by building ica will miss you, but we will never forget you. Stripes. Well, my friends, I can’t think of a our defense, he always was straight- Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today more beautiful way for America’s day to forward, candid with the American peo- to pay tribute to Ronald Reagan—a beloved begin.’’ While these words are recorded in his- ple. President who changed America and the tory, it is the grace and sincerity with which he And not so long ago he was heard to world. delivered those words that are remembered by say: ‘‘In closing let me thank you, the I first want to express my deepest condo- the people of Guam. American people, for giving me the lences to Former First Lady Nancy Reagan The outpouring of love and affection Presi- great honor of allowing me to serve as and the Reagan family. An entire nation dent Reagan has received from family, friends your President. When the Lord calls shares your sadness over the loss of our and the entire American family is a testament me home, whenever that may be, I will former President; a man of humble beginnings to his life and all of those he touched. Through leave with the greatest love for this who rose to capture our hearts and minds, our courage, clarity and compassion, he led the country of ours and eternal optimism hopes, and our aspirations. people of this great nation and the entire world for its future. I now begin the journey Ronald Reagan embodied the spirit of what from the perils of the Cold War to the hope of that will lead me into the sunset of my it means to be an American. As much as he liberty, freedom and dignity. His spirit will con- life. I know that for America there will was a leader of the people, he was also a tinue to live in the hearts and minds of all of always be a bright dawn ahead.’’ product of the people, which helped him to re- us for whom he dedicated his life of public God bless you, Ronald Reagan. To late with people from all different backgrounds. service. The advent of freedom in the former Nancy and their family, all of us share He was born to a working family in a small Soviet Bloc and the spread of democracy with you our prayers for our great rural town, and brought up to respect tradi- throughout the world will forever be linked to President, Ronald Wilson Reagan. tional values such as family, hard work, God his famous challenge, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear Mr. SAXTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to and country. Blessed with an unmistakably en- down this wall!’’ On behalf of myself and the support this resolution, a fitting tribute to a trepreneurial spirit, he set out to pursue the people of Guam, I want to say ‘‘Adios, esta personal hero of mine, the fortieth President of American Dream. ki.’’ Goodbye until we meet again. these great United States, President Ronald Ronald Reagan lived through and endured Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Ameri- Wilson Reagan. tremendous economic hardship during the cans and people across the world respect and

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:32 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K08JN7.059 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3815 admire Ronald Reagan. My greatest admira- sense of duty inspired several generations of The enemies of the United States never for- tion is for his steadfast opposition to com- Americans to do great things. gave him for his firmness, for his character, for munist threats to our national security and the In life, President Reagan enjoyed the affec- his faith in the people of the United States and security of our allies. tion of a grateful nation. We all join together in the cause of liberty. Even in his death they Many credit Ronald Reagan for winning the to mourn the passing of this great American. continue to attack him. This hatred is evi- Cold War, a bipartisan war begun under Presi- Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the denced by the declaration made by the tyran- dent Truman and lasting forty-five years under life of Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the nical regime in Havana yesterday, ‘‘He, who bipartisan U.S. governments. When President United States. I am proud to be a cosponsor never should have been born, has died.’’ That Reagan spoke out against the evils of com- of Congressman LEWIS’ resolution. Today, Re- monstrous statement illustrates the ultimate munism, as he often did, he spoke out for all publicans and Democrats alike honor in unity evil of the tyrant who has enslaved the Cuban Americans: Republican, Democratic, and Inde- the life of a man who left a permanent mark people for over 45 years. President Reagan pendent. on the history of our nation and the world. knew that Castro, and every Communist tyr- In this long running struggle, President Today we praise the life and accomplish- anny, represents the antithesis of liberty, free- Reagan excelled by working with America’s ments of the Great Communicator, and we dom and human dignity. strong belief in freedom and our patriotic love give our condolences to Nancy, and the entire At home, Ronald Reagan forever changed for our country. Reagan family. President Ronald Reagan was the political landscape of America. He was a He was instrumental in keeping the nation a man who meant much to all free peoples in union leader. In fact, he was the only presi- united against the threat that Soviet com- the world through his many noble accomplish- dent in the history of the United States to have munism posed to our national security, an im- ments. President Reagan’s policies, many of been a union leader. He was also at first a portant and difficult task after the domestic which I disagreed with, were nevertheless mo- member of the Democratic Party, having cam- and foreign policy conflicts of the 1960s and tivated by a commitment to preserve and en- paigned for Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Tru- 1970s. hance our nation’s greatness. I remain firm in man. However, ideas and times change. President Reagan’s ability to lead a united my admiration of this great leader whose intel- When he became a Republican at the age of America, during eight years of bipartisan gov- lectual integrity was always unquestioned. 52, he convinced millions of members of his ernment is conclusive proof that he was a nat- As the oldest serving president in American former party that the superior ideas and the ural leader who knew to treat all Americans history, President Reagan was an inspiration better reforms of our age belonged to the Re- with dignity and respect. The sincerity of his for seniors. He showed us that youthfulness publican Party. Inspired by his leadership and patriotism and his beliefs were crucial for unit- can be found in people of all ages, and that his example, my brother, Congressman MARIO ing America against the threats of com- life does not expire at 65. When President DIAZ-BALART and I proudly became Repub- munism. Any American leader could learn Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dis- licans. from him. ease, he brought awareness and under- May Ronald Wilson Reagan, apostle of free- Reagan was also inspiring for an America standing to an illness that is too often ignored. dom, democracy and human rights, rest in hit by tragedy. His underlying faith in America President Reagan will be remembered for peace. and Americans shone through in a powerful his dedication to the American dream. Al- Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, on this second week speech after the Challenger tragedy. though many Americans may have disagreed of June, 17 years ago, President Ronald He made it clear, when directly addressing with his policies, they were still inspired by his Reagan stood in the then divided city of Ber- the millions of American schoolchildren who enthusiasm and optimism. lin, and called on Soviet leader Mikhail Gorba- had watched the disaster, that tragedy was a President Reagan should be remembered chev to, ‘‘tear down this wall.’’ President Rea- painful setback, but was no reversal. The not just for his role in Washington, but for his gan’s critics at home called his speech a pub- President said on January 28, 1986: ‘‘The fu- hard work in the State of California as well. As licity ploy. The Soviets and East Germans ture doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it be- Governor of California for eight years, he led called it an infringement of East German sov- longs to the brave. The Challenger crew was the state with dedication and commitment to ereignty—unwarranted meddling by the Amer- pulling us into the future, and we’ll continue to his convictions. As an actor, he provided us ican President. Two years later, the wall came follow them.’’ That also applies today. with entertainment in over 50 motion pictures. down. By bringing America to common terms dur- On behalf of myself, the residents of the President Reagan was a leader with fore- ing international tyranny and national tragedy 43rd Congressional District in California, and a sight and strong conviction. He believed in reinforced the strong, shared goals of the grateful world that is safer and freer, I pay America—then he made America believe in American people: to live in freedom, to excel homage to President Ronald Reagan—leader, itself again. He valued freedom—so he in technology, and the belief in something statesman, actor, father, husband and Amer- brought it to those who had none. larger than ourselves. ican hero. Through wise policies, force of will, and a Today we mourn the passing of an Amer- And now, let’s make this resolution ‘‘one for kind demeanor, President Reagan conveyed ican giant. the Gipper.’’ strength and determination alongside reason Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, this weekend Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. and optimism to America and those who marked the passing of one of the most influen- Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who I yearned for freedom behind the Iron Curtain. tial Presidents of our era. Our thoughts and believe to be the greatest President of the He never doubted what America could do— prayers are with his wife, Nancy, and his chil- 20th Century. and he wouldn’t let us doubt ourselves. When dren at this difficult time. President Ronald Reagan succeeded in de- tragedy struck, he told us to move forward— President Reagan was an American icon. feating the most powerful and dangerous mili- and we listened. No matter what your politics, he had a special tary empire in the history of humanity, without Ronald Regan knew America. He knew way of making every citizen feel good about firing a single shot. Reagan knew instinctively what was right about our Nation, what was their country. He made us proud to be Ameri- that, despite the imperfections inherent in right for our Nation, and what America could cans. He will be forever remembered for his every human enterprise, the United States of set right in the world. Ronald Reagan led warmth and the respect he accorded others. America represents good and communism America and the rest of the free world against Even when he disagreed with those who did represents evil. communism. When his work was finished, the not share his political philosophy, President President Reagan never wavered in his con- free world had expanded by over 400 million Reagan lived by the noble ideal that at the viction that freedom is the birthright of all man- people in 27 countries. end of the day, partisanship ended and we are kind. His firm belief that freedom is the inalien- Today, soldiers from these new democ- all fellow Americans and friends. He taught us able right of all people changed the world, and racies fight side by side with Americans that there is a big difference between strong is his most enduring legacy. However he also against the new enemies of freedom in Iraq beliefs and bitter partisanship. realized the liberties we hold sacred must be and Afghanistan. President Reagan showed President Reagan is credited with many constantly protected against the forces of tyr- us that freedom can tear down walls. He re- great accomplishments, not the least of which anny and oppression. President Reagan affirmed for us that America is a force for is ending the Cold War. In spite of all he proved that when one fights for justice, for good in the world, and that our proudest achieved, he once said that the greatest lead- human rights, and for the liberty of those suf- achievements will never come without criticism er is not the one who does great things—it is fering under repression, one must persevere or sacrifice. the one who gets the people to do the great- in spite of the strength of the opposition and I never had the opportunity to meet Ronald est things. Ronald Reagan’s glass was always the apparent magnitude of the obstacles one Reagan, but knew him, like most Americans, half full. His optimism, his patriotism and his must confront. as someone who had faith in our ability to

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:36 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08JN7.023 H08PT1 H3816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 achieve great things for ourselves and the From that day, I knew America was back. compromise, but let us honor Ronald Reagan world. You see many people speak of the Reagan by standing firm, with resolve, in this time of Mr. Speaker, history will remember Ronald Revolution, I like to think of it as the Reagan war. Reagan for bringing freedom to more people restoration. Reagan restored our optimism, our We can do it. Why? As Reagan would say, throughout the world than has ever been done belief in our ability to create, and the belief ‘‘After all, we are Americans.’’ before. The America and the world Ronald that God put man on this earth to be free and Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I Reagan leaves behind is a better place be- made America to prove it. share with my colleagues a poem by Albert cause of him. I was in Washington the day Reagan was Carey Caswell. President Reagan, we still carry the con- shot. I held my breath and was glued to the AND TO THIS END fidence you gave our Nation and will never TV. The humor, strength and courage that And to this end forget what we accomplished together. A were Reagan’s came through and, along with Approach Heaven, our True American Hero grateful Nation thanks you. the rest of America, I laughed when he said . . . America’s finest of all true friends Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ‘‘honey, I forgot to duck.’’ Rest now . . . our Great American Patriot to honor the memory of President Ronald Ronald Reagan changed the paradigm. He . . . as up to Heaven your magnificent Reagan. changed America’s foreign policy from one of soul as so ascends. Ronald Reagan leaves an enduring legacy benign containment to active confrontation and And to this end of character and a dedication to the American for the first time since communism began ex- And oh, what to this our Country you have so been ideal of liberty. His philosophy and values tending its sinister reach, we saw its hand were not political calculation; they were in- With that, your warm smile and that thick pushed back, and that gave us hope. brown hair . . . and what your heart of scribed in his heart. Reagan confronted the evil he saw in the I recognize Ronald Reagan as a true leader gold has so meant. world and he did it without apology. He battled that remained true to American principles of And to this end communism. He armed the resistance in Af- the individual over government, sense of duty The promise, and your gift . . . the pride and ghanistan; he sent troops to Grenada; Leb- the respect . . . believing in us as if toward neighbors, and expansion of freedom. . . . as you’d begin Moreover, Reagan was a man with vision anon; and Pershings to Europe. In a coura- geous move he walked away from negotia- Bringing your Nation back to shore, our sav- on a grand scale. He knew America’s greatest ior . . . rescuing & seeing the light that achievement was spreading democracy tions at Reykjavik. To the cries of the left and chattering classes he held firm to the belief others so ignored. throughout the world. He was resolute in this And to this end endeavor and faced each challenge with both that America never should and never would surrender her right to defend herself. Mikhail Breaking down walls, hearing the children’s vigilance and grace. No American did more to calls . . . wearing your heart on your spread the gift of liberty and respect for Gorbachev has said Reykjavik was the turning sleeve human dignity to people who had never en- point. His strength broke the back of the Sovi- To believe . . . In God and Country, and in joyed them. No American did more to per- ets. all of those things which made us free suade our Nation that the contribution of de- Before the British Parliament, Reagan envis- . . . all in you we see. mocracy and human rights to all is the proper aged that the last pages of communism were And to this end goal of the United States. being written and in those famous words pre- To dream . . . to start from nothing, as it Throughout our history, when evil and iniq- dicted that totalitarianism would be consigned would so seem uity has been the common enemy, Americans to the ‘‘ash heap of history.’’ He was derided. As was yours . . . this The Great American Yet few could know how prophetic his words Dream . . . as is this, our Nation’s have displayed a resolve to create a better greatest of all themes. country and a better world. Ronald Reagan would be, or how fast the fall would come. personified that American trait. Reagan’s serv- In 1989, Soviet citizens voted for the first And to this end Returning and The Pride and The Respect ice is considered recent in history’s timeline, time. Pro-democracy demonstrations were held in Tiananmen Square. Lech Walesa was . . . to America’s greatest of all assets but his character and deeds are a model of Her fighting Women & Men . . . her one true leadership for all time. We need to remember elected president of Poland. Shortly thereafter, fine reason why we all can dream, in our hearts the dedication to higher purpose. the Eastern European Soviet Bloc closed the you’d not let us forget. We are duty-bound to advance each society to door on communism for democracy. In No- And to this end Ronald Reagan’s shining city on the hill. vember, the Berlin Wall was opened and, as As you brought the light, into that battle Thank you Mr. Speaker. I conclude by say- Reagan would have it, an anonymous German against the darkness . . . this your ing that this week’s passing should not be struck the first blow at tearing down wall. The courageous fight seen as the loss of a man but rather the be- following year, in free elections defeated the As you have brought us hope, where there ginning of a legend. communist Sandinistas and the Soviet Union was none . . . as your journey begun Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. was dissolved. The light of freedom extended . . . for what was right. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the its reach. And to this end chorus extolling the life of Ronald Reagan. On Reagan has been so often called the Great Yes, Ron . . . there are jelly beans up in a similar occasion over a century ago, Lincoln Communicator, but I like to think about his Heaven my dear friend time in office and his legacy in a different way. And to you, I so salute . . . this one’s for you said of Washington, ‘‘How do you add glory to Gipper . . . as the swollen tear drops so the sun?’’ And I must confess, I feel same fu- His victory was not of communication, but a roll down my chin. triumph of content—the content of his ideas. tility at trying to add my few words to a life And to this end . . . ‘‘Well, There You Go and legacy that shines so bright. He reignited the light of freedom. He cut taxes Again’’ Ronald Reagan came to the stage when it and regulation and in 8 years created 19 mil- And now, and forever . . . whenever, I look appeared that America was grasping at the lion jobs. He reminded us that the path to into our flag . . . I’ll see your face complexities of modernity. Inflation, recession, prosperity was one of individual freedom and For such men of heart, such men of warmth and unemployment appeared permanent and personal responsibility. As Reagan has said, & character & grace, Heaven . . . so the light of freedom appeared to be dim. Eu- these were not his ideas, but they were Amer- surely holds a place. rope was enthralled with socialism and com- ican ideas. Reagan thought his revolution was Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, peo- munism and the American exception was de- ‘‘more like the great rediscovery, a rediscovery ple say that a truly great athlete is not only nounced as arrogant and on the edge of fail- of our values and our common sense.’’ gifted himself, he makes those who play with ure. Much like today, we were told what we So, as we honor President Reagan let us him better. The same is true of President needed was more government not less; higher remember his humility, his dignity, his kind Reagan, who not only led the country, but re- taxation, not less; more regulation, not less. words and most of all his courage. Let us stored America’s confidence. He renewed our Reagan saw all of this and he smiled. honor the legacy of President Reagan with a sense of America’s goodness and America’s I was at his inauguration. When he said ‘‘It renewed commitment to the exceptionalism greatness. And with that assurance, the Amer- is time for us to realize that we’re too great a that makes us American. Let us renew free- ican people achieved great things. nation to limit ourselves to small dreams,’’ my dom’s promise to those who live in oppressive When Reagan came into office, America spine stiffened. I got goose bumps when he tyranny. Let us renew our determination, our was demoralized. President Carter had even called out ‘‘that peace is the highest aspiration courage, and our strength. And let us renew spoken of our ‘‘malaise.’’ Watergate and our of the American people. We will negotiate for our faith and our hope. defeat in Vietnam shook our self-confidence. it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, There are many who stand against freedom We surrendered control over the Panama now or ever.’’ and peace. There are many who criticize and Canal which we had built.

VerDate jul 14 2003 03:36 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08JN7.032 H08PT1 June 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3817 The Soviet Union was at the height of its Reagan’s coattails.’’ I have no doubt I’m in also reminded me that another crucial part of power and communism seemed to be on the Congress today because of him. his legacy belongs not only to America, but to march. After Vietnam fell to the communists, I will always be grateful that after my two the world. A woman was interviewed. She was Cambodia followed. The Sandinistas took con- unsuccessful bids for Congress, Ronald holding a bouquet of flowers. Tears were trol in Nicaragua and communist insurgencies Reagan led the ticket that I was on and I be- streaming down her face. were under way in Ethiopia, Angola, and Mo- came a member of the Class of 1980. She had a broken English accent and identi- zambique. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan in As we remember President Reagan today, I fied herself as a Russian emigrant. She said 1979 and were in the process of suppressing have been moved by the outpouring of love she had to come to the makeshift memorial the Solidarity movement in Poland. and support we have been seeing over the outside the funeral home where President At the same time, the Shah fell in Iran, and past few days across our Nation and espe- Reagan was resting because, ‘‘I owe my life to supporters of Ayatollah Khomenini held 52 cially in California, where he served the Gold- President Reagan.’’ Americans hostage for more than a year at en State as governor for two terms. I was also reminded of how President our embassy in Tehran. Worse, the American ‘‘Thank you, President Reagan. You made Reagan gave hope to the persecuted peoples military expedition to free them failed in the us proud again.’’ of the world when I read an opinion article That was the sentiment on one of the many desert, with the crash of two helicopters and from the June 6 edition of The Jerusalem Post posters and other mementos in memory of the death of eight servicemen. written by former Soviet political dissident President Reagan placed outside the entrance The economic situation was just as dire. In Natan Sharansky. I will insert the entire text of to his presidential library in Simi Valley, Cali- 1980, inflation stood at 13.5 percent, and in- that article for the RECORD. Mr. Sharansky fornia, the day after his death on June 5. And terest rates reached 21 percent. The turmoil in wrote: the Middle East sparked gasoline shortages. that sentiment could well sum up the legacy of President Reagan, who lost his 10-year battle In 1983, 1 was confined to an eight-by-ten People waited for hours in line just to fill up foot prison cell on the border of Siberia. My with Alzheimer’s disease at age 93. their cars and worried about people stealing Soviet jailers gave me the privilege of read- He was the leader of our Nation when the gas out of their cars. ing the latest copy of Pravda. Splashed Americans needed to know and more impor- People lost their optimism. America no across the front page was a condemnation of tantly to believe that indeed it was ‘‘morning longer seemed special, or a world leader. It President Ronald Reagan for having the te- again in America,’’ and the best was yet to merity to call the Soviet Union an ‘‘evil em- felt like the divine spark at the center of the come for our great country—that we could be pire.’’ American experiment had gone out. proud to stand up and be called an American. Tapping on walls and talking through toi- It was Ronald Reagan who turned it around. He made us feel good again. He gave us lets, word of Reagan’s ‘‘provocation’’ quickly He never lost faith in the American people. hope. He inspired us. He gave us optimism spread throughout the prison. We dissidents And he had enough optimism to restore our were ecstatic. Finally, the leader of the free because he was an optimist. lost confidence and get America back on its world had spoken the truth—a truth that And when we needed to be comforted at a feet. burned inside the heart of each and every time of our own Nation’s mourning in the wake He believed we could restore our econ- one of us. of the space shuttle Challenger disaster in omy—and we did. By 1990 the U.S. economy Who will ever forget Ronald Reagan calling 1986, he was there for us, speaking to us had grown by a third, or roughly the size of the Soviet Union ‘‘an evil empire’’ and his much like a father, telling us it would be all the entire German economy. And 35 million challenge to then-Soviet Premier Mikhail right: ‘‘It’s all part of the process of exploration jobs were created. Gorbachev outside the Brandenburg Gate in and discovery. It’s all part of taking a chance He believed we could stand up proudly for Berlin: ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.’’ and expanding man’s horizons. The future American values around the world and stand And who would ever have imagined the re- doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs up to the Soviet Union—and we did. It was lationship President Reagan forged with Mr. to the brave. . . . Nothing ends here; our President Reagan’s resolve that halted the Gorbachev which ultimately led to the fall of hopes and our journeys continue.’’ march of communism in Central America, and communism and indeed, the tearing down of The June 7 edition of National Journal’s in Afghanistan. It was Reagan’s resolve that the Berlin wall. Mikhail Gorbachev will honor Hotline headlined, ‘‘Ronald Wilson Reagan,’’ nurtured the Solidarity movement in Poland, that legacy of President Reagan by his attend- described Mr. Reagan’s presidency well: and gave heart to the dissidents of the Soviet ance at Mr. Reagan’s funeral service at the The optimism of Morning in America left bloc. Ultimately it was President Reagan’s little room for mourning in America. So in- National Cathedral in Washington on Friday, faith in American ideals that led to the fall of stead of grief, there is respect for the man, June 11. the Berlin wall and the liberation of Eastern celebration of his boldness, relief for his Ronald Reagan was a remarkable man and Europe and the Soviet Union. widow, and memories of leadership with pur- I believe will be remembered by history as one It was that leadership and vision for America pose, grace and humor. of the greatest presidents of our Nation. I will that made Ronald Reagan special. Like FDR He literally disarmed his enemies aboard close by sharing his own words spoken in Au- during the depression, he taught us that there with his tenacity. He gently disarmed his po- gust 1992 about how he wanted to be remem- litical enemies at home with his modesty. If was nothing to fear but fear itself. Like Win- he was overestimated as an actor, he was un- bered: ston Churchill during World War II, he spoke derestimated as a political leader. Because Whatever else history may say about me for an entire nation at a time of stress. It re- he never quite fit in with official Wash- when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I stored our confidence, and that made all the ington, he stayed connected inseparably with appealed to your best hopes, not your worst difference. the people. And for an entire generation of fears, to your confidence rather than you Let us remember Ronald Reagan. Let us re- Americans, he defined the Presidency. doubts, and may all of you as Americans member what Ronald Reagan wanted for He dreamt, acted out, and embodied the never forget your heroic origins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never, never lose America. He wanted us always to be that shin- American dream. He was a leader. Those who agreed with his policies cherished his prin- your God-given optimism. ing city on a hill. And he wanted us to know ciples. Those who doubted his capacities that America’s best days always lie ahead. We thank God for the life of Ronald Wilson wondered at his accomplishments. Reagan. May God bless Ronald Reagan and Mrs. Friend and foe have come to see him as an Reagan and may God bless America. American icon, whose light may forever Republican Members who were elected in Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I join today with shine from his city on the hill. 1980 on the ticket with President Reagan: Wendell Bailey, Missouri; Cleve Benedict, others in the House in expressing deepest In many ways, President Reagan’s profound West Virginia; Tom Bliley, Virginia; Hank condolences to Nancy Reagan and the conviction that every human being had the Brown, Colorado; Greg Carman, New York; Reagan family on the passing of Ronald Wil- right to live in freedom inspired my work for Gene Chappie, California; Dan Coats, Indi- son Reagan, the 40th President of the United humanitarian and human rights causes. While ana; Jim Coyne, Pennsylvania; Larry Craig, States of America, and in paying tribute to he didn’t always outwardly show it, he was a Idaho; Hal Daub, Nebraska; Larry DeNardis, President Reagan as we remember his presi- man of deep faith. He said in a speech before Connecticut; David Dreier, California; Jim dency and what he meant to our country and the House of Commons in 1982: ‘‘We must be Dunn, Michigan; Bill Emerson, Missouri; T. indeed to the world. staunch in our conviction that freedom is not Cooper Evans, Iowa; Bobbi Fiedler, Cali- fornia; Jack Fields, Texas; Steve Gunderson, I deeply admired and respected President the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the in- Wisconsin; and Judd Gregg, New Hampshire. Reagan. I had the good fortune to run for the alienable and universal right of all human James Hansen, Utah; Tommy Hartnett, 10th District of Virginia seat in Congress in beings.’’ South Carolina; Bill Hendon, North Carolina; November 1980 when he was elected to his I saw a poignant television news report from John (Jack) Hiler, Indiana; Duncan Hunter, first term. Some called my victory then ‘‘on southern California on Sunday evening which California; Gene Johnston, North Carolina;

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:32 Jun 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08JN7.036 H08PT1 H3818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 8, 2004 John LeBoutillier, New York; Bill Lowery, nadze,’’ he said, ‘‘I just spoke with Soviet aster, ‘‘We will never forget [him], nor the last California; Bill McCollum, Florida; Bob Foreign Minister Sharansky, and I said you time we saw [him] . . . as he prepared for McEwen, Ohio; Ray McGrath, New York; better let those Jews go.’’ [his] journey, and waved good-bye, and David Martin, New York; Lynn Martin, Illi- Not wanting to embarrass the president nois; Guy Molinari, New York; Sid Morrison, over his mistake, I quickly asked him about ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the Washington; John Napier, South Carolina; the rally, outlining the concerns raised by face of God.’’’ and Jim Nelligan, Pennsylvania. some of my colleagues. His response was im- Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speak- Mike Oxley, Ohio; Stan Parris, Virginia; mediate: ‘‘Do you think I am interested in a er, I yield back the balance of my time. Clint Roberts, South Dakota; Pat Roberts, friendship with the Soviets if they continue f Kansas; Hal Rogers, Kentucky; Marge Rou- to keep their people in prison’’ You do what kema, New Jersey; Claudine Schneider, you believe is right.’’ COMMUNICATION FROM THE HON. Rhode Island; Clay Shaw, Florida; Mark Sil- Reagan may have confused names and EDWARD L. SCHROCK, MEMBER jander, Michigan; Joe Skeen, New Mexico; dates, but his moral compass was always OF CONGRESS good. Today’s leaders, in contrast, may know Albert Lee Smith, Alabama; Chris Smith, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. New Jersey; Denny Smith, Oregon; David their facts and figures, but are often woe- ROHRABACHER) laid before the House (Mick) Staton, West Virginia; Ed Weber, fully confused about what should be the sim- Ohio; Vin Weber, Minnesota; Frank Wolf, plest distinctions between freedom and tyr- the following communication from the Virginia; and George Wortley, New York. anny, democrats and terrorists. Honorable EDWARD L. SCHROCK, Mem- The legacy of president Reagan will surely ber of Congress: [From the Jerusalem Post, June 6, 2004] endure. Armed with moral clarity, a deep CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, faith in freedom, and the courage to follow THE PRISONERS’ CONSCIENCE June 3, 2004. his convictions, he was instrumental in help- Hon. J. DENNIS HASTERT, (By Natan Sharansky) ing the West win the Cold War and hundreds Speaker, House of Representatives, In 1983, I was confined to an eight-by-ten- of millions of people behind the Iron Curtain Washington, DC. foot prison cell on the border of Siberia. My win their freedom. DEAR MR. SPEAKER: This is to formally no- Soviet jailers gave me the privilege of read- As one of those people, I can only express tify you, pursuant to Rule VIII of the Rules ing the latest copy of Pravda. Splashed my deepest gratitude to this great leader. of the House of Representatives, that I have across the front page was a condemnation of Believe me, I will take moral clarity and been served with a criminal subpoena for President Ronald Reagan for having the te- Shevardnadze any day. documents, issued by the United States Dis- merity to call the Soviet Union an ‘‘evil em- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise trict Court for the Southern District of Illi- pire.’’ Tapping on walls and talking through today to pay tribute to former President Ron- nois. toilets, word of Reagan’s ‘‘provocation’’ ald Reagan who passed away on Saturday After consulting with the Office of General quickly spread throughout the prison. We Counsel, I have determined that compliance dissidents were ecstatic. Finally, the leader June 5, 2004. At this time, I extend my deep- est condolences to his loving wife, Nancy, and with the subpoena is consistent with the of the free world had spoken the truth—a privileges and rights of the House. truth that burned inside the heart of each his children, and I join with our Nation in Sincerely, and every one of us. mourning the loss of a great leader. EDWARD L. SCHROCK, At the time, I never imagined that three Ronald Wilson Reagan was born in Tam- Member of Congress. years later, I would be in the White House pico, Illinois to Nelle Wilson and John Edward f telling this story to the president. When he ‘‘Jack’’ Reagan. In 1928, Ronald Reagan summoned some of his staff to hear what I graduated from Dixon High School where he LEAVE OF ABSENCE had said, I understood that there had been served as student body president. From 1928– By unanimous consent, leave of ab- much criticism of Reagan’s decision to cast the struggle between the superpowers as a 1932, Reagan attended Eureka College, a sence was granted to: battle between good and evil. small liberal arts institution in Illinois. He ma- Mr. BECERRA (at the request of Ms. Well, Reagan was right and his critics were jored in economics and sociology. PELOSI) for today on account of per- wrong. In 1937, Reagan enlisted in the Army Re- sonal reasons. Those same critics used to love calling serve as a Private and was soon promoted to Mr. CASE (at the request of Ms. Reagan a simpleton who saw the world 2nd Lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps PELOSI) for today and the balance of through a primitive ideological prism and of the Cavalry. While in the Army, an agent for the week on account of personal rea- who would convey his ideas through jokes Warner Brothers discovered Ronald Reagan. sons. and anecdotes. In our first meeting, he told Mr. FROST (at the request of Ms. me that Soviet premier Brezhnev and Kosy- In 1940, Reagan wed Jane Wyman. gin, his second-in-command, were discussing In 1942, the Army Air Force called Reagan PELOSI) for today on account of per- whether they should allow freedom of emi- to active duty. He was assigned to the 1st Mo- sonal reasons. gration. ‘‘Look, America’s really pressuring tion Picture Unit in Culver City, California Ms. KILPATRICK (at the request of Ms. us,’’ Brezhnev said, ‘‘maybe we should just where he made over 400 training films. PELOSI) for today on account of per- open up the gates. The problem is, we might Reagan was discharged from the Army in sonal reasons. be the only two people who wouldn’t leave.’’ 1945 at the rank of Captain. Mr. LAMPSON (at the request of Ms. To which Kosygin replied, ‘‘Speak for your- After the war, Reagan resumed his acting PELOSI) for today and the balance of self.’’ career and in 1952 wed Nancy Davis. In 1956, the week on account of a death in the What his critics didn’t seem to understand family. was that the jokes and anecdotes that so en- Reagan campaigned as a Democrat for Eisen- deared Reagan to people were merely his way hower. In 1960, he campaigned for Richard Mr. MENENDEZ (at the request of Ms. of expressing fundamental truths in a way Nixon. In 1962, he officially changed his party PELOSI) for today on account of official that everyone could understand. registration to Republican. business in the district. Reagan’s tendency to confuse names and In 1966, Reagan was elected Governor of Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD (at the re- dates, something I, too, experienced first- California and was re-elected in 1970. On No- quest of Ms. PELOSI) for today on ac- hand, also made him the target of ridicule. vember 4, 1980, Ronald Reagan Wilson be- count of personal reasons. In September 1987, a few months before a came the 40th President of the United States. Mr. REYES (at the request of Ms. summit meeting with Gorbachev in Wash- Ronald Reagan wished to be remembered PELOSI) for today and the balance of ington, I met with Reagan to ask him what the week on account of family medical he thought about the idea of holding a mas- as the President who wanted Americans to sive rally of hundreds of thousands of people believe in themselves. We will remember him reasons. on behalf of Soviet Jewry during the sum- for much more. Ms. SOLIS (at the request of Ms. mit. Some Jewish leaders, concerned that if We will remember Ronald Reagan as a po- PELOSI) for today and the balance of the rally were held Jews would be accused of litical leader who worked diligently to stimulate the week on account of official busi- undermining a renewed hope for peace be- economic growth, increase employment and ness in the district. tween the superpowers, had expressed res- strengthen national defense. He was ‘‘The Mr. STUPAK (at the request of Ms. ervations about such a frontal challenge to Great Communicator’’ whose words and ac- PELOSI) for today on account of family the Soviet premier. tions spoke of honor and peace. reasons. Seeing me together for the first time with Through his convictions, we witnessed the Mr. TURNER of Texas (at the request my wife Avital, who had fought for many years for my release, Reagan greeted us like fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold of Ms. PELOSI) for today and June 9 on a proud grandparent, knowing he had played War. ‘‘Peace through strength’’ is what he account of a funeral in the district. an important role in securing my freedom. sought and achieved. Mr. KING of New York (at the request He told us about his commitment to Soviet In his own words taken from 1986 as he of Mr. DELAY) for today on account of Jewry. ‘‘My dear Mr. and Mrs. Shevard- sought to comfort us after the Challenger Dis- being detained on official business.

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