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Home , A Time for Choosing, Begin Again (book), Bill Hendon, Cleve Benedict, Jack Reagan, Jane Wyman

Ronald Reagan o 1911–2004

Ronald Reagan Late a President of the h MEMORIAL TRIBUTES DELIVERED IN CONGRESS Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library Ronald Reagan j108 TH CONGRESS, 2D SESSION ... HOUSE DOCUMENT NO. 108–227k

MEMORIAL SERVICES IN THE

CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES

AND TRIBUTES IN EULOGY OF Ronald Reagan

LATE A PRESIDENT OF THE

UNITED STATES

Compiled Under the Direction of the Joint Committee on Printing Chairman Robert W. Ney Vice Chairman Saxby Chambliss

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 2005

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 135

(Mr. FRIST submitted the following concurrent resolution)

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, July áá, áÖÖâ. Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), SECTION ". COMMEMORATIVE DOCUMENT AUTHOR- IZED. A commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN, consisting of the eu- logies and encomiums for RONALD WILSON REAGAN, as expressed in the Senate and the House of Representatives, together with the texts of the state ceremony at the Rotunda, the national funeral service held at the Washington Na- tional Cathedral, Washington, District of Columbia, and the inter- ment ceremony at the Ronald Reagan , Simi Valley, , shall be printed as a House document, with illus- trations and suitable binding, under the direction of the Joint Com- mittee on Printing. SEC. #. PRINTING OF DOCUMENT. In addition to the usual number of copies printed, there shall be printed the lesser of— (1) 32,500 copies of the commemorative document, of which 22,150 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives and 10,350 copies shall be for the use of the Senate; or (2) such number of copies of the commemorative document that does not exceed a production and printing cost of $1,000,000, with distribution of the copies to be allocated in the same proportion as described in paragraph (1).

iii A compilation of addresses and tributes as given in the and House of Representatives plus such additional mate- rials, including the texts of eulogies, mes- sages, prayers, and scriptural selections deliv- ered at the funeral services held in Wash- ington, DC, and in Simi Valley, CA, on the life, character, and public service of the late President Ronald Reagan. Contents

Page Biography ...... vii Funeral Services for the Late Ronald Reagan, Held at— U.S. Capitol Rotunda ...... xiii Washington National Cathedral ...... xxiii Ronald Reagan Presidential Library ...... xlix Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives of the United States ...... 1 Memorial Tributes in the Senate of the United States ...... 177 Index ...... 323

v

Ronald Reagan (1911–2004)

RONALD WILSON REAGAN was born on , 1911, in an apartment above the general store in Tampico, IL. His family consisted of his parents, John and Nelle, and his older Neil. After a series of homes in Chicago, Galesburg, Monmouth, and Tam- pico, IL, moved to Dixon, IL, in 1920. RONALD REAGAN con- siders Dixon his boyhood home. There he attended high school where he became involved in school football, basketball, and track. He served as stu- dent body president, participated in school plays and worked on the year- book. For 7 summers he was employed as a lifeguard at Lowell Park, and is credited with saving 77 lives. REAGAN graduated from with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and sociology. At Eureka College he was also involved in extra- curricular activities including football, swim team, drama, yearbook editor, school newspaper reporter and student body president. After graduating college REAGAN became a radio sportscaster, first at WOC in Davenport, IA, later a full-time staff announcer at WHO in Des Moines. While reporting on spring training with the in Cali- fornia, he made a screen test for Warner Bros. They liked the easy-speaking, handsome REAGAN and signed him to a 7-year contract. REAGAN worked in for the next 27 years and appeared in 53 films. His military career began in 1935 with enlistment in the Army Reserve. Two years later he was promoted to second lieutenant in the Reserve Corps of the Cavalry. In the Cavalry he learned to ride horses, which became a love he enjoyed throughout his life. In 1942 he was called to active duty in World War II. His eyesight made him ineligible for overseas duty, and he was assigned to the U.S. Army Air Corp’s First Motion Picture Unit attaining the rank of captain. There he appeared in numerous training films and starred in films selling war bonds. In 1940 he married , an actress he met while filming Broth- er Rat. was born, and was adopted before their divorce in 1949. He then met actress Nancy Davis, they fell in love, and were married in 1952. They had two children, Patti and Ronald Reagan. REAGAN and Davis appeared together in only one film, , made in 1957. In 2002 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. vii viii Ronald Reagan

After World War II, REAGAN returned to Hollywood. His interest in the entertainment industry waned and he became increasingly more focused on political matters. He was president of the for 5 years, and toured the country giving speeches as ’s celebrity spokes- man. In 1960 REAGAN campaigned for as a Democrat for Nixon. In 1962 he switched political parties from Democrat to Republican. He co-chaired the California campaign for for President, and launched his political career with a televised speech, ‘‘A Time for Choos- ing,’’ which raised a record $8 million for the Goldwater campaign. In 1964 REAGAN appeared in his last film, The Killers. In 1966 he was elected Gov- ernor of California, where he served for 8 years from 1967 through 1975. In 1975 he announced his candidacy for President of the United States, but failed to win his party’s nomination. In 1980 he won the Republican nomination for the Presidency, was overwhelmingly elected, and was inaugu- rated as the 40th President of the United States in 1981. President REAGAN was the oldest man to be inaugurated as President, the first two-term Presi- dent since Eisenhower, and the longest living President of the United States. During his 8 years in office, REAGAN was wounded by an assassin’s bullet, appointed the first woman to the Supreme Court, worked to cut infla- tion and reduce government spending, improved the military, negotiated reduction of nuclear weapons with the , defeated the takeover of , and called upon Soviet Leader to tear down the . At the age of 79 he left the Presidency and returned to California. In 1991 the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was dedicated. In 1994 Presi- dent REAGAN released a letter to the American people announcing that he had Alzheimer’s disease, concluding his letter with, ‘‘I now begin this jour- ney that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead. Thank you my friends. May God always bless you.’’ RONALD REAGAN died on , 2004, and is buried at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA. Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library Speech at the Berlin Wall, , 1987 Courtesy Ronald Reagan Library Official family photograph following the inauguration, , 1981 FUNERAL SERVICES FOR Ronald Reagan 1911–2004 ★★★

WITH GRATITUDE FOR YOUR EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY IN HONORING THE LIFE OF

RONALD WILSON REAGAN

FEBRUARY 6, 1911 to JUNE 5, 2004

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

★★★ ———————❖ ——————— RONALD WILSON REAGAN

FORTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES February ã, ÜéÜÜ–June ä, áÖÖâ

Wednesday, the éth of June, áÖÖâ The Rotunda United States Capitol Washington, D.C.

xiii xiv Ronald Reagan R O T U N D A S E R V I C E

UNITED STATES CAPITOL ———————❖ ———————

PRELUDE ‘‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’’ ‘‘America’’ ‘‘God of Our Fathers’’ U.S. Army Brass Quintet INVOCATION The Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin Chaplain, U.S. House of Representatives EULOGIES Senator President pro tempore, U.S. Senate Representative J. Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives Richard B. Cheney Vice President of the United States HYMN ‘‘America the Beautiful’’ U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants WREATHS PLACED Senator Ted Stevens Representative J. Dennis Hastert Vice President Richard B. Cheney BENEDICTION Dr. Barry C. Black Chaplain, U.S. Senate

POSTLUDE ‘‘GOD BLESS AMERICA’’ U.S. Army Brass Quintet Funeral Services xv jAir Force One plane lands at .k jThe color guard representing all branches of the U.S. military gets into position.k jThe honor cordon and the Army band march into position.k jThe color guard carries the casket from the plane.k jMrs. Reagan disembarks. Mourners disembark.k j‘‘Hail to the Chief.’’ 21-gun . ‘‘America the Beautiful.’’k jThe color guard carries the casket to the .k jThe hearse carrying the casket of RONALD REAGAN and the leave Andrews Air Force Base.k jThe motorcade travels from Suitland Road to Suitland Parkway, picks up I295 north to the 11th Street Bridge, then I395 south into to the Memorial Parkway north and back into Washington, DC, at the Memorial Bridge, to Henry Bacon Drive and Constitution Ave- nue.k jThe motorcade stops at the Ellipse at 16th and Constitution.k jThe casket is transferred from the hearse to the caisson by military pall- bearers.k jThe funeral procession is comprised of the Honor Cordon; 16 marching units of 89 people each; 3 marching bands with 100 pieces each; 3 Com- manders with staff; the cortege—Special Honor Guard, Honorary Pallbearers, and the National Color Guard; Clergy; horse-drawn carriage; caisson; rider- less horse with the boots in the stirrups facing backward; personal color bearer; and members of the family. The caisson is followed by the honor guard, the color guard, the marching bands, and the cortege, the procession of mourners.k jThe procession starts at the Ellipse on Avenue, and travels up Constitution Avenue to Capitol Hill.k jGod Bless America.k jFlyover of 21 F–15 aircraft at Fourth and Constitution. 21 U.S. military F–15 aircraft from the Fourth Fighter Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in fly over the Capitol and look like a giant V. A single plane flies in the lead position followed by five waves of four plane formations at 10-second intervals. At the very end, as the last part of the formation, one of the F–15s performs the missing man maneuver where that aircraft shoots straight up and leaves the others behind.k jMilitary band plays.k jTwo 105mm howitzers sound the traditional 21-gun salute.k j‘‘Battle Hymn of the Republic.’’k jProcession reaches Capitol Hill.k jThe casket is removed from the caisson and carried up the stairs by the honor guard and placed inside the Capitol rotunda on the .k xvi Ronald Reagan REV. DANIEL P. COUGHLIN, HOUSE CHAPLAIN: Let us pray. The poet T.S. Eliot wrote, ‘‘neither does the actor suffer nor the patient act, but both are fixed in an eternal patience, an eternal act. And the wheel turns. The wheel turns and is forever still.’’ RONALD WILSON REAGAN had many roles to play in life: husband, father, Governor, but the most notable role on the world stage was that of the 40th President of the United States of America. With his style and grace he made it seem easy. With his com- passion and sense of timing, he brought strength of character to and enkindled hope in a darkened world. As the patient, he brought humil- ity to greatness and presided over embracing life to its natural end and dying with dignity surrounded by love. To you, oh Lord, ever patient with all of us, ever active in all of us, be praise and thanks for the life and impact RONALD REAGAN has had upon us all. Support with your grace the Reagan family, and especially Mrs. , who stood by him in memorable moments of history and never left him in the long moments of difficult performance when the wheel turned, ah so slowly. Inspired by President REAGAN, empower all of us, Lord, to employ our part in crumbling the walls of separation and in opening the gates to a globalized world. May our stillness here help us to remain faithful and patient with those suffering and to make decisions that will renew faith in the future. All powerful God, fix America in your eternal patience, in your eternal act, as the wheel turns now and forever. Amen. jSalutes.k

SENATOR TED STEVENS, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE: Mrs. Reagan, Patti, Ron, Michael, distinguished guests, members of the Reagan family, and friends of RONALD REAGAN in America and throughout the world: Tonight, President RONALD REAGAN has returned to the people’s house to be honored by millions of Americans who loved him. Since 1824, under this rotunda, our Nation has paid final tribute to many dedicated public servants. President was the first President to lie in state under this Capitol dome. In the coming days, thou- sands will come to these hallowed halls to say goodbye to another son of who, like Lincoln, appealed to our best hopes, not our worst fears. In the life of any nation, few men forever alter the course of history. RONALD REAGAN was one of those men. He rose from a young boy who didn’t have much to a man who had it all, including the love of a faithful partner and friend he found in his wife Nancy. The true measure of any man is what he does with the opportunities life offers. By that standard, RONALD REAGAN was one of America’s greatest. Funeral Services xvii He first proved that as and later as President of the United States. When RONALD REAGAN was sworn in as our 40th President, this Na- tion was gripped by a powerful malaise. Inflation and unemployment were soaring, and the Soviet Union was winning the . By the time President REAGAN left office, he had reversed the trend of ever-increasing government control over our lives, restored our defense capabilities, guided us through the worst economic downturn since the , and set in motion policies which ultimately led to the collapse of the evil empire. His integrity, vision and commitment were respected by all. But his- ’s final judgment, I believe, will remember most his ability to inspire us. President REAGAN put it best when he said, ‘‘The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets jthek people to do the greatest things.’’ This President inspired Americans by reaching out far beyond what he could attain. Like a good coach, he understood the value of a goal isn’t always in achieving it; sometimes it’s enough to simply look out into the future and remind people what is possible. And often, President REAGAN achieved the impossible. He reminded us that ‘‘government is not the solution.’’ The solution lies in each of us. True American heroes are ordinary people who live their lives with extraordinary character and strength. President REAGAN showed us freedom was not just a slogan. He actu- ally brought freedom to hundreds of thousands of people around this globe by opposing oppressive regimes. Those of us from the World War II genera- tion looked up to him for his moral courage. In him we saw the leadership of great men like Eisenhower who led the way and moved us to follow. On a wintry day in 1981, RONALD REAGAN stood on the steps that lie just behind these doors to deliver his first inaugural address. He spoke of a journal written by a young American who went to in 1917 and died for the cause of freedom. From that journal he read these words: ‘‘I will work, I will save, I will sacrifice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost, as if the issue of the whole struggle depends on me alone.’’ Throughout his life, RONALD REAGAN bore our burdens as if the out- come did depend on him alone. We will all remember him as an unparalleled leader and an exceptional man who lifted our Nation and set the world on a new path. President REAGAN achieved greatness in his life. Some might even argue he transcended it. He could not have accomplished this without Nancy. Nancy is one of the finest First Ladies these United States have ever xviii Ronald Reagan

known. And the love RONALD and Nancy REAGAN shared touched the hearts of people everywhere. In 1989, President REAGAN delivered his farewell address from the . In that speech, the President spoke of the ‘‘shining city on a hill’’ that, ‘‘after 200 years, two centuries . . . still stands strong and true on the granite ridge.’’ Now it is our turn to thank RONALD REAGAN for making us believe in that shining city. As we say farewell, his last words as President echo across this great Nation. If we listen, we will hear him whisper the humble words he used to sum up his revolution: ‘‘All in all, not bad, not bad at all.’’ REP. DENNIS HASTERT, HOUSE SPEAKER: Mrs. Reagan, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress and distinguished guests: RONALD REAGAN’s long journey has finally drawn to a close. It is altogether fitting and proper that he has returned to this Capitol rotunda, like another great son of Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, so the Nation can say goodbye. This Capitol Building is, for many, the greatest symbol of democracy and freedom in the world. It brings to mind the ‘‘shining city on ’’ of which President REAGAN so often spoke. It is the right place to honor a man who so faithfully defended our freedom, and so success- fully helped extend the blessings of liberty to millions of people around the world. Mrs. Reagan, thank you for sharing your husband with us—for your steadfast love and for your great faith. We pray for you and for your family in this time of great . But as we mourn, we must also celebrate the life and the vision of one of America’s greatest Presidents. His story and values are quintessentially American. Born in Tampico, IL, and then raised in Dixon, IL, he moved west to follow his dreams. He brought with him a midwestern optimism, and he blended it with a western can-do spirit. In 1980, the year of the Reagan revolution, his vision of hope, growth, and opportunity was exactly what the American people needed and wanted. His message touched a fundamental chord that is deeply embedded in the . President REAGAN dared to dream that America had a special mission. He believed in the essential goodness of the American people and that we had a special duty to promote peace and freedom for the rest of the world. Against the advice of the timid, he sent a chilling message to authori- tarian governments everywhere, that the civilized world would not rest until freedom reigned in every corner of the globe. While others worried, President REAGAN persevered. When others weakened, President REAGAN stood tall. When others stepped back, Presi- Funeral Services xix

dent REAGAN stepped forward. And he did it all with great humility, with great charm, and with great humor. Tonight, we will open these doors and let the men and women whom RONALD REAGAN served so faithfully, file past and say goodbye to a man who meant so much to so many. It is their being here that I think would mean more to him than any words that we may say, because it was from America’s great and good people that RONALD REAGAN drew his strength. In the years ahead, we will tell our grandchildren about this night when we gathered here to honor the man from Illinois who became the son of California and then the son of all America. And then our grand- children will tell their grandchildren, and President REAGAN’s spirit and eternal faith in America will carry on. RONALD REAGAN helped make our country and this world a better place to live. But he always believed that our best days were ahead of us, not behind us. I can still hear him saying with that twinkle in his eye, ‘‘You ain’t seen nothing yet!’’ President REAGAN once said, ‘‘We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’’ Twenty years ago, President REAGAN stood on the beaches of Normandy to honor those who made a life by what they gave. Recalling the men who scaled the cliffs and crossed the beaches in a merciless hail of bullets, he asked, Who were these men—these ordinary men doing extraordinary things? His answer was simple and direct: They were Americans. So I can think of no higher tribute or honor or title to confer upon RONALD REAGAN than just to simply say, he was an American. Godspeed, Mr. President. God bless you, and God bless the United States of America. , VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Mrs. Reagan, members of the President’s family, colleagues, distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps, fellow citizens: Knowing that this moment would come has not made it any easier to see the honor guard and the flag draped before us, and to begin America’s farewell to President RONALD REAGAN. He said goodbye to us in a letter that showed his great courage and love for America. Yet for his friends and his country, the parting comes only now. And in this national vigil of mourning, we show how much America loved this good man and how greatly we will miss him. A harsh winter morning in 1985 brought the inaugural ceremony inside of this rotunda. And standing in this place for the 50th Presidential inau- guration, RONALD REAGAN spoke of a Nation that was ‘‘hopeful, big-heart- ed, idealistic, daring, decent and fair.’’ That was how he saw America, and that was how America came to know him. There was a kindness, simplicity, and goodness of character that marked all the years of his life. xx Ronald Reagan When you mourn a man of 93, no one is left who remembers him as a child in his mother’s arms. RONALD WILSON REAGAN’s life began in a time and place so different from our own, in a quiet town on the prairie, on the 6th of February, 1911. Nelle and would live long enough to see the kind of man they had raised, but they could never know all that destiny had in store for the boy they called ‘‘DUTCH.’’ And if they could witness this scene in 2004, their son, taken to his rest with the full honors of the United States, they would be so proud of all he had done with the life they gave him, and the things they taught him. President REAGAN once said, ‘‘I learned from my father the value of hard work and ambition, and maybe a little something about telling a story.’’ That was the RONALD REAGAN who confidently set out on his own from Dixon, IL, during the Great Depression, the man who would one day speak before cameras and crowds with such ease and self-command. ‘‘From my mother,’’ said President REAGAN, ‘‘I learned the value of prayer. My mother told me that everything in life happened for a purpose. She said all things were part of God’s plan, even the most disheartening setbacks, and in the end, everything worked out for the best.’’ This was the RONALD REAGAN who had faith, not just in his own gifts and his own future, but in the possibilities of every life. The cheerful spirit that carried him forward was more than a disposition; it was the optimism of a faithful soul who trusted in God’s purposes, and knew those purposes to be right and true. He once said, ‘‘There’s no question I am an idealist, which is another way of saying I am an American.’’ We usually associate that quality with youth, and yet one of the most idealistic men ever to become President was also the oldest. He excelled in professions that have left many others jaded and self- satisfied, and yet somehow remained untouched by the worst influences of fame or power. If RONALD REAGAN ever uttered a cynical, or cruel, or selfish word, the moment went unrecorded. Those who knew him in his youth and those who knew him a lifetime later, all remember his largeness of spirit, his gentle instincts, and a quiet rectitude that drew others to him. Seen now at a distance, his strengths as a man and as a leader are only more impressive. It’s the nature of the city of Washington that men and women arrive, leave their mark, and go their way. Some figures who seemed quite large and important in their day are sometimes forgotten, or remembered with ambivalence. Yet nearly a generation after the often impas- sioned debates of the REAGAN years, what lingers from that time is almost all good. And this is because of the calm and kind man who stood at the center of events. We think back with appreciation for the decency of our 40th President and respect for all that he achieved. After so much turmoil in the sixties Funeral Services xxi and seventies, our Nation had begun to lose confidence, and some were heard to say that the Presidency might even be too big for one man. That phrase did not survive the eighties. For decades, America had waged a cold war, and few believed it could possibly end in our own lifetimes. The President was one of those few. And it was the vision and the will of RONALD REAGAN that gave hope to the oppressed, shamed the oppressors, and ended an evil empire. More than any other influence, the cold war was ended by the perse- verance and courage of one man who answered falsehood with truth, and overcame evil with good. RONALD REAGAN was more than a historic figure. He was a provi- dential man who came along just when our Nation and the world most needed him. And believing as he did that there is a plan at work in each life, he accepted not only the great duties that came to him, but also the great trials that came near the end. When he learned of his illness, his first thoughts were of Nancy. And who else but RONALD REAGAN could face his own decline and death with a final message of hope to his country, telling us that for America there is always a bright dawn ahead? Fellow Americans, here lies a graceful and a gallant man. Nancy, none of us can take away the sadness you are feeling. I hope it is a comfort to know how much he means to us, and how much you mean to us as well. We honor your grace, your own courage, and above all, the great love that you gave to your husband. When these days of cere- mony are completed, the Nation returns him to you for the final journey to the West. And when he is laid to rest under the Pacific sky, we will be thinking of you, as we commend to the Almighty the soul of His faithful servant, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. jMusick DR. BARRY C. BLACK, CHAPLAIN, U.S. SENATE: Let us bow for the benediction. O giver of every good and perfect gift, accept our gratitude for the life of your servant, President RONALD REAGAN, whose love for free- dom summoned our Nation to embrace our best hopes and not our worst fears. Thank you for his ability to plant seeds of confidence and not doubt and to lift liberty’s lamp until totalitarian towers tumbled. In the days to come, remind us of America’s opportunity to remain a ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ Continue to comfort those who mourn. In a special way, be near to Mrs. Nancy Reagan and the family. May the death of this beloved leader prompt us to see you more clearly, to love you more dearly, and to follow you more nearly day by day. Now fill us with your peace, as we trust you, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of your spirit. Amen. jMusick xxii Ronald Reagan jMrs. Reagan, accompanied by Mr. Cheney, says goodbye to her hus- band at the casket. Michael Reagan also says goodbye. Family and friends file out.k ———————❖ ——————— RONALD WILSON REAGAN

FORTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES February ã, ÜéÜÜ–June ä, áÖÖâ

Friday, the ÜÜth of June, áÖÖâ Eleven thirty o’clock in the morning Washington National Cathedral Washington, D.C.

xxiii xxiv Ronald Reagan ———————❖ ———————

CELEBRANT The Reverend John C. Danforth

PARTICIPANTS The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane Bishop of Washington and Dean of the Cathedral The Right Reverend A. Theodore Eastman Vicar, Washington National Cathedral His Eminence Angelo Cardinal Sodano Secretary of State, Personal Representative of John Paul II His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Catholic Archbishop of Washington His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America Imam Mohamed Magid Ali Imam and Director of the All Dulles Area Muslim Society

READERS Rabbi Harold Kushner Temple Israel, Natick, The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor

TRIBUTES The President of the United States The Honorable George H.W. Bush The Right Honourable The Baroness Thatcher, L.G., O.M., F.R.S The Right Honourable

HONORARY PALLBEARERS The Honorable Michael K. Deaver Mr. Brigadier General John E. Hutton, MC U.S. Army, Retired The Honorable Frederick J. Ryan, Jr. The Honorable Charles Z. Wick Funeral Services xxv ———————❖ ———————

MUSICIANS

Ronan Tynan The Cathedral Choir of Men, Irish Tenor Boys, and Girls The United States Marine Chamber Michael McCarthy, Director of Music Orchestra Erik Wm. Suter Colonel Timothy W. Foley, Director Organist and Associate Choirmaster The Armed Forces Chorus Scott Hanoian Lieutenant Colonel John Clanton, Assistant Organist and Choirmaster Director The Reverend Canon The United States Coast Guard Band W. Bruce McPherson Captain Lewis J. Buckley, Director Director for Worship and Liturgy

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— The Cathedral Vergers The Cathedral Ushers Stephen Lott, Head Verger Michael Heid, Head Usher xxvi Ronald Reagan ———————— ORDER OF THE SERVICE ————————

PRELUDE U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra ‘‘Faire is the Heaven’’ ‘‘Bring Us, O Lord God’’ ‘‘And I Saw a New Heaven’’ ‘‘Ave Maria’’ RECEPTION OF THE BODY Musical Honors U.S. Coast Guard Band ‘‘Ruffles and Flourishes’’ ‘‘Hail to the Chief’’ ‘‘Navy Hymn’’ tune: Melita Prayers The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane attended by The Reverend John C. Danforth, The Right Rev- erend A. Theodore Eastman, and Stephen Lott ANTHEM IN PROCESSION The Reverend John C. Danforth COLLECT FOR The Reverend John C. Danforth A READING FROM THE Rabbi Harold Kushner HEBREW SCRIPTURES READING The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor ‘‘We shall Be as a ,’’ by ANTHEM ‘‘O Love of God, How Strong Cathedral Choir and True’’ INTRODUCTION OF The Reverend John C. Danforth REMEMBRANCES TRIBUTES The Right Honourable The Baroness Thatcher, L.G., O.M., F.R.S The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney The Honorable George H.W. Bush President George W. Bush ANTHEM Armed Forces Chorus ‘‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’’ U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra GOSPEL His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick HOMILY The Reverend John C. Danforth ANTHEM ‘‘Amazing Grace’’ Ronan Tynan THE LORD’S PRAYER The Reverend John C. Danforth PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Right Reverend A. Theodore Eastman HYMN ‘‘Sing with All the Saints in Glory’’ THE COMMENDATION The Reverend John C. Danforth THE BLESSING The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane THE DISMISSAL The Right Reverend A. Theodore Eastman ANTHEM ‘‘The Mansions of the Lord’’ Armed Forces Chorus U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra The congregation is asked to remain at their seats until directed by an usher. A full peal, half-muffled, will be rung on the Cathedral bells at the conclusion of the service. Funeral Services xxvii jThe Color Guard moves up the stairs toward the rotunda, to begin the process of transferring the casket of RONALD REAGAN from the rotunda to the hearse.k j21-gun salute as the casket is carried down the House steps and loaded into the hearse.k jAs the hearse carrying President REAGAN’s casket leaves the Capitol, the bells begin to peel.k jThe drive to the National Cathedral.k PRELUDE U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra ‘‘Faire is the Heaven,’’ William H. Harris ‘‘Bring Us, O Lord God,’’ William H. Harris ‘‘And I Saw a New Heaven,’’ Edgar L. Bainton ‘‘Ave Maria,’’ Franz Peter Schubert; sung by Ronan Tynan, Irish tenor jThe motorcade arrives at the National Cathedral. The casket is removed from the hearse.k jThe chimes continue to ring once a minute. Afterward there will be a much, much louder and sustained chiming of those bells.k RECEPTION OF THE BODY Musical Honors, U.S. Coast Guard Band ‘‘Ruffles and Flourishes’’ ‘‘Hail to the Chief’’ ‘‘Navy Hymn,’’ James Sanderson (tune: Melita) Prayers The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane attended by The Reverend John C. Danforth, The Right Reverend A. Theodore Eastman, and Stephen Lott With faith in Jesus Christ, we receive the body of our brother RONALD for burial. Let us pray with confidence to God, the Giver of life, that he will raise him to perfection in the company of the saints. Deliver your servant RONALD, O Sovereign Lord Christ, from all evil, and set him free from every bond; that he may rest with all your saints in the eternal habitations; where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Let us also pray for all who mourn, that they may cast their care on God, and know the consolation of his love. Almighty God, look with pity upon the sorrows of your servants for whom we pray. Remember them, Lord, in your mercy; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness; lift up your countenance upon them and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. jThe People stand.k jThe Celebrant is led to the center of the rood screen landing; all others to their seats. When at about the midnave cross-aisle, the Celebrant begins.k xxviii Ronald Reagan ANTHEM IN PROCESSION The Reverend John C. Danforth I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though this body be destroyed, yet shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For if we live, we live unto the Lord; and if we die, we die unto the Lord. Whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord; even so saith the Spirit, for they rest from their labors. jThe Celebrant reaches the rood screen landing and faces the congregation. The casket is put in position and the bearers depart. The family is shown to their seats. President Bush accompanies Mrs. Reagan to her seat.k COLLECT FOR BURIAL The Reverend John C. Danforth Let us pray. O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant RONALD, and grant him an en- trance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. jThe People are seated.k jThe Celebrant goes to his stall as the first and second readers are led to the lectern. The first reader steps up to the reading .k A READING FROM THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES Rabbi Harold Kushner Isaiah 40:28–31 Where does a person find the strength to persevere in difficult times? Many people find that strength from the pages of the Bible. Turning to the Book of Isaiah, the 40th chapter: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard That the everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint: Funeral Services xxix And to him that hath no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall; But they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; They shall walk, and not faint. jThe first reader steps down to the landing and the second reader steps up to the reading desk.k READING The Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor ‘‘We Shall Be as a City Upon a Hill,’’ by John Winthrop This is a reading from a sermon delivered in 1630 by the Pilgrim leader John Winthrop, who was aboard the ship the Arabella on his way from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. ‘‘The city on the hill’’ passage was referenced by President REAGAN in several notable speeches. Now the only way . . . to provide for our posterity, is to follow the counsel of Micah, to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly with our God. . . . We must delight in each other, make others’ condi- tions our own; rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer to- gether, always having before our eyes our commission and community in the work, as members of the same body. . . . The Lord will be our God, and delight to dwell among us, as His own people . . . For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world. jThe second reader steps down, and both readers are led back to their seats.k jA lectern is placed on the rood screen landing center for Mr. Mulroney.k ANTHEM ‘‘O Love of God, How Strong and True’’ Tune: Jerusalem C. Hubert H. Parry, 1916 arr: Michael McCarthy, 2004 text by: Horatio Bonar, 1858 Cathedral Choir O love of God, how strong and true Eternal and yet ever new, Uncomprehended and unbought, Beyond all knowledge and all thought! xxx Ronald Reagan O love of God, how deep and great, Far deeper than man’s deepest hate; Self-fed, self-kindled like the light, Changeless, eternal infinite. O heav’nly love, how precious still, In days of weariness and ill, In nights of pain and helplessness, To heal, to comfort and to bless! O wide-embracing, wondrous love! We read you in the sky above, We read you in the earth below, In seas that swell and streams that flow. We read you best in him who came To bear for us the cross of shame; Sent by the Father from on high, Our life to live, our death to die. We read your pow’r to bless and save, E’en in the darkness of the grave; Still more in resurrection light We read the fullness of your might. O love of God, our shield and stay Through all the perils of our way! Eternal love, in you we rest Forever safe, forever blest. We will exalt you, God and King, and we will ever praise your name; We will extol you ev’ry day, and ever more your praise proclaim jToward the end of the anthem, Mr. Mulroney is led to the landing lectern for his tribute.k INTRODUCTION OF REMEMBRANCES The Reverend John C. Danforth jThe Celebrant stands at his stall, faces the congregation, and introduces Baroness Thatcher’s videotaped tribute, then takes his seat again.k President REAGAN’s deepest long-held wish was that Lady Thatcher should participate in this service. But as the years have passed, Lady Thatcher’s health, too, has suffered its ups and downs. Eighteen months ago, her doctors advised her to give up all formal public speaking. But she was determined to record her tribute to President REAGAN come what may, and this she has done. She was equally determined, on learn- ing of the President’s death, to be with us today. The next voice you will hear will be Lady Thatcher’s. Funeral Services xxxi TRIBUTE , former Prime Minister of the We have lost a great President, a great American and a great man, and I have lost a dear friend. In his lifetime, RONALD REAGAN was such a cheerful and invigorating presence that it was easy to forget what daunting historic tasks he set himself. He sought to mend Amer- ica’s wounded spirit, to restore the strength of the free world, and to free the slaves of . These were causes hard to accomplish and heavy with risk. Yet they were pursued with almost a lightness of spirit, for RON- ALD REAGAN also embodied another great cause, what Arnold Bennett once called ‘‘the great cause of cheering us all up.’’ His politics had a freshness and optimism that won converts from every class and every nation, and ultimately from the very heart of the evil empire. Yet his humour often had a purpose beyond humour. In the ter- rible hours after the attempt on his life, his easy jokes gave reassurance to an anxious world. They were evidence that in the aftermath of terror and in the midst of hysteria, one great heart at least remained sane and jocular. They were truly grace under pressure. And perhaps they signified grace of a deeper kind. RONNIE him- self certainly believed that he had been given back his life for a purpose. As he told a priest after his recovery ‘‘Whatever time I’ve got left now belongs to the big fellow upstairs.’’ And surely it is hard to deny that RONALD REAGAN’s life was providential, when we look at what he achieved in the 8 years that followed. Others prophesied the decline of the West; he inspired America and its allies with renewed faith in their mission of freedom. Others saw only limits to growth; he transformed a stagnant econ- omy into an engine of opportunity. Others hoped, at best, for an uneasy cohabitation with the Soviet Union; he won the cold war—not only without firing a shot, but also by inviting enemies out of their fortress and turning them into friends. I cannot imagine how any diplomat, or any dramatist, could im- prove on his words to Mikhail Gorbachev at the Summit: ‘‘Let me tell you why it is we distrust you.’’ Those words are candid and tough and they cannot have been easy to hear. But they are also a clear invitation to a new beginning and a new relationship that would be rooted in trust. We live today in the world that RONALD REAGAN began to re- shape with those words. It is a very different world with different chal- lenges and new dangers. All in all, however, it is one of greater freedom xxxii Ronald Reagan and prosperity, one more hopeful than the world he inherited on be- coming President. As Prime Minister, I worked closely with RONALD REAGAN for 8 of the most important years of all our lives. We talked regularly both before and after his Presidency. And I have had time and cause to reflect on what made him a great President. RONALD REAGAN knew his own mind. He had firm principles— and, I believe, right ones. He expounded them clearly, he acted upon them decisively. When the world threw problems at the , he was not baffled, or disorientated, or overwhelmed. He knew almost instinctively what to do. When his aides were preparing option papers for his decision, they were able to cut out entire rafts of proposals that they knew ‘‘the Old Man’’ would never wear. When his allies came under Soviet or domestic pressure, they could look confidently to Washington for firm leadership. And when his enemies tested American resolve, they soon discov- ered that his resolve was firm and unyielding. Yet his ideas, though clear, were never simplistic. He saw the many sides of truth. Yes, he warned that the Soviet Union had an insatiable drive for military power and territorial expansion; but he also sensed it was being eaten away by systemic failures impossible to reform. Yes, he did not shrink from denouncing Moscow’s ‘‘evil empire.’’ But he realised that a man of good will might nonetheless emerge from within its dark corridors. So the President resisted Soviet expansion and pressed down on Soviet weakness at every point until the day came when communism began to collapse beneath the combined weight of those pressures and its own failures. And when a man of good will did emerge from the ruins, President REAGAN stepped forward to shake his hand and to offer sincere cooperation. Nothing was more typical of RONALD REAGAN than that large- hearted magnanimity. And nothing was more American. Therein lies perhaps the final explanation of his achievements. RONALD REAGAN carried the American people with him in his great endeavors because there was perfect sympathy between them. He indeed loved America and what it stands for: freedom and opportunity for ordinary people. As an actor in Hollywood’s golden age, he helped to make the American dream live for millions all over the globe. His own life was a fulfillment of that dream. He never succumbed to the embarrassment some people feel about an honest expression of love of country. He Funeral Services xxxiii was able to say, ‘‘God bless America’’ with equal fervour in public and in private. And so he was able to call confidently upon his fellow coun- trymen to make sacrifices for America and to make sacrifices for those who looked to America for hope and rescue. With the lever of American patriotism, he lifted up the world. And so today, the world—in Prague, in , in Warsaw, in Sofia, in Bucharest, in Kiev and in Moscow itself—the world mourns the passing of the ‘‘great liberator’’ and echoes his prayer: ‘‘God bless Amer- ica.’’ RONALD REAGAN’s life was rich, not only in public achievement, but also in private happiness. Indeed, his public achievements were rooted in his private happiness. The great turning point of his life was his meeting and marriage with Nancy. On that we have the plain testimony of a loving and grateful hus- band: ‘‘Nancy came along and saved my soul.’’ We share her grief today. But we also share her pride—and the grief and pride of RON- NIE’s children. For the final years of his life, RONNIE’s mind was clouded by ill- ness. That cloud has now lifted. He is himself again—more himself than at any time on this Earth. For we may be sure that the Big Fellow Upstairs never forgets those who remember Him. And as the last jour- ney of this faithful pilgrim took him beyond the sunset, and as Heav- en’s morning broke, I like to think—in the words of Bunyan—that ‘‘all the trumpets sounded on the other side.’’ We here still move in twilight. But we have one beacon to guide us that RONALD REAGAN never had. We have his example. Let us give thanks today for a life that achieved so much for all of God’s children. TRIBUTE Brian Mulroney, Former Prime Minister of In the spring of 1987, President REAGAN and I were driven into a large hangar at the Airport to await the arrival of Mrs. Reagan and my wife Mila prior to departure ceremonies for their return to Washington. We were alone except for the security details. President REAGAN’s visit had been important, demanding and suc- cessful. Our discussions reflected the international agenda of : the nuclear threat posed by the Soviet Union and the missile deploy- ment by NATO, pressures in the , challenges resulting from the Berlin Wall and the ongoing separation of , and bi- lateral and hemispheric . President REAGAN had spoken to Parliament, handled complex files with skill and good humor, strongly impressing his Canadian hosts. And here we were waiting for our wives. xxxiv Ronald Reagan When their car drove in a moment later, out stepped Nancy and Mila looking like a million bucks. And as they headed toward us, Presi- dent REAGAN beamed. He threw his arm around my shoulder. And he said with a grin, ‘‘You know, Brian, for two Irishmen, we sure mar- ried up.’’ In that visit, in that moment, one saw the quintessential RONALD REAGAN: the leader we respected, the neighbor we admired, and the friend we loved, a President of the United States of America whose truly remarkable life we celebrate in this magnificent cathedral today. Presidents and prime ministers everywhere, I suspect, sometimes wonder how history will deal with them. Some even evince a touch of the insecurity of Thomas D’Arcy McGee, an Irish immigrant to Can- ada who became a father of our confederation. In one of his poems, McGee, thinking of his birthplace, wrote poignantly, ‘‘Am I remembered in Erin? I charge you speak me true. Has my name a sound, a meaning In the scenes my boyhood knew?’’ RONALD REAGAN will not have to worry about Erin because they remember him well and affectionately there. Indeed they do. From Erin to Estonia, from to Madagascar, from Mon- treal to Monterey, RONALD REAGAN does not enter history tentatively. He does so with certainty and panache. At home and on the world stage, his were not the pallid etchings of a timorous politician. They were the bold strokes of a confident and accomplished leader. Some in the West, during the early eighties, believed communism and democracy were equally valid and viable. This was the school of . In contrast, RONALD REAGAN saw Soviet communism as a menace to be confronted in the genuine belief that its squalid underpinnings would fall swiftly to the gathering winds of freedom, provided as he said, ‘‘that NATO and the industrialized democracies stood firm and united.’’ They did. And we know now who was right. RONALD REAGAN was a President who inspired his Nation and transformed the world. He possessed a rare and prized gift called leader- ship, that ineffable and magical quality that sets some men and women apart so that millions will follow them as they conjure up grand visions and invite their countrymen to dream big and exciting dreams. I always thought that President REAGAN’s understanding of the nobility of the Presidency coincided with that American dream. Funeral Services xxxv One day in Brussels, President Mitterand, in referring to President REAGAN, said, ‘‘Il a vraiment la notion de l’Etat’’; rough translation: ‘‘He really has a sense of the state about him.’’ The translation does not fully capture the profundity of the observation. What President Mitterand meant is that there is a vast difference between the job of President and the role of President. RONALD REAGAN fulfilled both with elegance and ease, embody- ing himself that unusual alchemy of history and and achieve- ment and inspirational conduct and national pride that defined the spe- cial role the President of the United States of America must assume at all times at home and around the world. La notion de l’e´tat; no one understood it better than RONALD REAGAN. And no one could more eloquently summon his Nation to high purpose or bring forth the majesty of the Presidency and make it glow better than the man who referred to his own Nation as ‘‘a city on the hill.’’ May our common future and that of our great nations be guided by wise men and women who will remember always the golden achieve- ments of the and the success that can be theirs if the values of freedom and democracy are preserved, unsullied and undiminished until the unfolding decades can remember little else. I have been truly blessed to have been a friend of RONALD REAGAN. I am grateful that our paths crossed and that our lives touched. I shall always remember him with the deepest admiration and affection. And I will always feel honored by the journey that we traveled together in search of better and more peaceful tomorrows for all God’s children everywhere. And so in the presence of his beloved and indispensable Nancy, his children, his family, his friends and all of the American people that he so deeply revered, I say au revoir today to a gifted leader, a historic President and a gracious human being. And I do so with a line from Yeats, who wrote, ‘‘Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say, ‘My glory was that I had such friends.’ ’’ jChoir singingk jMr. Mulroney returns to his seat. Mr. Bush is led to the pulpit for his tribute.k TRIBUTE George H.W. Bush, former President of the United States When Franklin Roosevelt died in 1945, ‘‘The Times’’ wrote, ‘‘Men will thank God 100 years from now that Franklin D. Roo- xxxvi Ronald Reagan sevelt was in the White House.’’ It will not take 100 years to thank God for RONALD REAGAN. But why? Why was he so admired? Why was he so beloved? He was beloved, first, because of what he was. Politics can be cruel, uncivil. Our friend was strong and gentle. Once he called Amer- ica ‘‘hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent and fair.’’ That was America and, yes, our friend. And next, RONALD REAGAN was beloved because of what he be- lieved. He believed in America so he made it his ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ He believed in freedom so he acted on behalf of its values and ideals. He believed in tomorrow so the Great Communicator became the Great Liberator. He talked of winning one for the GIPPER and as President, through his relationship with Mikhail Gorbachev with us today, the GIPPER, and yes Mikhail Gorbachev, won one for peace around the world. If RONALD REAGAN created a better world for many millions it was because of the world someone else created for him. Nancy was there for him always. Her love for him provided much of his strength, and their love together transformed all of us as we’ve seen—renewed seeing again here in the last few days. And one of the many memories we all have of both of them is the comfort they provided during our national tragedies. Whether it was the families of the crew of the Challenger shuttle or the USS Stark or the Marines killed in , we will never forget those images of the President and embracing them and em- bracing us during times of sorrow. So, Nancy, I want to say this to you: Today, America embraces you. We open up our arms. We seek to comfort you, to tell you of our admiration for your courage and your selfless caring. And to the Reagan kids—it’s OK for me to say that at 80— Michael, Ron, Patti, today all of our sympathy, all of our condolences to you all, and remember, too, your sister Maureen home safe now with her father. As his Vice President for 8 years, I learned more from RONALD REAGAN than from anyone I encountered in all my years of public life. I learned kindness; we all did. I also learned courage; the Nation did. Who can forget the horrible day in , he looked at the doctors in the emergency room and said, ‘‘I hope you’re all Repub- licans.’’ jLaughterk And then I learned decency; the whole world did. Days after being shot, weak from wounds, he spilled water from a sink, and entering Funeral Services xxxvii the hospital room aides saw him on his hands and knees wiping water from the floor. He worried that his nurse would get in trouble. The Good Book says humility goes before honor, and our friend had both, and who could not cherish such a man? And perhaps as important as anything, I learned a lot about humor, a lot about laughter. And, oh, how President REAGAN loved a good story. When asked, ‘‘How did your visit go with Bishop Tutu?’’ he re- plied, ‘‘So-so.’’ jLaughterk It was typical. It was wonderful. And in leaving the White House, the very last day, he left in the yard outside the Oval Office door a little sign for the squirrels. He loved to feed those squirrels. And he left this sign that said, ‘‘Be- ware of the dog,’’ and to no avail, because our dog came in and beat the heck out of the squirrels. But anyway, he also left me a note, at the top of which said, ‘‘Don’t let the turkeys get you down.’’ Well, he certainly never let them get him down. And he fought hard for his beliefs. He led from conviction, but never made an adver- sary into an enemy. He was never mean-spirited. Reverend , who I refer to as the Nation’s pastor, is now hospitalized and regrets that he can’t be here today. And I asked him for a Bible passage that might be appropriate. And he suggested this from Psalm 37: ‘‘The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made firm. Though he stumble, he will not fall for the Lord upholds him with his hand.’’ And then this, too, from 37: ‘‘There is a future for the man of peace.’’ God bless you, RONALD WILSON REAGAN and the Nation you loved and led so well. jMr. Bush is led back to his seat as President Bush is led to the pulpit.k TRIBUTE George W. Bush, President of the United States Mrs. Reagan, Patti, Michael and Ron, members of the Reagan family, distinguished guests, including our Presidents and First Ladies, Reverend Danforth, fellow citizens, we lost RONALD REAGAN only days ago but we have missed him for a long time. We have missed his kindly presence, that reassuring voice and the happy ending we had wished for him. It has been 10 years since he said his own farewell, yet it is still very sad and hard to let him go. RONALD REAGAN belongs to the ages now, but we preferred it when he belonged to us. In a life of good fortune, he valued above all the gracious gift of his wife, Nancy. During his career, RONALD REAGAN passed through xxxviii Ronald Reagan a thousand crowded places, but there was only one person, he said, who could make him lonely by just leaving the room. America honors you, Nancy, for the loyalty and love you gave this man on a wonderful journey and to that journey’s end. Today, our whole Nation grieves with you and your family. When sets tonight off the coast of California and we lay to rest our 40th President, a great American story will close. The second son of Nelle and Jack Reagan first knew the world as a place of open plains, quiet streets, gaslit rooms and carriages drawn by horse. If you could go back to the Dixon, IL, of 1922, you’d find a boy of 11 reading adventure stories at the public library or running with his brother Neil along Rock River, and coming home to a little house on Hennepin Avenue. That town was the kind of place he remembered where you prayed side by side with your neighbors. And if things were going wrong for them, you prayed for them and knew they’d pray for you if things went wrong for you. The Reagan family would see its share of hardship, struggle and uncertainty. And out of that circumstance came a young man of steadi- ness, calm and a cheerful confidence that life would bring good things. The qualities all of us have seen in RONALD REAGAN were first spotted 70 and 80 years ago. As the lifeguard in Lowell Park, he was the protector, keeping an eye out for trouble. As a sports announcer on the radio, he was the friendly voice that made you see the game as he did. As an actor he was the handsome all-American good guy, which in his case required knowing his lines and being himself. Along the way certain convictions were formed and fixed in the man. RONALD REAGAN believed that everything happens for a reason and that we should strive to know and do the will of God. He believed that the gentleman always does the kindest thing. He believed that people were basically good and had the right to be free. He believed that bigotry and prejudice were the worst things a person could be guilty of. He believed in the Golden Rule and in the power of prayer. He believed that America was not just a place in the world, but the hope of the world. And he believed in taking a break now and then, because, as he said, ‘‘there’s nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.’’ RONALD REAGAN spent decades in the film industry and in poli- tics, fields known on occasion to change a man. But not this man. From Dixon to Des Moines to Hollywood to Sacramento to Wash- ington, DC, all who met him remembered the same sincere, honest, upright fellow. Funeral Services xxxix

RONALD REAGAN’s deepest beliefs never had much to do with fashion or convenience. His convictions were always politely stated, affa- bly argued, and as firm and straight as the columns of this cathedral. There came a point in RONALD REAGAN’s film career when people started seeing a future beyond the movies. The actor recalled one occasion. ‘‘I was sitting around the set with all these people and we were listening to RONNIE, quite absorbed. I said, ‘Ron, have you ever considered some day becoming President?’ He said, ‘President of what?’ ‘President of the United States,’ I said. And he said, ‘What’s the matter? Don’t you like my acting either?’ ’’ jLaughterk The clarity and intensity of RONALD REAGAN’s convictions led to speaking engagements around the country, and a new following he did not seek or expect. He often began his speeches by saying, ‘‘I’m going to talk about controversial things.’’ And then he spoke of com- munist rulers as slave masters, of a government in Washington that had far overstepped its proper limits, of that was drawing near. In the space of a few years he took ideas and principles that were mainly found in journals and books and turned them into a broad, hopeful movement ready to govern. As soon as RONALD REAGAN became California’s Governor, ob- servers saw a star in the west, tanned, well-tailored, in command and on his way. In the sixties his friend Bill Buckley wrote, ‘‘REAGAN is indisputably a part of America and he may become a part of American history.’’ RONALD REAGAN’s moment arrived in 1980. He came out ahead of some very good men, including one from Plains and one from Hous- ton. What followed was one of the decisive decades of the century as the convictions that shaped the President began to shape the times. He came to office with great hopes for America. And more than hopes. Like the President he had revered and once saw in person, Frank- lin Roosevelt, RONALD REAGAN matched an optimistic temperament with bold, persistent action. President REAGAN was optimistic about the great promise of economic reform, and he acted to restore the re- wards and spirit of enterprise. He was optimistic that a strong America could advance the peace, and he acted to build the strength that mission required. He was optimistic that liberty would thrive wherever it was planted, and he acted to defend liberty wherever it was threatened. And RONALD REAGAN believed in the power of truth in the con- duct of world affairs. When he saw evil camped across the horizon he called that evil by its name. There were no doubters in the prisons and gulags, where dissidents spread the news, tapping to each other in what the American President had dared to say. There were xl Ronald Reagan no doubters in the shipyards and churches and secret labor meetings where brave men and women began to hear the creaking and rumbling of a collapsing empire. And there were no doubters among those who swung hammers at the hated wall that the first and hardest blow had been struck by President RONALD REAGAN. The ideology he opposed throughout his political life insisted that history was moved by impersonal tides and unalterable fates. RONALD REAGAN believed instead in the courage and triumph of free men and we believe it all the more because we saw that courage in him. As he showed what a President should be, he also showed us what a man should be. RONALD REAGAN carried himself, even in the most powerful office, with the decency and attention to small kindnesses that also define a good life. He was a courtly, gentle and considerate man, never known to slight or embarrass others. Many people across the country cherish letters he wrote in his own hand to family members on important occasions, to old friends dealing with sickness and loss, to strangers with questions about his days in Hollywood. A boy once wrote to him requesting Federal assistance to help clean up his bedroom. jLaughterk ‘‘Unfortunately, funds are dan- gerously low.’’ jLaughterk He continued, ‘‘I’m sure your mother was fully justified in proclaiming your room a disaster . . .’’ jLaughterk ‘‘... therefore you are in an excellent position to launch another volunteer program in our Nation.’’ jLaughterk ‘‘Congratulations.’’ See, our 40th President wore his title lightly, and it fit like a white Stetson. In the end, through his belief in our country and his love for our country, he became an enduring symbol of our country. We think of the steady stride, that tilt of the head and snap of the salute, the big screen smile, and the glint in his Irish eyes when a story came to mind. We think of a man advancing in years with the sweetness and sincerity of a scout saying the pledge. We think of that grave expression that sometimes came over his face, the seriousness of a man angered by injustice and frightened by nothing. We know, as he always said, that America’s best days are ahead of us. But with RONALD REAGAN’s passing, some very fine days are behind us. And that is worth our tears. Americans saw death approach RONALD REAGAN twice in a mo- ment of violence and then in the years of departing light. He met both with courage and grace. In these trials, he showed how a man so enchanted by life can be at peace with life’s end. And where does that strength come from? Where is that courage learned? It is the faith of a boy who read the Bible with his mom. It is the faith of a man lying in an operating room who prayed for Funeral Services xli the one who shot him before he prayed for himself. It is the faith of a man with a fearful illness who waited on the Lord to call him home. Now death has done all that death can do, and as RONALD WIL- SON REAGAN goes his way, we are left with the joyful hope he shared. In his last years he saw through a glass darkly. Now he sees his Saviour face to face. And we look for that fine day when we will see him again, all weariness gone, clear of mind, strong and sure and smiling again, and the sorrow of this parting gone forever. May God bless RONALD REAGAN and the country he loved. jMr. Bush is led back to his seat.k ANTHEM ‘‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’’ William Steffe arr: Peter J. Wilhousky text by: Julia Ward Howe, 1862 Armed Forces Chorus U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra Mine eyes have seen the glory Of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage Where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on. I have seen Him in the watchfires Of a hundred circling camps they have builded Him an altar In the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence By the dim and flaring lamps; His day is marching on. Chorus In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom That transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, xlii Ronald Reagan Let us die to make men free; While God is marching on. Chorus jDuring the last chorus, the third reader is led to the lectern for the Gospel lesson.k jThe people stand.k GOSPEL His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Matthew 5:14–16 A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. Jesus said, You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Reader: The Gospel of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. jAs the reader returns to his stall, the Celebrant goes to the pulpit for the homily.k HOMILY The Reverend John C. Danforth May I speak in the name of one God, who created us, who re- deemed us, who comforts us. Amen. This is a service about RONALD REAGAN, and it is a religious service. We’ve gathered to celebrate the life of a great President in a church where believers profess their faith. So this is not only about a person, but about faith. And the homily is the place to connect the two. For President REAGAN, the text is obvious. It’s from the Sermon on the Mount. ‘‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.’’ It was his favorite theme, from his first inaugural address to his final address from the Oval Of- fice. For him, America was the ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ His immediate source was the sermon preached by John Winthrop just read by Justice O’Connor. Winthrop believed that the eyes of the world would be on America because God had given us a special commission, so it was our duty to shine forth. The Winthrop message became the Reagan message. It rang of optimism, and we longed to hear it, especially after the dark years of and Watergate. It was a vision with policy implications. America could not hide its light under a bushel. It could not turn in on itself and hunker down. Isolationism was not an option; neither was protectionism. We must champion freedom everywhere. We must be the beacon for the world. Funeral Services xliii

What RONALD REAGAN asked of America, he gave of himself. The great American theologian Reinhold Neibuhr wrote ‘‘The Children of Light and the Children of Darkness.’’ If ever we have known a child of light, it was RONALD REAGAN. He was aglow with it. He had no dark side, no scary, hidden agenda. What you saw was what you got. And what you saw was that sure sign of inner light, the twinkle in the eye. He was not consumed by himself. He didn’t need to be Presi- dent to be a complete person. The only thing he really needed was to be with his wife. Mrs. Reagan, you shared him with us, and for that we will always be grateful. He shined the light, but not upon himself. Personally modest, he disclaimed the title the ‘‘Great Communi- cator,’’ and claimed only to communicate great things from the heart of a great Nation. He liked to laugh, especially at himself. There was nothing petty or mean-spirited about him. Even his opponents liked him. I recall sitting at a table with President REAGAN and Speaker O’Neill listening to their jokes. It was the opposite of negative politics. He inspired devotion more than fear. Mike Deaver wrote, ‘‘There was something about him that made you want to please him and do your best. This applied to everybody.’’ It certainly applied to those of us who served in Congress. His most challenging test came on the day he was shot. He wrote in his diary of struggling for breath and of praying. ‘‘I realized that I couldn’t ask for God’s help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed-up young man who shot me,’’ he wrote. ‘‘Isn’t that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all God’s children and therefore equally loved by him. So I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold.’’ He was a child of light. Now consider the faith we profess in this church. Light shining in darkness is an ancient biblical theme. Genesis tells us that in the beginning darkness was upon the face of the deep. Some equate this darkness with chaos. And God said, ‘‘Let there be light,’’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Creating light in darkness is God’s work. You and I know the meaning of darkness. We see it on the evening news: terror, chaos, war. An enduring image of 9/11 is that on a bril- liantly clear day a cloud of darkness covered Lower Manhattan. Darkness is real and it can be terrifying. Sometimes it seems to be everywhere. So the question for us is what do we do when darkness surrounds us? St. Paul answered that question. He said we must walk as children of light. President REAGAN taught us that this is our mission, both as individuals and as a Nation. The faith proclaimed in this church is that when we walk as children of light, darkness cannot prevail. As St. John’s gospel tells us, ‘‘The light shines in the darkness and the xliv Ronald Reagan darkness did not overcome it.’’ That’s true even of death. For people of faith, death is no less awful than for anyone else, but the resurrection means that death is not the end. The Bible describes the most terrible moment in these words: ‘‘When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until 3 in the afternoon.’’ That was the darkness of Good Friday. It did not prevail. Very early on the first day of the week when the Sun had risen, that’s the beginning of the Easter story. The light shines; the Lord is risen. In this service of worship, we celebrate the life of a great President and we profess the resurrection faith of this church. It is faith in God’s victory over darkness. It is faith in the ultimate triumph of light. We believe in this victory every day of our lives. We believe it as individ- uals. We believe it as a Nation. There is no better time to celebrate the triumph of life than in a service for RONALD REAGAN. Amen. jAs the homilist returns to his stall, the orchestra and soloist begin the anthem.k ANTHEM ‘‘Amazing Grace’’ Tune: New Britain text by: John Newton; st. 5 John Rees Sung by Ronan Tynan Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see. ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ’tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun. Funeral Services xlv jDuring the last verse, the Vicar is led to the bottom of the lectern steps.k jThe people stand for the remainder of the service, as they are able.k jFrom his stall, the Celebrant leads the Lord’s Prayer, said by all.k THE LORD’S PRAYER The Reverend John C. Danforth Let us stand and say together the Lord’s Prayer. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy king- dom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. jThe Vicar steps up to the lectern reading desk to lead the prayers.k PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE The Right Reverend A. Theodore Eastman In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one com- munion and fellowship, in the mystical body of the Son Christ our Lord; Grant, we beseech thee, to thy whole Church in paradise and on earth, thy light and thy peace. Amen. Grant that all who have been baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection may die to sin and rise to newness of life, and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass with him to our joyful res- urrection. Amen. Grant to us who are still in our pilgrimage, and who walk as yet by faith, that thy Holy Spirit may lead us in holiness and righteous- ness all our days. Amen. Grant to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve thee with a quiet mind. Amen. Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in thy fatherly care, that, casting all their grief on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love. Amen. Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and, with blessed Peter and Paul and all thy saints, to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the vic- tory of thy Son Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. jAs the Vicar is led back to his stall, the organ begins the hymn introduc- tion.k jDuring this hymn, those who are required for the departing ceremonies outside are unobtrusively escorted from the Cathedral.k xlvi Ronald Reagan HYMN ‘‘Sing with All the Saints in Glory’’ Tune: Ode to Joy text by: William Josiah Irons, 1873 jSung by all.k Sing with all the saints in glory, sing the resurrection song! Death and sorrow, earth’s dark story, to the former days belong. All around the clouds are breaking, Soon the storms of time will cease; In God’s likeness, we awaken, Knowing everlasting peace. O what glory, far exceeding. All that eye has yet perceived! Holiest hearts for ages pleading, Never that full joy conceived. God has promised, Christ prepares it, There on high our welcome waits; Ev’ry humble spirit shares it, Christ has passed th’ eternal gates. jDuring the last verse, vergers lead the Bishop of Washington, the Vicar, and the Celebrant to the foot of the casket, the Celebrant at the foot, the Vicar to his left, and the Bishop to his right, where they face the congrega- tion.k jThe Celebrant then says the commendation responsively with the people.k THE COMMENDATION The Reverend John C. Danforth Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints, All: where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting. Thou only art immortal, the creator and maker of mankind; and we are mortal, formed of the earth, and unto earth shall we return. For so thou didst ordain when thou createdst me, saying, ‘‘Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return.’’ All we go down to the dust; yet even at the grave we make our song; Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. All: Give rest, O Christ, to thy servant with thy saints, where sorrow and pain are no more, neither sighing, but life everlasting.

jThe Celebrant faces the body.k Into thy hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend thy servant RONALD. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming. Re- ceive him into the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. Funeral Services xlvii THE BLESSING The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, makes you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight; and on this day may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you, and remain with you forever. Amen. THE DISMISSAL The Right Reverend A. Theodore Eastman Vicar: Let us go forth in the name of Christ. People: Thanks be to God. jAs the introduction to the anthem begins, the three clerics are escorted back to their stalls.k jDuring the last verse, the acolytes take their positions at the rood screen, and vergers take positions by their charges.k ANTHEM ‘‘The Mansions of the Lord’’ Nick Glennie-Smith text by: Sung by the Armed Forces Chorus with the U.S. Marine Chamber Orchestra To fallen soldiers let us sing Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing Our broken let us bring To the Mansions of the Lord. jThe pallbearers come from the north transept, rotate the casket, and prepare to take it out.k No more bleeding, no more fight No prayers pleading through the night Just divine embrace, eternal light In the Mansions of the Lord. Where no mothers cry and no children weep We will stand and guard though the angels sleep through the ages safely keep The Mansions of the Lord. jProcession of clergy leaving cathedral. The casket is taken out of the cathe- dral. Mourners follow casket.k j‘‘Ruffles.’’ ‘‘Hail to the Chief.’’ ‘‘God Bless America.’’k jThe hearse drives to Andrews Air Force Base.k jSolo bagpipe performance of ‘‘Amazing Grace.’’k jBells toll around the country.k xlviii Ronald Reagan jThe casket is taken out of the hearse, and escorted aboard the Presidential aircraft.k j21-gun salute.k jAir Force band plays the spiritual ‘‘Going Home.’’k jApplause as the plane takes off.k I N H ONOR O F

Ronald Wilson Reagan FORTIETH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

FEBRUARY 6, 1911 TO JUNE 5, 2004

★★★

RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

xlix l Ronald Reagan Interment Services FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2004 AT SIX O’CLOCK

W HATEVER ELSE HISTORY MAY SAY ABOUT ME WHEN I’M GONE, I HOPE IT WILL RECORD THAT I APPEALED TO YOUR BEST HOPES, NOT YOUR WORST FEARS; TO YOUR CONFIDENCE RATHER THAN YOUR DOUBTS. MY DREAM IS THAT YOU WILL TRAVEL THE ROAD AHEAD WITH LIBERTY’S LAMP GUIDING YOUR STEPS AND OPPOR- TUNITY’S ARM STEADYING YOUR WAY.

—RONALD REAGAN AUGUST 1992 ★★★

I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT MAN IS GOOD, THAT WHAT IS RIGHT WILL ALWAYS EVENTUALLY TRIUMPH, AND THERE IS PURPOSE AND WORTH TO EACH AND EVERY LIFE.

—RONALD REAGAN , 1991 ★★★ Funeral Services li Order of Services

INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West MUSICAL HONORS U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West ‘‘AMAZING GRACE’’ Solo Bagpiper, Eric Rigler INVOCATION The Reverend Doctor Michael H. Wenning ‘‘BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC’’ U.S. Army Chorus U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE Michael Reagan Ronald Prescott Reagan SCRIPTURE: PSALM 23 The Reverend John C. Danforth MUSICAL HONORS U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West ‘‘MY COUNTRY ’TIS OF THEE’’ U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West Guests should stand and remain at their seats.

BRIEF WITNESS ON LIFE, DEATH, The Reverend Doctor Michael H. Wenning AND EVERLASTING LIFE 21-GUN SALUTE 11th Marine Artillery Regiment BENEDICTION The Reverend Doctor Michael H. Wenning THREE VOLLEYS OF MUSKETRY U.S. Army Firing Party ‘‘TAPS’’ U.S. Army Band Bugler FLYOVER U.S. Navy ‘‘AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL’’ U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West FLAG PRESENTATION Capt. James A. Symonds, Commander USS Ronald Reagan (CVN–åã) ‘‘GOD BLESS AMERICA’’ Congregation and U.S. Army Chorus U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West Guests are invited to file by the casket to pay final respects and attend a reception in Albritton Hall. ★★★ lii Ronald Reagan jThe Presidential jet flies over the Presidential library in Simi Valley on its way to Point Mugu Naval Air Station.k jThe funeral party arrives at Point Mugu Air Station Airport.k j‘‘Hail to the Chief.’’ 21-cannon salute. Marine band plays ‘‘God Bless Amer- ica.’’k jHonor guards carry the casket to the hearse.k jThe motorcade leaves the naval air station at Point Mugu, to travel to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.k jThe casket is removed from the hearse and transported through the court- yard of the library, through the library itself, and out into the backyard for the ceremony.k jInstrumental Prelude, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, ‘‘Hail to the Chief.’’k jMusical Honors, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.k j‘‘Amazing Grace,’’ solo bagpiper, Eric Rigler.k

REV. MICHAEL H. WENNING: Please pray with me. Eternal and Almighty God, we began this day and it seemed the heavens were weeping as we paid our farewell to your servant RONALD REAGAN. We eulogized him. We worshipped under the arches of that stately cathedral. We have come from sea to shining sea to this soil, which he loved so much, and where his body will remain. Gracious Lord God, turn our tears of sorrow into the hope of the resurrection. Comfort our hearts and especially the Reagan family and the Nation for we celebrate his life and we do it through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. j‘‘Battle Hymn of the Republic,’’ U.S. Army Chorus, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.k

MICHAEL REAGAN, RONALD REAGAN’S SON: Good evening. I’m Mike Reagan. You knew my father as Governor, as President. But I knew him as Dad. I want to tell you a little bit about my dad. A little bit about Cameron and Ashley’s grandfather because not a whole lot is ever spoken about that side of RONALD REAGAN. RONALD REAGAN adopted me into his family 1945. I was the chosen one. I was the lucky one. In all of his years, he never mentioned that I was adopted either behind my back or in front of me. I was his son, Michael Edward Reagan. When his families grew to be two families, he didn’t walk away from the one to go to the other. But he became a father to both. To Patti and then Ronnie, but always to Maureen, my sister, and myself. We looked forward to those Saturday mornings when he would pick us up, sitting on the curve on Beverly Glenn as his car would turn the corner from Sunset Boulevard and we would get in and ride to his ranch and play games and he would always make sure Funeral Services liii it ended up a tie. We would swim and we would ride horses or we’d just watch him cut firewood. We would be in awe of our father. As years went by and I became older and found a woman I would marry, Colleen, he sent me a letter about marriage and how important it was to be faithful to the woman you love with a P.S.—‘‘you’ll never get in trouble if you say I love you at least once a day,’’ and I’m sure he told Nancy every day ‘‘I love you’’ as I tell Colleen. He also sent letters to his grandchildren. He wasn’t able to be the grandfather that many of you are able to be because of the job he had. And so, he would write letters. He sent one letter to Cameron, said, ‘‘Cameron, some guy got $10,000 for my signature. Maybe this letter will help you pay for your college education.’’ He signed it, ‘‘Grandpa. P.S., your grandpa’s the 40th President of the United States, RONALD REAGAN.’’ He just signed his sign. Those are the kinds of things my father did. At the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease my father and I would tell each other we loved each other and we would give each other a hug. As the years went by and he could no longer verbalize my name, he recognized me as the man who hugged him. So when I would walk into the house, he would be there in his chair opening up his arms for that hug, hello, and the hug goodbye. It was a blessing truly brought on by God. We had wonderful blessings of that nature. Wonderful, wonderful blessings that my father gave to me each and every day of my life. I was so proud to have the Reagan name and to be RONALD REAGAN’s son. What a great honor. He gave me a lot of gifts as a child. Gave me a horse. Gave me a car. Gave me a lot of things. But there’s a gift he gave me that I think is wonderful for every father to give every son. Last Saturday, when my father opened his eyes for the last time, and visualized Nancy and gave her such a wonderful, wonderful gift. When he closed his eyes, that’s when I realized the gift that he gave to me, the gift that he was going to be with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He had, back in 1988 on a flight from Washington, DC, to Point Mugu, told me about his love of God, his love of Christ as his Saviour. I didn’t know then what it all meant. But I certainly, certainly know now. I can’t think of a better gift for a father to give a son. And I hope to honor my father by giving my son Cameron and my daughter Ashley that very same gift he gave to me. Knowing where he is this very moment, this very day, that he is in Heaven, and I can only promise my father this. Dad, when I go, I will go to Heaven, too. And you and I and my sister Maureen that went before us, we will dance with the heavenly host of angels before the presence of God. We will do it melanoma and Alzheimer’s free. Thank you for letting me share my father, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. PATTI DAVIS, RONALD REAGAN’S DAUGHTER: Many years ago, my father decided to write down his reflections about death, specifically liv Ronald Reagan his own, and how he would want people to feel about it. He chose to write down the first verse of an Alfred Lord Tennyson poem ‘‘Crossing The Bar’’ and then he decided to add a couple of lines of his own. I don’t think Tennyson will mind. In fact, they’ve probably already discussed it by now. Tennyson wrote, ‘‘sunset and evening star and one clear call for me. And may there be no moaning of the bar when I put out to sea.’’ My father added, ‘‘we have God’s promise that I have gone on to a better world where there is no pain or sorrow. Bring comfort to those who may mourn my going.’’ My father never feared death, he never saw it as an ending. When I was a child, he took me out into a field at our ranch after one of the Malibu fires had swept through. I was very small on the field, looked huge and lifeless, but he bent down and showed me how tiny new green shoots were peeking up out of the ashes just weeks after the fire had come through. ‘‘You see,’’ he said, ‘‘new life always comes out of death. It looks like nothing could ever grow in this field again, but things do.’’ He was the one who generously offered funeral services for my goldfish on the morning of its demise. We went out into the garden and we dug a tiny grave with a tea- spoon and he took two twigs and lashed them together with twine and formed a cross as a marker for the grave. And then he gave a beautiful eulogy. He told me that my fish was swimming in the clear blue waters in Heaven and he would never tire and he would never get hungry and he would never be in any danger and he could swim as far and wide as he wanted and he never had to stop, because the river went on forever. He was free. When we went back inside and I looked at my remaining goldfish in their aquarium with their pink plastic castle and their colored rocks, I suggested that perhaps we should kill the others so they could also go to that clear blue river and be free. He then took more time out of his morning, I’m sure he actually did have other things to do that day, and patiently explained to me that in God’s time, the other fish would go there, as well. In God’s time, we would all be taken home. And even though it sometimes seemed a mystery, we were just asked to trust that God’s time was right and wise. I don’t know why Alzheimer’s was allowed to steal so much of my father before releasing him into the arms of death, but I know that at his last moment, when he opened his eyes, eyes that had not opened for many, many days and looked at my mother, he showed us that neither disease nor death can conquer love. He may have in his lifetime come across a small book called ‘‘Peace of Mind’’ by Joshua Loth Liebman. If he did, I think he would have been struck by these lines, ‘‘then for each one of us, the moment comes when the great nurse, death, takes man, the child, by the hand and quietly says, it’s time to go home, night is coming. It is your bedtime child of Earth.’’ Funeral Services lv JR., RONALD REAGAN’S SON: He is home now. He is free. In his final letter to the American people, Dad wrote, ‘‘I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life.’’ This evening, he has arrived. History will record his worth as a leader. We here have long since measured his worth as a man. Honest, compassionate, graceful, brave. He was the most plainly decent man you could ever hope to meet. He used to say, a gentleman always does the kind thing. And he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. A gentle man. Big as he was, he never tried to make anyone feel small. Powerful as he became, he never took advantage of those who were weaker. Strength, he believed, was never more admirable than when it was applied with restraint. Shopkeeper, door- man, king or queen, it made no difference, Dad treated everyone with the same unfailing courtesy, acknowledging the innate dignity in us all. The idea that all people are created equal was more than mere words on a page, it was how he lived his life. And he lived a good, long life. The kind of life good men lead. But I guess I’m just telling you things you already know. Here’s something you may not know, a little RONALD REAGAN trivia for you, his entire life, Dad had an inordinate fondness for earlobes. Even as a boy, back in Dixon, IL, hanging out on a street corner with his friends, they knew that if they were standing next to DUTCH, sooner or later, he was going to reach over and grab ahold of their lobe, give it a workout there. Sitting on his lap watching television as a kid, same story, he would have a hold of my earlobe. I’m surprised I have any lobes left after all of that. And you didn’t have to be a kid to enjoy that sort of treatment. Serving in the Screen Actors Guild with his great friend , the actor, best man at his wedding, Bill got used to it. They would be there at the meetings, and Dad would have a hold of his earlobe. There they’d be, some tense labor negotiation, two big Hollywood movie stars, hand in earlobe. He was, as you know, a famously optimistic man. Sometimes such opti- mism leads you to see the world as you wish it were as opposed to how it really is. At a certain point in his Presidency, Dad decided he was going to revive the thumbs up gesture. So he went all over the country, of course, giving everybody the thumbs up. Dory and I found ourselves in the Presi- dential limousine one day returning from some big event. My mother was there and Dad was of course, thumbs upping the crowd along the way, and suddenly, looming in the window on his side of the car was this snarling face. This fellow was reviving an entirely different hand gesture. And hoisted an entirely different digit in our direction. Dad saw this and without missing a beat turned to us and said, you see? I think it’s catching on. Dad was also a deeply, unabashedly religious man. But he never made the fatal mistake of so many politicians wearing his faith on his sleeve to gain political advantage. True, after he was shot and nearly killed early in lvi Ronald Reagan his Presidency, he came to believe that God had spared him in order that he might do good. But he accepted that as a responsibility, not a mandate. And there is a profound difference. Humble as he was, he never would have assumed a free pass to Heaven. But in his heart of hearts, I suspect he felt he would be welcome there. And so he is home. He is free. Those of us who knew him well will have no trouble imagining his paradise. Golden fields will spread beneath a blue dome of a western sky. Live oaks will shad- ow the rolling hillsides. And someplace, flowing from years long past, a river will wind toward the sea. Across those fields, he will ride a gray mare he calls Nancy D. They will sail over jumps he has built with his own hands. He will at the river carry him over the shining stones. He will rest in the shade of the trees. Our cares are no longer his. We meet him now only in memory. But we will join him soon enough. All of us. When we are home, when we are free. jApplausek jScripture: Psalm 23, The Reverend John C. Danforth.k jMusical Honors, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West. ‘‘Star Spangled Banner.’’ ‘‘Amazing Grace.’’k jProcession.k jCasket is moved. Flag is lifted.k jU.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.k

REV. MICHAEL H. WENNING: Mrs. Reagan, members of the Reagan family, distinguished and honored guests, it is a wonderful, awesome responsibility for me to be able to give these final parting words on this long journey of this week of sadness. I want to thank you for the privilege of being your pastor and chaplain to the President. Little did I think that four and a half decades ago, when Frieda and I came to this country to study in college, that one day I would end up as the chaplain to the Presi- dent of the United States—only in America. Dear Nancy, thank you for bearing your grief so nobly. Thank you for the dignity that you have shown this week. Our hearts have gone out to you. So many people have com- mented on the picture where you and I are together as we began this week. And I think the reason for its poignancy was that the whole American Na- tion was putting its arms around you. And so we love you and care for you. Thank you for caring for the President in his declining years. Thank you for the wonderful example of your marriage that you modeled through- out your life together and especially in the White House years. Yours was truly a glorious friendship, based on mutual love and respect. And we love you for it. And thank you for it. To you, Michael, and Patti, and Ron, thank you for those very, very touching and moving words, a little humor, but the heartfelt love of children who loved their father and respect him so much. We gathered at the beginning of this long day in the National Funeral Services lvii Cathedral and heard so many wonderful words from the Nations’ leaders and also from a beloved friend. I have never heard Lady Margaret Thatcher speak more eloquently in all her life. The last time I heard her speak, I had the privilege of being present as she was awarded the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award. And I remember her saying particularly, ‘‘when RONNIE spoke about the Soviet Union as the evil empire, even I blanched.’’ Thank God that neither she, nor your husband, shirked in the face of communism, but saw its demise. He touched us all. When I went back to the land where I was born in , I went to see my aging father. And, as I sat in his study, he pointed to a huge picture behind me framed. It was of your husband. And he said, ‘‘This is my President’’; 10,000 miles away, he identified, as we all do and shall do through time to come. It now remains for me to talk about the man and his faith. Indeed, he was a gift from God to us all. He made us feel good and confident about ourselves, about our country, and about our future. And I believe it’s because he gained his confidence from the psalm which I read at the beginning of this week, Psalm 46. The psalm says, ‘‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble.’’ When you attended church, so many people noticed that he could sing the hymns without looking at the hymnal. He loved hymns. And it was appropriate that it was sung in the cathedral this morn- ing and played on the bagpipes this evening. That hymn speaks about God’s amazing grace. And RONALD REAGAN knew of the grace of his Lord, Jesus Christ, for he lived with and on and in that grace. I think of that one particular stanza of that hymn which says, through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home. Grace has led him home this day. He was a man who exhibited graciousness with all that he met, from the highest in the land to the lowliest. On one occasion, when Alzheimer’s was beginning to rob that beautiful mind and he no longer came to Bel Air Presbyterian Church, you know that I came to the office regularly and brought the church to him and then to your home. And, on one occasion, his secretary said, Mr. President, your pastor is here. Come and sit in the corner of his office. And he said, ‘‘No, I think I’ll just sit here at the desk.’’ I looked at her. She looked at me. We knew he wasn’t going to budge. So I sidled up and sat on the edge of the desk. And I said, ‘‘Mr. President, you’re still boss. I’ll sit where you are.’’ And so I read scripture and prayed. Shortly afterward, his secretary ushered in my wife and he stood up immediately and went over to her and shook her hand. You see, the gentleness, the kindness, the love, the gifts, the fruit of the holy spirit was deeply embedded in his DNA. As Ron has already said, in 1994, he wrote that letter saying, ‘‘I now begin my journey into the sunset of my life.’’ But I believe that, last Satur- lviii Ronald , he began a new journey into the glorious presence of Almighty God, and he is basking in the sunshine of his love. And I believe he’s touching the face of God, as he said during the Challenger disaster. And the Lord is saying to him, ‘‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’’ Let me close with just one thought. In the ancient nation of Israel, when the Temple had been built, the Lord appeared to King Solomon and said to him these words: ‘‘If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and turn from their wicked ways and pray and seek my face, I will hear from Heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.’’ God was reminding his ancient people that the glory of the Nation was not in power or prestige, in wealth or in might. RONALD REAGAN knew that as a cardinal truth, that ultimately, our strength is not in our might, but it is as we depend upon Almighty God and trust in him and walk humbly before God. RON- ALD REAGAN lived and believed that. And thank God that he did. Mr. President, I salute you. NANCY REAGAN, FORMER FIRST LADY: Thank you. j21-gun Salute, 11th Marine Artillery Regiment.k

REV. MICHAEL H. WENNING: Please pray with me. Now, Eternal God, we commend into your hands the spirit of your servant, RONALD WIL- SON REAGAN. We commend him into your care and keeping. And as we do so, we commit ourselves afresh into your love and care. Teach us to so live that we shall never, ever be afraid of death, nor ever ashamed to see you face to face, but grant that your love and peace may rest with us now and always. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you, the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and grant you his peace now and forever more, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. jThree volleys of musketry, U.S. Army Firing Party.k j‘‘Taps,’’ U.S. Army Band bugler.k jFlyover, U.S. Navy, .k j‘‘America the Beautiful,’’ U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.k jFlag Presentation, Capt. James A. Symonds, Commander, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN–åã).k j‘‘God Bless America,’’ Congregation and U.S. Army Chorus, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West.k Memorial Tributes

IN THE House of Representatives of the United States

IN EULOGY OF Ronald Reagan

In the House of Representatives of the United States

Tuesday, June ç, áÖÖâ

need to stand up to in the Persian Gulf, on the superi- Hon. ority of market- and enterprise-based economies. The world learned when RONALD REAGAN faced down the air traffic OF CALIFORNIA controllers in 1981 that he could dig in and fight to win. The world learned in Grenada that he would use military Mr. Speaker, not 24 hours after RONALD force if needed. He did not accept that extensive political REAGAN had passed away, I had the opportunity opposition doomed an attractive idea. He would fight reso- to talk to a great American, Ronald Reagan’s lutely for an idea, believing that, if it was valid, he could Secretary of State, George P. Shultz. He already persuade the American people to support it. He changed the national and international agenda on issue after issue. He was by Sunday afternoon had penned a statement, an optimist; he spoke the vocabulary of opportunity. He had which was so moving that I asked him if I could a vision of what he stood for and what we aspire to as a share it with my colleagues. Secretary Shultz nation. agreed, so I would like to do that at this point, RONALD REAGAN had and could express a clear and simple Mr. Speaker. view of a complex world. Every Sunday, he brought acorns down from to feed the squirrels outside the Oval He entitles this ‘‘Remembering RONALD Office. The squirrels at the White House hadn’t had it so REAGAN.’’ It reads as follows: good since Ike cleared the area to put in a putting green. His most endearing aspect was his fundamental decency. He REMEMBERING RONALD REAGAN appealed to people’s best hopes, not their fears; to their con- fidence, rather than their doubts. (By George P. Shultz) RONALD REAGAN was a doer, a pragmatist, a man who We have lost RONALD REAGAN, but his ideas remain with enjoyed hard physical tasks, as in work he loved us, as vital as ever. We can remember the gifts he gave us, to do. But that brush clearing and fence fixing was a symbol, his advocacy of freedom, his contributions to our security, too; he wanted to be doing it himself because from the land his belief in America and his restoration of our belief in our- came not only strength and clarity, but a vision, the vision selves. of the West and the endless horizon. The American people When he took office as Governor of California, RONALD liked RONALD REAGAN and reelected him in one of the big- REAGAN took responsibility for a State that was in rocky gest landslides in history because he trusted them and he shape; when he left office, California was golden again. When conveyed to them that they need not be bound, tied down RONALD REAGAN took office as the President of the United by class or race, or childhood misfortune, or poverty, or bu- States, the country was adrift, inflation was out of control, reaucracy. They, the people, could make something of them- the economy was in the doldrums, and the cold war was as selves; indeed, they could remake themselves endlessly. cold as it had ever been. When he left office, inflation was But beneath this pragmatic attitude lay a bedrock of prin- under control, the economy was expanding, the cold war was ciple and purpose with which I was proud to be associated. all over but the shouting, and America once again stood tall. He believed in being strong enough to defend our interests, RONALD REAGAN brought so much to this country. He but he viewed that strength as a means, not an end in itself. started with carefully thought out ideas and he put them RONALD REAGAN had confidence in himself and in his ideas to work effectively. He had a strong and constructive agenda, and was ready to negotiate from the strength so evident by much of it labeled impossible and unattainable in the early the mideighties. years of his Presidency. He challenged the conventional wis- He was a fervent anticommunist who could comprehend dom: On , on the possibility of movement to- and believe that people everywhere would choose to throw ward freedom in the communist-dominated world, on the off the communist system if they ever had the chance. And 3 4 Ronald Reagan he worked hard to give them that chance. He favored open we like it or not, the events of our time demand trade because he had confidence in the ability of Americans America’s participation.’’ to compete, and he had confidence that an integrated world My wife Anne and I had the privilege of meet- economy would benefit America. He stuck to his agenda. The points he made, however consummate the delivery, ing President REAGAN at the White House for were unmistakably real in his mind and heart, an American a St. Patrick’s Day event in 1982. As we chatted creed: Defend your country, value your family, make some- for a few minutes, I remember being in the pres- thing of yourself, tell government to get off your back, tell ence of someone great. I told him that we were the tyrants to watch their step. RONALD REAGAN conveyed simple truths that were especially welcome because ‘‘now- praying for him. He shook my hand, and in a adays everything seems so complicated.’’ What he said ran genuine, soft-spoken voice, he thanked us. deep and wide among the people. His convictions guided him on social issues as REAGAN as President was a Republican, a conservative, a well. In 1983, on the 10th anniversary of Roe v. man of the right. But these labels will mislead historians who Wade, he wrote a 9 page article to the American do not see beyond them, for Americans could see some of people laying out his opposition to the abomi- RONALD REAGAN in themselves. You couldn’t figure him out like a fact, because to REAGAN, the main fact was a vi- nable practice of abortion. In it he wrote: sion. He came from the heartland of the country, where peo- jWke cannot survive as a free nation when some men de- ple could be down-to-earth, yet feel the sky is the limit, not cide that others are not fit to live and should be abandoned ashamed of or cynical about the American dream. to abortion or infanticide. My Administration is dedicated Not far from RONALD REAGAN’s small town of Dixon, to the preservation of America as a free land, and there is IL, is Jane Addams’ small town of Cedarville; not far from no cause more important for preserving that freedom than Cedarville is Ulysses Grant’s small town of Galena. And not affirming the transcendent of all human beings, far from Galena is ’s Galesburg. REAGAN had the right without which no other rights have any meaning. something of them all: His heart going out to the people; his will ready to fight for the country; his voice able to move Our Founders believed in the idea of America. the Nation. And, as Carl Sandburg wrote it, ‘‘The republic It was an idea of freedom and justice for all. is a dream. Nothing happens unless first a dream.’’ REAGAN believed in America, and, more signifi- cantly, he believed in the American people. Rather than simply imposing his principles upon Hon. Jim Ryun others, he redefined the mainstream by giving them something to believe in. It was this quality OF of principled, caring leadership that inspired many, including me, to act upon our convictions, Mr. Speaker, there are few leaders who we can believing that the American way was just and look to who truly embody the characteristics of right. what a leader should be. RONALD REAGAN em- As we mourn the passing of our 40th Presi- bodied them all. dent, we must not allow his legacy to die with He was a man of principle; he was a man of him. His legacy is a continued belief in the idea action. Unlike many who just talk about their of America. To carry it on, we must not only convictions, he was a man who acted upon them. look to what has been, but we must look forward As a man of deep faith, he brought conviction to what will be. Because of the work of RONALD to the Presidency, knowing what he believed and REAGAN, the idea has prevailed. It is up to us why he believed it. Yes, he was ‘‘Mr. President;’’ to ensure that we continue his optimism for the and indeed a role model, a man of conviction and future. President REAGAN left us a legacy to up- courage. hold. He once said: A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is PRAYER the right one, must have the determination to stick with it The Reverend John Boyles, National Capital and be undaunted when the going gets rough. Presbytery, Washington, DC, offered the fol- It was this conviction and courage that en- lowing prayer: abled him to lead the world out of the cold war O Lord God, we come before You on this day into an age when communism no longer thrived. to ask that You would be with all here today As he put it, ‘‘We did not seek the role of leader- as servants of Your will, and that of this Nation’s ship that has been thrust upon us. But whether people, in giving honor for service to country, Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 5 this land of the free. And strengthen all here RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President today in the work of this body, to establish of the United States of America, and in paying steadfast and righteous rules of law to guide and tribute to President REAGAN as we remember his direct the way of this Nation. Presidency and what he meant to our country O Lord God, that here would be frontiers of and, indeed, to the world. freedom just as there were in foreign fields on I deeply admired and respected President beachheads of liberation which are remembered REAGAN. I had the good fortune to run for the and honored in these days. 10th Congressional District of Virginia seat in O Lord God, before You, and gathered here, Congress in when he was elected we are met to lift up to You and remember those to his first term. Some called my victory then who have given of themselves in highest service ‘‘on REAGAN’s coattails.’’ I have no doubt that to this Nation. O Lord, You have been our I am in Congress today because of President dwelling place in all generations and now this REAGAN. House, this Chamber would prepare to receive I will always be grateful that after my two suc- under its dome, a hallowed place of honor for cessful bids for Congress RONALD REAGAN led one who served as highest leader of this Nation. the ticket I was on and I became a member of Prepare here now, O Lord, those assembled to the class of 1980. I am sure all members of the give honor for service and dedication to America class of 1980 would agree, President REAGAN of RONALD REAGAN, that in honoring his serv- made us feel good again. He gave us hope. He ice, that the service to Nation given by those inspired us. He gave us optimism because he was here in this House might be rededicated and an optimist. His legacy belongs not only to strengthened; that in honoring the grace and America but to the world. goodness of a man who served his Nation’s peo- I saw a woman in California being inter- ple, that all here would be renewed in their dedi- viewed. She was holding a bouquet of flowers cation to the good of all, and the building up and tears were streaming down her face. She had of all, and even then knowing, before You, O a broken English accent and identified herself as God, that if this earthly house of a tabernacle a Russian immigrant. She said she had to come were desolved that there is a building of God, to the makeshift memorial outside the funeral a house not made with hands, eternal in the home where President REAGAN was resting be- heavens. May you, O God, bless the work of our cause, ‘‘I owe my life to President REAGAN.’’ hands here today. Amen. Mr. Speaker, I will close by sharing his own words spoken in August 1992 about how he MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE wanted to be remembered. President REAGAN A message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, said: one of its clerks, announced that the Senate has jWkhatever else history may say about me when I’m passed a concurrent resolution of the following gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, title in which the concurrence of the House is not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your requested: doubts. . . . May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic ori- S. Con. Res. 115. Concurrent resolution authorizing the use gins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never lose your of the rotunda of the Capitol for the of the . . . God-given optimism. remains of the late RONALD WILSON REAGAN, 40th Presi- dent of the United States. Mr. Speaker, we thank God for the life of RONALD WILSON REAGAN. Hon. Frank R. Wolf Hon. Joseph R. Pitts OF VIRGINIA OF PENNSYLVANIA Mr. Speaker, I join with others in the House in expressing the deepest condolences to Nancy Mr. Speaker, last week as I reflected on the Reagan and the Reagan family on the passing of anniversary of D-day, I recalled President 6 Ronald Reagan

REAGAN’s speech on the 40th anniversary of that It was RONALD REAGAN who turned it around. first day of liberation of Europe on June 6, 1984. He never lost faith in the American people, and President REAGAN spoke of ‘‘the men of Nor- he had enough optimism to restore our lost con- mandy’’ who ‘‘had faith that what they were fidence and get America back on its feet. doing was right, faith that they fought for all That is what impressed me so much in those humanity, faith that a just God would grant days, that tremendous turnaround from so many them mercy on this beachhead or on the next.’’ being down to being proud again of America. As he so often did, his conviction and passion, He believed that we could cut taxes and restore his grace and sincerity connected a distant event our economy, and we did. By the end of his to the struggle each and every human being faces term, the U.S. economy had grown by a third. every day, fighting to know what we are doing is right. He believed we could stand up proudly for Later that day he told a different audience, American values around the world and stand up ‘‘We will always remember. We will always be to the Soviet Union, and we did. It was President proud. We will always be prepared, so we may REAGAN’s resolve that halted the march of com- always be free.’’ munism in Central America and . It called this freedom, which President was REAGAN’s resolve that nurtured the Soli- REAGAN mentioned in 1984, the freedom ‘‘from darity movement in Poland, and gave heart to self-doubt, from the Soviet threat, from uneasi- the dissidents of the Soviet bloc. ness about our national power and capacity to do Ultimately, it was President REAGAN’s faith great things.’’ in American ideals and his steadfast determina- This was REAGAN’s gift to his country. He tion that led to the and knew that America was great and that our great- the liberation of Eastern Europe. ness had not come without a price. Indeed, we will always remember, Mr. President. We will In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, it was that leader- always remember so that we may always be free. ship and vision for America that made RONALD REAGAN special. And now the country mourns and the world remembers in the death of a great Hon. Nick Smith world leader. OF MICHIGAN COMMUNICATION FROM THE CLERK OF THE HOUSE Mr. Speaker, I was farming and in the Michi- The SPEAKER laid before the House the fol- gan Legislature when RONALD REAGAN took of- lowing communication from the Clerk of the fice. With President REAGAN, he not only led House of Representatives: the country but restored America’s confidence. OFFICE OF THE CLERK He renewed our sense of America’s goodness and U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES America’s greatness. And with that assurance, the Washington, DC, June ç, áÖÖâ. American people achieved great things. HON. J. DENNIS HASTERT, When RONALD REAGAN came into office, we The Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. had Watergate, defeat in Vietnam, we surren- dered control over the Canal. Vietnam DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House fell to communism and Cambodia soon followed. of Representatives, I have the honor to transmit a sealed enve- The Sandinistas took control of . The lope received from the White House on June 8, 2004 at 2:37 Ayatollah Khomeini held 52 American hostages p.m. and said to contain a message from the President where- for more than 1 year at our Embassy in Tehran. by he notifies the Congress of the death of RONALD REAGAN. Inflation stood at 13.5 percent and interest With Best wishes, I am rates reached 21 percent. People in America had Sincerely, lost their optimism and pride in our country, and JEFF TRANDAHL, it was RONALD REAGAN that brought us back. Clerk of the House. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 7

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED Resolved, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn STATES as a further mark of respect to the memory of the former President. The SPEAKER laid before the House the fol- lowing message from the President of the United States; which was read: Hon. Tom DeLay To the Congress of the United States: By this Message, I officially inform you of the death of OF RONALD REAGAN, the fortieth President of the United States. Mr. Speaker, he was a gift to us: the healthy, RONALD REAGAN was a great leader and a good man. He hearty child handed down from God to John and had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength 1911 that comes with character, the grace that comes with humil- Nelle Reagan in Tampico, IL, in ; the strong, ity, and the humor that comes with wisdom. athletic young man handed up from the bustling, Through his leadership, spirit, and abiding faith in the laughing, big-shouldered Midwest of his youth; American people, President REAGAN gave our Nation a re- the underrated actor, the underrated labor leader, newed optimism. With his courage and , he en- the underrated politician; and the visionary who hanced America’s security and advanced the spread of peace, liberty, and democracy to millions of people who had lived foresaw America’s victory in the cold war and in darkness and oppression. As America’s President, he brought about that victory with wit, will, and helped change the world. undaunted valor for 8 heroic years. The sun has now set on RONALD REAGAN’s extraordinary Everything that America is, and everything American life. Just as he told us that our Nation’s best days that mankind can be, was in our 40th President: are yet to come, we know that the same is true for him. wisdom, mercy, humor, honesty, honor, and GEORGE W. BUSH. courage. THE WHITE HOUSE, June ç, áÖÖâ. In an hour of doubt and fear, RONALD EXPRESSING PROFOUND REGRET AND SORROW OF REAGAN rose in the West, reminded his Nation THE HOUSE ON THE DEATH OF RONALD WILSON of its unique mission in history, and with the REAGAN FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA help of a few million friends, worked the great miracle of the age. And he did it all smiling Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged through the condescending insults of his critics, resolution (H. Res. 663) and ask for its imme- who, bless their hearts, could never quite get past diate consideration. his infuriating optimism. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: They said RONALD REAGAN could ruin the H. RES. 663 economy, but in fact he led it to heights of Resolved, That the House of Representatives has learned strength and prosperity never before witnessed in with profound regret and sorrow of the death of RONALD history. WILSON REAGAN, former President of the United States of They said REAGAN would provoke our en- America. emies to war, but in fact he bent our enemies Resolved, That the House tenders its deep sympathy to the members of the family of the former President in their be- to surrender without firing a single shot. reavement. They said RONALD REAGAN was an ‘‘amiable Resolved, That in recognition of the many virtues, public dunce,’’ but in fact he was a fearless intellectual and private, of one who served with distinction as President, warrior, who marshaled words like soldiers to the Speaker shall appoint a committee of the House to join fight battles of ideas across a table or across a with such Members of the Senate as may be designated, to attend the funeral services of the former President. continent, and won. Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be au- Which is why his death, even after a decade thorized and directed to take such steps as may be necessary of slow, agonizing decline, comes as a shock to for carrying out the provisions of these resolutions, and that all of us. For RONALD REAGAN was not just a the necessary expenses in connection therewith be paid out man. He was the personification of an idea. And of the applicable accounts of the House. Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to not just an idea, but the idea: the irreducible the Senate and transmit a copy of the same to the family American idea that this Nation, founded by a of the former President. generation of heroes upon the self-evident truth 8 Ronald Reagan of equality under God, is possessed of a special mocracy on Earth, we remain the youthful cham- commission in the affairs of men. pion of liberty and justice, best poised of all na- According to RONALD REAGAN, and accord- tions to lead mankind in the uncertain future. ing to Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Ken- He believed it was true because he knew it had nedy before him, America is not just another na- to be. tion. Instead, we are the ‘‘last, best hope of man He knew that without the American Nation, on Earth’’; ‘‘the torch of freedom’’ guiding man- that is without the American people and their kind through the darkness; the living promise to steadfast adherence to the true and the good, the all times and men that despite the relentless West could fail in the cold war and fail the cause march of tyranny, the ultimate victory of liberty of freedom around the world. And so he never is assured. let failure become an option. And people wonder where he got his opti- From the earliest days of his administration, mism. Of course RONALD REAGAN was an opti- President REAGAN stood before the world and mist. He was an American. In his life, the proclaimed the United States’ commitment to United States pulled the world through the freedom. He called the Soviet Union the evil em- Great Depression, two great world wars, and pire and declared that ‘‘regimes planted by bayo- back from the brink of nuclear holocaust. And nets do not take root.’’ He met with Pope John all the while, despite all the hardship, indeed Paul II and pledged to assist and equip the Soli- perhaps because of it, America got stronger, rich- darity movement in Poland. He called the Sovi- er, and, as far as he was concerned, better. et’s bluff at Reykjavik and went to the Branden- REAGAN’s confidence and optimism in his burg Gate to challenge Soviet Leader Mikhail country were simply extensions of his confidence Gorbachev to ‘‘tear down this wall!’’ and optimism in his countrymen. He knew the Around the world, his words and deeds fil- things Americans had done, repelling the British, tered down to the oppressed citizens behind the freeing the slaves, settling the West, liberating who knew, for the first time, that Europe, shooting for the Moon, and simply could the American President and his people were com- not see this arc of history as anything but the ing to the rescue; that about the evils irresistible advance of freedom against oppres- of communism was being exposed to the world, sion; or as REAGAN sublimely put it: ‘‘We win, and that the West had made a conscious decision and they lose.’’ that the cold war was not to be managed, but ‘‘We’’ are those who seek to defend human fought and won. dignity, and ‘‘they’’ are those who seek to stifle To RONALD REAGAN, the answers to the it. This was not a mere political calculation. To world’s problems were not simplistic, but they RONALD REAGAN, the innate dignity of man was were simple. In foreign policy, evil must be con- a spark of the Divine, a light created in God’s fronted. Domestically, more government is not image that the darkness could not overcome. He the solution; it is the problem. Publicly, honesty saw it as his role in our Nation and America’s is the best policy. And privately, follow the gold- role in the world, for that matter, to liberate peo- en rule. ple from the shackles of government, so that they This was not merely the recipe for a spectac- might first enjoy their right of self-determina- ular career, which dominated and forever altered tion, and then share with their neighbors the the map of the world, or for the national pride blessings of faith, hope, and charity. he restored to an America that, under his watch, REAGAN knew these were the virtues that became freer, stronger, and more prosperous than built our Nation and remain the essential ingre- any nation in history. It was also the recipe for dients of American achievement, the tonic that of love and friendship, an ineffable ro- has sustained the United States for more than mance with his wife, Nancy. 200 years, in Emerson’s words, as ‘‘the country In short, he left the world a better place than of tomorrow.’’ he found it and left his country with policies in REAGAN loved that quote, and the idea behind place to solve problems great and small. It is for it; that even as we stand today as the oldest de- us, then, who inhabit the world he shaped, to Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 9 finish the work he began. For we honor him best to matters of principle. And though firm in his not by our words today, but our deeds tomorrow, convictions, President REAGAN was not afraid of and the next day and the next, to do right by compromise. Indeed, the lifelong crusader against each other, right by our Nation, and right by communism will be remembered for signing the our responsibilities to history. first agreement with the Soviet Union to actually Though he may no longer be with us, Mr. destroy nuclear weapons. Speaker, we still live in an Age of Reagan. Come We remember his eloquence. After the loss of Friday afternoon, he will be laid to rest, after our Challenger astronauts, President REAGAN making one final journey home to his beloved consoled a grieving Nation. And whether in California coast. But even as we say our tearful front of the Berlin Wall, or overlooking the goodbyes that evening, and the Sun sets out beaches of Normandy, he echoed the democratic West over the Pacific, we will find in ourselves aspirations of freedom-loving people everywhere. the strength to carry on without our hero. We remember his grace and humor. This is We will simply do as REAGAN did at the end a story that perhaps our colleague, the gentleman of any long and difficult day. We will turn and from California (Mr. Lewis), understands and ap- look to the East with anticipation and wonder, preciates better than most in the Chamber. and wait for another hopeful dawn. When RONALD REAGAN was Governor of Cali- fornia, he came to the legislative chamber to de- liver the State of the State Address. Because it Hon. was near the time of his birthday, they wheeled in a birthday cake and sang ‘‘Happy Birthday’’ OF CALIFORNIA to then-Governor REAGAN. I have to add at that time, the speaker of the Assembly of California Mr. Speaker, with the death of RONALD was a giant of a man, Jess Unruh, and who some- REAGAN and the dignity with which he left us, times did not see eye to eye with then-Governor there is truly mourning in America. If the mean- REAGAN. They sang ‘‘Happy Birthday,’’ and ing of a life can be measured by the hearts Governor REAGAN blew out the candles. Some- touched by one’s death, the outpouring of grief 40 one said, ‘‘Governor, did you make a wish?’’ at the death of our th President speaks to the Mr. Speaker, the Governor looked up and said, distinctly American life that was RONALD WIL- ‘‘Yes, I made a wish, but it did not come true; SON REAGAN. he is still there,’’ as he spoke to the then-Speaker. We Californians mourn RONALD REAGAN as At the end of the day, though, President our Governor; all Americans mourn RONALD REAGAN knew whatever may divide us by party REAGAN as our President; and people the world is dwarfed by what unites us as Americans. over mourn RONALD REAGAN, the passionate Speaker Tip O’Neill famously told of how he and voice for freedom. the President clashed by day, but were friends Today a grateful Nation remembers RONALD after 6 p.m., prompting the President to begin REAGAN the man. We remember his indomi- his phone calls, ‘‘Tip, is it after 6 p.m.?’’ table optimism and abiding love of country. We remember RONALD REAGAN’s faith in his RONALD REAGAN understood the greatness of country, in his family, and in his God. In that America has always been the character of the poignant letter 10 years ago announcing his bat- American people. As Americans, we have always tle with Alzheimer’s disease, President REAGAN dared to dream. And so President REAGAN ap- wrote: pealed to the enduring belief that sustains us as When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I a people: That America’s best days are yet to will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and come. eternal optimism for its future. We remember his leadership. Those of us on . . . I know that for America there will always be a bright this side of the aisle may not have always stood dawn ahead. with him on matters of policy, but we always That dawn was referenced by the gentleman from knew where he stood, as he did us, when it came Texas (Mr. DeLay). 10 Ronald Reagan

We remember RONALD REAGAN’s dignity, hill.’’ He restored our faith in America, and he the dignity with which he lived and led our made us proud to be Americans again. country, and the dignity with which he died, His easygoing personality and a sense of turning the long goodbye of his final years into humor endeared him to the people he served. His a lesson for all of us. word was his bond. It was genuine. His honesty And all Americans, and I know everyone who and sincerity were the foundation of his strength serves in the Congress of the United States for while working with Democrats and Republicans sure, have been touched by the dignity, private in both Houses of Congress. strength and public grace of Nancy Reagan and The world struggled against communism, but the Reagan family to whom we offer our prayers our country stood tall as RONALD REAGAN’s per- and deepest condolences. Our Nation is in your severance led the world to freedom. As a former debt for the care and love you gave our President history teacher, I have taught students about and the dignity with which you held his hands George Washington and . I at the end. have taught them about our fellow Illinoisan, I hope it is a comfort to Mrs. Reagan and the Abraham Lincoln, and I have taught them about Reagan family that the whole world mourns their FDR and JFK. History has now called RONALD loss and is praying for them at this sad time. REAGAN to take his place alongside the most For his eloquent defense of freedom, for his noble of our countrymen. Here in the People’s leadership style of conviction and compromise, House, thousands of Americans will file in the for his eternal optimism for the future, America Capitol rotunda to honor the people’s President. pays tribute to President RONALD WILSON He will be remembered as a symbol of ‘‘peace REAGAN. through strength,’’ but most of all we will re- May God bless RONALD REAGAN, may God member him for the hope he gave to the rest bless this country that he loved and led, may of the world that freedom was possible. His grit, RONALD REAGAN rest in peace. his sheer willpower made it possible for more people to walk in freedom today than at any other time throughout history. Hon. J. Dennis Hastert Not only was he an ambassador of the Amer- OF ILLINOIS ican people and the American way of life, Presi- dent REAGAN was an ambassador of faith. He re- minded us of his faith when America grieved the Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and loss of the seven astronauts of the Challenger space the legacy of our Nation’s 40th President, RON- shuttle. He said: ALD WILSON REAGAN. He was born in the small town of Tampico, We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, IL, which is in my congressional district, and this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved good-bye and ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’’ to ‘‘touch grew up in Dixon, another town some of my con- the face of God.’’ stituents call home. It was there that he learned the common-sense values and virtues that helped Tonight, as we honor the man who believed him reshape not only our Nation, but also the America was a ‘‘shining city on the hill,’’ we world. should remember his words to the students of When I first ran for public office in 1980, for his alma mater, Eureka College in Illinois. He the Illinois Legislature, RONALD REAGAN was said: running for President. Back then people did not Live each day to the fullest. Live each day with enthusiasm, have a lot of faith in America and what America optimism and hope. If you do, I am convinced that your con- could do. What made him so special was his tribution to this wonderful experiment we call America will be profound. willingness to step forward at a time when the rest of the world was stepping back and remind With Godspeed, Mr. President. God bless us what made America the ‘‘shining city on the RONALD REAGAN. God bless America. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 11

MOURNING THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT RONALD Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 REAGAN ( ) expresses its deepest appreciation for the profound pub- lic service of President RONALD REAGAN; Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, pursu- (2) expresses its condolences to Nancy Reagan and to Patti, ant to the order of the House of today and as Michael, Ron, and the entire Reagan family; designee of the majority leader, I call up the res- (3) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on olution (H. Res. 664) mourning the passing of the record of President REAGAN during this national period of remembrance and to remember always his encouraging President RONALD REAGAN and celebrating his words: ‘‘We have every right to dream heroic dreams.’’; and service to the people of the United States and (4) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to his leadership in promoting the cause of freedom transmit a copy of this resolution to the family of President for all the people of the world, and ask for its REAGAN. immediate consideration. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: Hon. H. RES. 664 Whereas President RONALD REAGAN reminded us that our OF CALIFORNIA great Nation was founded and built by people with great dreams and the courage to take great risks; Mr. Speaker, through the years of having the Whereas President REAGAN reminded his countrymen of the Nation’s calling in world history: ‘‘From our forefathers opportunity to know President RONALD to our modern day immigrants, we’ve come from every corner REAGAN, one could go down many a pathway of the earth, from every race and every ethnic background, in recalling his greatness. My first recollection and we’ve become a new breed in the world. We’re Ameri- of RONALD REAGAN, I can recall clearly I was cans, and we have a rendezvous with destiny.’’; lying on the living room floor, and he was giving Whereas President REAGAN championed freedom and de- mocracy throughout the world, bringing courage to millions this speech on behalf of Barry Goldwater. The of people suffering the bondage of tyranny and oppression; remarks in that speech entitled, ‘‘A Time for Whereas on June 12, 1987, President REAGAN stood at the Choosing,’’ never to forget: , the symbol of communism’s brutal op- pression, and demanded: ‘‘General Secretary Gorbachev, if You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will pre- you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union serve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thou- this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear sand years of darkness. down this wall!’’; I will never forget rolling over on the floor Whereas on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall was torn down, signifying the end of the Cold War; and saying to my family, ‘‘This guy ought to be Whereas President REAGAN, and his wife Nancy, brought Governor of California.’’ And, by golly, just 2 dignity and respect to the White House and dedicated their years later, he was: Governor RONALD REAGAN, lives to promoting national pride and to bettering the quality elected in 1966 by the people of California. of life in the United States and throughout the world; Whereas on May 16, 2002, Congress bestowed the congres- Two years after that, a Repub- sional gold medal in recognition of their service to the Na- lican freshmen legislators were invited to the tion; Governor’s home for a little dinner. They had a Whereas RONALD REAGAN’s eloquence united Americans set of card tables in the living room, a couple in times of triumph and tragedy; sat down at one card table, I sat on an extra Whereas on , 1986, President REAGAN com- forted a grieving nation as Americans mourned the death of chair, and, lo and behold, the Governor sat down seven American astronauts who ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of beside me. The gentleman from California (Mr. earth to touch the face of God’’; Waxman) may remember that I was a bit more Whereas President REAGAN spent the twilight of his life brash in those days than I choose to be now. as he always lived, leading a fight against Alzheimer’s disease with faith, courage, and dignity, with the greatest love for And so almost immediately, I raised the sub- the Nation and eternal optimism for its future; ject of interest to me to the then-Governor Whereas by opening his heart to the Nation about his af- REAGAN. I asked him what he thought about fliction with Alzheimer’s disease, President REAGAN pro- preschool and child care. It did not take 30 sec- moted greater awareness of this condition; and onds for me to begin to understand that I had Whereas President REAGAN appealed to the best hopes of the American people, not their worst fears, and to their con- asked the right question, for Governor REAGAN fidence rather than their doubts: Now, therefore, be it knew an awful lot more about preschool and 12 Ronald Reagan child care than I ever thought of knowing. He he was. President REAGAN knew how to connect and Nancy had been thinking about this subject with people. And he could articulate values and for some time. And indeed, as a result of that resonate across America and around the world beginning point of working together in this very with his ideals. He was also likable and charm- special area of education, the Child Development ing. Act was signed in 1972 by Governor REAGAN For many years, President REAGAN was actu- and became the first major State quality day care ally my constituent. Hollywood, the place and programming that included health components the industry associated with it, had a great im- and education components and involved parental pact on his life. It refined his communication responsibilities as well. skills and honed his sense of drama and delivery. The Governor was way ahead of the curve, as And it gave him something that many people one might see; for some 25 years later, Wash- do not fully appreciate—an understanding that ington discovered the importance of child care. in America, with hard work and honest values Another illustration of an interesting side of Hollywood endings really can come true. the Governor who by many was considered to be President REAGAN thought our Nation should some way out there, far out on the right; but be a shining example to the world. And under quickly those who would observe carefully recog- his leadership, we were really admired and re- nized that this Governor was looking out for the spected around the world. He viewed America benefit of all people of California and because of as a ‘‘city on the hill,’’ a beacon for freedom and that, he soon became very well known as an envi- a model for democracy. ronmental Governor. He joined quickly with And here is another thing many people do not Governor Laxalt of Nevada, and together hand fully appreciate: President REAGAN was a prag- in hand they literally saved Lake Tahoe. matic leader. He had strong convictions, but if A leader way ahead of his time, it was my he learned that those convictions were taking privilege to spend so much time in those early America in the wrong direction, he had the con- days with Governor RONALD REAGAN. At an- fidence and the wisdom to change course. other time in this evening’s discussion I would like to spend a moment discussing with all of As everyone knows, President REAGAN was af- 10 you my first experience with Governor REAGAN flicted with Alzheimer’s disease in the last when he became President of the United States. years of his life. President REAGAN struggled with this terrible condition with great dignity. And with great courage he and his wife Nancy Hon. Henry A. Waxman shared his struggle with the American people. It is a true tragedy that this country lost the oppor- OF CALIFORNIA tunity to have this elder statesman involved and seek his advice and leadership in the last years Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to of his life. President RONALD REAGAN. President REAGAN I know that all of us in this body would like has been a part of my entire political life. Presi- to find a fitting way to honor President EAGAN dent R got his start in politics when he REAGAN’s life. For my part, I can think of no 1966 was elected Governor in . Two years later, better tribute than an accelerated effort to ad- I got my start in politics when I was elected to dress the horrific disease known as Alzheimer’s. the California Legislature. I served in the State Mrs. Reagan, the President’s beloved wife, brave- 1974 legislature until , the last year of Governor ly spoke out about this just last month. In her REAGAN’s term. And, of course, I served in the moving words she said: Congress of the United States for the entire 8 years of his Presidency. Science has presented us with a hope called re- search which may provide our scientists with many answers I knew from those early days that President that for so long have been beyond our grasp. We have lost REAGAN had remarkable political skills. He is so much time already. I just really cannot bear to lose any known as the Great Communicator and, truly, more. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 13 Well, it is past time for us to seize the poten- After facing his last great challenge with cour- tial that Nancy Reagan identified. There could age and patience, RONALD REAGAN now takes be no important or more lasting legacy to her his place where his vision is once again clear, his husband. faith rewarded, and his storied sense of humor America has lost a devoted citizen and a dedi- returned. He placed his faith in God along with cated leader. I want Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan economic and permanent freedom. And the family to know they are in my heart and in my world is a better place because of those beliefs. thoughts. President REAGAN’s passing is truly President REAGAN helped raise individuals up felt among Democrats and Republicans, by all and helped tear down the Berlin Wall. He in- Americans, and people of goodwill all around the spired us, and he was inspired by us. President world. We will certainly miss him. REAGAN’s leadership inspired more current members of our conference on my side of the aisle than any other political figure in the 20th Hon. Jerry Lewis century. When I became the majority whip in this OF CALIFORNIA Congress, I named the conference room in the whip’s office the Reagan Room for the brief time President REAGAN came to Washington at a moment when our country was in great malaise. I am privileged to make that designation. And 1 Interest rates had risen as high as 21 §2 percent. I hope many of my colleagues come by that room Inflation was raging the country. Jobs were very, during this week on the third floor of the Capitol very difficult to come by. And in typical RON- and view the photographs there chronicling the ALD REAGAN fashion, the President for whom life of this remarkable man from his days as a the glass was always more than half full, he radio announcer to those that foreshadowed the began setting forth policies that reduced interest end of the Soviet Union. rates, that impacted inflation, and created jobs. President REAGAN said: He set a stage for tomorrow that would lead us We are a powerful force for good. With faith and courage all to believe in America again and have new we can perform great deeds and take freedom’s next step, and we will. hope and opportunity within our country. America is taking freedom’s next step, and we are doing so in large part because of President Hon. Roy Blunt RONALD WILSON REAGAN. Today America’s light shines a little dimmer OF MISSOURI because he is gone, but, Mr. Speaker, it shines much brighter than it would have if he had not Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman been here. He made a difference in America. He from California (Mr. Lewis) for yielding this time made a difference in the world. Today people all to me and leading this important recognition over the world are remembering and recognizing today. that difference. I also want to thank you, Mr. Speaker, for your special understanding of President REAGAN from your work in the military serving alongside him Hon. Danny K. Davis in his days in the White House. What all of those that served with the Presi- OF ILLINOIS dent or watched him from afar were able to see was how his optimistic leadership reinvigorated Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my col- the American spirit and how it redefined the pol- leagues as we pay tribute to the life and legacy itics of his time. Born in a small town near the of President REAGAN. A bigger-than-life screen middle of America, this son of a shoe salesman actor and television personality, RONALD rose to heights of gigantic proportion and lifted REAGAN moved from being Governor of Cali- his countrymen along with him. fornia in the sixties to President of the United 14 Ronald Reagan States and dominating American politics in the With now more than 4.5 million people suf- eighties. He was the first President to be re- fering from this disease, the upsetting effects of elected to a second term since Dwight D. Eisen- Alzheimer’s are growing faster than modern hower. medicine can manage. This is only likely to be- Media-made and media-presented, President come more complicated with the aging of the REAGAN got millions of Americans to feel proud , boosting the number of Alz- of their Nation. America’s 40-year cold war with heimer’s patients to an astounding 11 to 16 mil- the Soviet Union cooled considerably and perhaps lion people by the middle of the century. actually ended during REAGAN’s Presidency. As a way to honor President REAGAN, let us Many Americans credit him with having make the greatest commitment that we can to achieved that significant outcome. real investment in research for Alzheimer’s dis- Born the son of a shoe salesman in smalltown ease and follow through with clinical trials to Illinois, President REAGAN’s impoverished but translate the research into treatments. We must loving parents instilled in him a sense of opti- now act to make the lives of all Alzheimer’s pa- mism that carried him through college as an av- tients more comfortable with a better quality of erage student. After graduation, he worked for life, while hopefully being able to prevent this a few years as a sports broadcaster in midwestern disease in the future. radio before landing a film contract with Warner Mr. President, as one might say in a western Brothers, which took him to Hollywood in 1936. movie, you had a good ride and our country is Over the next 30 years, President REAGAN proud to say, ‘‘Much obliged.’’ made scores of films, including Army films pro- duced during World War II. He hosted two pop- ular television series and was actively engaged in Hon. Elton Gallegly politics as president of the Screen Actors Guild. OF CALIFORNIA In the fifties, President REAGAN changed from being a Roosevelt Democrat to a con- President REAGAN’s impact on America and servative Republican. In 1966, he became Gov- the world is immeasurable. He ended the cold ernor of California and was reelected in 1970. war and restored America’s confidence. His Re- Using his popularity in California, he unsuccess- publican administration rebuilt our economy fully challenged President for the with the help and support of a Democratic House Republican nomination in 1976. He tried again of Representatives. and won the nomination in 1980 and thereafter President REAGAN achieved such successes be- defeated the incumbent Democrat . cause when you sat in a room with him, there With his 1984 reelection victory, President could be over 1,000 people in the room, yet you REAGAN became the most politically successful felt like there was only the 2 of you, and his won- Republican President since President Eisen- derful wit would put you at ease. That was a tre- hower. mendous gift. In his last years, as President REAGAN battled That is why some of his biggest political en- Alzheimer’s disease, our Nation went from hav- emies were among his closest personal friends. It ing zero drugs for this devastating disease to is why a staunch anticommunist could negotiate today having five new prescriptive drugs to help with the President of the Soviet Union. President manage and treat the progression of Alzheimer’s. REAGAN reached across and connected with peo- Today it is even possible to diagnose Alzheimer’s ple. with more than 90 percent accuracy. It is clear President REAGAN is now at rest. We mourn that Alzheimer’s does not discriminate on whom his passing, but we are grateful for the gifts he it affects, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio- gave us: a safer world, a strong economic base, economic status, political ideology or if one and a renewed belief in America’s greatness. worked in the fields, in the factories or in the Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN will be laid Oval Office. to rest at his Presidential library in Simi Valley, Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 15 CA. It is where I began my political career as My condolences and prayers are with his fam- mayor and city councilman. It has been my home ily and with his wife Nancy, who shared him for more than 35 years. with our country. President REAGAN often spoke about a ‘‘shin- Mr. Speaker, we are all called by God for a ing city on a hill.’’ The Ronald Reagan Presi- special purpose with this turn at light that he dential Library is such a place. President gives us. Some nobility of purpose is embedded REAGAN will be laid to rest at the edge of a high in each of us with that calling, and as it is the hill where his library stands. His grave overlooks case with RONALD REAGAN, there will be on his the farmlands, ranches and chaparral of the Tierra tombstone 1911–2004, but the most important Rejada Valley. On a clear day, one can see the thing on his tombstone will be the dash in be- Channel Islands in the Pacific Ocean more than tween. For the fundamental call from God is al- 30 miles away. It is a fitting place for America’s ways what we will do with the dash. greatest son. RONALD REAGAN did great things with his Mr. Speaker, it is the end of an era, but it dash. For those 93 years in that dash was actor, is the beginning of a legacy that will last forever. head of a union, the breakdown of the barriers We will miss him. of communism, the star wars defense system, and his legacy of rebuilding the Republican Party. Yes, RONALD REAGAN was a great man, and Hon. David Scott he, as so many of us, have heeded the call, and OF GEORGIA as I think of RONALD REAGAN, I am reminded of the great prophet Isaiah who said in that great Mr. Speaker, today we remember a true leader, conversation when God called and said, who will a statesman and a great man who led our country go for us and whom shall we send, that great with dignity, with grace and with strength. prophet Isaiah said, at no hesitation, Here I am, President REAGAN was the quintessential Amer- Lord, send me. ican who exemplified unbridled optimism, a RONALD REAGAN responded the same way. I strong sense of faith and the idea that our Nation can almost see it. When the Lord called and said, was a true beacon for the world. who will go for us and who will we send to per- There is no doubt that among his greatest form that nobility of purpose in life that RON- achievements was his resolve to end the cold war ALD REAGAN did, which is the legacy of his so that other Nations could experience the glory Presidency, I can see him standing at attention of freedom and the power of democracy. His and saying, Here I am, Lord, send me. combination of political strength and personal God bless RONALD REAGAN. appeal, his ability to communicate set the forces in motion for the walls of communism to crum- ble, and for this he will always be remembered. Hon. William M. Thomas However, President REAGAN should also be remembered, especially in this House, for his OF CALIFORNIA willingness to fight in the political arena with dignity, with respect for his opponents, and his Mr. Speaker, we are all going to talk about strong belief that democracy was for all of our President REAGAN, Commander in Chief citizens, even those with whom he might have REAGAN, leader of the free world REAGAN. Some disagreed. President REAGAN exemplified civility of us were privileged to know him in a different and honor in an arena that is often lacking in context. My friend from California (Mr. Lewis), both, and because of that he earned the goodwill the chairman, has talked about his relationship not only of his supporters, but often of his with him when he was Governor of California. friendly adversaries. In the end we remember a I knew him in a number of different contexts, man, RONALD REAGAN, not only as a great lead- and I was always amazed at one thing, and that er, but as a good and decent man. was he was the same person regardless of the con- 16 Ronald Reagan text in which you met him, worked with him ALD REAGAN, the public person, it means he or were led by him. made sure that he set up a structure which allows In 1974, I decided that I would run for public any American to do whatever any American office. He was then in the last year of his gover- wants to do; and his justification and enabling norship, and he decided to come to Bakersfield, of that is, he would tell you, ‘‘because I did.’’ and so I planned an event for the Governor. We You are going to hear him called the Great decided that we would charge what seemed to Communicator a lot. What you also need to be an appropriate amount, $25 a head, and al- know was he was a great compromiser. It can most 500 people came to see the Governor. I had be put no more clearly than a comment he made no doubts about why they were coming. when he was Governor of California, because he We picked him up at the airport, and when became Governor with an enormous debt at that we got in the car, he started quizzing me about time for the State of California. California did myself, and so I was visiting with him. But as not have a withholding tax, and he needed to we got closer, I said, ‘‘Well, do you want to take create a frontload for money to solve the problem just a little time now so that you can get ready that he was facing. He had, however, made a for the event?’’ He said, ‘‘Bill, if I am not ready statement earlier that his feet were in concrete now, 5 minutes will not make any difference.’’ over not having a withholding tax. Once he He was always prepared. He was always on looked at the options in front of him and he real- time, whether it was a minor event or a debate ized he did not have any options other than insti- with other leaders of the world. tuting a withholding tax, having worked with And you see him in a bunch of different con- the legislature, he then went to the microphone texts and you say, well, of course, because he was and said, ‘‘That cracking sound you hear is the a movie star and he is supposed to carry himself. cement breaking away from my feet.’’ And the point I want to make, if I do not make And so when you wonder why RONALD any other point, is he was that way because of REAGAN could get along with so many different who he was, not because of what he did. Because, people in so many stages of life, whether small frankly, if you tried to write a script and went or great, it was because RONALD REAGAN was to Hollywood on RONALD REAGAN’s life, you the same person regardless of the job the Amer- 2 would last about minutes in the room. Because ican people gave him. He was always prepared, people are willing to suspend belief, but not that he was always on time, and he was a very, very much. sincere man. He was also quite smart, in ways And what I like most about the juxtaposition that many people never understand. of RONALD REAGAN and his career, which was So what I want to do tonight is to just share kind of molded out of the context that he found briefly the memoirs of someone who, if you are himself in, was that the American people were looking for an example, he certainly stands out, wise enough, first of all to choose him as Gov- not just in what he did but the way in which ernor of California for the traditional two terms, he lived his life and the way in which he recog- had he chosen to run for a third term he probably nized his condition later in life and the way in could have gotten elected; and the American peo- which he concluded his life. All of us should ple chose him for two terms as President, a now pause and remember that he was an amazing per- constitutionally limited period of time. Were it son. He was an American. not for that constitutional limit, he may have been elected again. And so when you watch people recognizing Hon. Steny H. Hoyer RONALD REAGAN as they pass the casket, as they did in California, many people will have an indi- OF MARYLAND vidual memory, perhaps a general shared one, and perhaps a personal one. For me, RONALD I am particularly pleased that the gentleman REAGAN’s life means that any American can do from Texas is managing the time, because I anything any American wants to do. For RON- think if RONALD REAGAN were here, he would Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 17 say was one of those who stood would have hoped. Without question, RONALD with me on principle, who believed that we REAGAN held strong ideological beliefs. But one needed to get this country moving, and believed of his real strengths was his willingness to put that we needed to have sound policy; and Charles pragmatism above ideology, to make sure that Stenholm stood with me. And as the gentleman his country had programs that were working. from California (Mr. Thomas) just related, for I also remember him as a person who early RONALD REAGAN the concrete cracked again, in life committed to equality and justice for all, frankly, when he viewed the program adopted and later in life to the success of freedom and and thought that perhaps some changes needed democracy around the world. I believed he was to be made. right in that endeavor, and like the gentleman Mr. Speaker, like every Member of this House, from California (Mr. Lewis), supported his efforts I offer my sincere condolences to the family and to build up our defenses, to deploy those Persian friends of former President REAGAN, particularly, and cruise missiles, to, yes, even provide for mul- of course, his beloved wife, Nancy, and his chil- tiple warheads on the MX missile, and say to the dren. What a wonderful example Nancy Reagan Soviet Union, if you want to compete, we are set for our country. RONALD REAGAN and Nancy prepared to compete; but we would rather seek Reagan clearly loved one another deeply and peace together. And he had the courage to build cared for one another, and Nancy Reagan has up, and he had the courage to make peace. shown extraordinary courage and fidelity not While Democrats disagreed with and strongly only throughout the course of their marriage but opposed much of his domestic agenda, our polit- particularly in the course of RONALD REAGAN’s ical differences never hardened into paralyzing final illness. personal animosity on his side or on ours. We Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN loved this Na- were blessed by the fact that we were led by two tion and served it with distinction; and he will great Irishmen, RONALD REAGAN and Tip ever be remembered for his humor, his grace, his O’Neill. They were friends. And they had a third irrepressible optimism which mirrored the Amer- friend, his name was Michel, Bob Michel, an ex- ican spirit and buoyed it in periods of difficulty. traordinary leader of this House. And they, to- The last decade, when this man who had lived gether, believed that country was more impor- life with such physical vigor slowly slipped away, tant than partisanship and party. was an especially cruel blow. However, let us be For the most part, they worked together. On comforted today that he has been summoned to those matters that they disagreed on, they took a far better place. their own separate ways. But when they could Having been elected to Congress just 4 agree, they did. The Social Security reform of months after he took office, and just 6 weeks 1983 was probably the most stark example of that after an assassin’s bullet nearly claimed his life, cooperative spirit. It was good for the country, I had a front-row seat during President it was good for Social Security, and they came REAGAN’s 8 years in Washington. He was a man together, worked together, and succeeded to- I both liked and respected. I liked him for his gether. warmth and for the respect that he accorded oth- That was due in great measure to the leader- ers, and I respected him for the honesty of his ship styles and personalities of President convictions and the intellectual integrity that he REAGAN and Speaker O’Neill. These two men, displayed in pursuing them. the most powerful political figures in our Nation After signing into law what was then the larg- in the eighties, one a Republican, the other a est tax cut in American history in 1981, President Democrat, demonstrated to all Americans that REAGAN had the fortitude to face fiscal reality, our elected leaders could disagree politically just as the gentleman from California (Mr. without being disagreeable personalities or per- Thomas) reflected upon. His policies caused sonally. They reminded all of us that cynicism yawning deficits and spiraling debt, con- and mean-spiritedness are inimical to American sequences that he subsequently tried to address, democracy, and that our real adversaries lie be- although not as successfully as I am sure he yond our shores, not here. 18 Ronald Reagan

The surest tribute that we can pay to RONALD always had that consciousness, that he was there REAGAN today is to commit ourselves to recap- to save the day for the people who were in some ture the generosity of spirit that always guided type of a crisis. him. In a very real way, RONALD REAGAN’s life He was a sports broadcaster, and he was a was the embodiment of the American dream. moderately successful film actor. But all of that Both President REAGAN and President Clinton, seemed to be over when he was 50 years old. And like Harry , gave credence to the promise then, when he was 56, he jumped into political that in America neither privileged birth nor eco- life. Now, why did he do that? Because Cali- nomic advantage is necessary to enable one to be- fornia was a mess in 1966. come the President of the United States of Amer- And he came and stepped forward because he ica. It was, for them, and for millions to follow felt he had a contribution to make. He jumped their example, the land of opportunity. into the political waters to save the day. President REAGAN’s leadership renewed the I was a youth volunteer in that first campaign, conviction that the future would be better, better and I got to meet him personally, and it was one than the past, and that America’s best days were of the joys of my life. still ahead. That is a philosophy that all of us Let me note that years later after I got finished should embrace and convey to our fellow citizens. with school, I became a journalist, and I covered ONALD EAGAN 2 I believe it is the case, RONALD REAGAN be- R R ’s last years as Governor as lieved it was the case, and may God bless his a journalist. I remember that he had a press con- soul and comfort his beloved wife, Nancy. ference one day, it was near the end of his term, where he was announcing the findings of his task force. One of their findings was Hon. an expanded use of the death penalty. And just as I am now, I was then always trying to get OF CALIFORNIA to the heart of the matter and ask the tough questions, and I asked President REAGAN, who Mr. Speaker, it is a blessing that RONALD was then Governor, well, how can you be in favor REAGAN did not die immediately after leaving of expanding the use of the death penalty when office in 1989. In these last 16 years that we have you are a committed Christian? And, you know, had RONALD REAGAN with us, it has given he sat forward, and he leaned forward to the America a chance to take a look at who RONALD mike, and said: REAGAN was and what he meant to our country. I take that question very seriously. I prayed about this, And now, with 16 years that have passed, we can about using the death penalty more frequently and taking look back and see what an enormous difference people’s lives. I have sought help. I have read the scripture, and I have talked to other people about this, and I have come RONALD REAGAN made not only to our lives as to the conclusion that if we are executing people for revenge, Americans but to the entire world. 56 that it is inconsistent with the principles that Jesus Christ Let me note that RONALD REAGAN was taught us, but if we are executing murderers in order to deter years old when I first met him, and that was people from killing other human beings, we are doing it then when he was running for the first time for public to save people, to save innocent people, and that is totally office. And all of these things we are talking consistent with Christianity. about, a man who accomplished so much and At that point Evelle Younger, who was the changed the world for the better, happened after attorney general of the State, reached over and he was 56 years old. He had already had a suc- grabbed the mike and said, ‘‘oh, this religious cessful life, a full career. and philosophical stuff does not mean anything. And he did come from a relatively poor fam- The voters of this State voted for the death pen- ily. I know his first job was being a lifeguard. alty, and they are going to get it.’’ Well, in my That affected his way of looking at things his opinion of RONALD REAGAN’s sword, I knew entire life. He saved 77 people’s lives as a life- that he was a man who did not take these things guard. And having gotten to know him as Presi- lightly, a man of strong conviction, but a man dent and also during his campaigns, I think he who deeply cared about people enough to think Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 19 about it and to pray about decisions like this. Hon. Rodney Alexander He was not just a Great Communicator, and I worked for him as a for 7 years in OF LOUISIANA the White House. He was, yes, someone who un- derstood the fundamentals of communication, Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that we but that is not what made him great. He was devote this week to honor the memory and the 40 not the Great Communicator. He was America’s contributions of our th President RONALD great leader. He had ideals that helped direct his REAGAN. My thoughts and prayers are with decisions. President REAGAN’s family and all of the Ameri- cans who grieve this week. We have heard about his strong convictions. Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN was a true pa- We know today that most people with strong triot, committed to the ideals of a democratic na- convictions are not very pleasant to be around. tion, and dedicated to maintaining the strength When they talk about people with philosophies, of America as a world power. His abilities as a there is a saying that you cannot change some- strong leader and a communicator gave Ameri- body’s mind, and he will not change the subject. cans confidence and strength during a time of RONALD REAGAN was a person who taught me economic hardship and struggling with the So- that you can have strong principles and have a viet Union. solid philosophy, but be a pleasant person and President REAGAN once said, ‘‘There is no care about people at the same time. It was that limit to what a man can do or where he can go type of humane approach that permitted RON- if he does not mind who gets the credit.’’ We ALD REAGAN to capture the hearts of the Amer- should follow this example and remember that ican people and inspire us. public service is not about partisan battles or tak- When our country was in such terrible peril ing credit, it is about serving the American peo- economically and in retreat internationally, and ple to the best of our ability. our spirit had been destroyed, people were not I am honored to be here in Washington dur- even waving the American flag back in the late ing this week of memorial services. I am grateful seventies, RONALD REAGAN dove into the polit- to all of those involved with arranging the safety ical waters again to save the day. And he saved and logistics during a week when thousands of us. He was the lifeguard who saved us, and he Americans will journey to our Nation’s Capital saved the world. to pay their respects to President REAGAN. Mr. Speaker, as we face a new decade and new Jim Bruelte, a political person in California, challenges, let us honor the life and contributions noted on D-day the American soldiers liberated and remember the debt of gratitude we owe our ONALD EAGAN half of Europe. R R liberated the 40th President, RONALD REAGAN. other half of Europe and did it without firing a shot. We live in a more prosperous country, a safer Hon. Randy ‘‘Duke’’ Cunningham country, and hundreds of millions of people now OF CALIFORNIA live in relative freedom than if he had not been here. We are so grateful to RONALD REAGAN for Mr. Speaker, we rise to honor and mourn having dove in to save us, and he did. He saved RONALD REAGAN. America, and he saved us personally. But first I would like to thank Mrs. Nancy I am now 56 years old, the same age RONALD Reagan. The wisest of men knows it takes a good REAGAN was when he first entered politics. I am woman to make a good man, and what a good so grateful that he spent those years of his life wingman she has been, both in sickness and in making this a better world for my children. I health. This Nation also owes Nancy Reagan a just had three children, and I am so grateful that debt of gratitude; both of them good and decent he made it a better world for them. people. RONALD REAGAN was one of the most 20 Ronald Reagan respected and effective Presidents in American of the respect and elegance of his family. history. Throughout his political career, President Mr. Speaker, the Irish have a toast, and it goes REAGAN always concluded his campaign in San like this. It is to those who support RONALD Diego. He called it his lucky city. We feel fortu- REAGAN, and everybody lifts their glass; to those nate that he considered so. It is only who may support RONALD REAGAN, and every- fitting that this great new ‘‘shining city on the body lifts their glass; and to those that will never hill,’’ San Diego, will be called the home of the support President RONALD REAGAN, may God USS Ronald Reagan, our latest and newest nuclear strike them in their shins so we shall know them . by their limping. But there are not many of Mr. Speaker, we bid RONALD REAGAN adieu those, Mr. Speaker. and thank the Reagan family for what they have President REAGAN said: given to this Nation. God bless you, Nancy You know, the United States was never meant to be a Reagan, and your family and the President. second-best nation. . . . jWke set our sights jhigh fork ... the stars, and we’re going for the gold. He said that back in the eighties. He came Hon. Sheila Jackson-Lee to the job with one underlying goal, and that was freedom. Freedom for you, Mr. Speaker, and OF TEXAS people all over the world, much to the same chal- lenges that we have today; the freedom in Bosnia, I imagine this time is the reason why so many in Kosovo, in Afghanistan and in , and with of us, in fact I would say this entire House, - the signing a resolution today ishes this body and cherishes this institution, be- following in suit much as RONALD REAGAN cause it allows us to come at a time like this guided us through troublesome times when he and shed our Democratic and Republican labels was President. and simply approach this tribute as Americans. RONALD REAGAN restored the economy of a I would imagine that is what these times, al- double-digit inflation, interest rates the same though sad, allow us to do. thing. He gave this Nation tax relief, much as I am proud as an American to come forward President Kennedy and President Bush did. He and to salute an American President, and to be increased the coffers by three times the amount. able to join the millions of Americans mourning Unfortunately, it was Congress that spent a lot the passing of President RONALD REAGAN and of that money. celebrate his service to the people of the United He followed his pledge to restore our military. States and his leadership in promoting the cause RONALD REAGAN believed in ‘‘peace through of freedom for all of the people of the world. strength,’’ and I think it showed through. He has its place, protest is good in life, eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons. He but protest has no place in death, and so this is responsible for bringing down the Berlin Wall, opportunity is to acknowledge the principles by ending the cold war, and challenging govern- which this President lived and stood for during ments to have a new way of life to bring freedom his Presidency. The love that President REAGAN to their people, also a task that we face today had for this Nation was infectious to the point in this body and in this Nation. that it reflected on everyone who listened to him, For his imprint on history, for his legacy here in America and abroad. which will be felt for generations to come, this Even when his actions did not agree with the Nation owes President REAGAN and Nancy policies and of many of us who wear Reagan a debt of gratitude. a different political hat, he maintained himself One of the President’s many legacies is the with integrity and engaged in honest and open Navy’s newest nuclear carrier, the USS Ronald debate. We have heard repeatedly over these last Reagan which will reside in San Diego. That air- couple of days that despite partisan disagree- craft carrier will travel all over the world, much ments, former President REAGAN followed the as RONALD REAGAN did, and serves as a symbol tenet that when the day ends, we are no longer Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 21 Democrats or Republicans; rather, we are Ameri- istration. Sixty-nine years old when he took of- cans, families and friends. fice, it seemed that he gravitated toward young I am reminded of the stories told about him people. Now being able to recite their wonderful and Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, who experiences again, a tribute to a man who had shared in their Irish heritage a bit of good con- a great history. versation and maybe a little bit of drink. We will always remember him as the man The differences may have been real; but be- who tore down the Iron Curtain. He did it with cause of the way President REAGAN led, he a kind of leadership and integrity but sternness taught us that there is a big difference between and determinedness. I will simply say no one will strong beliefs and bitter partisanship. As the ever forget him challenging Mr. Gorbachev by Commander in Chief, he was the voice of Amer- saying, ‘‘open this gate!’’ and, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, ica in imparting both good news and bad news. tear down this wall!’’ We are better for it. He As we mourned the loss of our brave astronauts did it with a sternness but also with an attitude in the Challenger tragedy, it was President of peace. REAGAN who reminded us, ‘‘Nothing ends here; I am grateful also for the shining example of our hopes and our journeys continue.’’ We in the wonderful relationship between him and his Texas at that time appreciated his strong leader- wife Nancy, the great love that they shared and ship and that in fact even in spite of the Chal- the fact that they were married for some 52 years. lenger tragedy at that time, we would prevail and Might I share with you some words that he wrote we would go forward. in 1983 on their 31st wedding anniversary as he President RONALD WILSON REAGAN was an was riding on , and might I com- American who will always be remembered. He mend to you Nancy’s book, ‘‘I Love You, RON- will be forever remembered for the warmth and NIE,’’ published in 2000, but hear these words. the respect with which he accorded others. Fur- He wrote: thermore, our thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and his children at this difficult time. I more than love you, I’m not whole without you. You are life itself to me. When you are gone I’m waiting for you Strong beliefs and a love of our country are to return, so I can start living again. the only way to bring this country forward as we face a costly and difficult war in Iraq and a That is a true testament to the value of marriage budget that is struggling to survive. Strength and partnership and they did it unabashedly and and leadership is what we need now. Strength without fear. 1989 and leadership will be required to bring this Na- Mrs. REAGAN wrote in , ‘‘Some of the re- tion back to the standards by which we have al- porters who wrote about me felt that our mar- ways been known. riage was at least partly an act. But it wasn’t and President REAGAN himself admitted that he it isn’t.’’ And I believe her. 1998 was an optimist and he believed that this Nation Finally, in she told Vanity Fair: had an optimistic future, and so he was always Our relationship is very special. We were very much in able to rise to the occasion and share words of love and still are. When I say my life began with RONNIE, well, it’s true. It did. I can’t imagine life without him. encouragement. President REAGAN always stressed that America is a can-do country. I Mr. Speaker, I started by saying that is why would say to you that we Democrats agree. We I cherish this institution, because it allows us can and will get back on the right track, largely now to come together again, not wearing any through his legacy of integrity and hard work. partisan hat but simply saying that we are Amer- With strong leadership and a real commitment icans. I do not know if she would mind me say- to confronting the problems facing American ing this, but my daughter is now 24, I remember families, we can improve upon our weaknesses. her as a small girl, very small, and she always It was interesting to hear over these last couple used to refer to RONALD REAGAN as the grand- of days the number of young people, then young father. I had to kind of clarify that for her, but people, who were amazed that they had the op- it was out of the mouth of a child that described portunity to work in President REAGAN’s admin- him as such. 22 Ronald Reagan And so I simply leave you with the idea of seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, why we have come today to be able to honor this open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ American President. It is because he did leave The speech was made to the free people of us with a sense of optimism and an ability to , but it was clearly audible on the go forward, to look at that we might East side of the Wall, and soon those words be facing both to the left and to the right and would help make it possible that the people of forward and back but yet to say that we are de- East and West Berlin could finally hear each termined to succeed. I would only say that in other. For all of his achievements and acclaim, his passing, let us maintain the legacy of opti- I am certain that President REAGAN’s greatest mism for this country. ‘‘We are the showcase of accomplishment will be the demise of the Soviet the future. And it is within our power to mold Union. As Margaret Thatcher said, he was the that future, this year and for decades to come. man who ‘‘won the cold war without firing a It can be as grand and as great as we make it. shot.’’ No crisis is beyond the capacity of our people The world President REAGAN faced when he 1981 to solve, no challenge too great,’’ the words of came into office in was very different from RONALD REAGAN on , 1974. the world we see today. Today the United States With that, Mr. Speaker, I simply say, farewell. is the unquestioned of the world, but And though we say farewell to a great and won- two decades ago this world was dominated by derful American President, his legacy will live the struggle between two : the on—that America’s future is founded on our op- United States and the Soviet Union. President timism, our belief in freedom and democracy REAGAN came into office with his own vision on and, certainly this day on our understanding that how this great struggle could be dealt with. He we all are Americans. succeeded in maintaining the standoff with the Soviet Union so that the world did not have to So when we return to work next week, I hope witness the consequences of a brutal nuclear war. this House will be inspired by the leadership of He fought the Soviet Union indirectly wherever RONALD REAGAN instead of mired in the par- they sought to threaten the freedom of the tisan politics and a lack of integrity that have world’s people. In Afghanistan he mobilized our too often affected our work as of late. We should allies and our resources in the region to ensure be inspired by his patriotism and devotion to our that the Soviets would not have a stranglehold country. Moreover, we should remember his on the continent of Asia. The faith, his optimism, and his unwavering commit- succeeded in a time where grave danger not only ment to his convictions as we do the work of threatened our Nation, but indeed the fate of the the American people. world as we know it. President REAGAN had a calm speaking voice President REAGAN used his great communica- and forceful diction that earned him the title of tion skills to help end the cold war without the the Great Communicator. This task was surely necessity of another world war. As with his the work of a leader of fortitude and commit- speech at the Brandenburg Gate, President ment to the betterment of our diplomatic rela- REAGAN inspired people throughout the world tions with that Nation. to believe that freedom and prosperity were in- Mr. REAGAN’s efforts and tenacity contributed deed possible. greatly to the end of the cold war. His policies President REAGAN made Americans believe included strong support of the U.S. military and again that our Nation was the greatest on Earth the doctrine of ‘‘.’’ and that we would indeed be victorious. Finally, In a few days it will be exactly 17 years to his words made the leadership of the Soviet the day that President REAGAN stood at the Union believe that they were fighting from a side Brandenburg Gate in what was then West Ber- of weakness, that the good of our beliefs and our lin, Germany, in which he famously proclaimed: national system would prevail. His words were General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek inspirational two decades ago, but today they prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you have been proven true. The Soviet Union no Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 23 longer threatens our world, and we must always crisis is beyond the capacity of our people to solve; no chal- lenge too great. pay tribute to President REAGAN for that accom- —January 5, 1974 plishment. At a time when war and bloodshed are one Again, farewell, Mr. President. May your opti- of the biggest thoughts on the minds of Ameri- mism live on. cans, the history of President REAGAN’s relation- ship with his wife is a refreshing thought that has restored a feeling of compassion in our hearts. Relationships—whether they be diplomatic, Hon. Jerry Lewis spousal, or platonic, have not been placed in the OF CALIFORNIA greatest light as of late in America. We have been marred by accounts of abuse Mr. Speaker, the eloquence of our colleagues and other examples of a disregard for the rights from both sides of the aisle reflects the best of and personhood of our neighbors. RONALD REAGAN. His leadership indeed recog- In contrast, the relationship between RONALD nized that there was little partisanship when you and Nancy Reagan was one of the greatest love were really working toward solving problems for stories in U.S. Presidential history. The two were America’s people. utterly devoted to each other, and Nancy was said to have been a key adviser and confidante during her husband’s two-term Presidency from Hon. Wally Herger 1981 to 1989. Though they were married 52 years, Nancy has told with great pain how her husband OF CALIFORNIA did not recognize her during the final years of his struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Speaker, some of my first impressions of Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution offered RONALD REAGAN were back in the fifties when by my colleague, Representative Lewis of Cali- I was yet in grammar school, and I observed him fornia, saluting a leader whose influence and as he hosted ‘‘.’’ And positive legacy will live on with not only the then again I remember him just after graduating 1964 American people but the entire international from high school in when he campaigned community. Thank you, Mr. President, and may and spoke out for Barry Goldwater. RONALD you rest in peace. May your family find strength REAGAN stood for ideals that simply were not and courage through these very difficult days. being expressed anyplace else. I conclude now by reciting some of President The appropriately named ‘‘Reagan revolution’’ REAGAN’s spirited words to us as Americans: was precisely that. He was one of the main rea- The house we hope to build is . . . not for my generation, sons I ran for political office. In the late seven- but for yours. It is your future that matters. And I hope that ties, we heard our leaders talk about lowering ex- when you’re my age, you’ll be able to say as I have been pectations and that the good times were over and able to say: We lived in freedom, we lived lives that were that our Nation was in a ‘‘general malaise.’’ This a statement, not an apology. was mirrored in high inflation that reached 10 The challenge of statesmanship is to have the vision to to 12 percent, unemployment rates that were over dream of a better, safer world and the courage, persistence, 10 percent, and a prime interest rate that reached and patience to turn that dream into reality. 21 5 —, 1985 as high as . percent. But then in stepped RONALD REAGAN saying We have every right to dream heroic dreams. Those who America could do better and America would do say that we’re in a time when there are no heroes, they just better. When RONALD REAGAN said it, you be- don’t know where to look. lieved it. His vision of the ‘‘shining city on the 20 1981 —January , hill’’ gave hope to countless millions of Ameri- We are the showcase of the future. And it is within our cans. Back then, for me, as a small business power to mold that future—this year and for decades to owner who grew up on a ranch, the American come. It can be as grand and as great as we make it. No dream appeared endangered by high taxes and 24 Ronald Reagan big government. In California, property taxes mism about America’s capacity and our potential were doubling and tripling. With RONALD and our role in making the world safe for democ- REAGAN, there was someone we could rally racy. around. His hope, his direction, and his moral I never had the privilege of personally meeting clarity gave us all renewed energy. RONALD President REAGAN, but I did work here in Con- REAGAN had the great ability to say what so gress during his administration for a former many of us were thinking, what we were think- Member of Congress, and I have a sense that even ing about our national budget, about our na- tonight, President REAGAN and former Speaker tional defense, about taxes; and, yes, about a bet- Tip O’Neill are looking down upon this House ter America. with rather wry and proud smiles wishing us the The first time I ever met RONALD REAGAN best as we join together—as they joined to- was in 1980 when I was running for the State gether—to move our country not to the left, not assembly in California and I journeyed to Simi to the right but forward, and they guide us not Valley to get my picture taken with him. I can from the left, not from the right, they guide us remember growing up hearing my mother talk- from above. ing about President Franklin Roosevelt, how she Several months ago, I had the privilege of par- would listen to President Roosevelt on the radio ticipating in an issues forum in New York with during the Great Depression and during World Ronald Reagan, Jr. Tonight my thoughts and War II. President Roosevelt gave hope to her prayers are with him and the entire Reagan fam- generation. RONALD REAGAN was to my genera- ily as they mourn the loss of a father and a hus- tion what FDR was to my parents. band and as America mourns the loss of a Presi- In Congress I had the privilege of meeting dent. RONALD REAGAN six or seven times. Just being around President REAGAN was inspiring. He lit up the room. To those of us who believed strong- Hon. David Dreier ly in the American dream, in traditional values OF CALIFORNIA and the Judeo-Christian faith, RONALD REAGAN was indeed a shining light in the city when there Mr. Speaker, let me say at the outset I think seemed to be none. His spirit will live on in the it is extraordinarily appropriate that the gen- hearts of Americans. He was truly one of our Na- tleman, the former mayor of Simi, CA, the home tion’s greatest Presidents. of the Ronald Reagan Library and what will be RONALD REAGAN, thank you for all you have the final resting place for Nancy and RONALD done for me. Thank you for all you have done REAGAN, is presiding over this institution at this for our great Nation. moment. I would also like to thank my friend, the true dean of our California congressional del- Hon. Steve Israel egation, for yielding me this time. A generation was inspired by RONALD OF NEW YORK REAGAN is what we have been hearing, but it was really a generation, and then some, inspired Mr. Speaker, I rise in joining my colleagues by RONALD REAGAN. The gentleman from Cali- on both sides of the aisle in mourning the loss fornia (Mr. Lewis) heard RONALD REAGAN’s of President REAGAN. I did not agree with the speech on behalf of Barry Goldwater in 1964. President on every issue, but there were three Two years later, RONALD REAGAN was elected values that he exuded which I do share deeply: Governor of California, and 2 years after that the first, a respect for the democratic process and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis) was elect- building of consensus to move us forward and ed to the California State Assembly, serving 6 to make us safer; second, a fundamental belief of the 8 years that RONALD REAGAN was Gov- in a strong military and a strong defense; and ernor of California. In fact, he is the only Repub- third, as we have heard before, a boundless opti- lican Member here who did serve while RONALD Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 25

REAGAN was Governor of California. He went on erally months before he wrote his famous letter to inspire many others. I am among them. in November of that year to the American people I was pleased this morning to be able to in- stating that he had Alzheimer’s. So when he clude in the Record very thoughtful remarks that stood up at this meeting, I remember that Bill were provided by a great American, George Clinton had been elected President of the United Shultz, who Sunday afternoon read his statement States the year before, and as we Republicans to me and I read it into the Record this morning, were gathering, we were poised to win our ma- and I would like to commend it to my colleagues jority, and RONALD REAGAN stood up without because it talks about the vision and the perspec- a great deal of strength for this speech. tive that RONALD REAGAN offered in a wide He stepped up to the lectern, and he looked range of areas. RONALD REAGAN made it very out at the audience, and he said: clear that the Republican Party is the party of Well, I flew into town today to give this speech this ONALD ideas. We constantly hear about R evening, and as we came in, we circled the White House, REAGAN being the Great Communicator, but he and as I looked out the window, I looked down there, and had a message to communicate. Members on there was everything just as I remembered it, the South both sides of the aisle have talked about that Lawn, the Rose Garden, . message. David Gergen was at that moment working To me it embraced four very simple points: for President . And we knew then his commitment to a free economy, limited gov- that even though the President was obviously not ernment, a strong national defense, and personal in the most robust of health, that sparkle contin- freedom. Those are the bases from which RON- ued. He still had that amazingly wonderful sense ALD REAGAN made his decisions on public policy of humor. issues, but he had those deeply rooted principles. I see my friend from San Diego, Mr. Lowery, And because they were so deeply rooted, he was here on the House floor. I was very pleased to, able to communicate them extraordinarily well. along with Bill Lowery and 51 others, be part of Why? Because it came right from the heart. It the Reagan revolution. We came here to the came right from his heart. We have heard a lot of very serious statements House of Representatives, elected in November 1980, and we made RONALD REAGAN an hon- made about RONALD REAGAN; but, of course, 1980 one of the most memorable things as people orary member of our class in , and that is talked about his ability to communicate was his because he was leader of the revolution that ability to communicate with that amazing spar- brought all of us here and allowed us to vigor- kle, that twinkle in his eye. There were some ously pursue those goals that we shared in com- wonderful things that he said that were able to, mon. in fact, break the ice and really entertain all of We stand on his shoulders. George W. Bush us. Remember, it was RONALD REAGAN who stands on his shoulders. The similarities, to me, said, ‘‘Hard work never killed anybody, but I fig- are so striking. The ‘‘ism’’ that RONALD REAGAN ured, why take the chance?’’ It was RONALD stood up to was communism. The ‘‘ism’’ that REAGAN who after he had been hit by that bul- George W. Bush is standing up to is . let, right up Constitution Avenue here at the RONALD REAGAN had broad, across-the-board Washington Hilton when the statement was tax cuts to stimulate economic growth. That is made to him shortly thereafter that the govern- exactly what we have done. He did it in 1981. ment was working as usual and he looked up and George W. Bush started it in 2001. The party said, ‘‘Why would that make me happy?’’ of ideas is strong and vibrant. It is doing extraor- There was, of course, his last speech which dinarily well, and it is the vision that RONALD really stuck with me. It was February 3, 1994, REAGAN put forward. and the Republican National Committee was I thank my friend for taking this time, and having a dinner over here at the Pension Build- I thank my colleagues on the other side of the ing, and RONALD REAGAN was obviously quite aisle who are joining in this very important rec- elderly then, and the speech was delivered lit- ognition of one of our Nation’s greatest leaders. 26 Ronald Reagan Hon. Charles W. Stenholm REAGAN more than held up his end of the bar- gain. He ultimately delivered 150 Republican OF TEXAS votes. So in the spirit of and on a very tough issue, REAGAN successfully secured Mr. Speaker, it is not just nostalgia that makes the votes he needed, from Democrats and Repub- us remember President RONALD REAGAN espe- licans, and got the increase in the debt limit, just cially so fondly upon the occasion of his death. as he and we needed it. Politics, ideology, geography aside, there is a I was proud to have several opportunities to mark of leadership and charisma which undeni- work with the President in the months and years ably stamps some men and women. ahead to build bipartisan coalitions, especially on RONALD REAGAN was one of those men whose his economic agenda. I still proudly display a leadership was felt by all who encountered him. picture in my home in Abilene, TX, of President When President REAGAN first came to office, he REAGAN signing the 1981 tax bill. I got one of quickly understood that enacting his economic the pens and it’s one I treasure. agenda would require bipartisan support in Con- REAGAN had very strong principles and very gress, which was under Democratic control, 242 strong values. We know what they were. But he to 192 and 1 absent. It took 52 bipartisan votes also understood that in order to govern, it was to enact anything, and President REAGAN under- important to find a middle ground. And I was stood that. lucky enough to be in the middle of many of I met with the President on several occasions those compromises. as he sought to build that bipartisan coalition One of his greatest strengths was his ability to pass his legislation. I met with President to communicate, a skill that he used to great ef- REAGAN one on one in the Oval Office as well fect when courting votes in Congress. His court- as on Air Force One, and for a second-termer in ing of Members of Congress was the best of any 1981 that was pretty tall cotton for a Jones Coun- President I have served with, and I have now ty cotton farmer. been privileged to serve with five. If the Mem- In 1981, I was just in my second term and was bers can imagine a second-termer sitting in the a member of the Conservative Democratic Forum Roosevelt Room in the White House talking better known as the Boll Weevils, the precursor about some issues with the President’s Cabinet to today’s Blue Dogs. In the very first month members and others and having the President REAGAN was in office, he had to pass into law walk in unannounced and put his hands on his an increase in the debt limit, and so he invited shoulder; some telephone calls that we had many me to meet with him. Now, mind you, this was times when there was a vote and the President the first major piece of legislation of the Reagan had to work the phones like no President that administration. In the past, prior to President I have seen since, rounding up the votes, and he REAGAN’s being elected, Republicans had always was very effective at doing that. opposed increasing the debt limit. Republicans President REAGAN’s private and public de- had denounced Democrats for voting to increase meanors were the same. What one saw was what the debt limit. So here was the first Republican one got. That is the mark of a great leader. President in many years coming to ask conserv- RONALD REAGAN was a very decent man, and ative Democrats for support in passing this very he understood how he could use his office to thing into law, something members of his own make a difference in countless lives. This aspect party had opposed on many occasions in the past. of his personality was always very clear to me We had a lengthy talk. The twinkle in the because it was this decency, this understanding eye that many of those who had known him of the power of the office that gave me the most much better from California was there, and we rewarding opportunity I had to work with Presi- finally struck a deal. We had an understanding dent REAGAN. that if the President could deliver 100 votes from The context was very personal. In May 1983, Republicans, then we would do our best to de- I was contacted by the grandfather of Ashley Bai- liver the necessary Democratic votes. President ley, a baby girl in Abilene, TX, who needed a Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 27 liver transplant to survive. At that time organ Hon. Darrell E. Issa donations and organ transplants were not as com- mon as now, and the organ donation system was OF CALIFORNIA not organized to the extent it is today. Mr. Speaker, on this second week of June, 17 I spoke to President REAGAN’s folks about it years ago, President RONALD REAGAN stood in to ask for his help in getting the baby girl a the then-divided city of Berlin and called on So- new liver. Shortly after receiving my letter, Presi- viet President Mikhail Gorbachev to ‘‘tear down dent REAGAN used his weekly radio address to this wall!’’ Then, as perhaps now, critics did publicize Ashley’s situation and encourage all what they so often do. They cast aside the genu- Americans to fill out organ donor cards. He also ineness of his statement and, in fact, said that called Ashley’s mother, Annette. his speech was a publicity ploy. The Soviets and Unfortunately, the President’s plea did not re- East Germans called it an infringement of East German sovereignty, an unwarranted meddling sult in finding a liver in time to save Baby Ash- by the American President. ley, but it did end up saving the lives of dozens Two years later the wall came down. of other babies who needed liver transplants. Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN was a leader President REAGAN later started a national organ with the foresight and strong conviction to get donor awareness program, which led to the des- things done. He believed in America so much ignation of National Organ Donation Awareness that he made America believe in itself again. He Week every April. To this day I consider this valued freedom, especially for those who had one of the highlights of my 25 years in Congress. none. He understood that for America to be great, it first had to be good. He understood that REAGAN knew how to disagree without being America’s problems, the malaise of the years pre- disagreeable, to rise above politics, and these ceding his Presidency, were simply America’s not qualities, unfortunately, are rare today. President understanding how great it was and how great REAGAN and House Speaker Tip O’Neill, the it could be. Massachusetts liberal, were good friends who got Mr. Speaker, I was just a soldier during the along very well during their years of service to- period leading up to Mr. REAGAN’s becoming gether. They never lost their philosophical con- President REAGAN, but I was a businessman victions, and they never let those philosophical starting a business from scratch when President convictions hijack their understanding that REAGAN came to office, and I recognized over- America’s democracy requires respect for all night that this was a special time to be an Amer- opinions and a practical determination to work ican, a time when we had a President who was out our differences for the good of the country. saying that an American hero was somebody who took chances, who made a difference for the President REAGAN spoke of hope and a better world, but particularly somebody who cared tomorrow. He reminded us that we live in the enough to work those extra hours and to care greatest country in the world, and he made us enough about his country. believe it and believe in ourselves. He believed RONALD REAGAN knew America. He knew that we, as Americans, had a special duty to pro- what was right about our Nation. What was mote peace and freedom for the rest of the world. right about our Nation and what was right about He always told us that for America, the best was America would set the world in a better direc- yet to come. tion. RONALD REAGAN led America, and the rest It is good for all of us to remember RONALD of the world became a freer place. Under his leadership we headed toward more than 400 mil- REAGAN’s optimism, his kindheartedness, and lion people in 27 countries finding a freedom his cordiality. As we remember this great man they did not have. Today the soldiers of some this week, it would do us good to remember how of those democracies now fight side by side in we should behave today and in the future. Iraq and Afghanistan. 28 Ronald Reagan

President REAGAN showed us that our free- difficult. I grew up thinking were dom and our determination can tear down walls. normal, remembering the assassinations of Mar- Many Speakers will come here tonight, and tin Luther King and Robert Kennedy; that gov- they will talk of how profoundly President ernment corruption was normal, remembering REAGAN affected them, and I would be no dif- Watergate; and that a failure of government to ferent, but perhaps I can be slightly different to- properly serve its people was normal. Very high night by saying that the only way to honor Presi- inflation, for example. dent REAGAN’s legacy is to take it to the next But I remember also the things that my dad step. Today we are trying to do that for people and my mom and my grandfather, who was an in the Arab and Muslim world, and we have not immigrant, told me about America. They were finished that job. Today communist China still patriotic people. RONALD REAGAN was a patri- denies rights to the people of its own country otic man. And I heard his message, and it reso- and is attempting to stifle the freedom and inde- nated with me, because it was something that pendence of . Today Cuba, to our I had always heard at home, but, unfortunately, south, is still a communist nation, having little had not seen much in practice in government. or no respect for the and for its peo- I became interested, and, as I guess somewhat ple. of a precocious seventh-grader, wrote an editorial All of these and more need to be part of the in my middle school newspaper supporting RON- American struggle because, Mr. Speaker, only if ALD REAGAN for President. He did not win that we determine that America’s greatness will be in time, but it was not because I did not try. But our willingness to set a course for the world in that legacy and what he stood for stuck with me. a positive way, not to dominate, but, in fact, to My family paid attention. I was very fortunate. liberate, I think that is the legacy that Mr. Our normal dinner conversation often dealt with REAGAN would want. politics. So when I turned 18 in 1980, RONALD And if I can take a personal liberty on behalf REAGAN was running for President, and I volun- of Mrs. Reagan, I believe that continuing to look teered. I found out that politics is a means of for a cure to the terrible illness that plagued achieving a greater good and could be respected. President REAGAN for his last 10 years of life and I was hooked. He showed for us the America that promote and continue stem cell research con- we all knew could exist. It was the America that sistent with what this body has passed would also my parents believed in. It was the America we be a tremendous addition to the Reagan legacy. knew we could get back. I am determined to work for both of these, RONALD REAGAN said: and I ask this body to take those steps to free jIkt’s not my intention to do away with government. It those who were not freed under President is rather to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can REAGAN, and to commit itself to the research to and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster produc- end the terrible illness that the Reagan family tivity, not stifle it. has suffered under for 10 long years. Government is to walk with us. That is the most important thing, and it is important be- Hon. Melissa A. Hart cause it is the American dream. After 10 years of volunteering on campaigns, OF PENNSYLVANIA and after RONALD REAGAN was elected that first time, through law school, through the private I think like most of us, we all have our own practice of law, I took part in the process in a different, but very similar, inspirations from big way, to dream big dreams, and to take some President REAGAN. I first heard about RONALD risks. So at 28 I ran for the State senate, unseated REAGAN probably around the dinner table when an incumbent, and had the opportunity to pursue I was a kid when he was Governor of California the same dream. and when he first decided to run for President. RONALD REAGAN said America is too great But I had grown up in an era that was pretty for small dreams. There are many of us here in Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 29 Congress today who agree with him. Let us in to the President, and I enjoyed that access, en- government remember him and his legacy and joyed visits with him over there. act on that legacy. One time I went in and the President said, ‘‘Congressman Hall, what would it take to get Hon. Ralph M. Hall you to vote for my budget cuts?’’ I said, ‘‘Well, Mr. President, I have a brother who always want- OF TEXAS ed to be a Federal judge.’’ He said, ‘‘Well, that should not be any problem.’’ He turned to Mr. Speaker, I came to the U.S. Congress in George Bush and he turned to Jim Baker and 1981 , the same year President REAGAN was sworn said, ‘‘Can you get one of Ralph’s brothers ap- in as our President. I examined the brochures proved by the Senate and go through confirma- that he ran on and looked at the brochures that tion there?’’ They said, ‘‘I think we can.’’ I said, I ran on, and I found them to be almost iden- ‘‘Well, wait just a minute, Mr. President; he is tical: jobs and security, and jobs meant dignity; a strong military; a concern for the unborn; not a lawyer.’’ And the President got a big kick strong second amendment rights. All of those out of that. He never really forgot that. Any time things we totally agreed upon. At that time I he would see me out in a group, he would come was a Democrat. I was a member of the Boll shake hands with me. But he liked me. Some- Weevils and the Conservative Democratic times he really could not think of my name, but Forum. he would say, how is your brother. He liked my We have heard others speak here before us to- brother because he was not a lawyer. night and know of the respect and admiration I just think that this country is stronger today that we all had for President REAGAN. I had the and this country is great today because of the pleasure of going out to Camp David with him gifts of RONALD REAGAN, for the time he gave and spent times and hours, and had the oppor- us, for the honesty that he brought to the office, tunity for discussions, and we discussed every- for the common man background that he had, thing from the problems of the day to his times in the movies. He was a good, down-to-earth guy that he understood frailty of men and women and that you could talk to. their need for help. I just know that he knew of our needs. He I am honored to have known him. I am very knew that our military had atrophied away. He lucky to have been a friend of RONALD REAGAN. knew that we needed to have an injection there, and that United Airlines could employ one of our pilots the minute they graduated and had spent Hon. Jerry Lewis their time. He knew that the enlisted men, 35 percent of them were eligible for food stamps, OF CALIFORNIA and he knew something had to be done there. I think he is responsible for the strong position Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the comments of that we have, the strong financial position we our colleague from Texas. I am reminded of that have, the strong geopolitical position we have in tragic day when RONALD REAGAN, shortly after the world. he became President in March 1981, and the as- I know that I have had a lot of occasions to sassination attempt took place. As they rolled visit with him. Jim Baker was in his Cabinet at him on a gurney into the emergency room, he that time, and Jim and I had been longtime looked up and said to his wife, ‘‘Honey, I forgot friends when I was 10 years in the Texas Senate. to duck.’’ RONALD REAGAN, a man who was al- I knew Jim Baker, Hines Baker, Baker and ways ready to try to calm down the other person all of his folks. That gave me access to President and make sure they felt OK, our President. REAGAN. I had been a Navy with George Bush. He was his Vice President, so I had access 30 Ronald Reagan Hon. Bob Goodlatte commitment not just to containing communism, but to transcend it, and transcend it he did. OF VIRGINIA Bursting on the national political scene during the 1964 Presidential campaign with his now Asked in 1980 what Americans saw in him, famed ‘‘A Time for Choosing’’ speech, he spoke RONALD REAGAN replied, ‘‘Would you laugh if to a divided and searching Nation: I told you that I think maybe they see them- You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will pre- selves?’’ Mr. Speaker, hardly would we laugh. serve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, A few years ago I had an opportunity to visit or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thou- sand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children , President REAGAN’s beloved and our children’s children say of us we justified our brief ‘‘Ranch in the Sky.’’ The home reflects the man. moment here. We did all that could be done. It does not feel like a museum; quite the oppo- These words reflected his eternal optimism not site, with Nancy’s and his TV trays still standing just in America, this great experiment in self- by their respective recliners, both facing the old governance, but in Americans. black-and-white television. It seems they have In 1979, we were in the throes of a nationwide just gone out for an afternoon ride and will re- , the Soviets had invaded Afghanistan, turn at any moment. and the hostage crisis in Iran dominated the 600 At purchase the ranch was a mere square nightly news. Yet REAGAN saw us as a ‘‘shining feet. REAGAN labored diligently with his own city on a hill,’’ the hope of the world. hands to remodel and expand it. Even so, the Reflecting on his death, may we find consola- only grand thing about it is the natural sur- tion in his own words spoken to a grieving Na- roundings. Asked once to explain the ranch’s al- tion in the wake of the Challenger disaster, whose most magnetic appeal for him, REAGAN replied crew perished on his watch. They, and now he, with a quote from Psalms: ‘‘I look to the hills has ‘‘ ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch from whence cometh my strength.’’ the face of God.’ ’’ Mikhail Gorbachev, Margaret Thatcher, and In his farewell address from the Oval Office, Queen Elizabeth were among the notables that a place where he refused to remove his suit jacket he hosted there. Gorbachev is said to have been out of a humble respect for the post he held, disappointed by the humble ranch, knowing the REAGAN described how he envisioned the shin- lavish palaces of European leaders. However, it ing city he had invoked countless times. He went is fitting that the place at which REAGAN felt on to observe this of his time in office: most at ease disarmed the world’s dignitaries. We weren’t just marking time. We made a difference. We He always related best with the common man, made the city stronger. We made the city freer, and we left yet he was far from ordinary. To the contrary, her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all. he lived an extraordinary life which had a pro- ‘‘Not bad’’ reflects the modesty of the man, found impact on the landscape of our Nation and but not the magnitude of his accomplishments. the greater span of human history. In rebuilding the military and facing down the He left us on the eve of the 60th anniversary tyranny of communism, calling the Soviet Union of the D-day liberation, and almost 20 years ago the evil empire that it was, and calling on Presi- to the day of one of his most beloved speeches dent Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall, on the cliffs overlooking the beaches of Nor- in restoring our faith in the free enterprise sys- mandy. Looking out at faces wizened by time, tem through cutting taxes and encouraging inno- calling them the ‘‘boys of ,’’ vation, and, most important, in raising our spir- REAGAN offered a compelling picture of how its, he made us proud to be Americans. these young men, freedom’s army, struck a death He set this Nation on a new course that still knell to the nazism and which had a inspires us today. We have a right to dream great stranglehold on formerly-free Europe. dreams, he said, because after all, we are Ameri- He extended this same moral clarity to the cans. Yes, Mr. President, we do see ourselves in great conflict of his day, possessing a steadfast you. We still dream great dreams of freedom and Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 31 opportunity around the world. And I am honored the policies of RONALD REAGAN. And over time to pay tribute tonight to President REAGAN, the I came to realize, like millions of other Ameri- greatest President of the last century. cans, that his economic policies had been reduc- ing taxes on Americans, actually had precipitated a great economic recovery. It had resulted in a Hon. Jerry Lewis doubling of revenue into the Federal Treasury, a dramatic reduction in unemployment. It was OF CALIFORNIA essentially the right economic policy. And it is an economic policy that we still follow to this Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate my col- day. league from Texas joining with us in this discus- Of course, RONALD REAGAN is most well- sion this evening of perhaps America’s greatest known for ending the cold war, precipitating the President, RONALD REAGAN. In his words, RON- breakup of the Soviet Union, and allowing mil- ALD REAGAN said: lions of people in Eastern Europe to taste free- Some argue that we should encourage democratic change dom—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, in right-wing dictatorships, but not in Communist regimes. freedom of assembly—for the first time in their Well, to accept this preposterous notion—as some well- lives. Millions of people besides those of us here meaning people have—is to invite the argument that once countries achieve a nuclear capability, they should be allowed in America were positively affected by the poli- an undisturbed reign of terror over their own citizens. We cies of RONALD REAGAN. reject this course. But what is most dear to my heart about As RONALD REAGAN rebuilt America, his de- RONALD REAGAN was his indefatigable opti- fense budget designed to restrengthen our coun- mism, belief in the power of American ingenuity, try’s ability to defend itself, he stared down the the American spirit, the can-do attitude. At the evil empire and negotiated a nuclear arms treaty time that he took office, we were facing, as many with Gorbachev. As two enemies became close of us know, terrible problems with inflation and friends, think of that, two enemies became close a declining economy and as well our defenses friends, Gorbachev was heard to say, ‘‘Who were in decline. It was not only his policies that would have thought it?’’ moved us in a positive direction but his attitudes and beliefs that lifted our Nation and helped us to move on to better things. Hon. Dave Weldon And he once said the following: jWkhatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, OF FLORIDA I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts. Mr. Speaker, I was a young intern in 1984. I My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying had been through medical school and college and your way. had not really followed politics much, but I was rotating through the cardiologist service. And I President REAGAN, your desire has become a remember asking one of our attendees who he reality. You did appeal to our best hopes and not our worst fears. And your confidence in us is was going to vote for in the 1984 election. RON- leading us in the right direction today. We sa- ALD REAGAN was running against Walter Mon- lute your great accomplishments. dale. He said he was voting for RONALD REAGAN because he had a wife and three kids at home and the tax cuts that REAGAN had put through were putting about $200 a month more Hon. Sherwood Boehlert in his pocket. And it was just making it easier OF NEW YORK for him to take care of his family. I had not followed politics much, but I was Mr. Speaker, earlier today I joined my col- very much impressed by Rick Monsor’s com- leagues in voting for a resolution expressing the ments and began to read more and more about profound regret and sorrow of the House of Rep- 32 Ronald Reagan resentatives on the death of RONALD W. news that President REAGAN died this after- REAGAN, former President of the United States noon?’’ And I said, ‘‘No, I have not heard that,’’ of America. I did not cast that vote as one Mem- but we immediately switched on the radio; and ber of this, the people’s House, nor as a sure enough, there was a news bulletin from Congressperson for 654,000 New Yorkers who it California that President REAGAN had passed is my privilege to represent here in our Nation’s away. Capital. Rather, that vote reflected the profound And so as we continued to drive down to Cor- regret and sorrow felt far beyond the borders of pus, I began to reminisce about the President. one district, one State, one Nation. My mind went back to the late seventies when It is illustrative of the sincere sentiment of a this country was mired in recession and interest world community in collective mourning. Presi- rates were sky high and we had hostages in Iran dent REAGAN was so much more than a head and there was a spirit of pessimism that America of state. He was an inspiration to all whose lives could not be great anymore. And Governor he touched, not just by his words, which reached REAGAN came out of California and announced across the great divides that separate people, but for the Presidency and said that there was hope, by his deeds which always sought to bring people that not only could we be great, but we would together in common cause. be greater again. And that inspired me to cam- The President’s noble achievements, and there paign for him to be President of the United were so many, have been and will continue to States in the 1980 election. 1980 be chronicled by historians for time immemorial. And the night that he won in November , So many of my colleagues who preceded and I dusted off an old applica- those who will follow have been and will be elo- tion and changed the date and signed it and quent in their tributes to the lasting legacy of mailed it in. White House Fellows is a program this great man, and deservedly so. For my part, that takes young men and women from all over I simply want to add a listing of the words which the country and puts them in positions to ob- come immediately to mind when recalling Presi- serve the workings of the Federal Government ei- dent REAGAN: words like integrity, conviction, ther in the White House or in the Cabinet agen- honor, faith, grace, dignity, friendship, humor, cies. The year that I applied there were about 1 600 values, honest, humble. The list of positives in , applications, and I was fortunate enough 1 15 16 the life of this man of principle and character to be of like or that got selected. is endless. I worked in the Department of Energy as a To President REAGAN and his beloved partner, White House Fellow for Secretary of Energy 1982 Nancy, who was always at his side and in his James P. Edwards. In spring the Secretary heart, I am but one of so many who say a heart- called me into his office and said, ‘‘Joe, I am felt thank you for leading by example and serv- going over to the White House this afternoon ing so many so well for so long. You will always for a Cabinet meeting. Would you like to go be an inspiration and you will always be in our with me?’’ I said, ‘‘Mr. Secretary I would love thoughts and prayers. to go with you.’’ He said, ‘‘There is one thing: you cannot say anything. You can only sit in the back of the room and listen.’’ So I said, ‘‘I prom- Hon. Joe Barton ise.’’ We went to the White House, and they OF TEXAS walked us into the Cabinet room, and I was seat- ed directly behind Vice President Bush, who was Mr. Speaker, I was driving down to Corpus seated directly across from President REAGAN. Christi last Saturday afternoon with my wife, The President came in from the Oval Office and Terry, and her daughter Lindsey and her cousin shook hands with his Cabinet, and he reached Jackie and Terry’s family for a brief family vaca- over and got a handful of jellybeans out of a jar tion when my staffer Andy Black called me on in the middle of the Cabinet table and ate the the telephone and asked, ‘‘Have you heard the jellybeans and asked if anybody wanted them. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 33 Then he said, ‘‘Gentlemen, what is the agenda So when I finished my White House Fellows for the day?’’ And a Cabinet Secretary said, ‘‘It Program, I went back to Texas. And in 1984, is the Caribbean Basin and what to do announced that he was not going to about sugar quotas.’’ The Secretary of Agri- run for the U.S. Senate, and Congressman Phil Jack Block raised his hand, he said, ‘‘Mr. Gramm of the Sixth District announced that he President, you have tasked me to try to help the was going to run for the Senate and Joe Barton American farmers and we are doing the best that announced that he was going to run for the Sixth we can, but sugar prices are low in the world District as a Republican. I wanted to be a part market. And I think it would be disastrous for of the Reagan revolution in Washington. American farmers if you let more sugar into our I was very fortunate that I got elected that country.’’ And the President said, ‘‘Thank you, year. I primarily got elected because my entire Mr. Secretary.’’ campaign was Reagan-Gramm-Barton. And Then the Secretary of State, I think it was when people went to vote for President REAGAN General Haig, raised his hand and said, ‘‘Mr. and Senator Gramm, they also voted for me. President, I am the Secretary of State and you So now as a senior member of the majority have tasked me with creating this Caribbean Ini- in the House of Representatives, I simply hope tiative to help the emerging democracies in the that I can do what little I can to help foster the Caribbean. Their largest export crop is sugar. It Reagan vision for America, which is always do would really help my job as Secretary of State what is right for America. if you allowed more sugar to come into the United States.’’ And the President said, ‘‘Thank you, Mr. Secretary.’’ Hon. Earl Blumenauer He said, ‘‘Is there any other discussion?’’ The rest of the Cabinet just sat there. The President OF OREGON said, ‘‘Well, what we ought to do is take Amer- ican wheat and Caribbean sugar and create cook- As we observe the news, we have commenta- ies and create a cookie export, cookies for peace tors rushing to give an assessment of the legacy program maybe, to the Third World.’’ The Cabi- of RONALD REAGAN. Conservative commentators net chuckled about that; but he said, ‘‘Really, will credit him with the fall of the former Soviet I have heard what is best for the State Depart- Union, new approaches to the economy, espe- ment and I have heard what is best for the Agri- cially with tax-cutting strategies. And, in large culture Department, now I want you gentlemen measure, the rise of today’s Republican Party can to tell me what is best for America.’’ And there trace its roots to his leadership. His was a strong were no cameras and he really said that. voice for the conservative perspective from cor- And I just was absolutely inspired when he porate spokesperson to the governorship of our said it. I was sitting directly across from him be- country’s largest State, to two terms as our Presi- hind Vice President Bush. Of course, I had been dent. told I could not say anything, but when the There were, of course, areas of policy disagree- President said that, ‘‘Gentlemen tell me what is ment, some of which I had strong feelings about. best for America,’’ it kind of jumped out from There were also areas of mistakes, blunders for me, I said, ‘‘Right. That is why I voted for you.’’ which President REAGAN characteristically and And, of course, the Secretary of Energy was clearly assumed personal responsibility. aghast that I had said something. But the Presi- Balanced commentary will spotlight his prag- dent looked over and he looked around the Vice matic approaches as Governor and President; his President, he looked at me with a twinkle in his ability to reach across party lines, to listen, to eye, did not say anything, he just smiled. And work, to add a human touch. There was his will- I knew then that that is why the American peo- ingness to protect the economy and work with ple trusted him, because he wanted to do what- moderates, for instance, in both parties, even to ever the issue was, what was right for America. the point of significant tax increases when he was 34 Ronald Reagan faced with spiraling budget deficits and felt that ness to reach out to members of both parties in it was important for our country. uniting, rather than dividing, this country; for I personally am content for history and the showing kindness in the face of hostility; for passage of time to sharpen the focus and place communicating so clearly with words from his his entire career in perspective, but I am think- own heart and mind, written by his own hands; ing this evening of how he became a leader and for inspiring courage in others through his own a symbol in his last years as he made a stark ad- courage; and finally, for displaying trust in God, mission that he suffered from Alzheimer’s dis- rather than human institutions, through an un- ease. His wife Nancy became a champion in this wavering faith in God’s sovereignty and mercy. great struggle to help lead the fight against Alz- heimer’s. At a time when there are some who would put Hon. Phil Gingrey ideology ahead of meeting the needs of victims and families, Nancy Reagan stood tall and spoke OF GEORGIA out forcefully on the needs and benefits of stem Mr. Speaker, I am humbled to be one of the cell research. Because of the affection for Presi- many Americans from all across our Nation who dent REAGAN and the strength of Nancy Reagan, is paying tribute to President RONALD REAGAN millions will someday be spared this suffering. this week. My personal memory of President REAGAN Members of Congress, including myself, came will be dominated by his almost ability to this floor in February to celebrate President to reach out and touch the American people. REAGAN’s 93d birthday, but it is with a sad heart Along with Franklin Roosevelt and John Ken- tonight that we come to the floor of the House nedy, RONALD REAGAN stands out as someone of Representatives to eulogize one of our greatest who could truly communicate with the American Presidents. people. Would that the American public today It was appropriate that RONALD REAGAN, a be able to hear his calm, confident, friendly smalltown American from Dixon, IL, would voice. make a career and a home in California, would He has earned our respect and our thanks. The represent the very best of American life. As Gov- American people send their condolences and best ernor of California, President REAGAN became wishes to Mrs. Reagan and the entire family. adept at representing the diverse nature of our country and cared deeply for all Americans. Hon. Tom Osborne As he is laid to rest, RONALD REAGAN’s leg- acy for America will carry on eternally in the an- OF NEBRASKA nals of history. Not since Lincoln and Roosevelt has one man touched the core of what it means I would like to express my appreciation to to be an American: Through unity and strength, President REAGAN for his adherence to principle we can achieve peace; and through self- rather than to expediency; for standing firm determination, responsibility and character, we against America’s enemies when so many urged can live the American dream. and conciliation; for displaying a RONALD REAGAN restored faith in America sense of humor when events were grim; for being during one of our darkest hours of self-doubt. He decent when indecency was so common; for real- gave us hope and promise when we needed it izing that an offensive strategy is superior to de- most. REAGAN’s true legacy is the restoration of fense when confronted by grave danger; for re- the dream that is America. Even with his pass- storing a troubled economy by putting more re- ing, REAGAN’s sense of hope and strength lives sources in the people’s hands and less in the gov- on. ernment’s hands; for promoting optimism when As someone who has been inspired by his lead- many were discouraged; for his capacity to dis- ership and courage in the face of the evil empire agree without being disagreeable; for his willing- of the Soviet Union, I deeply thank President Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 35

REAGAN for restoring our Nation’s confidence in several meetings thereafter, with large num- and our hope. bers of people or small numbers of people, he God bless you, RONALD REAGAN, and may always spoke less than anyone else in the room, God continue to bless the America whose spirit enjoyed watching others have it out, and indeed, of eternal optimism you helped renew. the next day he may not have remembered the name of everyone in the room, but he never for- got who he was. Hon. John Linder tells a wonderful story about walking on a street with RONALD REAGAN in OF GEORGIA 1978. By this time, he was easily recognized. A fellow kept inching close to him on the street On an October evening in 1975, before he an- wanting to say hello. REAGAN saw him, looked nounced that he would seek the Republican over, reached out his hand and said hello. The nomination for President, RONALD REAGAN ad- man said, ‘‘May I have your autograph, Mr. dressed the 20th birthday celebration of the Na- Milland?’’ REAGAN wrote on his tional Review. It was an uplifting and humorous paper and walked on. Michael Deaver said, ‘‘Why speech until the end, when he somberly quoted didn’t you tell him who you were?’’ REAGAN . Two decades earlier, said, ‘‘I know who I am. He wanted to meet Ray Chambers had written: Milland.’’ It is idle to talk of preventing the wreck of Western civili- That was pure RONALD REAGAN. He was not zation, it is already a wreck from within. That is why we can do little more now than snatch a fingernail of a saint interested in making sure a stranger knew of his from the wrack, or a handful of ashes from the fagots, and importance. He cared about making this one bury them secretly in a flower pot against that day, ages stranger happy. hence, when a few men to dare to believe that Four years later he was President. He faced a there once was something else, that something else is think- military where one-third of our fleet was in dry able, and need some evidence of what it was, and the for- tifying knowledge that there were those who, at the great dock, one-third of our planes could not fly for nightfall, took loving thought to preserve the tokens of hope lack of spare parts. Our soldiers were practicing and truth. with pretend bullets. The economy had a 21 per- 14 Chambers spent 13 years in the service of the cent interest rate and a percent inflation rate, Soviet Union as a spy. He always believed that and we were in trouble. 20 1981 the world was engaged in a battle between the On January , , President REAGAN ad- two great religions, communism and freedom. dressed these challenges and then said this: He believed that communism could not survive jTkogether with God’s help we can and will resolve the in a world where people believed in a higher problems which now confront us. And after all, why power. Freedom, on the other hand, could not shouldn’t we believe that? We are Americans. survive in a world where people did not. A nas- Over the next 8 years, his economic policies cent faith took hold in Chambers, and in 1937 took an economy from $2.5 trillion to $5 trillion. he left communism for freedom. As he did so, Revenues to the Federal Treasury went from $519 he told his wife that he feared they were moving billion to $1.054 trillion. We created 20 million to the losing side. new jobs, and on the foreign front REAGAN was This is what RONALD REAGAN was thinking the first President since 1917 to ignore the bu- of in . Communism was ascendant, reaucracy and speak truth to evil. Eight years and free people were losing their confidence, be- later the evil empire was crumbling, and the cold coming fearful and timid of the future, and over war was over. the following 4 years, the Soviet Union increased I always thought that the biggest missed op- its influence in 14 sovereign nations around the portunity of the past 60 years was to not have globe. celebrated the end of the cold war. RONALD I was privileged to travel in his campaign REAGAN deserved that, and now he takes his plane in 1976 when he was in the Southeast, and leave. 36 Ronald Reagan It has been a very difficult decade for Mrs. ment, personal responsibility, and ‘‘peace Reagan and the family, but for those of us who through strength.’’ He also brought an optimism love freedom, we remember a man who dared to that America’s greatest days were ahead of us. believe that there once was something else, that Proving all of his detractors wrong, President something else was thinkable. He gave us evi- REAGAN won the cold war, spurred the economy dence of what it was in the fortifying knowledge to robust growth and restored our national con- that he would be there at the great nightfall to fidence and patriotism. As author and former take loving thought to preserve the tokens of Presidential staffer Peter Robinson said recently, hope and truth, and he was there. Not a bad final ‘‘RONALD REAGAN was great, because RONALD act for a B actor from Dixon, not bad at all. REAGAN was right.’’ His straightforward speeches began to change minds across America, and many became Reagan Hon. Joe Wilson Democrats. Today in my home State, Repub- licans hold most statewide offices, a complete OF SOUTH CAROLINA turnaround that has occurred throughout the Mr. Speaker, the world is grieving this week South thanks to the leadership of RONALD over the loss of a true American hero, President REAGAN. 1980 RONALD WILSON REAGAN. Words cannot de- He started a revolution where in Repub- 16 scribe the admiration and respect that I have for licans in South Carolina held only seats in the this great man. He led a revolution for free enter- statehouse, and now there is a Republican super- 76 124 prise, for victory of democracy over communism majority of out of members. In the State 3 and for national . senate, Republicans soared from members in 1980 27 46 For many Americans in mourning, including to now a supermajority of of mem- myself, RONALD REAGAN was not just a good bers. President, he was our President. He defined the For 2 years I was honored to work in the honor and dignity of the Office of the Presi- Reagan administration as Deputy General Coun- dency, and he lifted the spirit of a Nation with sel to the Secretary of Energy Jim Edwards. I am his hope and joyfulness that sprang from an abid- a proud REAGAN alumni association member, ing faith in God and deeply held belief in the and in 1990, because of his efforts to win the cold American dream. war and bring freedom to the oppressed people I am grateful to have lived the Reagan revolu- of the Soviet Union, I was asked by former Re- tion as a foot soldier promoting his vision of a publican National Committee Chairman Lee dynamic economy, creating jobs through tax cuts Atwater to observe the first democratic elections and free markets, his support of America’s mili- in Bulgaria. tary to achieve success in liberating millions by I saw first-hand the REAGAN legacy of peace victory in the cold war, and his transformation and freedom, as Central and Eastern Europe rose of developing the Republican Party which today from the ashes of communism to become strong holds the majority of State legislative seats across democracies and American allies. The people I America for the first time since 1952. He reinvig- have met over the years from Bratislava, Slovakia, orated the Republican Party with optimism and to Novosibirsk, , regard President vision. REAGAN as their own hero, a man who was He entered office during a time of doubt and unafraid to tell the truth about the evil empire. despair and malaise, with the economy sput- While we mourn his passing, President RON- tering in a looming cold war that threatened our ALD REAGAN will never be forgotten. Children families. With these seemingly insurmountable will read for centuries to come about the ‘‘Happy problems he faced, many critics underestimated Warrior’’ who helped liberate tens of millions the former California Governor. Yet President from totalitarian communism and restored Amer- REAGAN brought with him his conservative prin- ica’s position in the world as the ‘‘shining city ciples of individual freedom, limited govern- on a hill.’’ Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 37 Democracy is more widespread today in the world has seen a different kind of opportunity world than any time in history due to President for peace. Today we face the challenge that in- REAGAN’s success of ‘‘peace through strength.’’ volves the war on terrorism; and, indeed, that We cannot help but be reminded of his legacy struggle is bound to last for years to come. It as America faces similar battles today against the was the legacy of RONALD REAGAN that laid the oppression of terrorism, and his critics deride our foundation for America to best be prepared to President, much as they did President REAGAN defend itself for liberty and for freedom. 20 years ago. America is under attack because we are a symbol of liberty in the world, and we must meet this challenge with the same courage and Hon. Ken Calvert conviction that RONALD REAGAN had. OF CALIFORNIA As he said in the 1964 Goldwater campaign in what has simply become known as ‘‘The Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one Speech’’ and was earlier referenced by Chairman of the greatest Presidents in the history of our Lewis: Nation, RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will pre- President of the United States. serve for our children this, the last best hope of man on Earth, or we will sentence them to take the last step into He was a leader when our country needed it a thousand years of darkness. most, at a time when many Americans, including myself, had found ourselves disaffected by poli- May God bless the REAGAN family, God bless tics. His optimism gave our Nation the con- our troops, and may God continue to bless fidence and motivation to resume its place as a America. world leader. I well remember the seventies after President Hon. Jerry Lewis Nixon’s resignation and the pessimism that fol- lowed, when many Americans disassociated OF CALIFORNIA themselves from public service. RONALD REAGAN came onto the Presidential scene and re- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from minded us that the ‘‘best was yet to come,’’ that South Carolina (Mr. WILSON) very much for we are not to blame for the world’s problems; those very eloquent comments. I am reminded and yet, as a great Nation, we had a place of of the fact that in very simple form, RONALD responsibility and a role to play. REAGAN challenged the world on behalf of lib- President REAGAN believed, as our Declara- erty, on behalf of peace. He had this remarkable tion of Independence states, ‘‘all men are created relationship that developed over time with Mi- equal, that they are endowed by their creator khail Gorbachev. After he described the evil em- with certain unalienable rights, life, liberty and pire in straightforward terms, they began to the pursuit of happiness.’’ Additionally, he knew communicate as leaders of two great countries. better than most that strength comes from with- Indeed, together over time they reduced the nu- in, from the people. Therefore, first and foremost, clear threat by coming to agreement with one REAGAN used his first term as President to bring another. these rights back to Americans starting with It has been said earlier, but let me repeat the what was then known as . words of RONALD REAGAN: He sought to restore America to the people jMr.k Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity by giving them back control of their pocket- for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberal- books. Uncle Sam was put on a diet of lower ization: Come here to this gate! . . . open this gate! Mr. taxes, sound money and fewer regulations, allow- Gorbachev, tear down this wall! ing us the benefits of hard work. By the time And indeed, within a couple of years, that wall that REAGAN left office, only two income brack- came down. The East-West confrontation began ets existed, with a top rate of 28 percent, com- to thaw; and between these two leaders, the pared to the 14 income brackets, with the top 38 Ronald Reagan rate of 70 percent, that existed when he took of- He believed in us so much that he inspired us fice. Additionally, government was scaled back to believe in ourselves. and redtape eliminated, allowing Americans to And in his typical humble fashion, during his take care of themselves. As REAGAN was apt to last speech from the Oval Office, he said: say. ‘‘Government is not the solution to our I wasn’t a great communicator, but I communicated great problem; government is the problem.’’ things, and they didn’t spring full bloom from my brow, they He saw the rebuilding of America’s military. came from the heart of a great nation. After years of low morale and interest in the Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN captured the armed services, President REAGAN made a return hearts of the American people and he unleashed to the pre-Vietnam days of faith and professional the power, the hope, and the optimism that appeal in our military. As Commander in Chief, comes with a sincere understanding and love of he oversaw the largest peacetime buildup of mili- freedom and democracy. President REAGAN tary spending in history, leading to the collapse changed the world by simply reminding us all of the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war. of exactly who we are. He inspired us to become His revolutionary policies regarding investment the Nation we were all along. He always saw the in military technology, good training, and pay ‘‘shining city on the hill,’’ and he gave us the laid the foundation for a strong military that vision to see it with him. later claimed victory in Operation Desert Storm Although we deeply mourn his passing, RON- and continues to protect our ALD REAGAN’s life was a gift to the world, a gift well into the 21st century and, now, in the war that will never be forgotten by all who love free- on terror. dom and the shining example he gave us. Thank you, Mr. President, and God bless RONALD REAGAN lived a life worth living. He RONALD REAGAN. saw both the birth and death of communism. He won the hearts of Americans and world leaders. How? He believed in ‘‘peace through strength,’’ Hon. Robin Hayes and he lived his convictions based on experience, intuition, and love of life. OF I will end with one of my favorite quotes: Mr. Speaker, first let me thank my dear friend Above all, we must realize that no arsenal or no weapon in the arsenals of the world is so formidable as the will and and colleague, the gentleman from California moral courage of free men and women. (Mr. Lewis), for his leadership tonight in hon- oring such a wonderful man. President RONALD Thank you, President REAGAN. May God bless REAGAN was a good man who became a great you and your family, and may God bless Amer- President. His leadership has inspired me ica. throughout my career in public service, as I am sure REAGAN inspired many folks presently serv- ing in the public arena. Hon. Chris Chocola One of my favorite RONALD REAGAN quotes 1986 OF INDIANA comes from his Address: Government growing beyond our consent had become a Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yield- lumbering giant, slamming shut the gates of opportunity, threatening to crush the very roots of our freedom. What ing me this time, and I join my colleagues to- brought America back? The American people brought us night and rise in tribute to a great man, Presi- back with quiet courage and common sense, with undying dent RONALD REAGAN. faith that in this nation under God the future will be ours; In 1980, I turned 18, and the first person I ever for the future belongs to the free. voted for was RONALD REAGAN. With that vote, That is one of my favorite REAGAN quotes for the world changed. It changed because President a number of reasons. First, it addresses one of REAGAN clearly understood that the greatest the main reasons I switched parties. Like Presi- strength of this Nation is the American people. dent REAGAN, I began my career not as a Repub- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 39 lican but as a Democrat; and, like REAGAN, I In closing let me thank you, the American people for giv- switched parties because I felt that big govern- ing me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your Presi- dent. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, ment was ‘‘slamming shut the gates of oppor- I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours tunity, threatening to crush the very roots of our and eternal optimism for its future. freedom.’’ I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset RONALD REAGAN’s conservative principles, of my life. I know that for America there will always be a put into successful action, changed our Nation’s bright dawn ahead. attitude on the role of government and personal I do believe that the United States does face responsibility. Without President REAGAN, there a bright dawn. And President REAGAN and his would not have been a bipartisan effort to reform leadership can take a large part of the credit for and end that vicious cycle of government that fact. While I am saddened that President dependency. REAGAN is no longer with us, I rejoice knowing The other thing I like about this quote is that that he has met his Maker, and his Maker is it reveals so much about the character of RON- looking him in the eye and saying, President ALD REAGAN: his unbridled optimism, his belief REAGAN, the GIPPER, you are a good and faithful in the American people, and his humbleness. He servant. was too humble to take sole credit for the United He is now in a far better place. He is looking States’ return to greatness, even though had his down on the country and the people that he measures failed he would have assumed the loved. May God bless and protect America and blame. Instead, he gave the credit to the Amer- the vision that was RONALD REAGAN’s for us ican people, because he believed in the American and our future; that freedom belongs to the free. people. One of his favorite quotes was: ‘‘There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t Hon. Duncan Hunter care who gets the credit.’’ And he lived that OF CALIFORNIA quote on a daily basis. One of the other things I admired about RON- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Cali- ALD REAGAN was his steadfast determination to fornia (Mr. Lewis) for yielding me this time, and stand up to communist aggression. Even though I want to thank my great friend also for not only he knew such a determined view may not be helping to preside over this special tribute, but popular, he never backed away from his firm be- for everything that he did in helping to lead the lief that communism was wrong. In 1982, speak- California delegation to be a source of strength ing before the British Parliament, REAGAN said: for President REAGAN when he put forth those It is the Soviet Union that runs against the tide of history. monumental changes in the direction of our gov- ... jIt isk the march of freedom and democracy which will ernment. leave -Leninism on the ash-heap of history as it has I have listened to his statements and just now left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the to the statement of the gentleman from North self-expression of the people. Carolina (Mr. Hayes), and many others, in talk- No truer words have been spoken. I believed ing about this wonderful American, RONALD it then, and I believe it now. We all saw REAGAN; and I thought I might just touch on REAGAN’s words validated when the Soviet a couple of the things he did in the way of na- Union fell apart shortly after President REAGAN tional security. left office. We have short memories, Mr. Speaker; and Finally, even when facing a devastating diag- President REAGAN was not always popular, espe- nosis, President REAGAN still delivered the news cially with the media and often with our Euro- with his typical optimism for America and his pean allies. I can remember in the eighties, when belief for the American people. On November 5, he responded to the Soviet Union’s ringing 1994, he wrote a letter to the American people Western Europe with the SS–20 missiles and he announcing that he had Alzheimer’s disease: started to move those Persian missiles and 40 Ronald Reagan ground launch cruise missiles into Europe to off- that great charm that RONALD REAGAN had that set the Soviet strength of their strategic programs brought so many people, attracted so many peo- and their intermediate range ballistic missiles ple, even people of very different political persua- that they were moving in. And there were mas- sion. sive demonstrations against RONALD REAGAN My son Sam was not even born in those days and against those who supported him in Europe when we first came in. I remember the picture and lots of sniping by the press in this country. of the cowboy that the President drew for my And yet because of that strength and because other son Duncan, who is now a U.S. Marine and he rebuilt national security, especially after the deployed overseas. Reykjavik summit, he refused to give up the I think the one thing that this President sold Strategic Defense Initiative, that is, missile de- in boatloads was inspiration. He was great at in- fense, the right of Americans to defend them- spiration. He realized a little secret, and that is selves against incoming ballistic missiles. After this country runs on inspiration. Whether it is he did that, there was lots of hand wringing the markets or the economy or people deciding among the elite media and lots of our European whether or not they are going to join the uni- allies who said, there it goes, the last chance for formed services, inspiration is the fuel that this peace, and lo and behold, the Russians picked country runs on, and that is something that up the phone and said, Can we talk? RONALD REAGAN had an endless supply of. RONALD REAGAN at that point started to ne- gotiate with the Soviet Union, and not just to He was tough during the tough times. You negotiate a peace, but to negotiate the dis- have to have good endurance to be a good Presi- assembly of the , the tear-down of dent, and he had great endurance. He was able the Soviet empire, which is manifest today in nu- to handle the difficult times, the times when he merous free states where once there was one state was not real popular, and outlast his critics. It ruled by tyranny. has been kind of fun in the last couple of days Mr. Speaker, I remember the gentleman from to watch people who criticized him very severely California (Mr. Lewis) was present as one of our to seem now to remember that he was not such senior Members, and the gentleman from Cali- a bad guy after all. Not only was he not such fornia (Mr. Herger) had not been elected yet, a bad guy, but he brought this country together along with the gentleman from California (Mr. as a family. He was, of course, the head of the Thomas) and the gentleman from California (Mr. family. Dreier), and Bob Lagomarsino, and John It is a time for us to mourn this President, Rousselot, and Chip Pashayan, and my colleague but also to celebrate his great life and the big Bill Lowery, and Bobby Fever, new Republicans piece of this life that he gave to our Nation. I who had come in in the Reagan win of 1980, will never forget when I was first running for and the President invited us to even Congress, I was practicing law on behalf of a bar- while President Carter was still in the White bershop on the waterfront in San Diego. My dad House. We were standing in the foyer, cele- came in and said, ‘‘You can be a Member of Con- brating this victory of our Commander-in-Chief- gress.’’ He said, ‘‘RONALD REAGAN is running. to-be because he had not been sworn in yet, and He is going to run on a platform of national de- the President-elect came down the stairs, and he fense and jobs, and in San Diego that is the same talked to us about being up on his ranch in Santa thing.’’ I said, ‘‘What do I need to start run- Barbara and killing an especially big rattlesnake ning?’’ He said, ‘‘We need one thing; you need the day before while he was cutting brush. We a picture with RONALD REAGAN, and we are had a great time talking with the President-elect. going to go up and get it.’’ And we went up After a while he said, ‘‘I am tired, I am going and got it in . That launched my to go upstairs and hit the hay.’’ He said, ‘‘you foray into politics. So many of us won that year guys turn off the lights when you leave.’’ He who had no chance of winning because we were went right upstairs; we continued to have a good riding along with a guy named RONALD time. That represented that western hospitality, REAGAN. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 41 Let us take a message and a lesson from this Hon. Jeb Hensarling great American and proceed ahead with opti- mism and with dedication to the idea that you OF TEXAS get ‘‘peace through strength.’’ That was a trade- Mr. Speaker, this week millions of Americans mark of RONALD REAGAN’s foreign policy. I and people around the globe mourn the loss of think we are following it with this President. I one of our Nation’s greatest heroes, RONALD think we need to and stay steady. REAGAN. From the time that he took the oath of office until he left the White House, few American Presidents ever enjoyed the popularity, Hon. Jerry Lewis support and love that RONALD REAGAN engen- OF CALIFORNIA dered. He developed a special bond with the American people, and one can see from the tre- mendous outpouring of sympathy and support Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from California across our great Nation that that special bond (Mr. Hunter) reminds me of another time when still endures today. RONALD REAGAN was trying to bring together More than any other person, President 1969 Republicans to form a majority. It was , and REAGAN is responsible for winning the cold war. there was a majority for approximately 2 years He engaged his communist adversaries in the in the California lower house for the assembly, battle of ideas and achieved victory by winning and RONALD REAGAN was then Governor of the war for the hearts and minds of people. In California. He came into this room, and here his heart he knew these people. He knew the were 41 members of the new majority sitting Bulgarian student who was never allowed to read there in front of him. He was sitting at a table Thomas Jefferson. He knew the East German in front of us, his legs dangling from the table, mother who wanted a better life for her children. and he had argyle on. He knew the Polish factory worker who longed to be free of Soviet subjugation. He said: One 65-year-old Czech who lived under the I was trying to think about what I should say to you all. Soviet regime said: We have not had a majority before. We have to govern . . . For us, REAGAN was important because we knew he was it is possible from time to time we may disagree with each really anticommunist, emotionally anticommunist. For us, he other as we go about making decisions on public policy. was a symbol of the United States’ genuine determination to bring communism to an end. As I was thinking about what to say to you, I was re- minded of my father-in-law, who is a dentist. It seems he A Romanian man who was recently inter- had this fellow sitting in the chair, and the guy had an ab- viewed struggled to find the words to describe scessed tooth which had to come out. And my father-in-law President REAGAN’s legacy, and then he simply began to put this needle in his jaw. About that time my said, ‘‘It is due to him that we are free.’’ father-in-law felt kind of a groping at the lower part of his Thanks to RONALD REAGAN’s determined abdomen. He looked down startled, and the fellow looked leadership, untold millions were liberated from back up and said, ‘‘we are not going to hurt each other, are we, Doc?’’ communist tyranny and from the palpable fear of nuclear annihilation. For those who knew RONALD REAGAN, he America was fortunate to have RONALD would get just to the edge of color, but nonethe- REAGAN. At a time when our country needed a less, he knew how to make a point to bring peo- hero, RONALD REAGAN was able to rekindle the ple together in a very special way; a man never American spirit. He inspired us with his power- to be forgotten, recognizing how important it is ful words and unwavering optimism. He had a that we work together. steadfast belief in the goodness of America. No amount of pessimism, strife or tragedy could dis- courage that thinking or blur his vision of Amer- ica as a ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ 42 Ronald Reagan I was one of perhaps hundreds of thousands would remind you . . . they’re not impossible, be- of people that had the privilege to shake the cause, after all, we’re Americans,’’ and perhaps hand of the former President, look him in the none more so than RONALD REAGAN. eyes and thank him for all he did for America. Frankly, next to my marriage and the birth of my children, it was one of the most profound Hon. Judy Biggert moments in my life. An earlier generation was inspired to public service by Barry Goldwater. OF ILLINOIS Many in my generation were inspired to serve by RONALD REAGAN. Mr. Speaker, unlike many other Members of A woman in Santa Monica recently stated, this body, I never had the great privilege of serv- ‘‘When I think of him, I think of America. What ing with RONALD REAGAN. When President is that saying, American, like Mom and apple REAGAN was elected in 1980, I was raising my pie. He should be in that, too, because he rep- four children and running a law practice out of resented what this country is all about.’’ my home in Hinsdale, IL. Back then I did not President REAGAN was what this country is follow world events or political developments all about. He believed in the American dream. He believed in the power of free men and free like I do now. In those days, it was all I could markets. He championed less government, lower do to keep up with kids’ soccer games, make it taxes and lifting regulation. He believed in our to the school board meetings on time, and ensure country’s ability to produce boundless possibili- that I did not miss a court deadline for an impor- ties and limitless opportunity. His policies ush- tant client. ered in a of entrepreneurship and inno- This week, like most Americans, I revel in the vation, and led to one of the greatest economic stories that my colleagues and others who knew expansions in our Nation’s history. him well have recounted about their special mo- We believed in President REAGAN because he ments with our 40th President. Like most Amer- believed in us. He always saw the best in us, and icans, I cannot get enough of RONALD REAGAN. he never stopped believing in the decency and ingenuity of the American people. He believed What strikes me as I think back through the deeply in the strength of democracy and never years of those REAGAN times of the eighties are lost hope of America realizing its ‘‘rendezvous two very important things. They are the things with destiny.’’ that he said that touched my life and my inter- Our Nation will deeply miss RONALD ests as a busy mother and a died-in-the-wool Re- REAGAN. Undoubtedly future generations of publican. Americans will remember him among the pan- First is what later became known as the theon of America’s great leaders, among the REAGAN 11th commandment. RONALD REAGAN names of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, but said, and practiced this principle, ‘‘Speak no ill there will never be another President REAGAN. of a fellow Republican.’’ Let us remember his words the way he wished to be remembered: Second was the REAGAN rule for success: jWkhatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, ‘‘There is no limit to the good a man can do I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not in this world if he does not care who gets the your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts. credit.’’ My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying Mr. Speaker, tonight my thoughts and prayers your way. go out to the REAGAN family. It is true I never Mr. Speaker, today should serve more than just met him, but they will never know how much a memorial, it should serve as a reminder. As his words, his deeds and his common sense have President REAGAN also said, ‘‘there’s much work influenced and will continue to positively affect before us: . . . Not easy tasks perhaps. But I the generations of leaders that will follow him. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 43 Hon. Roger F. Wicker local craftsman, Gary Harkins of , pre- sented Mr. REAGAN with a rocking chair. I am OF MISSISSIPPI sure some of the candidate’s advisers and staff were horrified to think of the prospect that the Mr. Speaker, I too rise and join so many of one image coming from this appearance was a my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in paying picture of the 69-year-old former Governor sit- tribute to RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th ting in a rocking chair. But without hesitation, President of the United States. I agree with so RONALD REAGAN sat down in the chair, grabbed much of what has been said here today and his wife, Nancy, by the hand and pulled her onto throughout the Nation in the past few days his lap. They appeared at that moment to be the about the incredible legacy of RONALD REAGAN very picture of vitality and energy. The widely and what he left to America and to the world. distributed photograph and film footage which RONALD REAGAN will always be larger than life followed went around the Nation and nobody to millions of people around the world who were seeing that image thought RONALD REAGAN was freed from the shackles of communism because too old to be President. he stood firm against what he so correctly called Mr. REAGAN’s quick thinking probably boost- the evil empire. RONALD REAGAN’s determina- ed his candidacy and dispelled doubts in the tion and leadership forced an end to the cold war. minds of some voters. The incident also changed His philosophy of cutting taxes and easing Fed- the life of Greg Harkins, the craftsman who eral regulations brought about one of the largest made the rocking chair and whose fledgling busi- periods of economic growth in American history. ness was energized by his short encounter on the And his eternal optimism and hope for a brighter national stage. Mr. Harkins soon began receiving day lifted the spirits of a Nation. hundreds of requests for chairs from across the Much has been said about RONALD REAGAN’s Nation and around the world. His business is charisma, quick wit and ability to put people at still going strong today nearly 25 years later, and ease. He was also blessed with a great asset for RONALD REAGAN provided the spark for that lit- anyone in public life, a sense of timing. Whether tle bit of business success. Harkins was quoted it was one of his famous one-liners or the ability recently as saying, ‘‘What they did was give me to do just the right thing at the right time, he a foothold on something that I can be able to always seemed to disarm a tough national press carry on for the rest of my life.’’ corps or defuse a difficult political issue. Mr. Harkins represents just one small example Mr. Speaker, I had the privilege of witnessing of how RONALD REAGAN touched the lives of an example of his instinctive timing and humor people in ways that are hard to quantify. We in 1980 in Mississippi when then-candidate RON- may not know all of their names or their unique ALD REAGAN and his wife, Nancy, came to the stories, but his fellow citizens gained inspiration Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, MS. The from RONALD REAGAN’s leadership and his atti- Neshoba County Fair is called Mississippi’s larg- tude that it really was ‘‘.’’ est house party and has been the premier gath- Whether it was a young American answering ering for political speeches during the hot Mis- a call to public service or becoming involved in sissippi summers for more than a century. RON- the growing conservative movement or simply ALD REAGAN’s visit was the first ever by a Presi- taking the initiative to exercise their rights and dential candidate to this most celebrated political register to vote for the first time, RONALD event in my home State. REAGAN energized many Americans to action. One of the issues that had surfaced in Mr. They followed him because they trusted this man REAGAN’s Presidential campaign was the ques- of principled beliefs and because he captured tion of his age. He was 69 years old. Some ques- their imagination, and they simply liked him. tioned whether he might be too old for the job. RONALD REAGAN, some people said, would be At the Neshoba County Fair an incident occurred limited because he was only an actor. He was which could have potentially exaggerated the perhaps the best example of an actor turned poli- issue of his age. After Mr. REAGAN’s speech, a tician; but he ended up being the real thing, the 44 Ronald Reagan true article, the genuine American; and, Mr. right or always has it wrong, and the two-party Speaker, I believe he will be recorded as being system continues to serve our country extremely the greatest President of our time. well. I am proud of the first half of my life when I was a Democrat and proud of the second half Hon. Virgil H. Goode, Jr. of my life as a Republican, but the story in my life as a southern goes way OF VIRGINIA back for generations. My father’s great-great- grandfather, Enoch Alldredge, served in the 19th The death of President REAGAN reminded century in the Alabama General Assembly for Americans and many around the world of the over 40 years. My mother’s great uncle Reuben achievements of his 8 years in office. A signifi- Alldridge served in the 20th century in the Ala- cant part of his legacy is that he helped the bama General Assembly for a number of years, United States to feel good about itself again and both very prominent political figures from the the tax cuts that he advocated in the early northern part of Alabama, all as Democrats. So eighties stimulated the economic boom that I grew up honestly as a southern conservative lasted until the end of the century. History may well show that President Democrat. As a matter of fact, my first real memory of REAGAN’s greatest accomplishment was reestab- it all as a young person was watching my parents lishing our military strength and bringing about be involved in local campaigns and then, in fall the collapse of the Soviet Union, which had been 1976, going to Woolen Gym at the University the principal adversary of the free world in the 19 cold war that had raged since the close of World of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a -year- War II. The strengthened military was the one old freshman and voting for Jimmy Carter as that waged Desert Storm successfully and laid President of the United States and then having the foundation for the U.S. military that is lead- my parents attend the inaugural in Washington here with Franklin and Emmy Haney, two of the ing the war on terrorism. President REAGAN re- kindled the American spirit and patriotic fervor biggest Democrats in the State of Tennessee and in this country. We shall never forget the grace being proud that my parents were here and salut- and style with which President and Mrs. ing the new President, Jimmy Carter. But the years that followed in my formative REAGAN represented America. Our country will years certainly gave me an opportunity and hope always remember RONALD REAGAN. when I saw RONALD REAGAN. I saw the malaise we were in. Let me say that Jimmy Carter has Hon. Zach Wamp proven what a fine and outstanding man he is over these last 24 years since leaving office. It OF TENNESSEE was a low point in our country’s history, but he is a good and decent man; and frankly I will Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for taking stand by that vote as a Democrat at that time, the leadership tonight. The previous speaker, the but over those next 4 years at the University of gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goode), myself, North Carolina, we saw a real low in our coun- and President REAGAN all shared one thing in try’s history and then all of a sudden there was common as many do in this House and that is a new day in 1980, and it seemed like someone we used to be Democrats and now we are Repub- came from the West and actually kind of showed licans. That brings me to what I want to share us the hope and opportunity that you heard re- tonight, which is the change in the political peated on this floor over and over and over again. landscape brought about by the life and service I can remember as the campaign generated of RONALD WILSON REAGAN; but I want to start momentum in 1980 at UNC, my fraternity, the by saying that I believe, and I think this honors Sigma Nu house, got real energized about the his memory, that neither party has an exclusive campaign and by the convention when they had on integrity or ideas, neither party always has it that strong conservative Governor from the West Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 45 team up with maybe the best person on paper remember a truly great American President, that had run in 100 years, George Herbert Walk- RONALD WILSON REAGAN. er Bush. It was like that did it. That sealed the deal. What a great team. And on election night in fall 1980 we loaded up in cars from UNC. It Hon. Kay Granger was Lee Ives and Tom Nesbit and Tony Floyd and Allen Miller and Lyn Thornburg and a group OF TEXAS of us, and we drove to Washington, DC, and we Mr. Speaker, I am tempted to begin by saying were here that night in 1980 when RONALD that I come to honor the life of RONALD REAGAN was elected President of the United States. REAGAN; but the truth is nothing I can say, I was a southern conservative Democrat who nothing anyone can say can speak more loudly became a Republican. Our entire family shifted than do REAGAN’s own achievements. His legacy from our party identification over the hope, the will endure and his memory will remain. opportunity, the fresh start that RONALD Many leaders have changed history. RONALD REAGAN brought to the political process. That REAGAN changed the future. How soon we for- 1981 changed the political landscape in the United get the environment he inherited in , double- States of America, and it moved our country digit inflation, high interest rates at home, and from what was more left of center to slightly Soviet aggression combined with American mal- right of center. aise abroad. Yet through his conviction, his cour- The Founding Fathers did not want things to age, and his commitment, RONALD REAGAN change dramatically. This is like a big ship of changed the Nation and the world. state. If you turn it one degree, you arrive at a The story of RONALD REAGAN is the story of different destination. The country went from America. He was an ordinary man who led a being left of center to right of center over the most extraordinary life. Born in poverty, leadership, the strength and what I would say REAGAN rose to the greatest political office in is the constancy of RONALD REAGAN. He stood the world. Along the way he did not merely for something, and he simply articulated to this argue for American values, he lived them. His country what he stood for, and he never wavered. determination was matched only by his decency, When people elect a President, they want a his leadership equaled only by his love of coun- strong leader who can make a decision, who will try. stand his ground. When the wind blows, he He was a great President who was also a good stands firm. RONALD REAGAN did that. man, and he was a man so unlike any other in That is why the 8 years is a legacy beyond politics. Politics is filled with people who go measure. As the previous speaker said, in our life- with the flow, change with the times, and ex- time, the model, the great leader is RONALD change principles for polls. These politicians are REAGAN. I salute him. He made a Republican like tugboats, pushed back and forth by the out of me, and I have been in the House of Rep- waves. Not REAGAN. He was like a battleship, resentatives as a Republican elected official for always moving forward in its destination, always 10 years. I ran once and lost to get here, and certain of victory. I am proud of the whole story. I am very typical Though he has now left us, his impact never of a lot of southern conservatives that will. Every time we see a free person in a foreign believed in that simple , per- land vote in a democratic election, RONALD sonal responsibility, traditional values, strong na- REAGAN is there. Every time we see a new job tional defense, lower taxes, take care of yourself created through innovation and creativity, RON- and your family first and your extended family, ALD REAGAN is there. And every time we see look to the government last, but do it with a an American taking pride in his country, RON- smile on your face and love in your heart. He ALD REAGAN is there. is like a father, a big brother, a great leader who Ultimately we mourn for ourselves, not for we could trust and have confidence in. Today we REAGAN, for his life was one of victory. Like few 46 Ronald Reagan other leaders in history, he lived to see his vision By the grace of God, those words are still true vindicated. Just as he had predicted, he saw com- today. munism repudiated and freedom spread across Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN on so many the globe. occasions simply shared his wisdom and experi- RONALD REAGAN always knew who he was ence with us. He stated that ‘‘The future doesn’t and what he believed. He knew why America belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the was great and why America must lead. We rec- brave.’’ I believe he would want us to continue ognize tonight his achievements and his legacy, to make this Nation great by preserving its but also let us also remember his style and his goodness. He would want us to continue in the self-deprecating humor. We give him the credit struggle between right and wrong and good and he did not seek or think important. evil. Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN’s life was a At the end of his Presidency, REAGAN was transformed one, one that reflected the light asked if he objected to all the favorable press cov- from within, and he shared that light with all erage that Mikhail Gorbachev got. ‘‘Good Lord, of us in the brightness and warmth of his smile no,’’ REAGAN responded. ‘‘I co-starred with Errol and in his grace and good humor. Flynn once.’’ Mr. REAGAN said this of his Saviour: ‘‘He promised there will never be a dark night that does not end. And by dying for us, Jesus showed Hon. Trent Franks how far our love should be ready to go: all the OF way.’’ RONALD REAGAN’s dark nights on this Earth have ended, and he is at this moment in Mr. Speaker, tonight it is my deepest heartfelt the presence of his precious Saviour. And now honor to remember and to celebrate the life of for Mr. REAGAN each day has a bright new dawn RONALD WILSON REAGAN. President REAGAN and a shining sunset, and while he was here, he was a man of unfettered principle. He was not went all the way. And, Mr. Speaker, if he could afraid to do what was right. And not only was speak to us one last time, I truly believe that he not afraid, he was tenaciously committed to he would tell us the same message that he told doing only that what he thought was right in us so many times before when he said: his own heart. You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will pre- serve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN warned us all j k or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thou- ‘‘to beware of the temptation . . . to ignore the sand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an and our children’s children say of us we justified our brief evil empire, to simply call the a giant moment here. We did all that could be done. misunderstanding and thereby remove jour- Thank you, Mr. President, for your life, and selvesk from the struggle between right and thank you for reminding us all of our rendezvous wrong and good and evil.’’ Mr. REAGAN under- with destiny. stood that some things were worth fighting, even dying, for, and he was resolute about them in his heart. Hon. Marsha Blackburn President REAGAN made us all believe that America still had what it takes to be victorious, OF TENNESSEE to rise above and out of difficult circumstances, It is an amazing thing to join our colleagues and to face devastating challenges. He said: tonight and to thank President REAGAN and his Every promise, every opportunity is still golden in this family for their decades of service. And as I have land. And through that golden door our children can walk listened to our colleagues tonight, I thought into tomorrow with the knowledge that no one can be denied the promise that is America. about the first time I had the opportunity to see Her heart is full; . . . her future bright. She has arms big and hear President REAGAN, and this was back enough to comfort and strong enough to support. in the early seventies, and he had come into Jack- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 47 son, MS, for a Republican Party event. And I at- Hon. Jerry Lewis tended that event with my parents and was abso- lutely amazed at several things as I listened to OF CALIFORNIA and watched RONALD REAGAN. It was his warmth, his ability to communicate, the way he Mr. Speaker, from the days I knew RONALD used simple words for a very strong message, one REAGAN as Governor, and he was a key leader that really showed his principle and his commit- who sponsored early development of child care ment in those still convictions that never ever in our State, recognizing the importance of qual- wavered. ity daycare in terms of the future of America’s And one of the things that really impressed children, the environmental Governor who saved me was that this was a man who really loved Lake Tahoe, to the days that I had a chance to America. He loved everything that America watch him rebuild America’s strength by build- stood for. And I think that it is fitting that we ing our defense, he always was straightforward, have a world that stands in awe today as they candid with the American people. look back and they remember those commit- And not so long ago he was heard to say: ments and accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to return In closing let me thank you, the American people for giv- ing me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your Presi- today with some of my colleagues from being in dent. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, Normandy to celebrate and to commemorate the I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours 60th anniversary of D-day and the fight for free- and eternal optimism for its future. dom that was so important to our allies and also I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset to our Nation, and to have an opportunity to of my life. I know that for America there will always be a share with so many of those individuals their love bright dawn ahead. of President RONALD REAGAN. And I think they God bless you, RONALD REAGAN. To Nancy all saw in him something that we appreciated and their family, all of us share with you our and maybe could not always put into words. But prayers for our great President, RONALD WILSON he promised a renewal of American spirit for us, REAGAN. and by sheer willpower, he made that happen. And I think, yes, that he believed in us more than we believed in ourselves as he became the Hon. Jim Saxton President of this great country, and he taught OF NEW JERSEY us how to enact that belief. He also taught us that tax relief would make our economy boom, and that indeed happened Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this reso- with an unprecedented economic expansion. He lution, a fitting tribute to a personal hero of 40 also showed us how one could say, I am not mine, the th President of these great United going to hide behind diplomatic platitudes, and States, President RONALD WILSON REAGAN. I am not going to allow the Soviet Union to Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN was, and is slowly eat away at the West. He simply commu- today, the personification of all that is good in nicated the truth about communism and exposed America. All that knew him have commented on it for what it was: a cruel system built by thugs the eternal optimism he exuded, much like the and murderers. hope America presents to the rest of the world. And President REAGAN truly was the quin- He was a beacon of light for freedom and for tessential American hero, the smalltown boy freedom-loving people everywhere. The fact is with the can-do attitude who set out with a that today there are not hundreds, not thousands, dream and ended up changing the world. He had but millions of people in the world who live in courage, he had wisdom, and he believed in the freedom, and these people are free because of the best that there was with America. God bless, leadership of President RONALD REAGAN. He RONALD REAGAN. He was a true American had a vision that set this Nation down a path original. of greatness that historians shall look back on as 48 Ronald Reagan a vital turning point for not only this country, Reagan family. An entire Nation shares your sad- but indeed the world as well. ness over the loss of our former President, a man There is an old military axiom that there are of humble beginnings who rose to capture our no bad battalions only bad leaders. As a corollary, hearts and minds, our hopes, and our aspirations. I propose that there are no great nations, only RONALD REAGAN embodied the spirit of what great leaders. it means to be an American. As much as he was President REAGAN was indeed one of this a leader of the people, he was also a product of country’s greatest leaders. During the 8 years he the people, which helped him to relate with peo- was President, he turned this country around ple from all different backgrounds. He was born militarily, economically and diplomatically. And to a working family in a small rural town, and as a result, he stands with many of the great brought up to respect traditional values such as leaders of our country’s past—like George Wash- family, hard work, God and country. Blessed ington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, with an unmistakably entrepreneurial spirit, he and Dwight D. Eisenhower. set out to pursue the American dream. What he left most importantly was a legacy RONALD REAGAN lived through and endured of optimism and a restored faith in the American tremendous economic hardship during the Great Presidency. In 1984, the year I was elected to Depression. Despite these challenges, he put Congress, President REAGAN said while speaking himself through college by earning a scholarship, to students at Fudan University in Shanghai, washing dishes, waiting tables, all while sending China, ‘‘We’re an optimistic people. Like you, we some of his earnings home to his parents to help inherited a vast land of endless skies, tall moun- support his family. His strong character was tains, rich fields, and open prairies. It made us forged by hard work. see the possibilities in everything. It made us Driven by the belief that all people should be hopeful.’’ He made us hopeful even in the face able to live freely, RONALD REAGAN joined the of adversity. American people and the world community to Who can forget that cold, grim day the hours rally against the tyrannical oppression of the Axis after the Challenger disaster, when our Nation powers and to defeat Nazism in Europe. United was stunned and weeping? He comforted us with behind the many brave soldiers fighting for free- these words: dom in Europe and the Pacific, RONALD We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, REAGAN volunteered his talents to create instruc- this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved tional videos critical to the training of Army re- good-bye and ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’’ to ‘‘touch the face of God.’’ cruits during World War II. A staunch defender of freedom and democracy, RONALD REAGAN And today we, as American people, are com- would, after the defeat of the Axis powers, turn forted for it is most certain that as he heads on 40 his attention to vanquishing from the world an- his final journey, we wave goodbye to our th other threat to liberty: communism. President as he ‘‘ ‘slipjsk the surly bonds of earth’ RONALD REAGAN began his political ascend- to ‘touch the face of God.’ ’’ Well done, Mr. ancy in 1966 during his campaign for Governor President. I will miss you and America will miss of California. He would go on to win the first you, but we will never forget you. of two terms as California’s Governor before reaching the White House in 1980. His conserv- atism appealed to many across political and cul- Hon. Madeleine Z. Bordallo tural lines. We will always remember his opti- OF mism and confidence in America’s future. From ‘‘sea to shining sea,’’ President REAGAN Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to recognized the importance and value of every in- RONALD REAGAN—a beloved President who dividual and every community to our country’s changed America and the world. strength. On two separate occasions, President I first want to express my deepest condolences REAGAN visited Guam, America’s most distant to Former First Lady Nancy Reagan and the territory. On these occasions, I had the honor of Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 49 hosting President REAGAN as First Lady of Many credit RONALD REAGAN for winning Guam along with my husband Governor Ricky the cold war, a bipartisan war begun under Presi- Bordallo, experiences I remember fondly. Don- dent Truman and lasting 45 years under bipar- ning island wear rather than more formal busi- tisan U.S. Governments. When President ness attire, President REAGAN was approachable REAGAN spoke out against the evils of com- and personable and put those around him at ease. munism, as he often did, he spoke out for all His charm and grace left a lasting impression on Americans: Republican, Democrat, and Inde- those he came into contact with. He was as gen- pendent. uine and real in person as he was behind the po- In this long-running struggle, President dium or in front of the camera. REAGAN excelled by working with America’s He recognized the importance of Guam in strong belief in freedom and our patriotic love promoting American values in the region, calling for our country. our island ‘‘America’s flagship in the western Pa- cific.’’ President REAGAN declared: He was instrumental in keeping the Nation united against the threat that Soviet communism It’s said that it’s here on Guam each morning that the Sun first casts its rays upon the Stars and Stripes. Well, my posed to our national security, an important and friends, I can’t think of a more beautiful way for America’s difficult task after the domestic and foreign pol- day to begin. icy conflicts of the sixties and seventies. While these words are recorded in history, it President REAGAN’s ability to lead a united is the grace and sincerity with which he delivered America during 8 years of bipartisan government those words that are remembered by the people is conclusive proof that he was a natural leader of Guam. who knew to treat all Americans with dignity The outpouring of love and affection President and respect. The sincerity of his patriotism and REAGAN has received from family, friends and his beliefs were crucial for uniting America the entire American family is a testament to his against the threats of communism. Any Amer- life and all of those he touched. Through cour- ican leader could learn from him. age, clarity and compassion, he led the people REAGAN was also inspiring for an America hit of this great Nation and the entire world from by tragedy. His underlying faith in America and the perils of the cold war to the hope of liberty, Americans shone through in a powerful speech freedom and dignity. His spirit will continue to after the Challenger tragedy. live in the hearts and minds of all of us for whom he dedicated his life of public service. The advent He made it clear, when directly addressing the of freedom in the former Soviet bloc and the millions of American schoolchildren who had spread of democracy throughout the world will watched the disaster, that tragedy was a painful forever be linked to his famous challenge, ‘‘Mr. setback, but was no reversal. The President said Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ On behalf of on January 28, 1986: ‘‘The future doesn’t belong myself and the people of Guam, I want to say to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The ‘‘Adios, esta ki.’’ Goodbye until we meet again. Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we’ll continue to follow them.’’ That also ap- plies today. Hon. Gene Green By bringing America to common terms during OF TEXAS international tyranny and national tragedy rein- forced the strong, shared goals of the American Mr. Speaker, Americans and people across the people: to live in freedom, to excel in technology, world respect and admire RONALD REAGAN. My and to believe in something larger than our- greatest admiration is for his steadfast opposition selves. to communist threats to our national security and Today we mourn the passing of an American the security of our allies. giant. 50 Ronald Reagan Hon. Tim Holden family. President RONALD REAGAN was a man who meant much to all free peoples in the world OF PENNSYLVANIA through his many noble accomplishments. Presi- dent REAGAN’s policies, many of which I dis- Mr. Speaker, this weekend marked the passing agreed with, were nevertheless motivated by a of one of the most influential Presidents of our commitment to preserve and enhance our Na- era. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, tion’s greatness. I remain firm in my admiration Nancy, and his children at this difficult time. of this great leader whose intellectual integrity President REAGAN was an American icon. No was always unquestioned. matter what your politics, he had a special way As the oldest serving President in American of making every citizen feel good about their history, President REAGAN was an inspiration for country. He made us proud to be Americans. He seniors. He showed us that youthfulness can be will be forever remembered for his warmth and found in people of all ages, and that life does the respect he accorded others. not expire at 65. When President REAGAN was Even when he disagreed with those who did diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he brought not share his political philosophy, President awareness and understanding to an illness that REAGAN lived by the noble that at the end is too often ignored. of the day, partisanship ended and we are all fel- President REAGAN will be remembered for his low Americans and friends. He taught us that dedication to the American dream. Although there is a big difference between strong beliefs many Americans may have disagreed with his and bitter partisanship. policies, they were still inspired by his enthu- President REAGAN is credited with many great siasm and optimism. accomplishments, not the least of which is end- President REAGAN should be remembered not ing the cold war. In spite of all he achieved, he just for his role in Washington, but for his hard once said, ‘‘that the greatest leader is not the one work in the State of California as well. As Gov- who does great things—it is the one who gets ernor of California for 8 years, he led the State the people to do the greatest things.’’ RONALD with dedication and commitment to his convic- REAGAN’s glass was always half full. His opti- tions. As an actor, he provided us with entertain- mism, his patriotism and his sense of duty in- ment in over 50 motion pictures. spired several generations of Americans to do On behalf of myself, the residents of the 43d great things. Congressional District in California, and a grate- In life, President REAGAN enjoyed the affec- ful world that is safer and freer, I pay homage tion of a grateful Nation. We all join together to President RONALD REAGAN—leader, states- to mourn the passing of this great American. man, actor, father, husband and American hero. And now, let’s make this resolution ‘‘one for the GIPPER.’’ Hon. Joe Baca OF CALIFORNIA Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of RON- OF FLORIDA ALD REAGAN, the 40th President of the United States. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of Con- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man gressman Lewis’ resolution. Today, Republicans whom I believe to be the greatest President of and Democrats alike honor in unity the life of the 20th century. a man who left a permanent mark on the history President RONALD REAGAN succeeded in de- of our Nation and the world. feating the most powerful and dangerous military Today we praise the life and accomplishments empire in the history of humanity without firing of the Great Communicator, and we give our a single shot. REAGAN knew instinctively that, condolences to Nancy, and the entire Reagan despite the imperfections inherent in every Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 51 human enterprise, the United States of America Hon. Darrell E. Issa represents good and communism represents evil. OF CALIFORNIA President REAGAN never wavered in his con- viction that freedom is the birthright of all man- Mr. Speaker, on this second week of June, 17 kind. His firm belief that freedom is the inalien- years ago, President RONALD REAGAN stood in able right of all people changed the world, and the then-divided city of Berlin, and called on So- is his most enduring legacy. However he also re- viet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev to, ‘‘tear down alized the liberties we hold sacred must be con- this wall!’’ President REAGAN’s critics at home stantly protected against the forces of tyranny called his speech a publicity ploy. The Soviets and oppression. President REAGAN proved that and East Germans called it an infringement of when one fights for justice, for human rights, East German sovereignty—unwarranted med- and for the liberty of those suffering under re- dling by the American President. Two years pression, one must persevere in spite of the later, the wall came down. strength of the opposition and the apparent mag- President REAGAN was a leader with foresight nitude of the obstacles one must confront. and strong conviction. He believed in America— then he made America believe in itself again. He The enemies of the United States never forgave valued freedom—so he brought it to those who him for his firmness, for his character, for his had none. faith in the people of the United States and in Through wise policies, force of will, and a the cause of liberty. Even in his death they con- kind demeanor, President REAGAN conveyed tinue to attack him. This hatred is evidenced by strength and determination alongside reason and the declaration made by the tyrannical regime in optimism to America and those who yearned for Havana yesterday, ‘‘He, who never should have freedom behind the Iron Curtain. He never been born, has died.’’ That monstrous statement doubted what America could do—and he illustrates the ultimate evil of the tyrant who has wouldn’t let us doubt ourselves. When tragedy enslaved the Cuban people for over 45 years. struck, he told us to move forward—and we lis- President REAGAN knew that Castro, and every tened. communist tyranny, represents the antithesis of RONALD REAGAN knew America. He knew what was right about our Nation, what was right liberty, freedom and human dignity. for our Nation, and what America could set right At home, RONALD REAGAN forever changed in the world. RONALD REAGAN led America and the political landscape of America. He was a the rest of the free world against communism. union leader. In fact, he was the only President When his work was finished, the free world had in the history of the United States to have been expanded by over 400 million people in 27 coun- a union leader. He was also at first a member tries. of the Democratic Party, having campaigned for Today, soldiers from these new democracies Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman. However, fight side by side with Americans against the ideas and times change. When he became a Re- new enemies of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan. publican at the age of 52, he convinced millions President REAGAN showed us that freedom can of members of his former party that the superior tear down walls. He reaffirmed for us that Amer- ideas and the better reforms of our age belonged ica is a force for good in the world, and that our to the Republican Party. Inspired by his leader- proudest achievements will never come without ship and his example, my brother, Congressman criticism or sacrifice. I never had the opportunity to meet RONALD Mario Diaz-Balart and I proudly became Repub- REAGAN, but knew him, like most Americans, licans. as someone who had faith in our ability to May RONALD WILSON REAGAN, apostle of achieve great things for ourselves and the world. freedom, democracy and human rights, rest in Mr. Speaker, history will remember RONALD peace. REAGAN for bringing freedom to more people 52 Ronald Reagan throughout the world than has ever been done the loss of a man but rather the beginning of before. The America and the world RONALD a legend. REAGAN leaves behind is a better place because of him. President REAGAN, we still carry the con- Hon. Ginny Brown-Waite fidence you gave our Nation and will never for- OF FLORIDA get what we accomplished together. A grateful Nation thanks you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the chorus extolling the life of RONALD REAGAN. On a similar occasion over a century Hon. Steve King ago, Lincoln said of Washington, ‘‘How do you OF IOWA add glory to the Sun?’’ And I must confess, I feel the same futility at trying to add my few Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory words to a life and legacy that shines so bright. ONALD EAGAN of President RONALD REAGAN. R R came to the stage when it appeared that America was grasping at the com- RONALD REAGAN leaves an enduring legacy plexities of modernity. Inflation, recession, and of character and a dedication to the American unemployment appeared permanent and the light ideal of liberty. His philosophy and values were of freedom appeared to be dim. Europe was en- not political calculation; they were inscribed in thralled with and communism and the his heart. American exception was denounced as arrogant I recognize RONALD REAGAN as a true leader and on the edge of failure. Much like today, we that remained true to American principles of the were told what we needed was more government individual over government, sense of duty toward not less; higher taxation, not less; more regula- neighbors, and expansion of freedom. tion, not less. REAGAN saw all of this and he Moreover, REAGAN was a man with vision on smiled. a grand scale. He knew America’s greatest I was at his inauguration. When he said ‘‘It achievement was spreading democracy through- is time for us to realize that we’re too great a out the world. He was resolute in this endeavor nation to limit ourselves to small dreams,’’ my and faced each challenge with both vigilance and spine stiffened. I got goose bumps when he grace. No American did more to spread the gift called out ‘‘that peace is the highest aspiration of liberty and respect for human dignity to peo- of the American people. We will negotiate for ple who had never enjoyed them. No American it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, did more to persuade our Nation that the con- now or ever.’’ tribution of democracy and human rights to all From that day, I knew America was back. You is the proper goal of the United States. see many people speak of the Reagan revolution. Throughout our history, when evil and iniq- I like to think of it as the Reagan restoration. uity has been the common enemy, Americans REAGAN restored our optimism, our belief in our have displayed a resolve to create a better country ability to create, and the belief that God put man and a better world. RONALD REAGAN personified on this Earth to be free and made America to that American trait. REAGAN’s service is consid- prove it. ered recent in history’s timeline, but his char- I was in Washington the day REAGAN was acter and deeds are a model of leadership for all shot. I held my breath and was glued to the tele- time. We need to remember in our hearts the vision. The humor, strength and courage that dedication to higher purpose. We are dutybound were REAGAN’s came through and, along with to advance each society to RONALD REAGAN’s the rest of America, I laughed when he said, ‘‘shining city on the hill.’’ ‘‘Honey, I forgot to duck.’’ Thank you Mr. Speaker. I conclude by saying RONALD REAGAN changed the paradigm. He that this week’s passing should not be seen as changed America’s foreign policy from one of be- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 53 nign containment to active confrontation and for So, as we honor President REAGAN let us re- the first time since communism began extending member his humility, his dignity, his kind words its sinister reach, we saw its hand pushed back, and most of all his courage. Let us honor the leg- and that gave us hope. acy of President REAGAN with a renewed com- REAGAN confronted the evil he saw in the mitment to the exceptionalism that makes us world and he did it without apology. He battled American. Let us renew freedom’s promise to communism. He armed the resistance in Afghan- those who live in oppressive tyranny. Let us istan; he sent troops to Grenada; ; and renew our determination, our courage, and our Pershings to Europe. In a courageous move he strength. And let us renew our faith and our walked away from negotiations at Reykjavik. To hope. the cries of the left and chattering classes he held There are many who stand against freedom firm to the belief that America never should and and peace. There are many who criticize and never would surrender her right to defend her- compromise, but let us honor RONALD REAGAN self. Mikhail Gorbachev has said Reykjavik was by standing firm, with resolve, in this time of the turning point. His strength broke the back war. of the Soviets. We can do it. Why? As REAGAN would say, j k Before the British Parliament, REAGAN envis- ‘‘after all, . . . we are Americans.’’ aged that the last pages of communism were being written and in those famous words pre- dicted that would be consigned to Hon. Nick Smith the ‘‘ash heap of history.’’ He was derided. Yet OF MICHIGAN few could know how prophetic his words would be, or how fast the fall would come. Mr. Speaker, I share with my colleagues a 1989 In , Soviet citizens voted for the first time. poem by Albert Carey Caswell. Prodemocracy demonstrations were held in Tiananmen Square. Lech Walesa was elected AND TO THIS END . Shortly thereafter, the East- (By Albert Carey Caswell) ern European Soviet bloc closed the door on com- And to this end munism for democracy. In November, the Berlin Approach Heaven, our True American Hero . . . America’s Wall was opened and, as REAGAN would have finest of all true friends it, an anonymous German struck the first blow Rest now . . . our Great American Patriot . . . as up to Heaven at tearing down the wall. The following year, free your magnificent soul as so ascends. And to this end elections defeated the communist Sandinistas and And oh, what to this our Country you have so been the Soviet Union was dissolved. The light of free- With that, your warm smile and that thick brown . . . dom extended its reach. and what your heart of gold has so meant. And to this end REAGAN has been so often called the Great The promise, and your gift . . . the pride and the respect . . . Communicator, but I like to think about his believing in us as if . . . as you’d begin time in office and his legacy in a different way. Bringing your Nation back to shore, our savior . . . rescuing His victory was not of communication, but a tri- & seeing the light that others so ignored. umph of content—the content of his ideas. He And to this end reignited the light of freedom. He cut taxes and Breaking down walls, hearing the children’s calls . . . wearing 8 19 your heart on your sleeve regulation and in years created million jobs. To believe . . . In God and Country, and in all of those things He reminded us that the path to prosperity was which made us free . . . all in you we see. one of individual freedom and personal responsi- And to this end bility. As REAGAN has said, these were not his To dream . . . to start from nothing, as it would so seem As was yours . . . this The Great American Dream . . . as is ideas, but they were American ideas. REAGAN this, our Nation’s greatest of all themes. thought his revolution was ‘‘more like the great And to this end rediscovery, a rediscovery of our values and our Returning and The Pride and The Respect . . . to America’s common sense.’’ greatest of all assets 54 Ronald Reagan Her fighting Women & Men . . . her one true fine reason worried about people stealing the gas out of their why we all can dream, you’d not let us forget. tanks. And to this end As you brought the light, into that battle against the dark- People lost their optimism. America no longer ness . . . this your courageous fight seemed special, or a world leader. It felt like the As you have brought us hope, where there was none . . . as divine spark at the center of the American exper- your journey begun . . . for what was right. iment had gone out. And to this end It was RONALD REAGAN who turned it Yes, RON . . . there are jelly beans up in Heaven my dear friend around. He never lost faith in the American peo- And to you, I so salute . . . this one’s for you GIPPER ... ple. And he had enough optimism to restore our as the swollen tear drops so roll down my chin. lost confidence and get America back on its feet. And to this end . . . ‘‘Well, ’’ He believed we could restore our economy— And now, and forever . . . whenever, I look into our flag . . . and we did. By 1990 the U.S. economy had I’ll see your face For such men of heart, such men of warmth & character & grown by a third, or roughly the size of the en- grace, Heaven . . . so surely holds a place. tire German economy. And 35 million jobs were created. Mr. Speaker, people say that a truly great ath- He believed we could stand up proudly for lete is not only gifted himself, he makes those American values around the world and stand up who play with him better. The same is true of to the Soviet Union—and we did. It was Presi- President REAGAN, who not only led the coun- dent REAGAN’s resolve that halted the march of try, but restored America’s confidence. He re- communism in Central America, and in Afghani- newed our sense of America’s goodness and stan. It was REAGAN’s resolve that nurtured the America’s greatness. And with that assurance, the movement in Poland, and gave heart American people achieved great things. to the dissidents of the Soviet bloc. Ultimately When REAGAN came into office, America was it was President REAGAN’s faith in American demoralized. President Carter had even spoken of ideals that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and our malaise. Watergate and our defeat in Viet- the liberation of Eastern Europe and the Soviet nam shook our self-confidence. We surrendered Union. control over the Panama Canal which we had It was that leadership and vision for America built. that made RONALD REAGAN special. Like FDR The Soviet Union was at the height of its during the Depression, he taught us that there power and communism seemed to be on the was nothing to fear but fear itself. Like Winston march. After Vietnam fell to the communists, Churchill during World War II, he spoke for an Cambodia followed. The Sandinistas took control entire nation at a time of stress. It restored our in Nicaragua and communist insurgencies were confidence, and that made all the difference. under way in Ethiopia, Angola, and Mozam- Let us remember RONALD REAGAN. Let us re- bique. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979 member what RONALD REAGAN wanted for and were in the process of suppressing the Soli- America. He wanted us always to be that ‘‘shin- darity movement in Poland. ing city on a hill.’’ And he wanted us to know At the same time, the Shah fell in Iran, and that America’s best days always lie ahead. supporters of Ayatollah Khomeini held 52 Amer- May God bless RONALD REAGAN and Mrs. icans hostage for more than a year at our Em- Reagan and may God bless America. bassy in Tehran. Worse, the American military expedition to free them failed in the desert, with the crash of two helicopters and the death of Hon. Frank R. Wolf eight servicemen. The economic situation was just as dire. In OF VIRGINIA 1980, inflation stood at 13.5 percent, and interest rates reached 21 percent. The turmoil in the Mid- Mr. Speaker, I join today with others in the dle East sparked gasoline shortages. People wait- House in expressing deepest condolences to ed for hours in line just to fill up their cars and Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family on the Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 55 passing of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th The June 7 edition of National Journal’s Hotline President of the United States of America, and headlined, ‘‘RONALD WILSON REAGAN,’’ de- in paying tribute to President REAGAN as we re- scribed Mr. REAGAN’s Presidency well: member his Presidency and what he meant to our The optimism of Morning in America left little room for country and indeed to the world. mourning in America. So instead of grief, there is respect I deeply admired and respected President for the man, celebration of his boldness, relief for his widow, REAGAN. I had the good fortune to run for the and memories of leadership with purpose, grace and humor. He literally disarmed his enemies aboard with his tenacity. 10th District of Virginia seat in Congress in No- 1980 He gently disarmed his political enemies at home with his vember when he was elected to his first modesty. If he was overestimated as an actor, he was under- term. Some called my victory then ‘‘on estimated as a political leader. Because he never quite fit in REAGAN’s coattails.’’ I have no doubt I’m in with official Washington, he stayed connected inseparably Congress today because of him. with the people. And for an entire generation of Americans, I will always be grateful that after my two un- he defined the Presidency. He dreamt, acted out, and embodied the American dream. successful bids for Congress, RONALD REAGAN He was a leader. Those who agreed with his policies cherished led the ticket that I was on and I became a mem- his principles. Those who doubted his capacities wondered ber of the class of 1980. at his accomplishments. As we remember President REAGAN today, I Friend and foe have come to see him as an American icon, have been moved by the outpouring of love and whose light may forever shine from his city on the hill. support we have been seeing over the past few In many ways, President REAGAN’s profound days across our Nation and especially in Cali- conviction that every human being had the right fornia, where he served the Golden State as Gov- to live in freedom inspired my work for humani- ernor for two terms. tarian and human rights causes. While he didn’t ‘‘Thank you, President REAGAN. You made us always outwardly show it, he was a man of deep proud again.’’ faith. He said in a speech before the House of That was the sentiment on one of the many Commons in 1982: posters and other mementos in memory of Presi- We must be staunch in our conviction that freedom is not dent REAGAN placed outside the entrance to his the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and Presidential library in Simi Valley, CA, the day universal right of all human beings. 5 after his death on June . And that sentiment I saw a poignant television news report from could well sum up the legacy of President on Sunday evening which 10 REAGAN, who lost his -year battle with Alz- also reminded me that another crucial part of his 93 heimer’s disease at age . legacy belongs not only to America, but to the He was the leader of our Nation when Ameri- world. A woman was interviewed. She was hold- cans needed to know and more importantly to ing a bouquet of flowers. Tears were streaming believe that indeed it was ‘‘morning again in down her face. America,’’ and the best was yet to come for our She had a broken English accent and identified great country—that we could be proud to stand herself as a Russian emigrant. She said she had up and be called Americans. He made us feel to come to the makeshift memorial outside the good again. He gave us hope. He inspired us. funeral home where President REAGAN was rest- He gave us optimism because he was an opti- ing because, ‘‘I owe my life to President mist. REAGAN.’’ And when we needed to be comforted at a I was also reminded of how President REAGAN time of our own Nation’s mourning in the wake gave hope to the persecuted peoples of the world of the Challenger disaster in 1986, when I read an opinion article from the June 6 he was there for us, speaking to us much like edition of the Jerusalem Post written by former a father, telling us it would be all right: Soviet political dissident . I will It’s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. insert the entire text of that article for the Record. It’s all part of taking a chance and expanding man’s horizons. The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to Mr. Sharansky wrote: the brave. . . . Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys In 1983, 1 was confined to an eight-by-ten-foot prison cell continue. on the border of Siberia. My Soviet jailers gave me the privi- 56 Ronald Reagan lege of reading the latest copy of . Splashed across the , Ohio; Stan Parris, Virginia; Clint Roberts, front page was a condemnation of President RONALD South Dakota; , Kansas; Hal Rogers, ; REAGAN for having the temerity to call the Soviet Union Marge Roukema, New Jersey; , Rhode Is- an ‘‘evil empire.’’ Tapping on walls and talking through toi- land; , Florida; Mark Siljander, Michigan; Joe lets, word of REAGAN’s ‘‘provocation’’ quickly spread Skeen, New Mexico; Albert Lee Smith, Alabama; Chris throughout the prison. We dissidents were ecstatic. Finally, Smith, New Jersey; , Oregon; David (Mick) the leader of the free world had spoken the truth—a truth Staton, ; Ed Weber, Ohio; Vin Weber, Min- that burned inside the heart of each and every one of us. nesota; , Virginia; and George Wortley, New York. Who will ever forget RONALD REAGAN call- ing the Soviet Union an evil empire and his chal- jFrom the Jerusalem Post, June 6, 2004k lenge to then-Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev THE PRISONERS’ CONSCIENCE outside the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin: ‘‘Mr. (By Natan Sharansky) Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ In 1983, I was confined to an eight-by-ten-foot prison cell And who would ever have imagined the rela- on the border of Siberia. My Soviet jailers gave me the privi- tionship President REAGAN forged with Mr. lege of reading the latest copy of Pravda. Splashed across the Gorbachev which ultimately led to the fall of front page was a condemnation of President RONALD communism and indeed, the tearing down of the REAGAN for having the temerity to call the Soviet Union an ‘‘evil empire.’’ Tapping on walls and talking through toi- Berlin Wall. Mikhail Gorbachev will honor that lets, word of REAGAN’s ‘‘provocation’’ quickly spread legacy of President REAGAN by his attendance throughout the prison. We dissidents were ecstatic. Finally, at Mr. REAGAN’s funeral service at the National the leader of the free world had spoken the truth—a truth Cathedral in Washington on Friday, June 11. that burned inside the heart of each and every one of us. At the time, I never imagined that three years later, I RONALD REAGAN was a remarkable man and would be in the White House telling this story to the presi- I believe will be remembered by history as one dent. When he summoned some of his staff to hear what of the greatest Presidents of our Nation. I will I had said, I understood that there had been much criticism close by sharing his own words spoken in August of REAGAN’s decision to cast the struggle between the super- 1992 about how he wanted to be remembered: powers as a battle between good and evil. Well, REAGAN was right and his critics were wrong. j k W hatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, Those same critics used to love calling REAGAN a sim- I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not pleton who saw the world through a primitive ideological your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts. prism and who would convey his ideas through jokes and . . . May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic ori- anecdotes. In our first meeting, he told me that Soviet pre- gins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never lose your mier Brezhnev and Kosygin, his second-in-command, were natural, God-given optimism. discussing whether they should allow freedom of emigration. ‘‘Look, America’s really pressuring us,’’ Brezhnev said, We thank God for the life of RONALD WIL- ‘‘maybe we should just open up the gates. The problem is, SON REAGAN. we might be the only two people who wouldn’t leave.’’ To Republican Members who were elected in 1980 which Kosygin replied, ‘‘Speak for yourself.’’ on the ticket with President REAGAN: What his critics didn’t seem to understand was that the jokes and anecdotes that so endeared REAGAN to people were Wendell Bailey, Missouri; Cleve Benedict, West Virginia; merely his way of expressing fundamental truths in a way Tom Bliley, Virginia; Hank Brown, Colorado; Greg Carman, that everyone could understand. New York; Gene Chappie, California; Dan Coats, Indiana; REAGAN’s tendency to confuse names and dates, something Jim Coyne, Pennsylvania; , Idaho; Hal Daub, Ne- I, too, experienced first-hand, also made him the target of braska; Larry DeNardis, Connecticut; David Dreier, Cali- ridicule. In September 1987, a few months before a summit fornia; Jim Dunn, Michigan; Bill Emerson, Missouri; T. Coo- meeting with Gorbachev in Washington, I met with per Evans, Iowa; Bobbi Fiedler, California; , Texas; REAGAN to ask him what he thought about the idea of hold- Steve Gunderson, Wisconsin; and Judd Gregg, New Hamp- ing a massive rally of hundreds of thousands of people on shire. behalf of Soviet Jewry during the summit. Some Jewish lead- James Hansen, Utah; Tommy Hartnett, South Carolina; ers, concerned that if the rally were held Jews would be ac- , North Carolina; John (Jack) Hiler, Indiana; cused of undermining a renewed hope for peace between the Duncan Hunter, California; Gene Johnston, North Carolina; superpowers, had expressed reservations about such a frontal John LeBoutillier, New York; Bill Lowery, California; Bill challenge to the Soviet premier. McCollum, Florida; Bob McEwen, Ohio; Ray McGrath, New Seeing me together for the first time with my wife Avital, York; , New York; Lynn Martin, Illinois; Guy who had fought for many years for my release, REAGAN Molinari, New York; Sid Morrison, Washington; John Na- greeted us like a proud grandparent, knowing he had played pier, South Carolina; and Jim Nelligan, Pennsylvania. an important role in securing my freedom. He told us about Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 57 his commitment to Soviet Jewry. ‘‘My dear Mr. and Mrs. charged from the Army in 1945 at the rank of Shevardnadze,’’ he said, ‘‘I just spoke with Soviet Foreign captain. Minister Sharansky, and I said you better let those Jews go.’’ After the war, REAGAN resumed his acting ca- Not wanting to embarrass the president over his mistake, 1952 1956 I quickly asked him about the rally, outlining the concerns reer and in wed Nancy Davis. In , raised by some of my colleagues. His response was imme- REAGAN campaigned as a Democrat for Eisen- diate: ‘‘Do you think I am interested in a friendship with hower. In 1960, he campaigned for Richard the Soviets if they continue to keep their people in prison? Nixon. In 1962, he officially changed his party You do what you believe is right.’’ registration to Republican. REAGAN may have confused names and dates, but his In 1966, REAGAN was elected Governor of moral compass was always good. Today’s leaders, in contrast, 1970 may know their facts and figures, but are often woefully con- California and was reelected in . On Novem- fused about what should be the simplest distinctions between ber 4, 1980, RONALD WILSON REAGAN became freedom and tyranny, democrats and terrorists. the 40th President of the United States. The legacy of president REAGAN will surely endure. RONALD REAGAN wished to be remembered Armed with moral clarity, a deep faith in freedom, and the as the President who wanted Americans to be- courage to follow his convictions, he was instrumental in lieve in themselves. We will remember him for helping the West win the Cold War and hundreds of mil- lions of people behind the Iron Curtain win their freedom. much more. As one of those people, I can only express my deepest grat- We will remember RONALD REAGAN as a po- itude to this great leader. Believe me, I will take moral clar- litical leader who worked diligently to stimulate ity and Shevardnadze any day. economic growth, increase employment and strengthen national defense. He was the Great Communicator whose words and actions spoke of Hon. Eni F.H. Faleomavaega honor and peace. Through his convictions, we witnessed the fall OF of the Berlin Wall and the end of the cold war. ‘‘Peace through strength’’ is what he sought and Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to achieved. former President RONALD REAGAN who passed In his own words taken from 1986 as he sought away on Saturday June 5, 2004. At this time, I to comfort us after the Challenger disaster: extend my deepest condolences to his loving j k wife, Nancy, and his children, and I join with We will never forget him , nor the last time we saw jhimk ... as jhek prepared for jhisk journey and waved our Nation in mourning the loss of a great lead- good-bye and ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’’ to ‘‘touch er. the face of God.’’ RONALD WILSON REAGAN was born in Tam- pico, IL, to Nelle Wilson and John Edward ‘‘Jack’’ Reagan. In 1928, RONALD REAGAN grad- Hon. Randy ‘‘Duke’’ Cunningham uated from Dixon High School where he served OF CALIFORNIA as student body president. From 1928 to 1932, REAGAN attended Eureka College, a small liberal Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and mourn the arts institution in Illinois. He majored in eco- passing of one of the greatest Presidents in nomics and sociology. American history—RONALD WILSON REAGAN. 1937 In , REAGAN enlisted in the Army Reserve This leader was a man of clear vision, principle as a private and was soon promoted to second and conviction, a Great Communicator, and an lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps of the individual who had perhaps one of the greatest Cavalry. While in the Army, an agent for War- influences on my life. ner Brothers discovered RONALD REAGAN. In An eternal optimist with a can-do spirit, 1940 , REAGAN wed Jane Wyman. President REAGAN once said in my hometown 1942 In , the Army Air Force called REAGAN of San Diego: to active duty. He was assigned to the First Mo- You know, the United States was never meant to be a sec- tion Picture Unit in Culver City, CA, where he ond-best nation. . . . we set our sights on the stars, and we’re made over 400 training films. REAGAN was dis- going for the gold. 58 Ronald Reagan He also believed that this forward-looking su- Hon. perpower Nation could transform the global pic- ture. OF ARIZONA He came to the job armed with one under- lying philosophy: Freedom. Freedom for the Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN’s passing gives economy, for individuals, our Nation, and people this Nation an opportunity to reflect on the can- around the globe. do attitude that he exuded and the greatness of RONALD REAGAN brought our economy back the American people that he believed in. He was to life. It was his policies that ultimately put the essential American, a President born in mid- Congress on a course to the fiscal discipline that America, instilled with solid midwestern values. spurred a balanced budget and economic growth. He had a deep love affair with the American peo- President REAGAN followed through on his ple, and they with him. Like Franklin Roosevelt, pledge to restore our military, and he brought he was an American icon, and like Roosevelt, he back the pride associated with serving this Na- had an uncanny ability to connect and commu- tion. nicate with common people. Despite the rhetoric and good intentions of Today we salute four tenets of President those on the other side of the political spectrum, REAGAN’s legacy: economic growth, deregula- it was RONALD REAGAN who actually initiated tion, ‘‘peace through strength,’’ and patriotism the disarmament of whole classes of nuclear though a return of the American dream. weapons. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be that The father of Reaganomics launched the bold- of bringing an end to the cold war. Staring down est economic plan since FDR that promoted repressive governments and challenging them to lower taxes, sound money, and less regulation. a new way of life, he brought freedom to millions REAGAN unveiled a ‘‘program for economic re- of people around the globe. covery’’ to a joint session of Congress calling for Using old Navy terms to describe his first $41.4 billion in tax cuts—the largest in history. term, President REAGAN once said, ‘‘We’ve taken control of the ship of state and changed direc- REAGAN was an advocate for and tion. And what are we going to do now? Well, free trade pacts. He worked to tear down barriers the way I see it, it’s all ahead full, no turning to enterprise and encourage a spirit of self enter- prise. His commitment to deregulation was evi- back.’’ 1981 For his imprint on history, for his legacy dent when in he took decisive action to carry 13 000 which will be felt for generations to come, this out this promise to fire , air traffic control- Nation owes President REAGAN a debt of grati- lers for an illegal strike. tude. After years of crumbling defense spending, I am pleased that one of the President’s many President REAGAN increased defense spending 35 legacies is the Navy’s newest nuclear carrier, the percent during two terms and promoted ‘‘peace USS Ronald Reagan. That ship recently set sail through strength.’’ He called the Soviet Union from Norfolk for its rightful home in San Diego. for what it was—an evil empire—and by stand- Throughout his political career, President ing firm against it hastened the end of the cold REAGAN always concluded his campaigns in San war and the return of Russia to the family of Diego. He called it his lucky city. It is only fit- nations. ting that our ‘‘shining city on the hill,’’ San Influenced by his humble beginnings, Diego, will be called home to the USS Reagan. REAGAN’s patriotism and optimistic spirit exem- This ship is perhaps the most fitting tribute to plified the American dream. He restored Amer- RONALD REAGAN’s legacy of strength and secu- ica’s can-do creed. We will always remember the rity, to the imprint he had on our past and the words of his farewell address, when he said those promise that we hold for the future. of his generation ‘‘were taught, very directly, We anxiously await the arrival of the Reagan, what it means to be an American. And we ab- and welcome it to the lucky city. The way I see sorbed, almost in the air, a love of country and it, it’s all ahead full, no turning back. an appreciation of its institutions.’’ Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 59 He never trimmed his sails or compromised My prayers and those of my family are with his values. We will remember him as a President the family and hundreds of millions of friends who understood the balance between pragmatism of President REAGAN, knowing that the Lord has and partisanship. We will remember him as the preserved a very special place for him in Heaven. Great Communicator who united Americans to- ward common goals. But most of all we will re- member him as a great President who brought Hon. Patrick J. Tiberi honor and respect to the Office of President. I OF OHIO join with all Americans in expressing our sym- pathy to Nancy Reagan and his family for the Mr. Speaker, folks from across the country loss of this great American. came to Washington this week to mourn the passing of President RONALD REAGAN. Even in death, the former President continued his fas- Hon. Peter Hoekstra cinating connection with Americans of all types. OF MICHIGAN Although I never met RONALD REAGAN, he was one of my inspirations for entering politics. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of RONALD I was 18 at the time of his 1980 Presidential cam- REAGAN, the 40th President of the United States paign and it was the first big election to which and one of the greatest leaders and statesmen of I really paid attention. I remember being drawn the 20th century. to what this man, a half a century older than America has long known that President me, was saying about having faith in our coun- REAGAN was ill, but his death came as a shock try, its people and their future. He was opti- to a country that continued to feel his presence. mistic, cheerful and came across as a thoroughly He touched millions of lives during his tenure likable guy. as Governor of California and two terms in It was simply astounding how he could estab- America’s highest office. Although long antici- lish a bond with even the most unlikely audi- pated, his passing marks with finality the end ence. In 1984, I was a senior at the Ohio State of the Reagan era. University and a member of the marching band. President REAGAN’s commitment to freedom We were asked to play at a rally that President altered the course of modern history. He brought REAGAN would be holding at St. John Arena. the United States through the end of the cold At first we all thought it would be an official war with strength and resolve, and he led the band appearance, but then we were informed that U.S. economy to heights once unimaginable since the President’s visit was actually a cam- through his sound domestic policies. paign event, we could not appear as the Ohio He possessed a vision for America that re- State University Marching Band. If we wished, flected its devotion to individual liberty, that though, we could volunteer on our own, and ap- every person is born with the intrinsic right to pear without our uniforms. There were roughly achieve their dreams through their own labors 200 members in the band at that time and, as and determination. I recall, roughly 200 of us jumped at the oppor- He will forever be remembered as a champion tunity to play at the President’s campaign event. of promoting peace and prosperity throughout Think of it. A couple of hundred college kids the world with a strong faith at the core of his were treating the appearance of a 73-year-old Re- principles and values. He was a great man elected publican President as enthusiastically as the to take charge of a great country at a time when Michigan game—we would not have missed it strong leadership was sorely needed. for the world. President REAGAN’s infectious optimism in- President REAGAN could connect with college spired many Americans to become involved in kids and he could connect with Democrats, par- the political process, and his influence and vision ticularly those like my dad, an Italian immigrant will continue to live throughout the ages. who worked as a machinist. He came to America 60 Ronald Reagan so he could have a better life and his kids’ lives vorite examples of the Reagan wit. My favorite would be better still. He knew exactly what quote is: RONALD REAGAN was talking about. jGkovernment’s view of the economy could be summed He was the Great Communicator. President up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps REAGAN swept aside the filters and ‘‘analysis’’ of moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. the news media and spoke from the Oval Office To RONALD REAGAN: directly with the American people. He had the America is a shining city upon a hill for all to see and gift of explaining issues and his positions on to follow and reach to, something toward which mankind them in simple, effective terms—a gift all too should strive. few of us in politics today possess. President REAGAN brought convictions and determina- REAGAN spoke in a way that made Americans tion as well as a genuine, hopeful and optimistic feel like they were almost partners with him. outlook to the Office of President. RONALD Perception is reality, and RONALD REAGAN REAGAN never doubted his convictions. He never knew that. His message of hope and optimism lost faith in America. His reassuring tones were put a new face on the Republican Party, and comforting even in difficult times. With brought an end to the dour Nixonian era of GOP REAGAN as President, it was indeed morning politics. Young people like me began looking at again in America. the Republican Party in a different way. Because Just prior to RONALD REAGAN assuming the of RONALD REAGAN, we could take pride in Presidency, many people wondered whether this being Republicans. country’s best days were behind us. REAGAN in- I was struck by the attitude I saw in Wash- sisted that America’s best days lie ahead. By the ington this week. Certainly, there was sadness time he left office, the United States was enjoy- and grief over the loss of one of the giants of ing the longest peacetime economic expansion in our time. But in keeping with the makeup of our history. President REAGAN’s most long- the man himself, there was more. As often as not, lasting legacy is his role in winning the cold war. people also smiled when they spoke of RONALD While the common doctrine of the time called REAGAN, often displaying that same sense of for containing communism, REAGAN boldly pre- hope and good cheer that he himself had radiated dicted it would soon be ‘‘left on the ash heap throughout his life. For all his accomplishments, of history.’’ it’s that same sense of hope and optimism that During the journey that was the Reagan revo- I’ll think of whenever I remember RONALD lution, he restored prosperity, confidence, opti- REAGAN. mism, faith and pride in America. While we will miss RONALD REAGAN, his contributions to the world will be felt for generations to come. He Hon. Michael R. Turner came to Washington to change the country and ended up changing the world. As he said in his OF OHIO farewell address to the Nation from the Oval Of- Mr. Speaker, I’m honored to join my col- fice: leagues in support of H. Res. 664, honoring the jAk final word to the men and women of the Reagan revo- lution, the men and women across America who for eight late Honorable RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40 years did the work that brought America back. My friends: th President of the United States. As is the We did it. We weren’t just marking time. We made a dif- case for so many speaking in this Chamber today, ference. We made the city stronger. We made the city freer, RONALD REAGAN was one of my personal heroes. and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad Although we are all deeply saddened by the at all. passing of President REAGAN, Americans today Summing up an American icon, a giant, like are still touched by his legacy and his steadfast RONALD REAGAN is an enormous task. I am belief in the promise of this great Nation. By grateful for the vision RONALD REAGAN taught using his famous wit, he knew how to make us me and the lessons about the power of convic- believe in ourselves again. Each of us has our fa- tions, the value of principled leadership, and the Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 61 goodness and the decency of the human spirit. REAGAN. I was first elected to Congress in 1988, We’ll miss the twinkle in his eyes and affable on the same day that President George H.W. smile which have left this Earth. However, the Bush was elected. Because Members of Congress contributions he made to his country and to officially take office on January 3, while a new mankind remain with us, as vast as the great President does not take office until January 20, continent that the United States spans, and God my first 17 days as a Congressman were during willing, will outlast us all. the last 17 days RONALD REAGAN served as As an American, I want to join in offering my President. So when people ask me who was the support of H. Res. 664, honoring the late Honor- President when I first came to Washington, I able RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th Presi- reply that it was RONALD REAGAN. I had the dent of the United States. opportunity to see RONALD REAGAN in person only one time, with his wife Nancy, during the inauguration of President George H.W. Bush. I Hon. Jane Harman remember thinking that together they had a OF CALIFORNIA larger than life presence. Although I differed with RONALD REAGAN a Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in offering great deal on domestic policy, I nevertheless ad- a tribute to former President RONALD REAGAN. mired him for the strong leader that he was. He He is rightly remembered as a larger-than-life had an affable manner that allowed him to inter- figure—a man who conquered first Hollywood, act well with people who both supported and op- then California, and then Washington, DC, and posed his policies. He was a strong leader who whose message of freedom and democracy spread had a lot of charm, strength and enthusiasm. around the world. Though I did not know him The gulf between the Republican and Demo- well, I did know his daughter Maureen very well, cratic policies can sometimes seem vast. But the and she is also missed. bridge that spans that gulf is our common herit- President REAGAN was naturally possessed of age as Americans and belief in this great Nation. the qualities that make a great leader. As Gov- RONALD REAGAN had the gift to make that ernor of California and later as President, he used bridge seem very small. I am pleased to honor a blend of humor, kindness and boldness to com- him today. municate with the American people, to challenge and defeat the Soviet adversary, and to promote his uniquely American vision of how things Hon. Anne M. Northup should be. OF KENTUCKY While I disagreed with a number of his poli- cies, I always admired his ability to convey his Mr. Speaker, our Nation honors the life of one ideas and his power to persuade. of the most beloved, and most important, Presi- The enormous outpouring of emotion and love dents of the 20th century. During the eighties, for this man comes as no surprise. When we President REAGAN did what many considered the think of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, we will re- impossible. member his infectious optimism and grace, and As we faced great challenges at home and his belief that there is always a better day ahead abroad, he helped us believe that it was ‘‘morn- for America. ing in America,’’ and that we would overcome our difficulties. With the will of the Nation be- hind him, President REAGAN’s steadfast leader- Hon. Eliot L. Engel ship led to the defeat of communism and a ro- OF NEW YORK bust economic recovery. When President REAGAN took office a quarter Mr. Speaker, along with all of my colleagues century ago, communism was on the march, here today, I rise to honor President RONALD threatening to bring the free world to its knees. 62 Ronald Reagan

But President REAGAN’s policy of ‘‘peace in the joy and inspiration that President REAGAN through strength’’ starved the Soviet bloc and brought to so many around the globe. made it safe for freedom to flourish in new na- RONALD REAGAN was a true American origi- tions. ‘‘No weapon in the arsenals of the world nal, a midwestern boy of humble beginnings who is so formidable as the will . . . of free men and chased his dreams of stardom in Hollywood and women,’’ he said. evolved into one of the foremost political leaders Here at home, our country was in the worst of the 20th century. recession since the Great Depression, with high His legacy is so profound and pervasive that unemployment, inflation, and interest rates. But it’s easy to take for granted. But we should not President REAGAN trusted the entrepreneurial forget that it was RONALD REAGAN who restored spirit and cut taxes from 70 percent to 28 per- strength to the Office of the President. It was cent, creating 19 million new jobs and 20 years RONALD REAGAN who reshaped the Federal of growth. His economic policies formed the Government and ushered in two decades (and foundation upon which American families pros- counting) of lower taxes and economic growth. per. ‘‘We believe that no power of government It was RONALD REAGAN who bolstered Amer- is as formidable a force for good as the creativity ica’s strength as a world military power. And it and entrepreneurial drive of the American peo- was RONALD REAGAN who reminded us that ple,’’ he said. America was indeed that ‘‘shining city on the By rallying the will of our country, by re- hill,’’ and we had bountiful reasons to be proud minding us of our remarkable abilities—of what to be Americans. His love of country was a guiding force it means to be Americans, President REAGAN re- united us as a confident and hopeful Nation. And throughout his life and his political career—he with a focused vision, he set us on a course that knew America was great because America was preserved our liberty and allowed our domestic free, and he sought to shine the light of freedom economy to prosper again. on corners of the globe darkened by the stain of totalitarianism. His demand for Mikhail Gorba- In life, President REAGAN was a guiding light chev to ‘‘tear down this wall!’’ is not only a sem- for our Nation. Even when times were tough, he inal moment into cold war history, but a re- rejected the idea that America’s best days were minder that America’s democratic ideals are ulti- past, insisting that there is no limit to what our mately stronger than any barriers erected by Nation and our people can endure—or accom- forces of oppression. plish. And he was right. Quite simply, President REAGAN’s words and Today we face a new enemy of liberty, in the actions helped change the world for the better. . It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that And I can’t think of a greater accomplishment the confident optimism and clear vision that than that. President REAGAN gave to this Nation will light We lost more than a man on Saturday, when our path. President REAGAN ended his long journey into May God bless President RONALD REAGAN. the sunset. We lost a true giant, and a great American. Hon. Tom Davis OF VIRGINIA Hon. Rob Simmons OF CONNECTICUT Mr. Speaker, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of President REAGAN over the Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the pass- weekend. My thoughts and prayers go out to ing of RONALD REAGAN, the 40th President of Nancy and to the Reagan family and friends. the United States of America. This is an extraordinarily difficult time for any As a and an officer with the family, but I hope they can find some comfort CIA from 1969 to 1979, my world was changed Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 63 dramatically and for the better when RONALD At the time these events were unfolding, REAGAN won his historic Presidential race in President REAGAN was scheduled to appear at November 1980. the Washington Hilton for the White House At the time I was serving on the staff of Sen- Correspondents Association annual black-tie din- ator John H. Chafee (R–RI). Politically, it was ner. Many observers felt that the press would use a watershed year. Not only did the Senate go the opportunity to embarrass the President over from Democrat to Republican control for the the intelligence ‘‘flap.’’ But, in what was to be- first time in 26 years, but also some very well- come a classic response of the President to a dif- known Democratic Senators were swept from of- ficult situation, RONALD REAGAN opened his re- fice in the Reagan revolution. They included marks by saying: Senator , former chairman of the What’s all that talk about a breakdown of White House Committee to Investigate the Intelligence Activi- communications? How come nobody told me? jLaughter.k ties of the United States, and , second Well, I know this: I’ve laid down the law, though, to every- chairman of the newly established Senate Select one there from now on about anything that happens, no mat- ter what time it is, wake me, even if it’s in the middle of Committee on Intelligence. a Cabinet meeting. jLaughter.k 1 The Senate Intelligence Committee, where I 4 It was to the point. It was funny. It was self- went on to serve for years as staff director, deprecating. It defused for a moment what was gained new leadership under Chairman Barry a gathering storm for the administration. It gave Goldwater and Vice Chairman Daniel Patrick everyone the opportunity to step away from a po- Moynihan. tentially explosive moment and get on with the Goldwater had a long-standing and close po- challenging business of government. litical relationship with RONALD REAGAN. In Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of President fact, many have said that a speech delivered by REAGAN, the United States rebuilt her intel- 1964 REAGAN during Goldwater’s historic Presi- ligence and national security structure from 1980 dential campaign propelled REAGAN into the na- to 1988. This was not done without controversy, tional political spotlight. but it was done. Morale was restored at the Cen- Goldwater was excited to work with President tral Intelligence Agency and elsewhere in the in- REAGAN and CIA Director William Casey to in- telligence community. Capabilities were im- stitute a new approach to intelligence oversight. proved. First, it focused on bipartisan consensus in intel- The military, too, regained a new pride and ligence where Vice Chairman Moynihan was a strength following the disasters in Vietnam and valued partner. Iran. Members of the Armed Forces felt their It also departed from the adversarial process service was respected by the Commander in of Senators Church and Bayh, and focused on re- Chief, and they valued his support. They loved building the morale and intelligence capabilities his patriotic speeches, and were eager to follow of American intelligence. Rather than adopting his lead. Church’s belief that the CIA was a ‘‘rogue ele- And yet for all of his accomplishments as a phant,’’ Goldwater expressed his supportive feel- national and world leader, President REAGAN ings by talking about the ‘‘intelligence family.’’ never lost the personal touch. When I departed Sadly, in 1984 these positive developments Washington, DC, in early 1985, I left with a per- were disrupted when the CIA was discovered to sonal letter of thanks signed by the President. have been covertly involved in the mining of This letter hangs in my office even today as Nicaraguan harbors without proper notification a proud reminder of what President REAGAN and to Congress. In the ensuing firestorm, Barry Congress were able to accomplish during those Goldwater wrote a pointed note to CIA Director difficult but historic years. It is also a clear sym- Casey expressing his concern over the lack of bol of a man who never allowed the trappings communication. The letter was quickly leaked to 1 Bob Woodward, Veil: The Secret Wars of the CIA 1981–1987, p. an eager press, excited that Senator Goldwater 333. The official presidential documents recorded that the President was at odds with the Reagan administration. received 26 more laughs. 64 Ronald Reagan of high office to obscure his view of the ‘‘little Diaz-Balart of Florida, Ms. Harris, and Mr. Jones of North people’’ who constitute the strength of our gov- Carolina): ernment and Nation. H.R. 4525. A bill to require the Secretary of the Treasury Now, as we remember the life of RONALD to redesign the half dollar coin to commemorate RONALD WILSON REAGAN, and for other purposes; to the Committee REAGAN, and as his casket lies with honor under on Financial Services. the Capitol dome, it is to thank him for his distinguished service to our country and By Mr. NEY (for himself and Mr. Larson of Connecticut): to the world. He left us a better people and he H. Con. Res. 444. Concurrent resolution authorizing the left the world a better place. use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of The man will be missed, but the memory lives the remains of the late Honorable RONALD WILSON on in all of us who were touched by his life and REAGAN, the fortieth President of the United States; to the Committee on House Administration. his leadership. By Mr. DeLay: ADJOURNMENT H. Res. 663. A resolution expressing the profound regret Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I move and sorrow of the House of Representatives on the death of that the House do now adjourn. RONALD WILSON REAGAN, former President of the United The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 States of America; considered and agreed to. 29 o’clock and minutes p.m.), pursuant to House By Mr. LEWIS of California (for himself, Mr. Waxman, Resolution 663, the House adjourned until to- Mr. Dreier, Mr. George Miller of California, Mr. Cox, Mr. morrow, Wednesday, June 9, 2004, at 10 a.m. Thomas, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Gallegly, Mr. Herger, Mr. Rohr- in memory of the late Honorable RONALD WIL- abacher, Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Calvert, Mr. McKeon, Mr. Pombo, Mr. Royce, Mr. Farr, Mr. Radanovich, SON REAGAN, former President of the United Ms. Loretta Sanchez of California, Mrs. , Mrs. Capps, States. Mr. Gary G. Miller of California, Mr. Ose, Mr. Issa, Mr. Nunes, Ms. Lofgren, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Cardoza, Mr. Sherman, PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Costello, Ms. Harman, Mr. Berman, Mr. Under clause 2 of rule XII, public bills and Neugebauer, Mrs. Davis of California, Mr. Lantos, Mr. Filner, resolutions were introduced and severally re- Mr. Shadegg, Ms. Eshoo, and Mr. Matsui): ferred, as follows: H. Res. 664. A resolution mourning the passing of Presi- By Mr. MILLER of Florida (for himself, Mr. Bishop of dent RONALD REAGAN and celebrating his service to the peo- Utah, Mr. Bradley of New Hampshire, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. ple of the United States and his leadership in promoting the Foley, Mr. McCotter, Mr. Pence, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr. cause of freedom for all the people of the world; to the Com- Souder, Mr. Weldon of Florida, Mr. Feeney, Mr. Lincoln mittee on Government Reform.

Wednesday, June é, áÖÖâ

Hon. Mark Foley dent REAGAN reignited the feeling of promise for this country. OF FLORIDA RONALD REAGAN is the reason I became a Re- publican. And for many Democrats, he was the Mr. Speaker, I come to the floor as my col- pathway to the Republican Party. He reminded leagues have before me saddened by the death us all that government cannot replace individual of one of our Nation’s greatest leaders and hum- empowerment and told us in 1995 that every dol- bled by the far-reaching impact his life has had lar the Federal Government does not take from on millions of people throughout the world. He us, every decision it does not make for us will was a great man and a gentle spirit. Optimistic, make our economy stronger, our lives more cheerful in service and buoyed by the confidence abundant, and our future more free. that comes with unwavering conviction, Presi- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 65 We join together with people across the globe Hon. Joseph R. Pitts in mourning the loss of RONALD REAGAN. His decisive leadership during the twilight years of OF PENNSYLVANIA the cold war indeed made him a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, a few years ago I had the privi- lege of visiting with Natan Sharansky, a former Our thoughts and prayers and our love go out Soviet dissident who is now an Israeli cabinet to Mrs. Reagan and the entire family. Because minister. I asked him what his reaction was, as of RONALD REAGAN our Nation is stronger and he was in the Soviet gulag at that time, to the our future is more free. Here we honor him and ‘‘Evil Empire’’ speech. Here is his reaction as ex- are continually working toward the dreamed-of- pressed in a recent quotation: day he spoke of when no one wields a sword and In 1983, I was confined to an eight-by-ten-foot prison cell no one drags a chain. on the border of Siberia. My Soviet jailers gave me the privi- lege of reading the latest copy of Pravda. Splashed across the front page was a condemnation of President RONALD REAGAN for having the temerity to call the Soviet Union Hon. Shelley Berkley an ‘‘evil empire.’’ Tapping on walls and talking through toi- lets, word of REAGAN’s ‘‘provocation’’ quickly spread OF NEVADA throughout the prison. We dissidents were ecstatic. Finally, the leader of the free world had spoken the truth—a truth Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere that burned inside the heart of each and every one of us. At the time, I never imagined that three years later I condolences to former First Lady Nancy Reagan would be in the White House telling this story to the presi- and the entire Reagan family. And I join our Na- dent. When he summoned some of his staff to hear what tion in expressing profound sorrow at the loss of I had said, I understood that there had been much criticism our 40th President. of REAGAN’s decision to cast the struggle between the super- powers as a battle between good and evil. Well, REAGAN RONALD REAGAN had a special place in the was right and his critics were wrong. hearts of Nevadans. Long before he came to the There is no doubt that Natan Sharansky speaks White House, RONALD REAGAN in another life for millions of people who today are free. A great headlined on the Strip as an enter- President, with a great legacy, RONALD WILSON tainer in the early fifties. Later as Governor of REAGAN. California, he worked with his counterpart from Nevada, former U.S. Senator and Governor , to address environmental threats to Lake Hon. Joe Wilson Tahoe. OF SOUTH CAROLINA While in the White House, RONALD REAGAN would often turn to his old friend from Nevada, Mr. Speaker, the world is grieving this week Senator Laxalt, who was one of his closest advis- over the loss of a true American hero, President ers during his time in our Nation’s Capital. RONALD WILSON REAGAN. RONALD REAGAN RONALD REAGAN served our Nation with defined the honor and dignity of the Office of honor and distinction. He will long be remem- the Presidency, and he lifted the spirits of a Na- bered for his warm wit, his quiet strength, and tion with his hope and joyfulness that sprang ability to inspire through his words and his from an abiding faith in God and a deeply held belief in the American dream. deeds. His actions as President reshaped the President REAGAN entered office during a course of the 20th century, and his unbridled op- time of doubt and despair and malaise with the timism helped restore America’s faith in itself. economy sputtering and a looming cold war that Today we also remember RONALD REAGAN threatened our families. Yet he brought his con- for his leadership and for his unwavering vision servative principles of individual freedom, lim- that America remains for all a land of hope, ited government, personal responsibility, and promise, and opportunity. ‘‘peace through strength.’’ 66 Ronald Reagan President REAGAN led a successful revolution Hon. Cliff Stearns to promote tax cuts, recognizing taxes are the people’s own money. He achieved victory in the OF FLORIDA cold war, expanding democracy worldwide. And he realigned America’s political process with an Mr. Speaker, what distinguished President open door especially for young people. REAGAN among American Presidents in the last century? Where many Chief Executives saw gray His legacy lives on today as America unites and moral relativism on the international land- to fight the war on terror liberating millions scape, he saw good and evil, right and wrong. from tyranny to protect American families as our What relationship should we in the United economy is booming through tax relief. States have with the Soviet Union, a tyranny that May God bless the Reagan family. May God trampled freedom, starved its people, imprisoned bless our troops. And may God continue to bless dissidents, choked its economy and wrapped its America. tentacles around its neighbors? Do we engage them? Do we fight them in one corner of the world while doing business with them in the Hon. Joel Hefley other? Can we co-exist under the constant threat of mutual destruction and endless arms races? Do OF COLORADO we practice detente, containment? RONALD REAGAN was the President who said, Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as so many others ‘‘Americans cannot live like this, and I do not have, to pay tribute to one of our Nation’s finest think the world’s other citizens should.’’ The day sons and political leaders. Former President he stood at the Berlin Wall and defiantly chal- RONALD REAGAN is worthy of respect and admi- lenged the Soviet tyranny with the unforgettable ration both as a man and world leader, and his words, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!,’’ passing this weekend leaves each of us with a was the beginning of the end of the cold war. sense of loss and sadness. God bless President REAGAN. His lasting mark on American politics is un- questionable. At a time when it was fashionable to declare one’s political moderation, REAGAN Hon. Michael C. Burgess fearlessly changed the face of American politics OF TEXAS by standing up and boldly declaring himself to be a conservative. He fought for principles and Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning with so many causes that, before his Presidency, were consid- of my friends to pay tribute to the 40th Presi- ered heresy. Balanced budgets, tax cuts, smaller dent of the United States, RONALD WILSON government, and a robust national defense were REAGAN, and to extend my condolences to his the hallmarks of his ideology, and he never shied wife Nancy and to his family. away from articulating and fighting for those President REAGAN will always be remembered views. as the architect of policies that ended the cold He proudly became the father of political con- war—‘‘peace through strength.’’ He more than servatism and made it possible for people like me anyone else was directly responsible for giving us to become Members of Congress. In the late sev- the possibility of a world that could live in peace. enties and early eighties, those who espoused He ended the cold war. He ended the threat of conservative political views had few outlets from hostilities between the United States and Russia, which to share their philosophies, but REAGAN and he brought an end to the Soviet domination ushered in an era of whose tide has in Eastern Europe. yet to wane. The makeup of today’s political He unleashed the power of the American econ- world is due, in large part, to the legacy of RON- omy. Yes, it cost money to defeat the Soviet ALD REAGAN. Union. It cost money to defeat Soviet tyranny, Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 67 but in the long run, was it worth it? You bet statements are true. He was living proof that it was, for this generation and for the generations ideas win battles. to come. He was not regarded as an intellectual, but yet he understood the importance of the basic, sim- ple ideas that this country is founded upon, the Hon. John J. Duncan, Jr. ideas of peace and freedom, freedom to worship, freedom to speak, freedom of the press, but he OF TENNESSEE also went beyond that. He recognized that these are not ends in themselves, but these are means Mr. Speaker, President RONALD REAGAN was to an end, and freedom to worship is meaningless an inspiration to me and millions of others unless you use it to worship. Freedom of the throughout the United States and even all over press is meaningless unless you use it to print the world. He saw the American dream come ideas that are for the betterment of the Nation. true in his life, rising from humble beginnings Simple ideas, valiantly fought for. With grace, and achieving great, great success in almost every charm and a twinkle in his eye, he succeeded way. where others had failed. He inspired a troubled He will certainly go down in history as one Nation. He brought us together. He conquered of our greatest Presidents, but his greatness may the symbolic Iron Curtain and brought it down, have been achieved in large part because, as one along with the very real Berlin Wall. He led to of his closest friends said a couple of days ago, , the greatest threat to hu- he did not worry about how history would view manity during his tenure. him. I rise today to thank President REAGAN for It has been said his greatest legacy will be what he did for this country, for the ideas he leading us to victory in the cold war, but his fought for and the transformation he made in the domestic achievements were great, too, especially culture and the attitudes of this Nation. in lowering taxes and helping curb the greed of government. I had the privilege of meeting President Hon. Bill Shuster REAGAN on many occasions, starting when he was Governor of California. He was always so OF PENNSYLVANIA kind to me and to everyone, and possibly one of his greatest attributes may have been in show- Mr. Speaker, we rise today with solemn hearts ing us that you can have strong views on impor- for the loss of an American hero, a man with an tant issues, but still treat opponents with kind- optimistic vision of this country that was infec- ness, compassion and even good humor. tious. I stand as an individual who felt the en- We are all better people, Mr. Speaker, because ergy of the Reagan era. As a 19-year-old in 1980, I attended my first of the life and example of President RONALD Republican Convention where RONALD REAGAN REAGAN. accepted the GOP nomination for President. My first vote for President was for RONALD REAGAN, Hon. Vernon J. Ehlers and I spent the beginning of adulthood under the spirit of a man who defined the American OF MICHIGAN dream. Today we stand in awe of a life of passion and Mr. Speaker, for many years I have heard com- accomplishment. RONALD REAGAN crumbled ments about the power of ideas. I learned as a walls of oppression in Europe and rebuilt the youngster that the pen is mightier than the American spirit. He was forever the gentleman sword and that there is nothing so powerful as statesman, a man who thought that politics, no an idea whose time has come. President RONALD matter how tough the battle with your opponent, REAGAN demonstrated that these and similar should never leave scars. 68 Ronald Reagan

In the end he bore no ill will to anyone, and AUTHORIZING USE OF ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL in that mold he was the definition of a leader, FOR LYING IN STATE OF THE REMAINS OF THE a leader who inspired confidence in those around LATE HONORABLE RONALD WILSON REAGAN, 40TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES him and who led by example. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend He feared not an assassin’s bullet or political the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution setback because he always looked to tomorrow, (H. Con. Res. 444) authorizing the use of the always believed the best days of America were rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of ahead beyond the horizon, and that he would the remains of the late Honorable RONALD WIL- chart the course to take us to a better tomorrow. SON REAGAN, the 40th President of the United We stand here as a testament to that simple, yet States. powerful, truth. The Clerk read as follows:

H. CON. RES. 444 Hon. Mario Diaz-Balart Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That in recognition of the long and distinguished service ren- OF FLORIDA dered to the Nation and the world by RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President of the United States, the ro- tunda of the Capitol is authorized to be used for the lying Mr. Speaker, I am here to really just first ex- in state of the remains of the late Honorable RONALD press my sorrow and my gratitude to the Reagan REAGAN from June 9 until June 11, 2004. The Architect of family. the Capitol, under the direction of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Sen- Through President REAGAN’s optimism and ate, shall take all steps necessary for carrying out this event. courage and strength, he carried this country from a state of what some people said was a state of malaise to further greatness. He understood Hon. Vernon J. Ehlers and never apologized for his understanding that OF MICHIGAN the United States was a source of good around the world, a source of freedom around the world. Mr. Speaker, this may seem like a routine reso- I recall when he said his famous remark about lution because we must pass these resolutions to the evil empire how all of the experts said he allow the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for could not say that, that he was wrong, that they certain events, but frankly, this is a very auspi- were not bad. Well, he was right, and he tried cious moment. and fought hard and worked hard to spread free- By statute, we have defined how state dom across the globe, to strengthen the United are to proceed in this Nation’s Capital. We have States and, therefore, also strengthen our allies very few of them. I believe the last one was at to spread freedom. the time of the death of President Lyndon John- He succeeded by tearing down the Berlin son of Texas. It is a great honor to host an event such as this in the rotunda, and today I rise to Wall, by tearing down the evil empire, by present a resolution which will grant permission spreading freedom to millions of people around to have the body of President RONALD REAGAN the globe. rest in state in the rotunda of the Capitol so that Mr. Speaker, I am here again in awe of the the Members of Congress and members of the life of President RONALD REAGAN, his achieve- public may join in honoring him by viewing the ments, his success in spreading freedom, his suc- casket. cess in making this country what it is today. The This is, as I said, a very auspicious event, and greatness that we have achieved today, in great fortunately, we do not have to do this often. But part, is due to the optimism, the greatness, the it inspires in us, again, respect for the ideals of spirit of RONALD REAGAN. We can never thank our Nation and for the things that we do and him enough. that we believe in. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 69

When President REAGAN’s body will arrive, than to honor the late former President RONALD the casket will be placed on a caisson, according REAGAN with a and lying in state. to tradition and law, and that horse-drawn pro- With this observance, President REAGAN will cession will proceed from near the White House take his proper place in the pantheon of Amer- to the Capitol. It will be followed by a black, ican heroes who have lain in state in this temple, , indicating a fallen leader. The befitting their vast contributions to the fabric of boots on that horse will be placed in the stirrups our national political life. backward, indicating the fallen leader reviewing Although I did not have the honor to serve the troops behind him. When that arrives at the in the Congress during President REAGAN’s Capitol, with great pomp and circumstance, an term, I greatly admired him as a statesman, and honor guard will present the casket and the body his skills as the Great Communicator, and am and carry them inside the Capitol, displaying the grateful for everything he did for our country. casket in the rotunda. Mr. Speaker, it is especially fitting that Con- gress and the Nation pay their respects to our This evening we will have a memorial cere- 40th President in this temple because several mony, restricted to the Members of Congress, in memorable events of his 8 years in office took the rotunda. Following that, the people of this place here. Of course, he delivered all of his State Nation, anyone who wishes, may stand in line of the Union Messages right here in this Cham- and view the casket and give their respects to ber, including the one in which he dropped sev- our fallen President. eral pounds of paper onto the rostrum and urged It is my pleasure to be able to present this Congress not to send him any more massive, resolution honoring President RONALD REAGAN catch-all spending bills. and providing the opportunity for the Members In 1985, President REAGAN returned from a of Congress and for the public to view the casket meeting with Soviet Leader Mi- and to pay their respects to this great man. It khail Gorbachev, flew directly from Andrews Air is the least we can do, and I wish we could do Force Base to the Capitol by helicopter, and ad- more because he did a marvelous job of leading dressed a joint session, reporting hopeful progress this Nation in a very troubled time. When we on arms control and reassuring the Nation and had a broken economy and a dispirited people, the world. he restored their spirits with grace, charm and Perhaps more relevant to the resolution before a twinkle in his eye and eventually helped us pre- us, many Americans will recall that the bitter vail over the Soviet Union, which had threatened cold of January 21, 1985, forced President us for decades with nuclear weapons. REAGAN’s second inaugural ceremony to come The world is a far better place because of indoors and take place in the rotunda itself in RONALD REAGAN, what he did, and the leader- order to protect the multitudes attending and ship he provided, and it is my pleasure to present participating in the inauguration, who would this resolution and honor him in this way. otherwise have been at great risk from the ele- ments and frostbite. Throughout his life and career, President Hon. Juanita Millender-McDonald REAGAN was always considerate of others. And like others who have preceded him in the Na- OF CALIFORNIA tion’s highest office, RONALD REAGAN hailed from a humble background. Born in 1911 in Illi- Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I join nois, REAGAN grew up in the town of Dixon, the distinguished chairman, or the appropriate was active in sports, drama, and student politics, person in his place, in support of this legislation all of which would serve him well later. In 1932, to authorize use of the Capitol rotunda for this the future President graduated from Eureka Col- very sad occasion. lege with a degree in economics and sociology. There can be no more proper use of the ro- He embarked on a radio career that eventually tunda, the center of the temple of our democracy, led him to Hollywood, where he worked in the 70 Ronald Reagan entertainment industry for two decades, prin- tics and to governing which I greatly admire, cipally in motion pictures. and one that I wish others would emulate. 50 He appeared in over movies, including one In 1984, President REAGAN won reelection, 1940 of my favorites, the ‘‘: All with nearly 59 percent of the popular vote, the American.’’ In the film, REAGAN portrayed the electoral votes of 49 States, and completed his legendary Notre Dame athlete , who two momentous terms. By the time he left office set numerous football records during a 5-year ca- in 1989, he was, despite large budget deficits and reer before succumbing in 1920 to an infection that struck 20 years before the discovery of anti- the Iran-Contra scandal, one of our most beloved biotics. In the movie’s climax, REAGAN earned Presidents. his lifelong nickname when the dying Gipp The massive outpouring of grief seen across asked Coach Rockne to urge his teammates to this country and the world since his death on go out there and ‘‘win one for the Gipper.’’ For Saturday is abundant proof of the esteem Ameri- us football fans, especially one who has a son who cans hold for their 40th President throughout played football, the scene is priceless. My son every city, suburb, and hamlet in this land. loved the movie, and he certainly loves football Mr. Speaker, the state funeral and the lying as well. And I have little doubt that today, for in state authorized in the rotunda this week will millions of Americans, the legends of George Gipp and the man who portrayed him on film be solemn state occasions whose purpose is to have become inextricably linked. provide the public with an opportunity to view In the sixties, when the GIPPER became active the body and mourn the passing of a head of in politics, he generally supported Republican state. Ceremony, history, and protocol will per- candidates, including Richard Nixon and Barry meate these rites. Goldwater. Like Nixon and Goldwater, REAGAN Among them, it is worth noting, that when became known as an ardent anticommunist. In President REAGAN’s body lies in state in the ro- 1966, he became a Republican candidate himself, tunda, his remains will rest upon the historic cat- winning the first of two terms as Governor of afalque constructed for the funeral of our 16th California. President, Abraham Lincoln, another son of Illi- Two years after leaving office in Sacramento, nois. All those who have lain in state in the Cap- Governor REAGAN challenged President Gerald itol rotunda have rested on the Lincoln cata- Ford for the GOP nomination for the Presidency, falque, made of simple pine boards and draped and nearly won it. In 1980, he won both the Re- in black velvet. publican Presidential nomination and the general election, where he received nearly 51 percent of It is fitting that this relic, built for one who the popular vote and carried 45 States and 489 became, if not in life, one of the most cherished electoral votes. and beloved Presidents, will now be used to sup- Of course, we all recall that in 1981 an assassin port the body of our 40th President, a cherished nearly ended our new President’s life in a hail and beloved successor to Lincoln. As a people, of gunshots here in Washington. Fortunately, the we are truly grateful for President REAGAN’s would-be assassin failed to achieve his demented long service to our country and for the oppor- purpose, and the President went on to survive tunity to honor him and his memory in this way. not only gunshot wounds but also colon cancer. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to play a role in The President also survived the bruising polit- these proceedings by managing this resolution ical battles so common in this Capital City. He for the minority, in the absence of our ranking did so simply by refusing to take politics person- member. I hope that all my colleagues will join ally. President REAGAN’s ability to build and 40 maintain a lasting friendship with House Speaker in paying tribute to our th President by sup- Tip O’Neill, with whom he disagreed on many porting this very important resolution. political issues, exemplified an approach to poli- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 71 Hon. The west front of the Capitol was the staging area for that inauguration. He was the first Presi- OF CALIFORNIA dent to do so. He thought it was important to face west, because not only was he a westerner, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yield- not only was he a Californian, but the history ing me this time, and it is entirely fitting that of our country moving westward signified the we pass this resolution authorizing the remains spirit of frontier, the pioneer spirit, and entrepre- of President REAGAN to lie in state in the Na- neurship that President REAGAN thought was tion’s Capital. the genius of America. It was in this building that President REAGAN When his body is placed in the rotunda later 1981 took the oath of office in January . Eight today, it will come to the Capitol up those same years later, he yielded his authority as President steps on the west front and all of us will be look- and Commander in Chief in this building, in ing west to his beloved State of California think- that quiet peaceful transfer of power that is the ing about what President REAGAN meant by that hallmark of our democracy. symbolism. Many of the shining moments of his two Pres- So it is entirely appropriate that we pass this idential terms took place right here in this resolution we address now. I know that each of 1982 Chamber. None are more thrilling than that us will take personal pride in recalling his con- State of the Union that marked his triumphant tributions to our country, to our sense of patriot- return shortly after he was shot by a would-be ism as we observe the ceremonies in the rotunda Presidential assassin. later today and as we have our own personal mo- And some of his greatest challenges have close ment to walk by that casket. associations with this Chamber as well. In his second term, after President REAGAN had won Senate passage of his request for aid to the free- Hon. John B. Larson dom fighters in Nicaragua, the challenge he faced was in this House. The President asked OF CONNECTICUT permission to address the House, but Speaker O’Neill said no. I served then as legal counsel Mr. Speaker, I join with the distinguished in the White House, and I was asked whether gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) and the the Speaker of the House could deny the Presi- distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. dent the opportunity to come and address the Millender-McDonald) in support of this motion Congress in the people’s House. And my answer, to suspend the rules and pass the resolution to swiftly delivered, was ‘‘absolutely.’’ authorize the use of the Capitol rotunda to honor President REAGAN did not mind the legal ad- President REAGAN and I would urge all Mem- vice. He asked, ‘‘They all have televisions, don’t bers to do likewise. they?’’ And he addressed the Nation from the Mr. Speaker, this is a very sad occasion for our Oval Office. As a result of that magnificent ad- country. Last Saturday, June 5, 2004, RONALD dress, intended for all of us here but absorbed WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President of the equally by the American people, this Congress United States, departed this life, and now be- did the right thing and democracy did move for- longs to the ages. ward in Nicaragua. The Soviet Union was not Since I was first elected to this House in 1998, able to establish a beachhead in our own hemi- I did not have the privilege of serving with Presi- sphere. And whereas upon President REAGAN’s dent REAGAN. But I certainly wish I had known assumption of office there were only 56 electoral him. President REAGAN’s engaging smile, his re- democracies in the world, today there are 117, assured demeanor, and his boundless optimism and over 1 billion people now live in democracies about America, her people and her future, were that otherwise would not. literally contagious. When President REAGAN took the oath of of- And the contagion surely did spread, Mr. fice here in this building, he was facing west. Speaker. The overwhelming grief since President 72 Ronald Reagan

REAGAN’s death reflects the American people’s active in swimming and other sports, drama, and respect for the man, and their gratitude for what the student government at the local high school. he accomplished for present and future genera- In 1932, the future President graduated from Eu- tions. While he may now be gone, he will never reka College, with a degree in economics and so- be forgotten. ciology. Popular among his peers and clearly Mr. Speaker, as the Congress and the Nation blessed with a radio announcer’s voice, after mourn our 40th President in the Capitol ro- graduation REAGAN embarked on a radio career. tunda, we might recall the many memorable mo- A journey to Los Angeles to cover a sporting ments that occurred under this great dome dur- event led to a Hollywood screen test, which in ing his 8 years in office. Indeed a harbinger of turn led to a contract at Warner Brothers Stu- things to come, President REAGAN asked that his dios. inauguration take place for the first time on the REAGAN made more than 50 movies, includ- west front of the Capitol, so he could look out ing ‘‘Knute Rockne: All American,’’ from which across The Mall toward the west. Not only did he earned his lifelong nickname for playing the this vista accommodate more people attending famous Notre Dame athlete George Gipp. In the the ceremony in person, it symbolically shifted last reel of the film, legendary Notre Dame foot- the ceremony’s focus toward the vast reaches of ball coach Knute Rockne inspired his 1928 team, the country, where most Americans live. who was losing a game to Army, by telling them Of course, President REAGAN delivered all of George Gipp’s dying remarks, which were: his State of the Union Messages, and addressed Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when other joint sessions of Congress, from right here things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, tell in the House Chamber. Once, after Congress had them to go in there with all they’ve got and win just one wrapped an entire year’s worth of appropriations for the Gipper. I don’t know where I’ll be then, Rock, but I’ll know about it, and I’ll be happy. bills into one mammoth measure, he dramati- cally plopped a huge stack of paper—not even Needless to say, the inspired Fighting Irish printed, but instead, Xeroxed copies—onto the went on to win the game despite their numerous desk with a ‘‘thud.’’ He implored lawmakers injuries and underdog status. Today, millions re- never to repeat the practice. Unfortunately, it has member REAGAN as ‘‘the GIPPER,’’ and far fewer done so repeatedly in the years since that speech. remember George Gipp. REAGAN became even It was a bad practice in President REAGAN’s better known in the fifties by working in tele- time, and it is a bad practice today. vision, appearing on such early programs as President REAGAN’s second inaugural took ‘‘’’ and ‘‘General Electric The- place in the rotunda, driven inside by the cold ater.’’ winter of 1985. While some television viewers Reagan lived the rest of his life in California, might have been disappointed at the cancellation where in the sixties, he became active in politics. of the outdoor inaugural and the accompanying Though a Democrat, even becoming president of parade, I am sure many parents of high school the Screen Actors’ Guild, he supported Richard students scheduled to march in the festivities Nixon in 1960 and Barry Goldwater in 1964. In were relieved. In another thoughtful gesture, the 1966, as a Republican, REAGAN won the first of President paused during his inaugural address to two terms as Governor of California. In the tu- note the passing of a Democratic Representative, multuous year of 1968, Governor REAGAN briefly Gillis Long of Louisiana, who had died hours be- sought the Republican Presidential nomination, fore. but lost to his fellow Californian, Richard Nixon. Throughout his life and career, President In 1976, the Governor challenged President REAGAN was always considerate of others. Per- Gerald Ford for the GOP Presidential nomina- haps this attribute reflected the midwestern val- tion, and nearly won it at the Kansas City Con- ues of his native Illinois, and the fact that RON- vention. In 1980, he won the nomination and the ALD REAGAN came from humble beginnings. election, where he received nearly 51 percent of Born in 1911 in Tampico, IL, REAGAN’s family the popular vote and carried 45 States. Of course, soon moved to the town of Dixon, where he was we were all stunned on , 1981, when an Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 73 assassin shot the President and several others out- pass this resolution and win one last victory for side the Washington Hilton. Little did we know the GIPPER. at the time how close the President came to dying of his wounds. The President went on to survive not only his 1981 gunshot wound, but Hon. Robert W. Ney also, in 1985, a bout with colon cancer. OF OHIO President REAGAN was, and his memory is, beloved in this town. He readily agreed with Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce House House Speaker Tip O’Neill’s admonition, at an Concurrent Resolution 444, to allow the use of 6 early meeting, that ‘‘after o’clock, we’re all the rotunda of the Capitol for the late Honorable friends.’’ President REAGAN worked to make RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President friends not only with Speaker O’Neill, with of the United States of America, to lie in state. whom he often disagreed on policy matters, but More than any leader in my lifetime, RONALD with countless others in Congress and around the REAGAN embodied the noble ideals and irre- country. The President’s willingness to reach pressible optimism of the American spirit. As across the aisle and work in a constructive way, President, he led our country into an era of re- refusing to take politics personally, was a hall- newed faith in the American dream. RONALD mark of his approach to governing. I wish others REAGAN guided the United States to victory over would follow his example in today’s poisonous communism in the cold war, and his domestic political environment in this city. policies ushered in an age of unprecedented pros- 1984 In , President REAGAN handily won re- perity. As we stand in the wake of RONALD 58 election with over percent of the popular vote REAGAN’s recent passing, we mourn his loss, but 49 carrying States. By the day he left office in we celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves to 1989 January , he was, despite massive budget the country he loved and served so faithfully. deficits and the Iran-Contra arms-for-hostages RONALD REAGAN was born into humble cir- scandal, one of our most beloved Presidents. cumstances in the small town of Dixon, IL. It Mr. Speaker, the solemn state occasion author- was in this quintessential midwestern setting ized in this resolution will provide an official op- that RONALD REAGAN recognized the near-lim- portunity for the American people to mourn our itless opportunities that flow from liberty, and former . This ceremony will be rich consequently developed his deep and abiding ap- in history, and include the use of the Lincoln cat- preciation for the founding ideals of our great afalque, originally built for the state funeral of country. our 16th President in 1865. This observance will Rising from these modest origins, RONALD enable Americans, through the Congress and oth- REAGAN set off on a life journey that was both ers able to attend, to bid an official, fond farewell rich and diverse in experiences. As a young man, to President REAGAN for his long career and he spent seven summers as a lifeguard on a haz- many contributions to the rich fabric of our Na- ardous section of river near his hometown where tion. he saved the lives of 77 swimmers. He went on I am honored to play a role in these pro- to become a college athlete and then traveled to ceedings in my position as ranking minority Hollywood, where he became one of the most member of the Committee on House Administra- popular actors of the fifties and early sixties. But tion and to represent the many residents of Con- it was in the realm of politics where RONALD necticut who revere President REAGAN and his REAGAN would make his most meaningful and memory. On their behalf, and mine, I offer Mrs. lasting impact, first as a two-term Governor of Reagan and the entire Reagan family the condo- the State of California and then, most signifi- lences and the thanks of a grateful Nation for cantly, as the President of the United States from the President’s service. I would like to close by 1981 through 1989. Quite simply, RONALD joining our Committee on House Administra- REAGAN changed the world, and we are all the tion’s vice chairman in urging our colleagues to better for it. 74 Ronald Reagan

RONALD REAGAN, more than any other indi- and the prayers of a Nation are with her during vidual, was responsible for winning the cold war, this time. the epic struggle that pitted the United States Though our hearts are heavy as we mourn the and its allies against a communist force armed loss of a beloved leader, we are comforted know- with enough nuclear weapons to threaten the ex- ing that RONALD REAGAN has gone on to a bet- istence of humanity. Relying on his deeply held ter place. To borrow the words he used to com- beliefs of the supremacy of liberty and democ- fort the Nation following the Challenger disaster, racy, REAGAN assumed the Office of President RONALD REAGAN has ‘‘ ‘slipped the surly bonds and sought not to accommodate or merely con- of earth’ to ‘touch the face of God.’ ’’ tain communist expansionism, but to defeat it. Passage of this resolution will allow us to pay He had the courage to speak the truth about the tribute to this great man and his legacy. It will former Soviet Union, to accurately label it as an allow all those who loved and admired RONALD evil empire that would ultimately be consigned REAGAN a final opportunity to say a final good- to the ash heap of history. He realized that for bye. As he lies in state, the American people will democracy to prevail in this of have the opportunity to pay their respects by differing ideologies with monumental con- coming to the Capitol rotunda. I expect that sequences, he had to become a relentless warrior many thousands will do so. on behalf of the American ideals of liberty, free enterprise, and the primacy of the individual in AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE CAPITOL 9 11 2004 society. His fortitude provided the American ROTUNDA FROM JUNE UNTIL JUNE , , FOR THE LYING IN STATE OF THE REMAINS OF THE people with purpose and victory over com- LATE RONALD WILSON REAGAN, 40TH PRESIDENT munism. OF THE UNITED STATES RONALD REAGAN buoyed up our Nation not Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous only with his ever-present smile, his genial na- consent to take from the Speaker’s table the Sen- ture, and his self-deprecating humor but also ate concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 115) au- with the substance of his ideas: his enduring thorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol faith in the innate goodness and creativity of the for the lying in state of the remains of the late American people; his steadfast belief in the RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President exceptionalism of our constitutional democracy of the United States, and ask for its immediate and economic order; and his unyielding convic- consideration in the House. tion that freedom and democracy will triumph The Clerk read the title of the Senate concur- over oppression and tyranny. RONALD REAGAN rent resolution. was, and will always remain, a giant on the stage The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection of history, a commanding presence and respected to the request of the gentleman from Michigan? leader whose commitment to freedom and de- There was no objection. mocracy will inspire generations to come. Truly The Clerk read the Senate concurrent resolu- it can be said that RONALD REAGAN lifted the tion, as follows: spirits of the American people by appealing to our best hopes, not our worst fears, and because S. CON. RES. 115 of that, he will remain forever in the hearts of Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), the American people. That in recognition of the long and distinguished service ren- Walking side by side with RONALD REAGAN dered to the Nation and to the world, by the late RONALD 40 through his life’s journey was his wonderful wife WILSON REAGAN, the th President of the United States, his remains be permitted to lie in state in the rotunda of and best friend, Nancy. Her dignity and grace the Capitol from June 9 until June 11, 2004, and the Archi- as First Lady were exemplary, but even more in- tect of the Capitol, under the direction of the President pro spiring has been the strength and resiliency she tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Rep- has demonstrated since her husband was diag- resentatives, shall take all necessary steps for the accomplish- nosed with Alzheimer’s disease 10 years ago. ment of that purpose. Nancy’s devotion to the former President has The Senate concurrent resolution was con- been nothing less than heroic, and our prayers curred in. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 75 A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. ative, no spouse, no child, just you, your sins and A similar House concurrent resolution (H. God. But I am sure President REAGAN is not Con. Res. 444) was laid on the table. alone. I believe the silence was broken by the voices of thousands of little children, voices that were never heard in this world but are heard in Hon. Henry J. Hyde the next, all pleading, ‘‘Dear Lord, spare him, for he loved us very much.’’ OF ILLINOIS And then I can imagine Mr. REAGAN heard a gentle voice, ‘‘Come, beloved of my father, and I have given much thought to what I might enter the kingdom which has been prepared for usefully contribute to the chorus of those thou- you since the beginning of time.’’ sands who will be called upon or be moved to Mr. President: voice their respect and their sadness at the death The shadows have lengthened, evening has come, and the of President REAGAN. His accomplishments will busy world is hushed. The fever of life is over, and your work be rightly celebrated, his humanity and character is done. May God in his mercy give you a safe lodging and justly praised, his passing mourned in words of a holy rest and peace at the last. elegance and emotion. How large a stone can one hope to add to this touring mountain? President REAGAN was the oldest person to be Hon. Jim Matheson elected President in our history, and this is proof OF UTAH that you get the sweetest music from the oldest violins. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President In the play ‘‘Camelot,’’ King Arthur says, ‘‘We RONALD REAGAN. We can all admire the jour- are all of us tiny drops in a vast ocean, but some ney of his life. It was a life built on love of family of them sparkle.’’ President REAGAN was never and a profound love of our country. a tiny drop in a vast ocean, but he did indeed In this time of mourning, I offer my sincere sparkle. condolences and prayers to the President’s family, By his life and service he put the ‘‘sacred’’ especially to his wife Nancy. I hope that the sin- back in honor. Not through exhortation, but by cere good wishes of all of their fellow country- example, REAGAN’s gentle leadership reminded men can help to bring them some comfort at this a country disoriented by doubt of its enduring time. beliefs. In this, his guiding principle was that Above all else, the President was a leader who of George Washington’s, ‘‘Let us raise a standard had strong opinions, yet he always respected the in which the wise and honest can repair. The institution of government and worked within event is in the hand of God.’’ both parties to provide enduring success to mil- He was a rare and subtly powerful speaker, lions of Americans. able to instill in others a confident belief in their Before he was President, RONALD REAGAN own capacities and goodness. And he could also was the Governor of a western State and a leader inspire oppressed millions to demolish empires. who understood issues important to the West. His eloquence reminds me of the story of an- As a Member of Congress from the Rocky Moun- cient Greeks who, when Pericles spoke, said, tain West, I hold a deep appreciation for Presi- ‘‘How well he speaks.’’ But when Demosthenes dent REAGAN’s efforts to protect the western way spoke, they said, ‘‘Let us march.’’ of life. Among his many virtues was his defense of the One issue that stands out is that of the MX powerless unborn. President REAGAN understood missile. In the seventies and eighties, the Depart- that the precious gift of life was not confined to ment of Defense was working to build the mas- the privileged, the planned, and the perfect. sive MX missile racetrack system in Utah’s West Some have said that the most fearful aspect of Desert, despite Utah’s opposition. President dying is the terrible aloneness you must endure REAGAN was a strong advocate for national de- at the particular judgment; no advocate, no rel- fense, and the military initially thought he 76 Ronald Reagan would be a supporter of this proposal. As a fellow through a horrible decade of the seventies. There westerner, President REAGAN understood Utah’s was a , there was Watergate, there desire to protect its ranching and farming herit- was Nixon’s resignation, Gerald Ford’s unsuc- age. He understood why the State and its citizens cessful ‘‘Whip Inflation Now’’ campaign, Jimmy adamantly opposed the project. Carter’s malaise, and long lines at the gas pump My father was Governor of Utah at that time. to buy 5 gallons of gas. He found an open door in the Reagan adminis- When President REAGAN took office, he got tration, and he worked in a bipartisan manner us out of our national funk. His ‘‘Morning in with the administration to put an end to this America’’ speech and his philosophy gave us as plan. Thankfully for my State, President a Nation and as individual Americans the self- REAGAN came into the situation with an open confidence to do what America has always done; mind, and he was willing to listen to local stake- that is, to achieve the ultimate dream, to over- holders about their concerns with the MX pro- come the impossible, and to have each and every posal. one of us reach our highest and best. President REAGAN established a process by Much is said about REAGAN turning around which affected people could actually make their the economy and winning the cold war, and feelings known, which even now is a testament some of the debate on the cold war was about to the importance of a responsive Federal Gov- the so-called Strategic Defense Initiative, but ernment. there was a decision that RONALD REAGAN made That was REAGAN’s approach. While he was earlier that laid the groundwork for the collapse a man of strong convictions, he was known for of communism. He persuaded then-German his civility and kindness in a business that is Chancellor to deploy Pershing often abrasive. Ever the gentleman, his example II and cruise missiles in West Germany. That is a good reminder to all of us in elected office was extremely controversial at the time both in of what it takes to truly serve our constituency. Europe and the United States. People said dis- I honor President REAGAN’s service to this playing more missiles would encourage an arms great Nation. He will be missed. race. Well, Mr. Schmidt agreed to deploy them. He Hon. F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. might have lost his job as a result of it, but he was able to see the fall of the Berlin Wall and OF WISCONSIN the unification of Germany during his lifetime, and we have got to give credit to RONALD I first met RONALD REAGAN over 40 years ago REAGAN’s international skills for doing that. when I was an undergraduate student at Stanford God bless you President REAGAN, may you University in California. He and I and some oth- rest in peace. ers were involved in a primary election campaign for a U.S. Senator from California which proved to be very unsuccessful. But in the meetings that Hon. Baron P. Hill I attended that Mr. REAGAN chaired, I recog- nized him as being a unique person with an un- OF INDIANA canny knack to bring out the best in everybody. He certainly proved that during his subse- Mr. Speaker, this past weekend Americans quent career: two successful terms as Governor learned of President RONALD REAGAN’s death. of California and two successful terms as Presi- The President was an honorable and decent man dent of the United States, leaving office with the whose legacy forever will be linked with the highest approval rating of any departing Presi- great love and optimism he had for his country. dent since Franklin Roosevelt. Unfortunately, his long and courageous struggle Look at the shape America was in when RON- with Alzheimer’s disease took him from us long ALD REAGAN was elected in 1980. We went before his death. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 77 As a fellow midwesterner, I appreciated the in that epic speech ‘‘A Time for Choosing’’ in traditional American values he brought to Wash- 1964, telecast nationally, which really put RON- ington: his good humor, his love for his family, ALD REAGAN on the political stage, it was former and belief in America. At a time when Ameri- President REAGAN who arrived in downtown cans had lost confidence in themselves, President Phoenix 5 days before the 1992 election to offer REAGAN reminded us we could achieve any goal, words of support to candidates of our party. no matter how lofty. I had the privilege of emceeing this gathering, When President REAGAN addressed a grieving and I was offstage with the former President as Nation after the Challenger explosion, he honored our now senior Senator offered remarks of intro- the astronauts for the way in which they lived duction, and those remarks included the state- their lives and affirmed that we would never for- ment from Margaret Thatcher that the cold war get them. Eloquently, he quoted the poem was won by one man, RONALD WILSON ‘‘High Flight,’’ declaring the astronauts had REAGAN, and that victory came without a single ‘‘ ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to ‘touch the shot being fired. face of God.’ ’’ Mr. Speaker, I was in a unique position to hear Mr. Speaker, today in this House, we are hon- the words of my friend from Arizona and to look oring President REAGAN for the way in which at the reaction on the face of our former Presi- he lived his life and led our Nation. And as he dent. takes his own journey to touch the face of God, Mr. Speaker, it is well known that many of I am confident in this statement: That his life us who enter the public arena suffer from no lack and achievements will forever be remembered by of self-esteem. this grateful Nation. Mr. Speaker, I can tell you that President As the country and the world mourn his REAGAN was incredibly humble, and that humil- death, we will remember President REAGAN as ity was expressed on his face as he offered a char- a great American who was a beacon of freedom acteristic shrug of the shoulders before going out for people everywhere. I think I speak for all of to offer his words to the assembly. the Hoosiers in offering my condolences to his In closing, Mr. Speaker, and to my colleagues, wife Nancy and the children. let me simply say this. One of my constituents whose daughter-in-law escaped from behind the Iron Curtain said ‘‘President Lincoln freed the Hon. J.D. Hayworth slaves of America. President REAGAN freed the enslaved millions of Eastern Europe.’’ OF ARIZONA God bless America. God bless RONALD REAGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with the formidable chal- lenge in 2 minutes to convey the thoughts and prayers of Arizonans and Americans as we re- Hon. Gil Gutknecht member our 40th President. While it is true that RONALD REAGAN was a son of Illinois and a OF Governor of California before becoming the President of us all, it is also true that Arizona Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues today in played an important part in his life. paying tribute to a man who influenced my life Arizona was the place where RONALD and personally, and I think I speak for many of my Nancy REAGAN honeymooned. Arizona was the colleagues when I say that we would not be in place where some of their children attended high politics, I indeed would not be in Congress, if school. Arizona was the place where Nancy’s par- it were not for RONALD REAGAN. ents lived; and Arizona was the site of one of President REAGAN embodied the values that President REAGAN’s final political appearances. made America the ‘‘shining city on the hill’’: Even as our favorite son, Barry Goldwater, gave faith, family, freedom, and personal responsi- birth to then RONALD REAGAN’s political career bility. Born to humble beginnings, he never lost 78 Ronald Reagan the common touch. Few public officials had more President REAGAN was never afraid to take a empathy for the common people. He could make stand, never afraid to do what was right, even us laugh or cry, depending on what the situation if it was not popular at the moment. called for. Most of all, he made us proud, proud In 1964 RONALD REAGAN spoke these words to be Americans. to a generation of Americans: RONALD REAGAN came into office during a You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will pre- great malaise. He made us believe again in our- serve for our children this, the last best hope of man on selves, in our capacity to achieve great things. Earth, or we will sentence them to take the last step into He ignored his critics and the cynics. He shoul- a thousand years of darkness. dered on with unstoppable optimism. He con- President REAGAN understood the evil of com- signed communism to the ash heap of history. munism. He knew the cold war would end. He As Margaret Thatcher said, he won the cold war knew that there would be winners and there without firing a shot. He changed our party. He would be losers. Thanks to his resolve, freedom changed the way Americans see themselves; and won. Thanks to his resolve, millions of people in the end, he changed the world. were set free. Borrowing from the song, I said to my wife, President REAGAN also understood that free Mary, when he left office, he was a long time markets go hand in hand with individual lib- coming. He will be a long time gone. I thank erties. In 1981 he said: God for giving us such men. We who live in societies believe that growth, prosperity and, ultimately, human fulfillment are created from the bottom up, not the government down. Only when the human spirit is allowed to invent and create, only when Hon. Edward R. Royce individuals are given a personal stake in deciding economic OF CALIFORNIA policies and benefiting from their success—only then can so- cieties remain economically alive, dynamic, prosperous, pro- gressive, and free. Mr. Speaker, first, both personally and on be- half of my constituents in Orange County, let At his second inauguration, speaking inside me offer my condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the the rotunda of this Capitol building, President Reagan family. I, like so many of my colleagues, REAGAN said: probably would not be standing here today if it jOkur nation is poised for greatness. We must do what we know is right, and do it with all our might. Let history were not for RONALD REAGAN. say of us: ‘‘These were golden years—when the American He was an inspiration for a whole generation Revolution was reborn, when freedom gained new life, and of young Americans, and his message of limited America reached for her best.’’ government and unlimited freedom, as well as Throughout his career, RONALD REAGAN was his boundless optimism about America’s future, always helping America reach for her best. He motivated me and so many others to get involved inspired us with his spirit, with his optimism; in the affairs of our Nation. I first met RONALD and he led us with his commitment to principle REAGAN as a student in California. That experi- and unwavering resolve. America and the rest of ence led me to become involved in the Youth the world are better, safer, and freer places today for Reagan movement. because of RONALD REAGAN. We will miss him Over the years, I was privileged to meet him dearly. many more times. It was one of the most memo- rable meetings in 1986. I was visiting the White House as a State senator on the day that Presi- Hon. Max Sandlin dent REAGAN ordered the bombing of Libya be- cause of their open support for international ter- OF TEXAS rorism. The President told me what a difficult decision it was, but how the future of our Nation Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of loss and the safety of our citizens depended on firm and sadness that I rise today to honor the mem- action. ory of one of our Nation’s most influential lead- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 79 ers, former President RONALD REAGAN. Much relished open and honest debate. Notwith- has been said, and rightfully so, about President standing sometimes profound disagreements, REAGAN’s infectious love of this great Nation. President REAGAN understood that at the end of RONALD WILSON REAGAN firmly believed that the day, we were not Democrats and Republicans the United States of America had a unique role but, rather, Americans and friends. He truly un- to play in the world and a singular place in his- derstood that there is a tremendous difference be- tory. In his first inaugural address he reflected tween strong beliefs and bitter partisanship. on this faith in country in attributing the unpar- Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN was an eternal alleled prosperity and opportunity of this great optimist who changed the world with hope and land to the fact that: taught Americans that, even in the face of trials Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more and tragedy, ‘‘Nothing ends here; our hopes and available and assured here than in any other place on earth. our journeys continue.’’ It has been said of Presi- Mr. Speaker, his singular commitment to the dent REAGAN that although he was our oldest inherent worth of the individual is a hallmark President, he made America young again. And so, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express of RONALD REAGAN’s personal and political leg- acy. His sincere devotion to that core idea my deepest sympathies to Mrs. Reagan and to defined his personality, and it defined his the President’s children and their families and to honor the memory of a great American who Presidency. President REAGAN defied then- conventional wisdom that American heroes were loved America at least as much as she loved him. a thing of the past. He said, ‘‘Those who say that we are in a time when there are no heroes just don’t know where to look. You can see heroes Hon. George Radanovich every day going in and out of factory gates. Oth- OF CALIFORNIA ers, a handful in number, produce enough food to feed all of us and then the world beyond. You Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the res- meet heroes across a counter, and they are on olution paying tribute to President RONALD both sides of that counter.’’ President REAGAN’s REAGAN who once said America is too great for heroes were, in his words, ‘‘the citizens of this small dreams. Whether through his faith in blessed land.’’ God’s providence, his deep love for his wife, Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN has often been Nancy, his career as an actor, his service as Gov- called the Great Communicator, but President ernor of the State of California and ultimately as REAGAN told us himself that he preferred to our Commander in Chief, President RONALD think of himself as a communicator of great REAGAN envisioned and achieved big dreams. things. However, to reduce RONALD REAGAN to These dreams included lowering the tax burden the words he spoke would be a tremendous dis- on citizens through his advocacy of smaller gov- service to his legacy, just as it would be wrong ernment and striving for peace in the tenuous to reduce Abraham Lincoln’s legacy to the Get- times of the cold war. tysburg Address or FDR’s to the eloquent power As a boy in the fourth grade, I had the honor of his . President REAGAN truly be- of shaking Mr. REAGAN’s hand at the Mariposa lieved the ideas he communicated, and that faith Airport when he was on his way to Yosemite drove in many ways a shift in the course of after he became the Governor of the great State American politics. of California. He is the very reason that I later Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN was a unique became a Republican and devoted my life to figure in our politics. His devotion to principle, public service. his commitment to the American people, his sin- President REAGAN died on the very weekend gular faith in the power of one were infectious. of the commemoration of D-day where just 20 Yet despite his unrepentant drive to achieve what years ago he heralded the heroes that lay before has been appropriately called the Reagan revolu- him in Normandy as those who ‘‘helped end a tion, he pushed his agenda with a smile and he war.’’ Fittingly, we now herald this American 80 Ronald Reagan hero for his unmatched achievements, including Hon. ending the cold war. History will forever remem- ber him for removing this threat of nuclear holo- OF INDIANA caust. There are good men in the world, and there Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman, my favor- are great men. Great men employ their power ite Reagan protege in the Congress, for yielding humbly and create peace quietly. President me this time. REAGAN embodied these traits and reminded us Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN will be re- to believe in ourselves as the greatest country in membered as a great man and a great American the world. leader, who personified the highest ideals of the American people at home and abroad. After 8 years of his Presidency, the communism of Soviet Hon. Charlie Norwood Russia was collapsing, the American military was rebuilt, the Nation’s economy restored, and its OF GEORGIA moral fabric renewed. Many remember him as the Great Communi- Mr. Speaker, I rise on the floor today to join cator, but as the President said many times, he my colleagues and the legions of Americans and was not a great communicator. He commu- freedom-loving people around the world in hon- nicated great things. Those were the traditional oring the memory and the legacy of President American values of this midwesterner turned na- RONALD WILSON REAGAN. In the days that have tional leader. They came from the profound passed since President REAGAN slipped the surly Christian faith inculcated in a young DUTCH bonds of this world, much has been said about REAGAN by his beloved mother Nelle and from our Nation’s 40th President, of his boundless en- his heart. And, as the President said, ‘‘they came ergy, eternal optimism, strong character, good from the heart of a great nation.’’ judgment and, most important of all, his un- Those ideas were simple, straightforward, and matched ability to lead and to deliver hope to distinctly American. President REAGAN believed America and the world at a time when it was that freedom depended on limited government. needed most. Despite those who would suggest He fiercely advanced the principles of less gov- otherwise, the accomplishments and good fortune ernment, less taxes, a strong military, and a com- that befell this Nation and ultimately those be- mitment to traditional moral values. hind the Iron Curtain on President REAGAN’s And President REAGAN changed the course of watch did not happen accidentally or through my life. While youthful ambition led me to poli- luck or simply being in the right place at the tics, it was the voice and the values of RONALD right time. REAGAN that made me a Republican. The Bible No, Mr. Speaker. Providing unfailing hope says, ‘‘If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, and guidance to a grateful Nation and all the who will get ready for battle?’’ RONALD world in a time of much despair is not luck. It REAGAN’s great gift was to sound a clear call to is called leadership. And President REAGAN will return our Nation to the ideals of its Founders, be remembered as a leader without peer, period. and it was said that when he spoke, people did once said, ‘‘The price of not just agree. From coffee shops to tractor seats greatness is responsibility.’’ President REAGAN to high offices in tall buildings, when the Amer- understood and accepted that responsibility like ican people heard REAGAN speak, they said, no one else, and he left greatness in his wake. ‘‘Darn right.’’ Mr. Speaker, if the measure of a man is the I had the privilege in 1988 as a candidate for difference that he makes, then history will record Congress to sit with the President in the Blue that President RONALD REAGAN was nothing Room of the White House and speak to him per- less than a giant. He will be missed, but his leg- sonally, and on that occasion, that great privilege acy of leadership will live on in the history of of my life, I was able to look the President in this Nation. the eye as he asked me how my campaign was Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 81 going. I said, ‘‘Mr. President, it is going fine, Hon. Barbara Cubin but I just want to thank you for everything you have done for our country and to encourage my OF WYOMING generation of Americans to believe in this coun- try again.’’ Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, a great President, and a true friend I said then, and I say again, thank you, Mr. to the people of Wyoming. President. May God bless you, as, through you, We all probably have our way of remembering God most certainly blessed the United States of President REAGAN, but for me I will always see America. him atop his big white horse, pointing out to the distance as if to say, ‘‘The future is that way, and we must ride into it.’’ Here is the picture Hon. Martin Frost that I remember so well. Today we are lucky enough to live in that fu- OF TEXAS ture. The millions once enslaved behind the Iron Curtain are free, and the cold war is over, with Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor President freedom the victor. REAGAN’s legacy to our country. I was elected They say that fortune favors the brave, and for- in 1978, 2 years before RONALD REAGAN as- tune favored President REAGAN. He helped us sumed the Presidency. I served in Congress the to believe in ourselves again and to believe in entire 8 years of his Presidency and had the op- common dreams that bind us together as Ameri- portunity to observe him at close range. We cans. often disagreed on domestic policy; however, we When President REAGAN took office, we were were largely in agreement on foreign policy, and gripped with the fear that perhaps America’s REAGAN, indeed, left an indelible mark in the greatest days were behind us. Eight years later field of . He correctly understood when he walked out of the Oval Office and into the sunset of his life, we knew that in America the economic vulnerability of the Soviet Union our best days will always be on the horizon. and exploited this to win the cold war without Mr. Speaker, the people of Wyoming will be firing a shot. He increased U.S. defense spending, eternally thankful to RONALD REAGAN. We will an effort which I supported, and when the Soviet be eternally thankful that he was there on that Union tried to keep pace, it fell apart from the white horse to point the way not into the sunset, economic strain. but instead into a shining new ‘‘morning in The watchword of his administration was America.’’ ‘‘peace through strength.’’ President REAGAN brought hope and optimism to our country at a time when it was sorely needed. Also, he dem- Hon. Lincoln Davis onstrated through word and deed that one could OF TENNESSEE disagree with their domestic political adversaries and still be friends at the end of the day. This Mr. Speaker, the death of President REAGAN, is an element that is sorely missing from today’s given his publicly known battle with Alz- highly charged partisan atmosphere in Wash- heimer’s, did not come as a surprise to many. ington. Still, those of us in the United States and around the world are greatly saddened by his departure RONALD REAGAN won his share of battles in and by our loss. Congress, but he did it without lasting rancor. He was an indelible figure, known not only That was perhaps his greatest legacy. We could in American history, but known throughout use a little bit of that spirit today. world history. The man that helped bring about the end of the cold war will always be praised 82 Ronald Reagan for his eternal optimism, love of country, prin- quo acceptance of an evil empire on the other ciple stance on issues, the eloquence in which he side of the globe, President REAGAN challenged communicated with the Nation, and his abun- the conventional wisdom of appeasing the Soviet dant faith. Union and challenged them directly, helmet to It is my firm belief that President REAGAN helmet, on the field of ideology. saw the best in everyone. As with most Ameri- President REAGAN’s administration had an ex- cans, REAGAN understood America’s greatness ceptional consistency through his 8 years—life, lies within its people. It is the character of the liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, words we American people that has guided us through all often take for granted while denying ourselves a the obstacles we have had to overcome. And we conscious thought that there are many who are recently celebrated the American spirit during denied these God-given, inalienable unalienable the 60th anniversary of D-day. rights. 12 1987 President REAGAN was perceived as a man On June , , from what was West Ger- guided by principles. No matter what side of the many’s Brandenburg Gate, President REAGAN aisle we were on, we always knew where he spoke directly to communist states, telling them stood. His legacy will be the challenge that he what was painfully obvious to the Western opened to bring about peace between two super- world: A totalitarian system just did not work. powers. His work can summed up by the jWke see failure, technological backwardness, declining English author Richard Adams: ‘‘The thinker standards of health, even want of the most basic kind—too dies, but his thoughts are beyond the reach of little food. . . . After . . . four decades . . . there stands before the entire world one great and inescapable conclusion: Free- destruction. Men are mortal, but ideas are im- dom leads to prosperity. Freedom replaces the ancient hatreds mortal.’’ among the nations with comity and peace. Freedom is the The man of abundant faith in country, family, victor. and God, REAGAN embodied the American spir- This, of course, was the famous speech where it. Even in knowing his time on Earth was near- President REAGAN asked Mr. Gorbachev to tear ing an end, he wrote: ‘‘When the Lord calls me down the Berlin Wall and to let men and women home, whenever that may be, I will leave with be free. President REAGAN pledged cooperation the greatest love for this country of ours and eter- in reducing nuclear weapons, maintaining peace, nal optimism for its future.’’ but doing so in a setting befitting civilized na- Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. tions. This declaration, while a defining moment Reagan and their children at this difficult time. in his Presidency, was consistent of a President May God bless them, and may God bless the who believed, truly believed, in a free-market United States of America. economy and in a world that called on personal responsibility and a hand up rather than a hand- out; limited government; the right of men and Hon. Jeff Miller women to live free, and children to grow up in a world that did not require them to know the OF FLORIDA duck-and-cover routine. Mr. Speaker, God bless the GIPPER, and may Mr. Speaker, most Presidents have been de- God rest his soul. fined by the events of their day. Whether it is war, the economy, or domestic policy, these lead- ers have all been forced to react to the issues. Hon. Darlene Hooley RONALD WILSON REAGAN, however, did not fit this mold. His Presidency defined the events of OF OREGON his day, which boldly resembles the world that we each live in. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Taking office in a relatively peaceful period in life of President RONALD WILSON REAGAN, a our history, where the cold war was in an as- man whose legacy will be remembered for gen- sumed perpetual state, rather than a quid pro erations to come. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 83

I remember President REAGAN as an opti- Through his outlook and conviction, President mistic leader who stood up for what he believed REAGAN restored America’s confidence in itself. in and who led our Nation with passion, grace, As a result of RONALD REAGAN’s inspiring and wit. President REAGAN believed in the re- leadership as our President, the world changed sourcefulness of the American people and be- dramatically. Economic stagnation was replaced lieved that their ingenuity, courage, and hard with a dynamic economy. President REAGAN work could build a better America and a better challenged the Soviet Union to ‘‘tear down this world. wall!’’ and the Berlin Wall came down. He saw President REAGAN envisioned America as a a day when Eastern Europe would join the free can-do country, and he was devoted and unwav- world, and it did. He stayed firm at Reykjavik ering in his commitment to the American peo- and, for the first time, Russia and America ple. His message of optimism provided hope for stopped building, and started destroying, nuclear many Americans during challenging times for weapons. our Nation and for the world. RONALD REAGAN understood the price of 19 Today we remember his service and his leader- freedom. Forty years after D-day, and years 364 ship and join the rest of the country in mourning and days before he passed away, President his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with REAGAN commemorated ‘‘the boys of Pointe du his devoted wife Nancy and his entire family. Hoc’’ who took the cliffs at Normandy for the Allies during World War II. He said: The men of Normandy had faith that what they were doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith Hon. Todd Russell Platts that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead OF PENNSYLVANIA or on the next. It was the deep knowledge—and pray God we have not lost it—that there is a profound moral difference between the use of force for liberation and the use of force Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to RONALD for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and WILSON REAGAN, our Nation’s 40th President, so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you a true statesman and patriot, a husband and fa- were right not to doubt. ther, and a Great American. I offer my sincerest You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the entire for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of govern- Reagan family. My prayers are with them in this ment ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of time of mourning and remembrance. you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people When RONALD REAGAN was elected President of your countries were behind you. in 1980, America was facing a crisis. The crisis It is this understanding of history, this moral went deeper than the economic problems of clarity, that helped RONALD REAGAN to lead us double-digit inflation, rising unemployment, to the freer world we have today. It is what helps long gas lines, and threatening military actions to make President REAGAN one of the giants of of the Soviet Union. After Vietnam, Watergate, the 20th century, along with his personal hero, and the hostage situation in Iran, America actu- Franklin Delano Roosevelt. ally began to experience a crisis of faith in itself. Six years ago, in commemoration of RONALD More than any other person, President REAGAN REAGAN’s 87th birthday, I had the pleasure of helped us to overcome our doubts and remind joining First Lady Nancy Reagan and Ambas- us that America is, in fact, a ‘‘shining city on sador at the Reagan Library in a hill.’’ California. I was there as an elected member of RONALD REAGAN was the eternal optimist, a the Pennsylvania General Assembly. But I was believer in America’s abilities, ideals, and innate there, most importantly, as an American citizen goodness. His faith in the greatness of our Na- who was honored to pay tribute to and to express tion was perhaps best expressed when he said: my deep gratitude to President REAGAN for his In this land of dreams fulfilled, where greater dreams may tremendous service to our Nation. In my con- be imagined, nothing is impossible, no victory is beyond our versation with Mrs. Reagan that day, my message reach, no glory will ever be too great. was simply one of thanks. Thanks to her and, 84 Ronald Reagan through her, to President REAGAN for their dedi- dent’s rhetoric that won her. It was not his stal- cated, hard-working and outstanding service to wart countenance under the distress of terror in our great Nation and its citizens. the Middle East, his unwavering courage in the RONALD REAGAN’s service to others, his face of communism, or his passionate leadership statesmanship, his love of country, and his un- in the of a nuclear threat. Not even the wavering commitment to the principles of free- lure of the jellybean jar on his desk made dom, liberty, and justice for which our Nation REAGAN a great man to Katharine. stands, were great examples for all of us fellow Plainly put, the quality that won her was the citizens to emulate. President REAGAN was truly same one that won us all: his sincerity. inspiring to countless citizens. His example He was quintessentially American. He was a helped to affirm my own commitment to the midwesterner. He was a success story. He was ideals of public service, to the ideals of giving a visionary. And finally, RONALD REAGAN was back to one’s Nation, and certainly helped to af- not just a leader whom we believed in; he was firm my interest in serving the public office, in- a leader who believed in us. cluding here in Congress. But when I remember RONALD REAGAN, I I am greatly honored to join with fellow think of him calling off the Secret Service agents Americans in saying: Mr. President, thank you and happily sweeping Katharine up into his for a job well done and a life well lived. You arms. He swept us all up that same way, and will long be missed and never forgotten. God the tide of sincerity on which he carried us is bless you and God bless this great Nation you the same one welling up in the eyes of our Na- loved so dearly, the United States of America. tion right now. A photo of Katharine in President REAGAN’s arms, taken seconds after she defied us to pursue Hon. Jo Ann Emerson a hug from her hero, today hangs in the front room of my Washington office. Every time I OF MISSOURI walk through that door, I see the photo and think of him as millions of us do: as a member Mr. Speaker, as we mourn the passing of Presi- of our family. dent RONALD REAGAN, I remember one experi- ence in 1985 that to me defines President REAGAN best. It was my daughter Katharine’s Hon. Dennis Moore first visit to the White House with the Emerson family. As we approached the Oval Office, out- OF KANSAS side of which we were to wait for the President, the door swung open. Katharine had been obedi- Mr. Speaker, the United States of America lost ently holding my hand, but at that moment she one of our giants with the passing last Saturday broke away from me and she ran toward Presi- of our 40th President, RONALD WILSON dent REAGAN. The Secret Servicemen standing REAGAN. between us and the President moved to stop her. We come together today and this week in ‘‘No, no,’’ President REAGAN calmly said to Congress, Democrats and Republicans, to pay them. Katharine flew past the Secret Servicemen tribute to the man who played a primary role and jumped into the President’s arms, and he in ending our cold war with the Soviet Union lifted her up high. and who, as the Center for American Progress The genuine joy on both of their faces struck said earlier this week, projected ‘‘a never-failing me then. Today the memory reminds me that sense of optimism which restored faith in the as strong a man as he was, President REAGAN American Presidency in a Nation still scarred by could easily match the enthusiastic happiness of Vietnam and Watergate.’’ a 2-year-old. The said this week: Even before she met him, RONALD REAGAN His sunny self-assurance, his insistence that there really was my daughter’s hero. It was not the Presi- were simple answers to difficult problems, his knack for actu- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 85 ally making things happen, all were soothing changes for a In the twilight of his life, President REAGAN country that had endured Vietnam, Watergate, a Presidential again provided hope and inspiration for millions resignation, an energy crisis, double-digit inflation, and the seizing of American hostages in Iran in the course of one of Americans with his valiant battle, with the tumultuous decade. devoted support of his wife, Nancy, against the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Speaker, my In particular, Mr. Speaker, we remember RON- father is afflicted with this cruel and debilitating ALD REAGAN for standing firmly with Federal condition. I share the hope of Nancy Reagan and Reserve Chairman in the early millions of others that expanded stem cell re- eighties to drive down inflation and revive the search will some day unlock new discoveries economy, thus setting the stage for the pro- needed to successfully treat Alzheimer’s disease, longed American economic expansion of the early diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. nineties. I greatly respect the religious convictions of While President REAGAN had deeply held core those people who are concerned about the expan- convictions, as a national leader he was also able sion of stem cell research, but I hope soon we to compromise and change directions when poli- will find some middle ground between the two cies were not working. After instigating a large extremes and enable us to go forward with this 1981 tax cut in , for example, he later asked for research which one day may save the lives of mil- tax increases to fight an exploding Federal deficit lions of Americans. One of the legacies of our and tight monetary conditions. Without Presi- 40th President will be that we worked together dent REAGAN’s active support, the Gramm- to find a way to join in harnessing this tech- Rudman-Hollings Act, which ultimately led to nology and promise. The potential human health deficit reductions through imposition of pay-as- and scientific benefits of stem cell research are you-go rules, would never have become law. simply staggering, and I hope that we can join President REAGAN signed into law bills pro- and leave a legacy for President REAGAN and for tecting 1.9 billion acres of wilderness in Wash- Nancy Reagan as well. ington State and Oregon. Known as a lifelong In conclusion, I reflect back on RONALD crusader against communism, President REAGAN REAGAN’s last major public address, his speech combined military and diplomatic strength to to the 1992 Republican National Convention. He develop a relationship with Soviet Leader Mikhail could have been speaking, though, to all Ameri- Gorbachev that ultimately led to limits on nu- cans, Mr. Speaker, because he said, he closed with clear weapons and the end of the cold war. these words: recently said that Presi- My fellow citizens, . . . I want you to know that I have dent REAGAN was able to win the respect of Eu- always had the highest respect for you, for your common ropeans through his ‘‘commitment to winning sense and intelligence and for your decency. I have always the Cold War and his willingness to work peace- believed in you and in what you could accomplish for your- fully to bring about the demise of the Soviet selves and for others. Union.’’ And whatever else history may say about me when I am gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, Even in times of failure and disappointment, not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your President REAGAN stood tall, and he won the re- doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with spect of all. Following the disaster at the Marine liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm barracks in Lebanon and the Iran-Contra scandal, steadying your way. President REAGAN accepted responsibility say- I hope that we in Congress, Mr. Speaker, can ing, ‘‘This happened on my watch’’ and ‘‘if there come together for the American people for an is to be blame, it properly rests here in this office agenda; and I truly believe that even though we and with this President. And I accept responsi- have honest, good-faith differences between the bility for the bad as well as the good.’’ That was parties, we can put aside some of the rancor, a quote from President REAGAN, and I think some of the partisanship, and work on the Amer- that shows the measure of the man that President ican agenda the way that RONALD REAGAN REAGAN was. wanted us all to do. 86 Ronald Reagan Mr. Speaker, I could think of no better way Our Nation was blessed to have been given to remember the legacy of President RONALD RONALD REAGAN, the President and the man. REAGAN than by those words that he gave. Mr. Speaker, I believe that the accomplish- ments which cause RONALD REAGAN to stand among our greatest Presidents can be traced to Hon. a set of fundamental beliefs to which he adhered throughout his political career. OF TEXAS One of them was strong, steadfast confidence in the American people. President REAGAN knew Mr. Speaker, like many Americans, I feel a real that government must be limited so that the un- and personal sense of loss with the death of Presi- limited potential of individual Americans could dent RONALD REAGAN. He was a great man and be unleashed. He knew that when families were a great President, ranking in the top tier of all able to keep more of the money they earned, not of our Chief Executives. He will be remembered just the family but the whole country would ben- as a pivotal historical figure; but, at the same efit. The result of his tax relief and restraint of time, many Americans feel as though they have government was the longest period of economic lost a member of their family. Such was the growth in the Nation’s history. unique character and legacy of RONALD President REAGAN also believed, with the REAGAN, the President and the man. signers of the Declaration of Independence, that My wife Sally and I each had the honor of freedom is a gift of God, intended for all peoples. 1982 serving as political appointees during the second In his speech to the British Parliament in , term of the Reagan administration. We were which he viewed as among his most important, down in the bowels of the , but he said: proud to be working for and certainly inspired We must be staunch in our conviction that freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and by President REAGAN. With his optimism and universal right of all human beings. his confidence in America, he inspired at least a generation of conservatives to be involved in President REAGAN was often underestimated, public life and to advance the ideals for which but his clear words required clear thoughts, and he stood. those clear thoughts came from a clear vision and clear values, the articulation of which was refined As important as his accomplishments domesti- over a lifetime of work. The amount of work and cally and internationally were, perhaps his most thought RONALD REAGAN put into developing important success was to help the American peo- and expressing his views are only now becoming ple believe in themselves again. After the tumult known, with the publication of some of the thou- of assassinations, Vietnam, Watergate, and mal- sands of articles and letters written with his own aise, RONALD REAGAN came to remind us of the hand. core values of the Founding Fathers and the spe- He clearly believed that one must not be afraid cial place that the United States has in the his- to speak the truth, sometimes to the discomfort tory of the world, that ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ of his advisors. In the well-known speech in President REAGAN was called the Great Com- which he called the Soviet Union the ‘‘focus of municator, but he said that what was truly great evil in the modern world’’ he went on to urge were the ideas he communicated. Those ideas his listeners and the country to: were fundamental in the creation of the United jSkpeak out against those who would place the United States. As he noted in his farewell address, he States in a position of military and moral inferiority . . . I communicated ‘‘great things . . . jthatk came urge you to beware the temptation of pride—the temptation from the heart of a . . . nation—from our experi- of blithely declaring yourselves above it all and label both ence, our wisdom, and our belief in principles sides equally at fault, to ignore the facts of history and the aggressive impulses of an evil empire, to simply call the arms that have guided us for two centuries.’’ RONALD race a giant misunderstanding and thereby remove yourself REAGAN brought out the best in us because he from the struggle between right and wrong and good and knew the best of us. evil. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 87

Throughout his career of public service, RON- for that change and then congressional support ALD REAGAN did not remove himself from the for that change. He did it using the process, to struggle between right and wrong, good and evil. bring about a change of policy and expectation He engaged in that struggle, and he changed the of our country. He also established America as course of history. a world leader, proud of our commitment to de- Before the British Parliament, President mocracy and willing to get involved in inter- REAGAN repeated the question asked by Winston national events to bring about change for the Churchill in one of his wartime speeches: ‘‘What good. He laid the foundation for the end of the kind of a people do they think we are?’’ President cold war. REAGAN answered, ‘‘Free people, worthy of free- As I said, Mr. Speaker, he was a remarkable dom and determined not only to remain so but President and will be missed by all. to help others gain their freedom as well.’’ On January 20, 1981, President REAGAN spoke Being a ‘‘free people, worthy of freedom’’ and of his abiding commitment to ‘‘a special interest j k ‘‘help ing others gain their freedom as well’’ re- group that has been too long neglected. It knows mains America’s challenge. My hope is that we no sectional boundaries or ethnic and racial divi- pursue those aims with the determination and sions, and it crosses political party lines. It is spirit that RONALD REAGAN displayed through- made up of men and women who raise our food, out his career. patrol our streets, man our mines and factories, A President whose basic political philosophy teach our children, keep our homes, and heal us about the role of government continues to occupy when we’re sick—professionals, industrialists, center stage in our domestic debates more than shopkeepers, clerks, cabbies, and truck drivers. a decade after he left office; a President who They are, in short, ‘‘we the people,’’ this breed changed the course of world history and helped called Americans.’’ free millions of people from totalitarian bondage; Mr. Speaker, he will be missed by all. a man who restored a Nation’s confidence in itself and continues to inspire defenders of free- dom everywhere—quite a record. Quite a life. Hon. Wayne T. Gilchrest Again, our Nation was blessed to have been given RONALD REAGAN. OF MARYLAND

America mourns these past few days the pass- Hon. Benjamin L. Cardin ing of a true American, one who reflects not only the values of the country in the 21st century or OF MARYLAND the 20th century, but RONALD REAGAN had in- Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the people I herent in his body and his soul and his mind represent in the Third Congressional District to and his heart the idea that each of us has a pas- express my sincere condolences to the Reagan sion for freedom, that each of us has a sense of family and to memorialize our 40th President, urgency for justice. RONALD WILSON REAGAN. Jefferson will be remembered for many, many I had the opportunity to serve for 2 years in things; but we will all remember those words, the Congress when RONALD REAGAN was Presi- ‘‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all dent of the United States, and I also had the op- men are created equal.’’ portunity when I was speaker of the State legisla- And Lincoln will be remembered for many, ture to work with President REAGAN on behalf many things, but we will all remember those of the National Conference of State Legislators. words after the Civil War: ‘‘With malice toward Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN was one of the none, with charity for all, let us work together most effective Presidents in the history of our to bind up the Nation’s wounds.’’ Nation. He brought an agenda of change to And a century later, another American that re- Washington, and he developed public support flected the true values of our country said that 88 Ronald Reagan ‘‘you will not be judged by the color of your Hon. Michael C. Burgess skin, but by the content of your character.’’ These men through the centuries brought OF TEXAS America together. They united America. They Mr. Speaker, it has been said that RONALD had a vision for America. REAGAN loved Texas and Texas loved RONALD RONALD REAGAN will be remembered for REAGAN right back. So it was especially poign- many, many things, but we will all remember ant that news of his passing occurred during our with a sense of seriousness and joy when he said, State Republican Convention this past weekend. ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ Indeed, State Senator Jane Nelson from my dis- So what Mr. REAGAN was trying to do was trict in north Texas was quoted in the newspaper to impart that passion for freedom, that urgency as saying, ‘‘We stopped at that point. We had a preacher on hand that gave him a beautiful for justice, not only for Americans and the vast tribute. We were able to come up with a picture, array of that we have here but for the and we all sang ‘Amazing Grace.’ There were a rest of the world. lot of tears, mine included.’’ Mrs. Reagan, the Reagan family, America, County judge Mary Horn was quoted in my President RONALD REAGAN will be missed, but local paper as saying, ‘‘He was the same up close always remembered. as you perceived him to be on television. He was very sincere and very nice. When he talked to you, he talked to you. He didn’t pay attention Hon. Mark Green to things going on around him. You had his full attention.’’ OF WISCONSIN State Representative Myra Crownover said, ‘‘I remember that while REAGAN was the oldest Mr. Speaker, I entered college in the late sev- elected President, what sticks in my mind was enties, and so I remember well those times and the way he connected to young people. We had the challenges that we faced: soaring inflation, been through a decade of young people being soaring interest rates, soaring unemployment, gas disconnected with taking pride in America, and prices that were sky high, on the world stage he lit that spark again.’’ Representative hostages in Iran, and the cold war loomed large. Crownover went on to say, ‘‘You have to be ap- preciative of what his family is living through.’’ I remember that as President REAGAN took of- Someone described it once as being halfway to fice, some pundits, some experts out there argu- Heaven. I am so glad he has been released so he ing that the Office of the Presidency had become could go the rest of the way. too big for one man. And they said maybe it was time to look at a different institution, co-Presi- dency or something like that. And then on to Hon. Tom Feeney the stage came RONALD REAGAN. OF FLORIDA Through shear force of character, through his inspirational leadership, I am proud to say that Mr. Speaker, for all Americans, RONALD he shaped the modern Republican Party, he REAGAN was a happy warrior who fought all of shaped the Office of the Presidency, he shaped his life for freedom with a gracefulness and a con- a new America, indeed he shaped a new world, fidence that inspired all of America. But for a new world that offered hope for freedom-loving American contemporary conservatives like my- people all around the world. self, RONALD REAGAN was more than that. He Mr. Speaker, not a bad accomplishment for was our Plato, laying the philosophical ground- work for limited government, freedom, and self- one man. responsibility. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 89 He was our . After Lincoln, repub- A decade later, it was morning again in Amer- licanism had been adrift in fighting our way out ica. Tax rates were cut from 70 percent to 25 of a desert filled with statist tendencies and the percent, gross domestic product rising at the march toward bigger government and welfare de- fastest rates since World War II, stock markets pendency, something Frederick Hayek described booming and the American spirit transcending as ‘‘The Road to Serfdom.’’ REAGAN reminded long-forgotten malaise. conservatives that America had a great ren- dezvous with destiny ahead. Reagan was our Washington, the first contem- porary President to consistently lay out conserv- Hon. Scott Garrett ative principles and steadfastly, calmly, and time- OF NEW JERSEY ly lead us during threats to freedom from big government and taxation at home, threats from Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we pay our re- tyrannical hegemony from abroad, to secure what spects to one of the greatest leaders that this Na- our first President called the ‘‘sacred fire of lib- tion has ever known, a man who will forever be erty.’’ Finally, RONALD REAGAN was a Churchill, held as a model for what is great about America. warning of external threats not only to our home- As we take this time to mourn the loss of one land’s freedom but of gathering storms building of our Nation’s greatest leaders, we should also globally which endangered the aspirations of celebrate his heroic and historic life that he lived. freedom fighters across the globe. And like RONALD REAGAN exemplified the best qualities Churchill, he then led us and led the free world that you would ever want in a leader. He was in refusing to appease or co-exist with totali- compassionate, he was caring, he was visionary, tarian threats but instead insisting, like King and he was strong. He took our Nation from a Henry at Agincourt, that we wade into the crisis in confidence to a country the entire world enemy and win. Finally, to quote Senator Benjamin Hill when would view as a standard bearer of justice and he was speaking of the death of Robert E. Lee, liberty. I would like to quote him with respect to RON- Americans put their trust in RONALD ALD REAGAN: ‘‘He was a foe without hate; a REAGAN and, in turn, RONALD REAGAN put his friend without treachery; a soldier without cru- trust in each one of us. He had faith in the elty; a victor without oppression; and a victim American individual, in one’s ability to care for without murmuring. He was a public officer one’s self. RONALD REAGAN knew that we could without vices; a private citizen without wrong; do more for ourselves than any oversized bureau- a neighbor without reproach; a Christian without cratic burdensome Federal Government could hypocrisy; and a man without guile. He was a ever do. RONALD REAGAN believed that doing Caesar, without his ambition; Frederick, without more for ourselves was really the best way that his tyranny; , without his selfishness, and Washington, without his reward.’’ we could regain that long missing self-confidence This week America gives President REAGAN and our American pride again. his very just reward. So today, in the wake of the President’s death, By 1980, America’s leaders were presiding over we must continue to learn from his teachings. a self-described ‘‘national malaise’’ domestically, And we must long remember after today the con- 12 20 -percent interest rates, -percent mortgage tributions that RONALD REAGAN made to this rates, and a rising across the land. Nation. Internationally, America seemed resigned to co-existence with an evil empire that had So may the legacy of RONALD REAGAN live enslaved and killed tens of millions, and drawn on as long as we are all proud to raise up the down upon two-thirds of the world’s people an Stars and Stripes and call ourselves the United ‘‘iron curtain’’ of suffering and hopelessness. States of America. 90 Ronald Reagan Hon. Hon. Terry Everett

OF MINNESOTA OF ALABAMA

Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to rise and join my Mr. Speaker, I insert at this point in the Record ONALD REAGAN’s colleagues in expressing my love and admiration my celebration of President R life, truly a man that made a great difference in and respect for President RONALD REAGAN. I this country and this world. very much appreciate that here on the House Mr. Speaker, I join this House and all the floor last night and today colleagues from both American people in mourning the loss of former sides of the aisle have stepped up to express their President RONALD WILSON REAGAN. His pass- respects. I think that is an important thing. It ing is not only a sad time for America, but for is an indicator of what a truly great man, a great all nations. President, a great leader we had in RONALD President REAGAN gave hope and optimism to REAGAN. a world fearful of an uncertain future. He stirred Many of us had the privilege and honor of forgotten emotions of patriotism at home while working closely with President REAGAN. I was evoking courage in millions abroad struggling very fortunate that in his first months in office under the yolk of communism. I had the position of being his Marine Corps aid He helped to end the cold war, and his legacy and carrying the , the codes, trav- is much in evidence today as once again a strong eling with him, and having the opportunity to and patriotic America leads the world against the share some thoughts. It usually was him sharing evil of tyranny. Another legacy of President REAGAN—one for the thoughts and me listening in rapt attention, which he was attacked by the shortsighted—was but what a wonderful man. his vision of a strategic missile defense for our When you were with and near RONALD Nation and our allies. Thank God RONALD REAGAN, it really was ‘‘morning in America.’’ I REAGAN did not waiver in his resolve to pursue never knew any one of us who worked with him research into a missile defense for America. His or anyone who was in his presence who could unbridled determination to protect America from not feel his love for life, his love for our country, nuclear annihilation ultimately brought the So- his unstoppable optimism. And on the one hand viet Union to its knees. he was, as we have heard many of our colleagues Today, 20 years later, President Bush is lead- say, friendly, lovable, affable, ready with the ing the launch of a long-awaited missile defense joke; and on the other hand he was truly a man system that will make America more secure from of steel. the threat of nuclear attack by a rogue nation He had a wonderful vision for America, a vi- or terrorist organization. The groundwork re- sion as he articulated of a ‘‘city on the hill,’’ a search and development of this vital defense pro- beacon of hope and opportunity for the world. gram, the Strategic Defense Initiative, was begun And his resolute determination that we would under President REAGAN. I am honored to chair the House Armed Serv- not continue in the impossible impasse of the ices Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which has cold war, the very cold war that necessitated me a direct role in the funding and oversight of this and my colleagues to carry those nuclear codes; landmark missile defense system. And, I am he refused to accept that as inevitable and he set proud to know that my subcommittee’s efforts out with the determination that is hard to imag- are the continuation of the promise made by ine today, to end that impasse, to win the war, RONALD REAGAN to bring about a safer future to defeat the evil empire. I was proud to serve for our families. with him. On a personal note, the people of the Second I just want to express my love to him and my District of Alabama have a special love for RON- love to his family. ALD REAGAN. On July 10, 1986, Air Force One Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 91 landed at Dothan Airport and President REAGAN rifice the good for the perfect. He has been joined hundreds of our citizens of the Wiregrass quoted as saying: ‘‘Die-hard conservatives for fried chicken and a discussion of his tax cut thought that if I couldn’t get everything I asked plan. His charm and conservative message were for, I should jump off the cliff with the flag fly- very warmly received. It was clear to everyone ing—go down in flames. No,’’ he said, ‘‘if I can there that he hated to leave, and we hated to give get 70 or 80 percent of what . . . I’m trying to him up. get . . . I’ll take that and then continue to try Now Alabama and America must say a final to get the rest in the future.’’ farewell to our beloved former President. Frank- We can all point to a handful of people who ly, I can’t imagine an America without RONALD shaped us into what we are today. My list cer- REAGAN. He symbolized more completely than tainly includes RONALD REAGAN, who helped anyone else in modern history what we loved so shape both my political ideology and the day- much about our country. He made America to-day manner in which I try to govern—with- ‘‘America’’ again and for that we will always be out acrimony, with a touch of humor, and with grateful. an unwavering faith in the American people. On behalf of the people of the Second District of Alabama, I send my condolences to Nancy Reagan and her family. We join with the Nation Hon. Katherine Harris and the world in sharing in your grief. OF FLORIDA

Hon. Doc Hastings Mr. Speaker, tonight we join Americans from all walks of life and every political persuasion in OF WASHINGTON mourning a President whose courage, vision, op- timism and resolve renewed the Nation he loved. Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN is a large part As we look back with the clarity and assured- of why I have the honor of standing here today. ness that history affords, how easily we forget the I am from Washington State but in the staggering challenges that RONALD REAGAN in- midsixties I lived in California. In 1966 I had herited on January 20, 1981. the privilege of casting my first vote for RONALD Haunted by the ghost of Vietnam, America REAGAN in the gubernatorial primary and subse- seemed in retreat as Soviet aggression either quently in the general election when he was enslaved or threatened significant regions of four elected Governor. continents. Meanwhile, the American people I moved back to Washington in 1976, and I struggled as stagnant economic growth, double- served as a Reagan delegate to the Presidential 20 Convention in Kansas City. He inspired me to digit inflation, and -percent interest rates ate get involved in public service, and 2 years later, away their life savings and crushed their hopes I was elected to the Washington State Legisla- for the future. Most ominously, our leaders spoke ture. of a crisis in the American spirit, of a pervasive Reagan viewed the government as a servant of malaise that appeared to have infected our hopes, the people, not their master. Throughout his ca- our dreams and our will to persevere. reer, he worked for less government control over These problems seemed so severe and so insol- our lives. During his first inaugural address he uble that pundits and politicos wondered if the said: burdens of the Presidency had become too large, too complex and too demanding for any one per- jIkt’s not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work—work with us, not over us; to son to handle, but not RONALD REAGAN. stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can They also believed that the United States and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster produc- could only hope to become comfortable in its tivity, not stifle it.’’ prison of mutually assured destruction with the While he made no apologies for what he be- Soviet Union and that the era of nuclear tyranny lieved, he was a pragmatist, not willing to sac- was with us forever, but not RONALD REAGAN. 92 Ronald Reagan These so-called experts were even convinced Hon. Jim Gibbons that a vibrant economy was impossible without double-digit inflation, but not RONALD OF NEVADA REAGAN. Rising from the humblest of beginnings, Mr. Speaker, I want to add my thanks to the RONALD REAGAN taught us once again how to gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for granting embrace the extraordinary. His historic Presi- me the time to speak this afternoon. dency restored our spirit, revitalized our economy I rise today to express my most sincere and and transformed yesterday’s garrisons of tyranny heartfelt condolences to the family of RONALD into today’s arsenals of liberty. WILSON REAGAN and to the millions of Ameri- Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN brought us to- cans, Mr. Speaker, who join me and all of us in gether by reminding us of the unique blessings mourning the passing of this great leader this that we enjoy as a Nation, and as we grieve his week. passing this week, let us celebrate a life that ex- I also rise to voice a great sense of loss and emplified the strength, the character and the re- bereavement felt by a multitude of my fellow siliency of the American spirit Nevadans who are now reflecting upon and cele- brating the tremendous impact that our Nation’s 40th and arguably most influential President has Hon. had on all of our lives. REAGAN’s political accomplishments alone OF GEORGIA could fill volumes; yet his political goals would have been far more difficult to come by if not Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand here today for his eternally honorable character and person- 6 on behalf of myself and the citizens of the th ality. This week, as Americans mourn this great District of Georgia and express my deep sym- loss together, we will reflect not only on his po- pathy to the family of RONALD REAGAN and my litical legacy, but also upon REAGAN’s personal grateful appreciation for the life of RONALD contributions to America and to our culture. REAGAN. RONALD REAGAN was more than a President I had the occasion to meet Mr. REAGAN for or a Commander in Chief. President REAGAN the first time in 1970 when he began his pursuit was a smalltown boy who mastered his own des- on the national political stage, and I watched in tiny to become an inspiration and great moti- amazement as this man transformed a decade of vating force for the principles and policies that dissent and discord into a decade of hope and many of us continue to fight for every day in prosperity through the power of his positive atti- the House of Representatives. tude and to his great patriotism to his country. During my tenure in Congress, it has been one As a young man in the fifties, I remember of my most distinguished honors and personal crawling under the bomb shelters and under my joys to lead my colleagues on multiple measures desk when we prepared for the cold war and the designed to pay homage to Mr. REAGAN. Most worst of the tyranny of communism, and I notably, in May 2002, legislation I sponsored to watched 35 years later as, through his powerful grant RONALD and Nancy REAGAN the Congres- persuasiveness, RONALD REAGAN broke down sional Gold Medal became a reality when Presi- the Berlin Wall, broke down the Soviet Union dent Bush presented Nancy Reagan with this and brought peace and prosperity to more of the award, the highest honor Congress can bestow, world. in the Capitol rotunda. On this day on behalf of all of my constitu- Ironically, in light of the tremendous impres- ents, my children and my grandchildren, I give sion his life has left upon the American public, thanks for the life of RONALD REAGAN, and I even the seems a tiny thank God that RONALD REAGAN came Amer- token of appreciation that can only be over- ica’s way. shadowed by the monumental outpouring of re- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 93 spect, reverence and appreciation flowing from every year, and that is our big birthday celebra- all corners of our great Nation this week. tion because we know RONALD REAGAN is the So as we contemplate the magnificent life of modern founder of the Republican Party today, President RONALD REAGAN and mourn his pass- and that inspiration causes us to celebrate his ing, we are reassured by the fact that this body birthday. can and should keep his legacy alive. Congress Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, can best honor President REAGAN by continuing and we hope that they get through this with not progress along a path of conservative policies that too much crisis for all the blessings they have REAGAN himself would be proud of, and with bestowed upon our Nation. that, I once again send my warmest regards to the Reagan family. Hon. J. Randy Forbes Hon. John R. Carter OF VIRGINIA OF TEXAS Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor one of America’s greatest statesmen, Mr. Speaker, today our Nation weeps in a very President RONALD REAGAN. sad week when we recognize that we have lost As RONALD REAGAN makes his final trip to a President who changed the Nation and acted Washington, we remember this truly humble upon a policy that created positive change not American hero. We remember a man with an or- only for this Nation, but for the entire world. dinary beginning who went on to do extraor- Many of us who went into politics in the dinary things, to chart the course for a genera- eighties, as I did, went in because we were in- tion, for a Nation and for the world. spired by RONALD REAGAN. I actually ran for Mr. Speaker, Washington is a town of leaders, office the first time in 1980, and something that and each of us who comes to Washington has I will never forget is that RONALD REAGAN took a vision for the direction of our Nation. Rarely the time for a young, just-getting-started fellow is there a man like RONALD REAGAN who cannot who was running for State representative in only lead leaders, but who can do so with such Texas, to drop me a personal note of encourage- integrity, principle and honesty. ment. Here was a man who was going to lead In the midst of a Nation whose spirit had been the Nation, and yet he took the time for one crushed with war and economic burden, in the small elected official. I will never forget that. midst of people gripped with fear from the RONALD REAGAN believed in America. He spread of communism, RONALD REAGAN picked knew America to be the most noble Nation on us up and breathed hope into our hearts. He re- the face of the Earth, and he absolutely trusted minded us of what we were fighting for. He said: the American people, that they would do the jTkhe ultimate determinant in the struggle that’s now right thing, because he knew them to be the going on in the world will not be bombs and rockets, but noble people who created this Nation. That mes- a test of wills and ideas, a trial of spiritual resolve, the values sage, with which he inspired our country, we hold, the beliefs we cherish, the ideals to which we are brought us out of malaise and started us on the dedicated. path of glory to know that we are doing the right He reminded us that as Americans we have thing. a responsibility to help those in need: ‘‘We can- We have missed RONALD REAGAN. We will not turn away from them,’’ he said, ‘‘for the miss him tremendously because he inspired us to struggle here is not right versus left; it is right the greatness that we have, and for that reason, versus wrong.’’ How true his words still ring he has been a blessing upon this Nation. We will today. not forget. RONALD REAGAN reminded us that govern- Back in Williamson County, where I come ment is not the answer to our problems, people from, we celebrate RONALD REAGAN’s birthday are. ‘‘jGkovernment’s view of the economy could 94 Ronald Reagan be summed up in a few short phrases,’’ he said. Hon. Lincoln Diaz-Balart ‘‘If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.’’ OF FLORIDA By exposing and destroying burdensome and Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who oppressive regulation and taxes, he restored the I believe to be President spirit that America is built upon: optimism, op- of the 20th century. President RONALD REAGAN portunity and self-reliance. In doing so, he not defeated the most powerful and dangerous mili- only energized the economy, but he rejuvenated tary empire in the history of the world without the pride and self-worth of Americans. firing a single shot. President REAGAN knew in- Finally, RONALD REAGAN reminded us of the stinctively that America represents good, and he importance of faith in our democracy. He said, knew that communism represents evil. He never ‘‘Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and wavered in his conviction that freedom is the the rule of law under God is acknowledged.’’ He birthright of all mankind. will be missed, but his words and spirit will con- The enemies of the United States never forgave tinue on. him for his firmness, for his character, for his faith in the people of the United States and his faith in the cause of liberty. Even in his death, Hon. J. Gresham Barrett they continue to attack him. His hatred is evi- denced by the declaration made by the tyrannical OF SOUTH CAROLINA regime in Havana a few hours ago: ‘‘He, who never should have been born, has died.’’ That Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN changed our monstrous statement illustrates the ultimate evil hearts with his optimistic outlook on life, the of the tyrant who has enslaved the Cuban people 45 world and our place in it. He came to office at for over years. President REAGAN knew that a time in our history when we were a little the Cuban tyrant and that communist tyrants ev- erywhere have represented and represent the an- bruised and battered, and, simply said, he pulled tithesis of liberty, freedom and human dignity. us up by our bootstraps and taught us how to I think he was an extraordinary leader, Mr. get back on the horse that knocked us off. Speaker, someone who inspired us all, changed He once said that America is too great for America for the better and saved the world from small dreams, but to RONALD REAGAN these tyranny. were not merely words that were used in a 30- May RONALD WILSON REAGAN, apostle of second . These were words that went freedom, democracy and human rights, rest in to the core of the man. peace. He reminded us that even though we may have our differences, our common bond as Amer- Hon. icans sets us apart from the rest of the world. He believed in all that is good in America be- OF MICHIGAN cause he believed there is good in every Amer- ican. Mr. Speaker, I am one of those fortunate to have worked and served in the Reagan adminis- RONALD REAGAN was a hero to me and a hero 1 tration for 4 §2 years. I started off as a legislative to an entire generation. He leaves a legacy of aid, and I ended up being in charge of congres- hope and prosperity that will last for generations sional affairs at OMB under Director Stockman to come. and then under Director Jim Miller. RONALD I know there is a special place in Heaven for REAGAN had a vision, an agenda; and he knew RONALD REAGAN, and I know in my heart he how to get things done. He surrounded himself heard the words, ‘‘Well done.’’ with good people that were smart, who shared Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 95 his vision, and in fact knew the political process of the United States, but what I particularly re- to get things done. member is how quickly he put me at ease. Of Back then, times were tough. We had the cold course, he told a joke. war, we had double-digit inflation, double-digit Learning that I was a Harvard graduate, he unemployment, double-digit interest rates; and told me the story of a friend of his who had grad- yet he was still able to get his agenda through uated from Harvard Law School, had become a and move the country forward. The odds were partner in a large firm but had lost his position stacked against him. Republicans did not control due to a problem with drinking and drugs, and the Senate; and in this body, in the House, they consequentially, in succession, he lost his wife, did not control the House either. In fact, the his family, his income, and even ran afoul of the margin was 70 or 80 votes short in the House. law, being put in jail for shoplifting. But now Yet he was still able to get his agenda through. he was out of jail. He had cleaned up his life On the minority side, the Republican side, we and, most important, he had met a wonderful had two terrific dynamic leaders, John Rhodes woman to whom he wished to propose marriage. and Bob Michel, two Republicans who were mi- But, and it was on this point that he asked the nority leaders, never Speaker. They were both President’s advice, he had not told this woman good, decent, honest people; but they never had about his background for fear of losing her. So the votes, or not the Republican votes. So RON- he asked the President, should I tell her that I ALD REAGAN appealed to the American people went to Harvard? for his support. Reaganesque is a word today that I knew immediately where I stood. Two years you will find in the dictionary, a powerful word; later, I was with the President in the Oval Office, and in fact he put policy over politics, and look and I have a picture hanging on my desk of this at the results. moment, and I am sitting across from his desk, He beat an incumbent President, a good hon- across from him, just the two of us. He has a est, decent guy, Jimmy Carter, who has done big smile on his face, and I am about to burst wonderful things since his Presidency; but the out laughing because he was, of course, telling real test is reelection, and RONALD REAGAN won another joke. 49 of the 50 States. If that was not a mandate It was a special privilege to travel with the in terms of his agenda, I do not know what is. President on Air Force One, and what I particu- That mandate, winning 49 States, I think will larly remember is the way the President came serve as the record for any President running for back to cheer up the staff, to regale us with sto- reelection. ries and jokes. I was particularly fond of his Yes, history will judge where he stands, right- amazingly authentic Irish brogue. But I will not forget especially the last time fully so. But in large part it already has. RONALD I saw him as President. It was here in this Cap- REAGAN was a great American President, a won- derful man who touched tens of millions of lives itol. He had summoned us, the Republican across this country in every respect of their life. Members, just days before the inauguration to I was proud to serve a wonderful President for give us a private valediction. No press, no public, those years. just us. And he spoke from the Democratic sides of the aisle, from the rostrum on the left, a mis- take I attributed to his lack of familiarity with Hon. Christopher Cox House procedure. It was a mistake of mine, how- ever. He knew exactly what he was doing. And OF CALIFORNIA as he described his political career, he described how he did not leave the Democratic Party, the The first time I met RONALD REAGAN was Democratic Party left him; and he strode pur- the day I began work for him in the White posefully to this other rostrum to the delight of House. We shook hands and exchanged pleasant- the Republican Members. ries in the Oval Office. Of course, it is difficult But what he told us that day rose far above to forget one’s first meeting with the President party and partisanship. Because, of course, he saw 96 Ronald Reagan a consistent thread throughout his career in his great American, the late Clarence Pendleton. He support for FDR, his campaigning for Harry extended the Voting Rights Act for a quarter Truman, his support and campaigning for Ike, century. He named the first Hispanic to the Cab- and of course his own administration. A few mo- inet, Lauro Cavasos, as Secretary of Education. ments after he finished here on the floor, we On , 1988, he provided compensa- went to Statuary Hall and he mingled with the tion to Japanese Americans who had been de- Members and we had a few private moments prived of their and their property there. This was, of course, just a few feet from during the infamous internment of World War where in the rotunda later today his body will II ordered by FDR. lie in repose. He did not tell me a joke at that time. Instead, after congratulating me on my re- Today, we can see the wisdom of President cent election to Congress, something we had had REAGAN’s policies from a distance. He appointed the chance more exuberantly to celebrate after I the first-ever Presidential Commission on AIDS and my new colleague, the gentleman from Cali- and gave national direction to the effort to stop fornia (Mr. Rohrabacher), visited with him in the the spread of this terrible disease. Oval Office in June, he told me, ‘‘never forget His was the statesmanship of a true leader. to trust the people who sent you here’’ and ‘‘al- While fighting Soviet expansion in Africa, he ways fight for the principles that you and I fought and imposed sanctions on the share.’’ racist Government of South Africa by Executive It was the serious side of him because he was order. He demanded as a condition of lifting all about ideas. And while his humor, his gregar- those sanctions the release of . iousness, his avuncularity has been much re- And yet he refused to declare economic warfare marked upon in recent days, that was an impor- against the civilian population of that country, tant aspect of his leadership; but it does not tell black, white, and all races as the United Nations us about the substance of his leadership, where he was taking the country. And it was the ideas had done in imposing its sanctions on Zimbabwe. So today, whereas Zimbabwe has be- that President REAGAN brought to Washington that mattered most of all. come a living hell, an that has stripped It is well known and much remarked upon away all pretense of law or property or personal that RONALD REAGAN won the cold war without safety, South Africa has a real democracy where firing a shot. He led the global movement to tear all men and women can vote and where all are down the Berlin Wall. He led an economic ren- equal before the law. aissance at home by dramatically reducing the In Central America, he prevented the Soviet burden of taxes across the board, from a marginal Union from establishing a beachhead in our own rate of 70 percent down to 28 percent. But it hemisphere, and likewise in Nicaragua. And is just as important to recognize the leading role throughout Central and South America and the that President REAGAN played in supporting our Caribbean, just as in Central Europe and Asia, country, such issues as the civil rights of women democracy grew and prospered. and men here at home. Mr. Speaker, from that day in , President REAGAN, of course, appointed the first woman to be ambassador of the United Na- when President REAGAN was sworn in, until last tions. He appointed the first woman to be a Jus- Saturday, the American people always knew tice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He appointed where to look for a hero. President REAGAN did the first woman to be Secretary of Transpor- great things not only for our country but for our tation, the first Latina to be Treasurer of the world. Today, more than 1 billion people live in United States. freedom because of his global leadership. In fact, On , 1983, he made Martin Luther all of the people of the world, those who enjoy King’s birthday a national holiday. He appointed the sweet blessings of liberty and those who still the first African American chairman of the U.S. yearn for freedom, will always know where to Civil Rights Commission, my good friend and look for a hero. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 97 Hon. Tim Ryan Super Bowl, hitting Gary Sanders on the money as he ran a drag pattern across the Rose Garden. OF OHIO The differences then, despite our disagree- ments, were real; but because of the way Presi- Mr. Speaker, when our country was confronted dent REAGAN led, he taught us that there is a with a terrible menace of dangerous ideology, big difference between strong beliefs and bitter REAGAN rallied America and united the world partisanship. Strong beliefs and a love of country to decisively defeat the threat of communism. are the only way to bring this country forward We are grateful for that leadership. as we face the enormous challenges that we have RONALD REAGAN elevated the Office of the before this body today. President. When , RONALD RONALD REAGAN always stressed that we are REAGAN personally accepted responsibility. It a can-do country. Democrats and Republicans did not matter what focus groups, polls, his ad- both believe this. And I believe it is that sense visers, or political consultants said, he understood of optimism, as we look back on history, that that the buck stopped with him and him alone. the Presidents who moved the Nation forward He was an American icon, forever remembered were optimistic and believed the best and the for his warmth and the respect he afforded to brightest in this country would continue to move others, and our thoughts and prayers today are us forward. with Nancy and his children and his family at Mr. Speaker, I believe we can get back on the this very difficult time. right track with strong leadership and a real Even when President REAGAN broke the commitment to confronting the problems that hearts of the Democrats, he was respected for his face American families today. In the words of honesty, his beliefs, and the dedication he dis- RONALD REAGAN, ‘‘we can do better.’’ With tol- played in pursuing them. erance and inclusion, uniting rather than divid- As a young elementary school student during ing, we can continue the legacy of RONALD the Challenger disaster, it was enormous comfort REAGAN. to those of us who were all watching, because So when we return to work next week, I hope there was a teacher on the Challenger at that time, this House will be inspired by the leadership of to listen to President REAGAN as we began to RONALD REAGAN instead of mired in the par- question why America was sending these astro- tisan politics that have too often affected our nauts up into space; why there was a teacher on work as of late. We should be inspired by his the Challenger at that time. And when President patriotism and devotion to our country, and we REAGAN said to us that the future does not be- should remember his faith, his optimism, and his long to the fainthearted, it belongs to the brave, unwavering commitment to his convictions as we he was communicating to us what America was do the work of the American people. all about. In the words of President REAGAN, whose I also remember as a young man the way comforting message he gave us some 18 years President REAGAN interacted with then-Speaker ago—and we will never forget RONALD Tip O’Neill. They laughed and they talked and REAGAN, nor the last time we saw him—for now they joked. And that was a great example for he has ‘‘ ‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’ to those of us who were beginning to get ac- ‘touch the face of God.’ ’’ We will miss him. quainted with the political system. I remember the courage and the humor that President REAGAN showed when he was shot, Hon. Henry E. Brown, Jr. hoping that the doctors were all Republican and telling his wife, who was terrified, that he forgot OF SOUTH CAROLINA to duck. I also cannot help but remember President Mr. Speaker, like so many Americans, Presi- REAGAN, during the Washington Redskins cere- dent REAGAN was not only my President, but mony at the Rose Garden after winning the also my inspiration. My own calling to public 98 Ronald Reagan service in 1981 was in no small part as a result Reagan revolution. You fought for freedom, and of President REAGAN’s example. Without his today it does not waver. You were the inspiration leadership and passion for our great Nation, I of so many, including myself, and today we re- would not be standing in this great Chamber be- member and say thanks to you. On behalf of the fore Members today. entire First Congressional District of South Caro- He was a shining light and a beacon of hope lina, a grateful Nation and myself, thank you, not only for our Nation, but also for the world. Mr. President, and may God bless you and your At a time in history when it was desperately family. needed, he sought peace in our world and was a champion of democracy and freedom. We are all better as a result of his contributions, and his Hon. Mike Ross legacy will live forever. OF ARKANSAS If I had to describe President REAGAN with just one adjective, it would not be courageous, Mr. Speaker, the Great Communicator, an all- optimistic or kind, or any number of other fit- American patriot, relentless pursuer of freedom, ting adjectives for such a great man, it would these qualities describe America’s 40th President, be American. Above all things, President RONALD REAGAN. REAGAN was an American. He so embodied the We can all agree that President REAGAN’s en- spirit, courage and hope of America that he was during love for his country and his idealistic out- able to reach out and touch his fellow citizens. look renewed faith and hope to a generation of He trusted the American people to be able to Americans. My fond memories of President make decisions for themselves, and in turn they REAGAN will include, among others, that defin- trusted him. He had a dream to make America ing moment nearly 14 years ago as I watched stronger by putting more responsibility back into with pride as he, as a former President, chiseled the hands of the people. He understood that away at the Berlin Wall. I was truly moved by Americans could manage their hard-earned dol- the immense joy and pride that he radiated and lars better than any government agency. He em- that radiated on the faces around him. You see, powered the citizens to work harder and to im- it had not been that many years before that in prove our Nation from the ground up. his famous speech he said, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear I am proud to model my views on government down this wall!’’ after one of our great Presidents, President President REAGAN’s commitment and service REAGAN. Even those who have never met him to our country and the world will be forever re- or who disagree with him politically felt a special membered in the hearts and minds of people connection with President REAGAN. He was a around the globe. I join millions of others people’s President, arguably unlike any others throughout the world who continue to keep Mrs. before or after. Reagan and their family in my heart and in my He invigorated and inspired those young men prayers as we pay tribute to the 40th President for the battle ahead, just as he invigorated and of the United States of America, former President inspired a Nation while he was in office. Presi- RONALD REAGAN. dent REAGAN always celebrated life, and he loved every day of it. I am honored to be cele- brating the life of such a great American with Members today. We were blessed and honored Hon. Tom Cole as a Nation to have President REAGAN as both OF OKLAHOMA our leader and as our friend. Mr. President, you were not just marking Mr. Speaker, there are few men in our history time. You made a tremendous difference in the whose lives can be said to have changed the lives of all Americans. You made the Nation world. RONALD REAGAN was one of those men. stronger and the world a safer place for democ- RONALD REAGAN was an inspiration to me racy. Today we still enjoy the fruits of the personally and politically. In 1984, I was honored Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 99 to head his reelection campaign in Oklahoma. I Party when REAGAN was elected. In 1984, I was also served as chairman of the Oklahoma Repub- honored to head his reelection efforts in Okla- lican Party during his Presidency. A favorite homa. I also served as Oklahoma GOP chairman memory of mine is of a meeting with the Presi- during his Presidency, so I had opportunities to dent and Republican State Party chairmen from meet and work with him. the South at the White House in 1988. A 15- RONALD REAGAN had a magic that really ap- minute meeting turned into an hour-long treas- pealed to people. A favorite memory is of a meet- ure as he regaled us with one hilarious political ing with the President and Republican State story after another. RONALD REAGAN loved poli- Party chairmen from the South in 1988. A 15- ticians, he loved politics, and he loved public minute meeting turned into an hour-long treas- service. ure as he regaled us with one hilarious political I cannot claim to have known RONALD story after another. His wit and humor are as REAGAN well. I was privileged to be with him fresh in my memory today as they were 20 years on more than a few occasions. All the same, he ago. I was privileged to see up close what so changed my life and the lives of millions of oth- many Americans intuitively felt when watching ers. He was a voice of faith, faith in America, him on television. He was an extraordinary man faith in her people, faith in their future, and, who lived life and enjoyed being with people. most profoundly, faith in freedom. It is no wonder he was able to move thousands RONALD REAGAN inspired us to do great of people and mobilize them to support his ef- things. With him we accomplished much. It is forts. It’s a gift few of us have—and he had that for us to continue to build that ‘‘shining city on magic in abundance. a hill’’ to which he so often referred. There is Not only is RONALD REAGAN a personal hero much yet to do. RONALD REAGAN was my hero; to me, his influence has shaped a generation of but more important, he was an American hero. politicians. And by doing that he instilled the We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his life values that the Republican Party embraces today. of achievement and patriotism. Countless Republican officeholders got into elec- Mr. Speaker, there are few men in our history tive politics because he fired their imagination. and there will be few men in our future who live More profoundly, he showed that the institution their lives in such a way that the world will be of the Presidency does work. We seldom remem- changed because of their existence. RONALD ber that after the trials of Watergate and 20 years REAGAN is one of those men. His dignity, char- of failed or shortened administrations, some acter, strength and convictions will distinguish thought our country was too big for one man him in the pages of history and define him as to govern, inspire and shape. No one, particularly one of the greatest Presidents of the 20th cen- those who worked with RONALD REAGAN, ques- tury. President REAGAN was an inspiration to tion that today. many and his optimism for America’s future en- And let us not forget that he was a very effec- couraged those across all party lines. He knew tive politician whose drive to succeed and will there was a brighter tomorrow through the path to win were intense. He lost primary after pri- of strong values, hard work, tough decisions and mary in 1976 before coming back from the polit- perseverance. His leadership pulled America ical graveyard in North Carolina, Texas and through the end of the cold war, pushed the So- Oklahoma. Former Republican National Chair- viet Union and the onto the ‘‘ash man Frank Farenkopf tells the story that on elec- heap of history’’ and restored the virtues of ideal- tion day in 1984, the President was so far ahead ism and optimism to our country. He was a vi- in the polls that he and cancelled a sionary who instigated the rebirth of conserv- rally in Minnesota. He did not need to be both- atism and shaped the Republican Party into the ered, they reasoned. After he won 49 States and governing national majority we see today. only lost Minnesota by about 2,500 votes, the RONALD REAGAN was a source of inspiration President liked to tease both of his advisors about to me both personally and politically. I was serv- their election day gaffe. It became a joke, but ing as executive director of the Oklahoma State the President wanted Minnesota in his column. 100 Ronald Reagan

Much has been made in recent days of RON- From the vantage of the early 21st century, it ALD REAGAN’s courage. We saw his physical is hard to recall the mood of the country and courage when an assassin sought to take his life its troubles at his election in 1980. Watergate, in early 1981. We saw it again when he con- defeat in Vietnam, unrestrained Soviet adven- fronted the ravages of Alzheimer’s with grace, turism, double-digit inflation and interest rates, candor and sensitivity. But President REAGAN massive unemployment, an energy crisis, Amer- also had the courage of his ideas and an ability ican hostages in Tehran, the end of the postwar to see the right path for his party and his coun- U.S. domination of the global economy—all try. these combined to give some a sense that Amer- One of RONALD REAGAN’s biographers, Ed- ica’s best days were behind her; that perhaps free mund Morris, tells of his astonishment when he enterprise and freedom were not the answer; that read the President’s diaries from his time in of- we had to accept totalitarian communism as a fice. He learned how many of the major and legitimate and equally plausible alternative to complex decisions of the Reagan administration our own way of life. RONALD REAGAN rejected were made by the President, alone and in private. these ideas. He was optimistic about America. RONALD REAGAN did not care, Morris recounts, He believed the United States was a ‘‘shining who got the credit as long as his decisions were city on the hill,’’ a beacon of hope and freedom implemented and his goals for America came to the world. He understood communism was closer to realization. Recently Kiron K. Skinner evil and free peoples must defend themselves and Marty Anderson’s fine works detailed the against the darkness of tyranny and oppression. depth and breath of REAGAN’s view of the He saw a bright and prosperous future for all world—a view he implemented in office. Americans, one where their work could carry In describing another great man at another them as far as they dared to dream. Looking time in history, Winston Churchill writes in his back, we take all these things for granted, but ‘‘History of the English Speaking Peoples’’ that RONALD REAGAN was ridiculed by the intellec- Robert Peel was: tuals and so-called realists of his day. It took real courage to stand up for his beliefs to put them . . . the dominating force and personality in English politics ... jwhok whether in Opposition or in office . . . towered into practice, and to defend them from the faint above the scene. He was not a man of broad and ranging of heart while they took root and blossomed. To modes of thoughts, but he understood better than any of his paraphrase Mr. Churchill’s assessment of Mr. contemporaries the needs of the country and he had the out- Peel, RONALD REAGAN understood his country- standing courage to change his views in order to meet them. men better than anyone else on the political Robert Peel, Mr. Churchill added, stage. They needed leadership, he gave it and . . . saw the industrial revolution in Britain that made her they loved him for it. the pre-eminent world power in the nineteenth century was Like Mr. Peel, RONALD REAGAN also had the driven not by the government but by private enterprise, by courage to change his views. A New Deal Demo- capital, by entrepreneurs, by a free people willing to take crat, his partisan affiliation and ideological van- risks. tage point slowly shifted over time from a liberal There are many differences between Robert Democrat who believed in government interven- Peel and RONALD REAGAN. Mr. Peel split his tion to a conservative Republican who trusted party and destroyed a governing coalition to sup- Americans and the people of the world to solve port free trade—a decision validated by history. their own problems. As anyone who has even a As a Governor and then as a President, RONALD passing understanding of Hollywood and its cul- REAGAN united a party badly divided over ideas tural and political outlook knows, this was not and led it out of the political wilderness. The an easy thing to do. RONALD REAGAN learned Republican ascendancy in national government about communists first-hand when he battled to today is a direct result of his leadership. But in keep them out of the entertainment industry. reading Winston Churchill’s appraisal of Robert Much of his later political success was based on Peel’s political , he was the dominating a willingness to stand up to Soviet aggression. personality in American politics for a generation. Yet, when a glimmer of light came through the Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 101 darkness behind the Iron Curtain, President it was a challenging question. As I was going REAGAN saw America’s chance for victory into the question, members of the audience start- through negotiation and began to talk to the So- ed to boo me, and the moderator rose to cut off viets and their leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. Many my question. It was at that point that Mr. of his longtime supporters decried his decision REAGAN stepped up and said, ‘‘No, no, no, I and they did so with good reason because the want to hear the young man out, and I want to Soviets historically did not negotiate in good answer his question.’’ I had my say, he answered faith. But the President had the courage and the the question, and of course he got a standing vision to see the great opening and he took it. ovation. And, like so many times in the past, he was But I think it is that moment, that image of right. And we are better for it. Mr. REAGAN, that I remember, his graciousness, Mr. Speaker, like many Americans I cannot his openness, his generosity of spirit, the willing- claim to have known RONALD REAGAN well. I ness to hear folks out and hear debate. That is was privileged to be with him on more than a a sign of greatness in any individual, and there few occasions, but more often I watched him on were lessons for that day almost 30 years ago, and television or read about him in the morning’s they are perhaps lessons today for the Wash- newspapers with the rest of the country. All the ington in which we work today. same, he changed my life. And he changed the My best wishes to the family, and God bless lives of millions around the world. His was a RONALD REAGAN. voice of faith. Faith in America, in her people, and in freedom. He inspired us to do great things. With him we accomplished much. Hon. Though he has gone to a better place, it is for OF INDIANA us to continue to build that ‘‘shining city on the hill.’’ There is much yet to do, but RONALD Mr. Speaker, I, like all of my colleagues, REAGAN’s legacy and memory will inspire us in would like to extol the wonderful accomplish- our task. ments of President REAGAN, the economy com- ing back from the doldrums, the destruction of the Berlin Wall, and the communist menace that Hon. David Wu we faced so much back in the sixties, seventies OF OREGON and eighties. But what I want to talk about today are personal experiences I had with RON- I would like to share a personal story, one lit- ALD REAGAN. tle vignette about my experience with President When I was running for office over a period REAGAN. It was during my student days, during of 10 or 12 years, I promised my mother, who my college senior year. Then-Governor REAGAN was a waitress for many, many years at L.S. Har- came to Stanford to speak. The speech was orga- ris & Company, that if I ever got elected to the nized. It was sometime between his 1976 Presi- Congress of the United States, the first thing I dential campaign and his 1980 Presidential cam- would do is take her in the front door of the paign. He had been Governor of California. White House and introduce her to the President His speech at Stanford was organized by the of the United States. Young or the Young Col- I got elected in 1983. I called the White House lege Conservatives. Whoever organized it, they and they said, yes, we can give you a couple of carefully screened the audience, and a lot of folks minutes with the President. I called my mom, were screened out. But for whatever reason, I was and I took her in the front door of the White screened in. House expecting a very perfunctory kind of Then-Governor REAGAN gave a very good meeting where he would shake hands and take speech, after which he took questions. I was one a picture, and that would be it. Unbeknownst of the ones who rose to ask a question. Of course, to me, he contacted my office and tried to find 102 Ronald Reagan out everything he could about me. When we past me, stopped, turned around and came back, walked in, he put his arm around me and said and talked for 10 minutes about that movie. It to my mother, ‘‘This is one of the finest young was one of the greatest thrills of my life to get Congressmen in the Congress. I want you to a real insight into what he did as a movie actor. know that I really appreciate all of the things He really enjoyed it as well. All my colleagues he has done,’’ and he reeled off three or four gathered around. It was one of the highlights of things I had accomplished that I did not think the evening. he had any idea about. That is the kind of guy RONALD REAGAN was. I could see my mother’s chest expanding, ex- He cared about people in addition to being a panding, and expanding. Here is a little lady great President. from the Midwest who had a very tough life, was I would like to say to his family, God bless abused as a wife, and protected me and my sister you, all of you. Mrs. Reagan, you were great to from abuse from my father. She had nothing but us when you were First Lady. God bless you and a tough life, and here was the President of the your family. The good Lord, I am sure, has a very United States telling her what a great guy her high place in Heaven for RONALD REAGAN. son was. I will never forget that as long as I live. She walked out of that office with my stepfather and me, and she was so proud. She carried a pic- ture of the President and us together for the rest Hon. Rahm Emanuel of her life. She was so proud to the day she died. OF ILLINOIS He was that kind of a guy. I remember another time I debated Mr. Speaker, I do not have stories like the gen- when he was in the House and Tom Downey of tleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), personal New York on the Strategic Defense Initiative interaction with former President REAGAN, but when the President first started talking about de- as somebody growing up and loving politics, I fending this country from an incoming missile obviously watched his Presidency as a student of attack. I debated Al Gore and Tom Downey on politics. a special order for probably 30 or 40 minutes, Here was a guy known as a Great Communi- and I thought that was the end of it. And 2 days cator, an eternal optimist. It makes sense when later, I got a personal handwritten letter from one thinks about it: A guy who grew up in the President thanking me for sticking up for Dixon, IL, a troubled home, faced a series of dis- him. Who would believe the President of the advantages, and one day wakes up in the White United States would take the time to write a House. handwritten note to a new Congressman just be- cause he took a position that paralleled the Presi- What is there not to be optimistic about? And dent’s? He was a wonderful, down-to-earth man. he had that sense of optimism, and everybody One more little anecdote, and then I will let can talk about different skills or techniques or the rest of my colleagues talk. When I first got tactics as a communicator; but the truth is he elected, they had a dinner for all of the freshmen never left Dixon, IL. He had that common touch. Congressmen. After the dinner, we were walking He knew about walking-around folk, and he un- around the Green Room, and everybody was pat- derstood their lives, and he could tell a great ting the President on the back and saying what story that gave people a sense of his ideas. So a great job he had done with the tax cuts. As he spoke of our common wisdom and our com- he walked by me, I thought I better talk about mon sense. something besides tax cuts because he is just One of the other things that I very much ad- walking past everybody, and I really wanted to mired on the policy, although I do have dif- talk to the guy. ferences obviously, was President REAGAN’s com- As he walked by, I said, ‘‘President REAGAN, mitment to the earned income tax credit. In one of my favorite movies was ‘King’s Row.’ ’’ 1986, he greatly expanded the earned income tax He said, thank you very much, took two steps credit; and if I can quote him, ‘‘This is the best Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 103 antipoverty, the best profamily, the best job cre- of tyranny. He understood that liberty is pro- ation measure to come out of Congress.’’ tected by the vigilant who must be ready to pre- That was President REAGAN on the earned in- pare and defend freedom, thereby preserving come tax credit; and he understood that through peace. a tax credit we can help create jobs, help be I will always remember his charm and smile. profamily, did not have to have a government They were infectious. He was always able to stay bureaucrat to do it, but it was something we above the fray, undeterred with his calm de- could do through the Tax Code to reward work, meanor and balanced temperament. I believe his reward responsibility, and fight poverty at the same time. optimism inspired people in more ways than this I think that was a tremendous program. We body could ever articulate. To RONALD REAGAN, expanded it in 1993 and again later on in 1997, one cannot believe impossible things, for it op- but RONALD REAGAN in 1986 really put the presses the soul and thwarts hope. muscle behind the earned income tax credit, a He dared Americans to dream big and made great program that I think lifted millions of it fashionable to be a dreamer of dreams. His sen- American families and children out of poverty timentality reflected his care and concern for peo- and did it by rewarding work, not dependency. ple. I thank the REAGAN family for permitting Last, RONALD REAGAN spoke to our patriot- the state funeral so that people can mourn their ism and our sense of love. He came into office President. at a time when people did not think you could On behalf of my constituents in Indiana, I ex- do the job of the Presidency. It was just so over- tend their thoughts and prayers of many Hoosiers whelming. And with his ease, his grace and his confidence, he restored people’s confidence in to the Reagan family. that office. Mr. Speaker, he has a legacy of patriotism and confidence in America and the American people, Hon. Stephanie Herseth and it will endure. Our hearts go out to Mrs. OF SOUTH DAKOTA Reagan and his entire family, to a great, great patriot. Mr. Speaker, many Members of this House worked closely with President REAGAN and were Hon. Steve Buyer fortunate to call him their friend. Many were in- spired to service by his example and point to his OF INDIANA Presidency as a turning point in their lives. For many in my generation, he is the first President Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN’s belief in the we really remember from the beginning of his ideals of individual liberty reassured America to Presidency to the end. He is the first President believe in itself and inspired people all over the who inspired us with his confidence and opti- world. mism as well as his humility. Like a flower perfect in its bud and as it is in its bloom, it spreads its seeds before it dies. He is the first President in our memory to So did RONALD REAGAN as he spread the seeds truly embody that graceful strength that we seek of liberty and its attributes to the people of the from our leaders in times of crisis and uncer- world through the pursuits of freedom. tainty. We will all remember President RONALD His critics viewed him as a throwback in time, REAGAN in our own way, shaped by our own almost antediluvian; but what RONALD REAGAN perspective. What I will always remember most possessed were principles and ideals that were is the respect, the dignity, and the sincerity with ageless. They served as guideposts for our coun- which he treated others, as will all America for try in time. generations to come. My thoughts and prayers I will always remember his courage to take a are with his wife, Nancy Reagan, his family, and stand in the face of adversity, especially the evils his many friends. 104 Ronald Reagan Hon. Mark R. Kennedy wide awake with a jolt of optimism and patriot- ism and a reminder of our destiny as Americans OF MINNESOTA that our best days lay ahead. May God bless the spirit and family of RON- Mr. Speaker, our country had suffered its fair ALD REAGAN, our 40th President, and one of our share of lumps in the seventies, and in 1980 we true national heroes. were looking for a leader who would draw a line in the sand and say ‘‘no more.’’ We found that rare man in RONALD REAGAN. RONALD Hon. Bob Etheridge REAGAN succeeded where others failed because throughout his public life he concerned himself OF NORTH CAROLINA with getting things done, not winning applause. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the In fact, one of REAGAN’s hallmarks was the plaque he kept on his desk that said: ‘‘There is Second District of North Carolina, I rise to pay no limit to what you can accomplish if you don’t my respects to the late RONALD REAGAN, the 40 care who gets the credit.’’ th President of the United States of America. As a businessman, I admired RONALD My wife, Faye, and I join all North Carolinians REAGAN’s dedication to this seemingly modest and all Americans in expressing our condolences goal. Putting success ahead of personal accolades to former First Lady Nancy Reagan and the en- is a difficult lesson for many to learn, but a talent tire Reagan family. all great men seem to instinctively possess. It is RONALD W. REAGAN served two terms in our an axiom that turns productive individuals into Nation’s highest office after winning over- innovative leaders, and it turned RONALD whelming margins of victory in the Presidential 1980 1984 REAGAN into one of the greatest leaders and elections of and . His time in office was greatest Presidents we have had. Ironically, the marked by renewed pride in America, and he is more REAGAN sought to distance himself from to be commended for his steadfast devotion to the successes he knew grew from the sweat and liberalization from the oppression of communism tears of the American people, the more it turned and that vicious rule in nations throughout the out that those people admired him for his prin- world. cipled leadership. That leadership earned RON- Regardless of one’s position on President ALD REAGAN widespread respect and helped REAGAN’s policies and politics, all Americans re- REAGAN form broad bipartisan coalitions to member his warmth of spirit and the respectful renew America. The results were immediate, manner in which he engaged in public debate. winning historic legislative victories on pro- This approach kept acrimony to a healthy min- viding tax relief and strengthening our military. imum even when conflicting views on vitally im- The economy flourished as our national pride re- portant issues were debated in this House and turned. in this city. That example stands in marked con- I can recall what a difference RONALD trast to the divisiveness and bitter partisanship REAGAN made in my own life, from the de- we have too often witnessed since his Presidency. pressed job market I entered after graduating Finally, Mr. Speaker, all Americans stand in from college in 1978 to the vastly improved job solidarity and salute Nancy Reagan and the opportunities I found after graduating from busi- whole Reagan family for the dignity and grace ness school in 1983. The world was a wholly dif- that they have displayed through the former ferent place in those 5 years because the Reagan President’s long and difficult struggle with Alz- era had become the Reagan revolution. heimer’s disease. Their struggle has been our The impact that RONALD REAGAN had on our struggle, for it reminds us of the afflictions mil- world is immeasurable. When he took office, our lions of Americans face in anonymity every day. collective national spirit had been lulled to sleep The Federal Government must act to ease this in the morass of the sixties and the seventies. needless suffering by increasing research funding REAGAN seized the sleeping giant and shook it and modernizing regulations to allow for poten- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 105 tially lifesaving research using stem cells and he believed in an optimistic vision for the future other medical techniques. The pain on Mrs. Rea- of America which resulted in one of the golden gan’s face should prod the conscience of this ages of American patriotism, prosperity, and country to end the cruel victimization of stricken progress. He was able to be a tough leader and patients who require potentially lifesaving re- a formidable adversary; and he did it with his search. own human touch, with a warm sense of humor, In conclusion, the passing of President and his ever-present humility. REAGAN closes an important chapter in Amer- Future generations will teach their children ican history. As the leaders of the 20th century just as we are teaching ours that the life and leg- pass from the scene, we must endeavor to carry acy of President RONALD REAGAN will take its on their legacy of progress at home and American rightful place alongside the greatest leaders in leadership in the world. On behalf of the people our Nation’s history and as one of the pivotal of North Carolina, I rise today to say, rest in figures of the 20th century who quite literally peace, Mr. President. changed our world for the better. For this, we will forever be in his debt. May he rest in peace. Hon. Mike Ferguson Hon. Artur Davis OF NEW JERSEY OF ALABAMA Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the Seventh District of New Jersey, I rise to pay trib- Mr. Speaker, it is probably somewhat appro- ute to the life and legacy of one of the great priate that I follow my friend from New Jersey Presidents in the history of the United States, (Mr. Ferguson) because, like some other Members RONALD REAGAN. In the farewell address at the in this body, I passed from being a child to being end of his second term, President REAGAN said a grown man under the Reagan Presidency dur- that those in his generation: ing those 8 years. And it is appropriate and I jWkere taught, very directly, what it means to be an am honored to stand here today as part of the American. And we absorbed, almost in the air, a love of coun- great bipartisan tradition in this country to ex- try and an appreciation of its institutions. press my condolences to the Reagan family. In many ways, President REAGAN was my first This is not a moment for party. It is a moment President. His presence was the dominant force for solemn reflection about America and about in America and in politics when I first started someone who cared very deeply about America. thinking about policy issues, the role of govern- Make no mistake, there are some on my side of ment, and America’s unique place of leadership the aisle who, including myself, have profound in the world. And I believe, for my generation disagreements with the direction of what has and for so many more, President REAGAN en- been called the Reagan revolution. abled us to do just what he had been taught in All of us in this Chamber do not share the his generation: to absorb, almost in the air, a love same vision or the same viewpoints on a number of country and an appreciation for its institu- of the President’s policies during the eighties, tions. but this is a time to give him his due, and this After the turmoil and tumult of the sixties and is a time to remember what the best tradition the seventies, President REAGAN helped America of RONALD REAGAN’s conservatism meant. regain its confidence. He helped us to remember One of my strongest memories of RONALD who we were, what being an American meant, REAGAN was one of his last great speeches when and the greatness which would allow America to he went to the Berlin Wall about 24 years after play a pivotal role on the world stage. RONALD John F. Kennedy went there, and he said sym- REAGAN believed in ‘‘peace through strength,’’ bolically to Mikhail Gorbachev, then the leader and he won the cold war. He believed in the dig- of the Soviet Union, that if he was serious about nity and the value of every human person, and reform, if he was serious about freedom, he 106 Ronald Reagan should come to this place, open this gate, and Hon. tear down this wall. And somehow 15 months later the wall was gone. OF PENNSYLVANIA RONALD REAGAN was fortunate that he lived Madam Speaker, I first met RONALD REAGAN to see successes on his own terms. He lived to through a local leader in our State, Faith see the wall come down in Berlin. And I have Whittlesey, who was one of RONALD REAGAN’s to believe this: We can debate as historians what earliest supporters in the eastern part of America caused the Soviet empire to fall without a shot for the Presidency. And it was a glorious day in being fired. We can debate as people who follow 1984 when RONALD REAGAN came to my home history what caused the Soviet Union to implode. county, stood on the steps of the courthouse But we ought to be generous enough this week where I was then the vice chairman, and held to say that RONALD REAGAN’s courage was a my hand up alongside of another famous Amer- part of that. His willingness to stand up to the ican, Tug McGraw, and endorsed me for the con- Iron Curtain was no small part in the disman- gressional seat. I did not win that year, Madam 412 tling. Speaker, but I came within votes of unseating a 10-year, very popular incumbent. I won the seat How do we honor RONALD REAGAN? There 2 years later and have been here ever since. are different opinions in this Chamber about how I took up two of RONALD REAGAN’s key we do that. Let me close my time today by giv- issues: his work with the Soviet Union, now Rus- ing just one Member’s opinion. President sia, and his work on missile defense. And over REAGAN spoke very eloquently of a ‘‘shining city the past 18 years that I have been in Congress, on a hill.’’ If we are to ever build a ‘‘shining city it has been my pleasure to try to live up to the on a hill’’ that is America, we have to recognize expectations and to the role model that RONALD that a shining city has no hollows, a shining city REAGAN established for all of us. has no walls, and a shining city is one where all Madam Speaker, he was someone who under- stood the Russian people, and he was someone of our people somehow have a foundation and a who taught us in America that in the end, if we chance for growth. would simply trust but verify, if we would sim- RONALD REAGAN’s conservatism, properly un- ply stand up and be candid with them, that in derstood, oriented to the needs of our times, the end they would respect us. On the issue of ought to mean at least this: It ought to mean missile defense, it was RONALD REAGAN who that we believe in one community in America. said that we should not leave America unpro- It ought to mean that we believe in a community tected and vulnerable. 18 that is strong enough to raise up all of our people How amazing it is years later, Madam and strong enough to reconcile all of our dif- Speaker, that one of the most popular officials ferences. in Russia today is RONALD REAGAN. In polls that have been conducted in Russia, they look So I end today by saying that whatever our to RONALD REAGAN because he was a leader of differences with our friends on the other side of stature and because he was someone whom the the aisle, whatever our differences with the direc- Russian people respected, because he saw tion of the eighties, we ought to be secure in through the communist leadership and held fast the sense that we are all Americans, and we with the Russian people for a better time. So it ought to be secure in the sense of freedom that was appropriate that when I last traveled to Rus- RONALD REAGAN spoke about that day in Ber- sia 3 weeks ago for my 37th trip that we dis- lin, because there are all kinds of walls that still cussed a new initiative with the Russian people, need to come down, and to truly salute this in honor of RONALD REAGAN, taking their radar man’s legacy, that ought to be our business systems and using them with our radar systems today. to develop a joint missile defense system. How proud RONALD REAGAN would be. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 107 But for all of his work in helping us defeat will always be inspired by Nancy Reagan and the communism, in helping us move toward missile other members of the family for their tender defense, and helping to reinvigorate our econ- caregiving to the former President over that very omy, I will remember RONALD REAGAN, Madam long period of time. Speaker, most for what he was as an individual Many people today have mentioned the occa- person. He was a very humble man. He would sion of the tearing down of the Berlin Wall by take the time to meet with anyone regardless of the people, and I recently looked at those pic- their stature in life. tures of the former President when he partici- As a first-term Republican, I had the honor pated in chipping away at the wall. I was on the of being invited to the Oval Office with my fam- Committee on Armed Services at the time, and ily. I took my five kids down to the Oval Office I had a chance to do that, too. As I was standing with my wife, and my youngest was then 4 years there watching people chipping away at the wall, old, and he was more concerned with the inside tearing it down piece by piece, I noticed as the furnishings of the Oval Office than he was with pieces were falling off the wall, some of them the stature of the President. That did not matter would catch the pieces and put them in their to RONALD REAGAN. In fact, I would later find pockets. I said to myself, aha, they are taking out that in the book of the favorite photographs souvenirs of the Berlin Wall, and I thought I of RONALD REAGAN, this photograph would ap- might like to do that. pear, which is also on the wall of the Reagan And already being in evidence, I Presidential Library in California. How proud I looked down, and there were vendors selling am that my family had the chance to meet RON- pieces of the wall. They were in little cellophane ALD REAGAN and that my 4-year-old son, who wrappers marked with the date they were taken is now 21 years old, who is here making faces off the wall. But ever the skeptic, I said to my- at the camera, received a signed personal photo- self, how do I know that those pieces came off graph from RONALD REAGAN and received the wall? words of encouragement back then that are still So I further looked around, and I saw this guy important to each of my five kids today. walking back and forth with hammers and chisels, renting them out. So I went over with I remember RONALD REAGAN most for not just what he did for the world, but what he was my translator and made the deal and gave him as a role model for everyone that met him. He some money, and I did what President REAGAN was someone who genuinely cared about people. did, and I chipped off some pieces of the wall. He was someone who would take the time to I brought them back home, and I gave them to reach out to a 4-year-old or a 6-year-old and give veterans as a thank you to them for their dedica- them words of encouragement. tion through the years and for the fact that they were responsible for what was happening on that RONALD REAGAN is a role model for all of us, and for that we give thanks, and we thank particular day and at that particular time in his- his wife and send our sympathies to the entire tory. President REAGAN was a proud and patriotic Reagan family. American whose persistent advocacy for democ- racy led in part to the breakup of the Soviet 15 Hon. Michael R. McNulty Union and its devolution into individual democratic republics. And I was in one of those OF NEW YORK republics as a member of a delegation from Con- gress on their independence day. In Armenia I Madam Speaker, President REAGAN’s long watched in awe as 95 percent of all the people struggle with Alzheimer’s disease has ended, but in that country went out and voted. I watched the legacy of his extraordinary life remains. them stand in long lines for the privilege of vot- In 1998, my mother died as a result of the im- ing in a free election for the first time in their pact of Alzheimer’s disease; so I know what fami- lives. I noticed they brought covered dishes with lies go through during times like that. And I them, and after they voted, they held little cele- 108 Ronald Reagan brations and banquets in each of the polling ican people believe in themselves again. Always places. the eternal optimist, President REAGAN instilled And what a thrill it was to be with them the confidence and optimism at a time both were in next day in the streets of Yerevan, their capital, short supply in our country. as they danced and shouted and sang, ‘‘Ketze asat Thanks to President REAGAN’s strong leader- ankakh Hayastan,’’ which means ‘‘Long live free ship and undying belief in free-market cap- and independent Armenia.’’ Then they pointed italism, the great entrepreneurial spirit of the to the United States of America as their example American people was unleashed, and prosperity of what they wanted to be as a democracy. was restored here at home. So I thank all of the men and women who Madam Speaker, our hearts go out to Nancy served in the uniform of the U.S. military Reagan and the Reagan family on their great through the years for helping to make that hap- loss. Mrs. Reagan has showed the whole world pen, and I also thank the Commander in Chief the true meaning of love and loyalty these past for 8 years, RONALD REAGAN, for helping to 10 very painful years as her beloved husband suf- make that happen. fered from cruel Alzheimer’s disease, the same Today I join with all Americans in mourning deadly, debilitating disease that took the life of his passing and in expressing deep gratitude for my own mother just months ago. his tremendous public service as both Governor So today, Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the and as President. life and legacy of RONALD REAGAN, let us honor this great President by keeping his legacy alive, a legacy of love for his faith, family, friends, and Hon. Jim Ramstad country; a legacy of freedom, liberty, and oppor- tunity for all people; a legacy of public service OF MINNESOTA deeply rooted in faith, principle, character, and conviction. And let us always remember Presi- Madam Speaker, I rise to proudly pay tribute dent REAGAN’s warm, infectious, kind smile that to the greatest President of the 20th century, lit up every audience, inspired us and gave us RONALD WILSON REAGAN, whose suffering has hope, just as we remember our ‘‘rendezvous with ended and heavenly life begun. destiny.’’ My fellow Minnesotans join me in mourning Rest in peace, Mr. President, in the loving the loss of America’s 40th President and cele- embrace of our Lord and Savior. brating the life of a man who personified both the greatness and goodness of America. All Americans and freedom-loving people around the Hon. Adam H. Putnam world owe President REAGAN our deepest grati- tude for his strong, principled leadership that OF FLORIDA ended the cold war and brought freedom to mil- lions of people. Madam Speaker, I was in grade school when As we celebrate President REAGAN’s remark- President REAGAN was elected, so my thoughts able career and historic legacy, we also celebrate and observations are not based on any particular a man of strong character, deep conviction, un- policy, but on the man, on the spirit itself. forgettable charm, and wonderful wit. No Min- We took great courage as a Nation in watch- nesotan will ever forget President REAGAN ing him as he dealt with an attempt on his life. braving the below-zero windchill to ride in a We watched in awe at his unwavering commit- convertible in St. Paul’s Winter Carnival Parade ment to freedom everywhere around the world and proclaim, ‘‘I thought my ears would fall off.’’ and his commitment to ‘‘peace through It was that cold. strength,’’ which allowed him to win the cold Madam Speaker, as America honors our be- war without a shot being fired. loved 40th President, we also thank God for a He moved an entire generation of young peo- leader who restored pride and made the Amer- ple to that same cry for freedom, the battle to Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 109 spread liberty and democracy and freedom and But I think RONALD REAGAN’s greatest con- equality around the world, and he did it with tribution to our country was his optimism, his a sunny, hopeful, cheerful, optimistic demeanor. hope, and his belief in the strength of the Amer- He appealed to the very best in us, never preying ican people. One only has to look at what we on our worst fears, but backed up by a steely went through in the sixties and the seventies and resolve, backed up by principle, backed up by what RONALD REAGAN inherited when he took the notion that it was better to be right than office. America, to say the least, was on its heels. to be popular. In doing so, he succeeded with We had gone through the problems of the Viet- an understanding, a very clear understanding, of nam era; we had gone through problems with the power of the American spirit when it is the Presidency; we had gone through the prob- unencumbered, when it is let loose to achieve its lems of the energy crisis; and this new animal own potential and carve out its piece of the that came upon our economy called inflation. American dream. He always believed in the America was beginning to wonder about itself, goodness of the American spirit and the human and it was RONALD REAGAN who talked about spirit around the world. He understood that the the ‘‘shining city on the hill’’ and all that Amer- strength of America, the resilience of America is ica could be. It was RONALD REAGAN that knew in her people. He inspired in us all of those great and said that our best days lie ahead, not in the factors without preying on the worst. past, and he was right. The hope that he Madam Speaker, may we ever be vigilant gate- brought, the enthusiasm he brought, and the be- keepers of his ‘‘shining city on the hill.’’ God lief in the American people was something that bless the Reagan family, God bless America, and did, in fact, renew the American spirit. God bless this institution to which President His patriotism and the patriotism he brought REAGAN has given so much. to our country was something that we have not seen for some time. I know in my case, my entire family and I grew up in the Democratic Party, Hon. John A. Boehner and it was RONALD REAGAN who showed me that I was a Republican. It was RONALD OF OHIO REAGAN who encouraged me to take a more ac- tive role in my community. I was proud to be I rise today in tribute to a great American, a volunteer on his campaign in 1980. And, Mr. RONALD REAGAN. President, let me say this: You were my hero We have heard extensive remarks this morning then; you continue to be my hero. about his two major accomplishments, I believe: It was RONALD REAGAN who inspired me to the end of the Soviet Union as we know it, and make a commitment to public service and to do setting in place employer tax rates leading to an my share on behalf of the American people, and economic recovery. If we think about what hap- forever I will be grateful. pened, he was the first to call for the end of the Mr. President, we still love you. Soviet Union and, frankly, the first to predict the end of the Soviet Union as we knew it. No one in my lifetime has done more to spread freedom Hon. Jeff Flake around the world than RONALD REAGAN, and OF ARIZONA we all owe him a great debt not only here in our country, but around the world. Madam Speaker, those of us who have had the His tax policies of the early eighties led to an good fortune to be born and raised in Arizona economic recovery in the eighties, and I believe have always had the words and life of Barry the entire expansion of the nineties can be traced Goldwater to shape our political philosophy. It back to the lower tax rates set in the early was during the Goldwater campaign of 1964 that eighties, giving investors a reason to invest in RONALD REAGAN came to national prominence. our economy. During that campaign, REAGAN delivered a 110 Ronald Reagan speech so memorable that it was known there- suppressive governments and leaving in its wake after simply as ‘‘The Speech.’’ It was, in my opin- democracies firmly backed by individual liberty. ion, the greatest political speech ever delivered. Americans will always measure their President In it, REAGAN included the words: against the high bar RONALD REAGAN has set You and I are told . . . that we have to choose between for the Presidency. But along with being a states- a left or right, but I would . . . suggest that there is no such man, a peacemaker, and a leader, RONALD thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down—up REAGAN was a kind man who I was very honored to a man’s age-old dream, the ultimate in individual freedom to have met, a loving husband and father, and consistent with law and order—or down to the ant heap of a compassionate human being. totalitarianism. I will always remember RONALD REAGAN for Equally memorable was the phrase: his ability to lift up the American people, inspir- This is the issue of this election. Whether we believe in ing us to rely on ourselves, not on our govern- our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the ment, to overcome challenges in our lives. His and confess that a little intellectual elite legacies will be remembered for years to come. in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves. Freedom over fear, the individual before its gov- ernment, and the strength of America overall. 4 Madam Speaker, having now spent years in May God bless America, and may God bless the far distant capital, I can attest that this in- our President, RONALD REAGAN. sight from RONALD REAGAN still bears remem- bering. I was never able to meet President REAGAN Hon. Candice S. Miller personally. It is one of my great regrets in life. But like all Americans, I am well acquainted OF MICHIGAN with his goodness. I will always be grateful that he was my President. Madam Speaker, as we mourn the loss of Presi- dent RONALD REAGAN, let us also celebrate the absolutely incredible life that he lived, a life that Hon. had such a positive impact certainly on our Na- tion and, in fact, the entire world. OF WEST VIRGINIA Madam Speaker, I live in Macomb County, MI. That is the home of the so-called ‘‘Reagan Madam Speaker, America has lost a great pa- Democrats.’’ That term really had its genesis in triot with the passing of President RONALD Macomb County and has become certainly part REAGAN. My fellow West Virginians join me in of our nomenclature. It describes a huge block mourning his death. of citizens, average Americans, principally ethnic, As our President, he shepherded America blue collar, who had voted Democratic for lit- through tough times, cutting taxes and invig- erally generations. orating our Nation’s economy. President And then along came RONALD REAGAN, and REAGAN’s service as a statesman reflected the he captured their hearts and he captured their good freedom could do when waged against tyr- minds with the power of his ideas and the vision anny. for America, ideas that were powerful, yet very, In June 1987, President REAGAN stood in front very simple: that freedom is a universal right of of the Brandenburg Gate in Germany, calling every human being; ideas about personal respon- upon Mikhail Gorbachev to ‘‘tear down this sibility and the fundamental values that built our wall!’’ Nation, and the eternally optimistic idea that Reagan aimed to replace the instability America is a great Nation whose best days con- brought by fear of nuclear war with the firm tinually lie in our future. backing of freedom. President REAGAN never wavered, never When the wall fell, a wave of sovereignty backed down from his defense of freedom, of his rolled through Eastern Europe, washing away belief that we could achieve ‘‘peace through Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 111 strength.’’ Of course, his strong stand created Soviet Union that were struggling to gain a place countless critics, and yet today those critics must in the world as free nations. My travels included recognize the rightness of his cause and his meth- a stop in Berlin to celebrate the reunification of ods. History has certainly proven him to be Germany. I hammered away with a sledge- right. hammer at the Berlin Wall with thousands of Because of the leadership of President people from all over the world. I still have a REAGAN, Soviet communism collapsed and hun- piece of that wall, which sits on my desk. dreds of millions of people who lived under So- It was inspiring to be a part of history in this viet domination now live as free people. way, and I can only imagine how wonderful it Because of the leadership of President must have been for President REAGAN to have REAGAN, our national spirit and the spirit of free played such a seminal role in the transformation enterprise rose up and has spread across the entire of the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc nations. globe. With the end of the cold war, we face an exciting Because of his leadership, the world continues new world of independent nations throughout to look to America to export liberty and freedom Eastern and Central Europe. and democracy. As we face current challenges throughout the Our Nation and the world owe a debt to Presi- world, I look back to the patriotism and opti- dent REAGAN that can really only be repaid in mism with which President REAGAN approached one way: We must continue to fight for democ- international and domestic issues, and I feel racy, for freedom, and for liberty, and so we shall. grateful that we have his example. God bless President RONALD WILSON Aside from his leadership on issues of inter- REAGAN. May he rest in peace. national importance, I also appreciate President REAGAN’s willingness to find bipartisan com- promise in order to achieve results. To him, poli- Hon. Ron Kind tics was not a blood sport; it was the art of the possible. Coming to Congress several years after OF WISCONSIN both President REAGAN and Speaker Tip O’Neill had retired, I always enjoyed listening to my col- Madam Speaker, I, too, rise today to mark the leagues tell of the two men swapping stories and death of President RONALD REAGAN and to pay jokes as they negotiated important pieces of leg- tribute to a great American. I extend my deepest islation. sympathies and prayers to Mrs. Reagan and the President REAGAN’s bipartisan spirit and con- entire Reagan family. With President REAGAN’s stant optimism are testament to his leadership death, our country lost yet another member of skills and his love for his country. It is an ap- the greatest generation, a member who typified proach to governing and it is an approach to his generation with his work ethic, his optimism, leadership that we need to restore. and his patriotism. May God bless his soul. I believe that all of us, regardless of political affiliation, were impressed by how much Presi- dent REAGAN loved America, how much he be- lieved in its basic goodness and the decency of Hon. Philip M. Crane this great country. He was so proud to represent OF ILLINOIS a country that stood for freedom and equality, and he worked for many years to help spread Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to freedom across the globe. and express my sympathy on the passing of one I was fortunate enough to witness first-hand of Illinois’ greatest sons, RONALD REAGAN. the effect of freedom spreading across the world. I was inspired by RONALD REAGAN some 40 After graduating from college, I had the privi- years ago when he, the Great Communicator, lege of traveling to Europe and spending time first outlined his vision for America. His vision in the countries that were formerly part of the was one of free enterprise, strong defense, and 112 Ronald Reagan limited government. I was so drawn to these RONALD REAGAN served in the highest office principles that I worked with fellow conserv- of our land throughout my time in high school, atives to nominate him for President in 1968 and college, and my first couple of years of law again in 1976. school. And with most of America, I listened to The biggest heartbreak in my political career the tributes as they started pouring in over this came in 1976 when we were unable to secure past weekend. During the weekend and since REAGAN the nomination. But we stayed at it. that time, President REAGAN’s speeches, his re- RONNIE stayed true to his principles; and, fi- marks and comments have been played and re- nally, in 1980 we had a man in the White House viewed time and time again. who I knew would turn this country around. However, over the weekend I heard one speech REAGAN did just that. He turned around our that I had never heard before. It was a speech economy, he ended the cold war, and he renewed that President REAGAN delivered at a prayer hope for Americans. breakfast in Dallas, TX, on the morning of Au- Reagan was able to accomplish so much in his gust 23, 1984. It is so relevant to our situation years as President because he approached every- today that if you did not know better, you would thing as a gentleman. He never allowed politics think he delivered the speech just a few days ago. to become personal. He treated everyone with re- He discussed religion and its role in the polit- spect even when he disagreed with you. And al- ical life of our Nation. He made clear from the ways his wit and humor won you over. beginning of his speech that he was not speaking I am proud to say that I knew RONALD as a theologian or as a scholar, but rather as REAGAN not so much for his accomplishments, someone who had been around for quite a few and there were many, but I am more proud to years. have known him for the man he was. As Presi- He talked about the critical role in the polit- dent, REAGAN brought his hometown-Illinois ical life of this Nation that faith and religion had values with him to the White House. And these played and, furthermore, how that had worked are the same values we all share in Illinois, the to benefit our Nation. value of hard work, of faith, family, and unlim- He went on to say that the Founders under- ited opportunity. stood that there was a divine order which tran- Reagan was, as history will bear, one of Amer- scends the human order. He then eloquently stat- ica’s greatest Presidents. And I ask my colleagues ed that he believed George Washington knew to join me in remembering his family and this the city of man cannot survive without the city Nation during our season of mourning. And may of God, and that the visible city will perish with- God bless us all. out the invisible city. While time will not permit me to discuss all Hon. Robert B. Aderholt of his remarks today, I would like to include his remarks in the Record that President REAGAN OF ALABAMA made at that prayer breakfast in Dallas in 1984. Of course, it would not be appropriate to talk Madam Speaker, what do you say about a man about RONALD REAGAN without talking about like RONALD REAGAN that has not already been how much he loved life and how much he valued said? RONALD REAGAN took the oath of office life. He was a man of compassion, and people here in Washington, DC, in 1981 and, actually, of all ages would do well to emulate RONALD just a short distance from where we are standing WILSON REAGAN. here this afternoon. At the time he took office, 15 REMARKS AT AN ECUMENICAL PRAYER BREAKFAST IN I was years old. I did not realize at that time DALLAS, TX the impact that this new President would have AUGUST 23, 1984 on this Nation and the world. I did not realize Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, very much. And, Martha the moral and strong leadership that he would Weisend, thank you very much. And I could say that if the provide this Nation. morning ended with the music we have just heard from that Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 113 magnificent choir, it would indeed be a holy day for all of I believe that George Washington knew the City of Man us. cannot survive without the City of God, that the Visible City It’s wonderful to be here this morning. The past few days will perish without the Invisible City. have been pretty busy for all of us, but I’ve wanted to be Religion played not only a strong role in our national life; with you today to share some of my own thoughts. it played a positive role. The abolitionist movement was at These past few weeks it seems that we’ve all been hearing heart a moral and religious movement; so was the modern a lot of talk about religion and its role in politics, religion civil rights struggle. And throughout this time, the state was and its place in the political life of the Nation. And I think tolerant of religious belief, expression, and practice. Society, it’s appropriate today, at a prayer breakfast for 17,000 citizens too, was tolerant. in the State of Texas during a great political convention, that But in the 1960’s this began to change. We began to make this issue be addressed. great steps toward secularizing our nation and removing reli- I don’t speak as a theologian or a scholar, only as one who’s gion from its honored place. lived a little more than his threescore ten—which has been In 1962 the Supreme Court in the New York prayer case a source of annoyance to some—jlaughterk—and as one who banned the compulsory saying of prayers. In 1963 the Court has been active in the political life of the Nation for roughly banned the reading of the Bible in our public schools. From 1 four decades and now who’s served the past 3 §2 years in our that point on, the courts pushed the meaning of the ruling highest office. I speak, I think I can say, as one who has ever outward, so that now our children are not allowed vol- seen much, who has loved his country, and who’s seen it untary prayer. We even had to pass a law—we passed a spe- change in many ways. cial law in the Congress just a few weeks ago to allow student I believe that faith and religion play a critical role in the prayer groups the same access to schoolrooms after classes political life of our nation—and always has—and that the that a young Marxist society, for example, would already church—and by that I mean all churches, all denomina- enjoy with no opposition. tions—has had a strong influence on the state. And this has The 1962 decision opened the way to a flood of similar worked to our benefit as a nation. suits. Once religion had been made vulnerable, a series of Those who created our country—the Founding Fathers and assaults were made in one court after another, on one issue Mothers—understood that there is a divine order which tran- after another. Cases were started to argue against tax-exempt scends the human order. They saw the state, in fact, as a status for churches. Suits were brought to abolish the words form of moral order and felt that the bedrock of moral order ‘‘under God’’ from the Pledge of Allegiance and to remove is religion. ‘‘In God We Trust’’ from public documents and from our The Mayflower Compact began with the words, ‘‘In the currency. name of God . . .’’ The Declaration of Independence appeals Today there are those who are fighting to make sure vol- to ‘‘Nature’s God’’ and the ‘‘Creator’’ and ‘‘the Supreme untary prayer is not returned to the classrooms. And the frus- Judge of the world.’’ Congress was given a chaplain, and the trating thing for the great majority of Americans who sup- oaths of office are oaths before God. port and understand the special importance of religion in the in the Federalist Papers admitted that in national life—the frustrating thing is that those who are at- the creation of our Republic he perceived the hand of the tacking religion claim they are doing it in the name of toler- Almighty. John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme ance, freedom, and openmindedness. Question: Isn’t the real Court, warned that we must never forget the God from whom truth that they are intolerant of religion? jApplausek They our blessings flowed. refuse to tolerate its importance in our lives. George Washington referred to religion’s profound and un- If all the children of our country studied together all of surpassed place in the heart of our nation quite directly in the many religions in our country, wouldn’t they learn great- his Farewell Address in 1796. Seven years earlier, France had er tolerance of each other’s beliefs? If children prayed to- erected a government that was intended to be purely secular. gether, would they not understand what they have in com- This new government would be grounded on reason rather mon, and would this not, indeed, bring them closer, and is than the law of God. By 1796 the French Revolution had this not to be desired? So, I submit to you that those who known the Reign of Terror. claim to be fighting for tolerance on this issue may not be And Washington voiced reservations about the idea that tolerant at all. there could be a wise policy without a firm moral and reli- When John Kennedy was running for President in 1960, gious foundation. He said, ‘‘Of all the dispositions and habits he said that his church would not dictate his Presidency any which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are more than he would speak for his church. Just so, and proper. indispensable supports. In vain would that man (call himself But John Kennedy was speaking in an America in which the a patriot) who (would) labour to subvert these . . . finest role of religion—and by that I mean the role of all church- 1 jfirmestk props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere es—was secure. Abortion was not a political issue. Prayer was Politician . . . (and) the pious man ought to respect and to not a political issue. The right of church schools to operate cherish (religion and morality).’’ And he added, ‘‘. . . let us was not a political issue. And it was broadly acknowledged with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be that religious leaders had a right and a duty to speak out maintained without religion.’’ on the issues of the day. They held a place of respect, and a politician who spoke to or of them with a lack of respect 1 White House correction. would not long survive in the political arena. 114 Ronald Reagan

It was acknowledged then that religion held a special I thank you, thank you for inviting us here today. Thank place, occupied a special territory in the hearts of the citi- you for your kindness and your patience. May God keep you, zenry. The climate has changed greatly since then. And since and may we, all of us, keep God. it has, it logically follows that religion needs defenders Thank you. against those who care only for the interests of the state. There are, these days, many questions on which religious leaders are obliged to offer their moral and theological guid- ance, and such guidance is a good and necessary thing. To Hon. Tim Murphy know how a church and its members feel on a public issue OF PENNSYLVANIA expands the parameters of debate. It does not narrow the de- bate; it expands it. The truth is, politics and morality are inseparable. And Madam Speaker, the people of Pennsylvania as morality’s foundation is religion, religion and politics are join me in offering their sympathies and prayers necessarily related. We need religion as a guide. We need to Nancy Reagan and all the members of the it because we are imperfect, and our government needs the Reagan family. But more so, we offer our grati- church, because only those humble enough to admit they’re tude for sharing this great man. sinners can bring to democracy the tolerance it requires in order to survive. In his memory, I humbly offer these words: A state is nothing more than a reflection of its citizens; While flags fly low we gather here to offer words of praise. the more decent the citizens, the more decent the state. If With tributes to our leader gone, reflect, remember, pray. you practice a religion, whether you’re Catholic, Protestant, Our Nation’s forests, oceans, plains, majestic mountain skies Jewish, or guided by some other faith, then your private life where some saw only clouds above, he saw hopes spirit will be influenced by a sense of moral obligation, and so, rise. too, will your public life. One affects the other. The churches While enemies in shadows crept where evil’s hatred stood, of America do not exist by the grace of the state; the churches some brooded and in weakness slept. of America are not mere citizens of the state. The churches He saw strength in our good. of America exist apart; they have their own vantage point, America, your song shall soar over this Nation blessed, their own authority. Religion is its own realm; it makes its though some will turn to doubt and fear, his hope shall own claims. never rest. We establish no religion in this country, nor will we ever. The Sun shall set and darkness fall, yet stars their beacons We command no worship. We mandate no belief. But we give. poison our society when we remove its theological Do not ye grieve that he is gone, rejoice that he has lived. underpinnings. We court corruption when we leave it bereft of belief. All are free to believe or not believe; all are free to practice a faith or not. But those who believe must be free to speak of and act on their belief, to apply moral teach- Hon. Thaddeus G. McCotter ing to public questions. OF MICHIGAN I submit to you that the tolerant society is open to and encouraging of all religions. And this does not weaken us; it strengthens us, it makes us strong. You know, if we look Madam Speaker, I rise to offer a long delayed back through history to all those great civilizations, those thank you to President REAGAN for his help with great nations that rose up to even world dominance and then a personal matter of mine. By the time I turned deteriorated, declined, and fell, we find they all had one thing 15 in 1980, I had grown acutely aware of a quad- in common. One of the significant forerunners of their fall was their turning away from their God or gods. rennial rift between my parents. My father was Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no a Truman Democrat, my mother was an Eisen- prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in hower Republican, and my brother and myself the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses were, of course, KISS fans. perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. Then one cold November night, there was a And without God, democracy will not and cannot long en- dure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then thaw. My father walked in the door, sat my we will be a nation gone under. mother down and, in a hushed, tremulous tone, If I could just make a personal statement of my own— as if every fellow Irish Catholic Democrat he had 1 in these 3 §2 years I have understood and known better than known from his days in the St. Francis Home ever before the words of Lincoln, when he said that he would for Boys Orphanage, every worker in a Detroit be the greatest fool on this footstool called Earth if he ever thought that for one moment he could perform the duties Labor Day parade, and everybody on every St. of that office without help from One who is stronger than Patrick’s Day pub crawl might somehow over- all. hear him, Dennis Vincent Patrick Mullen Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 115 McCotter admitted to his wife, ‘‘I cannot believe of us, and that is why this Nation truly mourns I went and did it, Joan, I voted for him.’’ He his loss this week. voted for RONALD WILSON REAGAN. May we all seek to promote the principles that This vignette of American democracy’s uni- RONALD REAGAN embodied, lived and enun- fying force occurred in millions of homes across ciated so courageously over the course of his our Nation in 1980. The resulting national unity, magnificent life. which was brought about through the thawing of so many families’ political cold wars, ulti- mately led to the end of the global cold war. Hon. Richard Burr Madam Speaker, today the words of Albert Camus ring true: ‘‘A man does not show his OF NORTH CAROLINA greatness by being at one extremity or the other, but rather by touching both at once.’’ Truly, Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my col- President REAGAN was a unifying force for moral leagues and the rest of the Nation to mourn the good in our Nation and our world. And thus his passing of one of our Nation’s greatest Presi- great humility would have precluded him from dents, but also to celebrate his legacy. While ever agreeing, RONALD REAGAN was a great RONALD REAGAN is considered by almost every- man. He will be mourned and missed and forever one as an extraordinary leader and one of the remembered. greatest Americans, it was not RONALD I offer my perpetual gratitude to the man, and REAGAN’s vision, his confidence, his charm or his my profound condolences to his family. strength that truly set him apart. It was his boundless optimism and his over- flowing love and concern for his fellow men that Hon. Deborah Pryce made REAGAN who he was; these were his under- lying sources of everything he accomplished. OF OHIO REAGAN saw himself as an ordinary man, called to serve his country to the best of his ability, Madam Speaker, the citizens of Ohio join me and serve he did. in my sincere condolences to Mrs. Reagan and her family during these very difficult times and He inspired a Nation to rediscover the prin- to express my humble thoughts on the legacy of ciples of freedom that have made our country ONALD EAGAN RONALD REAGAN. While we have all heard him great. We remember R R as a man called the Great Communicator, he was so much who maximized his gifts from an unknown to more. He had a commanding presence. He cap- an actor to a Governor to the leader of the free tivated all who listened by his simple and elo- world. Our President was one who never stopped quent demeanor, but he was so much more. He growing and giving. was great at communicating, yes, but, more im- President REAGAN’s life provides a witness to portant, he communicated great things. how we should all live, stirring up whatever gifts His ideas resonated with the American people and potentials we have so that the world is a bet- because they were the people’s ideas. His vision ter place when we leave, more so than when we for America made sense to us all because we had arrived. We remember President REAGAN as one those same dreams in our very own hearts. His who named bad leadership for what it was, and principles were clear because they were the very turned his people toward a nobler path. He said values we all held so dearly then as we do now: the only places communism would work are in freedom, responsibility, ‘‘peace through Heaven because they do not need it and in Hell strength.’’ because they already have it. The is that RONALD REAGAN did not Today, we are enjoying a world where com- speak to the people; we somehow spoke through munism is defanged and former communist na- him. We saw ourselves and we heard our own tions rank among our closest allies, much of hearts in the words that he spoke. He was one which is due to President REAGAN’s unflinching 116 Ronald Reagan commitment and resolve to seeing peace and growth and brought America’s economy roaring freedom flourish throughout the world. back. President REAGAN was a true man of the peo- He also acted on his strong beliefs in dramati- ple. What REAGAN did more than anything else, cally strengthening our Armed Forces. He chose and it will be his lasting legacy, is replace de- to go toe to toe with the Soviet Union in the spair with hope. Most people, even his detractors, cold war and confront the failure of communism, admired and respected his integrity. He never leading to the freedom of millions of citizens in thought that he had all the answers or that he Eastern Europe and what was to become the was put on Earth to reveal and implement God’s former Soviet Union. plan for the rest of us. I see that legacy of RONALD REAGAN today. Madam Speaker, he has now, and as he noted I see it in our approach to the economy that this in the eulogy of the crew of the Challenger shut- body has undertaken to try to strengthen the tle, ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’’ and put economy and grow jobs, and I see it in our effort out his hand and ‘‘touched the face of God.’’ to win another global war, this one against ter- The days of this week will be remembered for rorism. many, many years. Let them be remembered For all of his accomplishments, one of RON- well. Let them be the passing of the torch. A ALD REAGAN’s traits I most admired was his hu- new day is dawning. Leadership, vision, opti- mility. He was a regular guy. His midwestern mism, and faith most of all are needed at every modesty and intuitive understanding of the role level in our great country and in our homes. of leadership in an America founded on equality REAGAN used to say that America’s greatest days and democracy made him a natural leader and are ahead of it. Now it can be said so are his. a beloved figure. One also had to appreciate President REAGAN’s humor. He once said, ‘‘Politics is a Hon. Rob Portman very rewarding profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards. If you disgrace yourself, you OF OHIO can always write a book.’’ Well, fortunately for our country and the world, he was a very success- Madam Speaker, I rise today to join my col- ful politician, and we all, all of us, continue to leagues in expressing condolences to the family share in the rewards. of President RONALD REAGAN but also, of In his 8 years as President, so much of his am- course, to celebrate the life of one of America’s bitious vision for American and the world was true heroes. accomplished. And for his optimism, his ideas, President REAGAN once announced America is his humility, his humor and public service, our too great for small dreams. It was this optimism Nation and the world are better off today. May about America and his confidence in the Amer- God bless him and his family and continue to ican people that I remember most vividly when bless the country he so loved. I first met him in 1981. He had an infectious op- timism that, like so many, I was infected with. It had a lasting impression on me. Hon. George R. Nethercutt, Jr. Shortly after taking office, President REAGAN acted on his optimism and his certain beliefs OF WASHINGTON launching the boldest economic plan since Frank- lin Roosevelt’s New Deal. Madam Speaker, last Saturday our Nation lost His program for economic recovery called for one of its greatest leaders. As we mourn RONALD the largest tax cuts in American history. Think REAGAN’s passing, we celebrate his life of service about this. Over his tenure, our Federal tax sys- as a lifeguard, an entertainer, a union leader, a tem went from 14 income tax brackets with a spokesman, a Governor and a President. top rate of 70 percent to a much simpler 2 brack- As leader of the free world, he not only de- ets with a top rate of 28 percent. This unleashed fended liberty, he expanded the realm of free- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 117 dom. He liberated millions with the power of movement and advanced the cause of freedom his ideas. around the entire world, and for that we all need As President, he revitalized the American po- to say to God, thank you for this great President. litical system. The bipartisan celebration of his life here is a tribute to his greatness. Let us re- member Mr. REAGAN’s example and work to im- Hon. prove civility and public discourse in American politics. OF VIRGINIA President RONALD REAGAN was an American hero and a personal hero of mine. I met him 18 I rise today to proudly stand with my friends years ago, but it feels like yesterday. We all feel and colleagues to pay tribute to President RON- we knew RONALD REAGAN. When he stepped ALD REAGAN. President REAGAN had the cour- off Air Force One in Spokane, we realized that age to lead America to greatness again after so he was a big man. He was larger than life. He many others had written us off as a country was very personal. He was gracious. He wowed whose best days had passed. He was a lone voice the crowd, and he touched each individual. who dared to believe that the cold war could be Having met Mr. REAGAN, I know first-hand won and communism could be conquered peace- how his unwavering vision for our shining city fully through strength. willed the Nation to new heights. Even after his He led the United States from double-digit in- passing, his vision must and will continue to flation, skyrocketing interest rates and recession guide us. to unprecedented economic growth and pros- God bless RONALD REAGAN and his family perity. His commonsense ideas of lower taxes and and his lasting legacy of freedom. limited government brought us out of those troubling times. His ability to inspire and effect change was truly unique. Hon. W. Todd Akin I remember fondly my parents’ pride in being delegates to the 1980 Republican Convention and OF MISSOURI casting votes to nominate RONALD REAGAN to Madam Speaker, I rise, as my colleagues before be President. While in high school and college during his Presidential term, I was dramatically me, to recognize this great President, RONALD affected by his moral clarity and courage. REAGAN. He was a visionary leader who chal- lenged the entire political order of his day. He President RONALD REAGAN had the positive had the courage to call evil evil; the Soviet em- spirit and courage of his convictions that inspired pire the evil empire. For that, and for his convic- our generation and future generations to enter tion that freedom would prevail, he was bitterly public service and make a difference in our coun- criticized by his detractors. try. Along the same lines, he pioneered a concept My family and I send our condolences to Mrs. of economics that said if we have lower taxes, Reagan and the Reagan family. Nancy Reagan that it would energize the economy and ulti- deserves our steadfast support at this time and mately that the government would raise more has earned our respect alongside her husband for revenue. That was also bitterly criticized. It was her faithful service to our country. called Reaganomics, and yet it worked, and it Religion played a crucial role in his life. RON- has worked again to bring us out of the last re- ALD REAGAN knew he could set out and accom- cession, the same principles. plish his goals because of his strong faith in God. He believed in the concept of defending His mother Nelle taught her son to believe in America. It was the idea of a missile defense. a loving and merciful God. Her teaching helped They called it star wars, his detractors, and yet guide her son throughout his life as actor, Gov- we are building those very things. ernor, and President. He was a man who challenged the political Having spent several decades battling the evils order of his day and redefined an entire political of communism as president of the Screen Actors 118 Ronald Reagan Guild and as Governor of California for two Hon. Jerry Weller terms, REAGAN held strong convictions that were based on his faith in God and led him to OF ILLINOIS run for President in 1980. He would win in a Madam Speaker, today we come before this landslide and become our Nation’s 40th Presi- House in a saddened state. A man of unques- dent. tioned integrity and strong character has passed REAGAN’s religious convictions would imme- from our Nation’s midst into the hands of God. diately be put to the test. After surviving an as- RONALD REAGAN was a man with a good heart, sassin’s bullet in the third month of his Presi- and he had more of an impact on the world than dency, REAGAN believed God saved his life. He any living American today. said: We express our condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan family. I’ve always believed that we were, each of us, put here Many of us are very grateful because of how for a reason, that there is a . . . divine plan for all of us. I RONALD REAGAN inspired us, encouraged our know now that whatever days are left me belong to Him jGodk. activity in public service, and I know he encour- aged my involvement in public service. I cast my He believed God saved his life for a reason, first vote in 1976 for RONALD REAGAN in the and he set out to ensure that he fulfilled God’s Republican primary, and I had the privilege just plan for him in the White House. In an era when 5 years later to serve in the Reagan administra- people tried to diminish the role that faith and tion. I have many fond memories of RONALD religion play in the political life of the United REAGAN. Man is not measured by what we say, but by States, REAGAN knew that the United States was what we do. President REAGAN believed in the ‘‘richly blessed with His jGod’sk love and gen- right of freedom for individuals and nations. He erosity.’’ REAGAN also knew that if we failed to spoke honestly of the need for government re- remember that the United States is a Nation form in the United States and publicly hoped for under God, then the United States would be a a brighter future for the citizens of the Soviet ‘‘nation gone under.’’ empire. During the eighties, REAGAN’s religious con- Yet his words were not empty and did not victions allowed him to set an agenda that was ring hollow. President REAGAN backed up these new and optimistic. His strong faith enabled him beliefs by reducing the government’s burden of to preserve and never waiver when opponents taxes on individuals. He committed himself to called his economic and foreign policy plans rad- rebuilding our American military. He inspired Americans to believe in themselves and their ical and dangerous. As a result, REAGAN played country, and, through almost sheer will, defeated an integral role in winning the cold war, in re- communism without firing a single shot. As he storing economic prosperity to the United States, spoke, the world listened because of and in helping liberate millions of people from America was behind his voice. the evils of communism. He entered the White When President REAGAN uttered those fateful House with a goal to change the country—he words, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ a ended up changing the world. He led his life collective shiver shot down the spine of the So- with a mission to fulfill God’s plan and, in turn, viet Union, as if communism’s death knell was accomplished so much for all of us. being rung for all the world to hear. Even Presi- My family and I send our condolences to dent REAGAN’s opponents concede that he de- Nancy Reagan and her family. Nancy Reagan de- feated the Soviet empire. Under President REAGAN’s leadership, Amer- serves our steadfast support at this time and has ica experienced an unmatched period of economic earned our respect alongside her husband for her growth. Under President REAGAN’s legacy, hun- faithful service to our country. dreds of millions of people around the world now Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 119 live safe from the fear of the threat of com- under Speaker Tip O’Neill. While President munism, free from the threat of Marxism- REAGAN and Tip O’Neill had sharp political dif- Leninism, and eager to extend an open hand to ferences, they never had sharp words. Their argu- our former enemy and now our friend, Russia ments were never nasty. They were never per- and the former Soviet states. sonal. At the end of the day, their battles shifted The spirit RONALD REAGAN embodied was of from policy to who could tell the most out- a special sort. Whether it was reinvigorating the landish story or the funniest Irish joke. It is an American economy or comforting the loved ones example that I believe all of us should try to do of those lost on the Challenger space shuttle, a better job of following. President REAGAN never forgot who he worked Madam Speaker, I would also like to take a for and what cause he was dedicated to. RONALD moment to say just how much respect and admi- REAGAN was committed to the American citizen, ration I have for Nancy Reagan. These last sev- the American dream and the American spirit. eral years have been extremely difficult for her Madam Speaker, as a man, a patriot, a fellow as President REAGAN battled Alzheimer’s dis- Illinoisan and U.S. President, RONALD REAGAN ease. Mrs. Reagan has faced this tremendous ad- will be greatly missed, and I deeply mourn his versity with strength, dignity and class, and she passing, but I cannot help but think that long serves as an inspiration to us all. after the pain and sorrow of his departure has Again, my wife Lisa and I send our sympathy diminished, the legacy that President REAGAN and our prayers to the Reagan family during this left with us of commitment to one’s country, of sad time, and I thank the gentleman for yielding faith in one’s resolve, of hope for a better tomor- me the time. row will be remembered and live on in the hearts and minds of Americans for generations to come. Hon. Ron Lewis Hon. James P. McGovern OF KENTUCKY OF MASSACHUSETTS Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the death of President RONALD REAGAN and to pass Madam Speaker, I rise today to join with my along the thoughts and prayers of the people of colleagues in marking with sadness the passing the Second District of Kentucky to the Reagan of President RONALD REAGAN. I send my deep- family. est condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the entire So much of President REAGAN’s life was dedi- Reagan family and to those friends who knew the cated to public service. From the summer shores President best. of his Illinois hometown to the silver screens of RONALD REAGAN was a man of principle, Hollywood, to Sacramento, Washington, DC, deep patriotism and great humor. He loved his and his final heroic battle with Alzheimer’s dis- country, and he loved the American people. His ease, President REAGAN’s vision and confident was, in many ways, the quintessential American leadership continues to inspire national spirit, life: moving from a small town to chase the improving quality of life in the United States American dream in California, achieving success and extending freedom and democracy across the through hard work and determination, and fi- globe. nally giving back through public service. During his inaugural address in 1981, Presi- One of the things I most admired about Presi- dent REAGAN remarked, ‘‘we’re too great a na- dent REAGAN was his ability to disagree without tion to limit ourselves to small dreams.’’ His being disagreeable. During the eighties, I was a dream, family, work, neighborhood, peace, and staff member for the late Congressman Joe Moak- freedom embodied the hopes of millions of ley from Massachusetts. We had a front row seat Americans, shepherding the Nation into eco- to the great political battles between the Reagan nomic recovery and renewed national pride while White House and the House of Representatives demonstrating an uncompromising moral leader- 120 Ronald Reagan ship abroad that brought communism to its Hon. Max Burns knees. He was a man whose love for his country OF GEORGIA stirred the spirit of his countrymen to a new age of patriotism and pride in America. His keen un- Mr. Speaker, once or twice a century we are given a President who stands above the rest. derstanding of right and wrong, good and evil President REAGAN was such a leader. He united provided the leadership needed to defeat an evil this country in a way that we have not been empire. united since. He did so by simply speaking out His was an exemplary life, uniquely American, for what the vast majority of the people of this and worthy of the love and admiration of so country knew to be the truth: President REAGAN many men and women across the world. May he declared that there is a God and that we, as a rest in peace. Nation, are under his authority. Like President Washington before him, he made no apology to anyone’s sensibilities. He Hon. Sam Graves called the evil empire of communism exactly what it was and committed this Nation to de- OF MISSOURI feating it. He was the first President to begin the battle to reverse the overreach of Federal bu- Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise with my friends reaucracy in the lives of our citizens. and colleagues today to pay tribute to a man who Let us truly honor the memory of RONALD inspired a Nation and a generation. His America REAGAN by never ending the fight he so nobly was a strong Nation, where opportunities were waged for God and for country. limitless. His list of accomplishments is long and distin- guished. He won the cold war, he brought back Hon. John N. Hostettler our confidence, he cut taxes and grew the econ- OF INDIANA omy. He was an outstanding leader throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of Indi- I did not have the pleasure of knowing Presi- ana’s Eighth Congressional District, I rise not dent REAGAN personally; but like millions of only to pay tribute to RONALD WILSON REAGAN Americans, I marveled at his abilities. He com- but to also thank him for being a Commander forted us after the Challenger disaster, he stood in Chief of which we could always be proud. tall against communism, and he made it morn- The most important role of any American ing again in America. President is that of Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces; and I, for one, do not need to wait RONALD REAGAN’s enduring legacy, though, for history to conclude that he was one of the will be that he was a people’s President. His con- greatest Commanders in Chief this Nation has cern for every American was genuine. He spoke ever had. with a twinkle in his eye and always had a story Last year, my son Matthew and I were honored that illustrated his point perfectly. He was for to attend the commissioning of the newest U.S. us, because he was one of us. supercarrier, CVN–åã. I could not think of a bet- America will soon say goodbye to one of our ter namesake for CVN–åã than RONALD WILSON greatest Presidents. Mr. Speaker, his courage, REAGAN. The ship’s motto is appropriately, humor, and grace will be missed by all of Amer- ‘‘Peace Through Strength.’’ While he is rejoicing ica. The ‘‘shining city on the hill’’ will continue, in Heaven, the American people should feel com- but for now with a heavy heart. forted in knowing that his legacy lives on in a mighty U.S. warship that bears his name and Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 121 will provide firepower for freedom for another 50 not to divide us. I think 85 to 90 percent of the years. people in this body are good, decent, honorable So communists and terrorists and other en- people who want to do the right thing for our emies of freedom, you have been forewarned. You country, Republicans and Democrats. have not heard the last from RONALD REAGAN. We need to understand that even when we And as he used to say when he was President, have honest good-faith differences on policy ‘‘You can run, but you cannot hide.’’ issues, such as the $7 trillion debt we have right In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, may the prayers now, and the $500-plus billion deficit, this and thoughts of a loving free world comfort his should not be about Republicans and Democrats; wife, Nancy, and their children during their time this should be about what is right for our coun- of supreme sorrow and unimaginable loss. try, and this should be about what is right for our children and our grandchildren and future generations in this country. Hon. Dennis Moore I hope that we will take this occasion, the OF KANSAS passing of a great President, RONALD REAGAN, to come together and again dedicate ourselves to Mr. Speaker, I think it is truly unfortunate doing what is right for our country and putting that it takes a time of crisis or tragedy to bring aside partisan politics. our Nation together. This week, for example, we have seen and heard from Members of both sides of the aisle a tribute to a great President, RON- Hon. Ginny Brown-Waite ALD REAGAN. He was a humble man; he was a OF FLORIDA gracious man and kind. We may have had dif- ferences of opinion on policy, but I think we all Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to concede he was a good, decent man. the chorus extolling the life of President RON- I never presume to speak for my friends on ALD REAGAN. On a similar occasion, over a cen- the other side of the aisle, but I think all of us tury ago, Lincoln said of Washington, ‘‘How do would agree that we have the greatest Nation in you add glory to the Sun?’’ the whole world, and one of the things that makes us so great as a Nation are the personal I was at President REAGAN’s inauguration, liberties and individual freedoms that we all and when he said, ‘‘It is time for us to realize share here in this country. The Bill of Rights of that we’re too great a nation to limit ourselves our Constitution gives us more economic and to small dreams,’’ my spine stiffened, and so did personal freedoms than people almost anywhere that of so many people in the crowd. I got in the world, and we are a better Nation for that. goosebumps when he called out that ‘‘peace is And I think that is something RONALD REAGAN the highest aspiration of the American people. would say if he were here right now. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will I think we can learn a lot of important things, not surrender for it, now or ever.’’ and a lot of speakers on both sides of the aisle From that day on, I knew America was back. have enunciated some of those things this morn- You see, many people speak of the Reagan revo- ing. We should try harder to disagree without lution. I like to think of it as the Reagan restora- being disagreeable. We should always treat one tion. REAGAN restored our optimism, our belief another with respect. And we should understand in our ability to create, and the belief that God that we are all Americans and we are all in this put man on this Earth to be free and that he together. We all want basically the same thing made America to prove it. for our country and for our people. President RONALD REAGAN changed the para- If we can do that, I think we are going to digm. He changed America’s foreign policy from be better as a Nation and stronger as a people. one of benign containment to active confronta- We need to find ways to bring us together and tion. And for the first time since communism 122 Ronald Reagan began extending its sinister reach, we saw its this to rededicate ourselves to research in Alz- hand pushed back. heimer’s and stem cell research so that others will Our sympathies certainly go to the entire not follow the former President in this path that Reagan family. was really painful for all of us to watch.

Hon. Stevan Pearce Hon. Jack Kingston OF NEW MEXICO OF GEORGIA

Mr. Speaker, as we consider world history, we I first heard about RONALD REAGAN in prob- know that each generation will be faced with its ably 1970, when Joan Baez, on my Woodstock own challenges. And though I am certain that album, referred to the Governor of California as the human race will survive; for a Nation to sur- Ron Ray Gun. And this was a young person, so vive these challenges, each generation must con- I thought if Joan Baez is against him, it is prob- tinually produce men and women who are suffi- ably a good thing. Yet as I went through my cient to the moment and equal to the task. It years and got in college, I had an opportunity needs to generate men and women who see with- to hear Mr. REAGAN speak at the Kansas City out limits, who work without tiring, and who Republican Convention in 1976. And in his con- sacrifice without restraint. A nation must find cession speech on the nomination going to Ger- within itself in these times of trouble those who ald Ford, he gave a great speech and he talked will forgo comfort and give up the beaten paths about what we have to do as Americans to pre- of certainty to find new courses of action and serve the great lifestyle that we live. I was very overcome all obstacles in pursuing the truth. Mr. impressed with that speech. So in 1980, when he REAGAN was sufficient for the moment and equal ran for President and was the nominee, certainly to the task. I was very enthusiastically in support of him. Mr. Speaker, we are here to mourn the passing He was elected in a year when we had hostages of a President, but we are here to celebrate the in Iran, the economy was in the tank, and the life of leadership and sufficiency that Mr. spirit of America was in the doldrums. He won REAGAN represented. by a landslide, with great expectations, though, and a great mandate. He needed to cut taxes, and he did. He moved along and created an economy Hon. Rush D. Holt that gave 19 million new jobs over the next 8 OF NEW JERSEY years. Inflation was reduced, as well as interest rates. He built defense to the extent that we got I am pleased to join with my colleagues in rec- over, finally, Vietnam. He talked about things ognizing the lessons of the life of RONALD like the evil empire of the Soviet Union and REAGAN and his legacy. Among those lessons ‘‘peace through strength.’’ And he said things would be a sense of civility in debate. Among that were politically incorrect at the time, like those lessons would be disagreeing without being ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!,’’ even disagreeable. Among those lessons would be the though people in our own party did not like him ability to recognize the humanity of our oppo- saying those things. nents, and they are lessons that we should all He was very basic. Nancy Reagan led the Just take to heart. Say No to Drugs campaigns, and I think it was Another part of the legacy, and I think the very effective in getting young people to think lasting legacy of President REAGAN, will derive twice about it. from the painful period as we watched Alz- He had that Irish twinkle in his eye. And heimer’s take this vibrant and warm and really when he got shot, even though it was a very seri- great person into, as Mrs. Reagan said, a different ous wound, he said to the hospital staff, gee, I place, a different world. And I hope we will use hope you are all Republicans. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 123 He had that kind of calmness and happiness the best of America is yet to come. And the best about him as he went through things. And I, generations of Americans are yet to come. He along with so many young people, was inspired trusted Americans to spend their own money and by him. So when I ran for the State legislature lead their own lives. In the process he knew our in 1984, I pulled out a photograph that Libby, country and the world would benefit. my wife, and I had taken with RONALD REAGAN I am absolutely convinced President REAGAN 1980 in , and I ran an ad that said, ‘‘REAGAN- totally changed the debate. He helped our coun- Kingston: Face it, we need conservatives at all try recognize that people have their own sense levels of government.’’ of self-worth and that we trust them to do the But I believe that was a key factor in helping right thing. me. He had those kinds of coattails. He believed in family, America. He loved Nancy. He showed us a husband and wife relationship at its finest. Hon. Christopher Cox He was kind. The Carter-Reagan, Mondale- Reagan campaigns were not nasty, mean or vi- OF CALIFORNIA cious. In fact, he would say to Jimmy Carter if he disagreed with some of Mr. Carter’s facts, Mr. Speaker, when President REAGAN took of- ‘‘There you go again.’’ fice on that cold day in 1981, the world needed He liked joke-telling and told the jokes about a hero, and on that day President REAGAN sent the Soviet Union and got his point across, but a message to every American and to every human when he was in the Oval Office, he always wore being enslaved by the Soviet empire. Confronting his coat out of respect for the Oval Office and not the armies of or Slobodan the Office of the Presidency. Milosevic, but the largest military machine in In his final speech as he left Washington, DC, the history of the world, President REAGAN sim- he said: ply said, ‘‘no weapon in the arsenals of the world jAks I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the is so formidable as the will and moral courage men and women of the Reagan revolution . . . My friends: We did it. We weren’t just marking time. We made a dif- of free men and women.’’ ference. . . . We made the city freer, and we left her in good Then he led a worldwide movement for indi- hands. vidual liberty and the human rights of all people. The lights of this city shine, but the future Today the Soviet Union sits on the ash heap of will burn brightly because of man and the leader- history, and the Reagan legacy can be measured ship of RONALD REAGAN. in lives liberated and dreams fulfilled. Before RONALD REAGAN became President in 1981, there were 56 electoral democracies on Hon. Christopher Shays Earth. Today there are 117. Today more than a billion more people are living in freedom than OF CONNECTICUT on the day that he took office. Mr. Speaker, I count my blessings for Presi- President REAGAN also liberated America, the dent RONALD REAGAN. I count my blessings for land that he called the last best hope of mankind. this man because he spoke from his heart and Many Washington pundits at the time believed he spoke the truth. Obviously he was an excep- that the United States was suffering from an in- tional communicator, but he was also extraor- evitable decline. President REAGAN had a dif- dinarily honest. You did not have to wonder ferent view. He believed that America’s greatest where RONALD REAGAN was coming from. He days were ahead, if only we could free our people had core principles: confronting tyranny, express- from the shackles of big government. He knew ing strength to the world, believing in our mar- that people, not governments, create prosperity, ket economy, reducing the size of government. and that markets are the dynamic expression of The bottom line is, he had extraordinary faith individual freedom reinforced by property rights in our country, in the promise of America that and the rule of law. 124 Ronald Reagan

He believed that the government management American sound. Like RONALD REAGAN, it is of an economy, whether in the form of wage con- hopeful, big-hearted, idealistic, daring, decent trols, , or regulation of production, and fair. produced growth and misery in direct proportion Mr. President, we loved you in life because to the loss of freedom. Upon assuming the Presi- you helped us love America, and you so nobly dency, he immediately ended price controls on represented the country we love. As we lay you oil, and within 4 months the price of oil fell over to rest, we will always respect and honor your 60 cents per gallon. leadership, your humility, your strength, your When a government union broke the law and humor and your character. You told us that those mounted an illegal strike against the taxpayers, who say we are in a time when there are no he- President REAGAN upheld the rule of law, and roes just do not know where to look. Mr. Presi- even the Soviet Union noticed. Secretary of State dent, all of America now knows where to look. George Schultz said this may have been the best You and our beloved First Lady, Nancy Reagan, foreign policy decision RONALD REAGAN ever will be our heroes for as long as there is an made. America and as long as love of freedom is carried RONALD REAGAN and a Democratic Congress in human hearts. cut marginal income tax rates from 70 percent to 28 percent and ushered in the longest peace- time economic expansion in American history. Hon. Dennis Moore Inflation fell from over 12 percent to 1 percent, and interest rates dropped dramatically. People OF KANSAS were free to work and keep most of what they earned and to save for their family’s future in- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Cali- stead of relying on the state. fornia (Mr. Cox) for his very cogent remarks, and In 1981, RONALD REAGAN was the first Presi- I really appreciate the civility with which this dent to take the oath of office on the west front has been conducted today. of the Capitol. He said he wanted to be looking The gentleman from California mentioned the west to symbolize the pioneer vision and spirit fact that President REAGAN and a Democratic that he knew still lived in America. Later today Congress presided over large tax cuts back during his body will be carried up those same western President REAGAN’s term, and I grant that. But steps of the Capitol. In just a few hours, Presi- at the same time, President REAGAN was not a dent REAGAN will lie in state a few feet from strict ideologue and he understood that when where we are now gathered. large deficits appeared, that we as a Nation need- As we imagine him looking up at the monu- ed to do something to deal with those large defi- mental artwork in the dome, at the Apotheosis cits and not put our country deeper and deeper of George Washington, perhaps we will hear him in debt. again speaking to us in the words he once used He agreed to actions to correct that course, in this very place: and I think we as Democrats and Republicans Now we’re standing inside this symbol of our democracy, hopefully can come together here and recognize and we . . . hear again the echoes of our past: a general falls that a $7 trillion debt and deficits of over half to his knees in the hard snow of ; a lonely Presi- dent paces the darkened halls and ponders his struggle to a trillion dollars cannot go on, and our kids and preserve the Union; the men of the Alamo call out encourage- grandkids and the future generations of this Na- ment to each other; a settler pushes west and sings a song, tion cannot sustain that kind of problem if it and the song echoes out forever and fills the unknowing air. continues. As we gather in the rotunda and gaze upon I hope we will come together with an attitude the flag-draped vault that holds the mortal re- of civility that was characterized by President mains of our 40th President, I know that if we REAGAN and work on these problems together listen, we will hear those echoes of the past. We because we have a lot more in common than we will hear that pioneer song because it is the have differences. We are all Americans. We all Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 125 love our country, and we want to do what is and as heroic as RONALD REAGAN’s. His own right by our country. words are perhaps the best testament of his con- Mr. Speaker, I want to conclude by saying that victions. His actions are the most sincere depic- I think if we work together and understand that tions of the character that defined his life. His we are all in this together, we will do the very humility and grace endeared him to all Ameri- best we can for the Nation we love, the United can’s hearts. States of America. In announcing to the world that he had been May God bless Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Mr. REAGAN family, and may God hold RONALD WILSON wrote: REAGAN in His loving arms. jLket me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will Hon. Kevin Brady leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eter- nal optimism for its future. OF TEXAS I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a Mr. Speaker, Heaven is a little sunnier and a bright dawn ahead. little more optimistic with the arrival of one of President REAGAN’s legacy will live on in the the greatest American patriots and Presidents of hearts and memories of all Americans. His integ- the 20th century, President RONALD REAGAN. rity, dignity and wisdom are immortal and will He inspired me, as he did many others. Across challenge us each day to ‘‘act worthy of our- the country and around the world, millions are selves’’—worthy of America. mourning the death and remembering the life of Thanks to RONALD REAGAN there are bright this man, patriot, and President. There is a sense days ahead for America. of profound loss, and rightly so, in the hearts of all Americans. This week we will all search for a way to pay our respects to a man who made Hon. Mark E. Souder it ‘‘morning in America’’ again. OF INDIANA President REAGAN’s message of hope restored America’s faith in what we could become. He loved this country, and he believed in the people Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor RONALD 40 that called it home. His optimism was infectious WILSON REAGAN, the th President of the and at the end of his term as President Ameri- United States, great American patriot, and con- cans had caught his vision and understood their servative stalwart. place in the world. This past weekend, I joined a delegation of REAGAN’s stewardship ushered in an era of Members from this body in honoring the vet- peace and economic prosperity. Reaganomics— erans—both living and fallen—who brought reducing the size of government, allowing Amer- freedom to Europe by storming the beaches of icans to keep more of their own hard-earned Normandy. Unfortunately, transportation prob- money instead of having it taxed away—brought lems have prevented me from participating more about an economic revival in our Nation. fully in commemorating the passing of a truly REAGAN’s leadership ended the cold war, great President. Had I been able, I would have brought down the Berlin Wall, and charted a certainly joined my colleagues in unanimously new course for both America’s and the world’s voting to mourn the passage of RONALD future. A future that was secure—made possible REAGAN. by ‘‘peace through strength.’’ We would do well RONALD REAGAN was born in Tampico, IL, to bear this wisdom in mind as we continue to a small town in the heart of America. His Mid- defend America against the threats posed by ad- west Christian upbringing helped to mold versaries. REAGAN into the conservative icon that he has It is very difficult for one person or a single become. When I was 14 years old, living in a nation to pay tribute to a life as big, as bold, small rural Midwest town, I heard RONALD 126 Ronald Reagan

REAGAN’s ‘‘A Time for Choosing’’ speech for proud that our State played a vital role in the Barry Goldwater. That speech and many of his Reagan revolution. other speeches, which I would listen to on Barry Goldwater started what became the records, inspired me to get involved in politics Reagan revolution with his own run for the Pres- and to fight for conservative values. I know idency. For the first time since , REAGAN did not inspire me alone. conservatives had a champion. Some dismissed RONALD REAGAN did not just speak about Goldwater’s loss as the end of the nascent con- conservative ideals. He lived them and led with servative movement, but they were wrong: it was them. At a time when conservatives and conserv- just the beginning. atism were derided and ridiculed, he showed Reagan took to the national political stage young politicians a new way to be a conservative. during the Goldwater campaign 40 years ago In 1981, President REAGAN became the Presi- with his seminal speech ‘‘A Time for Choosing.’’ dent of the United States. A boy from a small In losing the battle for the White House, town had proven the American dream was still Goldwater passed the conservative torch to RON- alive. At a time when a belief in America and ALD REAGAN to continue the war of ideas. To- freedom seemed to be at an alltime low, gether they nurtured the conservative movement REAGAN’s optimism renewed the confidence of and helped it grow. In 1966, REAGAN’s campaign a Nation. REAGAN’s plans for economic revital- for Governor of California struck the same ization, smaller government, and a strong mili- themes as Goldwater’s Presidential campaign. He tary moved the United States toward a brighter won in a landslide. It was the biggest political future. victory of the conservative movement since Gold- Over the course of two terms, he turned the water had defeated the sitting U.S. Senate major- 1952 United States and the world around. He was not ity leader in . content with the status quo domestically or My father, Stephen Shadegg, was Goldwater’s internationally. Today, the world and the country campaign manager, speechwriter and a close are better for it. Our current prosperity is based friend. Growing up in Goldwater’s shadow and on the course he charted. The freedom that mil- being a part of the conservative movement from lions of people enjoy can be attributed in part birth gave me a special appreciation for who to him. REAGAN was. As with Goldwater, REAGAN’s This past weekend was the 20th anniversary greatest tool was the truth. When RONALD REAGAN said something, you knew it came from of REAGAN’s moving ‘‘D-day’’ speech. This Sat- urday marks the 17th anniversary of his ‘‘Berlin the heart. Wall’’ speech. Both of these speeches were de- Reagan was one of the few politicians who had voted to freedom. As one of the 20th century’s deeply held beliefs and never strayed from funda- greatest advocates of freedom—both political and mental principles. The rarest commodity in EAGAN economic—RONALD REAGAN has few equals. Washington, DC, is courage, yet R was nothing if not courageous. As RONALD REAGAN ends his journey, I mourn his passing, but I am overwhelmed with He also touched people’s lives. Just look at the gratitude that he was able to accomplish so many hundreds of thousands of people who stood in things for the United States of America. line for hours this week to pay their last respects. A telling tribute to a man who had done so much for his country and whose citizens admired Hon. John B. Shadegg and loved him in return. President REAGAN is rightly remembered for OF ARIZONA numerous accomplishments. We are all better off today thanks to the economic revolution that Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN ran for Presi- brought double-digit interest rates and inflation dent to change America. In the end, he had to its knees. His tax policy proved that ‘‘a rising changed the world. As Arizonans, we can be tide’’ of economic recovery ‘‘lifts all boats.’’ Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 127 Reagan is best known as the aggressive oppo- Hon. Mary Bono nent of communism, the strong cold warrior that stood up to the Soviets and their allies across the OF CALIFORNIA globe. Less known is that this doctrine of ‘‘peace through strength’’ allowed President REAGAN to Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one sign the largest arms reduction treaty at the of our Nation’s greatest Presidents and a fellow time. Californian, President RONALD WILSON RONALD REAGAN was a normal citizen who REAGAN. used his charm and steadfast beliefs to shape the A child of America’s heartland, he became a United States into the country it is today. He man of the West. A towering presence, he gained provided great optimism, sparked economic fame as a movie star and entertainer before turn- growth, gained military superiority, and bridged ing his considerable gifts to public service. A international relations. man of great wit, faith, optimism, conviction and We all have a special memory of REAGAN. conscience, he believed fervently in the good of Obviously for me, the 1964 speech was a forma- all men but especially the American people. tive part of my political life. In the speech he It was from his unwavering faith and from the outlined his dedication to limited government people, first in his adopted State of California and personal responsibility, ideals that guide me and later throughout the Nation, that he drew as I serve the people of my district and Arizona: his great strength. A natural leader, he com- This idea? that government was beholden to the people, manded respect and loyalty from all who had the that it had no other source of power is still the newest, most honor of serving with him. President REAGAN unique idea in all the long history of man’s relation to man. brought grace and dignity to the high office he This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our held, always treating those around him with re- capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual spect and kindness. He never lost his connection elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better to the working people and spoke to all Ameri- than we can plan them ourselves. cans with such clarity and honesty that he will He had a simple vision. He knew that indi- be forever known as the Great Communicator. vidual choice and freedom were essential for peo- Along with his beloved wife, Nancy, President ple to feel pride in themselves, instead of de- REAGAN was a frequent visitor to the Palm pendence on the government. REAGAN knew Springs area which I have the honor of rep- that the true American dream was to be free to resenting in Congress. The Reagans frequently live your life and achieve your goals without gov- spent New Year’s Eve with their dear friends, ernment interference or regulation. Ambassador and Mrs. , enjoy- President REAGAN was one of the towering ing the relaxing desert environment and a friend- figures of the 20th century and one of the great- ly round of golf. A playground for movie stars est defenders of freedom that America and the and Presidents, the Palm Springs community was world has ever known. RONALD REAGAN was an a welcome haven from the hectic world of celeb- heir to Barry Goldwater’s vision that the great- rity and politics. The Reagans had many local ness of America lies not in its government but friends and contacts, and the Palm Springs area in its people. His faith in the individual, belief was and still remains Reagan country. in free enterprise, and unending conviction in As someone who has always said that it is per- providing freedom of choice in everyday deci- haps harder to be the spouse than the individual sions, helped to restore ‘‘the great, confident roar holding elected office, First Lady Nancy Reagan of American progress, growth, and optimism.’’ was a reservoir of strength for the President Rather than mourn our loss following the throughout their remarkable life together. His passing of President RONALD REAGAN, we most fervent supporter and staunchest defender, should instead celebrate his life and his countless Nancy deserves our recognition and thanks for contributions to our country. And we should her role in this most American story. renew the promise to keep America that ‘‘shining President REAGAN’s many achievements are city upon the hill.’’ now part of our Nation’s proud history, and the 128 Ronald Reagan contributions he made ensured a safer world and a combination of ideology, pragmatism, charm, a brighter future for the American people. His- self-effacing humor, and, yes, hard work. tory will recall that his words helped bring down When the President left office in 1989, the Na- the walls that kept the people of the Soviet tion was in the midst of an economic renaissance. Union oppressed and isolated from the freedom The led to 96 straight months of the West. His economic policies and the of economic growth. Record numbers of Ameri- strength of his convictions laid the foundation for cans were experiencing the pride that goes along the greatest economic boom in America in the with home ownership and economic self- ‘‘.’’ But, the history lessons will sufficiency. The communist bloc would soon be never be able to convey the sense of purpose and a memory due to REAGAN’s determination. End- pride he instilled in our Nation through the ing communism was a stand upon which sheer strength of his spirit and the optimism of REAGAN absolutely would not compromise. To his words. him, the Soviet Union was truly an evil empire We owe this remarkable American a tremen- which was morally at odds with the United dous debt of gratitude. His leadership redefined States and the principles of human dignity. the political landscape in our country and ener- REAGAN battled head to head with Gorbachev gized our people with purpose and hope. To par- at five peace summits and at home secured more aphrase the poet, ‘‘we shall not soon see his like money for our Nation’s defense. Thanks to this again.’’ combination, millions upon millions now live in Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Califor- freedom and Russia is a valued ally in America’s nia’s 45th District, I extend my deepest sym- quest for global freedom. pathy and condolences to First Lady Nancy Perhaps the most enduring legacy of RONALD Reagan, their children and the entire Reagan REAGAN was his ability to make us proud to be family. I have no doubt that President REAGAN Americans. REAGAN gently lifted our spirits has seen his faith rewarded as he goes to his rest. with his cheery optimism and geniality. He May God bless President RONALD REAGAN. soothed our fears with a good joke or a funny story. He could have been our friendly neighbor or our favorite uncle. A reporter once asked Hon. Charles H. Taylor REAGAN what Americans saw in him, to which he replied ‘‘Would you laugh if I told you that OF NORTH CAROLINA I think, maybe, they see themselves, and that I’m one of them? I’ve never been able to detach my- Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join my colleagues self or think that I, somehow, am apart from and remember the vision and achievements of our them.’’ 40th President, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. On a personal note, I cannot forget the RONALD REAGAN came to Washington with a warmth and kindness that I was shown by this core set of values that guided him through his great man. I first met REAGAN in 1976 and later two terms as our Nation’s leader. President visited him at the Oval Office. He provided me REAGAN fought to reduce taxes, diminish the with invaluable advice during my first run for role of an intrusive Federal bureaucracy, and to Congress. During this meeting, he spoke of the end forever the oppressive communist regime in beauty of our mountains and the kindness of the the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. people of North Carolina. He remembered fondly The times during which REAGAN sought to his visits to western North Carolina before he achieve these goals could not have been more was a candidate and afterward. During every daunting. America in 1981 was a land of broken meeting with RONALD REAGAN I was treated spirit. Many citizens could not live the American with kindness, grace, and great humility. dream due to interest rates in the double digits. Few political leaders have had the vision and The Soviet Union had surpassed the United integrity of RONALD REAGAN. He had the guts States in military capability. But RONALD and the courage to tackle the toughest problems REAGAN achieved what he set out to do through of America in the eighties. He left his office with Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 129 a stronger and prouder Nation than he inherited. end of the cold war. His commitment to a strong He made us want to believe in ourselves and he national defense and a safe and secure world is made us a better people. Mr. Speaker, I and my personified through the phrases, ‘‘Trust but constituents in western North Carolina will al- verify,’’ ‘‘Peace through strength,’’ and most of ways be grateful for RONALD REAGAN’s service all, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ to our Nation. At the end of his two terms in office, the Reagan revolution had succeeded in giving the Nation its longest recorded period of peacetime Hon. Ander Crenshaw prosperity without recession or depression. Presi- dent REAGAN succeeded in keeping his campaign OF FLORIDA promise of restoring the great, confident roar of American progress and growth and optimism. Mr. Speaker, this week our Nation lost an in- Mr. Speaker, I am so very pleased to have dividual who had an enormous impact on our known this man. I am even more pleased that country and the world. RONALD WILSON RONALD REAGAN answered the call to public REAGAN, our Nation’s 40th President, had a service and contributed all that he did. His lead- great and positive impact on our economy, our ership blessed our great Nation. Our country will security, and our national pride. I believe that never forget his awesome contributions. For now just as his achievements will remain with us for and years to come, may the people of the United many decades, so too will his legacy of exercising States examine the life of our 40th President, and sincerity and consistency in all actions, both in- reflect upon his great achievements. RONALD consequential and monumental. WILSON REAGAN lifted this Nation, and President REAGAN was an ordinary man who changed the world. became an extraordinary leader. I will remember him most for his sense of optimism and hope. In the most difficult of times, it was President Hon. Ernest J. Istook, Jr. REAGAN who had the power to allay our worries, raise our spirits, and guide this Nation to pros- OF OKLAHOMA perity. Working on RONALD REAGAN’s first cam- Mr. Speaker, like millions of Americans, I paign in Jacksonville in 1980, I saw first-hand want to pay tribute to President RONALD his strength of character and his sense of opti- REAGAN, the 40th President of the United mism and hope. RONALD REAGAN lifted this States. I have shed many tears this week, because Nation up at the time when we needed it the I loved RONALD REAGAN, and I know how much most. He made us feel good about being Amer- he loved this country and the American people. ican. RONALD WILSON REAGAN knew who he President REAGAN inherited a country disillu- was and he knew what he believed. These are the sioned and with serious economic problems, yet qualities of a great leader. when he left office 8 years later, it was truly President REAGAN’s strength of character and ‘‘morning in America.’’ This was more than an firm beliefs led to revolutionary policies in deal- economic boom. President REAGAN restored ing with the economy, national security, and pride and dignity to the United States and to Federal taxation. the Office of the Presidency. He advocated per- Under the Presidency of RONALD WILSON sonal responsibility and limited government— REAGAN, our Nation experienced a lengthy pe- government that gives a hand up, not a hand out. riod of economic revival where inflation was He deserves more credit than anyone else for brought under control, employment grew, and a the collapse of communism and the fall of the stifling Federal tax burden was lifted from mil- Iron Curtain, bringing freedom to many millions lions of hard-working Americans. of people. He spoke proudly and freely of morals President REAGAN’s defense policies were piv- and principles, of right and wrong, of good and otal in the collapse of the Soviet Union and the evil. He believed in the goodness of the Amer- 130 Ronald Reagan ican people, and he helped us believe in our- REAGAN is a historical giant. Consider two ex- selves. amples: Recently, my wife and I made a special trip First, President REAGAN initiated the largest to visit the Reagan ranch near Santa Barbara, CA. peacetime expansion of our military ever. It gave The humble and simple nature of his beloved him the strength to win the cold war without ranch home reflects the genuine basic values that firing a shot. he cherished and lived by. America is a better But would our soldiers, sailors and airmen place because of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, who have achieved such rapid success in the first Gulf greatly loved our country and who championed war if we sent our 1980 forces and weapons to our ideals. fight? Would we have won the ground war in 100 hours without President REAGAN’s military buildup? Of course not. I believe we would have Hon. Lamar S. Smith prevailed, but not with such stunning success. OF TEXAS And our modern, 21st century military that is fighting the war on terror in Iraq today would Mr. Speaker, I was honored to have served in be years, if not decades away, without President Congress for the last 2 years of President REAGAN’s peace-through-strength doctrine. REAGAN’s second term. Second, President REAGAN launched the bold- President REAGAN devoted his life to the pres- est economic growth plan since the New Deal. ervation of freedom. He believed that ‘‘no weap- When he came to office there were 14 income on in the arsenals of the world is so formidable tax brackets, with the top rate a suffocating 70 as the will and moral courage of free men and percent. After he left office only two income tax women.’’ brackets existed, with a top rate of 28 percent. His global fight against communism is one of Yes, we know this created the longest economic the most significant events in world history. boom in history throughout the eighties. But Many said this enemy of freedom could not be what about the nineties? conquered. But the Berlin Wall fell because Mr. Speaker, without President REAGAN’s 3- President REAGAN made it fall. year across-the-board tax reduction plan in 1981, Since the President’s death last Saturday we and without the fundamental restructuring of the have heard all or parts of the speeches that in- Nation’s Income Tax Code in 1986, we would not spired so many for so long. They earned him the have experienced the job creation machine of the nickname the ‘‘Great Communicator.’’ nineties. We would not have created a new class Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN will always be in America—the investor class. And our econ- the Great Communicator because of what he said omy certainly would not have survived and re- and did. But his public remarks were also nota- bounded as it did after the 9/11 terrorist attacks ble for what he did not say and what he did not and corporate scandals. do. President REAGAN left office with a united He did not pound the podium. He did not America, a strong America, and a prosperous flail his arms, or yell. He did not substitute man- America. His America is the country every Presi- ufactured emotion for reason. He did not exploit dent—every American—aspires to live in. human suffering. The style and manner of his speech combined with the power of his ideas made verbal and Hon. Kendrick B. Meek physical gimmicks completely unnecessary. Mr. Speaker, there are many ways to judge a OF FLORIDA President’s place in history. I believe a question we must ask is: What kind of impact on world Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN forever and national events does a President have after changed the landscape of American politics. He he leaves office? By that standard President will be remembered as a President who loved his Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 131 country and inspired us all to be better Ameri- war with fearless resolve, lifting our fears of im- cans. minent attack by Soviet missiles and giving a fu- President REAGAN was a principled leader, ture to nations ravaged by the ills of com- and many times his beliefs put him at odds with munism. Democrats. Despite these disagreements, he Not only did RONALD REAGAN change the taught us that there is a big difference between world, he changed America. He led us back to bitter partisanship and strong beliefs. prosperity. He made us proud to be Americans My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. again. RONALD REAGAN brought us closer to his Reagan and her children at this difficult time. image of a ‘‘shining city on a hill,’’ and showed us that we could be great again. Under REAGAN’s guidance the rest of the world came Hon. John Sullivan to look to us for our leadership again. And although we are saddened by his death, OF OKLAHOMA we are comforted by the promise he restored in America. President REAGAN said ‘‘For while I Mr. Speaker, on the passing of President take inspiration from the past . . . . I live for the REAGAN it is right and good that our Nation future.’’ So must we. gathers for mourning, prayer, and remembrance. As I inventory my memories of RONALD REAGAN, I can’t help but smile at the recollec- Hon. Dennis R. Rehberg tion of such a good and sensible man. The first time I voted for a President, I voted for RONALD OF MONTANA REAGAN. Each time since I cast my first ballot, I have compared every candidate to President Mr. Speaker, I remember working in Wash- REAGAN. ington during RONALD REAGAN’s transition in That’s because RONALD REAGAN set the 1980. It was heartening to see the change in atti- standard, he personified leadership. He was tude and renewed patriotism among the public America. He was our greatness, our promise, our and in Washington. You see, in those days so free will, and our character. many Americans felt discouraged about their RONALD REAGAN showed us love of family, government and their future. even in the midst of challenges to our values and And then the sheriff rode into town. He barbs to tradition. brought with him a wholesome, western perspec- He and Nancy were unafraid to show their af- tive. His optimism was contagious, and he had fection, to put their pure love for each other on a love for this country and its people as big and display. When you saw the Reagans together, as colorful as the Montana sky. His was a kind you couldn’t help but feel part of their family. of hope that people hadn’t seen in our Nation Their mutual fondness and love brought true since well before Vietnam, Watergate, and the meaning to the term ‘‘first family.’’ tough economic times that he came to vanquish. Not only a defender of traditional values, ‘‘Sheriff’’ REAGAN’s determination and infec- RONALD REAGAN brought common sense to bear tious charm disarmed this town of its grip on on government. He reigned in the scope of the the American taxpayer, in favor of limited gov- Federal Government, while spurring growth in ernment, free enterprise, and a renewed faith in the private sector. the power of the American dream. Abroad, our RONALD REAGAN changed the world. He President’s unwavering stand for liberty brought spread democracy to places where freedom was down the Iron Curtain, ended the cold war, and a term without meaning. President REAGAN helped restore freedom to millions of people stood up to the rising tide of communism, in- around the world. He made us—made me— stead presenting the future that liberty ensures. proud to be an American. He changed the world by example, showing Several years ago, that sense of pride motivated the power of a free people. He ended the cold me to successfully lead the effort in Montana to 132 Ronald Reagan change the name of our annual Republican Lin- nouncer for radio station WOC in Davenport, coln Day Dinners to Lincoln-Reagan Day Din- IA. In 1933, WOC merged with radio station ners, in honor of the two greatest Republicans, WHO in Des Moines, and REAGAN was hired Abraham Lincoln and, of course, RONALD as chief sports announcer for the new station. REAGAN. Here, REAGAN announced Chicago Cubs baseball games—reading them from teletype reports. I re- Hon. Silvestre Reyes member him recounting how he was forced to improvise games for as long as 15 minutes when OF TEXAS the teletype machine would unexpectedly stop. At the time, radio personalities were treated Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my sorrow on as big stars and what a great place to start a ca- the passing of President RONALD REAGAN. I had the privilege of meeting President reer in entertainment—in Iowa. As we all know, REAGAN twice—once when I participated in a Mr. REAGAN went on to a career in movies but G.I. Forum event in El Paso, TX, honoring vet- many Iowans remembered listening to his sports- erans, and the other time while I was in the Bor- casts and helped him in pursuit of higher office der Patrol providing security as the President vis- in the seventies and eighties. ited Brownsville, TX. I can remember ‘‘Dutch’s Dollies’’—a group It was easy to see that President REAGAN was of ladies who were longtime fans cheering wildly blessed with a good nature and positive spirit. at his campaign events. They were loyal sup- All Americans remember his abiding love of porters with very long memories of their man country and strong defense of freedom. DUTCH. President REAGAN has left a lasting legacy in the way he confronted communism and helped There are many great stories about RONALD to end the cold war. He was the kind of leader REAGAN and his ties to Iowa, but I want to ex- we needed during those difficult years. For that, press my admiration for the entire Reagan fam- our Nation, and the world, will be forever grate- ily. ful. RONALD REAGAN touched me in a manner I On behalf of my constituents in El Paso, I ex- could not anticipate—through Alzheimer’s dis- tend heartfelt condolences to the Reagan family ease. during this very sad time. For the better part of the last decade I shared the sadness of this disease with the Reagan fam- Hon. Tom Latham ily. Like all Americans, we read about the Reagan family’s long goodbye to the President. OF IOWA During their painful days, the entire Latham Mr. Speaker, former President REAGAN’s in- family was saying their own long goodbye to my fluence on the world was tremendous. He was father Willard Latham, who succumbed to the bigger than life. Whether it was on the Silver disease in 2001. Screen or before thousands of cheering Ameri- RONALD REAGAN will be remembered for cans—he was, in so many ways, the American many things but for millions this week we are dream. His messages of hope and possibility reminded of the ravages Alzheimer’s disease has touched so many people around the world. on its victims and their families. Let us all pray Many Iowans have a special place in their heart for those who are devastated by this affliction and for RONALD REAGAN or ‘‘DUTCH’’ as he was let us keep the Reagan family in our thoughts known to those who used to listen to him on the radio during the thirties. and prayers. In 1932, after graduating from college, REAGAN began working as a temporary staff an- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 133 Hon. Jon C. Porter Hon. Todd Tiahrt

OF NEVADA OF KANSAS

Mr. Speaker, today is a day of reflection. We Mr. Speaker, we have lost a giant in American reflect on the life and leadership of former Presi- politics and world history. RONALD WILSON EAGAN dent RONALD WILSON REAGAN. We remember R was not only a great President, he was all that is good in our country, and all our Na- a good man. He will be remembered fondly for his character and with great appreciation for his tion has to offer its people. RONALD REAGAN tremendous triumphs in spreading peace and made a significant and lasting contribution to freedom throughout the world. the strength of our economy, our military, and In addition to tearing down the iron curtain restored America’s self-confidence. of communism, rebuilding America’s military, President REAGAN was an inspiration to me presiding over the Nation’s longest period of as I embarked upon a political career in Boulder growth and prosperity, it was the little things City, NV, more than 20 years ago. He instilled that made him great. He cared about people, in- in me that America was indeed a place everyone cluding the smallest among us. His heart of can rise as high and as far as his ability will take kindness reflected that of his Creator’s in its him. His own humble beginnings are proof of compassion toward ‘‘the least of these.’’ that. He taught me the meaning of civility, and RONALD REAGAN comforted us when we to respect your political adversaries despite your grieved. Whether to the families of the 101st Air- disagreements. borne Division or to a Nation in shock after los- President REAGAN changed the course of his- ing the space shuttle Challenger, President tory, for both the United States and the world. REAGAN knew what to say and how to say it. He implemented foreign policy that would later He also knew when to be silent and simply offer end the cold war and free many nations from the a reassuring embrace. He was the most powerful Iron Curtain. man in the world, yet he exuded the warmth and kindness of a gentle grandfather. We respected President REAGAN strengthened our economy. not just the office he held, but the man who held His leadership taught us that the Federal Gov- it. ernment is not the solution for our problems and President REAGAN earned his respect. He set us on a course that would lessen taxes and knew what he believed, established his goals decrease inflation, helping many Americans upon those beliefs and committed to achieve his achieve the American dream. dreams. The world is a much improved place be- On behalf of the people of the Third Congres- cause he lived by his deeply held convictions. sional District from the great State of Nevada, RONALD REAGAN knew you shouldn’t penal- I offer my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Reagan and ize people for working hard, so he fought to the entire Reagan family. enact sweeping tax relief that spurred unparal- To conclude, let me recap the final words of leled economic growth. He knew there was a dif- President REAGAN’s farewell address to the ference between good and evil, so he called out American people from the Oval Office: the evil empire, and it ultimately crumbled. RONALD REAGAN knew people wanted to feel My friends: We did it. We weren’t just marking time. good about this country again, so he told us it We made a difference. We made the city stronger. We made was ‘‘morning in America’’—and we saw that it the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not was. bad, not bad at all. He touched numerous lives in the Fourth Con- Mr. President, thank you for all you’ve done gressional District of Kansas. Every year I attend for the Nation and the world. Americans will the Celebration in Independence, miss you. KS, I am reminded by local residents of RONALD 134 Ronald Reagan

REAGAN’s visit there in 1966. They remember it May God bless RONALD WILSON REAGAN, as if it were yesterday. And they still love him. and may God provide strength, peace and en- We love RONALD REAGAN. We have named couragement to Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan our national airport, Washington’s largest gov- family in the days ahead. ernment building and more than 50 other sites across this country in tribute to our Nation’s 40th President. He captured our hearts with his Hon. Michael Bilirakis next-door-neighbor kindness, rekindled our pa- triotism with his effusive and infectious love for OF FLORIDA this country, and he inspired us with his prin- cipled leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor America’s 40 In his personal and moving letter disclosing th President, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. his bout with Alzheimer’s disease, the President President REAGAN was an ordinary man who conveyed the essence of his entire being. In that led an extraordinary life. He came from a mid- letter, he was optimistic about America, and he dle-American family of modest means to become asked us to take care of his beloved Nancy be- the leader of the most powerful Nation in the cause he was concerned about the burden she world, inspiring its people along the way. would bear. There was not a word of self-pity President REAGAN was a decisive leader. He or dread. RONALD REAGAN wrote about the sun- was a strong Commander in Chief. He was a set of his life, but proclaimed for America, ‘‘a statesman. He was a gifted communicator. He bright dawn ahead.’’ was a skilled political adversary. He was an eter- Mr. Speaker, we too believe that America’s fu- nal optimist. He was a patriot. He was, above ture is bright, but it pales in comparison to the all, an American. He used these skills, and his place where RONALD REAGAN now lives. love for our country, to change the course of his- President REAGAN had a strong faith in God tory for the better. and spoke of his reliance on prayer in both good President REAGAN accomplished much during and difficult times. During his address at the his Presidency. He helped defeat communism National Prayer Breakfast in 1982, President and end the cold war. He rebuilt our national REAGAN said he believed the United States was defenses. He advanced freedom throughout the a blessed land that had been set apart in a special world. He led the longest economic recovery in way. But, he also had the following warning: our Nation’s history. He lowered taxes. He fun- Sometimes, it seems we’ve strayed from that noble begin- damentally changed the way we think about gov- ning, from our conviction that standards of right and wrong ernment. ‘‘We meant to change a nation,’’ he do exist and must be lived up to. God, the source of our said in his farewell address to the American peo- knowledge, has been expelled from the classroom. He gives ple, but instead, ‘‘we changed a world.’’ us His greatest blessing, life, and yet many would condone the taking of innocent life. We expect Him to protect us President REAGAN literally helped save a in a crisis, but turn away from Him too often in our day- world that needed saving. to-day living. I wonder if He isn’t waiting for us to wake President REAGAN convinced us to believe in up. ourselves again. He took charge of a wounded President REAGAN went on to urge Americans Nation that doubted itself and helped us redis- of faith to get involved and ‘‘to restore our spirit cover our pride and patriotism. He reminded us of neighbor caring for neighbor.’’ In his conclu- that America and its people are fundamentally sion he added: good, decent and deserving of God’s blessings. We are told in II Timothy that when our work is done, He restored America’s greatness and instilled in we can say, ‘‘We have fought the good fight. We have fin- us his eternal optimism that our best is always ished the race. We have kept the faith.’’ yet to come. RONALD REAGAN’s struggles on this Earth are President REAGAN left America better, strong- finished, but his work carries on. He indeed er, freer and more prosperous than we ever had fought the good fight, and we are all better off been. Looking back on his accomplishments in because of it. the White House, he said that he was proud that Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 135

‘‘We weren’t just marking time. We made a dif- President REAGAN fought for his convictions ference,’’ adding with his usual humility ‘‘All in and followed up his campaign promises with suc- all, not bad, not bad at all.’’ cessful action. Under his leadership, government Not bad at all, Mr. President. bureaucracy and regulations were reduced. Taxes President REAGAN battled Alzheimer’s disease were lowered and a strong national defense was with the same dignity and courage with which rebuilt to fight against the spread of com- he lived his life. He asked us, in his last letter munism. These moves won him a landslide re- to America, to remember that he had ‘‘the great- election victory. est love for this country of ours and eternal opti- I agree with the words of this great President mism for its future.’’ We know he loved Amer- when he said, ‘‘government is not the solution ica. I think it is clear America loved him. . . . government is the problem.’’ Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have known Presi- I also agree with President REAGAN’s words dent REAGAN and am honored to have, in some at the 1992 Republican National Convention in small measure, done my part to ensure that his , TX, when he said: vision for America and the world came to pass. jAk lot of liberal democrats are saying it’s time for a We all owe him a debt of gratitude for dedi- change; and they’re right; the only trouble is they’re pointing cating his life to improving ours. to the wrong end of . What we should In this time of great sadness for the Reagan change is a Democratic Congress that wastes precious time family and the American people, let us take com- on partisan matters of absolutely no relevance to the needs fort in the knowledge that the leader we so loved of the average American. . . . It’s time to clean house. Clean out the privileges and perks. has fulfilled his earthly mission and has finally Clean out the arrogance and the big egos. Clean out the scan- reached the place of peace in which we all may dals, the corner-cutting and the foot-dragging. one day rejoice. May God eternally bless RON- RONALD REAGAN was a President who, in a ALD REAGAN and continue to watch over the time of politicians, proved himself a statesman. ‘‘shining city on a hill’’ he so loved. He was a leader who, when others demanded compromise, preached conviction; a gentleman Hon. Mac Collins who, in time of average men, stood taller than anyone else. OF GEORGIA He ranks as one of the finest men ever to hold the office. He was successful as a radio broad- Mr. Speaker, today, I pay tribute to a great caster, actor, union leader, Governor and Presi- American, our 40th President, RONALD dent. But, above all else, he was a successful REAGAN. American whose legacy lives on in these halls and Under RONALD REAGAN’s Presidency and across this land. May God bless this great man, leadership, America stood tall again in the world his family and this land that he so dearly loved. as a ‘‘shining city on the hill.’’ Americans were proud once again to be Americans. RONALD REAGAN assumed the Presidency Hon. Edward L. Schrock when America was facing an Iranian hostage cri- sis, a rising inflation rate, increasing unemploy- OF VIRGINIA ment, and an energy crisis that saw Americans waiting in lines to purchase gasoline. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and remem- Upon assuming the Presidency, RONALD ber a great man, a great leader and a great Presi- REAGAN proposed a bold economic and defense dent. program. His economic policy created the long- RONALD WILSON REAGAN is a man none of est peacetime job expansion in history. Under his us will soon forget. In the annals of American leadership, our defenses were rebuilt to handle and world history, RONALD REAGAN will be rec- any adversary. It was his leadership that saw ognized and remembered with the great leaders America triumph as the communist evil empire of our past like Winston Churchill, George that scarred Europe fell. Washington and Abraham Lincoln. 136 Ronald Reagan

As a principled leader, he challenged political President REAGAN was committed to his fam- leaders in our Nation, in both parties, to go be- ily, to his Nation and to the world. He was dedi- yond the status quo, to think beyond the realms cated to his integrity, principles and the belief of the possible, to reach new heights in public that America could become that ‘‘shining city on discourse by doing more than debate the prob- a hill.’’ lems ailing the American people, and to actually Today, we say goodbye to this great man, find a solution. leader, President and husband. We miss Presi- He actively worked to enact new policies that dent REAGAN. May God bless him and his fam- brought our Nation out of the malaise of the sev- ily. enties. He fought communism and tyranny, bringing freedom to more people in the world than has Hon. Solomon P. Ortiz ever been achieved in history. OF TEXAS His principle of ‘‘peace through strength,’’ not only led our Nation to become the preeminent superpower in the world, but it also brought the Mr. Speaker, my memories of RONALD Soviet empire down to its knees, ending the cold REAGAN are much like the memories of so many war once and for all. of those who met President REAGAN and who When was the last time we have seen a world were absolutely charmed by him. leader stand boldly on the doorsteps of an enemy RONALD REAGAN wasn’t just called the Great and challenge him to ‘‘Tear down this wall’’? Communicator because he could give good President REAGAN knew what had to be done speeches; he was a brilliant communicator on all and he did it. Why? Because it was the right levels. He understood how the everyday person thing to do. on the street understood issues, and he framed I think most Americans will remember RON- things in such a way that people believed him. ALD REAGAN for the inspiration he gave us all. He presented his ideas simply and eloquently. He helped us to believe in ourselves again. After He was also excellent one on one. His Irish our failed efforts in Vietnam and the and charm was all-encompassing. That charm made marches against our actions there, after Water- him an agreeable opponent when we disagreed gate, after economic malaise, and after the Iran on issues. He welcomed opposition on a matter; hostage crisis, America was in a state of despair he understood that democratic societies only with very little hope in the future. flourish when both sides of an issue are clearly But President REAGAN helped us to believe heard. He relished debate. we could be better, and we became better. He President REAGAN’s acting career was helpful showed us America could be strong and win the to him in his political career, although his de- cold war, and we became strong and won it. He tractors often denigrated him for it. But he was promised us he would invest in the American a good actor; his performance in ‘‘’’ people to turn the economy around. He made was widely hailed. But World War II intervened that investment and dividends are still paying off and his advancing career was diverted to military today. service, making movies for the troops. President REAGAN optimistically led the way. My personal memories of the President were The Nation followed and we are better off be- times we saw each other in the White House or cause of it. the Capitol. The first time we met, my 10-year- In spite of all that President REAGAN did for old daughter, Yvette, accompanied me to the our Nation, the one thing that speaks volumes White House party for new Members of Con- about his character and the man that he was, was gress. After being rebuffed by a security guard the way he loved Nancy. He was not embarrassed when she asked if she could get REAGAN’s auto- about his love for her, rather he demonstrated it graph, the President found out and obliged her at every opportunity. with his autograph. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 137

I remember another meeting with him that REAGAN’s indomitable optimism with a story was rather high stakes on the international stage. the President told him. President REAGAN com- I’d just returned from El Salvador in the pared himself to the kid who walks into a room mideighties with a CODEL of House Members full of horse dung, and asks excitedly, ‘‘Where’s where we’d sought to bring back good informa- the pony?’’ tion about the rebel uprisings in Central Amer- I join the House of Representatives today in ica, particularly there in El Salvador. honoring the life and service of RONALD WILSON Talking about—and debating at points during REAGAN and offer my condolences, those of my the conversation—international policy with the family, and those of my south Texas constituents, President of the United States in the Oval Office to Mrs. Reagan and the rest of their family. was a heady moment. We marveled that a mi- May the Lord bless President REAGAN’s soul, grant worker from Robstown and a lifeguard and comfort Mrs. Reagan and their family in this from Illinois would wind up in this room, talk- time of loss. ing about such important things. He loved this Nation and felt a great responsi- bility to it. When his tax cuts and economic Hon. Dale E. Kildee policies produced mountains of massive deficit, he stepped up and reversed his policy, raising OF MICHIGAN taxes higher than any President before him—or Mr. Speaker, I remember RONALD REAGAN as since—has ever done. His insistence that the So- an enthusiastic American patriot. He truly en- viets tear down the Berlin Wall rang truer than anyone would have believed at the time. joyed being President. He was just like every- He had a sweet soul. This was one of the cen- one’s uncle or grandfather. He always had a kind tral tenets of the man. He loved his wife deeply, word to say. He could disagree without being and the entire Nation has come to love her even disagreeable. more after they left the White House. Nancy I have served with six Presidents, and I liked Reagan’s monumental strength in the face of fac- him personally. Even one of his principal opponents, House ing her dear husband’s illness, without him en- Speaker Tip O’Neill, liked him. tirely with her, might have broken lesser people. President REAGAN was well known for his One of the President’s greatest contributions great sense of humor. On St. Patrick’s Day, Tip to humanity, and to this Nation, may have come after he left office to begin the long dark walk O’Neill invited President REAGAN to the Speak- away from us, and his beloved family. That this er’s dining room to have lunch with the Irish strong, vigorous man was so removed, so empty, Members of Congress. In his remarks, President was chilling for all of us. The eyes that danced REAGAN said, with great humor, ‘‘I am told that with Irish charm began to narrow with confu- on St. Patrick’s Day, one should spend time with sion. saints and scholars, so you know that when I The Nation was deeply moved watching this leave here I will have to go to two other places.’’ much-loved President face the indignities of Alz- We all loved it. On the international level, President REAGAN heimer’s so bravely and with such conviction. made it difficult for the Soviet Union to compete We have been moved to seek new science and with us, either economically or militarily. new treatments for the cruel disease that claims May he rest in peace. the last decades of many Americans, and drains their families. For all we have said here today, RONALD Hon. Karen McCarthy REAGAN will be remembered most profoundly as an eternal optimist, embodying the quintessen- OF MISSOURI tial American spirit. At our core, we are all opti- mists, thinking about tomorrow. Former House Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor former Speaker Tip O’Neill once illustrated President President RONALD WILSON REAGAN and to ex- 138 Ronald Reagan tend my deepest sympathies to former First Lady world. He saw it as a beacon of freedom, a land Nancy Reagan and the Reagan family. I join of unlimited opportunity, and in his words, a with the millions of Americans who mourn the ‘‘shining city on the hill.’’ death of our 40th President. President REAGAN Mr. REAGAN took office during a time of demonstrated an unwavering commitment to great pessimism. There was Watergate; Vietnam; freedom, justice and democracy and left an indel- the hostage crisis in Iran; and gas lines, runaway ible mark upon our Nation and the world. inflation, and double-digit interest rates here at On this occasion of remembrance, we are re- home. There were those who told us that we had minded of the pain and devastation wrought by to lower our expectations, that we could no Alzheimer’s disease, a neurological illness which longer shape our destiny, and that our best days President REAGAN endured during the last dec- were behind us. ade of his life. From this challenge, Mrs. Reagan RONALD REAGAN saw a different future. It has led a valiant effort to enable ongoing embry- was a future in which we were limited only by onic stem cell research, in the hope for a cure the size of our dreams; where the spirit of our for this debilitating disease, as well as Parkin- pioneer ancestors was still alive, it just needed son’s, diabetes, cancer and multiple sclerosis. to be rekindled. It was a vision where hard work, On April 28, I joined more than 200 of my imagination, creativity, and a little luck would colleagues in the House of Representatives in allow ordinary men and women to accomplish sending a letter to President George W. Bush extraordinary things. in support of Mrs. Reagan’s efforts on behalf of Taxes were cut, inflation and interest rates scientific research on stem cells. In February were reduced, and gas lines disappeared. Ameri- 2003, Senators Hatch, Feinstein, Kennedy, Spec- cans went back to work; the economy roared for- ter and Harkin introduced legislation to ban ward; and in the process, Mr. REAGAN restored human reproductive cloning but allow nuclear our confidence, uplifted our spirits, and made us transplantation research to continue under strict proud to be Americans again. Federal guidelines. I commend them for their The rebirth here at home was accompanied by leadership on this important issue and know that equally dramatic changes abroad. The march of with the continued support of Mrs. Reagan, totalitarianism that seemed inevitable a few years progress toward a cure for Alzheimer’s and other earlier, was halted as Mr. REAGAN rebuilt our diseases will be possible, ensuring a brighter fu- defenses. The creaky Soviet system disappeared ture for millions of Americans. quietly, without a shot being fired. And the Ber- As we honor the life and legacy of President lin Wall, the greatest symbol of oppression, fell, REAGAN and extend our condolences to his fam- and millions of people around the world tasted ily and friends, let us remember the dignity and freedom for the first time. grace with which he lived his life and provide We Americans, and indeed all freedom-loving a fitting tribute to his memory by renewing the people around the world, owe President REAGAN commitment to this noble cause. an enormous debt. We will miss him, but history will never forget what he accomplished in 8 short years. As a grateful Nation comes together to say Hon. David L. Hobson goodbye, our collective thoughts and prayers go to Mrs. Reagan and her family. OF OHIO

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my col- Hon. Jim Nussle leagues, indeed all Americans, in paying tribute to a great man, the 40th President of the United OF IOWA States—RONALD WILSON REAGAN. President REAGAN was an extraordinary and Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor President RONALD visionary leader, who saw our great Nation as REAGAN. RONALD REAGAN once said, ‘‘We in having a unique role, purpose, and destiny in the government should learn to look at our country Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 139 with the eyes of an entrepreneur, seeing possibili- Hon. Christopher H. Smith ties where others see only problems.’’ It is that spirit that brought me and many others into the OF NEW JERSEY public service profession. I am proud to have cast my first Presidential vote for RONALD REAGAN Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN was a great in 1980. Fortunately for this country and the world leader with a fierce devotion to freedom, world, a majority of my fellow citizens agreed. democracy, and the sacredness of human life— including the unborn. RONALD REAGAN served as a beacon of hope He advocated ‘‘peace through strength’’ and and inspiration. His vision of a stronger, opti- played a major role in dismantling Soviet com- 1980 mistic America inspired me to action. In munism which he rightly called the evil empire I was a young student at Luther College in and stopped its extension into and Decorah, IA, and I jumped right into grassroots elsewhere. I remember some of his critics laugh- politics on my campus. I was selected to attend ing when he challenged Gorbachev in Berlin to the Republican National Convention that sum- ‘‘tear down this wall!’’ They’re not laughing any mer and was one of the youngest delegates there. more. Iowans are proud of our connection to Presi- RONALD REAGAN championed the 1981 tax dent REAGAN. WOC, a Davenport radio station cut—the largest tax cut in history—totaling 750 1986 in my district, gave RONALD REAGAN his first $ billion by . All wage earners—low, 25 job out of college and he lived in Iowa for several moderate and upper-income levels—got a per- years. cent across-the-board cut in personal income taxes. Long term capital gains were also cut and RONALD REAGAN made the future something the results were stunning—19 million new jobs to charge toward rather than fear. His philosophy created as Americans began to believe and hope was based on a brilliant truth: He knew without again. a doubt that having faith in Americans would RONALD REAGAN was strongly prolife and fer- create the best America. vently believed that women deserved better than The Reagan revolution is still the foundation abortion and that unborn children are precious for my core beliefs: The American people make and deserve respect. better decisions about their daily life than the Having been elected to Congress in 1980 along government can for them. Keeping America se- with President REAGAN, I saw first-hand and cure is job one. Peace is best achieved when you often how genuine he was. He was a man of negotiate from a position of strength. abiding principle who inspired our Nation to greatness, always believing America’s best years I keep a plaque on my desk with a quote from lay ahead. RONALD REAGAN. It reads ‘‘There’s no limit to He endured personal hardship—including an what a man can do or where he can go if he attempt—with incredible poise, doesn’t mind who gets the credit.’’ dignity, and even humor. Today I join my colleagues, thousands of Who can forget President REAGAN telling Iowans and millions of Americans in giving cred- Nancy after he was shot, ‘‘I forgot to duck.’’ it to RONALD REAGAN for renewing our Nation President REAGAN will be missed, but his leg- and for changing the world forever with his lead- end will endure. ership and ideals. Thank you Mr. President, for reminding us why we should be proud to be Americans and Hon. Jeb Bradley for making us feel safe when nothing in the OF NEW HAMPSHIRE world seemed safe. Above all, thank you for your humor, optimism and for believing the best in Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one us. We will never forget you. of the greatest leaders of the past century, a man 140 Ronald Reagan who committed himself to making our Nation Congress today to celebrate and honor the life more powerful, united, secure, prosperous, and of a man who will forever be etched in history proud. as one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. By definition, a leader is one who guides, and The stories have been told so often by those as President of this great country, RONALD WIL- of us who supported President REAGAN over the SON REAGAN guided us with grace and dignity years that they seem mundane, almost like a fic- through one of the most critical periods in our tional novel or a movie script. High taxes, a country’s history. His optimism led our county struggling economy, a need for international into a new era and brought hope and freedom stature and respect, and low morale affected the to millions of people in the world. Nation. At that time, a man who had come from When the cold war pitted the United States the most humble beginnings stepped up to offer and the Soviet Union against each other in an his vision for America. Washington politics tend ideological struggle of the highest stakes, Presi- to bring a variety of characters to dent REAGAN steered the Nation and led the free City, and RONALD REAGAN was the unlikeliest world with steady resolve and confidence. of candidates: a child of a transient family with Throughout his time in office, President little income. He dreamed of being a writer or REAGAN stood for the principles and ideals of an artist, became a sports broadcaster, then a the American people. His steadfast moral clarity Hollywood actor, later a union leader, even later was not expressed in political rhetoric but imple- a Governor, and finally a President. mented by action. His style was clear and bold. His political affiliation would change over the He redefined and transformed his political party course of a lifetime, but his core belief system with a new image and momentum. He set a new remained essentially unchanged. Throughout his standard of political cooperation in American life, RONALD REAGAN believed America was ca- Government. He created a new economic policy. pable of great things and its people could and Finally, he reestablished American leadership would lead the way if left unburdened by tax- through the force of his vision and the power of ation and regulation. President REAGAN also had his personality. Most poignantly, it was with that an insatiable thirst to let the rest of the world vision that he spoke boldly before the Branden- enjoy the gifts of freedom and liberty. The ‘‘shin- burg Gate in Berlin in 1987 to demand Soviet ing city on a hill’’ would be the beacon for the President Mikhail Gorbachev to ‘‘open this gate! rest of the world. . . . tear down this wall!’’ The rest is history. Often dismissed or underestimated by political Within months the wall came down, Eastern Eu- opponents, President REAGAN had the most val- rope was free, and the Soviet Union collapsed. uable weapon in the political arsenal: a bond with the people. Even in the face of his political RONALD REAGAN spent 8 years turning American hopes and dreams into reality and af- defeats, it was the support of the American pub- firming our status as the greatest nation on lic that sustained and invigorated him. In 1980, a Nation in need of change selected Earth, and for that, America is forever indebted RONALD REAGAN to restore the shine to a tar- to him. nished America. Over the course of two terms, God bless RONALD REAGAN. President REAGAN revolutionized the Republican Party and changed the political atmosphere in a Hon. William L. Jenkins way still being felt today. He did what he said he would do. He lowered taxes, igniting an eco- OF TENNESSEE nomic boom that reverberates to this day. A more streamlined Tax Code was authored. Regu- Mr. Speaker, steadfast leadership, eternal opti- latory burdens were challenged. Our Armed mism, profound faith, inspirational articulation, Forces were restored and then strengthened. The fierce patriotism: when America needed these threatening scourge of communism was con- qualities in a leader, President RONALD REAGAN fronted in a way that America’s enemies had not stepped in to fill the void. We come here to the anticipated. Not only did President REAGAN Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 141 turn to face this menace, he outargued his oppo- Hon. Jerry Moran nents and used the tools of freedom and democ- racy to win a war few thought could be won OF KANSAS without the use of massive weaponry. Mr. Speaker, we are blessed to live in a coun- After achieving these monumental victories, try filled with so many men and women willing one would think that perhaps President to go beyond the , to accomplish REAGAN’s ego would match the size of his vic- great things for the benefit of their fellow citi- . Nothing, however, was further from the zens. Each day, ordinary souls are called upon to truth. President REAGAN always gave the credit perform extraordinary tasks. I rise to pay tribute to the American people and American ideals. He to one of the greatest individuals of our time— treated his job as a valuable temporary loan from President RONALD REAGAN. the American people, a loan that should be re- Like the World War II veterans honored last spected and returned with dutiful appreciation. week during the dedication of the National He left the Office of the Presidency with a World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, poignant farewell from the Oval Office: and those honored this past Sunday on the 60th anniversary of D-day in Normandy, President We’ve done our part. And as I walk off into the city EAGAN streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan R was a great American, steadfast in his revolution, the men and women across America who for eight appointed duty, thorough in thought, long on years did the work that brought America back. My friends: compassion and short on vanity. We did it. We weren’t just marking time. We made a dif- His love of freedom and embrace of optimism ference. We made the city stronger. We made the city freer, were virtues of many in the greatest generation. and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad Let us pray that our generation, and the genera- at all. tions to come, remember that freedom is a wor- Truer words have never been spoken, as Presi- thy cause. dent REAGAN left Washington having achieved I traveled to the beaches of Normandy this the triad of goals he was elected to accomplish week, joining President Bush, Speaker Hastert, 60 in 8 short years: improving the economy, restor- and others, to commemorate the th anniver- sary of D-day. During the ceremonies, I could ing American prestige internationally, and rees- not help but feel REAGAN’s presence. tablishing the confidence of the American psy- In his own speech on that shore 20 years ago, che. President REAGAN said: Just a few years later, his quiet exit from pub- The men of Normandy had faith that what they were lic life was as graceful as his exit from the White doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith House. RONALD REAGAN’s well-documented that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead final battles with Alzheimer’s disease were fought or on the next. It was the deep knowledge—and pray God we have not lost it—that there is a profound moral difference with the same conviction and courage that his between the use of force for liberation and the use of force many public battles were fought. We all knew for conquest. the ‘‘long goodbye’’ would eventually knock at President REAGAN understood, like our World the door. And, while we sadly mourn our loss War II soldiers, that what they were doing was today and send our deepest sympathy to Nancy not to harm, but to help. That even though sac- and the rest of the Reagan family, we can also rifices would be made—the greater good was at take solace in and celebrate one last Reagan vic- stake and no price was too high. tory: the Great Communicator now has been wel- In announcing that he had Alzheimer’s dis- comed to a place where his faculties are restored, ease, RONALD REAGAN said that he was begin- his great skills have been returned to him, and ning the journey that would lead him ‘‘into the he probably smiles down on us as a grateful sunset of jhisk life.’’ He said, ‘‘I know that for America says ‘‘Thank you, Mr. President’’ once America there will always be a bright dawn again. ahead.’’ Since 1994, REAGAN had suffered the 142 Ronald Reagan cruelty of Alzheimer’s, so our sorrow today is complishments and his deeds. I rise to pay trib- tempered by the knowledge that the President ute to President REAGAN in the words he used has indeed gone to a better place—a place where to honor the crew of the Challenger space shuttle he has a front row seat to watch all the bright in 1986: dawns that lie ahead for America. We will never forget jhimk, nor the last time we saw President REAGAN is responsible for so many jhimk ... as jhek prepared for jthek journey and waved of those bright dawns that we have to look for- good-bye and ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’’ to ‘‘touch ward to. He changed the world by living his con- the face of God.’’ victions. Not ‘‘clinging to’’ them or ‘‘sticking to’’ them, but living them. REAGAN’s core beliefs were exactly that. They were at his core and were Hon. Devin Nunes therefore part of his every action. OF CALIFORNIA REAGAN’s convictions gave him confidence. He was a man of the people. He listened. And Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my condo- when he heard what the people needed, he took lences to First Lady Nancy Reagan, as well as action in accordance with his convictions. On the the children, family and close friends of former domestic front, the people said they were tired President RONALD REAGAN. of their economy spiraling downward, so Mr. REAGAN was a visionary leader who guid- REAGAN worked to reverse that trend. ed our great country through difficult and dan- To accomplish these feats, President REAGAN gerous times. He faced adversity with a smile was not afraid to take hard stances. But he also and quick wit. He solved problems with sober knew that these changes would take bipartisan determination. He gave us hope for the future efforts. We should all remember, respect, and try of freedom and prosperity. He reminded us what to live up to REAGAN’s model of bipartisanship. it meant to be proud Americans. His efforts to change America were based upon We mourn his loss but remember that he left his philosophy and beliefs—not upon any par- us with a rich heritage of memories, ideals, and tisan gamesmanship. a trail of lives changed at home and abroad be- On foreign policy, Americans said they were cause of his efforts. For that, we will be eternally tired of living in fear, so REAGAN worked to grateful. bring security. President REAGAN engineered the end of the decades-long cold war. Because of his policies, and his faith that freedom would pre- Hon. Timothy V. Johnson vail, our children and grandchildren are not growing up with the constant fear of mutual de- OF ILLINOIS struction. We all are able now to live in a world that, though still imperfect, strives toward peace, Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of our 40th works for justice and rejects tyranny. President and Illinois native, RONALD REAGAN, I call upon my colleagues to remember and in strong support of H. Res. 664. Many REAGAN’s strength. Remember him as he was words come to mind when President REAGAN’s while in office. In his final radio address as Presi- name is invoked; principled, loyal, patriotic, dent, on January 14, 1989, REAGAN said, ‘‘The compassionate, caring, and humble, to name a hope of human freedom, the quest for it, the few. achievement of it, is the American saga.’’ His philosophy in life was the same philos- REAGAN’s hope, his quest, and all his achieve- ophy that he employed in his approach to politics ments—those are what we all honor and remem- and government; believe in the good of people, ber. believe that what is right will eventually tri- Now, too, the Great Communicator has gone umph, believe in the value of each and every the way of so many of our greatest generation. human life, and believe in the strength and the I rise not only in sadness for his passing, but power of freedom and individual liberty. He once more important, in celebration of his life, his ac- said that America is too great for small dreams. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 143 He truly saw our great Nation as the ‘‘shining dering these nuclear weapons impotent and obso- city on the hill’’ and as the beacon of freedom lete.’’ He believed in ‘‘peace through strength’’ for oppressed people throughout the world. No- and he proved that it works. where else in the world and at no other time or I will miss President REAGAN and I send my place in history has one nation been so prepared deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and had the means to promote freedom, peace, with the thanks for sharing him with me and and stability than the United States does right the rest of the Nation. He inspired many. He now. Ours is a heavy burden but one that must lived by example. Rest in peace, Mr. President. be borne. REAGAN understood that. He also once said that ‘‘you can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jelly- Hon. Michael G. Oxley beans.’’ In this simple way, he told us that, in the end, character is what matters and that life OF OHIO is really a series of simple choices between what is right and what is wrong. No one person is Mr. Speaker, the leadership that RONALD responsible for another person’s destiny. It is the REAGAN provided changed the country and the choices that we make everyday that we must ac- world. count for. REAGAN believed, as I do, that an in- I had the privilege to be elected to Congress dividual’s personal initiative and the willingness during the heady days of the Reagan revolution. 1981 to accept the consequences and rewards for their I had barely won a special election in June actions and, most importantly, the freedom to do to keep the Fourth Ohio District in Republican so, is what make our Nation great. hands, and as a young freshman Congressman He believed in people. He believed in Amer- was quickly invited to the White House to meet ica. He traveled to towns in what is now my con- the President and his aides. gressional district, like Charleston, IL, in 1976 It was more than a welcome to Washington and Mattoon, IL, in 1980, because every person because the President’s tax cut package was was important to him. The people in rural Illi- pending on the floor the next week, and I think nois and similar places across the country be- they were there to take my temperature as well lieved in him, because he believed in them. He as to make sure that I was going to vote for the often asked, ‘‘Did we forget that government is tax cut. the people’s business and every man, woman, and I was proud to support the tax cut, the mili- child becomes a shareholder with the first penny tary buildup that helped win the cold war, and of tax paid?’’ REAGAN constantly promoted this the President’s policies up and down the line. philosophy of government. The government of President REAGAN’s economic program lifted the United States belongs to all of us and public us out of the malaise of the late seventies, when servants have an obligation to the people to be America was doubting its greatness, and set the good stewards of their dollars, uphold the Con- stage for a historic period of prosperity that bene- stitution, and protect them from all enemies fited all segments of our society. both foreign and domestic. Still, I believe that RONALD REAGAN is most He believed in peace. When naysayers told likely to be celebrated as the President who led him that building our military and our nuclear the way in winning the cold war. People in the arsenal would finally push us into a war with the past had always talked about the containment of former Soviet Union, he knew that principled di- Soviet communism and yet REAGAN’s theory be- plomacy, firm, yet reasonable rhetoric, the eco- hind the cold war was essentially we win and nomic power of our Nation, and the promotion they lose. He was able to lead the country and of freedom would bring communism to its knees. Congress into modernizing our military and ulti- And when it did, he called on ‘‘the scientific mately brought about the end of what he called community . . . who gave us nuclear weapons, to the evil empire. turn their . . . talents . . . to the cause of mankind For those of us who grew up in the shadow and world peace, to give us the means of ren- of nuclear annihilation, what could be more im- 144 Ronald Reagan portant than the victory that was won without and the hope he gave to countless individuals in firing a shot? It was won with ideas, and was our country and around the world. something that I honestly thought I would never Looking back at the footage of REAGAN’s see in my lifetime. speeches and other public appearances, one of his I had the thrill of traveling with President most striking qualities was his enduring opti- REAGAN on the Heartland Express during a mism. At the time that he entered the White whistlestop campaign tour through Ohio in 1984. House, self-doubt and pessimism had practically Everytime there would be a crowd gathered in paralyzed our Nation and most Americans saw a crossroads in a small town, the President would no end in sight to soaring inflation, economic stand in the back of the train and wave. He was stagnation and the cold war. obviously in a buoyant mood. Large crowds Though he had a realistic view of the chal- cheered him during stops in Sidney and Lima, lenges that faced the United States, REAGAN be- and people still remember that today. lieved in us. He knew that free individuals have We remember President REAGAN for his vi- immense potential for good, and he knew the sion, leadership, and infectious optimism. strength of our American system of free enter- I don’t think I ever met anybody in politics prise and self-government. His can-do spirit in- or anywhere else who didn’t like RONALD fused our country and brought a renewed sense REAGAN as a person. They may have disagreed of hope and opportunity to those who had nearly with him on a number of issues but they never forgotten what America stands for. disliked him personally. I think President Fundamentally, RONALD REAGAN trusted us. REAGAN’s legacy in politics is this ability to dis- He trusted that Americans knew how to spend agree without being disagreeable, to see politics the money they earn better than the Federal Gov- as a noble calling and that you have your debates ernment does. He trusted that, once barriers to and arguments and have a beer afterward. That private enterprise and economic growth were lift- is missed very much today in Washington and ed, American creativity and drive would bring I don’t think we’re the better for it. our economy and jobs back. He trusted American Our country will accord its highest honors to resolve in defense of liberty. And he trusted peo- RONALD REAGAN as we pay our heartfelt re- ple enough to speak plainly with them about his spects to him this week. But he will be remem- beliefs and intentions. bered each day that men and women live in free- President REAGAN’s words carried weight be- dom, because what RONALD REAGAN ultimately cause we knew he meant what he said—and the believed in was dignity and liberty for each indi- Soviets and the rest of the world knew it too. vidual. He was not a poll watcher. He was a man of conviction—a man with a clear philosophy that guided his actions. This philosophy was rooted Hon. in a love of freedom and a deep faith in God. Speaking to students at Moscow State Univer- OF WISCONSIN sity on May 31, 1988, RONALD REAGAN said: Democracy is less a system of government than it is a sys- Mr. Speaker, first, I would like to share my tem to keep government limited, unintrusive: A system of heartfelt condolences with Nancy Reagan and the constraints on power to keep politics and government sec- Reagan children. Our Nation owes them a spe- ondary to the important things in life, the true sources of cial debt of gratitude for their strength in caring value found only in family and faith. for their husband and father over the past decade Imagine what it must have been like for him as he battled Alzheimer’s disease and for every- to bring this message to the heart of an empire thing they’ve done to uphold his dignity and leg- where government had for decades superceded in- acy for our country. dividual rights. RONALD REAGAN’s commitment As we prepare to lay former U.S. President to actually winning the cold war, his determina- RONALD REAGAN to rest, it’s important that we tion to secure ‘‘peace through strength,’’ and his reflect on his brave and principled leadership— recognition that communism is a bankrupt, im- Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 145 moral ideology were essential to ending the So- Personal attacks were below him. He was a pa- viet threat and liberating the Eastern bloc na- triot and a man of integrity—and he never ques- tions and their people. tioned the patriotism or integrity of others. When you consider the countless individuals Our politics were polarized then as they are who owe their freedom in part to RONALD now. But President REAGAN knew how to com- REAGAN’s leadership and the many Americans promise and get things done for the American who today have close friends or family with people. whom they have reunited in areas formerly off- The Speaker of the House during the first 6 limits—who had been shut away behind the Iron years of his Presidency was Tip O’Neill of Massa- Curtain—you get a sense of why so many across chusetts. Speaker O’Neill was a staunch Demo- the world feel a personal connection with RON- crat with a very different vision for government, ALD REAGAN. and a great leader in his own right. On top of all his achievements, beyond all that Working across party lines, President REAGAN RONALD REAGAN did to rejuvenate our econ- and Speaker O’Neill passed reforms to preserve omy, win the cold war, and renew our country’s and strengthen Social Security. They enacted sense of purpose and optimism, there was the sweeping tax reform to close tax loopholes and man himself. He had great confidence in Amer- lower marginal rates. ica’s founding values as well as an excellent sense As we mourn and honor President REAGAN, of humor. And he succeeded in raising the level this Congress should pledge to follow in his ex- of discourse in our political arena. People might ample. have disagreed with him on policy decisions, and Hold firm in your beliefs, but respect those his opponents in Congress argued fiercely with who differ. Compete vigorously at election time, him, but at the end of the day they respected but then go to work for the American people. one another. It was a time of greater civility in Stand united in times of sorrow and adversity. politics, and we should strive to recapture that. RONALD REAGAN’s final accomplishment will endure as one of his most important—bringing We look to RONALD REAGAN’s example as an attention to the tragedy of Alzheimer’s with his inspiration today and express once more the eloquent letter to the American people. thanks of a very grateful Nation. One of the best ways to honor him is to re- dedicate our efforts to find a cure for this terrible Hon. Martin T. Meehan disease. I join my colleagues in honoring the memory OF MASSACHUSETTS of President RONALD REAGAN.

Mr. Speaker, this week America is united in mourning for President RONALD REAGAN. Hon. Chris Cannon President REAGAN will be remembered as a OF UTAH great optimist who helped convince America to believe in itself again. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life He believed that the cold war would end and of President RONALD REAGAN. the Berlin Wall would fall during his lifetime. First, let me extend my condolences to Nancy And he was right. His words inspired people liv- Reagan and the entire Reagan family for this tre- ing behind the Iron Curtain to believe that free- mendous loss. But let me also thank Nancy and dom was attainable. her family for taking care of the President for RONALD REAGAN was a loyal Republican but all these years. Rest assured the Nation mourns an American first. With his profound personal with you today. decency and disarming sense of humor, he rose When I think of President REAGAN the feel- above the kind of bitter partisanship that infects ing that stirs within me is hard to put in words. American politics today. In reflecting on what to say I realized the best 146 Ronald Reagan way for me to explain my feelings is to explain Being a Reaganite is not solely relegated to who I am. Simply, I am a Reaganite! a certain place and time or a certain individual. Being a Reaganite provided me the wonderful Instead, it is set a set of beliefs. A set of beliefs opportunity to come to Washington and work imbued in many Members of Congress, their in the Reagan administration. I did not come to staffs and individuals throughout this country. It Washington for a job but I came to Washington is a longing to assert and maintain America’s to be a foot solider in the Reagan revolution. I rightful place in the world, as the ‘‘shining city had the opportunity to trade in the walking of on the hill.’’ precincts to walking the halls of his administra- President REAGAN, thank you for restoring tion. And for this I am forever grateful. hope in America. It has been ‘‘morning in Amer- This opportunity allowed me to play a small ica’’ since your Presidency. part in President REAGAN’s goal of giving Amer- ica back to America. As a result of his leadership, we did not hang our heads any longer but rather Hon. Nick J. Rahall II we raised them up and remembered our moral OF WEST VIRGINIA standing in the world. Through his leadership, a Nation was motivated. Mr. Speaker, President RONALD REAGAN At the time President REAGAN was elected to wrote an indelible chapter in America’s and in office, the country was losing faith and con- the world’s history. As our Country mourns his fidence in its being. In 1980, the Soviets had in- loss, our prayers go out to Mrs. Reagan and his vaded Afghanistan, inflation was in double dig- family, and our future will long hold to the les- its, home ownership was near impossible and op- sons of his public service. timism was nonexistent. By the time his admin- istration ended, the Soviet empire crumbled, in- flation’s back was broken, home ownership soared and morning dawned in America. With Hon. Jerry F. Costello a set of principles, one man who wanted to make OF ILLINOIS a difference set out and changed the world. But to see President REAGAN’s legacy, as Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to stated, one has to see what no President RONALD REAGAN, an Illinois native, longer exists. We no longer see Soviet expansion as the Nation celebrates his many contributions and aggression, we no longer see the Berlin Wall to the United States and the world. While I did and we no longer see devastating economic not always agree with him, he always had my plight. These are testaments to his courage and admiration and respect for his strong leadership his ability to communicate his resolve to the Na- and his dedication to the American people. His tion. relationship with the citizens of this great coun- President REAGAN realized another decade of try may be his ultimate legacy. President detente would not protect America and another REAGAN spoke directly to their hopes and fears decade of stagnant economic policies would not and was embraced for his role as the Great Com- free the individual. Through his force of person- municator. Above all else, he made us feel good ality and conviction he set about changing our about America again. future. And he relegated our worries to the ash From humble beginnings, President REAGAN heap of history. went on to play a pivotal role in some of the President REAGAN pursued policies that re- great events of the 20th century, most notably sulted in derision and loathing from some. But the cold war and eventual fall of the Soviet he had no hesitation in pursuing his goals be- Union. While never afraid to take a hard line, cause he knew what was right. His beliefs were he was a pragmatic leader who acted without steadfast and unwavering. He set his course and malice, which was evident in the support he re- plowed through the skeptics. He was not Teflon. ceived from Democrats. It was this aspect of his He was Iron. leadership that we should all try to replicate. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 147

President REAGAN’s impact on American politics history of democratic politics, he spoke to a was profound, inspiring legions of young people world hungry for values. He succeeded because to public service, not unlike what President Ken- his was the voice of American optimism. nedy accomplished years before. Mr. Speaker, RONALD REAGAN loved the United States of America, and he was a stalwart Hon. W.J. (Billy) Tauzin leader in the pursuit of freedom and democracy. OF LOUISIANA President REAGAN had a personal vision for the country that was undeniable and unshakable, and Mr. Speaker, I share your grief at the passing the lines of people waiting to view his casket are of former President RONALD REAGAN and join a testimony to the fact that he had a tremendous you in remembering his remarkable service to emotional impact on this Nation. I would like our country. to extend my condolences to his wife Nancy and I was fortunate to have served as a Member the rest of their family, and I join the rest of of Congress during President REAGAN’s 8-year America in honoring his dedicated service. tenure. At the time, I was a member of the democratic Boll Weevils, a group frequently called upon to help President REAGAN with his Hon. James A. Leach legislative agenda. I can attest to what some of OF IOWA you know and what others have read or heard about him—he was among the greatest of our Mr. Speaker, Americans often measure history Nation’s Presidents. He was permanently in Presidential cycles. When we look at the indi- grounded in principle, so much that no one who viduals who have served in the White House it worked for him had any doubt about what was is the conjunction of character and circumstance expected of him. that defines and demarcates administrations. President REAGAN is rooted in the essence of It would be misguided to suggest that any in- our Nation’s character. He appealed to our better dividual ‘‘won’’ the cold war, but it was RONALD instincts and was unyielding in his devotion to REAGAN’s inspiration—‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear our country. I was always amazed at the way he down this wall!’’—that symbolized American re- appealed to young people. I think it was because solve. He gave hope to those oppressed and he they could see the truth in him. Like a grand- gave voice to those who stood tall. Communism father who had seen it all and abandoned the no- imploded, largely on his watch. tion of judging us, he preferred to see the good- Domestically, President REAGAN articulated ness in us all. We, in turn, could imagine that the values of the frontier. ‘‘Government is not goodness leading us to that shining ‘‘city on the the solution . . . jitk is the problem,’’ he said in hill.’’ Those who came later missed the oppor- his first inaugural address. But he was not a ‘‘no tunity to encounter true greatness. Those who government’’ ideologue. While his administra- experienced him will never forget it. Thank you for your compassionate support in tion contrasted in many ways with the social ac- honoring the legacy of our former President tivism of Franklin Roosevelt, he did not favor RONALD REAGAN. undoing the New Deal. ‘‘How can we love our country and not love our countrymen?’’ he asked, ‘‘and loving them, jnotk reach out a hand when they fall . . .?’’ Hon. William O. Lipinski Reared on the sweeping plains of the Midwest OF ILLINOIS and, later, an adopted westerner, he loved open spaces—of the land and of the mind. He put his Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the faith in freedom. life of the 40th President of the United States, RONALD REAGAN understood the American RONALD WILSON REAGAN. President REAGAN character. With the most authentic voice in the was the most courageous, daring and fearless 148 Ronald Reagan

President that I have had the pleasure of serving I was one of the millions attracted to RONALD with in my 22 years in the U.S. House of Rep- REAGAN by his strong support for limited gov- resentatives. RONALD WILSON REAGAN was one ernment and the free market. I felt affinity for of the two greatest Presidents of the 20th cen- a politician who based his conservative philos- tury. RONALD WILSON REAGAN was one of the ophy on ‘‘. . . a desire for less government inter- most outstanding Presidents in the history of the ference or less centralized authority or more indi- American Republic. I was a great fan of and on vidual freedom . . .’’ I wish more of today’s con- many occasions, a very strong supporter with my servative leaders based their philosophy on a de- vote of President REAGAN. sire for less government and more freedom. I will always remember the day when my wife, RONALD REAGAN was one of the most elo- Rose Marie, and I, met with President REAGAN quent exponents of the freedom philosophy in in the Oval Office. He was as friendly and down- modern American politics. One of his greatest to-earth as the man next door. We had our pic- achievements is the millions of Americans he ture taken with him and asked him to autograph helped convert to the freedom philosophy and cards with the Presidential seal for each of our the many he inspired to become active in the children, Laura and Dan, which he did. President freedom movement. One of the best examples of REAGAN first wrote the cards out differently for President REAGAN’s rhetorical powers is his first each my daughter and son, but said he should major national political address, ‘‘A Time for 1964 have known better and so he wrote the same Choosing.’’ Delivered in in support of the greeting for both of them. Presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater, this speech launched RONALD REAGAN’s career as It was a great honor to meet President both a politician and a leader of the conservative REAGAN and serve with him in the U.S. Govern- movement. The following excerpt from that ment for many, many reasons. But, I believe speech illustrates the power of RONALD mainly because he gave back to America its opti- REAGAN’s words and message. Unfortunately, mism, its pride, its enthusiasm, and its belief in these words are as relevant to our current situa- itself. There can be no greater service than that tion as they were when he delivered them in of a President who can render to America these 1964: qualities; and for that, President REAGAN truly was one of the greatest Presidents of the United It’s time we asked ourselves if we still know the freedoms intended for us by the Founding Fathers. James Madison said, States. ‘‘We base all our experiments on the capacity of mankind for self-government.’’ This idea? that government was beholden to the people, Hon. that it had no other source of power is still the newest, most unique idea in all the long history of man’s relation to man. OF TEXAS This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American Revolution and confess that a little intellectual Mr. Speaker, all Americans mourn the death elite in a far-distant capital can plan our lives for us better of President RONALD REAGAN, but those of us than we can plan them ourselves. who had the opportunity to know President You and I are told we must choose between a left or right, REAGAN are especially saddened. I got to know but I suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There is only an up or down. Up to man’s age-old dream—the max- President REAGAN in 1976 when, as a freshman imum of individual freedom consistent with order or down Congressman, I was one of only four Members to the ant heap of totalitarianism. Regardless of their sin- of this body to endorse then-Governor REAGAN’s cerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would sacrifice to President Gerald Ford. I freedom for security have embarked on this downward path. had the privilege of serving as the leader of Presi- Plutarch warned, ‘‘The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations dent REAGAN’s Texas delegation at the Repub- 1976 and benefits.’’ lican Convention of , where RONALD The Founding Fathers knew a government can’t control REAGAN almost defeated an incumbent President the economy without controlling people. And they knew for his party’s nomination. when a government set out to do that, it must use force and Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 149 coercion to achieve its purpose. So we have come to a time ily have received from the world, words are not for choosing. necessary. One of the most direct expressions of RONALD Words are not necessary to honor a man whose REAGAN’s disdain for big government came dur- popularity stemmed from his ability to commu- ing a private conversation when we where flying nicate. No words I can say today can erase the from the White House to Andrews Air Force sorrow and feelings of loss shared by so many Base. As the helicopter passed over the monu- communities that he touched throughout his ten- ments, we looked down and he said, ‘‘Isn’t that ure as Governor of my State of California and beautiful? It’s amazing how much terrible stuff as the President of our Nation. Even the Great comes out of this city when it’s that beautiful.’’ Communicator often relied on actions—not While many associate RONALD REAGAN with words—to help those who needed it. At a time unbridled militarism, he was a lifelong opponent when the immigrants of our Nation had nowhere of the draft. It is hardly surprising that many to turn, President REAGAN signed the historic of the most persuasive and powerful arguments Immigration Reform and Control Act, granting against conscription came from President hard-working and deserving families legal per- REAGAN. One of my favorite REAGAN quotes manent residence, paving the way for new Amer- 1979 comes from a article he wrote for the con- ican citizens, and thus uniting our Nation. servative publication regarding the Today, as a united Nation, we stand together draft and related ‘‘national service’’ proposals: as fellow Americans and with the world to ... it jconscriptionk rests on the assumption that your kids mourn the loss of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, belong to the state. If we buy that assumption then it is 40 for the state—not for parents, the community, the religious th President of the United States—the picture institutions or teachers—to decide who shall have what val- of unity communicating our sorrow, remem- ues and who shall do what work, when, where and how in brance and honor for a leader. our society. That assumption isn’t a new one. The Nazis thought it was a great idea. I extend my deepest sympathies to RONALD Hon. Michael C. Burgess REAGAN’s family and friends, especially his be- loved wife Nancy and his children. I also urge OF TEXAS my colleagues and all Americans to honor RON- ALD REAGAN by dedicating themselves to the Mr. Speaker, as we pause to remember the life principles of limited government and individual and service of the late President RONALD liberty. REAGAN, no greater testament to his achieve- ments as leader of this Nation exists than the sentiments of gratitude being offered by millions Hon. Xavier Becerra of Americans. It is my great honor to lift up just a handful of the reflections on the passing of OF CALIFORNIA President REAGAN made by residents of my con- gressional district: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solemn remem- He was a great American; his message was one that still ONALD EAGAN brance of President R R . I do not resonates today. stand alone. All across the country, and the —The Honorable Jane Nelson, world, we mourn. We remember a strong Gov- Texas Senate. ernor, President, husband, and father. Let us stand firmly by Mrs. Nancy Reagan and her fam- I had a chance to tell him how much I wanted him to ily, offer our prayers and show our support and run for President and that if he did, I promised to work really appreciation—let us through our actions bring hard for him. He was just the same up close as you perceived comfort to the Reagan family to help them cope him to be on television. He was very sincere, very nice. When he talked to you, he talked to you. He didn’t pay attention during this difficult time. Little can be said to to things going on around him; you had his attention. The make this difficult time easier. Given the out- world is certainly a better place because of RONALD REAGAN pouring of support that this country and his fam- being here and serving as the President of the United States. 150 Ronald Reagan I’m sad we lost him, but it’s wonderful he’s now receiving made America a standard bearer for freedom and his just rewards. justice. —The Honorable Mary Horn, Denton County, Texas. Many of our children are not old enough to remember the dangers that stood before us at the

President REAGAN made us feel good again about being height of the cold war or how President Americans, and not just being proud of our country, but real- REAGAN’s resolve helped end it. ly invoking that patriotic spirit again. We’ve lost a great, Still, over the next few days, maybe even great man. weeks, and certainly in the history books to be —Dianne Edmondson, Chair, Denton County GOP. written, they will learn, as will our children’s children, about who REAGAN was and what he I remember that while REAGAN was the oldest elected did for America. President, what sticks in my mind was the way he connected Like so many of us, I continue to read with to young people. We had been through a decade of young people being disconnected with taking pride in America, and interest about the life and times of our former he lit that spark again. President. One recent newspaper column touched —The Honorable Myra Crownover, me and I would like to share just a few lines Texas House of Representatives. of that with my colleagues. The columnist wrote: He will always be remembered as the architect of the policies that ended the cold war—‘‘peace What an era his was. What a life he lived. He changed through strength.’’ He, more than anyone else, history for the better and was modest about it. He didn’t bray about his accomplishments but saw them as the work was directly responsible for giving us the possi- of the American people. bility of the world living in peace: He ended the cold war, ended the unspoken hostilities between Mr. Speaker, this is the sign of a leader. We the United States and Russia, and brought an are a grateful Nation for his good humor and in- end to the Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. spiration. He unleashed the power of the American econ- Thank you Mr. President—for your service; for omy. Yes, it cost money to defeat the Soviet your optimism; and for your belief and commit- Union; it cost money to defeat Soviet tyranny. ment to doing what was right for America. Was it worth it in the long run? You bet it was. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Reagan family during this time of mourning. Hon. Rodney P. Frelinghuysen OF NEW JERSEY Hon. Harold E. Ford, Jr. OF TENNESSEE Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember the life and legacy of RONALD REAGAN. Mr. Speaker, President REAGAN led the Na- This past weekend, it was fitting, and in some tion with resolve and courage. He showed these ways almost proper, that we paid tribute to the same qualities in his battle against Alzheimer’s brave young soldiers of D-day and simulta- disease. neously remembered the life and service of Presi- dent RONALD REAGAN. Like those soldiers who President REAGAN will be remembered for sacrificed on Normandy Beach, REAGAN inspired many things—being a great communicator, a de- a country at a critical time in our Nation’s his- voted husband and an unflinching patriot. tory through his optimism and advocacy for the But I will remember him most for reminding ideals of democracy, freedom and love of liberty. America that when we are at our best, very little He helped end the cold war, confronted the can deter or defeat us. God bless you Mr. Presi- curse of communism, rebuilt American self- dent and thank you for your service to our coun- confidence and our Armed Forces, and above all, try. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 151 Hon. Bart Stupak Tip O’Neill could always sit down together after the day was done, as friends and fellow Ameri- OF MICHIGAN cans. It was an era of bipartisan cooperation that seems, unfortunately, to have waned in recent Mr. Speaker, President RONALD REAGAN was years. an American icon. He’s the President who won President REAGAN’s legacy will forever be his the cold war. And he’ll always be remembered vision which played a role in bringing about an for his eternal optimism, his strength, great wit ultimate end to the cold war, as well as his drive and charm. to foster liberty and democracy where previously Even when he disagreed with Democrats, he only tyranny had thrived. Former Soviet Presi- was respected for the honesty of his beliefs and dent Mikhail Gorbachev says he believes his dia- the dedication he displayed in pursuing them. log with President REAGAN ‘‘kick-started the He taught us the difference between strong be- process which ultimately put an end to the cold liefs and bitter partisanship. He lived by the war.’’ noble idea that at the end of the day Democrats President REAGAN also understood the art of and Republicans were simply Americans and political compromise. He followed his 1981 tax friends. I wish we had more of that today. cut with two large tax increases. In fact, no 40 We should be inspired by this th American peacetime President raised taxes so much on so President’s patriotism and devotion to our coun- many people. This is not a criticism: The lesson try. And we should remember his faith, his opti- of those increases tells you a lot about what was mism and his unwavering commitment to his just with President REAGAN’s leadership. Presi- convictions as we do the work of the American dent REAGAN, confronted with evidence that his people. tax cuts were fiscally irresponsible, changed course. His actions in this area contrast dramati- cally with today’s Washington. Hon. Tom Udall Mr. Speaker, in my opinion, one of RONALD OF NEW MEXICO REAGAN’s greatest legacies is focusing attention on the disease that took his life—Alzheimer’s. Mr. Speaker, this week our Nation mourns the People are now receiving earlier diagnoses and death of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th better treatments for the incurable brain-wasting President of the United States. It has been stated disease partly because he supported Alzheimer’s in many of the newspaper and television com- research as President, and more importantly, be- mentaries that he was one of the more complex cause he went public with his diagnosis in 1994, figures of the 20th century. As with all our major increasing awareness of the need for more re- political leaders, he had his share of triumphs search. and failures. As her husband’s health declined, former First RONALD REAGAN’s irrepressible spirit and his Lady Nancy Reagan spearheaded public aware- conception of America as a ‘‘shining city on the ness campaigns and described what it was like hill’’ engendered a sense of renewal in America. to be a caretaker for an Alzheimer’s patient, Indeed, his optimism in our Nation and her peo- which she referred to as ‘‘the long goodbye.’’ She ple was as genuine as the man himself. Simply continued to publicly advocate for stem cell re- put, RONALD REAGAN was a great American and search as a way to help others with the disease. a President who honored the office and consid- Doctors now are better able to diagnose the ered it a privilege to serve. disease early, and provide patients with drugs Without question, President REAGAN rep- and other measures to delay its progression. I resented the best of civility in American politics pledge to do everything possible to help fight and the finest of standing up for what the plight of Alzheimer’s disease. I challenge you believe in. Even during the most intense po- every Member of this body to respond to Mrs. litical showdowns, he and former House Speaker Reagan’s plea to do more for life-saving research. 152 Ronald Reagan

RONALD REAGAN was of a kind and gracious President REAGAN was a true American pa- mind, and at the same time, a man of grit, deter- triot who always kept life’s priorities—God, mination and leadership. He served his country country, and family—in order. He assumed the the way he lived his life. Presidency at a time when Americans were being My thoughts and prayers go out to his extraor- held hostage in Iran, our fighting forces were dinary wife Nancy and his children, Patti Davis, fraying around the edges, and raging inflation Ron Prescott Reagan, and Michael Reagan. I and interest rates were stifling our economy, hope it is a consolation to the entire Reagan fam- sending our Nation into the turmoil of recession, ily that so many people grieve their loss and are and driving our government deeper and deeper thinking of them during this difficult time. into debt. Beginning with his swearing in as the 40th President of the United States, President Hon. Gary G. Miller REAGAN restored in the American people a feel- ing of pride and patriotism that had been lost OF CALIFORNIA in the late seventies. The hostages were brought home, the morale of our fighting forces rose, and Mr. Speaker, President RONALD REAGAN will the economy began to rebound. be remembered in the annals of history as one People flew the American flag with pride of the greatest leaders of the United States. His again. The United States resumed its leadership deeds and words will echo in time as the founda- role in protecting freedom and peace around the tion for a smaller, more efficient government, a world and at the pinnacle of the world economy. fairer tax system and the liberation of millions He stared down communist leaders throughout of oppressed people throughout the world. the world and set the stage for its fall in the RONALD REAGAN was known as the Great Soviet Union and throughout Eastern Europe. He Communicator. His words brought hope to those reduced the world’s supply of nuclear weapons in need, comfort to those who suffered and opti- and allowed democracy to flourish again in our mism to an entire Nation trampled by economic hemisphere and eventually in the former Soviet and governmental insecurity. Yet President states. REAGAN’s ability to communicate went beyond He battled Congress to reduce taxes to allow the words that he spoke. He reached out to the the American people to keep more of their hard- Nation and the world using not only his voice, earned money and to reduce the size and scope but his strength of spirit and supreme character. of the government programs and bureaucracy. He President REAGAN’s passing is mourned by also ensured the long-term security of the Social each of us. But his legacy will continue through Security Trust Fund by leading a bipartisan leg- the ideals he aspired for America. A grateful Na- islative effort to preserve and protect the retire- tion thanks RONALD REAGAN, a true American ment benefits of workers long into the 21st cen- hero. tury. President REAGAN was our Nation’s leading Hon. C.W. cheerleader and consoler. He used his wit and humor to entertain and to drive home an impor- OF FLORIDA tant point. He led a Nation in mourning when we lost the Challenger crew and our Marines in Mr. Speaker, on behalf of myself and the peo- Lebanon. Throughout his 8 years in office we ple of the 10th Congressional District of Florida laughed together and we cried together. In the whom I have the privilege to represent here in end though, we all gained a renewed sense of the U.S. Congress, I rise in support of this reso- pride in being Americans. lution to pay tribute to the life of President He taught us the value of the simple phrases RONALD REAGAN and to express condolences to of ‘‘peace through strength’’ and ‘‘trust but his family. verify’’ and he shared with all of us his simple Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 153 vision of a Nation where we would be the ‘‘shin- The outcomes and consequences of his policies ing city on a hill.’’ will be interpreted by historians for years to The United States and the world are better come, but there is no doubt President REAGAN places today because of RONALD REAGAN’s serv- motivated a new generation of conservatives to ice not only as President of our great country, join his crusade as well as a generation of pro- but as a true patriot. He was a good man whose gressives to unite in pursuit of an alternative love and commitment to his wife Nancy was an path of action. inspiration to us all. Our State of Minnesota had a unique relation- Perhaps the greatest testament to his strength ship with President REAGAN. Minnesota was the of personality, of character, and of leadership is only State in the Union to never give President the fact that even in death he can make us feel REAGAN an electoral victory. Minnesotans stood good about ourselves as individuals and as a Na- twice with our homegrown son, but we respected tion. You can feel the pride of our Nation surge the President, his skills as a communicator and yet again as we reflect on his life and times. his determination to elevate the American spirit. Mr. Speaker, we all will recall that President President REAGAN lived a truly American life REAGAN would end his conversations with and, in his final years, stood hand in hand with America by saying ‘‘God bless America.’’ This Mrs. Reagan to encounter Alzheimer’s with dig- week, Mr. Speaker, our Nation and the world say nity and grace. The life of President REAGAN the ‘‘God bless RONALD REAGAN.’’ Thank you for leader and RONALD REAGAN the man will be re- your lifetime of reminding us to always take membered, honored and celebrated this week by pride in living in the greatest Nation in the Congress, the American people and people in na- world. tions around the world. On behalf of the families of Minnesota’s Fourth Congressional District, we extend our Hon. Betty McCollum prayers and sincerest condolences to Mrs. Nancy Reagan, her children and all of the family and OF MINNESOTA friends of President REAGAN. Mr. Speaker, today as this House honors the 40 life of the th President of the United States, Hon. Pete Sessions RONALD REAGAN, we remember both the man and the public servant. As President REAGAN OF TEXAS lies in state under the dome of this Capitol, the American people reflect on a man of optimism, Mr. Speaker, RONALD WILSON REAGAN first a leader committed to freedom and a citizen who entered into our national consciousness in 1964, personified the American spirit of boundless am- asking Americans to make a choice in the face bition and achievement. of the growing threat of socialism both at home President REAGAN lived a life unlike any other and abroad. We know him as the eternal opti- American President. A sports broadcaster, a mist, the Great Communicator, and the man who movie star and a television personality, President maintained that communism would surely fall REAGAN entertained Americans with his charm, aside onto the ‘‘ash heap of history.’’ smile and warmth. He combined the skills of an I had the personal privilege of knowing Presi- actor with the determination of a pioneer to dent REAGAN when my father, Judge William transform public life as he entered the political S. Sessions, served as Director of the FBI during realm in California and finally was elected by the his administration. Like many of my generation, American people to the White House. I was inspired by the optimism of RONALD As President of the United States, RONALD REAGAN, a leader who never lacked the courage REAGAN won two large election victories in 1980 and the principle to do what he felt was right and 1984 to set this Nation on a course to trans- even in the face of great obstacles. President form our economy and confront communism. REAGAN saw the world in black and white, 154 Ronald Reagan whether it was confronting the programs of the in a constructive bipartisan manner on a number ‘‘’’ as the beginnings of a new ‘‘un- of important issues. ’’ or chiding the actions of The Reagans should also be commended for the evil empire in Eastern Europe. the strength and honesty they demonstrated dur- This moral clarity was the hallmark of his ing their long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Their Presidency. RONALD REAGAN came in to office example brought much needed attention to the with three core principles and an agenda by challenges facing millions of American families which to implement them. He believed that the that deal with this affliction every day. government was too big, that it taxed too much, And their ongoing commitment to this disease and that the Soviet Union was an evil empire, is demonstrated at the various Alzheimer’s re- getting away with atrocities across the world. search, awareness, and prevention efforts around From the first day of his Presidency, REAGAN the country. On the Central Coast, for example, began to move systematically toward enacting his the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Family Fund pro- campaign promises, and, in so doing, he rejuve- vides grants for respite care services for Alz- nated the American spirit. heimer’s patients in Santa Barbara County. America is forever indebted to this President Today I join my colleagues in celebrating the whose resolve and determination to pursue service of the late President RONALD REAGAN. ‘‘peace through strength’’ helped to end the cold The best honor we can bestow upon him is to war and ensured that, as the President himself carry on his optimistic spirit and faith in the said, ‘‘America’s best days are yet to come. Our American people for generations to come. That proudest moments are yet to be. Our most glo- is what RONALD REAGAN—a great American rious achievements are just ahead.’’ Thank you, and great Californian—would have wanted. President REAGAN. May God bless you as you enter your rest in that shining city. Hon. Michael H. Michaud Hon. Lois Capps OF MAINE OF CALIFORNIA Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Presi- dent RONALD WILSON REAGAN and to extend Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. my condolences to the entire Reagan family. 664 honoring the late Honorable RONALD WIL- SON REAGAN. I was proud to add my name as Regardless of political affiliation, I think we an original co-sponsor of this resolution. can all agree that President REAGAN was a tire- The former President was devoted to his coun- less public servant who cared a great deal about try and will long be remembered for his service this country. Leading our country during a dif- to America. My heart goes out to his family dur- ficult period, President REAGAN earned the re- ing this time of loss. spect of many throughout the world—a respect President REAGAN was also a longtime mem- that has become all the more evident since his ber of our Santa Barbara community. Santa Bar- passing on Saturday. bara County was home to the spectacular moun- As this body and our Nation remembers the taintop ranch the former President and First Lady late President throughout the week, we would affectionately referred to as the ‘‘Western White be remiss not to reflect upon the disease with House.’’ which he was afflicted—Alzheimer’s. President REAGAN carried with him traits President REAGAN’s leadership extended to characteristic of California’s Central Coast—a the fight against Alzheimer’s beginning in 1983, sunny disposition and optimistic outlook—to when he designated November as National Alz- Washington and to the world. His ‘‘morning in heimer’s Disease Month, and continuing in 1994 America’’ slogan changed the tone of politics in when he announced that he was affected by the our Nation’s Capital and enabled him to work disease. In 1995 he and his wife Nancy lent their Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 155 name to create the Alzheimer’s Association’s the sixties and seventies that illegal drug use was Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute. glamorous, harmless and victimless. President As was evident in President REAGAN’s battle REAGAN inspired and convinced the Nation that with the disease, Alzheimer’s does not discrimi- the drug problem was not hopeless and could be nate: It afflicts the rich and the poor, the famous solved. As a result of his leadership, the Nation and the regular hard-working citizen alike. Four spoke with one voice in denouncing drug use. and a half million Americans live with Alz- Largely due to his efforts, illicit drug use was heimer’s, and it is the fourth leading killer of cut in half and crime, drug-related hospital ad- older Americans. It is a progressive disease that missions and highway deaths declined. robs many of precious memories and beautiful re- President REAGAN restored America’s sense of lationships. optimism and patriotism. A true believer in the With an aging baby boom generation, our American dream, he proclaimed America as a country will soon see a sharp increase in those place where everyone can rise as high and as far affected by Alzheimer’s. The time to act is now. as his ability will take him, and referred to his As a member of the Congressional Task Force on own humble beginnings as proof. He taught all Alzheimer’s Disease, I urge my colleagues to Americans and newly liberated people across the renew our efforts to battle this disease. I can globe that hard work and faith in God could re- think of no better tribute to President REAGAN sult in prosperity and a better outlook for tomor- than to join together to fight the disease that row. afflicted him in his later years. President REAGAN will perhaps be most re- membered for his efforts to stomp out com- munism worldwide and end the cold war. Presi- Hon. Henry Bonilla dent REAGAN simply refused to accept com- munism’s claim to moral superiority. From the OF TEXAS beginning of his Presidency, REAGAN realized that America could not afford passiveness or Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy weakness in the face of Soviet defiance and esca- of President RONALD WILSON REAGAN. As we lating nuclear threats. President REAGAN recog- mourn this great loss we reflect on the many nized that peace could only be achieved through ways our country is stronger, freer and more strength and diligently worked to restore faith prosperous as a result of President REAGAN’s in our military and a sense of American pride fearless leadership. in the efforts of our servicemen and women. Ef- A firm believer in lower taxes, sound fiscal forts to restore our military superiority were cou- policies and reduced regulation, President pled with a willingness to dialog and a sincere REAGAN launched the boldest economic plan desire to negotiate an end to the nuclear arms since Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal. As a result race. President REAGAN was able to negotiate a of his leadership and tenacity, the Federal Tax treaty with the Soviet Union to launch the proc- Code was greatly simplified and taxes were re- ess of real arms reduction. His efforts eventually duced, ushering in the restoration of prosperity. led to the destruction of the Berlin Wall, the fall He encouraged people to have confidence in their of communism and the end of the cold war. Nation and trust that things really were getting President REAGAN’s leadership ushered in a new better—a sentiment that economic and social in- era of freedom and democracy, not only in the dicators would eventually confirm. In fact, Presi- Soviet Union, but throughout the world. dent REAGAN’s reforms led to the longest period President REAGAN planted democracy in re- of peacetime growth in U.S. history. gions of the world that have never tasted the joys President REAGAN’s leadership also sparked a of freedom. He swept up a downtrodden America movement against drugs which resulted in dra- with little response to or respect for leadership matic declines in illicit drug use in America and and reenergized their faith in freedom, the Presi- around the world. President REAGAN was com- dency, and our military. President REAGAN’s vi- mitted to reversing the permissive attitudes of sion and convictions brought all Americans to- 156 Ronald Reagan gether, raised our morale and once again made with a vision for our future and an unwavering us the proudest citizens in the world. He will belief in the spirit and goodness of mankind. be remembered not only in the minds of Ameri- To say that RONALD REAGAN was an example cans, but in our hearts as well. of the American dream would be an understate- ment. RONALD REAGAN was the American dream, the product of a poor middle class family Hon. Ralph Regula who, as the result of his own intelligence, deter- mination and strong personality, was able to at- OF OHIO tend college, enjoy a successful career in broad- casting and motion pictures, and eventually rise Mr. Speaker, President RONALD REAGAN was to the position of Governor of California. a warm thoughtful leader who governed by the For most, that in and of itself would be a re- golden rule of caring for others. Many speakers markable career. But President REAGAN did not have paid eloquent tribute to his role as both a stop there. Rather, he continued to focus on what world leader and a best friend of the American he saw as a need for a strong leader in the White people. Because of our shared love of land I de- House, someone who could work with a divided veloped a personal relationship with President Congress and an American public still reeling REAGAN that I will always cherish. from the political and economic crises of the sev- enties to restore this Nation to its position as the ‘‘shining city on the hill.’’ Hon. Jo Bonner During his 8 years in office, he did just that. The Reagan revolution, as it came to be known, OF ALABAMA provided the impetus for significant changes here at home and around the world. The economy in Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory this country which had been in steep decline for of a great leader, a great man, and a great Amer- a number of years righted itself and enjoyed a ican. When President RONALD WILSON REAGAN strong period of growth for the next 9 years. The passed away on June 5, 2004, his death brought cold war was brought to an end, communism in more than an end to his valiant 10-year struggle many countries ultimately collapsed, and a whole against Alzheimer’s disease. It brought an end to new generation of men, women, and children one of the brightest and most optimistic periods around the world were able to enjoy a new life in American history. free from the fear of oppression. While President REAGAN had been out of the Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, however, public eye and under the loving care of his be- was in giving Americans a new sense of hope and loved wife, Nancy, for over a decade, he was pride. President REAGAN restored a strong sense never far from our minds or our hearts. During of optimism and hopefulness to this country, and these past 10 years, while he was traveling down made everyone feel proud that they could once the road into the sunset of his life, we have all again say with assurance and determination, ‘‘I had the opportunity to consider his true great- am an American.’’ ness and his many achievements. We have all Mr. Speaker, just as our Nation paused last come to understand that he was more than just week to remember and reflect on this good man our President and the most powerful man in the and great leader, let us, as a Nation, remember world; he was, instead, the personification of— President RONALD REAGAN in the same way and the symbol for—the boundless potential pos- that he is remembered by his family: a man full sible in this country. of love, laughter, and life, someone full of bound- From Dixon, IL, to Detroit, MI, from Wash- less optimism and faith, and someone who always ington, DC, to Los Angeles, CA, and at all points believed that America’s best days are indeed in between, men and women everywhere recog- ahead. nize President REAGAN for what he truly was: Our country—indeed, our world—has been a gifted leader and a compassionate American blessed that we were able to share in a small way Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 157 in the tremendous life he led. May we never for- working with President REAGAN on what I see get the lessons he taught us or the leadership he as one of his greatest landmark accomplish- displayed, and may we continue to keep Mrs. ments—. The empathy he felt for Reagan and the entire Reagan family foremost the American people and the challenges they in our thoughts and prayers. faced in trying to make ends meet were rep- resented in this landmark legislation. He epito- mized a leader who didn’t give hand-outs—but Hon. Michael N. Castle a hand up. The optimism he felt for every American, our OF DELAWARE Nation and the world was evident to all. His ‘‘glass half full’’ mentality guided us through Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to times of peace and times of uncertainty; through President RONALD REAGAN. We all join to- the end of the cold war and rough economic gether this week to mourn his passage, but more times. No matter what our Nation faced, Presi- important to celebrate his life. President dent REAGAN’s sense of patriotism, togetherness REAGAN meant many things to many people in and hope for the future was infectious. the United States and throughout the world. Put His love of country made us believe that simply, the world is a better place because RON- America was blessed to do great things for many ALD REAGAN lived. From his days as an actor people. Sadly, this was probably best commu- and motivational speaker to his time as Governor nicated in what has come to be known as his and President to his final days on his California ‘‘Letter to the American People’’ when he told ranch, RONALD REAGAN was a true gentleman the world he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s who impacted the lives of those around him. disease, when he wrote: 40 RONALD REAGAN was sworn in as the th I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset President of the United States the day American of my life. I know that for America there will always be a hostages were released from Iran—a poignant be- bright dawn ahead. ginning to the challenges which would lie ahead. Everything he did, he did with grace. He will As President, he survived an attack on his life be remembered—even by those who may have and a battle with colon cancer; he fought com- disagreed with him—with respect for his will- munism; he guided the American people through ingness to work together and negotiate, with rough economic times and uncertain inter- humor. He and Democratic Speaker Tip O’Neill national struggles; he made history in nomi- used to joke that we are ‘‘all friends after 6 p.m.’’ nating the first woman to serve on the U.S. Su- meaning that at the end of the day, politics was preme Court; and led Americans through the put aside and friendships could grow. tragedy of the space shuttle Challenger. I like to think of President REAGAN as a flexi- But to limit our descriptions of President ble conservative, one who was willing to listen REAGAN to the milestones in his Presidency to all sides of an argument, even if he didn’t would be incomplete. His most impressive quali- agree, for the chance that he might learn some- ties are the intangibles that are felt but hard to thing new or understand a different angle. He describe. didn’t pretend to be an expert on all issues, and So many Americans connected with President that is why so many politicians and the American REAGAN on a personal level. His ability to com- people respected him. He wanted to turn the municate was unparalleled. ‘‘Larger than life’’ issue on all sides to see if there were any new was never a phrase used to describe RONALD approaches that could be taken. Yet at the same REAGAN—not because he couldn’t have been, time, he was deeply rooted in his beliefs of small- but because he didn’t want to be. He truly oper- er government, lower taxes and personal respon- ated as a man of the people. sibility—which continue to guide the Repub- My first term as Governor of Delaware over- lican Party today. lapped with his second term as President of the President REAGAN is considered the modern United States. I had the honor and privilege of day father of the Republican Party and his long 158 Ronald Reagan legacy and sunny optimistic spirit will live on President REAGAN’s passing brings us sadness in all Americans. And as we all gather today to at the loss of an American leader, but reminds celebrate the man who meant so much to our all of us of his lasting legacy of service to our country, I would like to invoke the words he Nation. used in bidding goodbye to the passengers on the ADJOURNING AS FURTHER MARK OF RESPECT TO space shuttle Challenger: THE MEMORY OF THE LATE HONORABLE RONALD We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, WILSON REAGAN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE this morning, as they prepared for their journey and waved UNITED STATES good-bye and ‘‘slipped the surly bonds of earth’’ to ‘‘touch Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous the face of God.’’ consent that when the House adjourns pursuant The GIPPER, the Great Communicator, the to Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, it do so as flexible conservative and the great conciliator has a further mark of respect to the memory of the gone home. But his legacy will never be forgot- late Honorable RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the ten. former President of the United States. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Texas? Hon. Earl Pomeroy There was no objection.

OF NORTH DAKOTA ADJOURNMENT Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Mr. Speaker, my thoughts and prayers go out House do now adjourn. to Mrs. Reagan and her family as our Nation The motion was agreed to. mourns the loss of President REAGAN. THE SPEAKER pro tempore. Accordingly, Our Nation has lost a leader. President pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, REAGAN inspired Americans to a higher purpose. the 108th Congress, the House stands adjourned He believed, and led all Americans to believe, until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, June 14, 2004, for that our country could be the ‘‘shining city on morning hour debates; and pursuant to the order the hill.’’ It was his spirit and faith in American of the House of today, it does so as a further values that helped reinforce America’s faith in mark of respect to the memory of the late Honor- itself. able RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the former I was serving in the North Dakota Legislature President of the United States. on the day President REAGAN was shot. I re- Thereupon (at 3 o’clock and 6 minutes p.m.), member the somber atmosphere and deep con- pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution 116, cern from Republicans and Democrats alike as the House adjourned until Monday, June 14, legislators gathered around a television anxiously 2004, at 12:30 p.m., for morning hour debates, awaiting word on the President’s condition. and pursuant to the order of the House of today With characteristic optimism, President as a further mark of respect to the memory of REAGAN went on to recover from his wounds and the late Honorable RONALD WILSON REAGAN, continue to lead the Nation as our President. former President of the United States. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 159 Monday, June Üâ, áÖÖâ

APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO ATTEND THE House of , 2003, the Speaker ap- FUNERAL OF THE LATE HONORABLE RONALD pointed himself and the entire membership of WILSON REAGAN, FORMER PRESIDENT OF the House to attend the funeral services for THE UNITED STATES former President RONALD WILSON REAGAN held Wednesday, June 9, 2004, in the rotunda of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to Capitol and Friday, June 11, 2004, at the Wash- House Resolution 663, and the order of the ington National Cathedral.

Wednesday, June Üã, áÖÖâ

Hon. Robert Menendez President REAGAN’s memory than to join to- gether in a bipartisan manner and support the OF NEW JERSEY RONALD REAGAN Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act. Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to be joining Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the most com- Senators Bond and Mikulski, and my House col- mon cause of in older people. One in leagues, Representatives Chris Smith and Ed 10 people over 65 and nearly half those over 85, Markey, in introducing the RONALD REAGAN suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. And with the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2004. This leg- aging of our population, we can expect those islation will significantly increase our govern- numbers to increase. In fact, unless scientific re- ment’s investment in Alzheimer’s disease research search finds a way to prevent or cure the disease, and patient and caregiver support initiatives. it is estimated that between 11.3 and 16 million As a son whose mother suffers from Alz- people in the United States will have Alzheimer’s heimer’s, I know personally the sacrifice—both disease by the middle of the 21st century. financially and emotionally—of families caring Just a few weeks ago, I, along with the Alz- for a parent with this horrific disease. It is the heimer’s Association, released a report that fo- story of so many Hispanics in this Nation—a cuses on the impact of Alzheimer’s on Hispanics. story of so many Americans. My family fled Cuba The report predicts that, because Hispanics are to come to find freedom in the United States. the fastest growing population in the country My mother worked her entire life as a seamstress and have the greatest life expectancy of any eth- in the factories of New Jersey. She spends half nic group, the community will experience a six- of her Social Security check on prescription fold increase in the disease by 2050. In numbers, drugs. If it was not for my sister and me, she this means that 1.3 million Hispanics will have would not live with the dignity she deserves. Alzheimer’s disease by 2050, compared to fewer Because of my personal experience with Alz- than 200,000 currently living with the disease. heimer’s, I have always admired Nancy and RON- The legislation introduced today will increase ALD REAGAN’s strength and perseverance the National Institutes of Health funding to $1.4 throughout the President’s battle with this heart- billion a year so we can continue to advance our wrenching and devastating illness. By having ability to one day prevent, treat, and ultimately gone public, RONALD REAGAN increased aware- cure this disease. This increase is necessary if we ness of this debilitating disease, providing hope, are going to be serious about reducing both the comfort, and companionship to 4.5 million physical and economic costs of Alzheimer’s. Ac- Americans living with Alzheimer’s today. We cording to experts, delaying the onset and pro- feel there is no more fitting tribute to honor gression of Alzheimer’s for even 5 years could 160 Ronald Reagan save as much as $50 billion in annual health care care; and authorizes funding for a public edu- costs. Alzheimer’s costs American businesses cation campaign to inform the public about pre- more than $36.5 billion annually due to lost pro- vention techniques. ductivity of employees who are caregivers and the Congress needs to make wise investments on health care costs associated with the disease. behalf of the American people. Alzheimer’s re- Alzheimer’s is a far-reaching disease and a seri- search is one of those important and critical in- ous strain on families because it not only affects families’ lives, jobs, and finances, but also their vestments we must make now, so that future mental and physical well-being. In response, this generations of Americans will have the medical legislation provides a tax credit of up to $3,000 resources and knowledge to cope with the chal- to help pay the expenses of families who care for lenge of caring for a parent, family member, or loved ones with long-term care needs. friend living with this disease. By making this In addition, this bill increases authorization investment today, it is my hope that one day levels for a series of programs to help families soon a cure will be found so Alzheimer’s will be care for their loved ones; increases funding levels a part of medical history instead of a family’s re- for research initiatives focused on prevention and ality.

Thursday, June Üå, áÖÖâ

Milestones of the Reagan legacy include: Raising the Hon. Henry Bonilla drinking age throughout the country from 18 to 21. The workplace drug prevention program including federal drug OF TEXAS testing and standards. Nancy Reagan’s campaign that ratified and promoted the Parents’ Movement. These Mr. Speaker, I ask to enter the following trib- programs brought about a dramatic fall in illegal drug abuse ute recognizing President and Mrs. Reagan’s in- throughout the nation after two decades of rising levels with volvement in the into the Congres- the peak coming in 1978 and the bottom in 1991. President sional Record. REAGAN’s leadership was a key in this element in this his- toric progress. Robert L. DuPont, MD, First Director of National Institute A TRIBUTE: PRESIDENT & MRS. RONALD REAGAN’S on Drug Abuse, President of the Institute for Behavior LEADERSHIP IN THE WAR ON DRUGS and Health, Inc., Maryland. We, representing countless parents. community volunteers, Joyce Nalepka, Drug Free Kids: America’s Challenge, former civic leaders, business leaders, physicians, teachers, church President of Nancy Reagan’s National Federation of Par- leaders, policy makers, law enforcement officers, media rep- ents for Drug Free Youth, Silver Spring, Maryland. resentatives, and youth from across America, want to express Edward Jacobs, MD, FAAP, Everett Clinic, Everett, Wash- our deepest gratitude to President and Mrs. REAGAN for their ington. extraordinary leadership in the battle against drugs and for Theresa Costello, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. saving the lives of so many children through drug prevention. Daniel Bent, Fair Mediation, Honolulu, . Together they encouraged and supported a nationwide effort Sue Rusche, National Families in Action, Atlanta, Georgia. to reduce the demand for drugs by increasing Americans’ Eric Voth, MD, FACP, Chairman, Institute on Global Drug knowledge and changing their attitudes and behavior. They Policy, Topeka, Kansas. inspired us with hope, knowledge, and conviction. The result Michelle Voth, Kansas Family Partnership, Topeka, Kansas. was a dramatic turn around in illicit drug use in America, David Evans, Esq., Drug Free Schools Coalition, Flemington, and thus lives were saved, health care costs were reduced, New Jersey. crime was reduced, and innovative strategies and scientific Calvina Fay, Executive Director, Drug Free America Founda- research were developed to enhance drug abuse treatment, tion, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida. prevent AIDS, and other drug-related social problems. Our Peggy Sapp, National Family Partnership, Miami, Florida. nation and the world owe them a tremendous debt. We re- Steven Steiner, DAMMAD, Tioga Center, New York. commit ourselves to continuing in this noble fight to protect Steven Steiner, Barton, New York. our children from the nightmare of drugs and to carry for- Rebecca Hobson, Richton, Mississippi. ward the message of prevention with hope and optimism. Brenda Truelove, Gainesville, Georgia. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 161

Karen Dewease, Petal, Mississippi. Beverly Barron, Former Executive Director of Texans War Julie Steiner, Barton, New York. on Drugs, Odessa, Texas. Mikki Howard, Austin, Indiana. Peggy Goble, Great Meadows, New Jersey. Martha McWhirter, Lawrence, Mississippi. Karin Kyles, New Canaan, Connecticut. Susie Dugan, PRIDE Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska. DeForest Rathbone, Chairman, National Institute of Citizen Judy Dinerstein, Naperville, Illinois. Anti-, Great Falls, Virginia. Betty Sembler, Chairman, S.O.S.—Save Our Society From Mr. & Mrs. Robert Dey (DEA Retired), Georgetown, Texas. Drugs, St. Petersburg, Florida. Ginger Katz, President of the Courage to Speak Foundation, Grainne Kenny, International President, EURAD (Europe Connecticut. Against Drugs). State Representative Toni Boucher, Assistant Minority Leader John English, Springfield, Oregon. District 143, Connecticut. Susan Baum, Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania. Geraldine Silverman, New Jersey Federation for Drug Free Frank Richardson, Binghamton, New York. Communities, Short Hills, New Jersey. Patsy Parker, Moss Point, Mississippi. Wevley William Shea, Anchorage, Alaska. Sharon L. Smith, President—MOMSTELL, Mechanicsburg, Beverly J. Kinard, President, Christian Drug Education Cen- Pennsylvania. Connie Moulton, Committees of Correspondence, Danvers, ter, Canon City, Colorado. Massachusetts. Judy Kreamer, Educating Voices, Inc., Naperville, Illinois. Robert Peterson, Esq., Vice President of International Affairs, Becky Vance, Executive Director, Drug Free Business Hous- PRIDE Youth Programs, Fremont, Michigan. ton—A division of the Council on Alcohol and Drug Jay DeWispleare, Executive Director, PRIDE Youth Pro- Abuse, Houston, Texas. grams, Fremont, Michigan. Cathey Brown, Rainbow Days, Inc., Dallas, Texas. Lea Cox, Concerned Citizens for Drug Prevention, Norwell, Lynda Adams, Alaskans For Drug Free Youth, Ketchikan, Massachusetts. Alaska. Jack Gilligan, Global Drug Prevention Network, Peoria, Illi- June M. Milam, Former CEO, DREAM, Inc., Madison, Mis- nois. sissippi. Malcolm K. Beyer, Jr., Student Drug-Testing Coalition, Ju- Joyce Tobias, Parents’ Association to Neutralize Drug & Al- piter, Florida. cohol Abuse (PANDAA), Annandale, Virginia. Peter Stoker, Director, National Drug Prevention Alliance, Judy Cushing, President-C.E.O., Oregon Partnership, Port- Great Britain. land, Oregon. Carla Lowe, Legal Foundation Against Drugs, Sacramento, Judy Arendsee, Rancho Sante Fe, California. California. Stephanie Hayes, Former Board Chairman, Texans War on Jim Kester, Austin, Texas. Drugs, Alpine, Texas.

Thursday, June áâ, áÖÖâ

Hon. Michael K. Simpson be, and I hold that example close to my heart as I carry out my own duties. OF IDAHO President REAGAN will always be remembered as an unabashed patriot. He was convinced of the Mr. Speaker, every visitor who comes to my ability of the United States to provide the hope office is greeted by a plaque that bears the in- of freedom to those enslaved by totalitarianism and communism. President REAGAN’s vision of scription of RONALD REAGAN’s signature and the world and the future of this country would this quote, ‘‘There’s no limit to what a man can not be dimmed or daunted by ideological threat, do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who and he was not afraid to stand up to tyranny and gets the credit.’’ These words are characteristic aggression. From the beginning of his Presi- 40 of the great man that served as the th Presi- dency, President REAGAN realized the potential dent of the United States of America. I am in- cost of inaction and weakness in the face of Soviet volved with politics today because of the inspira- defiance and nuclear threat, and he took action. tion I received from RONALD REAGAN. I believe Through a series of defense budgets, he increased he was the true example of what a statesman can defense spending 35 percent during his two 162 Ronald Reagan terms, ensuring the country the resources nec- cessful terms as the leader of our Nation. He essary for security. Additionally, President wanted all Americans to have the same freedom REAGAN managed to negotiate the first U.S.- and opportunity to pursue success, and he con- Soviet treaty to reduce the number of nuclear sistently promoted that ideal through policies of weapons through a series of four summits with limited government. He said, ‘‘Government can Mikhail Gorbachev. President REAGAN was al- and must provide opportunity, not smother it; ways clear about what he expected and never foster productivity, not stifle it.’’ more so than when he pleaded at the Branden- What makes RONALD REAGAN most unfor- burg Gate, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this gettable was his unfailing optimism. Even as our wall!’’ Nation mourns, we cannot help but smile at the President REAGAN planted democracy in re- thought of his cheerful and radiant personality. gions of the world that have never tasted the joys President REAGAN possessed a sense of humor of freedom. He taught newly liberated people strong enough to withstand even the pain of an across the globe that hard work and faith in God could result in prosperity, a sense of satisfaction assassin’s bullet. Demonstrating his trademark in one’s own legacy, and a better outlook for to- good nature, he said to the doctors about to oper- morrow. He wanted the American dream to be ate on his bullet wounds, ‘‘I hope you’re all Re- a reality throughout the world. publicans.’’ It was this characteristic sanguinity President REAGAN will also be remembered as that swept up a downtrodden America and re- a man of humble beginnings. He proclaimed energized its faith in freedom, the Presidency, America as a place where everyone can rise as and our military. high and as far as his ability will take him. Born RONALD REAGAN was many things. He was in Tampico, IL, President REAGAN used his a man of reason, a man of sincerity, a man will- abilities to establish a career in Hollywood. He ing to listen. And he is a man whose character, continued to work and learn as he rose through grace, and wisdom will be deeply missed by this California politics and went on to serve two suc- Nation.

Tuesday, July ã, áÖÖâ

Hon. Duncan Hunter America; that if the Soviets want to have an in- fluence in Central America, which they were hav- OF CALIFORNIA ing with the communist Sandinista and the FMLN in Salvador, let them have it, said the lib- . . . this cold war was won by American service erals, and let us stay out of Central America; we personnel. I look at Korea and Vietnam as two cannot possibly win that war. And of course they of the important battles in that war—battles brought back the old Vietnam thing, they said which helped to bring that war to a successful you are going to get bogged down in another conclusion. Vietnam. Today we have fragile democracies in The gentleman jMr. Wilson of South Caro- each of those countries, and they have sent troops linak makes a great point about people who used to stand side by side with Americans in Iraq to to be behind the Iron Curtain now serving side try to bring freedom to yet another country. by side with Americans. And I am reminded also I was told, incidentally, that the Salvadorans that troops from Nicaragua and El Salvador, in particular have fought fiercely in the Iraq the- which were the centers of the so-called Contra ater; that they are excellent fighters and they wars during the eighties, when America’s liberals very much support the coalition, and that they said RONALD REAGAN should stay out of Central have brought a measure of strong support to our Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 163 operation there. So I thank the gentleman for This is not a religious war. To me, it is a bringing that up because I think that is impor- group of extremists who, as we saw last week, tant. there was a heinous suicide bomber who attacked When RONALD REAGAN was bringing down a Shiite mosque in Pakistan. Imagine just going the Wall, and when he met that first move of straight into a mosque and killing 20 people. force by the Russians during his administration, This is just something that has to be faced, and when the Soviet Union started to ring Western we either face the enemy overseas or we will Europe with SS–20 missiles and RONALD again see them here in the United States, as we 11 REAGAN started to push in ground launch cruise did on September . missiles and Pershing missiles into Europe, the September 11 was the culmination of a direct liberal commentators across the world said, es- attack on the United States in 1993 on the World sentially, now you have gone and done it; we will Trade Center, a direct attack on our Embassies never have peace with the Soviet Union, and we in 1998, at Embassies all throughout Africa, and have to get this RONALD REAGAN out of there. then, of course, the infamous attack on the USS 2000 Yet, by meeting the strength of the Soviet Cole in Yemen in the year , and finally the 11 2001 Union with American strength, the President attack of September , . America is respond- produced a situation where at one point the Rus- ing. sians picked up the phone and said, Can we talk? And I am very grateful that just as after And when they started talking, they talked not World War II we helped rebuild Germany so it about a negotiated settlement but they talked would not be a breeding ground for communism, really about the disassembly of the Soviet empire we are helping to rebuild Iraq. I am sorry that brought about by American strength. it does not get the attention it should. It is prob- I think this operation in Iraq, while it is tough ably just dull to hear that there is freedom of and hard and very dangerous, is going to produce the press and media in Iraq. It is dull to hear a good result in that very difficult part of the the schools have been reopened. It is dull to hear world. the hospitals have all been reopened and the health clinics are available. But it is not dull. It is creating a that protects the Hon. Joe Wilson American people. We were able to protect the American people and defeat communism, and I OF SOUTH CAROLINA am confident we can do the same thing in defeat- ing terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I want to also join in thanking I am so happy the gentleman brought up the gentleman from Hawaii jMr. Abercrombiek RONALD REAGAN. It was 20 years ago virtually for his constructive suggestion. this minute that he was attempting to win the But I want to reiterate again too that the war cold war by putting Pershing missiles in West- we are into, this global war on terrorism, is not ern Europe. Millions of people demonstrated something the United States sought. It is my against that in the United States and Western humble opinion that the first attack was really Europe. It ultimately led, again, to our victory. in 1979, with the attack on our Embassy in I had the extraordinary opportunity Sunday to Tehran. We can all remember the signs that were meet with people at our church who are from carried at that time were ‘‘death to America.’’ It Russia, and I was telling them how incredible does not need a discussion. That is what the in- it was for me to be there with them, because 15 tent is. And the reason for this feeling is because years ago we were told that they like living the United States represents freedom of associa- under communism; that due to their serf back- tion, of speech, as we just saw, freedom of ground, they liked being slaves; that they really women to participate in society, and freedom of did not want to have to make decisions of who media. All of this is being opposed by people to elect and how to elect, what jobs to take, how who want to construct a 14th-century lifestyle. much money to earn, whether they could buy a 164 Ronald Reagan car or not; that they really enjoyed living in op- funeral saying that that man stood up for free- pression. dom, and he won the cold war, just like Presi- We know that is not true. The dear Russians dent Bush is standing up and winning the war that I met with on Sunday said how much they on terrorism and our troops are making that hap- appreciated what President REAGAN and the pen. American people have done to provide for their liberation. The same analogy applies to the peo- ple of Iraq and Afghanistan. It is such a positive Hon. Duncan Hunter time to see what our troops are doing. OF CALIFORNIA

Hon. Robin Hayes Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes). It must have taken OF NORTH CAROLINA a lot of grit for Mikhail Gorbachev to have all Mr. Speaker, President Bush stood up for free- of the previous speakers or the speakers at that dom, as well he should. ceremony talk about how RONALD REAGAN Just a couple of weeks ago at President equipped him; but, you know, he put up with REAGAN’s funeral here in Washington, I had the that and then paid his respects to President unique privilege of standing in line waiting to REAGAN. And I think there is a message there, walk by the casket of former President REAGAN and that is that the goodness of America comes with Mikhail Gorbachev. through, and ultimately it persuades others to They called REAGAN a cowboy; but Mikhail follow the path of freedom. I thank the gen- Gorbachev, his adversary at that time, was at his tleman for his comments.

Wednesday, July å, áÖÖâ

Hon. J.D. Hayworth jFrom the Free Press, 1997k RONALD REAGAN: HOW AN ORDINARY MAN BECAME AN OF ARIZONA EXTRAORDINARY LEADER (By John C. Holmes) Mr. Speaker, yesterday was the official end of Dinesh D’Souza, who served briefly as a low-level advisor 1987 88 the period of national mourning for former Presi- to President REAGAN in – , is an open admirer of REAGAN’s accomplishments. Yet not even REAGAN’s harshest dent RONALD REAGAN. During this month there critics are more revealing of his character flaws and human have been many tributes to this great President, weaknesses. Rather than expressing scorn and derision, how- all of which were deserving. ever, the author is in turn bemused, delighted, curious, and intrigued in candidly reporting the former president’s char- Recently, I was given a copy of a book review acter and personality idiosyncrasies. After careful examina- by the well-respected administrative law judge tion, he concludes that REAGAN’s very real limitations in fact John C. Holmes, who is now retired. In August assisted as much as deterred this seemingly ordinary man in 1998, Judge Holmes reviewed Dinesh D’Souza’s becoming an extraordinary leader. Beneath his apparent sim- plicity was a complex and sometimes contradictory person. book, ‘‘RONALD REAGAN: How an Ordinary For example, REAGAN’s sunny personality and near contin- Man Became an Extraordinary Leader.’’ It was an uous optimism masked a psychological curtain that could de- excellent review that summed up how so many scend on even his most intimate friends and family, keeping them at a distance. There was also the contradiction that, of us view RONALD REAGAN and his life. I while constantly extolling the virtue of the family and its would like to submit the review for the Record values, REAGAN exhibited a disjointed personal one, having and I commend it to my colleagues. been divorced from his first wife, Jane Wyman, and distant Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 165 from his son, daughter, and stepdaughter. REAGAN’s ac- ment was concurred in by even ‘‘neutral’’ economists such knowledged short attention span masked a tenacious adher- as Paul Samuelson and Lester Thurow, who as late as 1989 ence to those principles and policies that concerned him marveled at the Russian growth process. most. His good-natured jokes and story-telling, sometimes As for confronting Russian expansion, Sovietologist Ste- criticized as irreverent and irrelevant, served to disarm and phen Cohen of thought that REAGAN win over adversaries from Tip O’Neill to Mikhail Gorbachev. was pathologically wrongheaded in apparently abandoning His famous line in the presidential debate with Walter Mon- the comforting previous policies of containment and detente dale that he ‘‘would not use Mondale’s youth and inexperi- for the objective of ‘‘destroying the Soviet Union as a world ence against him’’ caused an involuntary grin and chuckle power and possibly even its Communist system.’’ Strobe Tal- from his surprised opponent, totally diffusing the increasingly bot, then a senior correspondent at Time magazine and later serious campaign issue of REAGAN’s age, and propelling deputy secretary of state in the Clinton administration, indig- REAGAN into one of the largest presidential victories ever. nantly scoffed at REAGAN’s unrealistic and misguided at- He loved pomp and cavorted with the wealthy, but had a tempts to return to the ’50s goal of rolling back Soviet domi- singular capacity to connect with, and was beloved by, the nation in Europe. common man. Though criticized as too ideological, REAGAN appointed The author dispels or modifies some public misconcep- skilled pragmatists to implement his aggressive foreign pol- tions. While REAGAN himself self-deprecatingly joked about icy. They included the maligned but effective Bill Casey at his nap times, he worked sometimes grueling hours, particu- the CIA, Cap Weinberger at Defense, and George Schultz larly for a man of his age, exhibiting strong discipline in at State. REAGAN’s overarching plan was relatively simple: doing homework on those issues he needed to know. His dis- he would outspend the Russians on defense, thereby showing cipline in keeping physically fit probably saved his life early the vulnerability of the Russian economic system which in his presidency when he was the recipient of a would-be REAGAN, almost alone, was convinced would not keep pace. assassin’s bullet that lodged less than an inch from his heart. This culminated in the proposed future deployment of de- His character was revealed during this frightening time when fense missiles and lasers dubbed ‘‘Star Wars,’’ a concept ridi- despite the seriousness of the situation he could extempo- culed by many, and not fully understood even by REAGAN, raneously joke to his wife Nancy: ‘‘Honey, I forgot to duck!’’ but greatly feared by the Russian leadership. D’Souza presents and to his treating physicians: ‘‘I hope you’re all good Repub- the still-minority viewpoint, which I believe history will licans.’’ Such good humor in the face of adversity won him eventually confirm, that the elevation by the Russian leader- a reservoir of good will by an appreciative public. ship of Gorbachev was largely stimulated as an antidote for the very presence of REAGAN, who by then had emerged as TAKING ON THE ‘‘EVIL EMPIRE’’ a popular and effective world leader who articulately advo- REAGAN was a naive, rosy optimist, thinking that, if he cated challenge of Russian aspirations for world dominance. could only show Gorbachev how ordinary Americans lived, REAGAN took an immediate liking to Gorbachev and instinc- Gorbachev would recognize the differences between the two tively felt they could do business. His subsequent persever- systems and make big changes for the better. REAGAN was ance in challenging Gorbachev to reform the system, com- a foolhardy, almost comical belligerent, standing at the Ber- bined with U.S. military buildup, precipitated the eventual lin Wall and challenging Gorbachev to ‘‘tear down this dismembering of the formerly impenetrable Russian political wall!’’ He was an embarrassment, a blind, unsophisticated pa- hegemony and military might. triot who had the gall, bad manners, and political incorrect- For this accomplishment alone REAGAN should be recog- ness to call the free world’s adversary an ‘‘Evil Empire.’’ He nized as the single most important person in the second half was an actor who knew nothing of foreign policy, a genial of this century in pointing our world in the direction of free- dummy who straddled between reckless action and somnolent dom and democracy. However, to the surprise and even an- inattention. Or so he was portrayed and so many believed. guish of liberal opponents, and the consternation of some But D’Souza recognizes REAGAN’s historic accomplishment conservative friends, his challenge was not limited to the in fostering the dissolution of the Communist empire, which communist totalitarian system, but to dictators everywhere, emanated at least in substantial part from the man’s own whether in the Philippines, South America, or Africa. The willful, steadfast purpose. This dissolution was not fore- resulting extensive conversion from socialist and totalitarian ordained, as has become the fashionable view. The author states to democracies and free economies was truly remark- demonstrates the transparency of REAGAN’s critics, quoting able, never before seen in the history of the world. extensively from their pronouncements on the growth, sta- bility, and power of the Soviet economy and the folly of at- TAKING ON BIG GOVERNMENT tempting directly to challenge Russia itself. Liberal historian As REAGAN ran against the political wisdom and apparent Arthur Schlesinger Jr. observed in 1982 that ‘‘those in the majority public opinion in advocating defeat of, rather than United States who think the Soviet Union is on the verge detente with, communism, so too he opposed the belief that of economic and social collapse are wishful thinkers.’’ John a powerful central government was essential to ensure free- Kenneth Galbraith, Harvard economist and guru during the dom, justice, and the general welfare. REAGAN presented the Kennedy-Johnson years, pronounced that ‘‘the Russian system then-heretical view that central government was the problem, succeeds, because, in contrast with the Western industrial not the solution. While REAGAN accepted much of Roo- economies, it makes full use of its manpower.’’ Such assess- sevelt’s New Deal as a necessary reaction to the economic 166 Ronald Reagan emergency following the Great Depression, he felt the Great people and not their masters. The law supported his view- Society agenda fostered by President Johnson took the coun- point. Condemned, ridiculed, and pressured even by allies, try too far along the path toward a suffocating central govern- and temporarily losing popular support, particularly from ment that would eventually stifle individual initiative and new-found ‘‘Joe Six-Pack’’ converts to the Republican party, freedom. His conversion from Democrat to Republican re- REAGAN stuck to his guns. This action, and his subsequent sulted. refusal to compromise, so shocked and silenced union leaders REAGAN carried his message forward in speech after and government workers that corporations and government speech, initially while traveling the country for General Elec- agencies were afforded for years to come the opportunity to tric. Although the 1964 Republican Convention produced the downsize and ‘‘reorganize.’’ The seemingly forgotten prin- spectacularly losing campaign of Barry Goldwater, REAGAN’s cipal that jobs were a privilege and not a right was at least nominating speech—which has been since dubbed merely partially restored and the economy further stimulated. ‘‘The Speech’’—launched him into the national scene as the REAGAN’s goals were not all achieved while in office. Nev- future messenger and leader of the conservative cause. It also ertheless, he left an agenda that is still in many respects being brought him to the attention of king-makers in California, followed today. Free international trade through agreements who lured him into a successful run against the incumbent, such as NAFTA, and the outline for fiscal savings as drawn the firmly entrenched Governor , who, like every up in the ‘‘Contract for America,’’ were REAGAN initiatives. candidate REAGAN has run against, underestimated his tal- Even the line-item , scorned and laughed at as a cam- ents, personality, and character. paign throw-away, and impossible to enact, has become law, As Governor, REAGAN preached austerity, but in his first ironically co-opted by President Clinton and touted as his term did little in practice to put California’s economic house own accomplishment. While temporarily contributing to a in order. His main contribution, perhaps, was in standing huge unbalanced budget and an unfavorable foreign trade up to the most radical of the free speakers, thereby keeping deficit, the successful war against communism eventually al- the universities open and restoring a modicum of stability lowed a resulting ‘‘peace dividend,’’ a prosperous economy, during those turbulent times. The author labels REAGAN’s and a curtailed federal government. A balanced budget would 10 governorship as only moderately successful. REAGAN, how- be achieved years after he left office. ever, gained a stage that eventually catapulted him into the REAGAN again knew instinctively what the most sophisti- presidency. cated economists were oblivious to. Reduction of tax rates While running for and entering the presidency, his eco- during times when government has become too large and nomic message remained the same: limited government. On costly can actually increase total revenues by freeing the pri- the one hand, as his critics are quick to point out, REAGAN vate sector from stifling governmental costs and regulations, never directly achieved his economic goals, as the high cost thereby enabling sales and profits (as well as taxes paid) to of defense build-up and his insistence on a tax cut made a rise. What was to become known worldwide as ‘‘privatiza- balanced budget impossible. Moreover, this imbalance was tion’’ resulted from these policies. Where previous Repub- exacerbated by the Democratic-controlled Congress, whose lican administrations had merely attempted to cut around the ‘‘compromise’’ meant more spending on cherished domestic edges to make governments a little more efficient and ac- programs rather than cuts that would have helped pay for countable, REAGAN attacked it head on, by word and deed the defense build-up. On the other hand, his intense lobbying freeing the private sector to accomplish its goals with mini- efforts on his first budget, while not reaching all the results mal intervention. he envisioned, provided the mechanism for a future more lim- ited domestic spending program, and provided more funds TAKING ON ‘‘MALAISE’’ for the private sector through tax cuts. Through a numbing A third area that REAGAN sought to change flowed natu- recession in 1982, with critics contending his ‘‘voodoo’’ rally from and was dependent upon success in his attack on supply-side economics were a proven failure, REAGAN elected communism and big government: restoration of the prestige to ‘‘stay the course,’’ retreating to his California ranch for and respect of the presidency, and the confidence, optimism, resuscitation and refusing the siren song to ‘‘do something.’’ and patriotism of the American people. Following the ‘‘Peace He was assisted by a supportive Federal Reserve, which tight- and Prosperity’’ and ‘‘Return to Normalcy’’ of the ened credit to reduce the fever of double digit inflation preva- under Eisenhower, we had experienced the assassinations of lent during the preceding Carter administration. With re- President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Robert Ken- cover came increasing public and business confidence. A nedy; the quagmire of Vietnam, causing President Johnson’s growing economy meant more dollars to pay for the defense decision not to run; Nixon’s seemingly moderately successful build-up. presidency brought down by Watergate; and the failed Carter The author points to the ‘‘outrageous’’ act of firing the presidency, ending in American hostages being ignomin- air traffic controllers as a further plank in economic recovery. iously held in Iran, communism seemingly on the march in Though their union, the Professional Air Traffic Controllers international expansion, and Carter himself describing a (PATCO), was one of the few to support REAGAN’s presi- ‘‘malaise’’ in the American psyche. Onto the stage strode the dential bid, REAGAN had no compunction in firing them and unlikely candidate the conservatives lusted for, but main- replacing them by non-union workers. Considering them stream Republicans merely tolerated, and Democrats wel- ‘‘untouchables,’’ no previous president had so directly taken comed as ‘‘easy pickings’’—seemingly too old, too ideolog- on unions and government workers. To REAGAN, the moral ical, and too inexperienced to be elected or to accomplish basis was simple: government workers were servants of the the job. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 167

The reigns of government had barely been grasped when REAGAN’s truer belief would have been the personally deliv- a sickening feeling of deja vu returned as an attempt was ered opinion of Mother Theresa that he had been put on this made on REAGAN’s life. REAGAN’s humorous reaction and earth for a divine purpose. relatively quick recovery boded well, allowing him to initiate This book will not find favor with liberal economists, with his foreign and domestic programs. The sputtering of the those Jeanne Kirkpatrick labeled ‘‘Blame America Firsters,’’ economy in late 1981, leading to recession, however, dispelled or with apologists for the former Soviet communist system this good will and left the nation in a sullen mood. As recov- who then had advocated accommodation and , ery finally came and REAGAN’s ‘‘stay the course’’ was more but many of whom now find its demise historically inevitable or less vindicated, his personality and talents as a ‘‘Great and REAGAN irrelevant. One of D’Souza’s obvious purposes Communicator’’ began to sharpen and shape the American in the book is to attack this attempted instant historical revi- and world landscape. He entreated the people of the United sionism. In so doing, he can fairly be accused of straying too States, the country he felt destined to be ‘‘a shining city on often from a ‘‘pure’’ chronicle of REAGAN to a strident attack the hill,’’ to support and further his program and policies. on his critics. No doubt in anticipated rebuttal, D’Souza He restored a sometimes teary-eyed patriotism, encouraging points to a ‘‘stacked deck’’ committee chaired by Arthur Americans to take pride in and celebrate our country, its Schlesinger Jr. and commissioned by the editors of the New meaning, and its history. Using his powers as a former actor York Times in December 1996 to render a collective verdict and the sincerity of his own belief in the goodness of Amer- on how history will rank the U.S. presidents. Not surpris- ica, whose ‘‘morning had just begun,’’ he sought to enlist ingly these ‘‘history experts,’’ which included Doris Kearns the people to assist the world along a better path to a bright- Goodwin, James MacGregor Burns, ex-Governor Mario er future. He returned a pride in military service, severely Cuomo, and ex-Senator Paul Simon, liberals all, ranked wounded since the Vietnam war. His own dedication to duty REAGAN in the lower half, below George Bush and in the and pride of office restored dignity and world leadership to undistinguished company of Jimmy Carter, Chester Arthur, the presidency. and . In contrast, D’Souza believes History may record REAGAN as having been extraor- REAGAN should be ranked with the Roosevelts, Wilson, Lin- dinarily lucky to have accomplished his successes at such an coln, and Washington. advanced age, barely before senility and the eventual ravages of Alzheimer’s disease fully took over. D’Souza does not think Interestingly, however, the ideologically conservative ‘‘true EAGAN so. He credits—too much, some will argue—REAGAN’s abil- believers’’ who allege that R was merely a popular ity to cut through the thicket of unimportant matters and messenger for an irresistible movement will not be overjoyed take the correct action at nearly every important juncture. with the book. D’Souza paints REAGAN as a unique indi- Far from being a mere bystander, REAGAN led on matters vidual, the likes of which are unlikely to return. Though that mattered, even when his decisions were unpopular. REAGAN articulated the principals of the ascending conserv- D’Souza notes a nearly mystical aura that President ative movement, he was flexible rather than rigid, and his REAGAN himself privately acknowledged as governing some sunny personality lent itself to compromise on everything ex- of his actions. While many presidents donned the mantra of cept his hardcore principals. This enabled REAGAN to over- churchgoing for public consumption, and REAGAN himself come popular reluctance to accept his conservative agenda. supported, mainly as a sop to the religious right, a constitu- D’Souza describes an apparently simple, but actually a tional amendment to allow public school prayer, his own reli- flawed, complex, and contradictory man who accomplished gious beliefs were more complex. Not an active churchgoer his aims by concentrating on a few specifics that were funda- before or during his presidency, he apparently firmly believed mental to his beliefs. To this reviewer, who was initially ex- in an intervening and active higher authority from whom he tremely skeptical of REAGAN’s governing capability, let alone privately sought solace and guidance. When asked what per- his electability to the presidency, but who has come to the son he most admired, REAGAN invariably answered, ‘‘The happy realization that there really was something in the stars man from Galilee.’’ Though public ridicule was made of his that brought forth this unlikely man to lead our country at wife Nancy’s seeking guidance from astrologers, without seri- such an important time in history, RONALD REAGAN gets ous objection and perhaps active support from the President, it exactly right. 168 Ronald Reagan Tuesday, July Üà, áÖÖâ

Hon. Nick Smith minds, no longer seemed to be special, and we needed that kind of determined leadership. OF MICHIGAN The point I want to make, in reacting to some of the Democrats’ criticism of this administra- Mr. Speaker, after listening to the previous tion, was the criticism that President REAGAN speakers, I think of RONALD REAGAN’s words, received when he believed we should stand up ‘‘There you go again.’’ to the Soviet Union and we ended up doing that. Every 4 years we sort of experience the spin- It was President REAGAN’s resolve that re- ning and the demagoguery that takes place in pulsed communism in the Caribbean and Central this Chamber using these podiums and C–SPAN America and repulsed it also in Afghanistan. It to criticize the sitting President. Of course, Re- was REAGAN’s resolve that nurtured solidarity in publicans did it 4 years ago and 8 years ago. Poland and gave heart to the dissidents of the When I first came into office and was elected Soviet bloc, and it was REAGAN’s faith in Amer- in 1992, the Democrats in this Chamber were ican ideals that toppled the Berlin Wall. All of using this forum to criticize the first President this time he was being criticized as being a Bush, all the things that went wrong. But I trigger-happy President that might push the red think of what the criticisms were of President button for a world war III with the Soviet Union. REAGAN when he came into office. When Presi- dent REAGAN came to office America was demor- When he went to Berlin, and he was writing alized. President Carter had spoken about our a speech for Berlin, he started out writing in that malaise in Watergate, and our defeat in Vietnam he wanted to include ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down had all shaken our self-confidence. this wall!,’’ and all of his advisers and his We had given up the Panama Canal. The Shah said, No, do not do that; it will of Iran and supporters of the Ayatollah Khomeini anger the American people and the world. They held 52 of our Americans hostage for more than will think you are too bold; they will think you a year at our Embassy in Tehran. The military are too challenging. That might end up in war. rescue mission, of course, failed in the desert, and You should just try to get along and make peace. we lost eight of our servicemen in that venture. But he insisted it go in despite that criticism, Communism was on the march, and after and that leads me to what historians are going South Vietnam fell, Cambodia followed. The to say 30 years from now in analyzing the deci- Sandinistas took control of Nicaragua and com- sion and the determination of this President to munist insurgencies were under way in Ethiopia, go into Iraq. Angola, and certainly the Soviets invaded Af- Most everybody in this Chamber and the Sen- ghanistan in 1979 and were suppressing the soli- ate had the same kind of intelligence information darity movement in Poland. that the President and the administration had. Our economic situation was very dire in 1980, Some of that intelligence information, we have and President REAGAN came in and actually re- now discovered, was very inaccurate in some re- newed our faith. America, in most American’s gards. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 169 Thursday, July Üä, áÖÖâ

Hon. Jim McDermott the blame to . What did RONALD REAGAN do? When asked directly about Mr. OF WASHINGTON North, RONALD REAGAN said, ‘‘I do not feel be- trayed. He has a fine record.’’ Mr. Speaker, in London yesterday Prime Min- Leaders lead. Whatever your politics, you have ister did something that leaders do. to acknowledge that President REAGAN was a Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr. Blair leader. When our country faces a crisis, people said, ‘‘I accept full responsibility for the way the look to the President for leadership. issue was presented and, therefore, for any errors Not long ago, America faced a moral crisis. made.’’ America faced an ethical crisis. America faced a Leaders lead, and leaders know the buck stops military and political crisis. When pictures of with them. Leaders lead, and leaders accept re- prison abuse stunned the world, the world looked sponsibility when things go wrong. to America, to our President, for a response. The An independent report in England blamed its President did not stand up and accept responsi- intelligence community for massive intelligence bility. failures before the . What did Tony Blair Outside the White House and then in an do? The Prime Minister got up in front of his interview broadcast throughout the Middle East, nation and the world and accepted personal re- the President did not or could not or would not sponsibility. tell the world he accepts responsibilities for the That did not happen when a similar report was failures of under his command. released to the United States. The President did He could not utter the words that the world not accept responsibility. The President assigned needed to hear and that Americans needed to say. blame. Over the last half century, Presidents from In 1961, President John F. Kennedy accepted both political parties have braved grave crises. full responsibility for the Bay of Pigs fiasco. It They did what leaders do. They did not pass the did not matter that the planning for the Bay of buck. They stood and accepted responsibility, Pigs had started in the Eisenhower administra- until now. tion. It did not matter that the intelligence fail- In little over 110 days, the American people ures directly led to the foreign policy disaster will elect a new President, and leadership is fun- that was the Bay of Pigs. President Kennedy damental to that choice. stood before the Nation and the world and ac- The British historian Arnold Toynbee once cepted personal responsibility. said, ‘‘As human beings, we are endowed with At one news conference not long afterward, freedom of choice, and we cannot shuffle off our President Kennedy used his legendary wit and responsibility upon the shoulders of God or na- intelligence to sum it up. ‘‘There is an old say- ture. We must shoulder it ourselves. It is up to ing,’’ Kennedy said, ‘‘that victory has a hundred us.’’ fathers and defeat is an orphan.’’ Martin Luther King Junior once said, ‘‘The ul- The buck stops at the President’s desk, except timate measure of a man is not where he stands in this administration. Since the release of the in moments of comfort and convenience but U.S. report on pre-Iraqi intelligence failures, this where he stands at times of challenge and con- President has done everything possible to pass troversy.’’ the buck. In just over 110 days, this Nation will make During the administration of President RON- the most important political decision of the next ALD REAGAN, the Iran-Contra scandal was a cri- 4 years. Democrats and Republicans will argue sis that shook the Nation to its core and the issues, and that is expected, but fundamental to White House to its foundation. President the selection of the person who leads the free REAGAN was given ample opportunity to assign world for the next 4 years is the quality of leader- 170 Ronald Reagan ship. Leadership is more than a commercial or for what had happened to the Arab prisoners that a campaign brochure. Leadership is one of the were held in Iraq. You have to ask yourself, does most important qualities the President must this President believe that the requirement of his have. There is a record of what America expects job is to accept the responsibility, Mr. Speaker? and what Americans demand of their President. Because he has not shown it yet. He never has Leadership is at the top of the list. said, ‘‘I accept responsibility.’’ The President had to be taken out twice from the White House to finally say that he was sorry One hundred and ten more days, Mr. Speaker.

Monday, July Üé, áÖÖâ

our country. In the view of many people, President REAGAN Hon. Christopher Shays remains the most significant United States President since Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was a man who changed the OF CONNECTICUT course of American politics, culture and world history. He was right on the most important questions of his era: the Mr. Speaker, on June 5, 2004, our Nation lost role of government and the defeat of the Soviet Union. The a distinguished statesman, a world leader and a structure of the American economy was altered profoundly by his term. Top tax rates have never returned to their pre- fine President in RONALD REAGAN. President viously punitive levels. America’s current standing in world REAGAN was a man of his word, and his prin- affairs is also a direct result of President REAGAN’s calling ciples were unquestionable. He had extraordinary the Soviet Union’s bluff in the and restoring US mili- faith in the promise of America and the belief tary power and self-confidence. This was not evident at the that the best of America is yet to come. time. Everything President REAGAN did was challenged. He On July 2, 2004, Ambassador Joseph Verner was a polarizing figure—more disdained in Europe than President George W. Bush is today. For at least half his pres- Reed, Under-Secretary-General of the United idency he was unpopular at home as well, as most effective Nations, paid homage to Mr. REAGAN at Kyung Presidents are. Hee University in Seoul, Korea. I submit the text With his Californian optimism, President REAGAN trans- of Mr. Reed’s address to be entered into the formed conservatism into a progressive force, into a political philosophy that took risks and changed things. President Record. REAGAN took conservatism into a reformist, unapologetic governing philosophy. That achievement endures in the STATEMENT OF AMBASSADOR JOSEPH VERNER REED AT THE United States. GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR PAN PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL I feel blessed to have been appointed to posts in public STUDIES OF KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY, SEOUL, REPUBLIC OF service by President REAGAN. He inspired; he amused; he KOREA gave conviction a sunny disposition. Because of him, millions An event in the United States eclipsed matters in the live in freedom where they once labored under tyranny. Be- media recently, and that was the passing of President RON- cause of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, America was recharged ALD REAGAN. and freedom reborn. In life it is rare to live under a political I was privileged to have been appointed to three posts by leader who evokes love as well as respect. President REAGAN. First as Ambassador to the Kingdom of President REAGAN’s extraordinary political gifts carried Morocco, then as Deputy Permanent Representative to the him through—his talents as a communicator, his intuitive United Nations as Ambassador to the Economic and Social understanding of the average American, his unfailing geni- Council and lastly as the Under-Secretary-General for Polit- ality even after being hit by an assassin’s bullet, his ability ical and General Assembly Affairs of the United Nations. to build and sustain friendships across partisan lines. Those Several years ago I was privileged to accept on behalf of gifts—and his conviction that words counted for far more President REAGAN, here at Kyung Hee University, the Great in politics that mere deeds—enabled him to convince large World Peace Award. It was an honor and a privilege. majorities that as long as he was in charge, it would remain RONALD WILSON REAGAN—father, husband, actor and ‘‘Morning in America’’. I believe the cool eye of history will dedicated public servant—restored the pride, optimism and place RONALD REAGAN in the list of the great Presidents. strength of the United States and earned deep respect and President REAGAN believed that America was not just a affection of his fellow citizens. When he passed away, we wit- place in the world, but the hope of the world. He came to nessed an outpouring of solemnity, sorrow and reflection in office with great hopes for America. He was optimistic that Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 171 a strong America could advance peace, and he acted to build he called that evil by its name. Who can ever forget President the strength that this mission required. He was optimistic REAGAN in Berlin calling ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this that liberty would thrive wherever it was planted, and he wall’’? acted to defend liberty wherever it was threatened. And RON- RONALD WILSON REAGAN belongs to the ages; a great ALD REAGAN believed in the power of truth in the conduct of world affairs. When he saw evil camped across the horizon, American story has closed.

Tuesday, July áÖ, áÖÖâ

Hon. Randy ‘‘Duke’’ Cunningham The USS Ronald Reagan is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the world. It has the newest OF CALIFORNIA hull design, 2 nuclear reactors, a length of 1,092 feet, a top speed over 30 knots, over 6,000 high- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the ly-trained service members, and more than 80 of USS Ronald Reagan and its crew on their arrival the world’s top aircraft. Finally, its 4.5 acres of this week at their new home port of San Diego, flight deck are American territory that can be CA. used to project our presence anywhere in the I am pleased that one of President REAGAN’s many legacies is the Navy’s newest nuclear car- world. rier, the USS Ronald Reagan. The ship recently A U.S. ship is a powerful symbol and the USS set sail from Norfolk for its rightful home in San Ronald Reagan stands to be the most powerful of Diego. Throughout his political career, President all. It will be a welcome sight to many around REAGAN always concluded his campaign in San the world who see it as an example of America’s Diego. He called it his lucky city. It is only fit- strength and protection of freedom. It will also ting that our ‘‘shining city on the hill,’’ San bring caution to people and nations who would Diego, will be home to the USS Ronald Reagan. deny that freedom. This ship is perhaps the most fitting tribute to RONALD REAGAN’s legacy of strength and se- Mr. Speaker, I ask that you urge our colleagues curity, to the imprint he had on our past, and to join me in recognizing the outstanding service the promise that we hold for the future. The of the USS Ronald Reagan and its crew and wish ship’s motto, ‘‘Peace Through Strength,’’ was them the best in all their future endeavors. San borrowed from one of President REAGAN’s radio Diego anxiously awaits the arrival of the USS addresses and embodies the essence of his vision Ronald Reagan and our opportunity to welcome of national security. it home to its lucky city.

Thursday, July áá, áÖÖâ

PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Mr. Baker, Mr. Smith of Texas, Mr. Duncan, Mr. McKeon, 2 Mr. Hyde, Mr. Souder, Mr. Osborne, Mr. Cannon, and Mr. Under clause of rule XII, public bills and Radanovich): resolutions were introduced and severally re- H.R. 4980. A bill to direct the Secretary of the Interior ferred, as follows: to arrange for the carving of the figure of former President By Mr. Ose (for himself, Mr. DeLay, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. RONALD REAGAN on National Memorial, Gallegly, Mr. Gary G. Miller of California, Mr. Sessions, Mr. and for other purposes; to the Committee on Resources. Hobson, Mr. Rohrabacher, Mr. Gibbons, Mr. Neugebauer, 172 Ronald Reagan Hon. Darrell E. Issa maintaining a strong and effective military. Throughout his administration, which brought OF CALIFORNIA about a successful end to the cold war, President REAGAN rebuilt America’s armed forces with a Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on the eve of the steadfast belief in the pursuit of ‘‘peace through home porting ceremony of the USS Ronald strength.’’ Because of this legacy, it is entirely Reagan, to welcome America’s newest aircraft car- fitting that the most powerful and diplomatically rier and its crew to San Diego. visible symbol of the American Navy now shares åã The USS Ronald Reagan CVN– , our Nation’s both the name and home State of President RON- ninth Nimitz class carrier, is the world’s most ALD REAGAN. advanced and most capable carrier ever built. The The crew of the USS Reagan will find the San USS Reagan, along with its crew of 6,000 and Diego community to be warm and welcoming. its commanding officer Captain James A. San Diego has a mix of many cultures and, as Symonds, will give America greater capabilities someone who moved my family here 20 years to address threats to the safety of Americans and ago, I can assure the entire crew that San Diego international peace and stability than ever before. For most of the world’s history, the oceans is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. have been a dangerous and lawless place. For over Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to recog- 60 years, however, America’s Navy has reigned nize Mrs. Reagan who will participate in tomor- supreme over the world’s oceans. Today, our row’s home porting ceremony. The USS Ronald Navy ensures freedom of the seas for all nations Reagan is a testament to the many great things who seek to use the world’s shipping lanes for RONALD and Nancy REAGAN accomplished to- peaceful purposes. The USS Ronald Reagan en- gether. RONALD REAGAN gave our Nation hope hances our Navy’s ability to do its job. and reminded us that with hard work and deter- For California, the USS Ronald Reagan will mination we could do great things. President serve as a proud reminder of the legacy left be- REAGAN may have moved on, but his legacy is hind by our former Governor and President. as strong and steady as the ship that now bears President REAGAN understood the importance of his name.

Tuesday, September å, áÖÖâ

MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE SENATE BILLS REFERRED A message from the Senate by Mr. Monahan, A concurrent resolution of the Senate of the one of its clerks, announced that the Senate has following title was taken from the Speaker’s table passed a concurrent resolution of the following and, under the rule, referred as follows: title in which the concurrence of the House is requested: S. Con. Res. 135. Concurrent Resolution authorizing the S. Con. Res. 135. Concurrent resolution authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, RONALD WILSON late President of the United States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN; referred to the Committee on Administration. REAGAN. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 173 Tuesday, September áç, áÖÖâ

AUTHORIZING PRINTING OF COMMEMORATIVE There was no objection. DOCUMENT IN MEMORY OF PRESIDENT RONALD The Clerk read the Senate concurrent resolu- WILSON REAGAN tion, as follows: Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- mous consent that the Committee on House Ad- S. CON. RES. 135 ministration be discharged from further consider- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives con- ation of the Senate concurrent resolution (S. Con. curring), Res. 135) authorizing the printing of a com- SECTION ". COMMEMORATIVE DOCUMENT AU- memorative document in memory of the late THORIZED. President of the United States, RONALD WILSON A commemorative document in memory of the late Presi- dent of the United States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN, con- REAGAN, and ask for its immediate consideration sisting of the eulogies and encomiums for RONALD WILSON in the House. REAGAN, as expressed in the Senate and the House of Rep- The Clerk read the title of the Senate concur- resentatives, together with the texts of the state funeral cere- rent resolution. mony at the United States Capitol Rotunda, the national fu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection neral service held at the Washington National Cathedral, to the request of the gentleman from California? Washington, District of Columbia, and the interment cere- Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I mony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, reserve the right to object, although it is not my California, shall be printed as a Senate document, with illus- trations and suitable binding. intention to object; and I turn to the gentleman SEC. #. PRINTING OF DOCUMENT. from California for an explanation of his request. In addition to the usual number of copies printed, there Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- shall be printed the lesser of— tleman yield? (1) 32,500 copies of the commemorative document, of Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. I yield to the which 22,150 copies shall be for the use of the House of Rep- gentleman from California. resentatives and 10,350 copies shall be for the use of the Sen- Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ate; or to support this resolution which authorizes the (2) such number of copies of the commemorative document printing of a commemorative document in mem- that does not exceed a production and printing cost of 1 000 000 ory of the late President of the United States, $ , , , with distribution of the copies to be allocated in the same proportion as described in paragraph (1). RONALD WILSON REAGAN. I will be offering an amendment that will require the document to be AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. DOOLITTLE printed under the direction of the Joint Com- mittee on Printing, to be compiled by both bod- Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I offer an ies of Congress for the use of the full Congress. amendment. Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I The Clerk read as follows: thank the gentleman for that explanation. Clear- AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MR. DOOLITTLE: ly, Congress most recently published tributes to 1 President Nixon and in the past President John- In section , strike ‘‘Senate document, with illustrations and suitable binding’’ and insert ‘‘House document, with il- son and President Truman, and I am in concur- and suitable binding, under the direction of the rence with our distinguished gentleman from Joint Committee on Printing’’. California. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of ob- The amendment was agreed to. jection. The Senate concurrent resolution was con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection curred in. to the request of the gentleman from California? A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. 174 Ronald Reagan Tuesday, October ä, áÖÖâ

Hon. Ron Paul who promotes war and places the danger on in- nocent young people, owes more to the country OF TEXAS than the 18-year-old being denied his (or her) lib- erty. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose H.R. 163 jUni- All drafts are unfair. All 18- and 19-year-olds versal National Service Act of 2003k in the are never drafted. By its very nature a draft must strongest possible terms. The draft, whether for be discriminatory. All drafts hit the most vulner- military purposes or for some form of ‘‘national able young people, as the elites learn quickly service,’’ violates the basic moral principles of in- how to avoid the risks of combat. dividual liberty upon which this country was Economic hardship is great in all wars and founded. Furthermore, the military neither wants cannot be minimized. War is never economically nor needs a draft. beneficial except for those in position to profit The Department of Defense, in response to from war expenditure. The great tragedy of war calls to reinstate the draft has confirmed that is that it enables the careless disregard for civil conscription serves no military need. Defense of- liberties of our own people. Abuses of German ficials from both parties have repudiated the need and Japanese Americans in and to reinstate the draft. For example, Secretary of World War II are well known. Defense has said that, ‘‘The But the real sacrifice comes with conscrip- disadvantages of using compulsion to bring into tion—forcing a small number of young vulner- the armed forces the men and women needed are able citizens to fight the wars that older men and notable,’’ while President William Clinton’s Sec- women, who seek glory in military victory with- retary of the Army Louis Caldera, in a speech be- out themselves being exposed to danger, pro- fore the National Press Club, admitted that, mote. The draft encourages wars with neither ‘‘Today, with our smaller, post Cold War armed purpose nor moral justification and that are too forces, our stronger volunteer tradition and our often not even declared by the Congress. need for longer terms of service to get a good Without conscription, unpopular wars are dif- return on the high, up-front training costs, it ficult to fight. Once the draft was undermined would be even harder to fashion a fair draft.’’ in the sixties and early seventies, the Vietnam However, the most important reason to oppose war came to an end. But most important, liberty H.R. 163 is that a draft violates the very prin- cannot be preserved by tyranny. A free society cipals of individual liberty upon which our Na- must always resort to volunteers. Tyrants think tion was founded. Former President RONALD nothing of forcing men to fight and serve in REAGAN eloquently expressed the moral case wrongheaded wars. A true fight for survival and against the draft in the publication Human Events defense of America would elicit, I am sure, the in 1979: ‘‘. . . jconscriptionk rests on the assump- assistance of every able-bodied man and woman. tion that your kids belong to the State. If we This is not the case for wars of mischief far away buy that assumption then it is for the State— from home which we have experienced often in not for parents, the community, the religious in- the past century. stitutions or teachers—to decide who shall have A government that is willing to enslave some what values and who shall do what work, when, of its people can never be trusted to protect the where and how in our society. That assumption liberties of its own citizens. I hope all my col- isn’t a new one. The Nazis thought it was a great leagues join me in standing up for individual lib- idea.’’ erty and to shut down this un-American relic of Some say the 18-year-old draftee ‘‘owes it’’ to a bygone era and help realize the financial sav- his (or her, since H.R. 163 makes women eligible ings and the gains to individual liberties that can for the draft) country. Hogwash! It just as easily be achieved by ending Selective Service registra- could be argued that a 50-year-old chicken-hawk, tion. Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives 175 Hon. John A. Boehner and influential tool the was in our battle to end the cold war. In fact, in 1983 OF OHIO he delivered an address via Voice of America, in which he outlined his vision for long-term nego- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend my tiations with the Soviet Union. He recognized neighbors in Butler County, OH, for renaming the vital role Voice of America played in our a park at the former site of the Voice of Amer- struggle against the Soviets, and he used it to ica’s Bethany station ‘‘Ronald Reagan’s Voice of the advantage of our Nation and our fight for Freedom Park.’’ This park is enjoyed by Butler freedom. County families each and every day, and it has Last week, another American President— been made all the more special by the fact that George W. Bush—spoke in that park. He spoke it is located on the same spot from where Voice of a different battle—this time against the evils of America broadcasts originated from 1944 to of terrorism—in which we are currently engaged. 1994. Just like the cold war, it will be a long strug- In many ways, this name change isn’t much gle—but one which we know we will win. Why? of a name change at all. RONALD REAGAN was Because we have the same message of freedom and in many ways still is the Voice of America. It’s that voice which brought us back from the on our side that we did when REAGAN and the and the malaise of the seventies. It’s Voice of America led us to victory against com- that voice that urged Mr. Gorbachev to ‘‘tear munism. And so that message of freedom and down this wall!’’ And it’s that voice that ended the Voice of America continues, in that park and the cold war through his policy of ‘‘peace across the globe. through strength.’’ Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends back home So we’re not marking the end of one name for in Butler County who were involved in the effort this park and the beginning of a new one. In- to place President REAGAN’s name on the park. stead, we’re celebrating the passage of title from In this year of tributes to a man I know as a one cold war messenger of freedom to another. hero, I can think of very few higher than this RONALD REAGAN recognized what an effective one.

Wednesday, October ã, áÖÖâ

Hon. Trent Franks I rise today to pay tribute to a small island nation that has been a shining example in a OF ARIZONA sometimes troubled region of the world. Under the capable leadership of Prime Minister Nelson Mr. Speaker, one of the core principles on Oduber, the Government of Aruba has led the which our Nation is founded is the belief in an way in exemplifying stable and democratic good individual’s God-given right to pursue happiness governance and in creating an ownership society without government interference. Traditionally with a growing, prospering private sector. Most this has been understood as an endorsement of of us understand the vital role a lively private the quintessential entrepreneurial spirit and of sector plays in a nation’s success. free-market economics. The great, late President During Mr. Oduber’s terms in office, a long RONALD REAGAN liked to talk about America list of government-owned companies were either as a ‘‘city on a hill,’’ a light that offers guidance fully or partially privatized. Among them were to the nations of the world. water production facilities and power plants, the public transportation company, the seaport and 176 Ronald Reagan the airport, the national telecommunications addition, the companies can quickly and company and the postal services. Many of these proactively respond to market forces without any former government agencies today are 100 per government interference. cent privately owned. The government has dem- While it sometimes seems easier to criticize onstrated that its belief in a free market with a countries that are doing things wrong, I thank plethora of empowered stakeholders is much more than lip service. you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to pay The companies on their part showed that they tribute to a small nation, a stable ally of the were well able to get the capital from the finan- United States, that has put into practice the cial markets without help from the government. principles we believe are essential in creating a Today, not one of these companies’ employees is better, freer, more prosperous and more secure on the taxpayer-funded government payroll. In world. Memorial Tributes

IN THE Senate of the United States

IN EULOGY OF Ronald Reagan

In the Senate of the United States

Monday, June å, áÖÖâ

PRAYER RONALD REAGAN had restored our confidence The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the and our optimism in what it meant to be an following prayer: American. The countless tributes and recollec- Let us pray. tions of the past few days have brought forth a Almighty God, generous giver of wonderful flood of memories, not only of his extraordinary gifts, thank You for the life of former President leadership but of his truly exceptional character. RONALD WILSON REAGAN and for the gift of We remember RONALD REAGAN and love him talented leaders. We praise You for people with as we did the day he left the highest post in the vision who see things that are not and ask why land. We feel a strong personal and unbreakable not. Thank You for visionaries who call us out connection with our 40th President. of the night of selfish living to the sunrise of Some attribute RONALD REAGAN’s ability to sacrifice and service. Help us to celebrate the connect with the American people to his abilities lives of faithful leaders while they can still hear as an actor. No politician was better or more our appreciation. comfortable around the camera. When he looked Thank You for the Members of Congress who into the lens, he was looking directly into the provide stellar leadership. Keep them from evil eyes of the American people. His timing was and infuse them with a spirit of kindness. flawless, and he had a soft touch that could dis- As death reminds us of life’s brevity, we turn arm even his most stubborn political opponents. our eyes toward You, O God. You are our refuge After being wounded by an assassin’s bullet as and strength and not even death can separate us he lay on a hospital gurney drifting toward un- from Your love. We pray in Your changeless consciousness, RONALD REAGAN quipped to his Name. Amen. beloved Nancy, ‘‘Honey, I forgot to duck.’’ So many stories like this remind us that RON- ALD REAGAN was a man of remarkable courage, Hon. William H. Frist coupled with boundless good humor. There was OF TENNESSEE more to him than what he said and how he said it, as there was more to Abraham Lincoln than Mr. President, this week we mourn the pass- his stirring speeches, and more to Franklin Roo- ing of RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th sevelt than his fireside chats. RONALD REAGAN President of the United States. My wife Karyn believed in what he said, and that conviction and I, and indeed the entire Senate family, ex- came through. He believed there is good and evil tend our deepest sympathies to his beloved in the world and that America stands for the Nancy and the entire Reagan family. More than good. He believed we must protect freedom 15 years have passed since RONALD REAGAN gave wherever it may be threatened and plant its seeds his final cheerful salute as President of the wherever freedom may take root. He believed de- United States. He left the Oval Office with the mocracy to be not the privilege of a fortunate highest approval rating since Franklin Delano few but the rightful and ordained destiny for all Roosevelt. mankind. 179 180 Ronald Reagan At the 1992 Republican Convention in Hous- I had the privilege of serving under President ton, TX, he expounded on these beliefs, telling REAGAN’s strong, principled leadership for 7 the American people: years—2 years in his White House as assistant Whether we come from poverty or wealth; whether we are to the President, or public liaison, and almost Afro-American or Irish-American; Christian or Jewish, from 5 years as his Secretary of Transportation. big cities or small towns, we are all equal in the eyes of Greatness in a President is marked by the abil- God. But as Americans that is not enough. We must be equal in the eyes of each other. ity to chart and implement a new course, a better course, and by his level of decency and integrity. There was one thing—second only to the Al- RONALD REAGAN knew why he wanted to be mighty—in which he had more faith than all President. He came to office with the clearest of else, and that was the American people. We vision, a passion for achieving his goals and in trusted RONALD REAGAN, we respected RONALD conveying them with an eloquence almost unsur- REAGAN, we loved RONALD REAGAN, because he passed. trusted, respected, and loved each and every one of us. RONALD REAGAN made all of us, the Amer- This week we will bear witness to a rare and ican people, believe in ourselves again. He lit- extraordinary tribute to one of our greatest lead- erally changed the world. Despite conventional ers. Half-masted flags will snap in the wind. wisdom, he determined that communism had to Cannons will pound the air with . And a be defeated, not tolerated. He rejected the Iron horse-drawn caisson will solemnly pull the flag- Curtain, rejected the status quo, and his legacy draped casket of RONALD WILSON REAGAN up to the world is freedom. His strength of character to the Hill of our Capital City. and bedrock belief in right and wrong ended the Americans will line up by the thousands to cold war, and his leadership unshackled the yoke pause at his side, bow their heads, and pay their of tyranny for millions upon millions of people final respects. Hundreds of leaders will gather at who had known only oppression. the National Cathedral to show their deep appre- I will always remember his remarkable rapport ciation of a grateful Nation and a grateful world, with the American people and what a true gen- and on Friday, when President REAGAN is laid tleman he was. During my time on his White to rest, each of us will give a moment of our House staff, I brought scores and scores of peo- day to remember a man who gave us his very ple, organizations, and groups into the Oval Of- best. fice, the Cabinet Room, the Roosevelt Room, All of this is right and fitting. This is how and he treated every person with courtesy and we honor the lives of great leaders whom we respect. Occasionally, there would be some who love. But our tribute to RONALD REAGAN must had a difference of opinion with him on some be more than a passing historical moment. Al- issue or another, and they were going to give though we say goodbye to the man, we must him a piece of their mind. Well, they came into never say goodbye to his values. Let this week his presence and you could almost see that anger reaffirm the goodness of our Nation. Let it reaf- just fading away. He would express his views, firm our faith in freedom. Let it reaffirm democ- he would address their concerns, and then he racy as the destiny of all mankind. And let our might sit back and tell them a story or two— fond memories, our deep affection and regard for perhaps a humorous one—and maybe pass jelly- RONALD WILSON REAGAN reaffirm that we be- beans around. They would be ready to climb any lieve, above all, in ourselves as Americans. hill for RONALD REAGAN. When the President explained his position, obviously, he did it in a very eloquent manner. Hon. What a remarkable person his wife Nancy is. OF NORTH CAROLINA What a tremendous partner. She was his best friend, his confidant, his trusted, beloved spouse. Mr. President, this past weekend we lost one She deserves great credit for his accomplishments of America’s greatest leaders, RONALD REAGAN. and hers. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 181

When I left the Cabinet, a farewell function God bless President RONALD REAGAN and his was planned, and we talked about the fact that family, and God bless this great land of the free, it would be nice to invite to that farewell party America. people who would not otherwise be able to meet the President of the United States. He readily agreed. Hon. I can remember one young woman from Ar- OF TENNESSEE kansas. She was a part of the Make a Wish group. She had a terminal illness and her great desire Mr. President, a few years ago when RONALD was to meet President RONALD REAGAN. I can REAGAN was President of the United States, he still see her there in the White House and the attended one of the many press dinners which compassionate way in which he greeted her and are held. I think it was the gridiron dinner. I talked with her. think it is well known that maybe 90 percent There was a young man named Tommy, from of the press corps in Washington had a different my hometown of Salisbury, NC, who was in a point of view on issues than President REAGAN wheelchair; he had to wear a helmet most of the did, but they liked him anyway, and they re- time because if he were to fall, it would be very spected him and he had fun with them, just as severe. His mother and his uncle very tenderly they did with him. brought him to Washington to carry out his I remember on that evening he strode into the wish to meet the great RONALD REAGAN, Presi- gridiron dinner looking like a million dollars, dent of the United States. Once again, to watch smiling big. The press rose, smiling back, ap- the President and his compassion as he talked plauding. He stood in front of them until it sub- with Tommy is something I will remember for- sided, and then he said to his adversaries in the ever. media, ‘‘Thank you very much. I know how hard One of the things that will really be an inspi- it is to clap with your fingers crossed.’’ And they ration to me for the rest of my life is a conversa- laughed, and they had a wonderful time with tion I had with the President when the two of President REAGAN. us were alone. We were waiting in the holding The first thing we think about, those of us room for him to give a speech. You don’t often who had any opportunity to get to know him— find yourself alone with the President of the a great many of us—was that RONALD REAGAN United States. On this particular day, as we wait- was a very friendly man. He was a congenial per- ed for the speech I said: son, an easy person to know, the kind of person Mr. President, I just cannot resist. I have to ask you how you want to spend a lot of time with, if you had in the world, when you have the weight of the world on the opportunity, and that what you saw in pri- your shoulders, are you able to be so gracious, so thoughtful, and so kind? I never see you flustered or frustrated. How vate was what everyone else saw in public. do you do it with such weight on your shoulders? , the former majority leader of the Senate when RONALD REAGAN was Presi- He kind of leaned back, and he loved to tell dent, got to know him especially well, and then a story and to reminisce. He said: in 1987, President REAGAN invited former Sen- Well, Elizabeth, when I was Governor of California, it ator Baker to come to be his Chief of Staff, which seemed like every day yet another disaster would be placed 2 on my desk, and I had the urge to hand it to someone behind he was for nearly years. me to help me. One day I realized I was looking in the wrong I remember Senator Baker telling me that, to direction; I looked up instead of back. I am still looking up. his surprise, when his 9 a.m. meetings came 1 I don’t think I could go more day in this office if I didn’t every morning with President REAGAN, he dis- know that I could ask God’s help and it would be given. covered that Mr. REAGAN had a funny little There is no doubt in my mind that President story to tell to Senator Baker, his Chief of Staff. REAGAN was welcomed into the gates of Heaven What surprised Senator Baker even more was with open arms and with the words ‘‘Well done, President REAGAN expected Senator Baker to good and faithful servant.’’ Well done, indeed. have a funny little story to tell back. So for that 182 Ronald Reagan whole 2 years, virtually every morning at 9 a.m. it. It was a little too revolutionary for most peo- when the President of the United States and the ple in Washington in the early eighties. Chief of Staff of the White House met, they He had the same sort of unconventional atti- swapped funny little stories. It is very reassuring tude toward national defense policy. Many people to me that two men who have maybe the two overlooked the fact that RONALD REAGAN did biggest jobs in the world were comfortable not just want us to have as many nuclear weap- enough with themselves, each other, and their re- ons as the Soviet empire did, he wanted to get sponsibilities to begin the day in that sort of easy rid of nuclear weapons. He saw them as wrong, way. That is the part of RONALD REAGAN we as bad, and he wanted a world without nuclear think more about. weapons. Instead of mutual assured destruction, Another part of RONALD REAGAN which I which was the doctrine at the time, he built up think is often overlooked is that he was a man our strength so we could begin to reduce nuclear of big ideas. I would say intellectual, although weapons and then unilaterally begin to do it be- I guess there is a little difference between being fore the Soviets did, hoping they would then fol- devoted to ideals and being intellectual but not low. We can see the results. much difference. At the time, some people said RONALD Unlike most people who are candidates for REAGAN was naive to think we could transfer President of the United States, RONALD REAGAN power from Washington, from an arrogant em- wrote many of his own speeches. When he had pire at home, or naive to think we could face a few minutes, he would sit in the back of a cam- down an evil empire abroad, and especially naive paign airplane and make notes on cards in the to think our policy should be based upon getting shorthand that he had. His former aide, Marty rid of nuclear weapons. It turned out RONALD Anderson, has written a book about that and told REAGAN saw farther than most of those critics that, to a great extent, RONALD REAGAN’s words did. were his own words, ideas he expressed or ideas Perhaps his most famous speech, not my favor- he gathered himself and ideas he had thought ite speech—my favorite speech is the one we through and wanted to promulgate. heard a lot about this weekend, 20 years ago at Maybe that is partly why he seemed so com- Normandy, which moved the whole world to fortable with himself when he finally entered tears and reminded Americans why we are Amer- public life. He came to it late in life. He was icans and what we fought for—but his most fa- 55 when he became Governor of California, so by mous speech may be the one in 1987 at the Bran- then he knew what he thought, and he had a denburg Gate in Berlin where he said, ‘‘Mr. sense of purpose, and he knew what he wanted Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ to do. Earlier this year, I visited Berlin with John I got an idea of that kind of big thinking Kornblum who at the time was U.S. minister when I went to see President REAGAN in my sec- and deputy commandant in the American sector ond year as Governor—third year, I guess it was, of West Berlin where tanks challenged tanks and his first year as President in 1981. I talked to him white crosses marked gravesites of those who about a big swap which I thought would help were killed trying to escape over the wall from our country. East Berlin. Mr. Kornblum talked about the de- I suggested, ‘‘Mr. President, why doesn’t the velopment of that speech that RONALD REAGAN Federal Government take over all of gave that day. Those words, or the thought, ‘‘tear and let the State and local governments take over down this wall,’’ went into the speech at an early all responsibility for kindergarten through 12th stage. Some fought to keep it in. Many fought grade?’’ ‘‘That would make it clear,’’ I said, to take it out. Those who had thought RONALD ‘‘where the responsibility lies. You cannot fix REAGAN was wrong to say the Soviet Union was schools from Washington, and it would make an evil empire were not anxious for him to say, our health care system more efficient if we did ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ things that way.’’ He liked the idea. It fit his Some suggested that President REAGAN try unconventional brand of thinking. He advocated his hand at German as President Kennedy had Memorial Tributes in the Senate 183 in a memorable speech at the Berlin Wall in the have argued our principle and the solution, and early sixties. Some suggested that the speech strategy has been taken as far as it could go, if should not be made at the Brandenburg Gate. we get, as he said 75, 80, or 85 percent of what That was too provocative, Mr. Kornblum remem- we advocated, well, then that is a pretty good bers. But the speech was made at the Branden- job. burg Gate, and Mr. REAGAN did keep his words So he was very successful because he argued in that speech. He did make his point, and his from principles. He argued strenuously. He was point was clear: ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this good at persuading at least half the people he wall!’’ was right. Then he was willing to accept a con- For those of us who had a chance to see the clusion because most of our politics is about the new countries of Eastern Europe and their enthu- conflict of principles. siasm for freedom and for a free market system, There is another lesson that he taught us, and we can see the legacy of RONALD REAGAN and that was to respect the military. Now, that seems his unconventional thinking. I think it is impor- unnecessary to say in the year 2004 where we tant for us to remember that this genial Presi- have a volunteer military that is better than any dent was a man of ideas. military we have ever had in our history; when RONALD REAGAN also taught us something we have witnessed the thousands of acts of cour- about leadership. I recall in 1980 when he and age, charity, kindness, and ingenuity in Iraq and Mrs. Reagan visited the Tennessee Governor’s Afghanistan recently; when the men and women mansion during the Presidential campaign. I had of our National Guard and Reserves are also not known him very well. He had served as Gov- being called up. We have a lot of respect for our ernor. He was several years older. He was from military. the West. It was really my first chance to meet In 1980, we were showing a lot less respect him. for the men and women of our military. I re- After an hour or an hour and a half of break- member riding with President REAGAN in a car fast with him the next morning, I remember in Knoxville during the 1980 campaign. As we going away thinking this man has a better con- pulled out of the airport by the National Guard cept of the Presidency than anyone I have ever unit, there were a number of the soldiers waving been privileged to meet. at him, understanding and sensing that he re- RONALD REAGAN understood what George spected them. He turned to me and said some- Reedy said in his book, ‘‘The Twilight of the thing like this: I wish we could think of some Presidency,’’ is the definition of Presidential way to honor these men and women more. He leadership: First, see an urgent need; second, de- said, We used to do that in the movies in the velop a strategy to meet the need; and, third, thirties and forties. We would make movies hon- persuade at least half the people that you are oring men and women in the military and that right. is how we showed our respect for them. RONALD REAGAN was as good as anyone at Well, he did find a way to honor them during persuading at least half the people that he was his Presidency in the eighties, and by the time right. He taught that and he also taught us the he left at the end of that decade there was no importance of proceeding from principles. question but that the American people remem- Sometimes we are described in Washington bered to honor the men and women in the mili- these days as being too ideological, too uncom- tary. promising, too partisan. President REAGAN was There is one other aspect of President a principled man. He operated from principles REAGAN’s leadership that I would like to men- in all of his decisions, insofar as I knew. He advo- tion, which is probably the most important as- cated his principles as far as he could take them, pect of the American character, and that is the but he recognized that the great decisions that belief that anything is possible. The idea that we we make here are often conflicts between prin- uniquely believe in this country, and people all ciples on which all of us agree. It might be equal around the world think we are a little odd for opportunity versus the rule of law. And once we believing it, is that no matter where you come 184 Ronald Reagan from, no matter what race you are, no matter REAGAN’s great smile, his good humor, his sin- what color your skin, if you come here and work cerity, and his love of country. We are a better hard, anything is possible. Nation and the world is a safer place because of That is why we subscribe to ideals such as all RONALD REAGAN. men are created equal, even though we know achieving that goal will always be a work in progress and we may never reach it. That is why Hon. John Cornyn we say we will pay any price, bear any burden, OF TEXAS as President Kennedy said, to defend peace, even though we know that is a work in progress and Mr. President, as the whole world knows by we may never reach it. now, America and the world lost a great man, That is why we say more recently we want to RONALD REAGAN, last Saturday. After battling leave no child behind when it comes to learning Alzheimer’s disease for the last 10 years, he fi- to read. We know that is a work in progress and nally succumbed and left this life for the next. we may not reach it, but that is our goal. This week, in this Senate, on television, in the We Americans say that anything is possible, newspapers, and all around the world we will and nothing symbolizes that more than the hear people talking of their memories of this American Presidency. And no President has sym- great man and what a difference he made in this bolized that more in the last century than RON- country and to freedom-loving people all around ALD REAGAN. He has reminded us of what it the world. I offer a few of my own comments means to be an American. He lifted our spirits, in that regard out of respect for him and his fam- he made us proud, he strengthened our character, ily and the great example he was for all who be- and he taught us a great many lessons. lieve in freedom, hope, and opportunity. RONALD REAGAN, perhaps during his entire political career, was underestimated. He was Hon. written off by some as an actor or by some as OF MISSISSIPPI a nice man but maybe not particularly effective. Because he was a man of good humor who loved Mr. President, with the death of President a good joke, some thought he could not and RONALD REAGAN, our Nation has lost a very should not be taken seriously. successful and inspirational leader. He led us to The fact is, RONALD REAGAN demonstrated believe in ourselves and our system of govern- for everyone how a serious person—that is, some- ment, our , and our ability to one who believes deeply in their principles, in- defend freedom and liberty against all threats. deed in the principles upon which this country President REAGAN had a contagious sense of was founded, and who is willing to put them- optimism. He believed deeply America was capa- selves out in the public domain and to argue and ble of solving our problems through our demo- fight, sometimes to lose but sometimes to win, cratic process of self-government, and that other in advocacy of those principles—RONALD nations could do the same. REAGAN reminded us that a good man, indeed His greatest success was improving our econ- a kind human being, a gentle person, a loving omy and establishing a more peaceful and coop- husband and father, can also survive in this erative relationship with the former Soviet sometimes difficult, some might even say ugly, Union, in particular with the former communist world of electoral politics. countries of Eastern Europe. In many ways, his death gives another reason The Berlin Wall was a symbol of intransigent to remember that politics today seems in many tyranny. He called for it to be torn down and ways to become personal, so adversarial. Indeed, it was, giving the people of Eastern Europe the it need not be. There is no reason why individ- opportunity for freedom and hope for a brighter uals cannot disagree about public policy and dif- future. We will always remember President fering points of view. There is no reason they Memorial Tributes in the Senate 185 cannot do that without becoming personal and First, so far as his role in the fall of com- hurtful. munism, although he was a genial, friendly, I believe it was Margaret Thatcher who once humor-loving optimist, he was a hardnosed real- said that a person who reverts to name-calling ist when it came to the terrible impact and con- simply has run out of anything else to say. In- sequences of communism on people across this deed, what we ought to be focused on is the poli- globe. Indeed, he knew it was important for us cies we believe are in the best interests of the to maintain a strong military and made no apolo- American people and avoid the sort of personal gies when it came to the importance of ‘‘peace acrimony and hurt which too often seems a char- through strength,’’ not going hat in hand to our acteristic of our modern politics. allies or our enemies asking them to do us a favor RONALD REAGAN taught us you can be a suc- but recognizing that America has a unique role cessful politician, you can rise to the greatest in the world as the one remaining superpower, heights in our system—indeed, to be the leader after the fall of the Soviet Union, and recog- of the free world—and still keep your good nizing the failure of communism as an alternative humor, still treat every person with dignity and to freedom and democracy. respect, and still show the milk of human kind- But it was, in large part, his commitment to ness to others. rebuilding our military and ‘‘peace through strength’’ and hardnosed negotiating across the The one thing that made RONALD REAGAN conference table with various opponents of our such an attractive person in public life was his country and leaders of other countries that caused basic principles. Indeed, there are some who un- freedom to reign for tens of millions of people derestimated him his entire political career. who had never known freedom. What they failed to appreciate was the power of The other thing he believed in was the free- his convictions and the ideals for which he stood. dom here at home. He believed that big govern- One of those convictions was putting people ment was the enemy of individual freedom, and first. RONALD REAGAN said putting people first that if, in fact, we were going to be able to con- has always been America’s secret weapon. It is tinue to enjoy the kind of prosperity and oppor- the way we have kept the spirit of our revolution tunity that has been synonymous with America, alive, a spirit that drives us to dream and dare, we needed to get a handle on big government. and to take great risks for a greater good. Indeed, when RONALD REAGAN became Presi- I know RONALD REAGAN has been touted as dent, it is hard to believe now, but the highest a great man. I believe he was a great man. But marginal income tax rate was 70 percent. By the he never considered himself to be a great man, time he left office, it was 28 percent. Today it merely a man committed to great ideas. stands at 35 percent. He also was sometimes criticized for being too But RONALD REAGAN understood, as all much of a dreamer, but he made no apologies Americans understand—all folks outside of about that. He said, ‘‘There’s no question I am Washington especially understand—that in order an idealist, which is another way of saying I am to grow the economy you do not tax it more, an American.’’ you cut taxes, because only then can you provide But when I think of the policies of the Reagan the incentive for the individual American worker administration and the successes of what some to work hard, save their money, invest their have called the Reagan revolution, but which I money, perhaps in their small business, and then think in many ways was not revolutionary as create jobs and opportunity for others who may much as it was a restoration of our basic prin- not have those jobs or that opportunity. It was ciples upon which this country was founded, I by growing the economy, by providing that in- think of the fall of communism and the subse- centive for work and investment and savings and quent liberation of tens of millions of people who risk taking that we have all been the beneficiaries had known nothing other than oppression and in modern times of the new tyranny and dictatorship, and, also, the resur- that was brought in by RONALD REAGAN’s lead- gence of the American economy. ership. 186 Ronald Reagan

Most of all, I think my memories of RONALD forgot to duck,’’ and expressing to his physicians, REAGAN center around his call for us to believe the ones who saved his life in the emergency in ourselves once again, to believe in America room, ‘‘I hope you’re all Republicans.’’ again, and believe in the ideals we all identify With every fearsome challenge he encountered with this great country of ours. America is dif- in life, he met it with good humor, humanity, ferent from virtually every other country in the kindness, and optimism in a way that inspired world in that it was founded on ideals, on an and continues to inspire the American people, ideal of liberty and justice for all, something not which, to me, will be one of his greatest legacies. shared by any other country in the world that He also taught us that politics can be a noble was formed or based on history or collective ex- calling. Unfortunately, today, it seems that is perience. But, of course, our country was formed forgotten too often and people ask: How in the on the basis of these ideals, and RONALD world can you be involved in politics and be a REAGAN believed in them fervently and, more good person? How can you believe in doing the importantly, he fought for them, even against right thing and be involved in politics since it those who suggested that perhaps it was not pos- is all about getting reelected and raising money sible for America to be great again. and a fight for power? But, indeed, RONALD There were those who suggested that somehow REAGAN exemplified the fact that a good person, America’s greatest days were behind us. RONALD with strong convictions, committed to great REAGAN never believed that. He always believed ideals and the principles upon which this country America’s greatest days lay ahead of us. And in- was founded, can be successful in life and in poli- deed they do, even today. tics. Indeed, he was as the leader of the free He understood and preached, perhaps better world. than anyone, that big government and high taxes Mr. President, as the Nation grieves with his are the enemy of individual freedom, that smaller family, we also celebrate the life of this great government and lower taxes would be an incen- man, a quintessential American whose hopes and tive to work and savings. dreams knew no bounds. I mentioned a moment ago his belief in the RONALD REAGAN loved America, and Amer- individual initiative of risk takers, of entre- ica loved him back. preneurs, of those who would take the risks, make the investment, and create jobs for the American people. At one point he said: Hon. Too often, entrepreneurs are forgotten heroes. We rarely OF MONTANA hear about them. But look into the heart of America, and you’ll see them. They’re the owners of that store down the street, the faithfuls who support our churches, schools, and Madam President, I come to the floor today communities, the brave people everywhere who produce our after receiving the news over the weekend of the goods, feed a hungry world, and keep our homes and families passing of President REAGAN. I see today these warm while they invest in the future to build a better Amer- young folks called pages who work for us on the ica. floor of the U.S. Senate. They will be here this Now, those who only saw the genial, friendly, week during a very historic period. Here are humor-loving side of RONALD REAGAN did not young people who never met President REAGAN. know the entire man. As I mentioned, behind They have never seen him give a speech live, nor that genial countenance was a man of strong have had conversations with him, and never real- principle and a man as tough as they come. For ly will be able to hold the man in their hearts example, when the air traffic controllers defied like some of us who were inspired to go into po- a back-to-work order, he fired them, emphasizing litical life by his words and by the example that the fact that the greater good is always para- he set for political life. It is too bad they didn’t mount and more important than special interests. get to do that. But that is not their fault. Of course, he survived an assassin’s bullets This week, we will be celebrating his life. He with great humor, telling his wife, ‘‘Honey, I will come to this town, and there will be a lot Memorial Tributes in the Senate 187 of recollections from those who knew him. I did That surprised me a lot. He was something. not get to serve with him because he left the He was one of those who really won the cold Presidency the same year that I was elected to war without firing a shot. And the chemistry be- the Senate. I came here under the Presidency of tween him and Prime Minister Thatcher of Eng- President George Herbert Walker Bush. land was one of an unbelievable partnership. One of the photographs of which I am most They stood alone against the world on the de- fond, of the President and me, one I shall cherish ployment of tactical nuclear weapons as a deter- to the end of my life, was taken in 1982 when rent to the aggression of a country that he called he came to Billings, MT. We had a little bit evil. You see, he had come to the Presidency to do with that meeting. I think it was the first knowing that about communism. He knew it for personal meeting I ever had with the President. what it was—degrading, dehumanizing. There You could tell from the way he carried himself, was no upward mobility, no chance of any indi- the way he walked, the way he spoke, the way vidual ever attaining any kind of freedom—ei- he treated people, the handshake, that he was not ther economically or politically. There was no only the Commander in Chief and President of opportunity to take their own talents and go into the United States, but he was also a man of the the field of their endeavor. He understood com- people. He had midwestern roots—Illinois, the munism for what it was and he said, ‘‘This cancer great prairies. He was successful in Hollywood. has to go.’’ He was a successful broadcaster. He was of an As a result, through his steadfast leadership— age, at the time he was called to political life, and I know there were lonely times with deci- that basically everyone said he was too old. Yet sions that he made—he brought down the Berlin he went on to serve two terms. Wall without a shot being fired. You may not have agreed with everything he We honor him. This should be a week of cele- stood for, but you didn’t ever have any problem bration of a life—a life in the history of this figuring out where he stood. He never wavered. country that will live as long as the country lives, He was the same the day he left office as the as long as free men want to breathe. His name day he came into office. That example probably will be remembered. He has made his mark. put into public life a lot of us who never thought At that first meeting in Billings, I was sitting of it. on a horse, and we were getting ready to take I can remember something that happened in him into a building. There were two others who 1988, when I ran. In this political life, they said were supposed to escort the stagecoach. I can re- you have to come back to Washington, DC, and member him saying, ‘‘You know, the rowels on you have to have your picture taken with Presi- those spurs aren’t very big.’’ And I said, ‘‘You dent REAGAN. They gave me the date to be here. don’t need a big rowel if you have a spirited I said, ‘‘I am sorry, I can’t be there that date.’’ horse.’’ He said, ‘‘I understand that.’’ They reminded me and said, ‘‘This is the We will celebrate this man’s life this week. White House calling. This is the date.’’ We named a post office in Billings, MT, 59105, I said that I wasn’t concerned about what color after RONALD REAGAN this year. I am proud of their house was, but on that date I happened to that. have an auction. I am an auctioneer. I had to But what a gifted man he was, the way he make a living first, in 1988. could communicate, the way he could touch peo- So that conversation closed. Then all at once, ple, the time he gave to this country for which the political director called up. I explained the we should be very thankful. He wasn’t a perfect same thing to him. I said, ‘‘It is not that impor- man. I haven’t seen one yet who didn’t have a tant, no big deal. I am busy, he is busy, we have few bruises, scars, marks, bumps, warts, and a date, they didn’t jibe, so we will move on.’’ such. But he was an American, and he was an Well, as it turned out, even the President American who took those principles to heart. He called. He said, ‘‘I understand about auctions, lived them every day he drew breath—while he once you have one advertised. You go ahead and was in the White House and after he left the have the auction.’’ White House. 188 Ronald Reagan

Mr. President, we welcome you back to Wash- IN MEMORY OF RONALD WILSON REAGAN, 40TH ington this week to celebrate your life and your PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES contribution to this great country. We say, Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous Thank you. consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 371, which was submitted SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS earlier today. Mr. FRIST (for himself, Mr. Daschle, Mr. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Lott, and Mr. Dodd) submitted the following the resolution be agreed to and the motion to concurrent resolution; which was considered and reconsider be laid upon the table. agreed to: The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objec- tion, it is so ordered. 115 S. CON. RES. The resolution (S. Res. 371) was agreed to, as Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), follows: That in recognition of the long and distinguished service ren- 371 dered to the Nation and to the world, by the late RONALD S. RES. WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President of the United States, Resolved, That in recognition of the long and distinguished his remains be permitted to lie in state in the rotunda of service rendered to the Nation by the late RONALD WILSON the Capitol from June 9 until June 11, 2004, and the Archi- REAGAN, the 40th President of the United States, when the tect of the Capitol, under the direction of the President pro Senate recesses or adjourns on each of the days during the tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Rep- period from June 7 through June 11, 2004, it do so as a fur- resentatives, shall take all necessary steps for the accomplish- ther mark of respect to the memory of RONALD WILSON ment of that purpose. REAGAN.

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PRAYER Carentan, Sainte-Me`re-Eglise, Caen, Bastogne. The guest Chaplain, Dr. Prentice Meador, of Keep in our memory those who fought together Prestoncrest Church of Christ, Dallas, TX, of- and now lie together in death that we might be fered the following prayer: free. Father, may their voices of valor be heard Shall we pray. in this Chamber in clear, crisp tones. Holy Father, we affirm You as Lord of our Merciful Father, in a world that sometimes lives and our Nation. We are comfortable to drowns out such voices, empower the women and come into Your presence on this special moment men of this great body to hear again words from because You have invited us before Your throne. our past: integrity, faith, bravery, sacrifice, and Gratitude and praise flows from our hearts for godliness. At this special time, I pray that each giving our Nation blessings that would have as- Senator might recommit to the clarity of Your tonished our ancestors. truth, the depth of Your wisdom, and the power Lord, in this historic week, our Nation mourns of Your love. the death of President RONALD REAGAN. Father, Father, help the Senators to know that many we celebrate his patriotism, optimism, and cour- in this Nation pray for them and their faithful- age. Bless Mrs. Reagan, her family, and our Na- ness to their most solemn obligations. May they tion with peace from Your heart. bow their knees before You so they may know And, Father, may we never forget our heritage. what is right for our country. Lord, sanctify this Sovereign Lord, we are keenly aware that 60 assembly by dwelling in the hearts of each of years ago today, heroic men were fighting their these respected leaders. May glory, honor, and way off the beaches of Normandy. Lord, we shall dominion be Yours forever and ever. never forget places like ‘‘Bloody Omaha,’’ In Your most holy Name. Amen. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 189 Hon. Judd Gregg ties the inflation rate was 12 percent, interest rates were 22 percent, and we had American citi- OF NEW HAMPSHIRE zens being held captive in Iran. The President— then-President Jimmy Carter—said we were in I rise today, as many Americans, to pay my a period of national malaise. We didn’t feel that respect and thanks, and also to celebrate the life way. We felt America was a great and wonderful of RONALD REAGAN, an extraordinary man who Nation. RONALD REAGAN epitomized that view has had such a huge impact on our generation of the future being bright rather than dark—the and the generations to come in the world—espe- future being one of unlimited opportunities rath- cially Americans’ place in the world. er than one of a decreasing pie. So 54 of us ar- I have a lot of fond and personal memories rived in the House of Representatives. about Governor and President REAGAN. First, I It was a unique situation because the House had the opportunity to meet him with my wife of Representatives was being controlled at that Kathy when he and Nancy Reagan came to New time—and people do not appreciate it today, but Hampshire to campaign in 1976. He was running it had been controlled by the Democratic Party against a sitting Republican President, Gerald for 26 years; continuously controlled by the same Ford, appointed, of course, coming out of the party, and it produced a lot of very interesting Watergate era. Some in our party thought maybe and very aggressive and strong individuals to it was time to move on, put a new face on our manage the House. The strongest, of course, was party, and put someone forward who had a cer- Tip O’Neill, who was then the Speaker. He was tain charisma and attitude which was a little dif- not going to tolerate those 54 new Republican ferent. Certainly REAGAN met that test. Members who arrived in the House of Represent- As we traveled around New Hampshire, he atives and were carrying the water for President was not the national figure he is today, although REAGAN. We were treated with an experience in he was a significant figure. In fact, he was a education on how politics really works by Tip movie star. People were flocking to meet him O’Neill, as we were exposed to what real power and see him. They wanted to hear what he had can do and how it can be managed in a congres- to say. But as we traveled around, a fairly small sional body. contingent in a bus and a few cars, we had a We continued to charge the Hill, however, for chance to get to know him a little bit. What the President, because President REAGAN had a came through most apparently to myself and clear and defined agenda. He intended to fun- Kathy was he was a genuine person who had a damentally shift this country. The shift was real sense of self and who had a way of making going to be toward strengthening our national people feel at ease around him. He had a cha- defense capabilities, toward reducing the burden risma, to say the least. of government, toward reducing the burden of Then I had the great fortune of being elected taxation, and toward reestablishing our con- to Congress in 1980. Prior to that, ironically I fidence as a Nation. There was a lot of legislation had been at the famous national debate in Janu- brought forward, with very difficult battles over ary 1980 where President REAGAN actually set the budget, very difficult battles over issues of the course for getting the nomination and mov- making our defense capability stronger once ing on to become the President with the famous again. comment, ‘‘I am paying for this microphone, Mr. We became known as REAGAN’s robots. That Green.’’ Ironically, I was at the site and in charge was a derisive term used by some of our friends of the site in advance of the nomination. So I in the media and it was thrown at us. As had a chance to see a bit of history there. REAGAN’s economics were called Reaganomics, a But in 1990, along with 54 other Republicans, derisive term put out in the intelligentsia com- I was elected to the House of Representatives, munity by our friends who saw it as inappro- and we came here with President REAGAN. We priate economics and saw it as waterbearers for had a purpose. We had a definite purpose. People a President whom they considered to be super- will recall at that time coming out of the seven- ficial, and in some cases a caricature, but we took 190 Ronald Reagan that as sort of a red badge of courage, those who a sense of self and a sense of purpose that was came in that class. We enjoyed the fact we were optimistic and upbeat, that was essential to our tweaking the institution of the House at the time country at that time. led by Speaker O’Neill, whom I happened, over Probably equally important to the world, he the years, to come to like as an individual very set America back on a course of leading us in much. He obviously had a very strong person- what was then the true great confrontation of the ality and led the House very aggressively in a 20th century, which was the question of whether very partisan way. It was a unique and special communist, socialist economics, and a totali- time to have a chance to serve under a President tarian state would dominate or whether democ- such as President REAGAN. racy and market-oriented economies would domi- Going to the White House with Kathy and nate. our two oldest children, I remember a lot of fond There were three major trends of the 20th cen- personal memories of how kind he was. Our tury that were tested. The first, of course, was daughters were then quite young. I think they the issue of the philosophy of communist versus 4 5 5 6 were and or maybe and . He took them market-oriented economies. The second, of aside and got hotdogs for them; he got popcorn course, was totalitarianism, first presented in fas- for them. cism and second presented in the communist He was just a wonderful, inclusive individual states of Stalin, by Stalin and Mao, versus democ- and had a naturalness about him that was ex- racy. The third was the issue of relativism. On traordinary and made everybody who was around those first two issues, he led the world and deliv- him, when they had the chance, feel good. It was ered the results which said unequivocally that de- that personality that I think caused him to be mocracy and market-oriented economies were the able to be President during a time when there future for mankind and that individual rights was a fair amount of strident partisanship. At the meant something. same time, there was less of a personal vindic- tiveness in the atmosphere, which was nice at In accomplishing that, he passed on to our that time, to have at least that sort of atmosphere generation and all the generations to come a gift where people were not into the personal assas- of freedom and a gift of possibility in the area sination level that we sometimes see occur in pol- of economic well-being that was not necessarily itics, although it did happen to some degree. a given. It would not necessarily have occurred The fond memories are there from an indi- without him. It is possible the Soviet Union and vidual standpoint, but the real memory, the real certainly the mutations of the Soviet Union could force of President REAGAN goes beyond the per- have proceeded for a considerable amount of sonal contact. It goes to what his mission was, time. We could still be dealing with that issue what he accomplished for our Nation, which was today had he not been willing to stand up, be- so extraordinary, and what he accomplished for cause he had unequivocal confidence in our Na- the world. It has been discussed. There is noth- tion and in the values that drive our Nation, had ing unique about the discussion because it is so he not been willing to stand up and say essen- broadly accepted now what he did accomplish. tially that we were going to compete in that race That was, essentially, this: He took a Nation at a level that would essentially make it impos- which was, as I said by its own definition, by sible for the Soviet Union and communist-style its then-leader, Jimmy Carter, in a period of na- regimes to compete with us. That is what he did. tional malaise and he turned us and reawakened He did it first in the military where he essen- our natural optimism. We are a Nation of opti- tially said to the Soviet Union, we are just sim- mists. We are a Nation that believes we can ac- ply going to outbuild you and we are going to complish whatever we seek to pursue, whatever exceed your ability to compete, so they crumbled goal we set. He made us believe in that again. from within. Second, he did it by establishing, His ‘‘city on the hill’’ belief in our Nation was once again, that the basic values of democracy deep in him, but, more important, he was able far exceeded any values that were being put for- to project it across our country and give people ward, and clearly our much better lifestyle than Memorial Tributes in the Senate 191 anything being put forward by a Soviet com- and political drift came a bold leader to inspire munist state. confidence. So we owe him a great debt of thanks and we The year 1980 was the culmination of a period certainly owe his family a great debt of thanks. of self-doubt for America. Internationally, our We thank Nancy Reagan for her wonderful serv- country was mired in the cold war and reeling ice to this Nation. We thank his family for the from the Iranian hostage crisis. On the domestic gift of this great man to our country. front, our economy had been sapped by double- digit inflation, double-digit prime interest rates, and stifled by massive tax burdens, including a Hon. Olympia J. Snowe top tax rate of 70 percent. We also had been un- dercut by a serious energy crisis. In fact, we had OF MAINE gasoline lines here in Washington and all through the country. So suffice it to say, these Our Nation mourns the passage of a man who were not bright days in Washington or America. called Americans to their common purpose and As I said at the time, whoever won the White renewed our age-old faith in the limitless possi- House would bear the responsibility for making bilities of freedom. America productive once again, and President With heavy but immensely grateful hearts, REAGAN did. With his conviction that the great- our country grieves the passing of President est untapped potential lies in the American peo- RONALD REAGAN and extends our collective ple themselves—by embracing hope, not resigna- thoughts and prayers to his extraordinary wife tion, and by projecting an optimism in our Na- Nancy and his children, Michael, Patti, and Ron. tion and her people that was as genuine as the Reflecting today on the hope that President man himself—he charted a course for America REAGAN inspired in America, I am reminded of for greater prosperity and security. the story of near the close of As President, as we know, he confronted the the Constitutional Convention. Franklin pointed world’s only other superpower, laying the foun- to the painting behind Washington’s chair, a dation for victory in the cold war. He cam- landscape of the Sun just on the horizon and re- paigned to reduce the size of the Federal bureauc- marked: racy, to return tax dollars to the families that had I have often looked at that sun behind the President with- earned them, and to devolve out of Washington out being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But and back to local governments—all ideas whose now I have the happiness to know it is a rising and not a time had come, just as President REAGAN’s had. setting sun. Not only that, but he reinvigorated America Let the record forever show that in a time of with his unabashed faith in her essential good- great consequence, President REAGAN assured an ness. uncertain Nation that ours remains always a ris- The other night, I had the opportunity to re- ing Sun. He brought a passionate belief in Amer- count the Reagan era with my husband, former ican ideas to bear in advancing freedom as a force Governor Jock McKernan, who also served 4 for good in the world and heralded a new dawn years in Congress under the Reagan Presidency of confidence at home. representing the other congressional district in Like so many Americans, I remember well the the State of Maine. We were recalling a time in steep challenges facing the Nation in 1980. At which we visited the White House, regarding that time, having already served 2 years in the the shaping of defense policy. As Senator Gregg House of Representatives, we could look back to has mentioned, we were building up our national the late seventies as an incubator of change that defense. foreshadowed the transformation to come. We remembered the statement the President Before President REAGAN, we had become made at the time, which I think summed up his conditioned to accept limitations on what we belief in trying to make a distinction between might aspire to as individuals and as a Nation. the United States of America and the Soviet But out of those days of national disillusionment Union. He said, ‘‘You know, it tells something 192 Ronald Reagan about a country when more people want to leave matic Security and Antiterrorism Act, which he the country than want to come in.’’ His simple signed and which contained a provision I au- logic was indeed compelling. thored to create an accountability review board President REAGAN was a conservative Repub- within the State Department to investigate all lican from California, and I, of course, was a incidents involving serious security failures. moderate Republican from New England. Obvi- He was always respectful of divergent views ously, there were times—and many times, in and willing to keep his Oval Office door open, fact—when we differed on policy. Yet I can also even as he always knew what he believed. In recall meeting with him and other members of terms of his principles, his compass was steady. the Republican Caucus, as well as Democrats. At the same time, he was certainly committed We had numerous meetings at the White House to the fine and, in Washington, all too rare art either in the Cabinet room or within the Oval of listening. He was also willing to seek con- Office itself. We were able to negotiate our dif- sensus, even though we surely had a partisan en- ferences, whether it was within our party or vironment at that time. across party lines. The issues ranged from defense We had a divided government, and obviously policy, to the MX missile, to Central America, a Republican Presidency. But again, he was will- to the budget. Indeed, we had numerous budget ing to forge a consensus because he believed that discussions where we negotiated the actual budg- was the only way you could get things done. et resolutions and the budget numbers them- Rather than by controversy and division, in the selves. end he recognized you had to reach your goals Thinking back this week, I also recall how the with persuasion and openness. So he was willing President was willing to hear disparate views on to develop pragmatic approaches in the final trade policy. In fact, Jock and I met with the analysis because he was a problem-solver. Actu- President in the Oval Office to discuss the poten- ally, he gave life to what he once said, ‘‘if I can tial negative impact of trade proposals on Maine’s get 70 or 80 percent of what it is I’m trying industries such as potatoes, shoes and lumber in to get . . . I’ll take that and then continue to try advance of the President meeting with Canadian to get the rest in the future.’’ Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Indeed, coinci- He certainly did live by that axiom through- dentally, I saw the former Prime Minister in the out his tenure of 8 years, regardless of the dif- Capitol prior to the viewing in the rotunda on ferences. Ultimately, he wanted to achieve the Wednesday night, and I recounted that meeting great things he set out to do when he became with the President. President and also to ensure he could be resolute Moreover, I spearheaded an effort for Repub- in implementing his vision for this country. lican women in the House and Senate to meet He was entirely comfortable with stepping with President REAGAN to discuss matters crit- outside of others’ conventional perception of ical to America’s women. In the end, these initia- himself and his politics. He was extremely cred- tives led to ultimately passing landmark child ible as Commander in Chief, as leader of this support enforcement legislation and pension re- country when he set about to build up our mili- form for widows that previously had not even tary and to defy the Soviet Union and to ulti- been part of the Federal lexicon, let alone part mately bring down the Wall. The fact is, he also, of Federal policy. And in speaking of women’s on the other side of the coin, ultimately nego- issues, I fondly reflect on my cherished friendship tiated the first pact to reduce the United States with the President’s daughter, the late Maureen and Soviet nuclear arsenals—he negotiated that Reagan who died in 2001, and how we also with Mikhail Gorbachev—because, again, he un- worked together on behalf of issues of concern derstood what needed to be accomplished in the for women in this country. end. And on an entirely different issue once again, His legacy will forever be his vision that to this day I have on my wall a letter of apprecia- brought about the end of the cold war because, tion from President REAGAN for my efforts to again, he saw the difference between dictator- help develop and pass the 1986 Omnibus Diplo- ships and democracy and our ability to foster lib- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 193 erty in the dark corners of the world. Indeed, I thanks to him—the last decade of the cold war. will never forget the meeting I participated in With ‘‘peace through strength,’’ RONALD with members of Solidarity in January 1988 in REAGAN called America to a purpose he de- Poland. There was no question that, for them, scribed in his own hand in 1980 when he wrote: knowing of our resolutions in Congress in sup- I believe it is our pre-ordained destiny to show all man- port of freedom for the people of Poland, Vice kind that they too can be free without having to leave their President Bush’s 1987 visit to Warsaw, and cer- native shore. tainly President REAGAN’s relentless pursuit of For this legacy, the American people and free the ideal of freedom for people everywhere, gave people everywhere are in his debt, just as he is them a hope they translated into strength and in our hearts and his family, as well, in our pray- persistence in finally prevailing. How extraor- ers. dinary that Solidarity’s leader would become Po- land’s President—and how fitting that Lech Walesa would attend President REAGAN’s funeral Hon. to express his profound appreciation and deepest respect. OF CALIFORNIA And who would have predicted two decades ago that Mikhail Gorbachev—leader of the Mr. President, I rise today to pay my respects former Soviet Union—would be attending the to one of California’s own, President RONALD funeral of President RONALD REAGAN, who REAGAN. brought about the collapse of the Soviet Union I first met President REAGAN right after I was and urged Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin elected to Congress in 1982. We were a large Wall? But that is yet another testament to Presi- Democratic freshman class, and when I was in- dent REAGAN’s legacy. vited to the White House, I wondered how Some thought President REAGAN’s bold de- President REAGAN would greet us. After all, he scriptions of the wide chasm that separated de- had campaigned hard for a Republican Congress, mocracy from despotism were ill considered. Yet and having lost an election myself I knew the he viewed the world through that crystal clear feeling of disappointment. When we arrived at prism of, in the words of Shakespeare, ‘‘simple the White House, President REAGAN could not truth miscalled simplicity.’’ I believe that says have been more gracious to us; the same for Mrs. it all because President REAGAN understood that Reagan. I still have the photo from that evening in order to be an effective leader, to be a strong hanging in my home office. President, to be the leader of this country who Twenty-two years ago, RONALD REAGAN was a force for good and to project that force taught me that you can disagree without being for good, you ultimately had to move the process, and you had to work within the system and with disagreeable, that you could set aside those dis- the other branch of government to make that agreements even though they were deep. happen. President REAGAN once said, ‘‘A lot of trouble Another great of the 20th century refused in the world would disappear if we were talking praise for having lent his lionhearted strength to to each other instead of about each other.’’ an entire nation. Instead, Winston Churchill re- He believed if we were all respectful and pleas- marked, it was his nation that had the ‘‘lion’s ant to one another, we could find those areas of heart’’ all along, and it fell to him only to ‘‘give common ground. We can reach across the aisle. the roar.’’ We can get things done. Believe me, that was So it was with President RONALD REAGAN. a good lesson for me and for all of us that His words summoned our resolve and our good- evening because clearly, in the Senate, with the ness, and his steady hand guided America to a rules of the Senate, the only way to get things triumph for all free people. As providence would done is by working together. I look at the occu- have it, President REAGAN gave America’s roar pant of the chair, and I know that with our dis- during what would become—in no small part, agreements on many issues, we have come to- 194 Ronald Reagan gether on a few occasions, and we have won for REAGAN said, Well, this is what I think. He our constituents and for this country. went forward, and when he lost, that was it. When I look back to President REAGAN’s Of course, there are other issues of disagree- record, I realize that not only did he bring this ment—from offshore oil drilling to the role of kind of an attitude of working together to Wash- the National Government, to the fight against ington, but that had been his hallmark in Cali- AIDS, to policies in Central America. Those dis- fornia as well. As a Republican Governor, he was agreements were deep, but they were never taken working with a Democratic State legislature. So personally by President REAGAN. He and House it seems President REAGAN had to learn how to Speaker Tip O’Neill were genuinely fond of each do this both in the State and in the Nation’s other. They often shared a drink after work, and Capital. they laughed after a day of locking horns. Their In those years as Governor, in keeping with good nature was infectious. It raised the level of the values and wishes of most Californians, he comity throughout the Nation’s Capital. How I helped to establish the Redwood National Park. long for those days. It is time that in the spirit He regulated auto emissions to reduce pollution. of RONALD REAGAN and Tip O’Neill, we see He signed a bill that liberalized a woman’s right more bipartisan spirit in our work. to choose. He opposed the State proposition that In California, there are tributes to RONALD discriminated against teachers based on sexual REAGAN running around the clock. I know it is orientation. You can see Governor REAGAN was true nationally, but because he was our Governor willing to reach across and find consensus. and we are so proud he is part of our legacy, RONALD REAGAN, of course, did continue to we are seeing and listening to RONALD reach across the aisle when he became President. REAGAN’s stories and RONALD REAGAN quotes. Although there were serious disagreements, he I found one of these very interesting. worked closely with a Democratic House to ratify There was a question asked to President and sign important arms control agreements, in- REAGAN after he had completed his 8 years in creasing funds for math and science education, office. The question was: What do you most reauthorizing the Superfund hazardous waste want to be remembered for? His answer was this: cleanup program, which is so important. The basis of the program is that the polluter should The millions of jobs that were created while he pay. Interestingly, we don’t seem to have that was President and America regaining respect in kind of support today. the world. Millions of jobs created and America President REAGAN once said, ‘‘There is no regaining respect in the world. You think about limit to what a man can do or where he can go, how universal those two achievements are be- if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.’’ And cause right now that is a lot of the focus of atten- how important that quote is when it comes to tion—job creation and respect in the world. It politics. President REAGAN was a conservative. is interesting how prophetic those words are. 50 He was not an ideologue. He fulfilled a cam- I personally believe that years from now, paign promise to appoint the first woman to the if not now, President REAGAN will be remem- Supreme Court. He chose Sandra Day O’Connor bered for his focus on freedom for the people be- as the first woman Justice of the U.S. Supreme hind the Iron Curtain. He saw in Soviet Presi- Court, even though she was considered too mod- dent Mikhail Gorbachev a man he could success- erate by many conservatives. He tried to abolish fully challenge to step to the plate. And when the National Endowment for the Arts but, after President REAGAN said, ‘‘tear down this wall!’’ losing that fight, he moved on. I remember that. he said it directly to Mr. Gorbachev. He touched He moved on without trying to force the issue Mr. Gorbachev, and he touched America. He through the backdoor. I respect that. touched people around the world. I remember the fight to keep the National En- In a moving eulogy in yesterday’s New York dowment for the Arts. Many Republicans in my Times Mr. Gorbachev wrote:

State didn’t agree with President REAGAN. They REAGAN was a man of the right but while adhering to mobilized with the Democrats. President his convictions, with which one could agree or disagree, he Memorial Tributes in the Senate 195 was not dogmatic. He was looking for negotiations and for ical research to fight Alzheimer’s and other dis- cooperation. eases. She has been brave and courageous in her In that, you have to understand that respect advocacy. for other people and their ideas, the ability to Ironically, just a few weeks ago, I wrote an step into their shoes is very important. open letter to her praising her for her strength We name buildings and rooms and public and moving forward to use her considerable in- places after leaders, and we have named many fluence to push forward stem cell research. public places after RONALD REAGAN. But I truly To honor RONALD REAGAN and relieve the believe that now the greatest thing we can do suffering of millions of American families, we in RONALD REAGAN’s memory is to find a cure must pursue every avenue of research and treat- for the disease that took his life and took him ment for Alzheimer’s and other diseases. away from his loved ones and the world stage long before his physical life ended. In memory of RONALD REAGAN and all of the Alzheimer’s disease is a plague that ravages families who have lost loved ones to Alzheimer’s, millions of Americans and those who love them. let us seek a brighter dawn for Alzheimer’s vic- Caused by abnormal plaques and tangled nerve tims and their families. fibers in the brain, the disease attacks the cells So, Mr. President, Californians are speaking that control thought, memory, and language. across party lines for a man who was able to set The brain, if you look at it, becomes more and aside ideology to make progress, to work with more like a child’s brain. It kills nerve cells that those who might not have agreed with him on are vital to memory. If you think about it, when every point. I think it is a terrific lesson to all you lose your memory, you lose who you are. of us in this time and in this place in our Na- And to see someone like RONALD REAGAN, who tion’s history. held all the power for 8 years that anyone could ever dream to hold, and to have him not be able to remember that is a tragedy. Hon. Alzheimer’s lowers the level of chemicals that OF NEVADA carry messages between nerve cells and the brain. The progress of Alzheimer’s is usually slow, but it is inexorable. Beginning with mild symptoms, Mr. President, RONALD REAGAN is seen by such as forgetfulness, Alzheimer’s gradually robs the State of Illinois as being his birthplace, as its victims of the ability to think clearly, speak well it should. They feel very strongly about the clearly, understand others, or care for themselves legacy of RONALD REAGAN in Illinois. Cali- in any way. fornia, of course, is where RONALD REAGAN be- Ten years ago RONALD REAGAN knew he was came famous. They have tremendous ties to battling Alzheimer’s. He knew he was losing the RONALD REAGAN. The State of Nevada has lots battle. In an act of tremendous courage and in and lots of ties to RONALD REAGAN. Not only a handwritten open letter, he told the American are we a neighbor to the State of California, but people he was suffering from the illness. He the history of RONALD REAGAN and the State wrote, ‘‘I now begin this journey that will lead of Nevada are intertwined. I come to the Senate me into the sunset of my life.’’ today to join a procession to praise RONALD And he movingly wrote, ‘‘I know that for REAGAN as a great leader and a fine man. America there will always be a bright dawn My first trip to the Oval Office was to meet ahead.’’ with RONALD REAGAN. I was a young Congress- So even in his darkest hour, President man and I was called to the Oval Office to dis- REAGAN’s eternal optimism shone through. cuss with the President the situation in Nica- Nancy Reagan stood by her husband through- ragua, aid to the . I was joined there by out this long ordeal, protecting him in his most three other Members of Congress. Vice President vulnerable time. In recent years, she has become Bush, at the time, was there. It is the first time a leading advocate of increased funding for med- I had the opportunity to visit with, in any depth, 196 Ronald Reagan

RONALD REAGAN as President of the United He handled the Soviet Union much as he han- States. dled the situation in my first meeting in the There was a time when I was Lieutenant Gov- Oval Office. He was direct and to the point with ernor of Nevada, and Governor O’Callaghan was us about how he felt about Nicaragua. In the sit- unable to go to an event at Lake Tahoe. I rep- uation with the Soviet Union, he was direct and resented the State. Governor REAGAN at the to the point. time, and I spent time together, but it was in The first breakthrough in peace for Israel in a public setting and really not a time where you the Middle East came as a result of a hawk by got to know anyone well. the name of Menachem Begin. Menachem Begin My first trip to the Oval Office was one that was the leader of the underground against the I will always remember. Not only was it my first British. He was someone who fought the British trip to the Oval Office, it was my first experience as no one else did. He did it in secret. But he in sitting down and talking with RONALD was the leader. And Menachem Begin’s own fam- REAGAN, President of the United States. His ily did not know that he was the leader of the personality came through in that meeting. I have underground until after the British announced often repeated the story of my visit there. that he was. It took Menachem Begin, somebody A Congressman said to RONALD REAGAN at who was very hawkish, to make a deal with the time, ‘‘Mr. President, I’m afraid you’re going Egypt. None of the other Israeli leaders could to invade Nicaragua.’’ President REAGAN did not have done it because they would have been seen wait a second. He came back so quickly, with as capitulating to the Egyptians. that smile on his face, and said, ‘‘I’m not going The same with President REAGAN. No one to invade Nicaragua, but I want those SOBs could take away his communist-fighting creden- going to bed every night thinking I’m going to.’’ tials. He had them from the time he was an That was RONALD REAGAN. His views of the actor, with the Screen Actors Guild, Governor, world were views that all of us could understand. and President. He made it very clear to us that he was not going I watched a TV program, and the same speech to invade Nicaragua but he was not about to that RONALD REAGAN gave as head of the Screen show any weakness to the Nicaraguans. That is Actors Guild, he gave as Governor, he gave as exactly how he said it. From where I come, that President. He was a certified anticommunist. So was talk that I understood. who could better make a deal with the com- I have fond memories of RONALD REAGAN. munists than RONALD REAGAN? RONALD REAGAN, of course, is someone we all No one could question his credentials, no watched on TV, ‘‘Death Valley Days.’’ But those more than they could question the credentials of in Nevada remember him also, and the papers Menachem Begin. Had it been Jimmy Carter or in Nevada have been full the last few days about Bill Clinton, it would not have happened. But his entertainment qualities in Las Vegas. no one could question his communist-fighting He came to Las Vegas as an entertainer. He credentials, and, therefore, people accepted the appeared on the Las Vegas strip as an entertainer. deal we made with the Soviet Union, which was We were discussing what he did. I don’t know good for the world and good for our country. what he did, but he came all the time. He was RONALD REAGAN has been a good neighbor a headliner. I don’t know if he sang or danced. to the State of Nevada. The State of Nevada I don’t know what he did. He made money and shares a . It is called Lake Tahoe. they kept bringing him back. There is only one other lake like it in the whole He was born in the Midwest but he was really world, and that is Lake Baikal in Russia. I ac- a son of the West. He stood for a lot of what knowledge that Lake Tahoe is smaller than Lake we now identify with RONALD REAGAN. He be- Baikal, but so is every other lake in the world. lieved in freedom, independence, and oppor- But it is an alpine glacial lake that is a wonder tunity. These are the values that all Americans of beauty. RONALD REAGAN identified that share. We probably understand them a little bet- something needed to be done about this beautiful ter in the West. lake. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 197

I spoke yesterday to Paul Laxalt. Paul Laxalt a lot—and he gave a speech blasting RONALD and I have been political adversaries all of my REAGAN’s economic program. He was a Repub- adult life and a lot of his life. But I do not have lican, and everybody around REAGAN was mad a better friend than Paul Laxalt. We are friends. at him. So he was getting ready to give this We call each other all the time. We have done speech, and he said to Paul, ‘‘I can’t remember, that for many years. Even though we have been why am I mad at this guy?’’ It was because he political adversaries, we are friends. did not hold grudges. It was not in his nature. Anyway, I called Paul Laxalt yesterday and So it is wonderful we had someone like Paul asked him to talk to me about his relationship Laxalt who had such close contact with the Presi- with RONALD REAGAN. Everyone in Nevada dent of the United States. But not only did he knows and most everyone knows in Wash- have contact with Paul Laxalt, President ington—my distinguished friend from New REAGAN did many other things for the people Mexico is in the Chamber who served with Sen- in Nevada. ator Laxalt in the Senate—RONALD REAGAN’s was a special assistant to the Presi- No. 1 guy in the Senate was Paul Laxalt, period. dent. Because of RONALD REAGAN, Sig Rogich I do not say that saying, oh, somebody may ques- developed a great personal friendship with the tion that. That is a fact of life. RONALD REAGAN first President Bush. They are friends. People said it. That is the way it was. wonder why President Bush always comes back Paul Laxalt said RONALD REAGAN should be to Nevada. It is to see his friend Sig Rogich. He, remembered for two things by Nevadans. First of course, made Sig Rogich an Ambassador to is the bi-State compact to which the two Repub- , where Sig Rogich was born. lican Governors, Laxalt and REAGAN, agreed. Sig Rogich is an extremely successful business- They sent it to the California and Nevada State man. But people should also understand Sig legislatures, and it was ratified eventually by Rogich was head of the Tuesday Team that de- both legislatures. They recognized that some- veloped that great campaign slogan for President thing had to be done to preserve Lake Tahoe. REAGAN: ‘‘It’s morning in America.’’ Second is what he did to stop the MX missile Rogich wrote and directed most of those from coming to the State of Nevada. The MX pieces. He was heavily involved in the life of missile—most people don’t know what that President REAGAN. He came and moved back means—but it was a missile, the MX, with 10 here. But, as a result, not only do we have warheads on each missile. It was to cover hun- Rogich back here, but became dreds and hundreds of square miles through Ne- chairman of the National Republican Com- vada and parts of Utah. That would have been mittee. I talked to Frank Fahrenkopf today. He a blight to the environment there, but it was also said REAGAN did this in typical fashion. He had deemed to be wasteful moneywise. So RONALD been offered the job in 1980. He had a great law REAGAN personally intervened, and that never practice in Nevada and did not want to come came to be. to Washington. That is what Paul Laxalt wanted the people Jim Baker called him and said, The President of Nevada to remember about his best friend, wants you to give a report about what happened RONALD REAGAN—what he did for the State of in the 1982 elections—where the Democrats did Nevada. Of course, there were many other very well; the Republicans did very poorly. He things. was asked to come back and give a report. Paul told a story that they were campaigning Frank said, ‘‘Well, I have to fly all night be- together. Paul Laxalt gave every one of his nomi- cause I’m going with 10 State chairs. We are nating speeches, the time he did not win and the going to China.’’ two times he won. He said RONALD REAGAN And Baker said, ‘‘I think it would be a good was such a forgiving man that he never held a idea if you came. The President wants you to grudge. They were campaigning in some north- come back here.’’ eastern State, and somebody had given a So he got back here. And Senator Laxalt said speech—somebody RONALD REAGAN had helped to Frank Fahrenkopf, ‘‘Would you reconsider 198 Ronald Reagan being the national chairman of the Republican I have a number of pictures with RONALD Party?’’ REAGAN. I liked him as a person. I did not agree And Frank said, ‘‘Well, Paul, I have a prob- with everything he did politically, as we all lem. I have this law practice.’’ know, but I liked him as a person. He said, ‘‘Well, think about it.’’ He said he So I stand here today honored that I had a knew he was in trouble when he went to break- chance to work with President RONALD fast at the White House and they seated him REAGAN, someone with whom I knew and felt right across from the President, and the Presi- comfortable. He surrounded himself with good dent said, ‘‘Dick Richards is retiring as chairman people. They were not mean spirited. They were of the National Republican Party.’’ He said, ‘‘We good people. They were pragmatists. I liked the have here Frank Fahrenkopf who has said he is people with whom he surrounded himself. going to think about it.’’ He is going to be remembered in history, of So he knew right then he was going to be the course, as one of our great Presidents. This is a national chairman because the President asked time to mourn his death, but it is more impor- him to do it. So Frank Fahrenkopf became the tant to appreciate his life. national chairman of the Republican Party. I can remember a person with whom I prac- ticed law when RONALD REAGAN was President. But my favorite RONALD REAGAN me- He said, ‘‘He has no chance of winning. He is mento—I have always been opposed to term lim- an actor. Look how old he is.’’ its. I have opposed term limits for the House and Well, people liked him for who he was, not Senate. I have always spoken forcefully against how old he was or what he had done before he that. I think it is wrong. It is wrong that we was elected Governor of the State of California. have the 22d amendment to limit the Presidents His amazing journey was the American dream to 2 terms. come true. He helped bring the dream a little RONALD REAGAN agreed with me. He did not closer to all of us. like term limits. He thought the 22d amendment was bad. I offered a resolution to do away with the 22d amendment. I spoke out against term Hon. Pete V. Domenici limits. President REAGAN, after he had retired as President of the United States, wrote me a OF NEW MEXICO handwritten note. Here is what he said, ‘‘Dear Harry, I’m glad . . .’’—it is in RONALD Mr. President, I was privileged to become REAGAN’s handwriting, and I have that in my chairman of the Senate Budget Committee at the scrapbook. I love my scrapbook and have this in same time RONALD REAGAN was sworn in as it. I had announced that I supported repeal of President. I never thought I was going to have the 22d amendment. Here is what he wrote: that job, but with his victory, we took over the Senate. I recall Senator Howard Baker called me I’m glad you are moving on repeal of the 22nd Amend- ment. I’ve made a number of speeches to national business at home, and his greeting was ‘‘Mr. Chairman.’’ groups. . . In every speech I’ve announced my support for re- I kind of wondered what he was talking about, peal and have received an ovation from every audience. I and then he told me. That was quite startling charge that the 22nd is a violation of the people’s right to because I knew I was going to be chairman when vote for whomever they want. RONALD REAGAN would be asking that we carry RONALD REAGAN out his program. Here is the guy. He believed in States rights. From January 1981 until President REAGAN He believed in people being able to make their left office in January 1989, it was my privilege determination, not some arbitrary law that we to work closely with him and his senior advisers, passed saying: You can’t serve in the Senate be- as with any President before or since. I suspect cause you have been there two terms. He be- I saw President REAGAN exhibit all his legendary lieved the people have the right to choose their traits: the man of principle, the man of strength, representatives. the man of strong convictions, the man of Memorial Tributes in the Senate 199 humor, and, in one famous case, a man with an The Senate Armed Services Committee chair- Irish temper. man, Senator John Tower, and I discussed it, and Even before he was sworn in, Mr. REAGAN Senator Tower knew we couldn’t get the entire asked Cap Weinberger to head up his transition request. Finally, just as the markup of the budget team for the Reagan budget and fiscal policy. I was to occur, at about 10 minutes until 10 in worked closely with Cap and then Dave Stock- the morning, the President called me on the tele- man, whom I knew when he was a Member of phone in the back room of the Budget Commit- the House. He was announced to be the incom- tee’s hearing. ing OMB Director. ‘‘Hello,’’ I said to the President. I was impressed by the three principles that ‘‘Hello, Pete,’’ he said pleasantly. ‘‘You know, RONALD REAGAN insisted on in the budget that I really need you to put off the markup of the I would prepare: Restraint of domestic spending, budget until we can get an agreement on the de- long overdue increases in defense spending, and fense spending.’’ tax cuts to stimulate the economy. The economy ‘‘Mr. President, I really appreciate and am honored by your call, but I have delayed this for was a dormant economy. Those three principles too long and just cannot get the full number that guided every decision that I had with the Presi- you have requested for defense.’’ dent and his senior staff. He was not going to ‘‘Well, will you postpone the markup?’’ he compromise on these three principles. asked with little amiability in his voice. I saw his strength on many occasions, most ‘‘No, sir; I cannot do that,’’ I replied. notably, of course, after the assassination at- At that point, the President said goodbye. At tempt. But I also saw his strength when he in- least I think that is what he said. I was told later sisted that the air traffic controllers either go to by someone who was present in his office during work or lose their jobs. That signal, clear and the call that the President turned a little red in strong, persuaded me this man was, in fact, a his face and threw the phone on the floor. Yet man who would risk political standing in order he was absolutely wonderful to me after that. He to stand for the good of the public. campaigned for me. He turned his budget over I saw his humor time and time again. Once to me for implementation. And I had a great re- when I showed up late for a meeting with him, lationship not only with him but with those who there were other Senators present. It was very served him, in particular Dave Stockman. embarrassing. He was amused. And when my Let me note something about the first budget good friend, Senator Howard Baker, became exercise. The President and his staff had some Chief of Staff to the President, he told me one thoughts about the proper legislative approach. of his jobs was to try to come up with a good I disagreed and argued for something we now joke to tell the President, that REAGAN’s humor know and have learned to use, and we understand came from the same sense of perspective that pro- it well. But it was truly historic, the use of a duced his strength and commitment to the process called reconciliation. That was the first American people. time we ever did it. Nobody understood it. The I learned first-hand that the Irish in President President, with the guidance of Leader Howard REAGAN also included a bit of an Irish temper. Baker, went along with our recommendation. In 1993, I had the delicate task of telling the Senator joined me in this historic President that I would not put off my budget reconciliation effort. We had all the President’s for the upcoming fiscal year, and that I would budget restraints in it. We had his tax cuts in not be able to supply him with the entire in- that extraordinary document. And in the budget crease in defense spending for the upcoming fis- resolution for fiscal year 1992, we had room for cal year. Cap Weinberger had made that request all the President’s defense spending increases to on behalf of the President. Cap and I discussed which he ended up agreeing. this for weeks, and we put off this action over Some Members of the Senate expressed dismay the Easter holiday and for weeks to give them and even anger over the use of this process called a chance to work on their defense budget. reconciliation. Even some Republicans were per- 200 Ronald Reagan plexed by its complications and wondered how tomed to low inflation and low interest rates in it would really work. I know the President and the last few years that most of us don’t under- his staff relied on us in the Senate and on the stand inflation was so rampant and interest rates committee to carry out what we promised. so high that, in our grocery stores, those who It is to President REAGAN’s credit that he sup- filled the shelves would also bring along a stamp ported us every step of the way. Perhaps that was and they would change the price as they walked one of the things I admired most about this man. down the aisles, because the foodstuff had to go He made a decision, entrusted it to those on up day by day, week by week. Can you imagine whom he relied, and used all of his power to what Americans would think about that today? make a plan succeed. But we had to take it back then and we had to I cannot tell you how complimented I felt wait for something else to work. That something when Howard Baker came to me and said, ‘‘The else was RONALD REAGAN’s policy, his approach President says if you and I think we can do this, to lower taxes, which stimulated this economy. then he will back us all the way.’’ And he did. So it is with deep regret that I join with many What a great President. What a great Amer- others and many in the Senate who will have ican. What a great man. It was truly my privi- words to say about him. Again, my best to his lege to work with him. I think history will wife Nancy and his family. I understand their record that our work was of historic importance great grief. But they had him for a very long as the President moved toward making this econ- time, and I am sure with the passage of time omy stronger than ever, this Nation more secure they will begin to understand that. I hope they than ever, and the world safer than ever. can and I hope they will. In closing, let me say I honestly wish I had occasion to know him even better. I didn’t have the opportunity to get to know him on a per- Hon. sonal basis. Most of what I learned of him is ex- pressed and explained in the remarks I have OF PENNSYLVANIA made. But the wonderful stories I have heard about him are clearly believable, because what I Mr. President, I have sought recognition to saw of him was remarkable. What I saw of him comment about the passing of President RONALD in the numerous meetings was truly incredible. REAGAN, and to comment about the great legacy Some spoke ill of him during those days. It he has left and the occasions when I had an op- is wonderful to note that most of those have for- portunity to meet and deal personally with Presi- gotten those days and are now part of this great dent REAGAN. chorus in our country that is praising him as one While I had met him prior to the 1980 elec- of our greatest. tion cycle, I had an opportunity to work with I knew most about the economic situation be- him during that Presidential election year when cause of the Budget Committee, but it is easy he was elected President of the United States and for me to see how he succeeded in foreign affairs. I was first elected to the Senate. I recollect his It is clear no one could have accomplished what presence in Philadelphia on one August day, he did with the Soviet Union, because most when the timing for his presentation was to coin- Presidents would not be believed, and most cide with the beginning of the 6 o’clock news Presidents would not be permitted to propose cycle, so he would be carried live over the broad- and make the kinds of agreements with the So- cast stations. I recollect standing behind the cur- viet Union that he did. tains at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, where he To sum it up, he made a stronger America. was later to be the guest of honor at a fundraiser Our economy grew somewhere between 18 and on my behalf. 20 million jobs. Think of that. We are now talk- What a sense of expectation there was by then- ing about 2.2 million jobs. He took an economy Governor REAGAN and Mrs. Nancy Reagan, with that was in terrible shape. Does anybody remem- Mrs. Reagan expressing the question: Do you ber 21-percent interest? We have grown so accus- really think it is possible we will be successful Memorial Tributes in the Senate 201 in this Presidential bid? I commented that I dressed. When they left in the afternoon at the same time, thought the chances were excellent. Precisely at one psychiatrist was totally disheveled, and the other contin- 6 ued to be immaculately dressed. After day after day, week o’clock, the curtain was pulled back, and the after week, month after month of this happening, finally one President-to-be stepped forward and made an el- day when they left, the disheveled psychiatrist said, ‘‘How oquent speech. is it that we come to the office the same time every day He traveled to Pittsburgh where again he was to see our patients, and day after day, week after week, month the guest of honor at a fundraiser. I recollect at- after month, you leave immaculately dressed and I am dishev- tending that event, and at one appropriate mo- eled?’’ The immaculately dressed psychiatrist looked at his colleague and said, ‘‘Who listens?’’ ment he demonstrated his insight into the drama and to the field by grabbing my hand by the This was President REAGAN’s way of saying wrist and lifting it high in a traditional victory he can take all of the tough spots of the Presi- celebration. Watching him as a campaigner was dency and still retain his composure and still re- a very instructive opportunity. tain his vigor and his freshness. the election, when he was vic- I was very much impressed with President torious, I, along with the other 15 Republican REAGAN when he was near the end of his first Senators who were elected on that same day, was term and he was asked a question about whether called by President REAGAN to hear words of he was going to run for reelection. His answer congratulations. The Republicans took control of was, ‘‘The people will tell me whether I should the Senate in that 1980 election with a 53 Senate run for reelection.’’ I have been asked the same majority. President REAGAN’s sense of cheer and question from time to time. I have used Presi- sense of optimism was with him at all times. I dent REAGAN’s answer because I believe it is a was to learn as I got to know him better that really terrific answer. he really liked to make congratulatory phone The first legislation which I proposed after calls when there was good news in the offing. being elected to the Senate involved the armed As President, he had the practice of calling every career criminal bill. I sought a meeting with the nominee to the Federal bench to personally tell President. That was a bill, which has been en- the nominee that he, the President, had nomi- acted into law, that provides for mandatory sen- nated the individual to be a Federal judge, and, tences of 15 years to life for career criminals who of course, that is great news, but that was the have three or more major felonies on their record. sort of moment that President REAGAN relished. When I described it and discussed it with When we were sworn in, in January 1981, Sen- President REAGAN, he immediately related that ator Howard Baker, the majority leader, des- to his own experience, and referred to a James ignated me as spokesman for the group. He did Cagney movie in which there was a three-time that because I was last in seniority. Seniority at loser. He became a supporter and ultimately that time among Republican Senators was de- signed that bill into law. cided on the basis of alphabetical listing, after President REAGAN traveled frequently to the preference was given to former Members of Pennsylvania and on those occasions would invite the House and former Governors. Senator Heinz and me to join him. One such oc- As the spokesman for the class, I had the casion was extraordinarily memorable. It was on honor of sitting next to the President during our the 200th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. frequent luncheon meetings. At one of the meet- Constitution. It was a real experience to ride ings, Senator was seated across with the President in Air Force One and in a the table. This was after the President had been limousine and to have a chance to talk with him reelected in 1984. Senator Mattingly said to the and discuss with him some of the major issues. President, ‘‘Why is it, Mr. President, that you He had made a comment that when we de- don’t age at all?’’ velop the strategic defense initiative, we would President REAGAN was fast with one of his fa- share it with other nations. I asked him about mous stories. He said: those plans and how he could carry that forward Well, Mack, it is like the two psychiatrists who came to since the strategic defense initiative was not like- work the same time every day. Both were immaculately ly to be accomplished for many years and it 202 Ronald Reagan would require an act of Congress to share one I think the humility of President REAGAN in of our national assets. The President’s reply was the context of his great achievements is another that this was a matter of leadership, and that in addition to a really great legacy. moving toward the strategic defense initiative, we wanted to assure other countries we would not use it only for ourselves but would make it Hon. available to others. OF SOUTH DAKOTA At that time, the mutual assured destruction doctrine was operative with the stalemate be- Mr. President, we have heard many remem- tween the United States and the Soviet Union, brances of President REAGAN these last few days. each knowing that if there were to be an aggres- One of my own favorite stories about President sive act, it would be responded to. So the mutual REAGAN appeared in on St. Pat- assured destruction doctrine was in effect, and to rick’s Day, 1983. It begins: move to a strategic defense initiative required as- In his corner office, House Speaker Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. surances that this kind of defense would be has proudly hung a photograph of President REAGAN. It shared. shows the two men, their faces agitated in the heat of a argu- President REAGAN leaves a phenomenal leg- ment over jobs and the economy, each jabbing a finger at each other. acy. Perhaps his greatest achievement was pre- siding over the end of the cold war, in which Underneath, a puckish inscription from ‘RON REAGAN’ to ‘Tip’ reads, ‘From one Irishman to another—Top o’ the the United States defeated the Soviet Union. morning to you.’ That photograph conveys the flavor of per- When the United States was rearmed, the Soviet haps the most important political relationship in Wash- Union could not keep up and ultimately was ington, for it juxtaposes the sharp partisan confrontations be- bankrupt. tween the two men with the personal cordiality that suits the current mood of bipartisanship. President REAGAN led the arms control talks with Soviet President Gorbachev. With his fa- The headline on that article read: ‘‘REAGAN mous words at the Berlin Wall to tear the wall and O’Neill: Each One Needs the Other.’’ down, and ultimately with the demise of the So- RONALD REAGAN was many things in life: An viet Union, all of Eastern Europe was free, and actor, a Governor, the President. For countless millions throughout the world, liberty and democracy has come to so much of he was the voice and the image of American con- Eastern Europe and to so many people in the fidence and optimism. world because of President REAGAN’s leadership. Even those who disagreed strongly with many His optimism and sense of buoyancy were just of his policies admired his sunny disposition, his what the United States needed when he came to easy grace and charm, his quick wit, and his 1981 office in . His emphasis on less government, unshakable conviction, as he said so often, that his determination to lower taxes, and his spirit America’s best days are just ahead of us. of determination to defeat communism were He was a self-made son of small-town, middle trademarks and legacies which will last forever. America who loved this Nation because of the One final note. When President REAGAN chance it gave him—and generations of Ameri- came to Independence Hall on the 200th anni- cans before and after him—to go as far in life versary of the signing of the Constitution on Sep- as their talents and ambitions could take them. tember 17, 1987, we arrived at the hall and there Historians will still be taking the measure of was an enormous wheel with George Washington RONALD REAGAN and his Presidency for decades and then sequenced, , Thomas Jeffer- to come. But even now, it is clear that President son, and the wheel came all the way around and REAGAN presided over, and helped bring about, RONALD REAGAN was situated right next to enormous changes in America, and in the world. President George Washington. I asked President His unflinching opposition to communism REAGAN how it felt to be on that wheel right helped bring down the wall and bring about the next to President Washington. He said, ‘‘Arlen, end of the Soviet Union. For that, the world owes it is a humbling experience.’’ RONALD REAGAN a great debt of gratitude. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 203

Americans, and friends of America throughout Like many conservatives, President REAGAN the world, are saddened by President REAGAN’s had some basic philosophical qualms about Social death. Security. But he appointed a bipartisan commis- Our hearts go out to the Reagan family, espe- sion to find ways to save Social Security from im- cially Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan children and minent insolvency—and he backed the commis- grandchildren, as well as to President and Mrs. sion’s plan. That was principled compromise at REAGAN’s friends. Even when someone has been work. slipping away for a long time, as President Twenty-four years ago this week, RONALD REAGAN did, the final goodbye is still heart- REAGAN had just clinched the delegates needed breaking. We wish them comfort in this time to win his party’s 1980 Presidential nomination. of great sorrow. It was a nomination he had worked for for 12 In his 1987 autobiography, ‘‘Man of the years. House,’’ Tip O’Neill recalled the time President- A newspaper reporter asked him what he elect REAGAN visited him in his office in early thought he needed to do next. 1981. The Speaker told the man who was soon He replied that he wanted to dispel the notion to be President that in the House, Democrats that he was a hardnosed radical who would op- and Republicans ‘‘are always friends after 6 pose compromise on principle. As he put it: You o’clock and on weekends.’’ know, there are some people so imbued with For the next 6 years, until he retired, Tip their ideology that if they can’t get everything O’Neill recalled, President REAGAN always they want, they’ll jump off the cliff with the flag began their phone conversations by asking, ‘‘Tip, flying. As Governor, I found out that if I could is it after 6 o’clock?’’ get half a loaf, instead of stalking off angrily, I’d It has been nearly 10 years since President take it. REAGAN wrote his courageous letter to America Perhaps because he himself was a Democrat telling us that he had Alzheimer’s disease. early in his life, President REAGAN never demon- In the decade since President REAGAN began ized his political opponents—even when he dis- his quiet withdrawal from public life, the civility agreed profoundly with them. and personal decency that we associate with him When Tip O’Neill turned 70, President seems, at times, to have all but disappeared from REAGAN hosted a reception for him at the White much of our public discourse. The elbows in pol- House. There they were: the opposing champions itics have become sharper, the words have be- of laissez-faire economics and New Deal lib- come meaner—and the accomplishments have eralism. President REAGAN toasted Tip O’Neill become scarcer. by saying, ‘‘Tip, if I had a ticket to Heaven and Sadly, there is a tendency today to assume ill you didn’t have one too, I would give mine away will and bad motives of those who belong to the and go to Hell with you.’’ other party—or even another wing of one’s own President REAGAN and Tip O’Neill, I am con- party. vinced, are reunited in Heaven now. This decline of civility in politics and public As we prepare here in the Capitol to say our discourse is not good for America. It does not final goodbye to President REAGAN, let us re- make us safer, or stronger. member his capacity to see the best in everyone, President REAGAN spoke to all that was good including those whose political views differed and decent in America. We would honor him by starkly from his own. Let us remember that there restoring decency to our politics. is no dishonor in accepting a half a loaf. RONALD REAGAN was a man who believed In the months ahead and for as long as we deeply in his core principles. He would not want are given the honor of serving in Congress, let any of us to compromise our own core principles us search and work for principled compromises in his memory. But there is such a thing as prin- that serve the interests of the vast majority of cipled compromise. President REAGAN under- Americans. In that way, we can help to preserve stood that. He knew that accommodation was President REAGAN’s great belief and hope that needed to make the system work. America’s best days are, indeed, just ahead. 204 Ronald Reagan Hon. Richard C. Shelby opportunity for accomplishment. He gave Amer- ica back the hope we had lost for many years. OF ALABAMA President REAGAN’s leadership and courage were central to ending the cold war. He was cer- Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to tain that freedom and democracy could prevail the life and the legacy of former President RON- in all corners of the globe if only the one country ALD REAGAN. President REAGAN served our with the capacity to do so would step in and country with honor and distinction, and I feel show the way. privileged to have the opportunity to reflect on Many Americans who were not yet born or the contributions he made to our country and to were too young to understand could not appre- the world. ciate what this man accomplished. The first half 20 Upon hearing the news of his death, I thought of the th century was marked by warfare on back to the footprints he left on my memory. a global scale. The War—the war He was, indeed, one of the greatest leaders, I be- to end all wars—had decimated much of Europe. lieve, of our time, and I was honored to know A generation was lost to the trenches and newly him. introduced technologies of destruction such as the machine gun and the tank. President REAGAN provided our country with The war that followed, World War II, man- an enormous amount of hope following a period aged to go well beyond its predecessor, as the of national remorse and confusion about the di- failure of European once again rection of our country and about its place in the dragged the continent into the continued horrors world. Let us not forget the context into which and devastation that man wrought. The epic he emerged to seize his place in history and to struggle against the forces of fascism, a struggle move the United States forward with a deter- we remembered this past weekend with the anni- mination and an optimism about the future that versary of the , was a fight was so recently lacking. against evil in every sense of the word. Its end- The ghost of Vietnam haunted our foreign ing, however, set the stage for a new type of con- policy and the specter of Watergate informed our flict—a conflict that would take the second half politics. of the century to resolve, mercifully without the The election of RONALD REAGAN, however, nuclear war that existed as the logical culmina- truly changed America. He instilled hope that tion of the standoff that came to be known as every American could be optimistic about his or the cold war. her future; hope that communism would not en- The skills, strengths and enormous fortune dure and that freedom and democracy could ulti- that kept the cold war from turning hot tran- mately vanquish the forces that sought to pull scended, of course, multiple Presidential admin- our country, and many others, into the abyss of istrations. It was brought to its successful resolu- despair and hostility that permeated much of the tion, however, through the vision and strength world; hope that personal freedom without the of exactly one man: President REAGAN. Decades encumbrances of big government would revi- of conflict management, in which experienced talize the economy; hope that the rejuvenated diplomats and elected officials sought primarily Armed Forces he would lead as Commander in to prevent nuclear war and to contain the Soviet Chief could make the United States once again threat, had succeeded in preventing nuclear war. truly the leader of the free world in a struggle That was an incredible feat, to be sure. for survival against the Soviet Union. What set RONALD REAGAN apart, however, President REAGAN’s eternal optimism gave was his vision of a world without the nuclear our country a renewed sense of self, a belief that standoff that had become an indelible image in the American dream was possible and that every the public psyche of virtually the entire world. individual had the opportunity to create his or What set RONALD REAGAN apart was his vis- her own success. RONALD REAGAN believed that ceral belief that the United States, and the free- each new day was filled with high purpose and dom and prosperity it represented, had to, and Memorial Tributes in the Senate 205 could, not just contain the threat but eliminate much of the foundation as to why I needed to it without the awful specter of nuclear war com- leave the Democratic Party. I have always appre- ing to fruition. ciated his guidance, humility and humor. Derided by his opponents both here and I believe history will treat RONALD REAGAN abroad as a dangerous cowboy, President well. He uplifted a frustrated country through REAGAN stood firm in his beliefs and led the his optimism and hope. He changed a troubled country to victory. He believed, correctly, and at world with his devotion to the spread of freedom. variance with the views of many a university pro- RONALD REAGAN embodied the American spirit, fessor and politician, that the United States could and our country and the world are forever grate- force the Soviet Union over the cliff on which ful for his service. it rested, buttressed on the backs of the millions I offer my condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the it held in its tyrannical grip. entire family. They have endured much heartache This was a truly great man. with his illness, much grief with his passing, and Limited government, lower taxes, and indi- much joy with his life. My thoughts and prayers vidual responsibility will also be part of Presi- are with them in this difficult time. dent REAGAN’s legacy. He believed that each May God bless RONALD REAGAN and his American and each community were the best memory. problem-solvers. Rather than making govern- ment bigger to address the challenges our coun- try faced, REAGAN stood firm in his commit- Hon. George Allen ment to the contributions that could be made through personal empowerment and a renewed OF VIRGINIA sense of political and social responsibility. I was just a second-term Congressman when Mr. President, my colleagues, and Americans, President REAGAN came into office. Although a President RONALD REAGAN will be returning to Democrat at the time, I closely identified with Washington tomorrow for the very last time. I his commitment to lower taxes, limit govern- rise to honor the memory and life of the greatest ment and rebuild the military. I shared President leader of the 20th century and to express my REAGAN’s conservative philosophies, and he sympathy to his wonderful and loyal family—in helped me, and millions of other Americans have particular, his loving wife and partner Nancy. a restored faith in the purpose of our govern- Nancy Reagan has always been an outstanding ment. and inspirational role model for our entire Na- I also recall a time when President REAGAN tion. And that has never been more clearly dis- asked me to breakfast at the White House. I, a played than through her wonderful courage and second-term Congressman at the time, was cer- love during the difficult journey she and Presi- tainly impressed. I had always been a conserv- dent REAGAN traveled during the past decade. ative Democrat, and he had hoped that I would Like so many, I was inspired to actually an- change parties, as he had done when the Demo- swer the call of public service because of then- cratic Party ceased to represent the values he held Governor RONALD REAGAN’s positive, prin- dear. I declined his offer to do so at the time, cipled message. In 1976, I began as a young lieu- explaining my strong desire to work to fix the tenant in the Reagan revolution when I was Democratic Party from within. The President asked to chair Young Virginians for REAGAN. knew better, telling me that the party was in the Today, I am still motivated to work to advance midst of a transformation that would not be re- his individual empowering philosophy in govern- versed any time soon. It took me more years to ment. fully appreciate the President’s wisdom. But ap- RONALD REAGAN entered the political stage preciate it, I did, and I followed his lead in aban- in 1964 with a speech which summed up a phi- doning the party of my youth in deference to an- losophy that would guide him through his Presi- other. While I took a little longer to change than dency two decades hence, and which turned the he would have liked, he did provide me with tide of world history. 206 Ronald Reagan

Mr. REAGAN said in 1964: To put this in context, when RONALD 40 You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will pre- REAGAN became our th President, Americans serve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, had lost their faith in our leaders and in the role or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thou- of America in the world. Government at home sand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children was restraining its citizens with oppressive tax- . . . say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did ation and burdensome regulations. Our national all that could be done. malaise led to historically high unemployment, Indeed, RONALD WILSON REAGAN did have high interest rates and inflation, low produc- a rendezvous with destiny. President REAGAN re- tivity, and a stagnant stock market. juvenated the spirit of America. His determined, Our moral authority around the world had optimistic leadership lit the torch of liberty and been eroding, and confidence in the ideals of lib- allowed it to shine in the dark recesses of op- erty and democracy were replaced by the fear of pressed countries around the world. expanding tyranny, communism, and repression. RONALD REAGAN believed in the innate good- America yearned for a leader who could change ness of mankind. He believed and advocated the the direction of our Nation and make them wisdom of our country’s foundational principles. proud of our heritage once again. RONALD He believed that given the opportunity, all men REAGAN answered that call. and women would seek freedom and liberty and Many tributes this week rightfully point to with it unleash creativity, ingenuity, hard work, President REAGAN’s unwavering optimism and and economic growth. belief in the inner strength of Americans, and He touched deeply the hearts and minds of indeed all human beings. He understood that Americans through his genuinely believed, com- they could be motivated and inspired to higher monsense conservative words of encourage- ideals with our competitive nature. No more ment—from his first inaugural speech in 1981, handwringing. He wanted action. Indeed, he to his inspirational State of the Union Addresses, challenged us to look no further than his admin- to his moving memorial tribute to our lost Chal- istration and ourselves for solutions. He said, ‘‘If lenger explorer, to his strong demand to tear not us, who? And if not now, when?’’ down the wall of oppression, to his passionate Beyond his unshakable faith in mankind was tribute to the defenders of liberty at Normandy his consistent adherence to principles which were 20 years ago this week. Those were the words unfashionable and often scorned when he came he delivered. Those words which he delivered are to office but today which are solidly embraced now as much a part of the fabric of America as and winning the minds of people across our the threads of our flag, Old Glory. Lee Green- country and throughout the world. He acted on wood’s song, ‘‘God Bless the U.S.A.,’’ was an an- his beliefs that government interference should them to RONALD REAGAN’s renewed America. be restrained and that free people should be unre- Historians will surely discuss and debate the strained, without limits. We prospered and we impact of RONALD REAGAN’s 8 years as Presi- thrived with the creation of jobs and opportuni- dent for generations to come. But there is no ties. doubt his legacy has already been revealed. In One of my very favorite principles of President fact, he foresaw his legacy. He was there at the REAGAN was declared in his 1985 State of the 1981 bicentennial in of the Battle of Yorktown. Union Address when he said, ‘‘Every dollar the He gave a wonderful speech at Yorktown, VA. . . . Government does not take from us, every de- He said as follows: cision it does not make for us will make our We have come to this field to celebrate the triumph of economy stronger, our lives more abundant, and an idea—that freedom will eventually triumph over tyranny. our future more free.’’ It is and always will be a warning to those who would usurp And so it is. Through tax cuts that return tax the rights of others: Time will find them beaten. The beacon of freedom shines here for all who will see, inspiring free dollars to those whose hard work and ingenuity men and captives alike, and no wall, no curtain, nor totali- earned them, to reducing burdensome regula- tarian state can shut it out. tions, President REAGAN presided over the be- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 207 ginning of the most robust peace expansion of ways talked about, rest peacefully, knowing you our economy in the history of our Nation. left the world a much better place than it was But President REAGAN believed the blessings when you arrived. For that, the free people of of liberty must not be bestowed only on a few your Nation are eternally grateful. nations and only to those blessed to be born on free soil; RONALD REAGAN, with the strength of his convictions, exported and advanced democ- Hon. Ted Stevens racy to continents, countries, and people yearning OF ALASKA to taste the sweet nectar of liberty. He knew the evil communistic empire could Mr. President, I come to the Senate today to not be sustained and would collapse under the join others to remember a good friend and a weight of a determined effort to challenge the great American leader. Soviets on their failed policies, both foreign and In 1977, I was elected to the Senate leadership domestic. He reversed decades of policy calling and served as assistant minority leader until the for containment of that oppressive tyrannical sys- 1980 election. I don’t think anyone at that time tem, and he boldly asserted that the advancement could have predicted the sweeping changes that of freedom and liberty must be America’s No. were about to take place. When RONALD 1 foreign policy objective. Indeed, he believed REAGAN was elected, he ushered in a new era that it is our solemn moral obligation to do so. of government so profound it became known as Now we are seeing his greatest legacy. Hun- the Reagan revolution. That was an exciting time dreds of millions of free people, from the Baltics in Washington. in Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia through Poland, I became assistant majority leader and began , Slovenia, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, a new life—Howard Baker was the majority lead- Bulgaria and Romania, all people once repressed er. The day before I was to marry my wife Cath- behind the Iron Curtain are now joining NATO. erine, Howard called and asked me to replace They are true friends and allies. Yes, they are him on a trip to China because breathing that invigorating wind of freedom. wanted to understand what Reaganism meant. One of the last public statements RONALD 1983 My wife Catherine and I were married on De- REAGAN made was in . He provided us with 30 a vision which will guide us now and in the fu- cember , and we left for China on December 31. To prepare for those talks, I reviewed all of ture. RONALD REAGAN said: President REAGAN’s actions as Governor of Cali- History comes and history goes, but principles endure and ensure future generations to defend liberty—not as a gift fornia and his promises made during the election. from the government, but a blessing from our Creator. Here I was honored to be offered the opportunity to in America the lamp of individual conscience burns bright. explain and defend his record. By that I know we will all be guided to that dreamed of When Congress convened in 1981, those of us day when no one wields a sword and no one drags a chain. in the Senate leadership went down almost week- It is RONALD REAGAN’s inspiring character, ly for meetings at the White House. Occasion- courage, unflinching adherence to principles, ally, President REAGAN came up to Howard policies, and eloquence that brought forth a ren- Baker’s office as majority leader to meet with us. aissance for the United States of America, a re- I don’t think any other President has done that birth of freedom, and the world also experienced as often as RONALD REAGAN. President REAGAN that renaissance at a crucial juncture in history. always tackled very serious subjects in these He fanned the flames of freedom and that torch meetings, but he kept us relaxed. He usually of liberty will continue to burn brightly by his began our discussions in the Cabinet room with inspiration and example. We all thank God for a joke or a story. His leadership brought out the blessing the United States and the world with best in all of us. RONALD REAGAN. During his administration we were able to ac- President REAGAN, as you finally enter the complish a lot for the American people and set gates of that ‘‘shining city on the hill’’ you al- the Nation and the world on a new course. Much 208 Ronald Reagan has been said already about the mark President 36 years ago, another great American leader, Sen- REAGAN left on our national defense and foreign ator and Presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, policy. Those were his greatest contributions as was struck down by an assassin’s bullet in Los President, and I viewed those decisions from a Angeles. Although they were from different gen- unique advantage point. erations and different political parties, Robert I was sworn in as chairman of the Senate Ap- Kennedy and RONALD REAGAN had a lot in propriations Defense Subcommittee just days be- common. Both men were leaders who did more fore President REAGAN took the oath of office. than just point the country in the right direc- He immediately began to move toward a 600- tion. In the words of Bobby Kennedy, they in- ship Navy, new aircraft development, and space- spired Americans to envision a ‘‘world that never based missile defense systems. President REAGAN was and ask ‘Why not?’ ‘’ understood that the first thing we had to do was On June 12, 1987, President REAGAN inspired restore our military capability. The Soviets were all of us to envision a new world when he gave outspending us at that time and stealing our se- his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate. I crets. The President took control of that situa- will never forget the image of President REAGAN tion, and in the years since President REAGAN standing before that gate demanding that Gorba- left office, either Senator Inouye or I have been chev ‘‘Tear down this wall!’’ chairman of the Appropriations Defense Sub- Weeks before he gave that speech, the Presi- committee. Each of us has carried forth the vision dent learned that his remarks would be carried President REAGAN had for our military. in East Germany over the radio, and in one part History has overlooked President REAGAN’s of the speech he spoke directly to the people of personal commitment to arms control, however. East Germany. One can only imagine the hope In 1985, the President supported the creation of the people on the other side of that wall must the Arms Control Observer Group in the Senate, have felt when they heard the President of the a group of Senators that served as official observ- United States declare in their native tongue: ers at any arms control negotiations involving the ‘‘There is only one Berlin.’’ United States. I co-chaired that group along with Here at home, President REAGAN built, as he Senators Lugar, Nunn, and Pell. Our goal was called it, a ‘‘shining city upon a hill.’’ He bor- to avoid the problems we faced in the seventies rowed that phrase from John Winthrop, an early when three successive arms control treaties were Pilgrim who used it to describe the kind of unable to achieve ratification in the Senate. Our America he envisioned. group went to Geneva three or four times a year For REAGAN, the idea of a shining city was: and came back and briefed the President, Sec- A tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, retary Shultz, and the Senators who were in- wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all volved in arms control matters. kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports The President encouraged the Soviets to de- that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had crease the size of their arsenals and to reduce the to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open size of our nuclear forces. This was one of the to anyone with the will and the heart to get there. most significant parts of the Reagan agenda, the I will always be grateful to President REAGAN overall concern with arms control. for teaching us to believe in that shining city The President also created a revolutionary new and for opening its doors so Alaska could finally approach to defense space research. He brought enjoy full citizenship. down the walls between isolated research projects Under President RONALD REAGAN, the freeze and advocated a more comprehensive approach. on the transfer of Alaskan lands to our new State A lot of the aspects of the missile defense system, and to the Alaskan Native people was finally lift- which he called star wars, were based upon the ed, and we began to receive the land that right- research he put into effect then. fully belonged to us under the Statehood Act When President REAGAN passed away on Sat- that admitted Alaska into our Union. President urday, I noted that his death coincided with an- REAGAN instructed the Department of the Inte- other sad day in American history: On June 5, rior to move as quickly as possible on that. I do Memorial Tributes in the Senate 209 not believe it would have happened that fast had I tried many times to get the President to he not been elected. come back to Alaska, but, unfortunately, he de- Under President REAGAN, the Village Built cided, as the years went by, that he wanted to Clinic Program began, and we set out to estab- go back to California to ride horses. lish Indian health service clinics in every Native We understood that, and honored him for it. village in Alaska. Alaskans took comfort in knowing that even if Under President REAGAN, we finally ad- his heart belonged to California, he was raised dressed the injustice of Aleut internment during on the words of Robert Service, our favorite poet. World War II by awarding reparations to Aleuts One of my fondest memories of President who had been taken from their homes and sent REAGAN is, strangely enough, a phone call I re- to what were called ‘‘duration villages’’ in south- ceived from him as chairman of the Appropria- eastern Alaska for the duration of the war. tions Subcommittee on Defense. The President President REAGAN understood Alaska’s mili- called to ask me if I had placed funding in the tary and geopolitical significance better than any Defense bill that year to procure a new pair of other President. The modernization of Alaska’s Air Force I airplanes. I told him that I had. military bases accelerated during his administra- President REAGAN told me that he had not re- tion. quested that funding and would veto the bill. What most Alaskans probably remember best He said, ‘‘Ted, I’m the President.’’ about President REAGAN is how well he under- I said, ‘‘Sir, I understand that, but you won’t stood our State and our way of life. When he be President by the time the new planes arrive.’’ came to Fairbanks to meet Pope John Paul II, There was silence on the other end of the line, he told the crowd that every time he came to and when he finally spoke, the President said, Alaska he thought of the poet Robert Service and ‘‘Ted, do you have a design for these planes?’’ threatened to recite ‘‘The Shooting of Dan I will never forget that because the first time McGrew.’’ In fact, he did that just that one night a President flew in those new planes was when when Catherine and I were attending a dinner one of them took the retired President and 1989 in Chicago. We had just flown in from Fair- Nancy back to California in . banks, and I told the crowd that was present that This week, President REAGAN will fly back to the 20-degree weather in Chicago could not com- Washington for the last time. Thousands of pete with the harsh weather back home, where Americans will pay tribute to him in the Capitol the temperature was 50 below. RONALD REAGAN rotunda and millions more will reflect on his life. got up to give his remarks, and he recited Robert Catherine and I extend our deepest sympathies Service’s poem ‘‘The Shooting of Dan McGrew’’ to Nancy and the Reagan family, as all of us will from memory. mourn the loss of a true American hero. I distinctly remember him saying this phrase from Service’s poem: Hon. Jon Kyl When out of the night, which was fifty below, and into the din and the glare, OF ARIZONA There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks, dog-dirty, and loaded for bear. Mr. President, America mourns the loss of an On the plane ride home, the President told epoch-making leader, RONALD WILSON my wife Catherine that his mother had kept a REAGAN. first edition of Robert Service’s poetry by his As the biographer has said, bedside and read those poems to him as a child. REAGAN ‘‘possessed a special ‘something’ that Catherine later sent him a first edition of Robert transcended the appeal of ordinary politicians,’’ Service that she found in a bookstore in New and he knew it. Even so—and this is an impor- York, and he wrote her a nice letter back telling tant point—he was neither a vain man nor in her he planned to memorize ‘‘The Cremation of love with power. In not misusing that special ap- Sam McGee’’ once more. peal that he had, he showed such character and 210 Ronald Reagan goodness. He could have been, but was not, a of God-given rights and said self-government demagog. He was trying to accomplish his ex- and free markets were the only way to vindicate alted vision of this country, only that. And in those rights. He wanted the people who were liv- large measure, he succeeded. ing under oppression to regain their dignity, and Militarily, he rebuilt America’s capacity to de- his words gave hope to millions. fend itself and its allies. REAGAN’s defense build- In his 1982 ‘‘Evil Empire’’ speech before the up led to U.S. victories in the cold war, the Per- British House of Commons, President REAGAN sian , and beyond. In fact, dealing skill- said: fully with a Congress controlled during most of his Presidency by the other party, he secured While we must be cautious about forcing the pace of change, we must not hesitate to declare our ultimate objec- funding for weapons systems that are still being tives and to take concrete actions to move toward them. We used. must be staunch in our conviction that freedom is not the Diplomatically, he achieved with the Soviet sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and uni- Union, our adversary during most of the last cen- versal right of all human beings. tury, an accord that eliminated whole classes of The Reagan administration fostered democracy nuclear weapons from the stockpiles of both around the world in the eighties, in Central countries. America, South America, Asia. The Philippines, Politically, he enabled us to regain confidence Taiwan, and South Korea all liberalized their so- in America. His confidence in his country and cieties in ways that may not have been possible its goodness was utterly unshakable, so he was without the Reagan administration’s support. just the right leader to rise to the fore when the President REAGAN will go down in history for national spirit had been battered by our with- his doctrine of ‘‘peace through strength.’’ It drawal from Vietnam, the scandal of Watergate, turned this country around militarily and dip- and the malaise that his predecessor identified lomatically and turned the course of the cold war but could not seem to counteract. Economically, he slew the dragon of double- dramatically in our favor. It was also a negoti- digit inflation. He braved unpopularity to stay ating strategy—just not the right one, it turned the course with Paul Volcker, Chairman of the out—for dealing with a communist power that Federal Reserve, in tightening the money supply. was ailing economically but still aggressive. The This steadfastness saw the United States through Soviet Union had last invaded a country the year 1979 its worst economic crisis in 50 years. The econ- before he was elected, Afghanistan in . The omy slid deep into a recession before recovering U.S.S.R. was engaged in the seventies in a rapid in late 1982. military buildup. I remember also that the pre- Along with tightening the money supply to vailing nuclear standoff between the two super- kill inflation, REAGAN was convinced that mar- powers when REAGAN came into office was ginal tax rates must be cut to stimulate growth. frightening. They were locked in a decades-old These anti-inflation and tax policies defied the equilibrium under which neither attacked the conventional wisdom of that time. But they other because each could, at the push of a button, worked. They gave us what the late, great jour- destroy the other’s populations with nuclear nalist called ‘‘the seven fat years,’’ weapons. President REAGAN once said this nu- a time of unprecedented job creation and eco- clear standoff, which was called mutual assured nomic expansion in America. destruction, was ‘‘a sad commentary on the Even as RONALD REAGAN won through in do- human condition.’’ mestic policy, he was a statesman who left his He had the courage and the imagination to mark on the world. think of a way out of it: erecting a defense During his two terms in office, early 1981 to against nuclear arms. This would end the prac- the end of 1988, he championed the cause of tice of holding civilian populations hostage to human rights in the Soviet Union and Central the atomic bomb. It was, he believed, both mili- and Eastern Europe, standing up for freedom, de- tarily and morally necessary to strike off in this mocracy, and civil society. He spoke passionately new direction. As he pointed the way, he en- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 211 dured heavy criticism and even ridicule, but it now embrace. They will help us to keep this a didn’t faze him. free country and to help others who want to be His idea was brilliant, for even if embarking free. on this high-tech shield against missiles did not As we continue in the wake of September 11 lead to a deployable U.S. system right away, he to fight the war on terror, we all take comfort knew the Soviets would pour their resources into and inspiration from the jaunty optimism and matching our progress toward missile defense. It the seriousness of purpose of RONALD REAGAN. was a competition they could ill afford. The extra And President George W. Bush practices burden—economically, and even psychologically, REAGAN’s doctrine of ‘‘peace through strength.’’ of keeping up with missile defense and the entire He has done so by confronting and defeating tyr- REAGAN military buildup—hastened the collapse anny in Afghanistan and Iraq; by pursuing de- of the Soviet economy and the communist system ployment of missile defenses; by leading the itself. international community to stop the spread of People who didn’t agree with President weapons of mass destruction; and by dem- REAGAN called him a saber rattler and worse. onstrating to the world that the United States Opponents wrung their hands at this peace- is willing to rally free peoples in defense of our through-strength approach, insisting a buildup civilization and our democratic way of life. of U.S. military capabilities couldn’t possibly Thank you, RONALD REAGAN, for showing help us if the goal was a safer and more peaceful the way. world. Yet the critics were wrong. President REAGAN, the so-called saber rattler, sat down with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in Wash- Hon. ington in December 1987 and the two men signed the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty OF KANSAS which abolished the use of all intermediate and shorter range missiles by the United States and Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to RONALD the Soviet Union. REAGAN, my political guiding light. I came to The following year the Reagan administration Congress on the second REAGAN wave in the created the On-Site Inspection Agency to con- 1994 election, when Republicans took over the duct U.S. inspections of Soviet military facilities House of Representatives. Many of us were raised and to aid Soviet inspections at our facilities. The on RONALD REAGAN. His was my first Presi- REAGAN-Gorbachev diplomacy set the stage for dential campaign in 1976, when I was still a stu- the 1990 signing between NATO and the War- dent at Kansas State University. I was riding in saw Pact of the Conventional Forces in Europe a tractor in Kansas when I heard the ‘‘Evil Em- Treaty. pire’’ speech. I started pounding on the dash- One of the well-known personal traits of RON- board, saying, That is right, that is right. Then ALD REAGAN was that he didn’t care who got all the pundits came on afterward and said how credit for successful policies. Goodness knows, terrible it was. I was a bit confused but decided his detractors, then and even now, will deny him REAGAN was right and the pundits were wrong. any credit he might deserve for making the He went on to prove that. world safer. He did make the world safer, He was a great contributor to our time and though. That is the truth of it. And history will our legacy. I only had the pleasure of meeting remember him that way. RONALD REAGAN once. I was a White House We can say of RONALD REAGAN what Lincoln fellow in the Bush 1 White House. We met him said in praise of his, Lincoln’s, personal role in southern California. People had always given model : examples of his legendary humor. This meeting He loved his country partly because it was his own coun- was no exception. We were having a meeting for try, but mostly because it was a free country. a period of time, and then one of the people with The role model of our time is RONALD whom I was traveling asked him a question, REAGAN. His principles are the principles we ‘‘What one thing didn’t you get done as Presi- 212 Ronald Reagan dent that you wish you had gotten done.’’ I think tarian communist system, and he had heard this question before and he had were inherent inconsistencies and led given this line before, but he tilted his head to the demise of the Soviet Union, that along back, and you could see the glint in his eye and with RONALD REAGAN’s words. These words are the smile comes across the face, and he said, ‘‘I from . Many talked about wished I had brought back the cavalry.’’ That star wars and how the Soviet Union, at that time was a line people enjoyed at the time, and it was when REAGAN announced star wars—the Soviet the sort of humorous thing he was so known for Union’s leadership sent its best scientists to come in his policies. It was part of his greatness. back and appraise it and tell the political leader- While he was a great President, he didn’t con- ship if the Americans could do this. The Soviet sider greatness to be inherent to him. He consid- scientists came back after a few months of study- ered this country great. He considered the posi- ing the American proposal—the Reagan pro- tion of President to be great. But he wasn’t full posal—for star wars and said we could not. They of the feeling of greatness for himself, and he al- spent another few months looking at it and then ways had self-deprecating humor. That was part returned to the Soviet leadership and said if the of him. Americans are willing to stay on this path and Following on the previous speaker, Senator put the money into doing it, they can do it. Kyl, I had a chance several years back to talk It sent a shock wave through the leadership with Eduard Shevardnadze, Foreign Secretary in the Soviet system that the United States could under Mikhail Gorbachev, about when REAGAN get this accomplished. Clearly, the deciding fac- and Gorbachev were negotiating on missile re- tor of opening that system led to the demise of duction and nuclear weapons reduction. This was the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war. a meeting that took place within the last 3 or There was this wave of freedom for people who 4 years with Mr. Shevardnadze. I asked him to had been in oppressed societies for their entire reflect on that time period when we were having existence, and that was RONALD REAGAN. He a military defense buildup here under RONALD understood the source of our national greatness REAGAN and what took place in the Soviet was not our wealth or our military power but, Union in that time period. I wanted to get a rather our belief in the dignity of the individual measure from him on that. and in the God-given freedom of ordinary people He said of REAGAN: to order their lives as they wished. That was the source of his view of the United States being a REAGAN saw the central weakness of the Soviet Union. That was its inability to produce goods and services. They ‘‘shining city on a hill’’ and a model to people were spending somewhere between 60 to 80 percent of the the world over, and an inspiring example of a GDP of the Soviet Union on the military. Along comes political system that put power in the hands of REAGAN and says: I am moving more chips on the table. the people, not bureaucrats or judges. That was You will have to match me if you want to stay in this race. RONALD REAGAN. The Soviet Union then was looking around We remember President REAGAN for restoring saying, how do we stay in the race when we are our national confidence at a time when our coun- putting virtually every chip we have right now try was on the heels of the Vietnam war and the into this military buildup for the cold war. And impeachment of a President, uncertain about the it was a long way from secure at that point in way forward. We remember him for his staunch time that the Soviet Union was going to fall any defense of innocent, unborn human life—an issue time soon. This was a very well-established, mili- on which he never wavered—and for the extraor- tarily strong country. What it forced in the So- dinary step he took in authoring a book as Presi- viet Union was for them to restructure their dent, entitled ‘‘Abortion and the Conscience of economy and move to openness to try to get the Nation,’’ because he felt so strongly about more chips on the table to grow their economy. the prolife cause. We remember his brave chal- They introduced the likes of glasnost and lenge to a new Soviet leader to ‘‘tear down this perestroika, openness and restructuring of the wall,’’ because it was an affront to human dig- economy. But when you looked at the totali- nity. We remember his vital role in bringing the Memorial Tributes in the Senate 213 cold war to an end—an end hastened by both the cold war. I recall in the eighties, in the mid- President REAGAN’s military buildup and his re- dle of the cold war, when the lives of two men vitalization of the American economy. intersected—RONALD REAGAN and Mikhail In all of RONALD REAGAN’s political life was Gorbachev. These two men were very different his passionate belief in two core principles: in many ways, but they changed the course of human freedom and human dignity, both in- history. Together, President REAGAN and Mi- alienable because they were given by God. He khail Gorbachev sat down together to reduce the believed in the unbounded inventiveness and in- threat of nuclear weapons, to reduce the stockpile genuity of the individual freed from the tyranny of nuclear weapons in both countries. of government but firmly rooted in our recogni- The Soviet Union no longer exists. Eastern Eu- tion of a higher moral authority. He understood rope and the Warsaw Pact no longer exist. The that, in his words, ‘‘The City of Man cannot sur- communist threat and cold war that stemmed vive without the City of God, that the Visible from them is gone. And much of the credit, in City will perish without the Invisible City.’’ my judgment, belongs to President RONALD President REAGAN recognized that the vitality REAGAN. of our society and culture has always been de- We all recall the historic occasion when he pendent on the religious faith and practice of the stood at the wall in Berlin and said, ‘‘Mr. Gorba- people. As he said: chev, tear down this wall!’’ It was a moment I Those who created our country . . . understood that there will never forget. is a divine order which transcends the human order. They But President REAGAN was defined by more saw the state, in fact, as a form of moral order and felt that than this moment. the bedrock of moral order is religion. When hundreds of American troops were ONALD EAGAN RONALD REAGAN was never reticent in speak- killed in Lebanon, it was R R who ing about his own faith and the primary place went to the press room and said he was account- it held in his life. In all of these things, President able. You don’t see many in politics do that, but he did. REAGAN was, and continues to be, an inspiration 1986 to millions, and certainly to me. He transformed In , I served on the House Ways and the world for the better, and we are thankful he Means Committee, in which we provided the most significant tax reform that had been done graced this Nation with his life, his example, and in many decades in this country—under the lead- his divine calling. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and ership of a President who said let’s reduce tax to his family. And for all of us who mourn his rates for all Americans and get rid of some of passing, may we continue to be inspired and ele- the tax loopholes. This President led and the vated by all he was, all he achieved, and all he Congress followed. I was proud to be a part of sought for us to be. that. His Presidency was not without substantial God bless you, RONALD REAGAN. controversy and difficulty. I felt his fiscal policy would produce very large budget deficits, and it Hon. Byron L. Dorgan did. And the Iran-Contra scandal was a serious problem for the administration. Yet, despite OF NORTH DAKOTA those problems and setbacks and controversies, I think President REAGAN provided leadership in Mr. President, I would like to extend my some very important areas. deepest sympathy to the Reagan family, and to The charm of President REAGAN was consider- send a thank you from a grateful Nation to some- able. He had that cowboy hat kind of cocked one who served this country so well. And I know back on his head. He had movie-star good looks. that the citizens I represent in North Dakota feel He had that famous smile. He was a great story- the same way. teller with a gleam in his eye. He told the story President REAGAN had a profound impact on often about the pile of manure and the child who the demise of the Soviet Union and the end of insisted that if there is a pile of manure, there 214 Ronald Reagan must be a pony somewhere. The President loved rified by seeing the explosion of the Challenger to regale people with stories. and the death of those astronauts, it was RONALD I don’t pretend to have known him well, but REAGAN who came on television and talked I sat behind him on the west front of the Capitol about that ill-fated flight. But he did it in such in 1981, when he gave his inaugural address. I an inspiring way, and finished with the refrain recall that he announced to the country that from that poem: ‘‘jThey havek slipped the surly planes had just left the tarmac in Iran with the bonds of earth’’ and ‘‘touchjedk the face of God.’’ American hostages now freed. It was a gray, cold Later in life, as President REAGAN lived in re- day and the first inaugural of President REAGAN. tirement in California, he began a long journey As he began to speak, the clouds began to part into the darkness of a devastating illness called and rays of sunshine began to come through. It Alzheimer’s. His last statement to the American was a remarkable moment. people was a poignant statement, in which he And I was a freshman Member of the House described his illness and its consequences. when, one day, I was called to the bank of tele- This is a man who served his country with phones in the Democratic Cloakroom. They told great distinction, someone with whom I had dis- me it was President REAGAN calling. agreements from time to time, but someone The President wanted my vote for a policy he whom I believe is owed the admiration of an en- was proposing to the Congress. I listened to him, tire Nation. but in the end, I felt he was not right on that I am reminded of a book that David particular issue, and I said I could not support McCullough wrote about another President, John him on it. He said, ‘‘Well, you are a good man, Adams. In the book, you learn that John Adams and thanks for taking my call.’’ It was just like wrote to his wife Abigail, as our Founding Fa- him to frame it that way. thers tried to put this country of ours together— I had the opportunity to have breakfast with and he asked these questions: From where will him, along with a handful of my colleagues, one the leadership come? Who will be the leaders? morning in the White House. Once again, he re- How will the leadership emerge to create this galed all of us with wonderful, charming stories. I have always said that if you could have din- new country of ours? And then he would plain- ner with anyone, you could not do better than tively say to his wife: There is only us. There is me. There is Ben Franklin. There is George RONALD REAGAN or Tip O’Neill, both Irish, both wonderful people with a wit and a charm, Washington. There is Thomas Jefferson and and both great storytellers. James Madison. There is George Mason. I believe that for President REAGAN, politics Of course, in the rearview mirror of history, was not bitter or rancid. In fact, he used to talk we recognize that these men were some of the about the ‘‘11th commandment’’ for his party: greatest human talent ever assembled on Earth. Thou shalt not speak ill of someone in his own But every generation has asked that same ques- political party. It is a commandment that has tion for this great democracy. From where will been long forgotten, regrettably. I am afraid that the leadership come? Who will be the leaders? today’s politics have taken a turn for the worse. And this country has been fortunate that, in gen- President REAGAN was aggressive in debate eration after generation, men and women of vir- but always respectful. I believe he personified the tually all political persuasions have stepped for- notion that you can disagree without being dis- ward to say: Let me serve this great country. agreeable. RONALD REAGAN was one of those leaders. He He was a man of great strength. After he was served in California as Governor and then served shot during an assassination attempt—seriously two terms as President of the United States. He wounded—he was wheeled into the hospital had, in my judgment, a kind of a peculiar qual- emergency room, and he was ready with a quip ity, a quality that gave him an almost quenchless for the doctors. hope, boundless optimism, an indestructible be- He was a remarkable person. When the Chal- lief that something good was going to happen, lenger accident occurred and this country was hor- and he communicated that to a grateful Nation. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 215 So today we say thank you. Thank you for and, we were told, invincible. We were being ad- your service. God bless your memory, and God monished to get used to a dysfunctional economy bless your family. that combined high inflation with low growth, a demoralized military, an ever more intrusive and intruding government, a depressed and de- Hon. Wayne Allard pressing spiritual malaise that left many in doubt about our fundamental values. No one offered a OF COLORADO way out. RONALD REAGAN’s fresh voice of optimism Mr. President, some people have the capacity was like manna to our hungry spirits. He talked to change your life. For me, RONALD REAGAN about how our idling economy could regain its was one of those people. RONALD REAGAN’s formidable power. He talked about how great message of strengthening individual liberties, our country was and how much greater it could maintaining a strong national defense, cutting be. He talked about facing down our foes and through the thicket of government regulations our fears. He talked about restoring American and lowering taxes inspired me to run for public pride and patriotism. He, more than any other office in the eighties. He made me believe it is individual in the second half of the 20th century, possible to bring about change for the better. brought America back from the brink of self- I first ran for the Colorado State Senate in imposed defeat and despair. He made us proud 1982, the second year of REAGAN’s Presidency, once again. and fought to pass resolutions there supporting RONALD REAGAN was a monumentally gifted the policies that the President advocated, such man, and a man of many gifts. as the balanced budget amendment. To those in doubt, he brought the gift of opti- I was a small businessman. I operated a private mism. veterinary practice. So RONALD REAGAN’s vision To his supporters and allies, he brought the of strengthening America’s small businesses, be- gift of confidence and assurance. cause they are the backbone of our economy and To an audience, he brought a magnificent gift way of life, had a great deal of appeal. His belief of humor. in and cutting taxes to allow To his opponents, he brought the gift of dis- people to decide how best to spend their own agreeing without being disagreeable. money have been two of my guiding principles His gift to the world was even more signifi- since I was first elected to public office. I believe cant. He brought about the end of a cold war him to be the father of the modern Republican that had cast a 50-year shadow of fear over all Party. the people on the planet. My wife Joan and I never had the opportunity RONALD REAGAN never doubted his country’s to meet RONALD REAGAN until he came to Col- need to defend itself from all foes. ‘‘Of the four orado in 1988. Talking to him one on one was wars in my lifetime,’’ President REAGAN said, an emotional high point of my life. We smiled ‘‘none came about because the United States was all the way back home to Loveland, CO. I have too strong.’’ kept his picture hanging in my office, first in It is of paramount importance for us to re- the U.S. House of Representatives and now in member, during this period of threat and con- the Senate, ever since. flict, the wisdom of one of his favorite phrases: It is hard to describe to the young people who ‘‘Peace through strength.’’ Among his greatest live in our vibrant economy and confident cul- achievements was to rearm us, to reinvigorate the ture just how unsure and discouraged Americans American military, and to let our adversaries were in the late seventies. Everything that could know, beyond any doubt, that they were in a race go wrong had. America seemed to be shrinking they were not going to win. before our eyes. Those in charge of our govern- In the past 15 years or so, the United States ment had apparently given up on winning the has decisively fought and won two significant cold war. The Soviet Union loomed dangerous wars. The keys to those victories were highly mo- 216 Ronald Reagan tivated and skilled combat personnel fighting Defense Initiative in the hopes of one day ren- with unmatched military equipment and em- dering all such ballistic missiles impotent and ploying unprecedented tactics. obsolete. How did this renewed and reinvigorated Today we are building on his legacy by de- American military might come about? ploying strategic missile defenses and aggres- Let’s look back to RONALD REAGAN’s accept- sively eliminating excessive nuclear stockpiles. ance speech at the 1980 Republican Nominating President REAGAN’s legacy to us, of a safer Convention. As only the Great Communicator world, is one we must constantly guard and could, he laid out his vision for us with not only honor. clarity, but with a conviction that rings true and There is no doubt that President REAGAN was is still good counsel today. one of the greatest Presidents of the modern era. He said: A man of huge confidence and unwavering prin- ciple, he revived the American spirit, revitalized We are awed—and rightly so—by the forces of destruction at loose in the world in this nuclear era. But neither can our economy and engineered the fall of com- we be naive or foolish. . . . We know only too well that war munism. He changed the world for the better. comes not when the forces of freedom are strong, but when We share his family’s grief, and keep them in they are weak. It is then that tyrants are tempted. our prayers. He added: In his memory, let us recommit ourselves to EAGAN Let our friends and those who may wish us ill take note: President R ’s goal of ensuring that Amer- the United States has an obligation to its citizens and to the ica always remains the bright, ‘‘shining city on people of the world never to let those who would destroy the hill.’’ freedom dictate the future course of human life on this plan- et. . . . This nation will once again be strong enough to do that. Hon. He was, of course, as good as his word. Once OF NEBRASKA assuming office, President REAGAN launched a military renaissance that not only led to the de- Mr. President, on January 20, 1981, RONALD mise of the Soviet Union, Soviet communism, REAGAN, after being sworn in as the 40th Presi- and the cold war, but also set the course for our dent of the United States, looked out over The military leadership that continues to this day en- Mall and addressed the Nation. He told us that suring our safety. the challenges of our day required: President REAGAN’s initiative was threefold: upgrade our military equipment; improve the Our best effort and our willingness to believe in ourselves and to believe in our capacity to perform great deeds, to be- training and morale of our service men and lieve that together with God’s help we can and will resolve women to improve recruitment and retention; the problems which now confront us. And after all, why and restore national pride in—and global respect shouldn’t we believe that? We are Americans. of—the U.S. military. I remember the celebrations that evening as A major accomplishment of President if they happened yesterday. It was a bitterly cold REAGAN’s was the development of a credible, evening. As our Nation celebrated a new begin- modern strategic deterrent. He reinvested in our ning, it was as if the cold January winds swept strategic ballistic missile weapons inventories, away a Nation’s doubts and fears and replaced modernized a complement of land, sea, and air- them with a renewed American spirit. craft-based platforms to project our strategic RONALD REAGAN was a unique American force. leader who understood the greatness and the This display of offensive force proved to be an goodness of America. He knew who he was and effective deterrent, but President REAGAN envi- what he believed. Over the last century, no sioned a world with far fewer of these destructive American President was as well grounded as weapons, and pressed throughout his Presidency RONALD REAGAN. He had faith and confidence for significant reductions of nuclear weapons. In in the people of America, and that trust was re- 1983, President REAGAN launched the Strategic ciprocated. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 217

As much as anyone who came before or after cause Governor REAGAN wanted to speak with him, RONALD REAGAN possessed an innate un- me. I was taken into the house where Governor derstanding of the significance of the American REAGAN was staying. He sat down next to me Presidency. RONALD and Nancy REAGAN set the and told me he wanted to talk about Vietnam. for grace, dignity and class in the He wanted to know about my experience and White House. REAGAN understood the weight what I thought about the war. That was the kind and consequences of his office beyond the borders of man he was. He wanted to understand things. of the United States. The world looked to him He wanted to know things and he wanted to as a standard bearer of freedom. REAGAN also un- make the world better than it was. derstood the importance of the Presidency to Though his individual accomplishments are young people. The responsibility of being a role great, RONALD REAGAN will be remembered for model to a nation’s youth rested easily on his something far greater than the sum of his indi- shoulders. vidual accomplishments; he will be remembered RONALD REAGAN is known as the Great Com- for renewing the American spirit. He was a true municator. While he certainly was one of the American original. We will never see one like best communicators ever to hold the Presidency, him again. he was far more than just a talented communi- Over the last decade as we struggled to meet cator. REAGAN was a thinker and a writer. He the challenges of our time, RONALD REAGAN was constantly writing beautiful letters and his slipped away from us. He now belongs to the speeches in longhand. Today, these speeches and warmth of eternity and the pages of history. letters are national treasures. REAGAN thought However, he has not left us to meet our chal- deeply about the great issues of his time without lenges alone. The lessons of his leadership and getting dragged down into the underbrush of de- the strength of his spirit that swept across our tail and trivia. He was not a superfluous man. country on a cold day in January 24 years ago, Our Nation was guided by his clarity of purpose, guide us still today. understanding of the purpose of power and the limitations of government. Since President REAGAN left the American po- Hon. litical stage, we have missed his imagination and creativity. Since his days of sitting in a radio stu- OF OKLAHOMA dio doing play-by-play broadcasts for baseball games from news wire service copy, he had a Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to genuineness that served him well. He was a mas- a man who meant a great deal to me and a great terful storyteller. In today’s age of processed poli- deal to my State and to our country. That, of tics and politicians, President REAGAN’s candor course, is President RONALD REAGAN. It is with and humor are sorely lacking. sadness I learned that he recently passed away. RONALD REAGAN was a child of humble be- But I have great confidence he has moved on to ginnings who never forgot the little guy. He be- a better home. I express my condolences and lieved every American had something special to sympathies to his family and also thank them for contribute. REAGAN let people know that each their generosity in sharing RONALD REAGAN thread of the American fabric mattered. In late with us in the public life, both as Governor of , I was working as an adviser on the great State of California, and also as President the REAGAN-Bush campaign. of the United States for 8 wonderful years. One evening, I was part of a group invited to I had the privilege, in the same year as RON- an estate near Middleburg, VA, where then- ALD REAGAN was elected President, to be elected Governor and Nancy REAGAN were staying. to the Senate. I have many fond memories of They wanted to thank us for the work we had RONALD REAGAN. I remember very well during done for the campaign with a wonderful dinner. his inaugural address when the rumors were com- As the evening was ending, an aide to Governor ing out, and then later confirmed, that the REAGAN asked me to remain after the dinner be- American citizens who were held hostage in Iran 218 Ronald Reagan for 444 days were released. I remember the eu- RONALD REAGAN came in with such great en- phoria that came across the stage. I remember thusiasm, such an optimist. He did not say, ‘‘let’s the euphoria that came across America. It was moan about it,’’ but ‘‘let’s do something about such an exciting, positive change. Americans it.’’ He had an economic game plan for which really felt great. This was suppressing our coun- we fought, and we passed in the House and the try, the very fact that we had American citizens Senate. These were remarkable accomplishments held hostage for over a year, in many cases being when I think about it. beaten or tortured or abused, with American He actually was responsible for pushing Con- flags burning in Tehran continually. It was such gress, Democrats and Republicans, to pass enor- a great day when they were released. mous changes in the Tax Code. I happened to 8 I happen to think it was because, in many re- enjoy working on taxes, and during his years spects, the leadership of Iran decided they did he actually moved the maximum tax rate from 70 28 not want to worry about this new President, percent to percent. That is a phenomenal RONALD REAGAN, and what actions he might accomplishment. Phenomenal. And he was able take. I think they made a very good decision. to do it with a bipartisan majority. It was not I was very pleased they did so. I was very a strictly partisan House and Senate. As a matter euphoric at the time and probably could not have of fact, the House was always controlled by the been much more excited at that time. Democrats. Tip O’Neill, who was the Democrat When we were sworn in, there were 18 new leader, the House Speaker at the time, was op- Senators elected in 1980 and sworn in early in posed. So we had big confrontations, political 1981. Of the 18, 16 were Republicans. The leader- confrontations, big battles over the tax cuts, and over the budgets. Yet they passed them. ship of the Senate changed for the first time, I Even though we had big battles, we had a cer- believe, since 1954. So we had new committee tain dignity and respect in large part because of chairmen; we had new leadership. Howard Baker RONALD REAGAN. And because of his affection assumed the responsibility and role as majority for individuals, Democrats and Republicans, even leader and did an outstanding job. The Senate political adversaries who would have political was a great place to work and to serve, and to battles still had a collegial, working relationship. work with a President as generous, as humorous, They respected each other and respected individ- and with such strong leadership as RONALD uals regardless of their political philosophy. As REAGAN. a result, he was able to enact enormous changes I look at the economy that RONALD REAGAN in the Tax Code and budgets, and increase de- inherited, and I see great accomplishments. A lot fense. 1980 of people do not remember that in the infla- RONALD REAGAN came in with an agenda, 13 5 4 8 tion rate was . percent and it fell to . per- and he largely accomplished those objectives. 1989 1980 15 27 cent by . The interest rate in was . The result has been economic freedom in this 10 87 1989 percent and fell to . percent by . Actu- country. ally, the interest rate had risen to 18.87 percent He was not satisfied, frankly, with just ex- in 1981. I remember that now. Interest rates were panding and improving the economic lot of at 18 and 19 percent. The unemployment rate in Americans. He wanted to improve the economic 1980 was over 7 percent. In 1981 it reached 7.6 lot and the freedom of people throughout the 1989 5 3 percent but by it was down to . percent. world. RONALD REAGAN was the leader of the So we had record high inflation rates, record free world, and he spoke eloquently and often high interest rates, and maybe not record high and encouraged freedom through the world and but very high unemployment rates. We inherited countless countries that have been oppressed or an economy that was going nowhere fast. It was suppressed through communist leadership. RON- going in the wrong direction. You could not af- ALD REAGAN was speaking to them. He would ford to build a home. You could not afford to go right over the leaders of Congress. If he want- expand your business. It was a very difficult ed to get something done budgetwise, taxwise, time. or defensewise, and if Congress was not listening, Memorial Tributes in the Senate 219 he would go to the American people. And when most always not caring who got the credit as he would travel internationally he would go over long as we accomplished our objective. the leadership of those countries and speak to I remember many times he let other people their people with great success. wrestle with the details, but he knew where he We all remember his speech when he was in wanted to go. He knew the course he was trying Berlin, the speech that says: ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, to direct our ship of state, and he managed it tear down this wall!’’ very well. The favorite picture of all my memorabilia I have a lot of fond memories. I remember that I have in my home is a picture of me stand- RONALD REAGAN coming in to campaign for me ing before the Berlin Wall, and behind it some- in 1986. We had him visit Norman, OK, the body spray-painted on the wall: ‘‘When this wall University of Oklahoma, Lloyd Noble Arena. We falls, the rest will, too.’’ And they did. The Ber- packed the place. It was more than packed. The lin Wall did fall, and I think it was in large part fire marshal had to turn down people who could because of RONALD REAGAN’s leadership. not get in. We had thousands and thousands of When that wall fell, other countries that had people. I told President REAGAN: This is Reagan been suppressed and under the reins of the Iron country. They love you here. You don’t need to Curtain of communism began speaking up, exer- make a prepared speech. You can say whatever cising their rights, and demanding freedom and you want. They will applaud. They love you obtaining it. here. RONALD REAGAN was the leader in winning There was a nice, big sign: ‘‘This is Reagan the fight in the cold war. As Mr. Gorbachev said, country.’’ Very positive. The entire rally speech probably no one else in the world could have could not have gone better from my standpoint. done it, but RONALD REAGAN did it. And he It was great. was able to do it with Mr. Gorbachev. Many RONALD REAGAN concluded his speech. He times they were political adversaries in negoti- said, ‘‘That is why we need in the ating arms control treaties and so on. Yet they Senate.’’ And I thought: Did he really say that? still became friends as only RONALD REAGAN I told him to wing it, and he did. I have had could do. He could become friends with his ad- that honor of being able to call myself Don versaries and eventually that kind of friendship Rickles for a long time. and bond would lead to arms control reduction, But RONALD REAGAN leaves a legacy. He would lead to a significant reduction in nuclear leaves a legacy of decency. He leaves a legacy of weapons, would lead to agreements with our integrity. I think he helped restore so much NATO allies and other countries to expand free- pride in America. He was a true patriot, a patriot dom. who loved this country from the very inner core RONALD REAGAN, probably more than any in- of his being. And it was contagious. It was con- dividual since Churchill or Roosevelt, was re- tagious through the fact that not only did he love sponsible for expanding freedom throughout the America, but he made Americans feel better world. I compliment him for his great contribu- about our country. tions in doing so. He made other people envy us to some extent. He became somewhat of a role model for many They wanted to be like us. They wanted to be of us. I was elected with this group in 1980. free. What does America have that we don’t Many of us called ourselves Reaganites and con- have? They have freedom, optimism. And that sidered ourselves part of the soldiers in the field freedom would be economic freedom, personal trying to get an agenda done to expand freedom. freedom, and political freedom. I am proud to have been part of that. I am proud RONALD REAGAN wanted to expand it all for to have had the opportunity to serve with such all people. He believed everybody—even if they a great individual. lived in China or Russia or or El I remember many times going down to the Salvador—if people were trying to take that free- White House, talking issues. I remember RON- dom away, he was freedom’s friend. He carried ALD REAGAN almost always having humor, al- that banner very well. 220 Ronald Reagan He helped people learn to love and respect the family is a living memorial, something that he United States. I can honestly say I have the would want to see us do, not something we greatest admiration and respect for RONALD would like to do, and something that would have REAGAN. I loved RONALD REAGAN. He has lasting value. Therefore, I would like to issue a moved this country forward in a way that I think bipartisan call to support legislation that Senator all of us can be very proud. Kit Bond and I will be introducing next week, Again, I express my condolences and sympathy legislation to create breakthroughs for Alz- to Nancy Reagan and to the family. Nancy heimer’s disease. Reagan was one great First Lady. The love and Let’s honor President REAGAN’s life with new affection she showed toward her husband research and new initiatives on how to prevent throughout not only his Presidency and gover- Alzheimer’s, how to care for those who have it, norship but, frankly, throughout the last 10 years how to support the gallant caregivers, and how, is more than commendable, and it is the kind ultimately, to find a cure. of role model that we expect from Nancy President REAGAN was a man of vigor. Let’s Reagan. She is a first-class First Lady, a first-class attack Alzheimer’s with the same type of vigor lady for all of us. that President REAGAN demonstrated during his Again, my condolences and sympathy to her. life. And I thank her and her family for allowing us The time to act for real breakthroughs is now. to share RONALD REAGAN for many years as the Just last month, Senator Bond and I held a hear- leader of our country. He has made this country ing on Alzheimer’s research. Expert after expert and this world a much better place to live. told us: We are on the verge of amazing break- throughs; we will lose opportunities if we don’t move quickly; we are at a crucial point where Hon. Barbara A. Mikulski National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding can make a real difference. OF MARYLAND Researchers, families, and advocates all said the same thing, we need to do more, we need Mr. President, I, too, rise in memory of Presi- to do better. dent RONALD REAGAN. President REAGAN will Let’s answer that call by introducing and pass- be remembered for his strong convictions, his ing the RONALD REAGAN Alzheimer’s Break- unfailing optimism, and his deep and abiding through Act of 2004. patriotism. Friends, we are on the brink of something that My heartfelt condolences go out to the Reagan could make a huge difference in the lives of family. They have been through so much in the American families. We know that families face last 10 years. great difficulties when a loved one has Alz- Our former First Lady, Nancy Reagan, has met heimer’s. There is great emotional cost as well one of the greatest challenges that one can face as financial cost. We know that for our public with grace, dignity, and dedication. Her courage investment we could get new treatments that is a model for the Nation. I know how tremen- would prolong a patient’s cognitive abilities. dously difficult it is for a family when a loved Each month we delay admission to a long- one has Alzheimer’s. My own dear father suffered term care facility is important to the family and from this disease. And, my family and I know to the taxpayer. Everybody wants a cure; that is what the long goodbye meant. So, I speak for our ultimate goal. But even if we keep people my family, and I think all families who have en- at home for 1 or 2 more years, to help them with dured this disease when we salute Nancy Reagan their memory, their activities of daily living, it as we pay our respects to our President. would be an incredible breakthrough, and what Mr. President, as our country reflects on Presi- a great tribute it would be to President REAGAN. dent REAGAN’s life, many will ask, how should It is amazing how far we have come. From the we honor him? I believe the greatest tribute we time President REAGAN took office in 1981 until could give to President REAGAN and the Reagan the time he wrote that incredibly moving good- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 221 bye letter to the Nation—and I note it with caregiver is always the family. We saw that with great emotion because, again, I know how my Nancy Reagan who went from being First Lady own father felt. Back in the early eighties, when to first caregiver. President REAGAN first came to office, Alz- We need to support families. We need to give heimer’s was a catch-all term. Today, doctors di- help to those families practicing self-help. We agnose Alzheimer’s with 90-percent accuracy. now have legislation on the books to do that. Every day NIH is making progress to identify risks, looking at new kinds of brain scans for ap- But, we need to add more to the Federal check- propriate detection, and understanding what this book. Most families don’t know where to turn disease does to the brain. to get what services are available. I have a family How did we get this far, this fast? With a caregiver tax credit that would reimburse fami- bipartisan commitment like the one represented lies for prescription drugs, home health care, and by Senator Bond, Senators Specter and Harkin, specialized daycare. Too often, for families with the Alzheimer’s Task Force that is led by Sen- Alzheimer’s, family responsibility brings them to ators Collins and Clinton, and all of us who are the brink of family bankruptcy. working on this issue. With a bipartisan com- There are other things we want to be able to mitment of the authorizers and appropriators, we have been working to increase the funding for do with this legislation, such as providing news the National Institute on Aging. Remember, people can use. The legislation would establish there are 19 institutes at the NIH. One of them a network so information can get out people is the National Institute of Aging. about the advances, and things that could be In 1998 the National Institute on Aging was done right now to slow the onset of symptoms. funded at approximately $500 million. Thanks to We need to get the word out, such as the won- our bipartisan effort, it is at $1 billion. Now is derful program developed by the Alzheimer’s As- the time to do more. sociation called ‘‘Maintain Your Brain.’’ But pri- That is why I want to join with my esteemed vate philanthropy cannot be a substitute for pub- colleague, Senator Kit Bond, who himself has lic policy and public funding. We have to fund been a very strong advocate for research and these initiatives. breakthroughs, to introduce the RONALD 4 5 REAGAN Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2004. I believe very strongly in this. There are . We want to strengthen our national commit- million people with Alzheimer’s. in ment to Alzheimer’s research, to increase and every State, in cities and suburbs and on farms. double the funding of research at NIA, to give They are from every walk of life, like my father, them the resources they need to make those who owned a small grocery store, or a man who breakthroughs they say they are on the horizon was the President of the United States. Alz- of doing. This will mean more clinical trials to heimer’s is an all-American disease. It affected an test the best way to detect, prevent, and treat all-American President. Now we need an all- Alzheimer’s. American effort to find the breakthroughs. NIH is looking at a range of behaviors and therapies that can make an incredible difference. I encourage everyone to consider this when In our legislation, we also call for a national Senator Bond and I introduce this legislation. summit on Alzheimer’s to bring together the This research and treatment is very important. best minds to examine current research, to look I do not want to be so bold as to speak for Mrs. at priorities, and also to look at how we can help Reagan, but based on what I know she has gone families. through and what other families have gone While we are looking at research to find the through, I believe the legacy she would approve cure or the cognitive stretch out, we have to sup- of is an all-American effort—an effort to speed port the caregivers. God bless the caregivers. up the day when no family ever has to have that These are family members, often spouses, who very long goodbye. take care of someone with Alzheimer’s. The first 222 Ronald Reagan Hon. Christopher S. Bond port Program to $250 million. It would reauthor- ize the Alzheimer’s demonstration grant program OF MISSOURI that provides grants to States to fill in gaps in Alzheimer’s services, such as respite care, home Mr. President, I thank and commend my col- health care, and daycare. league from Maryland who has been a great I have done a fair amount of work in home champion of the effort to deal with the terribly care and daycare. I can tell you that a family liv- distressing and fatal disease of Alzheimer’s in ing with a patient with Alzheimer’s needs a proposing—and I am happy to join her—a meas- break. They need someone to care for that loved ure to honor RONALD REAGAN, his memory, his one so they can get out and renew their batteries, life, his work, and his family with a living trib- refresh their view on life. This can help. ute, a redoubled effort on behalf of this Nation We would authorize $1 million for a safe re- to deal with Alzheimer’s. turn program to assist in the identification and Senator Mikulski and others who have lived safe, timely return of individuals with Alz- with and lost a loved one from Alzheimer’s can heimer’s disease and related who too say very clearly how difficult it must have been frequently wander off from their caregivers. We for Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan family as this hear the tragedies where they can’t find their way true leader went through the final stages of his home and fall victim to natural or even auto- life, crippled and debilitated by Alzheimer’s, to mobile accidents while they are gone. We would see this man who was so vigorous, who had con- establish a public education program to educate tributed so much be reduced to the indignities members of the public about prevention tech- of Alzheimer’s. niques, how you can maintain your brain, as you His life and legacy can be honored in many age, based on the current research being under- ways. People will remember him for many rea- taken by NIH. sons. I will speak of those in a moment. But by We would establish a $5,000 tax credit to help increasing research for Alzheimer’s disease, help- with the high health costs of caring for a loved ing to limit the number and maybe even elimi- one at home. nate Alzheimer’s, providing assistance to families Today, as Senator Mikulski said, about 4.5 who must deal with patients with Alzheimer’s, million Americans have Alzheimer’s, costing and providing assistance in identifying and pre- about $100 billion a year. But if current trends venting Alzheimer’s is vitally important. continue, and as more of us age, by 2050, 11 to One of the facts that struck me as we listened 16 million individuals could have this disease. to the experts was that as we get older more and Over the past 20 years tremendous progress more of us are going to suffer from Alzheimer’s has been made in the prevention, diagnosis, and disease. We were told in our hearing about a treatment of Alzheimer’s. It is now possible to month ago that if you reach 85, you have a 50- diagnose Alzheimer’s with more than 90-percent percent chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease. accuracy. There are new drugs, new treatments What a tragic figure. There is something we introduced each year, and investments in research must do, and we believe this legislation is one have set the stage for scientific and medical ad- way of making a major effort, showing a com- vances to prevent or slow down the progression mitment, reaching out a hand of hope to the of Alzheimer’s. Quite frankly, most of the suc- families of those who have Alzheimer’s, pro- cessful research to date has been in slowing the viding information to all of us on what we might impact, not preventing it. But this research offers be able to do to lessen the likelihood we will hope for the 4.5 million people and their families be struck with Alzheimer’s. who suffer from the disease today. As Senator Mikulski said, this bill will serve These are some of what we can do as an honor as a tribute to President REAGAN by doubling to the President. It is my great pleasure to speak the funding for Alzheimer’s research at the Na- in this Chamber about the life and leadership and tional Institutes of Health. It would increase the truly remarkable legacy of the 40th President funding for the National Family Caregiver Sup- of the United States, RONALD REAGAN. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 223 We mourn his loss. We pray for comfort for message. I stood there, side by side with Jack his family. But most of all, we give thanks for Danforth, and we smiled and glowed in the won- his life, his leadership, and his contributions. derful feeling he generated. He helped me a great Truly, he is a man who changed the mood of deal. the country. He changed the economy of the President REAGAN helped the United States. country. And in many ways, he changed the He came to the Presidency at a time when a lot mood and the attitude of the world. of people were saying maybe the Presidency can- People talk about President REAGAN as the not work, maybe nobody can govern this coun- Great Communicator. Nobody could deliver a try, maybe it is too much to expect somebody line better than he could. But do you know to lead. Well, he led very boldly. Quite simply, something about communication? Communica- he thought that if you returned tax dollars to tion is only as good as the message you have to the average American and took off the fetters on communicate. The power of RONALD REAGAN small business, you would create jobs and build was that he delivered with enthusiasm, with op- the economy. By the significant lowering of the timism, with cheer, with love, a message of hope, tax rates, as my friend from Oklahoma, Senator freedom, and opportunity, not just for Americans Nickles, said, he put money back into the pock- but for the world. ets of small businesses, and small business be- I had the pleasure of getting to know RONALD came the engine of economic growth, creating REAGAN. He was a genuinely optimistic person three-quarters of the new jobs. He built an econ- who brought the spirit of optimism and hope to omy, and that economy allowed us to put money us as Americans and to enslaved peoples around into defense. the world. RONALD REAGAN was a man who He tried to negotiate with the Soviets. He took disappointment and moved on. He was a asked Mr. Gorbachev if he would sit down and man of unfailing good humor, care, and thought- talk with him about how we could end the com- fulness. Even people who disagreed with his poli- petition between Soviet communism and the cies across the board could not help but like him. United States. Mr. Gorbachev didn’t respond. So And those of us who may have disappointed he built up our defenses and showed the Rus- him found it did not interfere with his friend- sians, the Soviets, that they could not defeat us. ship. He campaigned for me in 1972 when I was He went boldly to Berlin and called on Mr. a 33-year-old kid running for Governor of the Gorbachev—much to the distress of the State State of Missouri. I had never seen anything like Department, I might add, and some of his own it. When he came into town, we had all of the team—‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ security and escorts. But it wasn’t until he went Well, that wall came down literally and figu- up on stage and started making his presentation ratively. He had a message that went far beyond that I saw what it was that had brought so many Mr. Gorbachev. That message went to the people from southwest Missouri in to hear this enslaved peoples behind the Iron Curtain. I had leader. He had a message then—the same mes- the pleasure of visiting some of those countries sage—of optimism, growth, and hope for the fu- right before and right after they fell, a few years ture. after President REAGAN had set in motion the I was fortunate enough to be elected and to inexorable machine of freedom. His message of serve with him for 2 years. Two years after that, hope, freedom, and opportunity continues to re- I hosted the Republican National Convention, verberate around the world. I have had the pleas- and I had made a commitment to our President ure of meeting with people and traveling to other at the time, who selected our State for the na- countries and seeing how this message—the tional convention. So I supported him and not American dream—he championed is taking hold. President REAGAN. But about 10 years later, He wasn’t the only one responsible for it, but when I was running for the Senate, he came to we never had a better proponent of it. I believe Missouri three times and he put on the most this message of the American hopes and the amazing campaign rallies I ever had. We still American ideals, for which RONALD REAGAN talk about it, because people came to hear his spoke so eloquently, is winning the battle. 224 Ronald Reagan

Finally, in his last and boldest move, when life of RONALD REAGAN and to express to Nancy RONALD REAGAN learned he had Alzheimer’s— Reagan and her family my heartfelt condolences, a disease which was not spoken about often be- I thought I should keep my words to a minimum cause people hated to think of what would hap- and focus, instead, on the warm and wise words pen to their loved ones, so they didn’t talk about of President REAGAN in his farewell address. It it—he said, ‘‘I have . . . Alzheimer’s disease,’’ and has been the practice of the Senate for the last Americans woke up and they thought, this is a 140 years that on or around the birthday of world leader who is suffering from this disease; George Washington, a Senator is selected to read let’s do something about it. Let’s get serious Washington’s farewell address. I thought I would about Alzheimer’s disease. That public announce- begin that tradition this day, with President ment gave us a push that I believe we can con- REAGAN’s great speech, to come to the floor on tinue by carrying on with his work with a living or around President REAGAN’s birthday, and memorial. share his speech—or if one of my colleagues So as we say goodbye to this remarkable would like to do so, I would offer them the op- American, we join in our prayers and thoughts portunity. I believe that this new tradition would with Mrs. Nancy Reagan and her family, and we be a fitting tribute to RONALD REAGAN, to let celebrate the life of a great American who made RONALD REAGAN’s words speak again to the a real difference for people throughout the world. American people, far more eloquently than I Let us honor his memory by helping millions could on an occasion when we all struggle to find more whom we might be able to save from the the right superlatives to say thank you to him. scourge of Alzheimer’s disease and the burdens So with the Chair’s indulgence, I will read the and the sorrow that imposes on their families. farewell address of President RONALD REAGAN, given shortly before he left the Oval Office and George Herbert Walker Bush became the Presi- Hon. Gordon Smith dent. The words of President REAGAN: OF OREGON

FAREWELL ADDRESS 1980 Mr. President, in the elections of and This is the 34th time I’ll speak to you from the Oval Office 1984, the State of Oregon sent its electors to the and the last. We’ve been together eight years now, and soon electoral college to vote for RONALD REAGAN. it’ll be time for me to go. But before I do, I wanted to share He was the last Republican to win the State of some thoughts, some of which I’ve been saving for a long Oregon in a Presidential election, and he did so time. It’s been the honor of my life to be your president. So at a time of great peril both for my State and many of you have written the past few weeks to say thanks, our country. but I could say as much to you. Nancy and I are grateful When that occurred, America was in economic for the opportunity you gave us to serve. malaise, communism seemed to be in its ascend- One of the things about the presidency is that you’re al- ancy, and America was struggling for leadership. ways somewhat apart. You spend a lot of time going by too fast in a car someone else is driving, and seeing the people Winston Churchill once said of a predecessor as through tinted glass—the parents holding up a child, and British Prime Minister, ‘‘He had had the misfor- the wave you saw too late and couldn’t return. And so many tune to live in a time of great men and small times I wanted to stop and reach out from behind the glass, events.’’ When you think of where America was and connect. Well, maybe I can do a little of that tonight. 8 People ask how I feel about leaving. And the fact is, ‘‘part- and where it ended after years of the adminis- ing is such sweet sorrow.’’ The sweet part is California, and tration of RONALD REAGAN, truly it can be said the ranch and freedom. The sorrow—the goodbyes, of course, that all free men and women are better and freer, and leaving this beautiful place. more prosperous and more at peace because RON- You know, down the hall and up the stairs from this office is the part of the White House where the president and his ALD REAGAN was a great man called to a great family live. There are a few favorite windows I have up there time. that I like to stand and look out of early in the morning. As I contemplated what I could do in my The view is over the grounds here to the Washington Monu- small way to add some measure of tribute to the ment, and then the Mall and the Jefferson Memorial. But Memorial Tributes in the Senate 225 on mornings when the humidity is low, you can see past Well, back in 1980, when I was running for president, it the Jefferson to the river, the Potomac, and the Virginia was all so different. Some pundits said our programs would shore. Someone said that’s the view Lincoln had when he saw result in catastrophe. Our views on foreign affairs would cause the smoke rising from the Battle of Bull Run. I see more war. Our plans for the economy would cause inflation to soar prosaic things: the grass on the banks, the morning traffic and bring about economic collapse. I even remember one as people make their way to work, now and then a sailboat highly respected economist saying, back in 1982, that ‘‘the on the river. engines of economic growth have shut down here, and they’re I’ve been thinking a bit at that window. I’ve been reflect- likely to stay that way for years to come.’’ Well, he and the ing on what the past eight years have meant and mean. And other opinion leaders were wrong. The fact is, what they the image that comes to mind like a refrain is a nautical called ‘‘radical’’ was really ‘‘right.’’ What they called ‘‘dan- one—a small story about a big ship, and a refugee and a gerous’’ was just ‘‘desperately needed.’’ sailor. It was back in the early eighties, at the height of the And in all of that time I won a nickname, ‘‘The Great boat people. And the sailor was hard at work on the carrier Communicator.’’ But I never thought it was my style or the Midway, which was patrolling the South China Sea. The sail- words I used that made a difference: It was the content. I or, like most American servicemen, was young, smart, and wasn’t a great communicator, but I communicated great fiercely observant. The crew spied on the horizon a leaky lit- things, and they didn’t spring full bloom from my brow, they tle boat. And crammed inside were refugees from Indochina came from the heart of a great nation—from our experience, hoping to get to America. The Midway sent a small launch our wisdom, and our belief in principles that have guided to bring them to the ship and safety. As the refugees made us for two centuries. They called it the Reagan revolution. their way through the choppy seas, one spied the sailor on Well, I’ll accept that, but for me it always seemed more like deck, and stood up, and called out to him. He yelled, ‘‘Hello, the great rediscovery, a rediscovery of our values and our American sailor. Hello, freedom man.’’ common sense. A small moment with a big meaning, a moment the sailor, Common sense told us that when you put a big tax on who wrote it in a letter, couldn’t get out of his mind. And, something, the people will produce less of it. So, we cut the when I saw it, neither could I. Because that’s what it was people’s tax rates, and the people produced more than ever to be an American in the eighties. We stood, again, for free- before. The economy bloomed like a plant that had been cut dom. I know we always have, but in the past few years the back and could now grow quicker and stronger. Our eco- world again, and in a way, we ourselves rediscovered it. nomic program brought about the longest peacetime expan- It’s been quite a journey this decade, and we held together sion in our history: real family income up, the poverty rate through some stormy seas. And at the end, together, we are down, entrepreneurship booming, and an explosion in re- reaching our destination. search and new technology. We’re exporting more than ever The fact is, from Grenada to the Washington and Moscow because American industry became more competitive and at summits, from the recession of 1981 to 1982, to the expansion the same time, we summoned the national will to knock that began in late 1982 and continues to this day, we’ve made down protectionist walls abroad instead of erecting them at a difference. The way I see it, there were two great triumphs, home. Common sense also told us that to preserve the peace, two things that I’m proudest of. One is the economic recov- we’d have to become strong again after years of weakness and ery, in which the people of America created—and filled— confusion. So, we rebuilt our defenses, and this New Year 19 million new jobs. The other is the recovery of our morale. we toasted the new peacefulness around the globe. Not only America is respected again in the world and looked to for have the superpowers actually begun to reduce their stock- leadership. piles of nuclear weapons—and hope for even more progress Something that happened to me a few years ago reflects is bright—but the regional conflicts that rack the globe are some of this. It was back in 1981, and I was attending my also beginning to cease. The Persian Gulf is no longer a war first big economic summit, which was held that year in Can- zone. The Soviets are leaving Afghanistan. The Vietnamese ada. The meeting place rotates among the member countries. are preparing to pull out of Cambodia, and an American- The opening meeting was a formal dinner for the heads of mediated accord will soon send 50,000 Cuban troops home government of the seven industrialized nations. Now, I sat from Angola. there like the new kid in school and listened, and it was The lesson of all this was, of course, that because we’re all Franc¸ois this and Helmut that. They dropped titles and a great nation, our challenges seem complex. It will always spoke to one another on a first-name basis. Well, at one point be this way. But as long as we remember our first principles I sort of leaned in and said, ‘‘My name’s RON.’’ Well, in and believe in ourselves, the future will always be ours. And that same year, we began the actions we felt would ignite something else we learned: Once you begin a great move- an economic comeback—cut taxes and regulation, started to ment, there’s no telling where it will end. We meant to cut spending. And soon the recovery began. change a nation, and instead, we changed a world. Two years later, another economic summit with pretty Countries across the globe are turning to free markets and much the same cast. At the big opening meeting we all got free speech and turning away from ideologies of the past. For together, and all of a sudden, just for a moment, I saw that them, the great rediscovery of the 1980s has been that, lo everyone was just sitting there looking at me. And one of and behold, the moral way of government is the practical them broke the silence. ‘‘Tell us about the American mir- way of government: Democracy, the profoundly good, is also acle,’’ he said. the profoundly productive. 226 Ronald Reagan

When you’ve got to the point when you can celebrate the while the man on the street in the Soviet Union yearns for anniversaries of your 39th birthday, you can sit back some- peace, the government is Communist. And those who run times, review your life, and see it flowing before you. For it are Communists, and that means we and they view such me there was a fork in the river, and it was right in the issues as freedom and human rights very differently. middle of my life. I never meant to go into politics. It wasn’t We must keep up our guard, but we must also continue my intention when I was young. But I was raised to believe to work together to lessen and eliminate tension and mis- you had to pay your way for the blessings bestowed on you. trust. My view is that President Gorbachev is different from I was happy with my career in the entertainment world, but previous Soviet leaders. I think he knows some of the things I ultimately went into politics because I wanted to protect wrong with his society and is trying to fix them. We wish something precious. him well. And we’ll continue to work to make sure that the Ours was the first revolution in the history of mankind Soviet Union that eventually emerges from this process is a that truly reversed the course of government, and with three less threatening one. What it all boils down to is this: I want little words: ‘‘We the people.’’ ‘‘We the people’’ tell the gov- the new closeness to continue. And it will, as long as we ernment what to do; it doesn’t tell us. ‘‘We the people’’ are make it clear that we will continue to act in a certain way the driver, the government is the car. And we decide where as long as they continue to act in a helpful manner. If and it should go, and by what route, and how fast. Almost all when they don’t, at first pull your punches. If they persist, the world’s constitutions are documents in which govern- pull the plug. It’s still trust but verify. It’s still play, but ments tell the people what their privileges are. Our Constitu- cut the cards. It’s still watch closely. And don’t be afraid tion is a document in which ‘‘We the people’’ tell the govern- to see what you see. ment what it is allowed to do. ‘‘We the people’’ are free. I’ve been asked if I have any regrets. Well, I do. The def- This belief has been the underyling basis for everything I’ve icit is one. I’ve been talking a great deal about that lately, tried to do these past eight years. but tonight isn’t for arguments. And I’m going to hold my But back in the 1960s, when I began, it seemed to me tongue. But an observation: I’ve had my share of victories that we’d begun reversing the order of things—that through in the Congress, but what few people noticed is that I never more and more rules and regulations and confiscatory taxes, won anything you didn’t win for me. They never saw my the government was taking more of our money, more of our troops, they never saw Reagan’s regiments, the American options, and more of our freedom. I went into politics in people. You won every battle with every call you made and part to put up my hand and say, ‘‘Stop.’’ I was a citizen letter you wrote demanding action. Well, action is still need- politician, and it seemed the right thing for a citizen to do. ed. If we’re to finish the job, Reagan’s regiments will have I think we have stopped a lot of what needed stopping. to become the Bush brigades. Soon he’ll be the chief, and And I hope we have once again reminded people that man he’ll need you every bit as much as I did. Finally, there is is not free unless government is limited. There’s a clear cause a great tradition of warnings in Presidential farewells, and and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of I’ve got one that’s been on my mind for some time. But physics: As government expands, liberty contracts. oddly enough it starts with one of the things I’m proudest Nothing is less free than pure communism—and yet we of in the past eight years: the resurgence of national pride have, the past few years, forged a satisfying new closeness that I called the new patriotism. This national feeling is with the Soviet Union. I’ve been asked if this isn’t a gamble, good, but it won’t count for much, and it won’t last unless and my answer is no because we’re basing our actions not it’s grounded in thoughtfulness and knowledge. on words but deeds. The detente of the was based not An informed patriotism is what we want. And are we on actions but promises. They’d promise to treat their own doing a good enough job teaching our children what America people and the people of the world better. But the gulag is and what she represents in the long history of the world? was still the gulag, and the state was still expansionist, and Those of us who are over 35 or so years of age grew up in they still waged proxy wars in Africa, Asia, and Latin Amer- a different America. We were taught, very directly, what it ica. means to be an American. And we absorbed, almost in the Well, this time, so far, it’s different. President Gorbachev air, a love of country and an appreciation of its institutions. has brought about some internal democratic reforms and If you didn’t get these things from your family, you got them begun the withdrawal from Afghanistan. He has also freed from the neighborhood, from the father down the street who prisoners whose names I’ve given him every time we’ve met. fought in Korea or the family who lost someone at Anzio. But life has a way of reminding you of big things through Or you could get a sense of patriotism from school. And if small incidents. Once, during the heady days of the Moscow all else failed, you could get a sense of patriotism from pop- summit, Nancy and I decided to break off from the entourage ular culture. The movies celebrated democratic values and one afternoon to visit the shops on Arbat Street—that’s a implicitly reinforced the idea that America was special. TV little street just off Moscow’s main shopping area. Even was like that, too, through the mid-sixties. though our visit was a surprise, every Russian there imme- But now, we’re about to enter the nineties, and some diately recognized us and called out our names and reached things have changed. Younger parents aren’t sure that an for our hands. We were just about swept away by the unambivalent appreciation of America is the right thing to warmth. You could almost feel the possibilities in all that teach modern children. And as for those who create the pop- joy. But within seconds, a KGB detail pushed their way to- ular culture, well-grounded patriotism is no longer the style. ward us and began pushing and shoving the people in the Our spirit is back, but we haven’t reinstitutionalized it. crowd. It was an interesting moment. It reminded me that We’ve got to do a better job of getting across that America Memorial Tributes in the Senate 227 is freedom—freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom I would only add, God bless RONALD and of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It’s fragile; Nancy REAGAN, and God bless the United States it needs protection. So, we’ve got to teach history based not on what’s in fash- of America. ion but what’s important: Why the Pilgrims came here, who was, and what those 30 seconds over meant. You know, four years ago on the 40th anniversary Hon. Mike Enzi of D-Day, I read a letter from a young woman writing of her late father, who’d fought on Omaha Beach. Her name OF WYOMING was Lisa Zanatta Henn, and she said, ‘‘We will always re- member, we will never forget what the boys of Normandy did.’’ Well, let’s help her keep her word. If we forget what Mr. President, this past weekend, the news we did, we won’t know who we are. I’m warning of an eradi- quickly made its way across the country and cation of the American memory that could result, ultimately, around the world. RONALD REAGAN, our 40th in an erosion of the American spirit. Let’s start with some President, had died. For many of us, we received basics: more attention to American history and a greater em- the news with a mixture of sadness together with phasis on civic ritual. And let me offer lesson No. 1 about America: All great change in America begins at the dinner a sense of relief that his long battle with illness table. So, tomorrow night in the kitchen I hope the talking was now over and he had now found peace at begins. And children, if your parents haven’t been teaching the end of his life. you what it means to be an American, let ’em know and I first met RONALD REAGAN when I was nail ’em on it. That would be a very American thing to do. president of the Wyoming Jaycees at the Na- And that’s about all I have to say tonight. Except for one thing. The past few days when I’ve been at that window up- tional Convention which was held in California, stairs, I’ve thought a bit of the ‘‘shining city upon a hill.’’ and he was the Governor. I next met the Presi- The phrase comes from John Winthrop, who wrote it to de- dent when I was mayor of Gillette, WY, and the scribe the America he imagined. What he imagined was im- National League of Cities held its national meet- portant because he was an early Pilgrim, an early freedom ing and the President flew to California and ad- man. He journeyed here on what today we’d call a little wooden boat; and like the other Pilgrims, he was looking dressed it. for a home that would be free. Now the greatest thinkers and writers will I’ve spoken of the shining city all my political life, but take up their pens in an attempt to determine I don’t know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when his place in history and his significance as one I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and of our greatest Presidents. For those of us who teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and observed his service as our President and admired peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce his leadership, those questions had been long and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls since answered. For us, his place in history was had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will long ago determined by his place in our hearts. and the heart to get here. That’s how I saw it and see it still. Many of those who will examine his life in And how stands the city on this winter night? More pros- detail will tell a story about a man who was born perous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago. without the great privileges and trappings you 200 But more than that; after years, two centuries, she still might expect of such a successful life. That is stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she’s still a bea- true, but there is so much more to the story. con, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all RONALD REAGAN was born in Illinois, the son the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through of a traveling shoe salesman. Growing up he was the darkness, toward home. strongly influenced by his mother who taught We’ve done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan him how to read at an early age. She urged him revolution, the men and women across America who for eight to read good books that would encourage him years did the work that brought America back. My friends: to dream and set goals in his life. She knew that We did it. We weren’t just marking time. We made a dif- he could be anything he wanted to be if he was ference. We made the city stronger. We made the city freer, willing to work hard and expect more of himself and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all. than anyone else had any reason to expect. That, And so, good-bye, God bless you, and God bless the more than anything else, really determined his United States of America. character and ultimately mapped his destiny. 228 Ronald Reagan

His natural confidence and determination As President, RONALD REAGAN proved him- began to show itself during his school years and self to be a man of principle, someone who said again, later, when he began his career as an actor. what he believed and believed what he said. He He was a natural leader and he took a leadership had excellent communication skills, and his role at virtually every stage of his life. In his col- speeches on television were extremely effective. lege days he served as student body president. When he took the oath of office as our 40th In his acting days he served as the president of President, he took over the reins of a country the Screen Actors Guild. In between he worked that had great problems. He had often referred hard and built a career as a successful actor in to our economic woes as the ‘‘misery index.’’ film and on television. There was high inflation, high interest rates, and If that had been all he had done, it would have high unemployment. Perhaps worst of all, the been a remarkable life. He would have earned the Nation seemed to have lost its confidence in its label and inspired others to follow ability to dare to do great things—and succeed. his path just by his success in Hollywood and There was a lot of doubt and cynicism that on television. That would have been enough for any one individual could do much to change just about everyone. It was not, however, enough things and reenergize the Nation. Again, RON- for RONALD REAGAN. ALD REAGAN proved the doubters wrong. As With his beloved wife, Nancy, by his side, President, his spirit of optimism, patriotism and RONALD REAGAN began to pursue his dream. He personal pride in his country proved to be infec- wanted to make a greater impact on the world tious. Before long, there was a new spirit in the than he could by being a television and movie United States, a renewed sense of pride and ex- star, so he began to take a more active role in citement about our flag and our Nation that politics. He discovered he had a talent for that, hadn’t been around for a while. RONALD too. After a great deal of thought and delibera- REAGAN was just what we needed. He inspired tion, he decided to put his vision for America a generation to look toward the future with hope to the test. He took his case to the people and and a renewed commitment to the principles began a run for Governor of California. upon which our Nation was founded. It is still People thought it was an impossible dream alive today. It is his legacy that he left with us, and he could never win a State like California. his gift to the younger generations of the Nation. RONALD REAGAN proved them wrong. He put During his two terms in the White House, together a coalition of both Republican and RONALD REAGAN spoke the truth, regardless of Democratic voters and, when all the votes were the sensitivities of those who might not want to counted, he had made it happen and he was hear it. It was over the objections of much of elected Governor by almost 1 million votes. his staff that he challenged Soviet leader Mikhail REAGAN then set his sights on the Presidency Gorbachev to ‘‘tear down this wall!’’ when he was of the United States and, after a narrow loss to in Berlin. It was against the advice of much of Gerald Ford, he spent the next few years trav- his staff to refer to the Soviet Union as an evil eling around the country, sharing his dream for empire. For RONALD REAGAN, it was simple. If a better United States with the people who came it was the truth, it must be said. For him, there to hear him speak. Many doubted he could do were good guys and bad guys in the world. If it, but once again, he found the support he need- the good guys worked hard and were determined ed to win the Republican nomination. The con- to succeed, they won. In RONALD REAGAN’s test for the Presidency put him up against an world, we were the good guys. And, during incumbent who talked about the serious prob- RONALD REAGAN’s Presidency, more often than lems facing the Nation. RONALD REAGAN, on not, we won. the other hand, spoke with passionate certainty For historians and the history books, RONALD that working together the Nation could over- REAGAN will be remembered as the President come them. When the votes were counted, RON- who brought a successful end to the cold war; ALD REAGAN had won the Presidency in a land- had a great deal to do with the collapse of com- slide. munism in the Soviet Union and the destruction Memorial Tributes in the Senate 229 of the Berlin Wall; and, dramatically turned the rocket. The gases happened to come out at a Nation’s economy around. For those of us who place where the strut was burned. That caused observed his style as our President, he will also the solid rocket motor to then cantilever and it be remembered for his spirit, and his attitude of punctured the big apricot-colored fuel tank that patriotic optimism, which rejuvenated the Na- held all of the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxy- tion when our spirit was low. He was a great gen. The whole space shuttle then disintegrated. leader and a great American. His words and his Naturally, the feelings I had were very raw actions will long be remembered. and very emotional on that day, having trained RONALD REAGAN dared to do the impossible, with that crew and having just returned from not because it was easy but because it had to be space 10 days earlier. done. The challenges he encountered in his life America’s feelings were as raw and as emo- brought out the best in him, and the challenges tional because our whole symbol of technological we faced as a Nation under him brought out the and scientific prowess had suddenly disintegrated best in all of us. His is a legacy that we will in front of our eyes on our television screens. always cherish. We will miss him. At a time of a grieving Nation, there can be only one person who can speak for the country. That is the President. President REAGAN rose to Hon. Bill Nelson the occasion. That speech on television that OF FLORIDA night, delivered from the Oval Office, was a mas- terpiece, in which he ends up quoting a Canadian Mr. President, on this occasion, when the Na- pilot from World War II—a pilot who had expe- tion is mourning the loss of President REAGAN, rienced the joys of flying—and those immortal I wish to bring to the attention of the Senate words that ended the poem that he had reached a couple of stories which are fresh in my memory out and touched the face of God. about President REAGAN. President REAGAN applied that poem to the I had the privilege during his two terms as feelings of the country at the time about what President of serving in the House of Representa- the seven astronauts had experienced. That is po- tives, representing a district from the State of litical genius. That is a leader. That is a leader Florida. who has the ability through communication to The first story I wish to share is of a time connect, to inspire, and in this particular case, of great loss to this country, the loss of the space on January 28, 1986, to help the Nation through shuttle Challenger. The American people could the process of grieving, to accept what had hap- hardly believe it. The entire technological prow- pened and then pick up and move on, which we ess of our country was symbolized by America have. having a very successful space program. We were And of course, 17 years later, we had another the first to the Moon. This new contraption very similar kind of experience when we lost called a space transportation system was reusable, seven astronauts. with new technologies that had been developed. That speech, in my mind, was only exceeded America was quite proud. by the speech that occurred 3 days later by Presi- I had the privilege of flying on the 24th flight dent REAGAN at the in of the space shuttle, 6 days in orbit, returning Houston in a memorial service for the astronauts, on January 18, 1986. Only 10 days later, the crew the astronauts whose bodies at that point still that we had stayed with in quarantine—we had had not been recovered from the floor of the At- been one of the most delayed flights in the his- lantic Ocean where, hopefully, they had perished tory of the space program—was the crew of the before they ever hit the water. Somehow that Challenger. crew compartment had been punctured at that We all know the story. Ten miles high in the altitude and therefore there would have been in- Florida sky, the Challenger’s solid rocket booster stant decompression and there would have been had hot gases escaping from a field joint in that instant loss of consciousness. 230 Ronald Reagan But with all of that swirling in all of our So at my home in Melbourne, on a weekend, minds, with all of that swirling in the minds of the call from the President of the United States that NASA community—NASA really is a fam- came. He said, ‘‘Bill, this is President REAGAN. ily—again, the leader of the Nation had to rise We are going to have a close vote and I need to the occasion to summarize and to continue the your vote.’’ I said, ‘‘Mr. President, I have already process of healing in the time of grief. decided that I am voting with you. Now there I saw rough, tough test pilots who were some is something that I would like to ask you—to of the best of the best of our astronaut pilots help in the saving of the life of a child.’’ I told grabbing each other and hugging in that time him the story, and he said he would have Mar- of grief. And President REAGAN, in the moment, garet , the Secretary of HHS, call me the gave comfort to all of those, especially to the next day and get the particulars, which he did. families of that crew who were lost, led by the immediately held a press commander of that mission, Dick Scobee. conference, and because of that press conference, Another story I wish to tell about President within 3 days, a tragic death of a child on the REAGAN is very personal to me as well. It was west coast of the United States that we would just about the middle of the decade of the have never known about was known, and the par- eighties. I was a Member of the House of Rep- ents donated the child’s liver, which was of the resentatives. There was a particular vote coming same blood type and the same size. That liver up that was critically close. I had already made was packaged and cooled and flown to Pitts- up my mind that the way I was going to vote burgh, arriving at the same time Ryan in this particular case was the way President Osterblom arrived, as they wheeled him into sur- REAGAN had wanted the vote to go but had not gery. telegraphed that to the leadership of either side Mr. President, as you can see, I have a catch because there was something I wanted to tell the in my voice because that little boy is going to President. college this year. He wants to be a surgeon. After There was a 6-month-old infant in my home- that successful transplant, the President had town of Melbourne, FL, who was dying because called the mother, Karen Osterblom, and for he needed a liver transplant. Mind you, this is years he continued to correspond with them. 20 years ago. Twenty years ago we did not have It is going to be my pleasure to have the fam- the very sophisticated system we have set up ily come up here on Thursday as the President today which allowed people to exchange informa- is lying in state and have them walk through the tion about organ donors. Twenty years ago it was line in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol to show catch as catch can. Twenty years ago, if a donor their respects to President REAGAN. became available, it was just almost accidental that you found out if there was a donor of a par- ticular organ. And when it involved an infant, Hon. James M. Inhofe like a 6-month-old infant, you not only had to OF OKLAHOMA match the blood type for a liver transplant, but the liver had to be the exact size in order to suc- Mr. President, we have heard so many stories cessfully transplant. You can see the difficulty. about a great man, the GIPPER, and none of them You can see this child lie dying, with only hours are surprising because he was always such a to live. gentle person. I have to share with you that I The preparation had been made for the jet air- had the honor, about a month ago, of giving the plane to fly the child to the University of Pitts- commencement address at Oral Roberts Univer- burgh Medical Center where all the surgeons sity. When I did, I used a lot of the 1964 speech were standing by. They kept waiting and waiting ‘‘A Rendezvous with Destiny.’’ I said it should for a donor. No donor was produced because we be required reading for anyone to graduate at any did not know when any became available. There level in America to read ‘‘A Rendezvous with was not an exchange of information. Destiny.’’ It is a speech that changed my life. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 231

RONALD REAGAN gave it in 1964. I remember Then, of course, the famous speech took place I almost memorized that speech. In fact, I still in 1964. That is when he expressed his interest have most of it memorized. As a result of that, in politics. But at that time my father was much the next year I decided, well, if he did it, if he better off and so was our family. So when DUTCH really feels this concerned, I should, too, and I REAGAN was going to run for Governor of Cali- went and filed for office and ran for the State fornia, my father became one of his first large legislature. So that is how I happened to get contributors. Again, the friendship had never started. stopped at any point. So he won. But that is not as far back as we go. I believe At the time, after he served in that capacity I have had the honor of knowing RONALD and ran for President—I know that the presiding REAGAN longer than any other Member of this officer right now knows what I am talking about U.S. Senate. In fact, I am sure that is true. Even because he and I were both mayors of major cities 1980 though I represent the State of Oklahoma, I back at the same time in when RONALD moved to the State of Oklahoma when I was 8 REAGAN was elected President. I was the mayor 4 years old. I moved from Des Moines, IA. We of Tulsa, OK, for years. RONALD REAGAN and were enduring the poverty of the Depression at I were closer together than we had ever been be- that time. Everyone was poor, not just us. fore—I was out in Oklahoma—because he had me do his domestic policy stuff. He would have My dad was an insurance adjuster. RONALD me on TV. At that time, they did not have CNN REAGAN was a sports announcer for WHO Radio and Fox, but they had ‘‘Good Morning America’’ in Des Moines, IA, and they shared the same of- and the ‘‘Today’’ show. So I was debating all fice. They became very close friends, and they these liberal Democrat mayors on the Reagan used to play the pinball machine at that time. policy—the dynamics of the free enterprise sys- You guys would not know what that is. I guess tem as opposed to the government doing every- they don’t have those anymore. On Saturdays thing, and my arguments worked beautifully. So they would play cards for a couple hours. All I I am sure I spent 10 times as much time with know is, it was a room above the drugstore. him at that time than I do with George W. But the man I had seen occasionally at that today, and I am here in Washington. But it was time I thought of as a giant. He was a very large a real pleasure. person. We were not all that large. I remember Those of us present—and right now I see in that when I was growing up. the Chamber the Senator from Minnesota, Mr. Well, we moved to Tulsa, OK, shortly after Norm Coleman, and the Senator who is pre- that. But we did not lose contact. As the years siding, Mr. Voinovich—all three of us were may- went by, RONALD REAGAN, who my dad affec- ors. We understand what a hard job it is. When tionately referred to as ‘‘DUTCH,’’ ‘‘DUTCH I was mayor, I was able to build a low-water REAGAN’’—every time there was a DUTCH dam, and President REAGAN referred to it in his REAGAN movie we would see it. You see, we speeches as the largest totally privately funded never went to movies. In those days, we just public project in America. Those were the dy- didn’t go to movies except when there was a namics of RONALD REAGAN. That is what he DUTCH REAGAN movie. It did not matter what thought, that government should be doing less, it was conflicting with. people doing more. And it worked. One time we went to Durant, OK, in the What a visionary the guy was. When I see southern part of Oklahoma. My home was in the things that are going on today and I remember northern part. I remember driving on those roads things that he said many, many years ago. Right at that time. I say to my good friend from Min- now we have a serious problem in America. nesota, the roads were—if you could average 30 Probably one of our most serious problems is we miles an hour, you were doing well. So we drove do not have an energy policy. So we make 5 hours down, watched a DUTCH REAGAN movie, speeches. All of us make speeches on a regular and drove 5 hours back. We never would consider basis about why we do not have an energy policy missing a DUTCH REAGAN movie. and why we should have one. I would like to 232 Ronald Reagan read to you what RONALD REAGAN said. This to reduce tax rates.’’ He said, ‘‘That is what was in 1979. Listen carefully because this applies President Kennedy did 25 years ago. He reduced to today, but it was 1979: tax rates.’’ And keep in mind, that was a Demo- Solving the energy crisis will not be easy, but it can be cratic President. And by reducing tax rates, he done. First we must decide that ‘‘less’’ is not enough. Next, almost doubled the revenue coming in at the end we must remove government obstacles to energy production. of his term. It gave people the freedom and And, we must make use of those technological advantages money to invest and to breathe and to reinvest we still possess. It is no program simply to say ‘‘use less energy.’’ in the country. So that is the problem. That is what President George W. Bush has been trying Sound familiar? to do. That is the reason we are out of the reces- Of course waste must be eliminated and efficiency pro- sion he inherited, and we are now coming out moted, but for the government simply to tell people to con- because we have reduced some of those marginal serve is not an energy policy. At best it means we will run out of energy a little more slowly. But a day will come when rates. We know we need to do more. This is the lights will dim and the wheels of industry will turn more what the President did. slowly and finally stop. . . . If you remember, in 1980, the total amount The answer, obvious to anyone except those in the admin- of revenue that was generated from marginal istration it seems, is more domestic production of oil and rates, taxes paid by people, was $244 billion. In gas. We must also have wider use of nuclear power within 1990 446 strict safety rules, of course. There must be more spending , it was $ billion. It almost doubled in by the energy industries on research and development of sub- that 10-year period. Yet that 10-year period was stitutes for fossil fuels. the period where we had the largest reduction 10 And on and on and on. That speech very well in taxes, thanks to RONALD REAGAN, of any - 8 could have been made today because the problem year period or -year period in our Nation’s his- 70 still exists today. And he knew it was coming. tory: marginal rates going down from percent 28 When he talked about the SDI, the Strategic to percent. Yet it had the effect of doubling Defense Initiative, that was something no one the revenues. This guy knew it, and he did it. seemed to care about, and no one believed there That is good advice for us today. was any great risk facing the American people. I have mentioned quite often that it should Yet he saw that risk. The risk was there. We have been required for all of our graduates to all know now the risk is very real, even today. read ‘‘A Rendezvous with Destiny.’’ Let me read So he looked back at the ABM Treaty that was a couple things to remind us on this very solemn put in place in 1972. occasion how grateful we are now to have had He said, ‘‘This is senseless now. It may have a President who was so prophetic. made sense in 1972 when and In talking about the freedom of our country, Richard Nixon put this in, but the policy of mu- he told a story about Castro and how a Cuban tual assured destruction is not a good policy.’’ had escaped Cuba in a small craft and had floated So he said, ‘‘What we will have to do is have over to the south shores of Florida. As his small a very strong country.’’ And he was quite scrip- craft came up there was a refugee there, and he tural. He quoted from Luke, ‘‘If a strong man told the refugee about the atrocities of Castro’s shall keep his court well guarded, he shall live communist Cuba. After he was through, the ref- in peace.’’ And that is exactly what he was doing ugee said, I guess we don’t know how lucky we in his rebuilding of the defense system of Amer- are in the United States. ica. We are so thankful he did that in those days. He said, How lucky you are? We are the ones But he was saying we must do away with the who are lucky. We had a place to escape to. ABM Treaty. Finally, after all this time, we rec- That is what RONALD REAGAN said, that we ognized 2 years ago he was right, and we got would be the beacon of freedom, the last place rid of the ABM Treaty—how prophetic. in the world to escape to. If we lose it here, there As for tax cuts, he gave credit to his prede- is nowhere else to escape to. cessors. He said, ‘‘We do need more money. The On the recognition of the dynamics of the free best way to get more revenue for government is enterprise system, he said, Memorial Tributes in the Senate 233 They also knew, those Founding Fathers, that outside of cord, and they fired the shot heard round the its legitimate functions, government does nothing as well or world. as economically as the private sector of the economy. As RONALD REAGAN would reflect on that He practiced that. It worked. His domestic great speech by Patrick Henry, he said there are policies worked. three sentences in that speech that answer the He was prophetic. He accurately described questions of military historians, but people have such things as: forgotten about it. We are not weak when we We have so many people who can’t see a fat man standing make the proper use of those means which the beside a thin one without coming to the conclusion that the God of nature has placed in our power. Armed fat man got that way by taking advantage of the thin one. in the holy cause of liberty in such a country RONALD REAGAN talked about bureaucracy, as that which we possess, we are invincible by how difficult it would be for him to cut down any force our enemy will send against us. And the size of government. He is the one who said, besides, we will not fight our battles alone. There in that very famous speech in 1964, there is noth- is a just God who reigns over the destiny of na- ing closer to life eternal on the face of this Earth tions who will raise up friends to fight our bat- than a government agency once formed. And he tles with us. went on to explain the reason for it. The reason Those are the favorite three sentences out of for it is very simple. Once a government agency the ‘‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death’’ speech is formed to respond to a problem, the problem Patrick Henry made. goes away, and the bureaucracy stays there. The For me, I think about the honor to be able longer they stay there with nothing to do, the to stand here in the Senate and, on behalf of the stronger they become. So that happens. He was American people and on behalf of my wife and able to cut that down by reminding people that myself and our family of 20 children and grand- that problem did exist. children, to say we thank RONALD REAGAN for He said in 1964: his sacrifices. We thank God for RONALD Let’s set the record straight. There is no argument over REAGAN. We thank God for his life. We thank the choice between peace and war, but there is only one guar- God for allowing us to share that rendezvous anteed way you can have peace—and you can have it in the with destiny with RONALD REAGAN. next second—surrender. That was the message he had. You had to be strong. You had to have a Nation that believes Hon. Norm Coleman in God, and you had to stand up for those things OF MINNESOTA and not lie down and surrender. That is what people were trying to do at that time. Mr. President, I share that sense of humility He said in that speech: that has been so eloquently expressed by my There is a price we will not pay. There is a point beyond friend from Oklahoma, to be able to stand on which they must not advance. this Senate floor and to thank God for RONALD That was his rendezvous with destiny. REAGAN, for what he gave us and what we I look at American heroes like the senior Sen- learned from him. I must admit to being a bit ator from Hawaii who fought so valiantly and envious to be in the Chamber with my friend is very familiar with what this President did for from Oklahoma who knew RONALD REAGAN our U.S. military. when he was a young man. I will say this: The rendezvous with destiny My friend, the presiding officer, on the way was a very real one. Military historians have to the Chamber—again, we were all fellow may- looked at us and said there is no way we could ors—talked about when he was mayor of Cleve- have won the Revolutionary War. Here we were, land. There were some difficult times, and he a handful of farmers and trappers with crude talked to the President. He talked about what weapons and the greatest army on the face of the a good man the President was. What a good Earth was marching toward Lexington and Con- man, that he really cared, that he listened, and 234 Ronald Reagan that he wanted to do things, wanted to make a tions than they have made. He knew we needed difference. Sometimes when those around him a sense of the heroic, a stirring of our souls to were not making a difference, he took care of it rise above selfishness, division, and fear. He in- and got it done. I think my colleagues were part spired us. of history being made. He restored our confidence in the idea of lead- I was able to watch history during that time. ership. Vietnam, Watergate, inflation, gas lines, But I am honored and humbled to be here today. and the hostage crisis were causing many to won- To those of us who grew up in the Midwest and der if the American hour had passed. Not RON- for those like myself who made it our home, ALD REAGAN. He stubbornly held onto a won- RONALD REAGAN has a very special significance. derful vision of the future rather than focus on Places like Dixon, IL, have been dubbed flyover temporary negative circumstances. He led us. zones by sophisticated, powerful people who live And perhaps of greatest importance, by his on the coast. But we know places like that are own choice, RONALD REAGAN was not the star the heartland, strong, simple, and true. That was of our dramatic national resurgence. Neither was RONALD REAGAN. government. In REAGAN’s mind and words, the What we love about the Midwest is what heroes who restored the American economy and America and the world came to know and under- won the cold war were ordinary Americans doing stand and love about RONALD REAGAN. simple things, doing their duty—kind of like a To go on and on in flowery rhetoric about national bond raising. He united us. RONALD REAGAN would not fit the subject mat- Mr. President, I also grew up as a Democrat. ter. Like he did so well, his life deserves a few President REAGAN deeply inspired me, and he well-chosen words. had a lot to do with the fact that I am standing Oscar Wilde once said, ‘‘Life is not complex. on this side of the aisle today. He inspired me We are complex. Life is simple and the simple with ideas, such as if you want to grow an econ- thing is the right thing.’’ omy, you cut taxes and put money in people’s RONALD REAGAN could have said that be- pockets; they will spend it on a product or serv- cause, surely, he lived it. ice, and there is a job connected to that. He un- Democracy is superior to communism. Amer- derstood that. He showed the power of it. I un- ica is the world’s best hope. Liberty requires lim- derstood that. It wasn’t just about policy, it was ited government. The best is yet to come. Those about optimism. were RONALD REAGAN’s moral anchors from the When I ran for mayor in St. Paul in 1993, my start of his public life to the end. Without devi- slogan was ‘‘St. Paul’s best days are yet to come.’’ ation, they shaped his outlook and actions for When I switched parties in 1996, half a century. came over to my house, and I made the an- He certainly didn’t originate any of them, but nouncement. It was that spirit of hope, opti- we all know they are far more prominent in the mism, entrepreneurship, and opportunity that he fabric of American life today because of the showed worked. That was the key, by the way. power of his witness, as he lived his life, the For him, it was not about politics; it was about power of what he did with those moral anchors results. as part of him. My friend from Oklahoma quoted President In the last few days, we are hearing a lot about REAGAN saying that solving the energy crisis REAGAN as the Great Communicator. I think we will not be easy, but jthatk it can be done. He put too much emphasis on the craft. As far as understood the importance of getting it done. RONALD REAGAN was concerned, the key to I think RONALD REAGAN would be honored being a good communicator was having some- to know we are shutting down the Federal Gov- thing to say. He was the message he delivered, ernment on Friday. His only concern might be and so he touched hearts and changed minds. that we are starting it again on Monday. He He understood the key to American progress changed us and transformed the world, without was our spirit. Resources, wealth, and past ac- a doubt. Some days, Mr. President, I get con- complishments have ruined more people and na- cerned that we are changing back. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 235 As we remember his life, I hope we all remem- faith in America that inspired my own, and so ber that the simple things are the right things: many others. Freedom, hope, liberty, and optimism. His accomplishments in office were historic, I thank God that he gave us RONALD REAGAN and will be long remembered as will the humil- when we needed him most. Now, this is our ity, grace and decency with which he achieved time. I pray that we will courageously follow his them. It was an honor to have known him, and example and embrace America’s destiny in this Cindy and I shall miss him very much. We offer challenging hour. our sincerest condolences to Nancy, and to Mi- chael, Patti and Ron, and pray that God grants this good man eternal life, reunites him with his Hon. John McCain daughter, Maureen, and with all his loved ones who have preceded him. OF ARIZONA

Mr. President, the strength of Abraham Lin- coln’s resolve to restore the Union, whatever the Hon. Ernest F. Hollings terrible cost to do so, was his unshakable faith OF SOUTH CAROLINA that in America any father’s child could come to occupy the same place that his father’s child had Mr. President, at a luncheon with Bernard Ba- attained. That uniquely American conviction also ruch, Mr. Baruch commented that Harry Truman inspired RONALD REAGAN to reach his great ‘‘had a good memory’’ and ‘‘he also had a good place in our country’s history and in the hearts bad memory.’’ We are hearing both at the pass- of his countrymen. I doubt RONALD REAGAN ing of former President RONALD REAGAN. There was much surprised to become President, despite is no question that if a President is to be credited his humble origins. And I know for certain he for the end of the cold war that credit should never took for granted a single day he occupied go to RONALD REAGAN. We were anxious about the office. He believed such an honored privilege the depletion of our defenses in the U.S. Senate was within the reach of any American with prin- in the year preceding President REAGAN’s ad- ciples, industry and talent, and that once at- ministration so we passed a 5 percent across-the- tained, it was to be held with great care to pre- board increase in the defense budget. But Presi- serve for succeeding generations the blessings of dent REAGAN came on board and really moved liberty that had so enriched his own life. His pa- to strengthen our defenses, building a 600-ship triotism, which he expressed eloquently and Navy and not hesitating to deploy intermediate often in his public remarks, was never affected. missiles in Europe. He also moved to formalize He believed every word. Nor was his unfailing our ballistic missile defense system, calling it the good humor and optimism an actor’s perform- Strategic Defense Initiative and increasing its ance. He lived in a ‘‘shining city on a hill,’’ and support. President REAGAN can also be credited he never forgot it. with a competitive trade policy. Though he had I first met President REAGAN and his lovely the power to rescind the antidumping order on wife, Nancy, not long after I returned from Viet- the importation of motorcycles, he let the order nam. But I knew of him in the years before I stand; reviving as we all know the Harley David- regained my liberty, when my fellow prisoners- son industry. Moreover, he imposed voluntary re- of-war and I would discuss in tap codes and straint agreements in steel, semiconductors, ma- whispered conversations the Governor of Cali- chine tools and automobiles. There is no ques- fornia who was giving such eloquent voice to the tion, for example, that Intel would have had a convictions we believed we had been sent to war hard time surviving had it not been for Sematech to advance. In the more than 30 years that have and REAGAN’s VRA (voluntary restraint agree- passed since I first met him, I have never lived ment) on semiconductors. a day that I wasn’t grateful for the privilege of But at this time of praise, those with ‘‘good the REAGANs’ friendship, and the strength of his bad memory’’ forget it was RONALD REAGAN 236 Ronald Reagan who started supply side economics. Former Sen- My fondest memory of President REAGAN ator led the opposition to its fore- took place while I was mayor of runner, Kemp-Roth, and former President at a March 1983 dinner the President and First George Herbert Walker Bush characterized this Lady hosted for Queen Elizabeth II in San Fran- cutting revenues to increase them as ‘‘voodoo.’’ cisco. The Queen was thrilled to visit California With REAGAN looking for an issue at a low for the first time and especially pleased to be point in his administration, he locked onto sup- welcomed by a President from California. ply side, ignoring his campaign pledge to ‘‘bal- During that trip the Queen quipped at one ance the budget within one year.’’ It is good to point that she knew England had exported many note that in this country after 200 years exist- traditions to the United States, but she hadn’t ence, with the cost of all the wars from the Revo- realized the weather was one of them. lution up to the war in Vietnam, the national San Francisco’s London-like weather aside, as debt stood at less than $1 trillion. REAGAN’s sup- mayor I was enormously proud of the wonderful ply side or ‘‘voodoo’’ gave us the first trillion dol- welcome we had provided for the Queen of Eng- lar debt and he left office having increased the land. national debt $1.7 trillion. Under Bush 41, in 4 Growing up in small-town central Illinois in years the debt increased $1.4 trillion. President the years leading up to the Great Depression, Clinton over 8 years slowed the increase of the President REAGAN was instilled with the values debt to $1.6 trillion with spending cuts and tax that would guide him as a person and as a leader. increases, leaving a projected surplus. President There he learned the importance of hard work George W. Bush, with three tax cuts or Reagan and optimism as the key ingredients for success. ‘‘voodoos,’’ has eliminated the surplus and in- It was this optimism combined with his ever- creased the debt over $2 trillion in 4 years. As present sense of humor that characterized him his chief counselor Vice President Cheney said, best, enabling him to both ‘‘fill the screen’’ and make a stellar entrance wherever he went. ‘‘Deficits don’t matter.’’ Since the beginning 4 days, this country has shown sacrifice at a time After years at Eureka College, where he was of war by adopting a tax measure to pay for the known as a gritty, though undersized tackle on the football team, he began searching for a job war. But not for the war on terrorism. We in 1932 the Congress need a fourth tax cut, voodoo, to in broadcasting. In , at the height of the De- get reelected. Today the GI fighting the war is pression, he headed into the job market confident also going to have to pay for the war. At this that a job would be his soon. After several years as a broadcaster covering time of remembrance, let’s not forget that University of Iowa football games and later recre- REAGAN dignified ‘‘voodoo.’’ ating Chicago Cubs’ games based on telegraph reports, a young RONALD REAGAN traveled to California to cover the Cubs’ spring training. Hon. Dianne Feinstein It was his first trip west of Kansas City and OF CALIFORNIA it nurtured his fascination with Hollywood. While he was there, he used his considerable Mr. President, on Saturday, our Nation lost a charm to convince a movie agent to arrange a strong leader and the State of California lost an screen test for him at Warner Brothers Studios. adopted son. Before long, he returned to the Midwest, As a citizen, RONALD WILSON REAGAN em- packed his bags and started the quintessential bodied the American dream. He personified the American journey westward in search of oppor- image of California—can-do, risk-taking, cut- tunity. Of course, he found it as a movie star. ting-edge. RONALD REAGAN was all of those He won many fans through his on-screen cha- things. risma. The optimism he inspired was exemplified As a President, he unified a country and by his role as Notre Dame football player George helped bring an end to the cold war, the premier Gipp in the film ‘‘Knute Rockne—All-Amer- struggle of his time in public life. ican.’’ Years after Gipp’s death, Coach Rockne Memorial Tributes in the Senate 237 gave a pep talk to his team urging them to ‘‘win as Governor, State spending doubled overall and one for the Gipper’’ one of the more memorable the State’s work force grew by 34,000. lines in American sports history. As President, he was a unifier and an optimist. But President REAGAN’s greatest impact on His infectious, upbeat attitude rallied people to the world was as a politician. As a labor leader his goals. He was extremely successful in passing with the Screen Actors Guild, his roots as an ac- legislation by joining that optimism with a will- tivist were shaped significantly by a deep concern ingness to compromise with a Democratic Con- about communism. gress. Yet despite his strongly anticommunist views, In his dealings, he was tough, but ready to he condemned the unfair smearing of many lib- negotiate. There is no better example of this than erals by Senator Joseph McCarthy and the House his relationship with former Soviet leader Mi- Un-American Activities Committee. He refused khail Gorbachev. He often used harsh rhetoric in to reveal names publicly, but exposed some peo- challenging the actions of our cold war adversary, ple to the FBI privately. but it was always backed by his core beliefs. As Governor of California he had a strong Once, as he prepared for his first summit with record of environmental protection: adding the Soviet leader, he met with a room full of for- 145,000 acres to the State’s park system, pro- eign policy advisors, each offering their sugges- tecting Lake Tahoe from rampant development, tions about what he should say. After a half-hour blocking the construction of dams on the Dos of discussion, President REAGAN turned to his Rios and Eel Rivers, and stopping the paving of advisors and said, ‘‘Gentlemen, I’ve been think- a Federal highway through the ing about what I’m going to say to this man my Mountains that would have cut through the John whole life. And I know exactly what I’m going Muir Trail. to say.’’ He also signed legislation to protect rivers on Gorbachev described REAGAN as ‘‘a great California’s north coast and approved strict car President, with whom the Soviet leadership was emissions standards that forced the Nation’s able to launch a very difficult but important dia- automakers to manufacture cleaner-burning cars. logue.’’ But he lobbied against the Coastal Protection His tough negotiating stance yielded some im- Act approved by voters in 1972 and resisted air portant accomplishments including signing trea- pollution controls imposed by the Federal Gov- ties reducing intermediate-range nuclear missiles ernment. and limiting strategic arms. These acts of diplo- Despite his personal opposition to abortion, macy combined with his relentless advocacy for Governor REAGAN loosened an 1872 statute to freedom played a major role in bringing about allow abortion in cases of rape, incest, when a an end to the cold war. mother’s health was at stake, or when there was At the same time, REAGAN had a tendency to a high risk that a baby would be born with birth overreach in the area of foreign policy. The inva- defects. Many States followed Governor sion of Grenada, the intervention in Lebanon that REAGAN’s lead on this important issue. left American soldiers uncertain of their role and However, his move to close down mental vulnerable to attack, and, above all, the Iran- health facilities in California resulted in wide- Contra scandal—were all cases in which the spread in urban areas. Though he Reagan administration went too far in seeking sought to steer the mentally ill into community- to reshape the world. based mental health facilities the end result was At home, President REAGAN sought to limit a spike in homelessness, a problem that we con- the size of government and tap the entrepre- tinue to deal with to this day. neurial spirit of the American people. And While in Sacramento, he generally approached though he was famous for cutting taxes, he ap- fiscal policy as a moderate, first presiding over proved two tax increases during his first term in a $1 billion tax increase to balance the State the White House. budget and another subsequent increase. He Unfortunately, the tax cuts were coupled with eventually lowered taxes, but in his two terms sharp increases in defense spending that resulted 238 Ronald Reagan in massive deficits. The Federal budget finally re- risma, led our country through some of the great covered from those years of deficit spending dur- challenges of the 20th century. President RON- ing the late nineties, but the surpluses that were ALD WILSON REAGAN was a dedicated public generated disappeared in the blink of an eye servant whose confidence and optimism reinvigo- under the current administration’s fiscal policies. rated the American people and made him one of President REAGAN’s cuts to public housing, the most honored and respected Presidents in our job training, and the broader social safety net Nation’s history. were another serious blow domestically. And, as Although he lived most of his life in Cali- cities and mayors across the country were reeling fornia, President REAGAN was a fellow mid- from the advent of AIDS—no place suffered westerner. Born in 1911 in Tampico, IL, RONALD more than San Francisco—President REAGAN WILSON REAGAN attended high school in nearby failed to act. He would not even publicly com- Dixon and worked his way through Eureka Col- ment on the AIDS crisis. lege. There he earned his B.A., played on the Though people did not always agree with his football team, and participated in school plays. policies, it cannot be denied that President He eventually won a contract in Hollywood and REAGAN redefined politics through his tremen- appeared in 53 films over 2 decades. dous skills as a communicator. In particular, his The father of four children became increas- ability to define clear goals and persuade others ingly involved in politics and in 1966 was elected to support those goals earned him the admiration the Governor of California, and was reelected in of many Americans. 1970. His optimistic message, at a time when the As we all know, President REAGAN suffered country was beset by inflation and by the taking from Alzheimer’s Disease during the last decade of American hostages in Iran, helped him to win of his life. the Presidency in 1980. Four years later, he was As we honor his memory in the days and reelected in a 49-State sweep. weeks to come, it is my hope that we will con- In foreign affairs, it is impossible to separate sider what we can do here in Congress to battle President REAGAN’s legacy from the astounding this terrible disease. change in world affairs that began while he was A good first step would be to approve legisla- in office: the collapse of the U.S.S.R. and the end tion that supports research. of the cold war. President REAGAN spoke frankly This research offers tremendous hope, not only and frequently about the bankruptcy—both to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s, but also moral and economic—of the Soviet regime. His the millions of people with cancer, diabetes, Par- words and actions energized dissidents and activ- kinson’s, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord inju- ists struggling for change and for justice in the ries. What a fitting tribute passage of this bill face of communist repression and tyranny. His optimism helped to give them confidence that would be to President REAGAN. In closing, there probably is no American who they were, indeed, on the right side of history. has more fully lived the American dream from President REAGAN not only recognized the monstrous nature of communist totalitarianism, actor to Governor to President than RONALD but he also understood the horror of a geo- REAGAN. Today, we mourn his loss, but recog- political reality that made the entire world hos- nize that his was a full life. tage to the threat of nuclear annihilation. He had Thank you for your service to this country, the courage to act, to reach out to the Soviet President REAGAN. leadership and to craft landmark arms control agreements, including one that, for the first time, eliminated a class of nuclear weapons. Hon. Russell D. Feingold On the domestic front, it was under the lead- OF WISCONSIN ership of President REAGAN that the solvency of the Social Security Program was extended Mr. President, today I pay my respects to a through reforms to the existing program. Al- beloved leader who, with grace, wit, and cha- though modest in their overall scope, those re- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 239 forms were seen by many as politically risky, and Hon. Mark Pryor President REAGAN provided critical leadership that helped assure both a reluctant Congress and OF ARKANSAS an uncertain public. Today, we should build on Mr. President, the Capitol today is over- the REAGAN reforms, and strengthen the existing program, as he did. flowing with visitors, flags stand at half-staff, and the Nation has collectively stopped this Another significant domestic policy challenge week—all to honor a remarkable man who ac- that President REAGAN tackled was the sim- complished remarkable things during a remark- plification of our Tax Code. In the face of special able time. interest pressures, and under the leadership of his President RONALD REAGAN gave his life to Secretary of Treasury, , as well as public service and has left a legacy of leadership a bipartisan group of Members of the House and that will always be remembered. Senate, President REAGAN was able to push We remember President REAGAN’s strong vi- through the last significant reforms to our in- sion for political and economic freedom which creasingly complex Tax Code in 1986. was instrumental in the fall of communism and the spread of democracy in Eastern Europe. The At the time, I was the chairman of the Tax- world held its breath as America stared com- ation Committee in the Wisconsin State Senate munism in the face, but in the end we peacefully and we were holding a variety of hearings around won over the respect and cooperation of our the State, addressing parallel reforms. These hear- enemy. Less than a year after REAGAN left office, ings and reforms were driven by President Mr. Gorbachev stepped down, the Berlin Wall REAGAN’s proposal. Though far from perfect, fell and the cold war ended. that reform effort is another model for action we I will never forget President REAGAN’s his- need to undertake again. And policymakers in toric speech on June 12, 1987, in front of the Congress and the executive branch would do well Brandenburg Gate near the Berlin Wall when he to follow President REAGAN’s example in this called on Mikhail Gorbachev to ‘‘Open this gate! matter. Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ Today, the United States is working with Rus- Of course, no review of President REAGAN’s legacy would be complete without acknowl- sia to replace tyranny and fear in Iraq with peace and stability. edging his Alzheimer’s disease which, sadly, de- Of President REAGAN, Gorbachev said: fined the last 10 years of his life as well as the A true leader, a man of his word and an optimist, he trav- lives of his family. As the author of Wisconsin’s eled the journey of his life with dignity and faced coura- Alzheimer’s program, I have become all too geously the cruel disease that darkened his final years. He aware of the heartbreaking tragedy that this has earned a place in history and in people’s hearts. dread disease brings to a family. We also remember DUTCH, the Great Com- President REAGAN’s brave, public acknowl- municator, the GIPPER, as a man of great opti- edgment of the disease, and the wonderful efforts mism and humor. My kids’ history books recall of his wife Nancy, have done a great deal to edu- the dates and facts of this time, but they do not cate the country about this horrible affliction. convey this Hollywood actor turned President’s They have also helped to spur government in- good-natured spirit or genuine optimism for a better tomorrow. Nor can they express his vestment in the research needed to find a cure, unyielding dedication and love for our country. and to raise awareness of the need for long-term However, I believe the outpouring of respect and care services for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. affection shown by the American public this President RONALD WILSON REAGAN helped week says we will forever remember his character to transform America and the world. He and his and personality. achievements will forever be honored and re- Finally, we remember a man who never membered. stopped believing, never stopped advocating 240 Ronald Reagan America’s ability to succeed and prosper. He of the United States, together with an accom- stuck to his convictions and his visions for Amer- panying report; which was ordered to lie on the ica, whether popular or not. table: RONALD REAGAN’s initiatives didn’t please all To the Congress of the United States: Americans and Democrats and Republicans did By this message, I officially inform you of the death of not always agree on President REAGAN’s foreign RONALD REAGAN, the fortieth President of the United policy or domestic agenda, but he never encour- States. aged or played the biting partisan games that RONALD REAGAN was a great leader and a good man. He had the confidence that comes with conviction, the strength exist today. Even with those people whom he had that comes with character, the grace that comes with humil- genuine ideological differences, President ity, and the humor that comes with wisdom. REAGAN always showed a level of respect and ac- Through his leadership, spirit, and abiding faith in the knowledged that we are all Americans and we American people, President REAGAN gave our Nation a re- are in this together. newed optimism. With his courage and moral clarity, he en- hanced America’s security and advanced the spread of peace, EAGAN Years ago, President R and Speaker of liberty, and democracy to millions of people who had lived the House Tip O’Neill used to joke that, ‘‘be- in darkness and oppression. As America’s President, he tween 9 and 6 we are enemies, but at 6 o’clock helped change the world. let’s go have a cocktail together.’’ To truly honor The sun has now set on RONALD REAGAN’s extraordinary and remember President REAGAN—this man of American life. Just as he told us that our Nation’s best days great accomplishment, optimism, and oratory— are yet to come, we know that the same is true for him. perhaps we could find ways to work better to- GEORGE W. BUSH. THE WHITE HOUSE, June ç, áÖÖâ. gether for a better tomorrow. I extend my deepest sympathies to the Reagan ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. TOMORROW family in their time of sorrow, and I hope it is Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, if there is no of some comfort that Americans and many others further business to come before the Senate, I ask throughout the world mourn by their side. unanimous consent that the Senate stand in ad- journment under the provisions of S. Res. 371 as A COMMUNICATION FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICIALLY NOTIFYING THE a mark of further respect for President RONALD CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES OF THE DEATH WILSON REAGAN. OF FORMER PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN—PM 84 There being no objection, the Senate, at 6:10 The PRESIDING OFFICER laid before the p.m., adjourned until Wednesday, June 9, 2004, Senate the following message from the President at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June é, áÖÖâ

PRAYER that exalts a nation. Deliver us from the evils The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, offered the that bring national decline. Surround our mili- following prayer: tary with the shield of Your presence and give Let us pray. wisdom to all warriors for freedom. Guide our Eternal God, author of true freedom and shel- lawmakers as they seek to keep America strong. ter from life’s storms, as our Nation pays its final Strengthen them with Your spirit and inspire respects to former President Ronald REAGAN, we them with Your precepts. look again to You, the source of our hope for In these challenging days, we place our con- years to come. In a world of change and decay, You remain fidence in You, for Your steadfast love and faith- the same yesterday, today, and forever. Under- fulness sustains us. gird this land with a foundation of right living We pray in Your strong Name. Amen. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 241 Hon. William H. Frist defense was an instrument for peace. It was gov- ernment’s first and foremost duty to its people. OF TENNESSEE He knew the Soviet Union could not match our capacity to fund our national defense, and should Mr. President, I wish to make a few remarks the Soviets attempt to keep pace, as they did, regarding President RONALD REAGAN. It was in the communist state would be unable to sustain January 1977, as Jimmy Carter prepared to take itself. the oath of office as President, that RONALD Second, RONALD REAGAN believed that REAGAN met with the man who would become America, our allies, and our common values were his chief foreign policy adviser for the next sev- on that winning side of history. The destiny of eral years, Richard Allen. mankind was not to live in the shadow of tyr- The two spent several hours together dis- anny, dictatorship, but to be guided by the light cussing in detail the vast array of issues. As Allen of liberty, by the light of democracy. That was recalls—and some people have heard this on the the destiny. news—Mr. REAGAN said a whole range of mem- As REAGAN said in his watershed ‘‘West- orable things, but none was more profound than minster’’ speech: this: jTkhe march of freedom and democracy . . . will leave My idea of American policy toward the Soviet Union is Marxism-Leninism on the ash-heap of history as it has left simple and some would say simplistic. It is this: We win other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self- and they lose. What do you think of that? expression of the people. RONALD REAGAN’s words would have been Third, RONALD REAGAN viewed the world shocking to the trained ears of any foreign policy through a lens of moral clarity. He believed there expert of that day. The consensus was the cold was right and wrong and good and evil, strength war simply could not be won. We could not de- and weakness, but, most importantly, he was not feat communism. That is what people thought. afraid to talk about the world as he saw it or That is what they felt. All we could do was to use his words to help shape the world in that hope to contain the Soviet Union and chip away vision. at the fringes of its influence. He called the Soviet Union the evil empire. After his meeting with RONALD REAGAN, Richard Allen never looked at the world in the Why? Because the Soviet regime was repressive and godless and imperialist. same way. When RONALD REAGAN entered the 1987 White House and laid out his vision for winning In , he stood before the Brandenburg Gate the cold war, America never looked at the world in Berlin and challenged the Soviet leadership: the same way. And when RONALD REAGAN left jMr.k Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity the White House and events he helped put in for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberal- motion came to pass, the world, indeed, would ization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! never be the same. What were the reasons for RONALD REAGAN’s Within months, the wall was torn down. The historic foreign policy success? How did he come cold war was won, and the new and lengthy era to leave a more indelible mark on the world than of peace for America and among the major pow- any American President since Franklin Delano ers of the world was born. Roosevelt? In this week of tribute to the life of RONALD First, RONALD REAGAN believed in a strong REAGAN, let us remember the simple ideas upon military to defend our Nation and to protect which his foreign policy was based: a strong peace. He marshaled the resources from this body military as an instrument of peace; liberty and for a remarkable 35-percent increase in defense democracy as the destiny of mankind; and the spending during his Presidency. Critics accused moral clarity to see the world as it was and what REAGAN of unnecessarily provoking the Soviet it should be. Union and putting America on a path to nuclear Let us also remember that without the courage war. But for RONALD REAGAN, a strong national and the character of RONALD REAGAN, his ideas 242 Ronald Reagan would have remained just ideas, and the world would inevitably resume the next morning, at would have remained the same. the end of each day we could put aside the divi- As Mr. REAGAN once wrote of his determina- sions and debates. We could sit down together tion to stand up for what he believed: and laugh together, especially at his endless But bearing what we cannot change and going on with stream of stories. He took issues seriously, but what God has given us, confident there is a destiny, somehow he had a sense of perspective that never let him seems to bring a reward we wouldn’t exchange for any other. or us take ourselves too seriously. As a leader, It takes a lot of fire and heat to make a piece of steel. he was a President of large principles, not small details. Some criticized him for that, but it was Hon. Edward M. Kennedy often the source of his strength. On foreign policy, he will be honored as the OF MASSACHUSETTS President who won the cold war, and his famous words ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ Mr. President, I join my colleagues on both will be linked in history with President Ken- sides of the aisle in paying tribute to RONALD nedy’s ‘‘.’’ He came to office REAGAN. As all of us who had the privilege of convinced that we could not trust the com- working with him know, he brought a special munists, or perhaps even negotiate with them, grace to the White House and the country in and his commitment to a strong national defense everything he did. We often disagreed on specific was never doubted by Soviet leaders. issues, but he had an undeniably unique capacity But he also understood the importance of to inspire and move the Nation. working with our allies to protect our security, The warmth of his personality always shone and he also understood the madness of ‘‘mutually through, and his infectious optimism made us all assured destruction.’’ He had an instinct that Mi- feel that it really was ‘‘morning in America.’’ It khail Gorbachev might be different, and was was impossible not to respect and admire the way quick to respond when I learned on a visit to he revived the spirit of the Nation in that era, Moscow in 1986 that President Gorbachev was restored the power and vitality of the Presidency, prepared to negotiate a separate arms control and made it a vigorous and purposeful place of treaty on the critical issue of nuclear missiles, in effective national and international leadership. Europe. The Intermediate-Range Nuclear-Force It was no coincidence that he opened his 1984 Treaty they negotiated the following year eased reelection campaign year by citing two Demo- tensions in Europe, and became the needed cratic Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Franklin breakthrough in U.S.-Soviet relations that made D. Roosevelt, in his State of the Union Address. Nor was it a coincidence that at the Republican it possible to see light at the end of the long Convention that year, not the Democratic Con- dangerous tunnel of the cold war. vention, the band played ‘‘Happy Days Are Here President REAGAN was never afraid to be con- Again.’’ troversial, to confront when he had to, and lead He governed as a conservative Republican, where he believed. There were intense disagree- often very conservative. But he had a special ge- ments with many of his policies, then and now. nius for reaching out to all Americans. Somehow, But beyond all that was a defining reality. He the hard edges of his policies always seemed came to power at a time of self-fulfilling pes- smoother when he discussed and defended them. simism, a pervasive belief that public policy He was willing to step back from them when could barely move molehills, let alone moun- necessary, such as when it proved impossible to tains. The true achievement of the Reagan revo- cut taxes, increase spending for defense, and bal- lution was the renewal of America’s faith in ance the budget at the same time. itself. He was an intense competitor who wanted to It was more than the fact that he was a superb win, not just for himself but for his beliefs. But communicator. Some attributed at least part of his goal was to defeat his opponents, not destroy his success to the fact that he had been an actor. them. He taught us that even though the battle But his deepest convictions were matters of heart Memorial Tributes in the Senate 243 and mind and spirit, and on them, he was no many people were helping me. I entered the race actor at all. late to try to help the Republican Party because He was very generous to the Kennedy family we didn’t have a candidate. Most people either on many public and private occasions. Caroline weren’t very interested or weren’t giving me and John went to see him in the White House much of a chance. But I called President early in 1985 to ask if he might be willing to REAGAN and he helped me and even came out participate in some way in a dinner we were to campaign for me. I’m sure some of his advisers planning at my home in support of my brother’s told him not to, and told him there was nothing Presidential library. He was delighted to attend. in it for him. But he came anyway. ‘‘Of course I’ll help you,’’ he said. ‘‘You don’t At a time when not many other people be- have a father to help.’’ lieved in me, RONALD REAGAN did. That was At the dinner a few weeks later, he stood with very special to me personally. us in the receiving line and shook the hand of I didn’t win that race, but President every guest. He was quick to mention that he REAGAN’s faith in me and his support trans- had not supported President Kennedy in 1960. formed me from someone who had merely ‘‘I was for the other fellow,’’ he told us. ‘‘But watched him from afar to an appreciative ad- you know, it’s true, when the battle’s over and mirer. the ground cooled, well, it’s then that you see He had no reason to come and assist me other the opposing general’s valor.’’ than to help because of the goodness in his heart. He proceeded to give one of the finest tributes I asked, and that was enough for him. that my brother ever received. As he said of Jack, Later I was at the 1984 Republican Convention ‘‘He seemed to grasp from the beginning that in Dallas when he gave the great speech about life is one fast-moving train, and you have to believing in America and how our Nation sym- jump aboard and hold on to your hat and relish bolized hope to the world as a ‘‘shining city on the sweep of the winds as it rushes by.’’ the hill.’’ He summed it up by saying of my brother, It was spellbinding and uplifting. Even ‘‘You have to enjoy the journey. . . . I think that’s though it was a political convention, I think his how his country remembers him, in his joy, and message of optimism and his belief in the good- it was a joy he knew how to communicate.’’ ness of America touched all Americans. That’s how America remembers RONALD President REAGAN believed in me again when REAGAN, too. I ran for Congress in 1986. To be honest, I wasn’t really interested at first in coming to Wash- ington. But when RONALD REAGAN and his Hon. White House turned on the power of persuasion, OF KENTUCKY it was almost impossible to say ‘‘no.’’ And with RONALD REAGAN’s support, I was fortunate Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the enough to win and to come join him as a Mem- memory of our 40th President, RONALD WILSON ber of Congress for his last 2 years in office. REAGAN. Again, he believed in me and I’ve never forgotten Mary and I have deep sadness today and we it. send out our heartfelt condolences to Nancy and I attended his last two State of the Union the rest of the Reagan family. speeches as a Member of the House and they I didn’t personally meet RONALD REAGAN were spectacular performances. until 1983, but I wish I had known him before. I remember during his last State of the Union I will never forget how even though we hardly when he dropped a copy of the enormous con- knew each other, he was there when I needed tinuing resolution spending bill Congress had him. passed in late 1987 and warned us that we’d bet- This first happened when I was running for ter get our work done on time because he Governor of Kentucky in 1983. To be honest, not wouldn’t sign another bill like that. 244 Ronald Reagan

We knew he meant it and Congress listened That was a hallmark of REAGAN and another and the next year we did get our work done on strength of his administration—he was always a time. gentleman and treated others with respect. He I believe the secret to RONALD REAGAN’s ap- might not have won every policy and political peal was that he had such strong and profound argument, but he fought cleanly and conducted fundamental beliefs about the role of government himself with civility and grace. and he was so confident in his ability to commu- In the end, I believe that few of us will see nicate those beliefs in simple, but powerful ways another leader the likes of RONALD REAGAN that average Americans could understand. during our lifetime. People sensed that he was sincere in his own I believe that when he took office he set out beliefs. They knew he was comfortable in his to change not only the Nation but the face of own skin and had a clear idea of the direction the world. That is exactly what he did. where he wanted to lead the country. Because he was confident in himself and believed in America and its people, the American people returned Hon. Robert F. Bennett that faith. They believed in him and they lis- OF UTAH tened to him. When he led, they followed. They followed RONALD REAGAN when it Mr. President, on the passing of former Presi- came to his staunch opposition to taxes. dent REAGAN, my mind, like everyone else’s, They listened to him when he warned us about goes back to a personal experience—not one that the evils of communism and asserted our moral I had with RONALD REAGAN himself because I superiority in the struggle between the East and did not know him that well, but in 1976, I was the West. being interviewed for a job in the REAGAN cam- Many in Washington criticized him when he paign for President. The individual, the former warned that the old Soviet Union was an evil em- President’s campaign manager at the time, who pire. was conducting the interview, went through all But RONALD REAGAN understood that the So- of the specifics of the job he wanted me to take. viets were a moral threat to our way of life, and The interview went very well. I seemed to have that we were engaged in a struggle that we had the credentials they wanted, and it was clear that to win. a job offer was sitting there on the table. But The naysayers said RONALD REAGAN was dan- I was a little troubled, even though things were gerous, but the American people knew he was going well, because I wanted to make something fundamentally right, and history will show him very clear. to be a visionary who probably saved our Nation I did not know RONALD REAGAN. I had met and the world. him, but I did not know him. I only knew the Like every other President, RONALD REAGAN caricature of REAGAN which was out there in the had his critics. And he made mistakes. But there media, which was that he was a rigid, ideolog- is no doubt that the strong consensus among the ical, hardline conservative who would never, ever American people is that RONALD REAGAN was budge from an ideological position. So I said, in a great President. the spirit of full disclosure in this job interview, He was an unusually strong and optimistic I want to make one thing clear. I said, ‘‘I am leader that we all want to emulate. That’s why not a true believer.’’ his passing has hit so many of us so hard. The individual conducting the interview Even his strongest critics will tell you that smiled a little and he said, ‘‘That’s all right, nei- they liked RONALD REAGAN the man and ther is the Governor.’’ human being. They knew that even though he That was my first glimpse into what made might disagree with their policies that he still RONALD REAGAN a truly successful politician. liked them as people and that he would treat He was a politician of absolutely firm resolve, them with respect. there is no question about that. There were Memorial Tributes in the Senate 245 things he believed and he believed with such pas- how good RONALD REAGAN was at the job of sion that he would never, ever deviate from being President of the United States. them. But there were also some things he real- We have all talked about how optimistic he ized could be compromised that did not require was, how filled with hope he was, what a conge- an absolute, hardline ideological stance, and the nial fellow he was, what a great communicator great genius of the man is that he had the wis- he was. And all of that is true and all of that dom to be able to discern which issue fell into is right and proper in this eulogy. But we should which category, which issue was one in which not allow ourselves to forget in these discussions there must be no compromise, and which issue of his wonderful qualities how effective a Presi- was one where he could, in the words of former dent he was. We live in RONALD REAGAN’s Senator Dole, take 80 percent of the deal and be America. Indeed, we live in RONALD REAGAN’s happy with it. That requires a degree of wisdom world. He is more responsible for the kind of and sensitivity that very few of us possess. RON- America we have today than any other man. He ALD REAGAN possessed it, and that was the core is more responsible for the kind of world in of his genius. which we live than any other man. In the words of the country music song, he That does not mean he is solely responsible, knew when to hold them and when to fold them. by any means, because there are many people who have affected America and have affected the On the issue of the evil empire, that was a world for good and ill, and no one man can be time when he would hold them. On the issue solely responsible for what happened. But he is of the evil empire, he would give no quarter, and more responsible than any other individual for he was criticized firmly for that, even within his the kind of country we have and for the kind own administration. The story is told of a meet- of world in which we live—and both are substan- ing where members of the administration were tially better than that which he found when he discussing how they would deal with the Soviet became President. Union in a certain situation, and after one point Let us look back for a minute at what America of view was presented President REAGAN turned was like when RONALD REAGAN became Presi- to the individual and said, ‘‘If you believe that, dent. what are you doing in this administration?’’ He We think of the Great Depression and how was that firm in his determination that the So- devastating that was as an economic event in our viet Union was, indeed, an evil empire and had lives. When RONALD REAGAN came to the Presi- to be confronted as such. dency, we were in the midst of the great infla- But when the confrontation truly came and tion. I remember it very clearly. I was delighted the Soviet Union found they were up against an in that period—absolutely delighted—to be able immovable object in RONALD REAGAN and they to get a bank loan, so I could meet payroll in began to maneuver, then he could see the areas the business I was running, at an interest rate 80 1 in which percent was good enough. He could of 21 §5 percent. I remember talking to my banker discern the difference between where he had to who told me, Today the Treasury auction has stand absolutely firm and where he had to nego- sold 30-year government securities at 15 percent. tiate. He skillfully exploited all of those dif- It was absolutely stunning. The great inflation ferences in such a way that the evil empire first was destroying value, destroying confidence, and ceased to be evil and then ultimately ceased to created what is the most serious recession we be an empire. have had since the Great Depression—the double I find one of the great of history the digits of the eighties which occurred in fact that upon his passing, on the pages of the REAGAN’s Presidency but were the consequence New York Times, Mikhail Gorbachev is quoted in of the great inflation that went before. This praise of RONALD REAGAN. The man whom President stood absolutely firm on his economic REAGAN outmaneuvered, outnegotiated, and ul- policy that was being ridiculed, that was being timately forced from office was singing his castigated, that was being sneered at; and his praises at his passing. That is an indication of message to the country was stay the course. We 246 Ronald Reagan did stay the course. His party lost a lot of seats ‘‘REAGAN,’’ and the first chapter of that book is in that next election, but he stood firm. Along entitled, ‘‘The Wise Men and The Dummy.’’ with Paul Volcker at the Federal Reserve, they In that chapter, D’Souza said when REAGAN squeezed inflation out of the economy, created came to the Presidency, it was widely assumed an economic situation where today as the heirs among all the liberal wise men in the country of that enormously difficult but significant effort that he was a dummy. The untold secret is the we find the time when interest rates are at their conservative wise men felt the same way. The lowest in 20, 30, or 40 years. conservative wise men thought he won the Presi- I remind people who derided RONALD dency because he was a great actor: He looks REAGAN as the , lifeguard, football player good on television, but we can’t allow him to with no intellectual base that he was the only make any of the decisions. He is a front, and we President of the United States who had a degree will put together the conservative agenda. Then in economics—classic economics, Keynesian eco- we will have him as our puppet to go out and nomics—and he viewed the world in Keynesian sell it to the American people, and we will have terms and set an economic course that produced the best of all possible worlds. the base of prosperity we live in today. Yes, he Well, as D’Souza records, at the end of the was an optimist. Yes, he was a politician of joy. day, on every major issue that came before the Yes, he was a pleasant fellow. But he was an REAGAN Presidency, it turned out the wise men enormously successful President in his domestic were wrong and the dummy was right. And the policies. dummy, because he was President of the United During his Presidency, the American economy States and because he understood the proper use grew as measured in terms of gross domestic of power and he exercised it with tremendous product as much as if it had acquired the entire skill, had views that prevailed, and we are the economy of Germany. We added as much gross beneficiaries of his wisdom. domestic product—that is as much output in the At this time of his passing, I do not mourn American economy—during the time he was because RONALD REAGAN has been released by President as the entire economy of Germany. death from a tremendously debilitating, frus- Let us not forget that contribution as we re- trating, and ultimately tragic situation. RONALD member and properly celebrate his sterling per- REAGAN is now in a better place that does not sonal qualities. require us to mourn but to rejoice. This time is Internationally, of course, we have talked a time to celebrate, a time to be grateful, and about that. Other Senators have talked about a time to thank providence for giving America that. But let us remember once again at the time at this time in its history this particular states- his policies were very controversial, at the time man, the one who knew when to stand with ab- his policies were derided by the wise men, at the solute resolve, when to be willing to make the time they said he was a cowboy who was going deal, and possess the innate wisdom to know the to set off all kinds of danger internationally, and difference. at the end of his Presidency, as I say, the evil We live in RONALD REAGAN’s America. In- empire was no longer evil and very quickly it deed, we live in RONALD REAGAN’s world, and was no longer an empire. And instead of setting we are all better for that. off dangerous international consequences, what he did by standing firm on his resolve was trans- form the world by ridding it of its greatest Hon. threat. That was not bad for a B actor who pre- sumably didn’t know anything beyond what was OF ALABAMA on those 3 × 5 cards. The best summary comes from one of his staff- Mr. President, it is a great honor for me to ers who wrote a book. The staffer was named be a Member of this body at this point in history Dinesh D’Souza. He wrote a book called and to be able to have the privilege of making Memorial Tributes in the Senate 247 a few comments on the life and career of RON- what the root causes of criminal behavior were, ALD REAGAN. and what we could do to help the criminal. My words are inadequate to the task. Many We lost sight of the victim. We lost sight of have spoken more eloquently than me. Many accountability. We lost sight of righting wrong. have written beautifully about his life and the And it resulted in crime rates that doubled and meaning of his Presidency. tripled in the 20 years prior to President I will just say that I do remember being per- REAGAN taking office. sonally inspired by him. As a young high school Drug use had surged during the sixties and student, I came to believe Barry Goldwater seventies. By the time President REAGAN took would be a good President. I believed that from office, half of the high school seniors in America the values he was articulating. I did what I admitted to having used an illegal drug in their could. I put a bumper sticker on my daddy’s life. That is a stunning number. That is accord- pickup truck. Although he had never been in- ing to a University of Michigan study. volved in politics in any way, he allowed me to Nancy Reagan began her ‘‘Just Say No’’ pro- do that. gram. President REAGAN passed mandatory sen- Of course, things did not go well in that elec- tencing policies. He passed through the Congress tion. Things were going poorly. But on the eve the Federal sentencing guidelines that eliminated of that election, the Nation and many of the peo- parole and had guaranteed sentences for incarcer- ple who shared those basic values about classical ation, with many substantial sentences for serious America, what we as a Nation represent—lim- violations of the law. I believe the sentencing ited government, individual responsibility, per- guidelines were probably the biggest change in sonal freedom, a strong national defense—were law enforcement in the history of this country electrified by a speech by RONALD REAGAN. I since its founding. think they call it ‘‘A Rendezvous with Destiny.’’ The result was that drug use went down. It Some just call it ‘‘The Speech.’’ I remember it went down every year President REAGAN was to this day. President. For 12 years it declined steadfastly. We After the Goldwater campaign ended—and it now have less than half of high school seniors certainly was a major defeat for him—RONALD who say they have used an illegal drug in their REAGAN sort of inherited the flame of classical life. The crime rate began to fall. We are still American values and made them the basis of his seeing declines in crime. That is because we went personal beliefs and his campaign for the Presi- back to the fundamental precepts of crime and dency. punishment, and how you do it. Some people are I was also later honored to be President just dangerous. They need to be incarcerated. REAGAN’s U.S. Attorney for the Southern Dis- They need to be removed from society for the trict of Alabama. It was a Presidential appoint- protection of society. ment, confirmed by the Senate. I was a U.S. at- States picked up on this. Most crimes are pros- torney, and I served in that job as one of his lieu- ecuted in the States, but that leadership of the tenants in the war on crime for the entire two bully pulpit by the President led to State reforms terms of his Presidency, and, indeed, for 4 more and crackdowns and improved capacity in prisons years under former President Bush. That was a to deal with repeat offenders. It has been a key great honor for me. element in the reduction of crime and why As we talk about what President REAGAN ac- Americans are safer today than they were in 1980. complished, I do want to take a moment to talk It is something that I think we have not heard about crime and drugs. Crime and drugs had much about in the discussion of the accomplish- been surging for 20 years when President ments of President REAGAN. REAGAN took office. The elites in this country I was also honored to have been his nominee actually believed that prison was ineffective, that for a Federal judgeship. It turned into a very un- it did not work, that it was counterproductive, pleasant experience for me and my nomination that you should not put people in prison, that did not clear the Senate Judiciary Committee, of we ought to ask how they committed the crime, which I am now a member and on which I am 248 Ronald Reagan honored to serve. But he stood steadfastly for me. The success of the REAGAN Presidency was The fact he believed in my ability to be a Federal stunning in its scope, and it could not have come judge was something I cherish. And I cherish the at a better time for the country. Like President letter he wrote me when I asked that my name Washington, President REAGAN’s life was given be withdrawn from that appointment. It is some- over to the country. He loved his country and thing I will always cherish. It was personal and he was selfless in his commitment to it. His self- meaningful to me. lessness and the purity of his principles inspired RONALD REAGAN had a deep and fully formed those who worked for him. philosophy about America and American ideals I remember—and I will close; I know there when he came to office at age 69. This is some- are others who would like to speak—but I do thing that did not come to him lightly. It was remember how, as a U.S. attorney, we did not over a lifetime of evaluation. Even in the face of need to be told in detail what the President the most fierce opposition, he never wavered in wanted. We heard his philosophy. We heard his those beliefs. Indeed, his very life seemed to em- campaign. We knew he wanted us to be more body the highest and best of American values. productive. We knew he wanted us to take His very life, the way he carried himself, em- charge of our governmental office and make it bodied American values. His courage to remain work for the people and produce as high an out- true to the highest of these ideals was his greatest put as it could possibly achieve. We also knew strength, I believe. he expected us to crack down on criminals and His goal was to free the greatness of individual crime. I think that was good leadership because all Americans, assured that their goodness and in- the departments of the government understood dustry would lift the Nation and inspire the where REAGAN came from, what administration world to freedom and progress. He believed in they were a part of. They did not have to be in- the individual American citizen. He believed structed in detail on how to accomplish the goals that government should allow their creativity of his administration. That was one of his great and industry to flourish, and as they flourished, strengths. The impact of it was incalculable in and as they worked hard, and as they were cre- many ways around the world. ative, the world and America would benefit from I will just close with this story. In 1993, sev- it. eral years after President REAGAN left office, I His courage to be true to those ideals, I be- had the opportunity to go with a church group lieve, was his secret strength. He understood that to Russia. It was a Methodist group. We stayed intuitively, and he remained true to it. He called in a town 5 hours from Moscow, about 40,000 us, in his very special way, to the natural opti- people, many of whom had not seen Americans mistic spirit of America. before. We had a very nice time there. I stayed His record of achievement was extraordinary. for a number of days with a Russian family. He led us with courage and steadfastness to de- The first day we got there, the Russian host’s feat the evil empire. He cut our taxes. He called daughter was to be baptized. Father Gannati was on us to renew our spiritual, moral, and family the Russian Orthodox priest. He came and he values. He said criminals should be punished. He did a nice service, and it took some time. Then not only communicated these values with words, we had dinner after the baptism. Father Gannati but his actions and policies and life were dedi- explained that just 2 years before, he was not able cated to that. to wear his robes in public. The state caused him As a result of his constancy and courage to to be moved from town to town every year so fight for these values, a serious period of pes- that he could not build bonds and roots in a simism abounding in our land at that time given community. He could not meet the gov- ended. The Soviet Union collapsed. The economy ernmental leaders. They would not meet with began its 20 years of remarkable growth. Matters him because they were atheists and they would of faith, morality, and family were lifted up. The not meet with believers. So it was a very inter- crime rate fell, and drug use fell. esting time. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 249 He described how since then he could wear His domestic policies gave us a smaller govern- his robe, the mayor had him down to meet with ment rather than a larger one. These are just a him the day before this event, and that he was handful of changes that will be the legacy left able to stay and rebuild the church there that by RONALD REAGAN. Certainly, we can all be had been damaged ever since the Russian revolu- very proud of the leadership he has given and tion had occurred. follow the example he left behind. At the conclusion of those remarks, our host Beneath the steely smile, RONALD REAGAN jumped up and said, ‘‘I propose a toast to RON- was a cowboy. Westerners remember REAGAN ALD REAGAN, who allowed us to believe in God for his love of horses, his Wrangler jeans, his again.’’ Right in the center of the evil empire, cowboy hats, something we all appreciated out the impact RONALD REAGAN had to change the West. In fact, in 1968, RONALD REAGAN came nature of the world in which we lived was felt to Wyoming to speak to the Wyoming Repub- in a very real way. lican State Convention in Cheyenne. Clarence Brimmer, now a U.S. district judge in Cheyenne, remembered the cowpoke from California who Hon. Craig Thomas delivered a motivating speech. He said recently, ‘‘He was really outstanding, not just as a speaker, OF WYOMING but in a cowboy suit he was really sharp. He wowed all the ladies.’’ Mr. President, I rise to join other colleagues The passing of RONALD REAGAN has brought in talking about President RONALD REAGAN, about a great deal of grief for all of us in the the Great Communicator, the great humani- country and throughout the world. But through tarian. his dignified leadership, universal diplomatic ‘‘I will lie down and bleed awhile, and then skills, and his energetic persona, RONALD I will rise and fight again’’. RONALD REAGAN REAGAN established a legacy that will live for quoted Sir Andrew Barton’s words after return- generations to come. We should take pride in ing home from campaigning against Gerald his life, in his accomplishments, and recognize Ford. Poignant words for a man who just 4 years what he left us—the great dawning of a new later was elected the 40th President of the America. United States. The Nation and the world have lost a great treasure. RONALD REAGAN was a master Hon. Lisa Murkowski wordsmith, an international diplomat, a man whose genuine humanity gave Americans and OF ALASKA people around the world a new sense of self- worth. He loved America first and foremost, so Mr. President, I, too, rise to join my col- we stood behind our leader, our captain, our leagues in honoring our Nation’s 40th President, coach—to win one for the GIPPER. RONALD REAGAN. It is most fitting and I know RONALD REAGAN held a deep devotion to that I have watched, as have Americans across principle, sought ‘‘peace through strength,’’ and the country, as we see the stories of RONALD encouraged everyone to believe in their convic- REAGAN and his life and his contributions to this tions. He had a keen intellect, but he was under- country, stories coming from not only those of estimated by his critics. He disarmed many us standing on the Senate floor but from other naysayers with his quick wit, crooked smile, countries, from small communities. People are thoughtful words, and a jar of jelly beans. focusing on the man that was RONALD REAGAN, He will forever be remembered by ending the a great leader for this country. The stories that cold war. His words ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down have been told have been wide-ranging, covering this wall!’’ echo in our mind’s eye. Known as the President REAGAN’s role in the cold war, his Great Communicator, his philosophies changed truly undying sense of optimism for the country, the political direction this country was taking. the discussions about Reaganomics, and, of 250 Ronald Reagan course, all those personal stories that make Presi- more time, and it brought good smiles to my dent REAGAN so unforgettable. face. Alaska certainly has its stories to add and to I ask unanimous consent to have printed in share as well. President REAGAN’s impact on the Record the full contents of ‘‘The Shooting of Alaska began before he even entered the Office Dan McGrew.’’ of the Presidency. In 1980, the Alaska National There being no objection, the material was or- Interest Lands Conservation Act, putting over dered to be printed in the Record, as follows: 100 million acres of land under Federal control, was pending before the Congress. With THE SHOOTING OF DAN MCGREW REAGAN’s election that year, leaders in the (By Robert Service) House and Senate—at the time, both were under A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute Democratic control—knew that if they were saloon; going to get a bill signed into law, it would have The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a jag-time tune; to be then, before President REAGAN was sworn Back of the bar, in a solo game, sat Dangerous Dan McGrew, in, and the act, for better or for worse, was And watching his luck was his light-o’-love, the lady that’s signed into law on December 2, 1980. But Presi- known as Lou. dent REAGAN understood Alaska and Alaskans. In his book entitled ‘‘REAGAN, In His Own When out of the night, which was fifty below, and into the Hand,’’ the President asked this very important din and glare, question, ‘‘Will Alaska wind up as our biggest There stumbled a miner fresh from the creeks, dog-dirty, and loaded for bear. State, or will it be our smallest State surrounded He looked like a man with a foot in the grave and scarcely by our biggest national park?’’ the strength of a louse, He tried to ease the impact these land with- Yet he tilted a poke of dust on the bar, and he called for drawals had on Alaskans living in and around the drinks for the house. new parks and refuges. He fought for access to There was none could place the stranger’s face, though we these lands to provide for economic development, searched ourselves for a clue; But we drank his health, and the last to drink was Dangerous and it was his administration that determined Dan McGrew. that oil drilling should be allowed in a small sec- tion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a There’s men that somehow just grip your eyes, and hold them debate that continues today. hard like a spell; Alaskans remembered all that President And such was he, and he looked to me like a man who had lived in hell; REAGAN did for us in both Presidential elections With a face most hair, and the dreary stare of a dog whose by giving him wide and broad-based support day is done, throughout the State. As he watered the green stuff in his glass, and the drops President REAGAN had the opportunity to fell one by one. visit Alaska several times. He liked to talk about Then I got to figgering who he was, and wondering what he’d do, his ties to the State. He was a big fan of Robert And I turned my head—and there watching him was the Service, and one of his favorites was a poem enti- lady that’s known as Lou. tled ‘‘The Shooting of Dan McGrew.’’ It is a poem about a particular barroom brawl, and His eyes went rubbering round the room, and he seemed in most people may remember the beginning of it: a kind of daze, Till at last that old piano fell in the way of his wandering ‘‘A bunch of the boys were whooping it up at gaze. the Malamute saloon.’’ The rag-time kid was having a drink; there was no one else It is a wonderful, kind of down-and-dirty, on the stool, rough-and-tumble poem that personified what So the stranger stumbles across the room, and flops down many wanted to believe about Alaska and the there like a fool. Last Frontier. In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat, and I saw him sway; But President REAGAN was quite fond of that. Then he clutched the keys with his talon hands—my God! I had an opportunity last night to pull out ‘‘The but that man could play. Shooting of Dan McGrew’’ and read it yet one Memorial Tributes in the Senate 251

Were you ever out in the Great Alone, when the moon was Then I ducked my head, and the lights went out, and two awful clear, guns blazed in the dark, And the icy mountains hemmed you in with a silence you And a woman screamed, and the lights went up, and two most could hear; men lay stiff and stark. With only the howl of a timber wolf, and you camped there Pitched on his head, and pumped full of lead, was Dangerous in the cold, Dan McGrew. A half-dead thing in a stark, dead world, clean mad for the While the man from the creeks lay clutched to the breast muck called gold; of the lady that’s known as Lou. While high overhead, green, yellow and red, the North Lights swept in bars?— These are the simple facts of the case, and I guess I ought Then you’ve a haunch what the music meant . . . and to know. night and the stars. They say that the stranger was crazed with ‘‘hooch,’’ and I’m not denying it’s so. And hunger not of the belly kind, that’s banished with bacon I’m not so wise as the lawyer guys, but strictly between us and beans, two— But the gnawing hunger of lonely men for a home and all The woman that kissed him and—pinched his poke—was the that it means; lady that’s known as Lou. For a fireside far from the cares that are, four walls and a roof above; I have a wonderful personal anecdote about But oh! so cramful of cosy joy, and crowned with a woman’s President REAGAN. He visited Fairbanks, AK, in love— 1984. It was a monumental visit because he A woman dearer than all the world, and true as Heaven is joined Pope John Paul II in Fairbanks for a sum- true— (God! how ghastly she looks through her rouge,—the lady mit there. The President and Nancy Reagan ar- that’s known as Lou.) rived in Fairbanks on their way back from China. The following day, the Pope was arriving on his Then on a sudden the music changed, so soft that you scarce way to Korea. As we do in Alaska, we can facili- could hear; tate great unions because of our strategic location But you felt that your life had been looted clean of all that it once held dear; at the top of the globe. So they were able to meet That someone had stolen the woman you loved; that her love at the Fairbanks International Airport. was a devil’s lie; During his stopover in Fairbanks, the Presi- That your guts were gone, and the best for you was to crawl dent spent his time at my parent’s home out on away and die. the Chena River. They were there for a couple ’Twas the crowning cry of a heart’s despair, and it thrilled you through and through— of days. It would not be much of a story except ‘‘I guess I’ll make it a spread misere,’’ said Dangerous Dan that the home was brand spanking new. It had McGrew. not yet been furnished. So in an effort to make sure the President and Mrs. Reagan were com- The music almost died away . . . then it burst like a pent- up flood; fortable, the community literally furnished the And it seemed to say, ‘‘Repay, repay,’’ and my eyes were home, complete with very fine Alaskan artwork. blind with blood. It was perhaps a showcase home for a couple of The thought came back of an ancient wrong, and it stung days. Everything from the city’s artwork to the like a frozen lash, china ultimately had to be returned to wherever And the lust awoke to kill, to kill . . . then the music stopped with a crash, it came from. The community went all out for And the stranger turned, and his eyes they burned in a most the President and Mrs. Reagan. peculiar way; Because this was a new house, there were some In a buckskin shirt that was glazed with dirt he sat, and kinks that still needed to be worked out, specifi- I saw him sway; cally the water. It didn’t have hot water. Appar- Then his lips went in in a kind of grin, and he spoke, and his voice was calm, ently, after a long flight, it is quite nice to stop And ‘‘Boys,’’ says he, ‘‘you don’t know me, and none of you and take a shower, or perhaps Mrs. Reagan need- care a damn; ed a warm bath. But there was no hot water. But I want to state, and my words are straight, and I’ll bet A call was made to then-Senator Murkowski at my poke they’re true, 3 That one of you is a hound of hell . . . and that one is Dan about a.m. asking how come there was no hot McGrew.’’ water. As the story goes, the President and my father were wandering around outside trying to 252 Ronald Reagan figure out how to make the hot water come on. REAGAN. I, of course, remember him. I didn’t They learned you had to keep the water running know him personally. for awhile. That was the way President REAGAN I also want to say how much especially I have was. He was willing to go out and try to be help- appreciated the grace and the charity shown to ful and fix the problem. He was a man who the former President by those here who were, wanted to make things work, to cut through the when he was in office, his political opponents. redtape and bureaucracy, reduce the size of gov- I think it is a great testimony to their charity ernment, and a man who was not afraid to stand of spirit that they have done so and also a com- up and promote his vision for America, but also ment on how our system operates in times such knowing when it was time to compromise on as this. We can remember and appreciate a per- issues. He was an individual who truly made son for his good qualities without necessarily America feel good about itself again. having to retreat from any disagreements we may I will close by reading a quote from RONALD have had with that person over political issues. REAGAN during his speech at the 1992 National I am reminded of what Winston Churchill Republican Convention. I feel it is truly a fitting said on a similar occasion when he was offering reminder of this great man’s legacy. I read as fol- remembrances of a colleague who had died, with lows: whom he had had many differences. He said: My fellow citizens—those of you here in this hall and The fierce and bitter controversies which hung around him those of you at home—I want you to know that I have always in recent times were hushed by the news of his illness and had the highest respect for you, for your common sense and are silenced by his death. In paying a tribute of respect and intelligence, and for your decency. I have always believed in of regard to an eminent man who has been taken from us, you and in what you could accomplish for yourselves and for no one is obliged to alter the opinions which he has formed others. or expressed upon issues which have become a part of history; And whatever else history may say about me when I’m but at the Lychgate, we may all pass our own conduct and gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, our own judgments under a searching review. It’s not given not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your to human beings, happily for them for otherwise life would doubts. My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with be intolerable, to foresee or to predict to any large extent liberty’s lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm the unfolding course of events. In one phase men seem to steadying your way. have been right, in another they seem to have been wrong. My fondest hope for each one of you—and especially for Then again, a few years later, when the perspective of time the young people here—is that you will love your country, has lengthened, all stands in a different setting. There is a not for her power or wealth, but for her selflessness and her new proportion. There is another scale of values. History with idealism. May each of you have the heart to conceive, the its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying understanding to direct, and the hand to execute works that to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with will make the world a little better for your having been here. pale gleams the passion of former days. What is the worth May all of you as Americans never forget your heroic ori- of all this? The only guide to a man is his conscience; the gins, never fail to seek divine guidance, and never lose your only shield to his memory is the rectitude and sincerity of natural, God-given optimism. his actions. It is very imprudent to walk through life without And finally, my fellow Americans, may every dawn be a this shield, because we are so often mocked by the failure great new beginning for America and every evening bring of our hopes and the upsetting of our calculations; but with us closer to that ‘‘shining city upon a hill.’’ this shield, however the fates may play, we march always in the ranks of honour. I stand here for a few minutes to remember Hon. James M. Talent a man who always marched in the ranks of honor OF MISSOURI and whose shield was the sincerity and rectitude of his actions at all times. He was not a mentor, Mr. President, it is an honor for me to join because I did not know him personally, but he the Senate in honoring the memory and cele- was a hero of mine. brating the life of RONALD REAGAN. I want to Much has been said in the last few days about say, first of all, how much I have appreciated the his humor and amiability. I agree that was a very eloquence and the personal memories that have important part of RONALD REAGAN, of who he been offered on the Senate floor and in public was and of his success. When I think of him, by those who knew and remembered President when I visualize him, I visualize him smiling, Memorial Tributes in the Senate 253 telling a joke, or offering some witticism or some that give life meaning, that give people a chance piece of humor. I think that was a big part of for happiness and opportunity. He believed in his success. what people build in their families, in their small It is important not to take yourself too seri- businesses, in their local schools, in their vol- ously. That is a quality that often is lacking in untary associations and organizations, in their this town. I think I can say that without being churches, synagogues, and temples. He believed deemed uncharitable. But it was not a quality in the great traditions of American culture. He that was lacking in RONALD REAGAN. He knew those traditions and the institutions that thought deeply about issues. He thought deeply represent them grow and evolve organically over about the country. I think people underesti- time and that they represent the wisdom of many mated, to some extent, how deeply he thought generations of people about how we ought to live and understood what was going on. He never in our society so that we can have the maximum pretended to know everything. I think that amount of justice and freedom and opportunity helped him a lot in his Presidency. for all of our people. We should also remember President REAGAN, What he wanted was for the government to however, not just for his qualities and his person- be vigorous in the areas it was supposed to oper- ality, but also for what he believed. He thought ate but to respect those institutions rather than ideas were important, and he was right. I remem- trying to overthrow them. ber George Will said a few years ago—and I am He said once in 1970: paraphrasing him; he probably said it more elo- It’s not my intention to do away with government. It is quently than this—but the gist of his remarks rather to make it work—work with us, not over us; to stand was, the collapse of the Soviet Union proves that by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must ideas not only have consequences, but that maybe provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it. only ideas have consequences. President REAGAN’s friends and opponents I remember a few years ago when we were de- have sometimes characterized his political philos- bating welfare reform in the Congress—and I ophy as being an antigovernment philosophy or was in the House at the time—a key point in a simplistic belief in making government smaller that debate was when the Congress decided col- whatever the circumstances the country was con- lectively that we were not talking about whether fronting. I do not think that is correct. I think we were going to try in some sense to get rid at best it is oversimplistic. of the welfare system. We were not going to re- President REAGAN understood that the issue treat from the impulse of the sixties to help peo- of our time during his Presidency and the issue ple who were in poverty get out of poverty. of our time now, I suggest, is not whether gov- What we wanted, however, was a system that ernment is going to be big or small, certainly tried to do that in a way that respected and in an absolute sense and often in a relative sense upheld the values that generations and genera- as well, but whether the government, in doing tions of Americans have relied on to move up whatever functions we believe it ought to do, the economic ladder. We wanted a system that will consistently respect the values and institu- instead of punishing work, encouraged and re- tions of private life. quired it. We wanted a system that instead of It is not a question of whether government is providing incentives against marriage, encour- important, because it is; it is a question of aged marriage and talked about its importance. whether the government believes it is more im- We wanted a system that did not uproot neigh- portant than the private society and culture and borhoods and neighborhood institutions, that did people it is governing. That is where President not sweep them aside in the name of an all pow- REAGAN drew the consistent line of his philos- erful and prescriptive government, but rather a ophy in his public life. His faith was in what system that helped build up again the vital parts the American people had built and have built of neighborhoods. and are continuing to build on their own, and The reason that bill has been so successful, the in the associations and networks of private life reason it was supported by a vast majority in 254 Ronald Reagan both Houses, and why it has been successful all Hon. Bob Graham over the country is not because it represented, I submit, a retreat by the government from its OF FLORIDA commitment to helping people achieve the American dream, but rather because it rep- Mr. President, later today, the body of Presi- dent RONALD REAGAN will be brought into this resented a conscious commitment by the govern- Capitol so that all Americans can pay their final ment to work with the values of Americans, to respects. respect those values and not to uproot them. Much has been said, much has been written There is no question where President REAGAN about our 40th President and the impact he had would have been in that fight, where he was in on our Nation and the world. In at least one re- that fight, because the seeds of welfare reform spect, I believe part of his legacy has been were planted during his administration. mischaracterized, and I rise today, as has my I am not going to go on. There are others who friend and colleague from Missouri, to set the wish to speak. I thank the Senator from Florida record straight. The issue that I would like to address is RON- for allowing me to go out of order because we ALD REAGAN’s view of the size of government. try to go back and forth on both sides of the It is true that President REAGAN believed the aisle. Federal Government was too large and too costly, Let me close with one of my favorite quotes but he did not believe that was true of all gov- from President REAGAN. We are all doing that. ernments. It is from his second inaugural address in January As a former Governor of California, he be- 1985, and many have commented on President lieved governments closer to the people, govern- REAGAN’s optimism about America, how he was ments at the State and local level, had the pri- optimistic about America because he not only be- mary responsibility for essential public service lieved in those values and the institutions that and, thus, they should have the resources to re- represented them, but he had a tremendous faith spond to public needs. The people would serve as the control of in their power. I think he knew we were going whether the State and local officials had fulfilled to triumph over the Soviet Union in the cold war the voters’ expectation of the role of their State, because he knew what we believed in was right, their county, or their city. I know this first-hand. was powerful, and was good, and he was not My tenure as Governor of Florida overlapped afraid to state it in those terms. with President REAGAN’s administration for 6 Here is an example of his optimism from his years. During that time, President REAGAN and second inaugural address: key members of his administration, even as they attempted to eliminate the U.S. Department of j k Now we . . . hear again the echoes of our past: a general Education and shrink Federal spending on edu- falls to his knees in the hard snow of Valley Forge; a lonely President paces the darkened halls and ponders his struggle cation, helped me pass a tax increase in Florida to preserve the Union; the men of the Alamo call out encour- that led to great improvements in our State edu- agement to each other; a settler pushes west and sings a song, cation system. and the song echoes out forever and fills the unknowing air. An movement swept the It is the American sound. It is hopeful, big-hearted, ideal- country in 1983 and 1984 with the issuance in istic, daring, decent, and fair. That’s our heritage; that’s our April 1983 by the National Commission on Ex- song. We sing it still. For all our problems, our differences, cellence in Education of a landmark report enti- we are together as of old. We raise our voices to the God tled ‘‘Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Edu- who is the author of this most tender music. And may He continue to hold us close as we fill the world with our cational Reform.’’ sound—in unity, affection, and love—one people under God, At the time that report was issued, President dedicated to the dream of freedom that He has placed in the REAGAN made this statement: human heart, called upon now to pass that dream on to a Parental authority is not a right conveyed by the state; waiting and hopeful world. rather, parents delegate to their elected school board rep- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 255 resentatives and State legislators the responsibility for their President had said States should be doing, but children’s schooling. could not get any Republican support. During a meeting of the National Governors After consulting with the White House and Association in 1983 President REAGAN told the gaining the President’s personal permission, Sec- Governors they would be responsible for imple- retary Bell called me back and asked what he menting reforms, including how to cover the could do to help. costs of those reforms. He was not interested in I gave him the names of a half dozen or more having the Federal Government play a larger Republican legislators. Secretary Bell called them role; in fact, he was intent on cutting the Federal on behalf of the President to ask them to support role in education. the reform package. I am pleased to say that with I recalled those words when back in Tallahas- strong bipartisan support, the education reform see I began to push a major educational reform program in Florida passed in 1983, and then by package through the legislature. I was not alone. 1986 Florida had moved to 13th in the Nation For instance, our colleague, the then-Governor of in our per-pupil spending, and our test scores Tennessee, Lamar Alexander, was instrumental in had the greatest rate of increase in 1986 of any the development and adoption of a similar reform State in the Nation. package in Tennessee, and we had the oppor- This program showed that greater gains in tunity to work together during that process with student performance can be achieved through the then-Governor Alexander talking to Republican right set of educational reform. This would not members of the Florida legislature as I recip- have happened without the support of President rocated in conversations with Democratic mem- RONALD REAGAN. bers of the Tennessee legislature. My point is RONALD REAGAN was a more The Florida package had a goal. The goal was nuanced political leader in terms of his view of we would raise the level of education in Florida the role of government than he is generally given as judged by student performance on standard- credit for by both his critics and his fans. On ized tests and other measurements and also per- behalf of all Floridians, I express my appreciation student funding of education to among the top for his support of improved education in Florida, 25 percent of the States in America. We increased and on behalf of all Floridians I express my con- student performance standards at all levels and dolences to President REAGAN’s family, espe- had the most challenging standards for gradua- cially his beloved Nancy. tion from high school of any State in the Nation. The package included basic things such as smaller class sizes, more class and curriculum op- Hon. Orrin G. Hatch portunities for students, and a career ladder with pay increases which recognized our best teachers. OF UTAH But all of those reforms depended upon addi- tional State financing. I proposed several steps to Mr. President, I would feel really bad if I raise the necessary revenue, including a revision didn’t take a few moments to speak about my of our corporate profits tax. I advocated the plan friend, Ron REAGAN. I, as much as anybody in with the assurance that better schools would im- this body, revered him, respected him, and loved prove our State’s economic climate. We even him. printed up buttons which read: ‘‘Education When I was running back in 1976, I filed lit- Means Business.’’ erally on the last day, May 10. I had zero name I was therefore very disturbed that the success recognition except among the legal community of the educational reform program was threat- and among my initial church community. But ened by the lack of support by Republicans in it was zero in the public polls. I ran through the the State senate and the State house of represent- preconvention, the convention, and came out sec- atives. I called President REAGAN’s Education ond in the convention, which enabled me to force Secretary, Dr. Terrell Bell from Utah. I reported a primary, and through the primary on $35,000, that I was attempting to do exactly what the $18,000 of which was my own, which was a lot 256 Ronald Reagan of money then back in 1976. I was about 9 points sure on the Soviets; second, the placing of the ahead and pulling away at that time against the Pershing II missiles in Europe, which was a very favored in the race—the Republican Party favor- gutsy thing to do at the time, and highly criti- ite and the favorite of most of the delegates of cized; third was the threat to build SDI, the Stra- the State convention. But he had spent about tegic Defense Initiative, and the Soviets knew we $150,000, and he was starting to slip. I was start- could do it; and fourth was a placing of the ing to pull ahead by about 9 points, according Stinger missiles in Afghanistan. I was here to the polls. through all of those times. Since I was the first to come out for RONALD I honor this great President, and I honor his REAGAN in that race at that particular time in dear wife who has been a wonderful wife and Utah as a candidate, we decided to ask RONALD supporter, who I know deeply, who has been an REAGAN if he would preprimary endorse me in advocate for so many things that are right, and my race for the U.S. Senate. especially in later times. Embryonic stem cell re- I have to say when I called it didn’t take them search—she is right on that issue, and I support long, recognizing my friendship and my support her. I honor both of them this day. for the first time in his political career, as far I join my colleagues, millions of Americans, as I know—at least that is what I was told by and indeed countless more around the world in those who were running his campaign, that he mourning the loss of the greatest American was going to preprimary endorse me, and he did. President of the 20th century, President RONALD By that time I was probably known by about 60 WILSON REAGAN. to 65 percent of the people in Utah. After suffering nearly a decade, our beloved After the endorsement, I won the primary. I President died this weekend. I join those in this probably would have won the primary by 10 or body here today in sending our condolences to 15 percentage points. But after his endorsement, Mrs. Reagan and their entire family. I won the primary 2 to 1, and I was known by, It is hard to imagine any American alive who I believe, well over 95 percent of my fellow con- has not been touched by the legacy of RONALD stituents in Utah. REAGAN. Even those born after he left office in I went to 36 States for RONALD REAGAN as 1989 have benefited from his selfless service, as one of his major surrogates. I went to New they grew up in an era of unprecedented global Hampshire, and I was Nancy Reagan’s date that freedom, a result of the end of the cold war night as I spoke for RONALD REAGAN in the cat- brought on by President REAGAN’s bold vision tle call. That is what it was called in New of this country and our faithful mission in the Hampshire. world. In 1980, I gave the keynote address at Plains Certainly, I was touched by the life of Presi- High School, Jimmy Carter’s own high school in dent REAGAN. Plains, GA, before 2,000 people. Perhaps I might not be here today were it not I did everything in my power to elect RONALD for the invigorating support of this great leader, REAGAN. We had a friendship that transcended whose endorsement of my candidacy in my first the usual friendships that are lovely and wonder- Senate run was certainly instrumental in my serv- ful around here but nevertheless usually don’t ice to the people of Utah. rise to the level that his friendship for me and I was pleased and honored to return the favor mine for him really rose to. at every opportunity—and, in 1980 and 1984, I I truly love RONALD REAGAN. I know what campaigned for RONALD REAGAN in almost a great President he was. I know he did bring every State of the Union. down the Iron Curtain, that he was the primary Let no one believe that this repaid my debt, mover and articulator of the themes that actually political or personal, to this great man—because ended the cold war. I believe I will remain in his debt as long as Most scholars will now say there are four rea- I live, and so will our country. sons why REAGAN was able to win the cold war: President REAGAN was both political mentor first, his military buildup; he put too much pres- and inspiration to me as a young Senator. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 257 We both started as Democrats. duty to lead a conservative movement back into We were inspired by our country’s bold inter- the political majority; by so doing he declared national leadership and sacrifice during World that we would never concede to cultural decline. War II, under a Democratic President. REAGAN’s victory in 1980 put an end to this Yet we both saw the political landscape shift malaise and changed our country forever. early in our adult lives. Originally from the Midwest, REAGAN moved We both grew dismayed at our country’s di- to California and found his talent in the industry rection, as citizens lost faith, lost optimism and of American dreams, showing our country that lost the dynamism that once made this land an American everyman could be a star. great. Many scorned REAGAN the actor for seeking At the same time, we both grew to appreciate political office. the principles of the Republican Party, where in- But, once again, he showed them wrong. He dividual initiative and personal freedom are en- won our hearts as a President—as he had as an shrined, and where the fight against international actor—showing us all that a man well-practiced communism took a backseat to no other foreign in the arts of both heart and mind could be a policy. perfect leader for a nation which had lost its 1977 When I came to the Senate in , our coun- sense of imagination. try was still fresh from the defeat symbolized by 1975 Only in America could a man from the middle communist tanks crashing into Saigon in . class, from the middle of the country, rise to be- By the time RONALD REAGAN became Presi- come the greatest American leader of the 20th dent, the defeat in 1975 had been interpreted by century. our global nemesis, the Soviet Union, as a weak- RONALD WILSON REAGAN achieved this by ness in American resolve; it inspired the Soviets appealing to the essential American values in all to proxy adventures in Latin America, Africa and of us—the values of individualism and enter- Asia. prise, initiative and optimism, charity and sac- As the liberal elites of the seventies denounced rifice. And he restored those values in our coun- and disparaged our international sacrifices of the try’s policies. past decade, as it became commonplace to equate Many misjudged REAGAN. Many underesti- the use of American force with the encroach- mated him. Many confused a man of simple be- ments of communist tyranny, America became liefs with a simple man. uncertain of itself and turned inward. It was not our finest moment. Those of us who knew him well recognized Our late colleague, Senator Moynihan, once re- REAGAN as a man of deep convictions. Deft of marked, wit, he always deflected a tough moment with humor. But, under it all, a gravity of purpose jTkhe central conservative truth is that it is culture, not politics, that determines the success of a society. The central shone through. liberal truth is that politics can change a culture and save What I came to admire in RONALD REAGAN it from itself. was his core belief that government could lead In the seventies, liberal culture had brought society, but not build society. He recognized that this country to a period of social decline and government’s most important economic role was international withdrawal. to foster American innovation and industry. And As communist tyranny gained around the his policies followed that principle. world, drug use here reached an all-time high. In foreign policy, he knew that communism The economy of the most productive nation was an abominable scourge on the face of the in the world was unraveling with high taxes and planet. He eagerly tackled that challenge as he higher inflation. had most obstacles in his life, and in so doing Our sense of mission was gone; our belief in left a legacy unparalleled by any American lead- our natural strengths and goodness receded. er. One of the things I loved the most about Who can forget his momentous call, ‘‘Mr. RONALD REAGAN was that he recognized his Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’? 258 Ronald Reagan And who can forget watching as the wall fell had the increase in prosperity most Americans just 2 years later? enjoyed. In the most fundamental way, President RON- President REAGAN also led the way for Con- ALD REAGAN inspired us all to believe in our gress to approve the landmark 1986 Tax Reform great Nation, and what it could do to help its Act. people lead better lives. Despite the naysaying of critics, President As a junior Senator, I watched President REAGAN did it again. The 1986 act lowered the 50 REAGAN take office, facing his first challenge: an top marginal income tax rate from percent to 28 economy misfiring on all cylinders, mired in the just percent. Also, it reduced the number of 14 2 mud of inflation, high taxes and bureaucracy. tax brackets from to just . With a strong voice of optimism, President While I did not support some of the provi- sions in the final product of the 1986 act, particu- REAGAN unfurled an ambitious plan to rejuve- nate the economy and lead the Nation to eco- larly some of the drastic changes in depreciation, nomic recovery. which I believed would help contribute to a crisis I remember how excited we were to see his in real estate and the savings and loan industry, bold plan, the change in direction that our new the act itself with its simplification and lower President charted. tax rates was a major accomplishment. The fact that subsequent Presidents and Con- He led us to pass the landmark Economic Re- gresses have reversed the gains made in terms of covery and Tax Act, including the Kemp-Roth simplicity does not take away from the monu- personal income tax cuts of 25 percent over 3 mental victory that President REAGAN scored by years. his leadership of the . This major initiative stimulated the economy Throughout the REAGAN era, I had the privi- by providing for accelerated depreciation deduc- lege of serving on the Labor and Human Re- tions and an investment credit. sources Committee, much of it as chairman. I It also enhanced the retirement of millions of worked closely with the President and his staff Americans by introducing individual retirement on issues related to public health and welfare accounts. issues showcasing the President’ compassion and And perhaps most significantly, it indexed in- dedication to improving the quality of life of all come tax brackets to inflation, limiting this pun- Americans. ishing form of spending growth. The country was still in a major recession, and The result? The economic boom in the we worked to pass the Job Training Partnership eighties. Act. This legislation changed the emphasis of job Inflation dropped from 13.5 percent in 1980 to assistance from providing government jobs to un- 3.2 percent in 1983. employed workers to providing them job train- By 1986, the 4th year of the tax cuts, economic ing which would help unemployed find jobs in growth had increased a cumulative 18 percent. the private sector. And, when RONALD REAGAN left office in The President’s initiatives often focused on re- January 1989, more than 18 million jobs had been leasing decisionmaking initiatives from an old created. Federal bureaucracy, as with the innovative Some have criticized the REAGAN era as years health block grants that returned decisionmaking of profligate spending and an irresponsible in- to the States, providing them with the resources crease in the Federal deficit. and flexibility to deliver preventive services, ma- However, only in 1 year, 1983, did either per- ternal and child health care, and mental health sonal income tax collections or total receipts go services in a totally new model. down from the previous year. It is true that the As chairman of the committee, I was criticized budget deficit did increase during the REAGAN for putting this legislation through. But we were Presidency, but this was clearly due to large in- vindicated when the General Accounting Office creases in spending, not because of the REAGAN reviewed these initiatives several years after their tax cuts, without which we would not likely have creation. It concluded that they were successful, Memorial Tributes in the Senate 259 and provided a more efficient way to address the Once again, however, the President recognized health needs of America’s diverse population. that leadership was as much in the message as I also remember how strongly the Reagan ad- in the bureaucracy. ministration supported biomedical research, a His beloved First Lady introduced the ‘‘Just love for and appreciation of the power of sci- Say No’’ campaign, a flat rebuttal to an ingrown entific inquiry Mrs. Reagan carries forward to acceptance of drug use in our society. this day. Derided by some elites, this program of de- Other key accomplishments under President claring unequivocally the unacceptable use of il- REAGAN’s tenure were significant Food and Drug legal drugs has become a foundation of all subse- Administration legislation, such as the Orphan quent drug use. Drug Act, the Drug Price Competition and Pat- No one suggests—then or now—that the ent Term Resolution Act, the National Organ problem of drug use is simple, and that preven- Transplantation Act, pediatric emergency med- tion and treatment policies can be cauterized ical services, vaccine compensation, tobacco from interdiction policies. warning labels, and the national practitioner data But no one suggests, after years of confirming bank. studies, that a drug policy can be effective absent How well I remember the battle President a strong component of social rhetoric. I loved President REAGAN, and I loved his REAGAN waged to seat C. Everett Koop as the Surgeon General. personal style of leadership. But I loved even more his undying love and Again recognizing that the country needed in- affection for one of the classiest First Ladies this spired leadership more than bureaucracy, Presi- country has come to know. dent REAGAN informed us that he wanted to Nancy Reagan’s quiet support of her husband, nominate C. Everett Koop to be the Surgeon so evident in all his successes, is often over- General. looked, as is her courage in leading the ‘‘Just Say Many balked, citing Dr. Koop’s age—65—as No’’ campaign. a barrier. The Public Health Service Act limited I remember as if it were today when President the age of PHS Commission Corps officers to 1986 1 REAGAN signed the drug law, the one that 64 §2. created the Office of the Drug Czar and gave But our President, himself past that age, rec- added resources to prevention and treatment. ognized the superior leadership skills of Dr. I was standing behind the President when he Koop. signed the bill. He said with that special twinkle It was a long battle, but one which had to in his eye, ‘‘I am going to give this pen to the be fought. Dr. Koop defined the modern-day role woman who has crusaded to end drug use in this of Surgeon General, and today is revered by all, country.’’ Democrats and Republicans alike, for his inde- With that, he walked past expectant advocates pendent-minded advocacy of public health, from and lawmakers straight to his wife Nancy, and AIDS awareness and prevention to antitobacco presented her with the pen. initiatives. Some focus on President REAGAN’s talents as I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight Presi- an actor and imagemaker. Yet I have never dent REAGAN’s other significant health care ac- known a more authentic man. complishment. And when he concluded that AIDS was a chal- As we know, the use of illegal drugs had hit lenge to the public health that was reaching a historic high in the late seventies. emergency proportions, he declared this as na- Again, President REAGAN recognized that tional policy. government needed to find new ways to address At the time, some criticized his administra- this social blight. He proposed and we legislated tion. They wanted him to act sooner. They want- the creation of the Office of National Drug Con- ed more money. They wanted more research. trol Policy, which has taken the leadership role But what I remember was a compassionate in anti-drug policy ever since. man who recognized that we needed to build the 260 Ronald Reagan research infrastructure to make effective use of For some whose agenda the people do not new funding. favor, however, a judiciary that won’t make law While the HIV virus was not identified until means their preferred law just won’t get made. 1983, the Reagan administration invested close to And they fought President REAGAN’s nominees $6 billion in fighting the disease by the end of with increasingly intensity. his term in 1989. Once the President recognized The first cloture vote ever taken on an appeals the challenge, he radically increased the response court nominee, for example, occurred during of the government, and the breakthroughs with President REAGAN’s first term, and the confirma- retroviral medicines in the nineties would simply tion process changed entirely in his second. have not occurred were it not for those invest- The seeds sown then have borne fruit today ments. in the filibusters being used against President We all know that one of a President’s greatest Bush’s nominees. But the issue remains the same, legacies is his nominations to the third branch whether unelected Federal judges may take over of government. from the people the business of making law and In appointing more judges than any President defining the culture. President REAGAN’s record of judicial appoint- in American history, President REAGAN’s judi- cial legacy can be seen on two levels. ments is certainly a profound legacy. He truly blazed a trail on this issue and, through his lead- First, he described, in both principled and ership, Americans now know more about how practical terms, the kind of judge America needs. appointing the right kind of judge is so impor- We had seen decades of judicial activism, tant to protect their freedom. through which judges took more and more con- Many believe that President REAGAN’s lasting trol over the policies governing the country and legacy will be his successful leadership during the culture in which Americans lived. the last stage of the cold war. President REAGAN came into office not just RONALD REAGAN’s tenure began at what was saying judges were going too far, but explaining our lowest point in the cold war. The loss in why. He refocused Americans on the principles Vietnam and the Watergate debacle led to a America’s Founders laid down at the dawn of the withdrawal from our global policy of contain- Republic: the people, through their elected rep- ment. The Soviets filled the gap, and their prox- resentatives, decide how they wish to be gov- ies gained around the globe. erned and make the law to do so. Judges can only Emboldened, the Soviet Union engaged in its interpret and apply that law, they cannot make most extensive military expansion in that dicta- or change it. torship’s history; during the seventies, the Soviets Implementing those basic principles, President expanded their nuclear missile arsenals as well as REAGAN shaped the judiciary by the individuals their conventional arsenals in virtually every ar- he nominated and appointed. He appointed some mament category. At the end of the seventies, of the legal academy’s best minds to the U.S. the previous President was left shamefaced, fol- Court of Appeals—such as Ralph Winter to the lowing the invasion of Afghanistan, declaring his Second Circuit, and Richard ‘‘surprise’’ at Soviet behavior. Posner to the Seventh Circuit, and of course Rob- President REAGAN came to office dedicated to ert Bork to the District of Columbia Circuit. redressing the military balance and engaging the I served on the Judiciary Committee during cold war. those years, seeing first-hand the depth and His administration saw the largest peace-time breadth and quality of President REAGAN’s growth of military spending in modern American nominees. history. That escalation combined American re- America’s Founders insisted that this separa- solve with American ingenuity, and this was no tion of powers, this restriction on judicial power, more evident than in President REAGAN’s Stra- was absolutely critical for the freedom that self- tegic Defense Initiative. government under a written constitution makes The President rejected conventional deterrence possible. doctrine when he stated, ‘‘jWek must seek an- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 261 other means of deterring war. It is both mili- allies—believed that we could roll back com- tarily and morally necessary . . . I propose to munism, on the ground, and in the minds of channel our technological prowess toward build- people. ing a more secure and stable world . . . Our only RONALD REAGAN went to England in 1983, purpose is to search for ways to reduce the danger before the leftist , and announced of nuclear war.’’ the creation of what would become the National What President REAGAN imagined, when he Endowment for Democracy, which would sup- stated this back in 1984, is slowly coming to be, port programs around the world fostering demo- 20 years later. We have moved too slowly, but cratic principles and practices. not because we lacked in vision. Last year, on the 20th anniversary of this bold President REAGAN was willing to challenge initiative, President Bush announced a major the Soviets diplomatically, militarily and by push by the NED into the Arab world. proxy. He was unabashed in declaring that re- Democracy remains relevant after it has tri- gime an evil empire. Who today denies the in- umphed over communist tyranny. herent evil of the gulag? But for democracy to succeed, people striving He was bold in responding to the emplace- to break the yoke of tyranny had to have a friend 20 ment of Soviet SS– s in occupied Europe with in the United States. RONALD REAGAN did not Pershing’s in Germany. Who today denies that limit his friendship to diplomacy and military this didn’t signal to the Soviets our new-found posturing. resolution to combat them geopolitically? A key aspect of the Reagan legacy was the RONALD REAGAN rejected the so-called ‘‘Viet- Reagan doctrine’s policy of support for nam syndrome’’ long before our victory in the anticommunist movements around the world. first Gulf war allowed Americans to believe in We supported Solidarity in Poland, using the the justice of our use of force. He knew that the International Labor Organization. United States had a role in the world, that the We supported the resistance in Nicaragua— use of American force was not immoral and that and the wars over that policy were sometimes al- the United States could do good for the world. most as intense here on Capitol Hill. This military escalation challenged the Soviet And we supported the Afghan resistance. leadership and ultimately bankrupted its coffers. The decision to roll back directly challenged and We’ve had democracy in Poland for over a dec- refuted the fundamental ideological tenet of com- ade, and Poland is the shining example of the munism, that it would prevail as an inexorable New Europe, a country whose government and law of history. soldiers have bravely and proudly served besides This perverted notion was based, of course, on ours in Iraq. the acceptance that the highest stage of history Nicaragua has also had democratic elections would rest on imprisoning nations and extin- over the past decade. guishing history. And while the Iran-Contra episode was a pol- REAGAN knew in his heart that this was the icy debacle, I remain proud of my service in this greatest falsehood perpetrated on modern history Senate during that investigation, as I remain un- and he built his foreign policy—the Reagan doc- flinching in my belief that it was right to help trine—on the idea of rolling back this ideology, Nicaraguans resist the tyranny and thuggery of this tyrannical power, and tearing down the walls the Sandinistas. that kept its citizens imprisoned. And our support for the Afghan resistance led RONALD REAGAN did not accept the status to the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Afghani- quo. stan, dealing the Soviet Union a military, finan- He did not accept a static geopolitical division cial and psychological blow from which it would of the world between the free nations and the never recuperate. This blow created a major fis- captive nations of the evil empire. sure in the notion of communist inevitability He and his allies—and I will be proud to my that, many of us believe, would lead to the crum- dying day to have considered myself one of his bling of the Soviet empire. 262 Ronald Reagan Many are quick to disparage that policy, be- 1994 one of the bravest and most moving letters cause of what arose from the tumult of the Af- in American history. ghan resistance and the rise of the . We He said: made mistakes in implementing the policy, we now see, primarily having to do with recruiting Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide Saudi participation and relying on Pakistani whether as private citizens we would keep this a private mat- ter or whether we would make this news known in a public management of arms flows. way. . . . But our biggest mistake was abandoning Af- So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In ghanistan after the collapse of the Soviet puppet opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater regime, leaving that poor country an orphan awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clear- child of the cold war. But we made no mistake er understanding of the individuals and families who are af- in contributing to a devastating Soviet defeat, a fected by it. defeat that brought about the end of the cold After speaking of the burdens he knew his war. long illness had in store—not for him, but for When RONALD REAGAN left office, this coun- try had been transformed. his beloved Nancy, he thanked his fellow Ameri- Malaise was not associated with the American cans. He said: economy, nor the American spirit. jLket me thank you, the American people for giving me Optimism, that personal trait of RONALD the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. REAGAN, was what characterized our standing in When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will the world, our economy, and our belief in our- leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eter- selves. nal optimism for its future. REAGAN, a child of the Midwest who under- I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset stood mythically the role of the western frontier of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead. in the American psyche, left us looking to the horizon, to the future. These are the virtuous and loving words of a RONALD REAGAN was a humble man, who left patriot, of a brave and humble man, of a man office gladly, having served his term, but who who lived every day in the belief that our best never stopped loving the American people. days lie ahead. It is America that pauses this It was such love that led to one of the most week, and I thank God for the gift of the greatest moving letters to the American public ever writ- American President of the 20th century, RON- ten in our history, the letter he wrote on Novem- ALD REAGAN. ber 5, 1994, announcing that he was slowly suc- We have lost a great American. cumbing to Alzheimer’s Disease. This is a horrible disease, as so many American I think it is fitting to quote another great families know. American, Daniel Webster who spoke so elo- My colleagues in the Senate know that, after quently about the passing of two other Presi- much soul searching and study, I have become dents, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Web- a strong proponent of embryonic stem cell re- ster’s words were never more true than today: search, because of the promise it offers for treat- A superior and commanding human intellect, a truly great ment of some of the most wrenching illnesses man, when Heaven vouchsafes so rare a gift, is not a tem- Americans face today, such as Alzheimer’s, Par- porary flame, burning brightly for a while, and then giving kinson’s and juvenile diabetes. place to returning darkness. It is rather a spark of fervent President REAGAN’s widow, my dear friend heat, as well as radiant light, with power to enkindle the Nancy, knows that I will remain dedicated to common mass of human kind; so that when it glimmers in supporting this research through all my days in its own decay, and finally goes out in death, no night follows, but it leaves the world all light, all on fire from the potent the Senate. contact of its own spirit. Even though retired and enjoying the privacy that was always important for him and his fam- I pray that America will always be alight with ily, President REAGAN wrote on November 5, the spirit of RONALD REAGAN. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 263

perity emerge from the spirit of creativity that resides in in- Hon. dividuals not government, and to the belief in the principles of less taxing, less spending, less government and more free- OF MISSISSIPPI dom. Freedom deeply mattered to RONALD REAGAN, and freedom deeply matters to me. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the re- With RONALD REAGAN’s election came a renewed vitality marks of our former colleague, Senator Connie in America. He brought a belief that freedom must ring from Mack, be printed in the Record. the bells of this great Nation and that opportunity should not be limited. He reminded us of the America that was there There being no objection, the material was or- all along. A freedom-loving country waiting to be unshackled dered to be printed in the Record, as follows: from a government that had grown too big and cost too much which dictated what was best for us. No, we wanted RONALD W. REAGAN better and RONALD REAGAN led us there. 1911 2004 – Under President REAGAN’s leadership, the spirit of Amer- (A tribute by former U.S. Senator Connie Mack (R–FL)) ica was rekindled and the flame of freedom burned bright— free markets, free ideas, free trade and freedom as the center- RONALD REAGAN was more than the President, he was piece of our foreign policy. The Reagan revolution had no an inspiration, he was my friend. boundaries. The winds of freedom swept across America and As America mourns the passing of former President RON- gained momentum throughout the world. Freedom’s ring was ALD REAGAN, one of the most loved American Presidents in heard in Latin America, where nations turned back com- history, it is appropriate that our Nation take a moment to munism and accepted the free will of the people. In Eastern reflect on the life of this remarkable man. He will not only Europe, freedom broke the rusted chains of totalitarianism be remembered for his vision and leadership, but also for his and caused the Berlin Wall to fall. conviction to principles, his sense of pride and love of coun- RONALD REAGAN never lost faith in the freedom, dignity try. and liberty of mankind. He understood that freedom is never President REAGAN made a difference in my life both per- more than one generation away from extinction. He never sonally and politically. When he was elected in 1980, I re- doubted that freedom was more than a virtue. It was a right member vividly saying to my wife Priscilla ‘‘this is such an given to each of us by a sovereign God. important election for our Nation that I have to become in- RONALD REAGAN did not invent freedom. He defined it. volved. I had no idea his election would one day lead me For through his wit and humility, he carried his role in his- to seek elective office and eventually to represent Florida in tory as the man who gave freedom a face. And through his the U.S. Senate. undying faith in those who entrusted in him the role as their Knowing RONALD REAGAN and serving in the U.S. Con- leader, RONALD REAGAN achieved greatness. gress when he was President of the United States has been Even though President REAGAN has now completed the one of the greatest honors of my life. I remember when he journey he began so many years ago, our Nation has not yet came to Florida in 1988 to campaign for me in my race for completed the path we began under his leadership. RONALD the U.S. Senate. I introduced him saying: ‘‘Mr. President, REAGAN made America stronger, more prosperous and more we will never forget that you gave us back a belief in our- confident. We still need to do more to make our country selves and our Nation. You restarted our economy giving and the world a better and safer place to live, work and raise people hope and opportunity. You rebuilt America’s military a family. We must continue his legacy so as to ensure that and led the fight for freedom around the world.’’ RONALD America remains that shining city on the hill that President REAGAN was more than the President, he was an inspiration REAGAN described to us. . . . he was a friend. To Nancy and the Reagan family, our Nation is forever Each year, the magnitude of President REAGAN’s accom- in your debt for sharing this unique and special individual plishments at home and abroad become increasing apparent. with us, the American people. As recognition of his achievements and their impacts on our President REAGAN, we say goodbye for now. You have lives today grows so does the Nation’s gratitude toward him. touched our lives deeply. You have indeed lived the words He embodied the American spirit that helped lift the morale of Sacred Scripture: ‘‘You have fought the good fight, you of our country. have finished the race, you have kept the faith.’’ American Presidents affect history in their own way, but Godspeed Mr. President. fewer have made more of an impact or shaped the history of their times than RONALD REAGAN. In the election of 1980, Americans were faced with one Hon. William H. Frist of the most simple, yet defining questions in American poli- 4 tics: ‘‘Are you better off now than you were years ago?’’ TENNESSEE Were we as Americans willing to accept that the once proud land of the free and the home of the brave was now worn and tired and lacked direction? America said ‘‘No!’’ Mr. President, these past few days we have RONALD REAGAN reaffirmed my philosophy as well as that seen an extraordinary outpouring of affection for of a whole generation which believed that wealth and pros- our 40th President, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. 264 Ronald Reagan In a few short hours, he will lie in state under lives better than our own. We all want the chance to work the Capitol dome where dignitaries from around at a job of our own choosing and to be fairly rewarded for it. the world and citizens from across the country will pay their respects to the man from Dixon. RONALD REAGAN believed that the govern- In his 1982 State of the Union Address, Presi- ment should serve the people. He believed that dent REAGAN told the Nation, ‘‘We don’t have the strength of our economy came from the cre- to turn to our history books for heroes. They’re ativity, ingenuity and productivity of the indi- all around us.’’ In life, RONALD REAGAN was a vidual, not from the plans and schemes of gov- hero to millions. To the freedom fighters in the ernment bureaucrats or intellectual elites. Soviet Union, to his fellow citizens striving to- This view of America’s economic success guid- ward that American dream, RONALD REAGAN ed his economic policies here at home, and, in told the world that we are meant to be free. no small way, shaped his political policies He was a man of faith and deeply held convic- abroad. tions. Like James Madison, RONALD REAGAN When RONALD REAGAN became President, believed that in the creation of our Republic was the American economy was in a shambles. Infla- the hand of God. He believed our freedoms flow tion was in the double digits. Interest rates were not from the State but from the Almighty. Our soaring. Americans had to wait in endless lines task was and remains to awaken in the people to pump overpriced gas. Real incomes had stag- this essential truth. nated and the American worker was demoralized. I close with a story I believe captures RONALD In his 1989 ‘‘Speaking My Mind’’ collection of REAGAN’s remarkable character, his courage, and essays and speeches, RONALD REAGAN reflected 1997 his vision. It was . From a news report was that: a story of an emigre. Here we were, a country bursting with economic promise, Walking in Arm and Hammer Park near his home, and yet our political leadership had gone out of its way to 12 REAGAN was approached by an elderly tourist and his - frustrate America’s natural economic strength. It made no year-old grandson, Ukranian emigres now living near Toledo, sense. My attitude had always been—let the people flourish. OH. They spoke with him for a moment and the grandfather snapped a picture of the boy sitting with the former Presi- So, he set about slashing Federal income taxes dent. An article about the encounter and the picture appeared and cutting burdensome regulations. It was his first in the Toledo Blade and then in newspapers around the mission to free the American worker and unleash country. The other day, the grandfather recalled their meet- the American entrepreneur. When he came to of- ing. We went to the park for a picnic with our friends, he 70 said, and then he saw President REAGAN. And we began to fice, the top marginal tax rate was percent. cheer him and said, Mr. President, thank you for everything By the time he left, it was a mere 28 percent. you did for the Jewish people, for Soviet people, to destroy His sweeping tax reforms overhauled the Tax the Communist empire. And he said, yes, that is my job. Code and removed 6 million taxpayers from the RONALD WILSON REAGAN was raised in a tax rolls. small town. Part of him remained a small town At the same time, President REAGAN gave citizen all of his life. Not in the self-conscious Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker free way one thinks of a politician stumping on the reign to tighten the money supply and bring campaign trail. RONALD REAGAN’s small town down inflation. roots informed the way he viewed the body poli- Together, these policies worked. tic—what he believed people wanted from life, True to the President’s forecast, as the econ- from each other and from government. omy grew, so, too, did tax revenues. Tax revenues As he explained, when a person grows up in increased faster than GDP. By 1990, the economy a small town: had grown by a third—or as the Wall Street Jour- You get to know people as individuals, not as blocs or nal put it, ‘‘roughly the size of Germany.’’ Over members of special interest groups. You discover that, despite the course of his Presidency, the economy created their differences, most people have a lot in common . . . jWke 19 all want freedom and liberty, peace, love and security, a good million jobs and the stock market hit a record home, and a chance to worship God in our own way; we high. America enjoyed the longest economic ex- all want the chance to get ahead and make our children’s pansion up to that time. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 265

Throughout, President REAGAN was assailed ning of the last century, his was an American for the growing deficit. In typical Washington tale from start to finish. fashion, he got the blame for adverse economic Jack and Nelle Reagan brought a son into the numbers, but never the credit for economic suc- world in Tampico, IL, in 1911. Jack was a shoe cess. Contrary to his critics, however, the Federal salesman with an Irishman’s flare for storytelling. deficit fell from 6.3 percent of GNP in fiscal year Nelle was a devout Christian who made ends 1983 to 2.3 percent in 1988. The deficit actually meet by doing other people’s sewing out of their shrank as a percentage of gross national product. home. When Jack first saw their healthy baby At the time, his policies were dubbed Reagan- in his crib, he looked at this little baby and said omics. Now, they’re considered common sense. he looked like a ‘‘little fat Dutchman.’’ And the President REAGAN’s guiding principle was sim- nickname stuck, ‘‘DUTCH.’’ ple, yet profound: government policies should Times were hard for the Reagans. RONALD grow the economy, not manage it. The impact REAGAN commented years later that: of this idea was so great that, now, even the other Our family didn’t exactly come from the wrong side of side of the aisle speaks of targeted tax cuts and the tracks, but we were certainly within sound of the train tax credits, and no longer openly campaigns to whistles. raise our taxes. Even then, it was in RONALD REAGAN’s char- Indeed, President Clinton crystallized the acter to look for the Sun behind the clouds. Reagan revolution when he declared, ‘‘The era of Growing up, he lived a typical American boy’s big government is over.’’ life. He was a lifeguard in the summer and a President REAGAN believed in the dreams and football player in the fall. In the fading years, dignity of the individual. As he said in his sec- when Alzheimer’s robbed him of most of his ond inaugural address, ‘‘There are no limits to memory, he could still summon up his youth in growth and human progress when men and Illinois, proudly recalling the 77 lives he saved women are free to follow their dreams.’’ as a lifeguard from the teeming Rock River, RONALD REAGAN reminded the American notching each one on a log on the shore. people that economic liberty and human freedom In Illinois, he discovered there was more to are two sides of the same coin. life than just football and lifeguarding. There Some call it the Reagan revolution. Others call was also acting. Connecting with an audience it the Reagan restoration. I prefer the latter term. plugged him into a broader world. As he later The man from Dixon—lifeguard, radio an- said, ‘‘For a kid suffering childhood pangs of in- nouncer, actor, Governor, father, adoring hus- security, the applause was music.’’ band, and President of the United States—re- Ambition led him westward out of Illinois; stored not only our confidence, but our funda- Hollywood, to be exact. There, as we all know, mental understanding of the source of America’s he started his successful acting career and, more greatness: the American people. important, met a young actress from Chicago Indeed, America was blessed to have such a named Nancy Davis. She became the love of his President. Now he will enter the history books life. Nancy was focused, smart, and loved her RONNIE. Jimmy Stewart once remarked, ‘‘If as one of our greatest. God bless RONALD WIL- RONNIE had married Nancy the first time, he SON REAGAN. God bless America. would have won an Academy Award.’’ But gradually his time in front of an audience Hon. Mitch McConnell changed from the stage and screen to the assem- bly hall. Time constraints prevent me from fol- OF KENTUCKY lowing his ascent to the highest office in the land. Let me simply comment that for most of Mr. President, I rise today because a mighty us being a successful actor and pitchman, union oak has fallen. RONALD REAGAN has left his life president, two-term Governor of our Nation’s here on Earth, but oh what a life it was. Born largest State, and a national figure to boot would in the middle of our great Republic in the begin- have been enough of a career, especially at the 266 Ronald Reagan age of 69. But RONALD REAGAN had other seemed as if we had lost our nerve. But not RON- thoughts, and so began his run against President ALD REAGAN. You see, he had a vision. Jimmy Carter for the Presidency in 1980. In 1982, he explained his ‘‘sick bear’’ theory: Neck and neck until the debate a week before The Soviet empire is faltering because it is rigid—central- the election, REAGAN broke it wide open when ized control has destroyed . . . innovation, efficiency, and indi- he closed by asking Americans a simple question: vidual achievement . . . the Soviet dictatorship has forged the Are you better off than you were 4 years ago? largest armed force in the world . . . by preempting the human needs of its people and, in the end, this course will On election day, REAGAN won a smashing vic- undermine the foundations of the Soviet system. tory, winning 44 of 50 States. He would top that mark in 1984, winning 49 out of 50 States. With his customary humor, he had a memo- I have listened to and read countless people rable way of explaining this. He talked of a So- reflecting on what President REAGAN meant to viet citizen who went to a Soviet bureau of trans- them and to America. Were there enough time, portation to buy a car. After paying and filling I would fill up the rest of the afternoon with out all the forms, he is told by the seller of the my thoughts about this great man. But I will car to come back in 10 years to get his car. limit my observations to what I think will be, The man asks, ‘‘In the morning or the after- in addition to restoring America’s faith in itself, noon?’’ the way history will remember RONALD The official responds, ‘‘Well, we are talking 10 REAGAN, the peacemaker. about years from now; what difference does I want to address the question, What does it it make whether it is the morning or afternoon?’’ mean to have won the cold war? Revisionists The man replies, ‘‘Well, the plumber is com- suggest that RONALD REAGAN had little to do ing in the morning.’’ with the Soviet Union’s fall which they now Beneath the humor, President REAGAN knew claim was just inevitable. I can tell you no one the serious truth. The Soviet Union was as inher- thought that in 1979. Communism was on the ently weak as the U.S. economy was inherently rise and freedom was in retreat. The United strong, a fact too few recognized. So when Presi- States was the toothless tiger with the uncertain dent REAGAN’s policies began to revitalize our future. Energy shortages crippled us, and ramp- economy, the confidence restored here was ant crime hunted us down. Interest rates for matched by new uncertainty over in the Soviet homes, cars, and businesses were sky high. Our Union. economy was wrenched back and forth between Others have and will talk about the Reagan bouts of recession and inflation, both at the same revolution here at home, but in terms of our vic- time. America’s decline was marked by new, un- tory in the cold war, the Reagan economic recov- familiar words. We learned ‘‘,’’ ery was the first body blow that eventually exor- ‘‘taxflation,’’ and, of course, we learned malaise. cised the demon of communism from the Soviet America’s economy was not the only thing in Union. decline. So, too, was our foreign policy. Still suf- The real trouble for the Soviet Union was not fering from a , we watched REAGAN’s policies, but REAGAN’s values, his and did nothing as Afghanistan was invaded by courage, and his willpower. Before he was ever the Soviets, as hostages in Iran were seized, and elected, President REAGAN recognized that the as Cuban puppets invaded Africa and Central Soviet Union was an ‘‘arsenal of anarchy’’ America. Our Navy was weak. Our planes throughout the world. It was a ‘‘sickness of the couldn’t fly. Our Army lacked volunteers and human condition,’’ he said. And President morale. The nuclear balance was tipping, and our REAGAN was never afraid to do that which so intelligence services were ravaged by firings and many leaders lack the courage to do: look at evil mismanagement. and call it by its name. In this regard, REAGAN We were declining and the Soviet Union was was like Churchill. REAGAN was the nemesis of rising. Some people were ready to give up. Oth- communism, just as Churchill was of nazism. He ers suggested the Presidency was too big and understood the evil that communism represented complicated a job for any single person. It and what it would do if unchecked. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 267

Interestingly, REAGAN’s understanding of this Soviets knew, would spend them into oblivion. evil did not begin with the fate of millions, but Margaret Thatcher notes that Reykjavik, de- of just one. In May 1975, a 5-year-old boy fell plored as a loss by REAGAN’s critics, particularly into the Spree River, which divided then-com- by the European and American intelligentsia, munist East Berlin from free West Berlin. As marked the beginning of the end of the Soviet firemen from West Berlin—firemen, not sol- Union. diers—started to go to the boy’s rescue, an East Of course, all the significant arms control re- German patrol boat barred their entry into East ductions came after REAGAN walked away from German waters. The boy drowned. Reykjavik. But today, President REAGAN is vin- The mayor of West Berlin described that re- dicated by some 600 million people who breathe fused rescue as ‘‘an incomprehensible and fright- freely because of the collapse of the Soviet em- ful act, placing political considerations before the pire. saving of a human life.’’ But for REAGAN, it was So what does it mean to liberate almost 600 the sad personification of a harsh and enduring million from fear and terror? It means 49 million reality: Communism is a system where every Ukrainians will worry about a class human life is sublimated to the ruthless needs purge. of the state. 17 Focused on the value of a single human life, It means million former East Germans will RONALD REAGAN looked across the globe and never be grabbed in the night by the , the saw 600 million people living like slaves under secret police of Eric Honneker. the communist lash. He did not mince words or It means 38 million Poles will never fear Gen- deeds. He dubbed the Soviet Union the evil em- eral Jaruzelski attempting to crush the Solidarity pire, a description brutally accurate, yet offensive free labor movement. to the tender sensibilities of most of the media It means 22 million Romanians will never and intelligentsia here at home. He called for a know the torture, madness and human experi- massive defense increase—‘‘peace through mentation of Nicolae Ceausescu. strength,’’ he called it—and some even in his It means 16 million in the Czech Republic and own Cabinet opposed it. Slovakia will never hear tanks rumbling through In the face of criticism, REAGAN strengthened their city streets to crush self-rule. our defense. He quoted Demosthenes in dis- It means tens of millions of former West Ger- missing the Soviets’ empty assurances of their mans lead lives oblivious to the cosmic nervous- good intentions on arms control, ‘‘What sane ness that gripped their mother’s and father’s gen- man would let another man’s word rather than eration. his deeds tell him who is at war and who is at It means that 5 million in Finland no longer peace with him?’’ 7 2 He then translated that demand into a Russian look across the Gulf of Finland with dread at . saying of no uncertain words—doveryai, no million people in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, proveryai. In Russian, that means ‘‘trust but who lived in slavery as a warning to any neigh- verify.’’ bors who would dare dissent from the Soviet RONALD REAGAN did not have timid dreams. world view. He wasn’t interested in slowing the decline of In all, 600 million lives were emancipated by freedom or just holding its position steady; he the victory in the cold war—the greatest libera- wanted freedom to ring across the globe and tion in the history of mankind, and hopefully for communism to be relegated to the ash heap of all time. history. So he went to the Berlin Wall to call Now, having said all of that, let me just men- out in front of that colossal affront to freedom, tion how much I miss that sweethearted man, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!’’ especially his sense of humor. I have been re- He left Reykjavik when it was clear that Mr. minded from all the replayed speeches just how Gorbachev was only bargaining for the end of the wonderful he was. For example, during an ex- Strategic Defense Initiative, which matching, the change with the press one day, he said: 268 Ronald Reagan

I have given my aides instructions that if trouble breaks Iowans relate strongly to RONALD REAGAN out in any of the world’s hot spots, they should wake me because his roots were our roots. He grew up up immediately—even if I am in a cabinet meeting. next door in smalltown Illinois and spent 5 form- It makes you wonder what President REAGAN ative years in Iowa. In fact, this was where the said to Saint Peter. Something witty, no doubt, young RONALD REAGAN found his voice as the and delivered with a warm smile. Great Communicator—first as a radio announcer So now the long goodbye that Mrs. Reagan, at WOC Radio in Davenport and later at WHO his rock and strength and the love of his life, Radio in Des Moines where he became one of has spoken of so movingly is nearly complete. the most popular sports broadcasters in the re- So I will close with President REAGAN’s own gion. That was at the height of the Great De- words in his courageous letter to the American pression. people upon discovery of the disease that would He remembered this period with obvious ultimately bring about his fall. President fondness. In his autobiography, ‘‘An American REAGAN said 10 years ago: Life,’’ he wrote: When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I I spent four years at station WHO in Des Moines and they will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and were among the most pleasant of my life. At 22, I’d achieved eternal optimism for its future. my dream; I was a sports announcer. If I had stopped there, I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset I believe I would have been happy the rest of my life. of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead. During his two terms in the White House, I met President REAGAN on many occasions, and God bless RONALD REAGAN, an American hero. just about every time he would eagerly tell me he had been an announcer at WHO Radio. He regaled me with stories of how, sitting in his stu- Hon. Tom Harkin dio in Des Moines, he faked the play by play of the Chicago Cubs baseball game based upon OF IOWA wire reports as they came through. He seemed to have this fixed in his mind, that when he Madam President, our Nation has come to- would see me, it was Tom Harkin and WHO. gether this week to mourn the passing of former If this is Harkin, I am going to tell him about President RONALD REAGAN. However antici- my time at WHO. It sort of became a thing that pated his death may have been, it is still a pro- every time we met, he, again, would tell me found loss for the Reagan family. Our thoughts some story about his time at WHO Radio. So and prayers are with them all and especially with that was my experience with the REAGAN charm. former First Lady Nancy Reagan. We disagreed on many important issues, but However, knowing the kind of man RONALD you could not come into contact with this man REAGAN was, knowing his relentless optimism and not feel his personal warmth and charm. In and his sunny disposition, something tells me he fact, I have been struck this week by the bipar- would prefer that Americans spend this week re- tisan affection for this former President. He was membering and celebrating his unique character the genuine article, a man who embodied so and quality. ‘‘America in mourning’’ just does many of the traits we hold dear as Americans. not seem Reaganesque because RONALD REAGAN We remember his conviction, his courage, his was always about ‘‘morning in America.’’ He al- lack of pretentiousness, and, yes, his optimism. ways looked at the bright side of every situation On a personal note, I will always be grateful or circumstance. I remember the story he told to President REAGAN for signing into law my about the little boy who walked into a barn and bill to establish the National Institute on Deaf- encountered a huge pile of manure. The boy, who ness and Communication Disorders at the Na- was not the least bit disappointed, broke into a tional Institutes of Health in 1988. Quite frankly, big smile and said: I just know there is a pony his advisers urged him to veto the bill, but the in here somewhere. That was the RONALD President, who himself suffered from hearing REAGAN we remember and admire. loss, vetoed his advisers. He signed the bill into Memorial Tributes in the Senate 269 law. As a result, we have had a series of medical jWkhatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, breakthroughs that are helping millions of Amer- I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears, to your confidence rather than your doubts. icans cope with hearing loss and communication My dream is that you will travel the road ahead with liberty’s disorders. lamp guiding your steps and opportunity’s arm steadying Last, he and Nancy fought a heroic battle with your way. . . . May each of you have the heart to conceive, Alzheimer’s disease, and they did a great deal to the understanding to direct, and the hand to execute works that will make the world a little better for your having been raise the level of awareness and understanding of here. . . . my fellow Americans, may every dawn be a great this terrible disease. I am especially proud of the new beginning for America and every evening bring us closer courageous leadership Nancy Reagan has dis- to that shining city upon a hill. played in our efforts to find a cure for this deadly At a time of great despair in our Nation, disease by her advocating a more expanded stem RONALD REAGAN came into office and restored cell research program in America. hope. He was an unequaled champion of free- As I said, the most fitting way to pay tribute dom, smaller government, and market-oriented to President REAGAN is not so much to mourn principles. His philosophies guided our Nation his death as to celebrate his life and to honor to become the economic and military superpower his service to our country. As he lies in state at it is today. Of course, he was often called the the Capitol this week, a thankful American Na- Great Communicator for his ability to give a tion will say farewell to a truly unique American. rousing speech that could both rally the troops and yet make an individual in the crowd of thou- sands feel as if they were having a heart-to-heart Hon. Kay Bailey Hutchison talk. Beyond his optimism, his confidence, and OF TEXAS graceful charm was a man of action who imple- mented great change in the United States of Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute America. Under his leadership, our Nation sowed to an American legend, President RONALD seeds of prosperity and reduced regulatory bur- REAGAN. Like all Americans, I was saddened to dens on small business. He lowered taxes for all learn of his passing over the weekend. I had left Americans, including reducing the top marginal our Republican State Convention at a time when rate from an oppressive 70 percent to approxi- it was moving across the floor that he might be mately half that, offering new incentives to create in his final hours. Of course, all of us started wealth and jobs and rebuild America. reminiscing. It was a moment of great loss, but He encouraged Americans to embrace their yet a recollection of his humor, his contagious own destiny and realized that government was optimism, and the historic accomplishments he not the answer to social ills; people were. Good made for our country really were comforting and people working in concert to better their com- engendered so many wonderful moments. munities and their fellow man could accomplish Although I was not a Member of this body far more than bureaucracy, from his vantage while he was in office, I have lived and served point. under his conservative principles and ideologies. Perhaps most important, President REAGAN He was in his political prime when I was just took the steps to ultimately win the cold war. beginning in politics. During his first campaign, He pursued ‘‘peace through strength’’ and my husband Ray was chairman of the Texas Re- achieved an overwhelming victory that was in- publican Party and spent many hours traveling conceivable to a generation that was raised with with him across Texas. In 1992, I was honored fallout drills and backyard bunkers. to be temporary chair of the Republican National Who can forget the famous challenge he laid Convention in Houston, TX, when he delivered down when he cried, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down his very important message that turned out to this wall!’’? They were indeed great, dramatic be his goodbye to America. It was there that he words but more important, words of action. Two left us with these final thoughts: and a half years later, what once seemed a perma- 270 Ronald Reagan nent divider through the heart of Berlin was torn He will be missed not only by those who knew him, and down piece by piece, section by section, until it not only by the nation that he served so proudly and loved so deeply, but also by the millions of men and women who was reduced to a pile of rubble. live in freedom today because of the policies he pursued. To Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Building and have achieved so much against so many odds and with such International Trade Center in Washington, DC, humor and humanity made RONALD REAGAN a truly great can view a section of that wall donated by the American hero. people of Berlin in honor of the President and Secretary of State , who served as in recognition of his leadership. The segment, his National Security Adviser, said: which is over 9 feet high and weighs almost 3 President REAGAN fueled the spirit of America. His smile, tons, is from a section of the wall near the Bran- his optimism, his total belief in the ultimate triumph of de- denburg Gate where President REAGAN issued mocracy and freedom, and his willingness to act on that be- that challenge. It stands as a stark reminder of lief, helped end the cold war and usher in a new and brighter the great shift in global politics that spread free- phase of history. dom in Europe and encouraged new generations Mikhail Gorbachev, once REAGAN’s adversary, to pursue democracy. called him: Today, we again find ourselves in a fight for A true leader, a man of his word and an optimist . . . He freedom. This generation, like their World War has earned a place in history and in people’s hearts. II grandparents and cold war parents, has been Finally, his Vice President, later our President, called to stand and fight for freedom. Today, we George H.W. Bush, has been giving interviews are grappling with a new threat: global ter- about how much fun he was and how they had rorism, an enemy with no borders, no uniforms, lunch every week together and sometimes they no respect for traditional rules of war, and more would talk substance, sometimes they would talk important, no respect for human life. World War II took bitter years of fighting and policy, and sometimes they would just have a sacrifice. The cold war took decades of dedication good time. They were very close, and yet he and patience. This battle against terrorism re- never lost that laser beam focus on the big issues, quires all that and more. The question is: Will the things that really mattered that would move our generation meet the test? Will we have what us one step toward the ‘‘peace through strength’’ it takes to win the peace? I believe we do. I be- that was his guiding principle. lieve the strength, perseverance, and patriotism Indeed, his lasting place in the hearts of all Americans has been evidenced by the outpouring that RONALD REAGAN embodied will help see us through. of love and admiration that we have seen across In 1987, he addressed a joint session of Con- the Nation and around the world. RONALD gress saying: REAGAN was a leader who touched people with his words, inspired them with his actions, and Let it never be said of this generation of Americans that we became so obsessed with failure that we refused to take led by his example. risks that could further the cause of peace and freedom in On November 5, 1994, nearly a decade ago, the world. President REAGAN announced to the world that Since learning of his passing last weekend, he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, elected officials, former Cabinet members, and the illness that would ultimately take his life. newspapers across the world have been penning His poise and hopeful spirit, even in the face of eulogies, remembrances, and tributes to the be- the heartbreaking years ahead, were remarkable. loved President. He said: , his former Chief of Staff and jLket me thank you, the American people for giving me Treasury Secretary: the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will President REAGAN restored America’s source of pride and leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eter- confidence in itself. He was a wonderful person to work for nal optimism for its future. and a truly great President. His willingness to stick to his I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset principles changed the world. of my life. I know that for America there will always be a Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher: bright dawn ahead. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 271 Thank you my friends. May God always bless you. last a lifetime, and the power to change a life Standing by his side through good times and as well. bad, was his beloved wife Nancy, a beautiful We remember his touch, his smile, and his en- woman, very slight in stature but strong as steel. couragement, not simply because when he Theirs was a partnership in every respect and one walked into a room RONALD REAGAN conveyed of the great love stories of our time. RONALD a great personal warmth. That was certainly spe- WILSON REAGAN was a great President. He left cial in and of itself, and something that anyone an indelible impression on our country. As we who had the chance to meet him or see him in say farewell, our thoughts and prayers are with person would always remember, but it was be- Nancy and his family. We thank them and we cause this personal connection conveyed a sense thank the Lord that he gave us RONALD REAGAN of purpose, a sense of kindness, and an enormous at a time when our country needed him the love for public service. That was the power of most. the Great Communicator, the power of the per- sonal connection that he made. Hon. John E. Sununu I consider this the greatest tribute of all. De- spite the myriad and extraordinary legislative and OF NEW HAMPSHIRE foreign policy victories of President REAGAN such as cutting taxes and reforming the Code, Madam President, as Americans gather in our rebuilding our Nation’s defenses, turning back Capitol and across the country to remember and the Soviets in Afghanistan, or leading the West pay tribute to President RONALD REAGAN, we to a lasting victory in the cold war—despite the have been provided a very special opportunity to enormous substance of these achievements, RON- reflect on his great achievements as our Com- ALD REAGAN, in the end, is not remembered first mander in Chief, as well as the tremendous per- and foremost as a clever politician with great sonal strength which he brought to the Oval Of- machinations of political strategy or hardball po- fice. litical tactics. Instead, the descriptive words that But as we salute President REAGAN for his we heard here and across the country over and leadership, his integrity, and his vision, I am over again are integrity, character, courage, and struck by the very personal nature of so many leadership. These are qualities that transcend pol- of these memories and stories. Whether here in itics and qualities that transcend time. They are Washington or out across the country, whether qualities that inspire the young and comfort the it is a U.S. Senator or a teacher in a small school, aged. They are the qualities of heroes. it seems that so many of these recollections begin with phrases such as, ‘‘I remember seeing him RONALD REAGAN was fond of describing the during his first visit to our State,’’ or ‘‘I shook heroes he saw in audiences at every speech he his hand when he visited our factory,’’ or ‘‘I recall made or heroes he would see as he traveled across a story that President REAGAN loved to tell,’’ or the country in every corner of America and com- even ‘‘because of RONALD REAGAN, I chose to ing from every walk of life. He saw in these men run for office.’’ and women the very strength of character, cour- These recollections are enormously personal, age, integrity, and leadership that he knew made but I think they are a testament to the way he our country unique and which kept our country touched people in a very deep and unique way. prosperous and free. But by bringing these very He affected the lives of millions of people in same qualities to the Oval Office and drawing America and around the world in countless en- on them time and time again to guide our Na- counters. Many of these encounters may have tion through demanding and even dark times, he been for only a moment or two in a life that left a legacy that shined like the ‘‘city on a hill’’ spanned decades, but his gift was in his ability which he knew America could be and would to make a strong connection that had real power, again become. It is a heroic legacy, and it is the the power to bridge generations, the power to legacy of a great American. 272 Ronald Reagan Hon. John W. Warner horses. In those days, I had a pretty good collec- tion of horses, and I was happy to share them OF VIRGINIA with him on occasion. He rode around on my farm. I certainly enjoyed being with him on sev- Mr. President, I join with my colleagues in eral occasions. I have one of the pictures of the paying profound respects to our late President two of us riding together. RONALD REAGAN, and I do so with a deep, deep I mention that because in that informal setting sense of humility. when there was just the two of us riding It is interesting, I walked into my reception horses—I remember one time Mrs. Reagan was room just the other day. No matter how long with us—this particular time I remember very one is around here, I think you sort of have to well. We rode high up on the hill on the back go back and refresh your recollection as to what of the farm. The hill has a vista down into the you put up in your reception room, and I found valley of Virginia. We checked the horses and six different photographs of myself with the good began to talk about his great admiration for fortune to be in the presence of our former great Stonewall Jackson and the various campaigns President. Jackson had up and down that valley during the I think back over my 26 years in the Senate, Civil War. having had the privilege of working with all the I was so impressed with his remarkable knowl- Presidents in that period of time and, prior edge of the facts of that period of history, and thereto, those Presidents when I was in the De- in later years, in other discussions with him, partment of Defense. Again, I say with a deep again he would frequently make reference to the sense of respect and humility, I believe it is clear history of the United States. His knowledge was in my mind that I had the greatest opportunity really second to none. He had a magnificent to work with President REAGAN, and probably command of American history. had more opportunities to be with him in a pro- But on this particular day, he reflected on a fessional capacity than any other President. little self-deprecating humor, which he was very I was ranking for a period of time on the good at. He told me when Pearl Harbor oc- Armed Services Committee and in every way curred, he was a lieutenant in the Army Reserve supported him in his remarkable vision to build Cavalry, again because he loved horses, he loved and restore the Armed Forces of the United to ride. He promptly went down, Pearl Harbor States, which buildup, in my judgment, was a Day or the day after, whatever the case may be, major contributor, if not the major contributor, and said, ‘‘I want to be activated.’’ And sure to the eventual demise of the Soviet Union. enough, he was eventually activated. He wanted There are several pictures of when he visited to take, as we say in the horse world, the bit my home, which was a farm in Virginia, a farm in his teeth and charge—‘‘Send me right away in an area where I grew up in the summers as out to the front.’’ a very young man. He loved coming down to I remember he gestured with his hand. But, the farm. My farm was adjacent to the home of no, they sent him to an old cavalry post, which former President Kennedy, and the owner at that was down in one of the Indian territories, and time was , who was a former Dep- he laughed and joked and said: uty Secretary of Defense. I served under him as When we put those posts out there, the primary thing Secretary of the Navy. He and I were very close was to secure the settlers and to hopefully strike a peaceful friends. I introduced him to that countryside, balance with the Indians and make life such that those terri- and he bought the Kennedy home, which is a tories could be developed. very small, modest home, reconstructed, so to But he said, ‘‘I did a little homework’’—as he speak, and enlarged by President Kennedy and always did—‘‘before I went to this cavalry post Jacqueline Kennedy, his lovely, dear wife. and studied who the commanding officer and the President RONALD REAGAN and Bill Clements other officers were.’’ set it up so he could come down there and spend Well, in those days, the custom in the mili- some quiet downtime. And he loved to ride tary, particularly the Army, was that when a sol- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 273 dier reported, perhaps with his wife, whatever Again, going back to those days in the build- the case may be, the commanding officer would up of the Soviet Union, he was very conscious have them over to pay their respects, to get to of the fact that the Soviet Union was on pretty know each other as soon as they arrived on the shaky financial status at that stage and that the post. In the old days with the covered wagons, cold war posed a threat to the United States— it was a long journey. By the time they reached intercontinental missiles, the threat to the stand- their destination, they were pretty well ex- ard forces of NATO, the Warsaw Pact nations, hausted—food and otherwise. So this was a all of which are now, save one, members of chance to introduce them. NATO. REAGAN described the evening with great Those of us who worked in the Senate—I re- humor. He said, ‘‘I walked in and there was the member John Stennis and Barry Goldwater, little colonel. He was a rather short fellow. He Scoop Jackson, John Tower, to name but a few— was all dressed in his uniform, with his riding formed a group to work with the President in boots, his Sam Browne belt. I was there in my a bipartisan way on trying to strengthen America lieutenant’s uniform. He greeted me very warm- such that we could send a strong signal to the ly. He looked at me.’’ world, particularly the Soviet Union, that we And President REAGAN had a remarkable way mean business. Don’t ever entertain the idea of of cocking his head. His body language was ex- striking out against the free world, be it the traordinary. His walk, his mannerism, it was a United States or our NATO allies. great part of his character that I admired, how And the rest is history. ‘‘Tear down that wall, he conveyed so much feeling with just the way Mr. Gorbachev.’’ And that wall did come down. he would use his hands and his head, his stride. Those were extraordinary days I was able to share It emulated such tremendous confidence he had with him, and I say that with the deepest sense in himself. of humility. But I don’t want to prolong my re- But anyway, the colonel said, ‘‘Now, REAGAN, marks. where have I seen you? Do I know you?’’ I do want to tell one other chapter. Just a few Lieutenant REAGAN said, ‘‘No, sir, we have never met.’’ days ago I was a part of a delegation that went 60 The colonel failed to guess. He circled back over to the Normandy th anniversary. Senator again and said, ‘‘Look here, young man, I know Akaka was with me and the distinguished Sen- somehow I have seen you. Let’s figure out where ator from New Jersey and his lovely new bride that was. What do you do?’’ were with me. So there were three of us who had And Lieutenant REAGAN said, ‘‘Well, sir, I am some experience in World War II, of the six here involved in making movies.’’ in the Senate. We spent a wonderful day at the Suddenly this colonel became silent. Then he ceremonies. But the next day we took time to said, ‘‘That is where I have seen you. You were go out to Pointe du Hoc. It was fascinating. in that movie called ‘,’ which was There on June 6, 2004, I had been on that about the Virginia Military Institute, and that same spot of land 20 years before with RONALD movie didn’t exactly, in my judgment, properly REAGAN. I remember the delegation. Strom characterize the magnificence of that institute. Thurmond led it. Three of us went with him. As a matter of fact, I think it reflected dishonor Of course, Senator Thurmond had made a land- upon that institute. And I remember you were ing on the beaches on D-day. Other Senators, the in that movie. Lieutenant, your duty on this post Senator from Nevada, and had is over. I will transfer you.’’ likewise participated in the D-day landings. Of In due course the President said he was trans- course, I was at that time the youngster, 17 years ferred off the post, but I mention that because old, in that group back in the United States get- those of us who had the opportunity to be with ting prepared to take our training and become him, particularly in informal settings, remember replacements someday. That is all history. There so well the magnificence of this man, the lessons I stood on that ground, and he had passed away he taught each of us. within that 24-hour period. 274 Ronald Reagan So I thought today I would read some of the Gentlemen, I look at you and I think of the words of Ste- remarks he made. phen Spender’s poem. You are men who in your ‘‘lives fought for life . . . and left the vivid air signed with your honor.’’ I ask unanimous consent to print the entire Forty summers have passed since the battle that you fought speech, a very short speech, in the Record. here. You were young the day you took these cliffs; some There being no objection, the material was or- of you were hardly more than boys, with the deepest joys dered to be printed in the Record, as follows: of life before you. Yet you risked everything here. Why? Why did you do it? What impelled you to put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risk your lives to take these PRESIDENT REAGAN’S SPEECH AT THE U.S. RANGER cliffs? What inspired all the men of the armies that met here? MONUMENT, POINTE DU HOC, NORMANDY, FRANCE, ON We look at you, and somehow we know the answer. It was 40 THE TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY faith, and belief; it was loyalty and love. 6 1984 JUNE , The men of Normandy had faith that what they were We’re here to mark that day in history when the Allied doing was right, faith that they fought for all humanity, faith peoples joined in battle to reclaim this continent to liberty. that a just God would grant them mercy on this beachhead For four long years, much of Europe had been under a terrible or on the next. It was the deep knowledge—and pray God shadow. Free nations had fallen, Jews cried out in the camps, we have not lost it—that there is a profound moral difference millions cried out for liberation. Europe was enslaved, and between the use of force for liberation and the use of force the world prayed for its rescue. Here in Normandy the rescue for conquest. You were here to liberate, not to conquer, and began. Here the Allies stood and fought against tyranny in so you and those others did not doubt your cause. And you a giant undertaking unparalleled in human history. were right not to doubt. You all knew that some things are worth dying for. One’s We stand on a lonely, windswept point on the northern country is worth dying for, and democracy is worth dying shore of France. The air is soft, but forty years ago at this for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of govern- moment, the air was dense with smoke and the cries of men, ment ever devised by man. All of you loved liberty. All of and the air was filled with the crack of rifle fire and the you were willing to fight tyranny, and you knew the people roar of cannon. At dawn, on the morning of the 6th of June of your countries were behind you. 1944, 225 Rangers jumped off the British landing craft and ran to the bottom of these cliffs. Their mission was one of The presiding officer, with his distinguished the most difficult and daring of the invasion: to climb these military service, understands, as do I, those sheer and desolate cliffs and take out the enemy guns. The words. The vision that he had not only for Amer- Allies had been told that some of the mightiest of these guns were here and they would be trained on the beaches to stop ica but the free world, the strength of his convic- the Allied advance. tions, the strength of his actions—it reestab- The Rangers looked up and saw the enemy soldiers—at lished the strength of the Armed Forces which the edge of the cliffs shooting down at them with machine- today have carried on, since that speech, with guns and throwing grenades. And the American Rangers missions in the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and began to climb. They shot rope ladders over the face of these cliffs and began to pull themselves up. When one Ranger other areas of the world. fell, another would take his place. When one rope was cut, It takes time to restructure and build up a a Ranger would grab another and begin his climb again. military. I find this President is doing just that, They climbed, shot back, and held their footing. Soon, one President Bush. I am happy and privileged to be by one, the Rangers pulled themselves over the top, and in a part of the team that is working in the Senate seizing the firm land at the top of these cliffs, they began to achieve that. As a matter of fact, the bill for to seize back the continent of Europe. Two hundred and 2005 twenty-five came here. After two days of fighting only ninety the Armed Forces in is the current business could still bear arms. before the Senate. Before I leave the speech, I was privileged, be- I thought I would read part of this very mov- cause of Senator Thurmond and the other Sen- ing speech. It starts midway in the speech and ators with me, we were not more than 15, 20 lays out the history of the brave men who partici- yards from the President when he gave the pated in D-day landings, and in particular the speech, right on this little spit of land that I vis- Rangers. ited 2 days ago. Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger dag- And suddenly you saw the Secret Service men gers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before sort of break and go off and quickly perform the me are the men who put them there. These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men duties they have to protect the President. There who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free was this figure which came up the cliff unexpect- a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war. edly, unannounced, because there had been a re- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 275 enactment with men of the Armed Forces cur- morning, and I shared that feeling. He said he rently on duty to scale the cliffs for all to see. conceived the idea of naming a corridor for Gen- So that part was over. Yet suddenly there ap- eral Eisenhower. There is a technical thing there. peared another individual who had scaled the The corridor is named after him as a general of cliffs and the Secret Service tackled him. I re- the Armed Forces, a five-star general. His picture member the President, always composed, stood in uniform and many other pieces of memorabilia there and looked at this scene. Suddenly, an aide are along the corridor by the Office of the Sec- went over and whispered in his ear and the Presi- retary of Defense. Previous Secretaries of Defense dent went over and grasped this man and gave have honored the commanders in chief, the Presi- him a hug. He was one of the original rangers dents. So there is a corridor set aside for the com- who scaled that cliff. He wanted to show the manders in chief, with portraits of every Presi- President and the world that he was still able dent since George Washington. Five living Presi- to do it. He had bits and pieces of his own uni- dents are there. You have Ford, Carter, George form on. Herbert Walker Bush, President Clinton, and Last, what are the ways in which we can honor our current President Bush. All of their portraits this great President? Our hearts are so filled with are there. The way the Department of Defense gratitude and a sense of deep remorse at his loss. has handled this in the past is to treat with But it was his wisdom and foresight that equality the Presidents and their portraits, the strengthened America’s military, and I think that recognition being bipartisan in nature in that requires some special recognition. I don’t have building. all the answers now. I will be happy to work We will have to put our minds together to with others. see how best to do it. There is no question that I am not trying to be the sole author of any- RONALD REAGAN gave a tremendous impetus to thing, but some thought has been given to the the concept of defending this Nation against Department of Defense—and I went back last missiles—missiles fired in anger or accidentally. night and did a little research, and this morning Those things happen. He had the star wars con- I called the former Secretary of Defense Melvin cept. I was on the committee and we looked at Laird, a very dear and valued friend, under whom this program. We began to do the initial work I served as Secretary of the Navy, and we remi- in the Congress to give support to the President’s nisced about our days and some of the initiatives program. But eventually, from the standpoint of he took. He mentioned one specifically. There technology and costs, we looked at different ways was some thought about naming the Department to achieve our defense against missiles. It started of Defense Building for President Eisenhower. way back under President REAGAN when we put After some very considerable thought, the deci- emphasis on this situation. Some of the thinking sion was made not to do that. One of the main preceded President REAGAN on how to defend reasons—and I remember this very well—is that this country against missiles. Today, we don’t that building stands as a symbol of the biparti- have a thing to interdict an intercontinental bal- sanship that must be present as we work with listic missile that would be fired in the direction the men and women in the Armed Forces. I of our 50 States. That is a separate matter. strive to achieve that, as does the presiding offi- cer and many others. Therefore, I think we have to give a lot of I am proud of the committee on which I have careful thought and be ever mindful of how we served—Armed Services—for 26 years, under a recognize our commanders, with five still living, series of chairmen and ranking members. We in terms of their contributions to the defense of have always tried to put partisanship aside and this country. We will come up with an idea. I we have been successful. But it is important that hope we can, in some way, appropriately recog- the building be viewed as bipartisan. nize this great President for his extraordinary ac- Therefore, I remember Secretary Laird saying complishments in strengthening America. the naming of the building was not, in his judg- I conclude my remarks with the deepest sense ment, what we should do. He confirmed that this of humility and gratitude toward the recollec- 276 Ronald Reagan tion, modest friendship, and the teachings I re- Churchill said, ‘‘If you are young and not liberal, ceived from this great President. you don’t have a heart; if you are old and not conservative, you don’t have a brain.’’ Somehow I ended up as a 17-year-old supporting Barry Hon. Thomas R. Carper Goldwater. I remember watching the convention which OF DELAWARE was in San Francisco at the Cow Palace. Iron- Mr. President, today and this week, as we ically, another one of our colleagues was there as a Goldwater supporter, too. She was there as pause to reflect on the life of RONALD REAGAN and his role in leading our Nation and the State a ‘‘golden girl.’’ Her seat is right behind me. It in which I lived when I was in the Navy, I was is ironic we both ended up where we are in the thinking back and talking with my children U.S. Senate. I remember watching on television the 1964 Republican Convention and actually about my first recollection of RONALD REAGAN. My first recollection was when I was about watching the Democratic Convention that year. their age, early in my teenage years, seeing him I remember being surprised to see RONALD on television. I may have seen him earlier than REAGAN speak and address the convention. I that as a kid in the movies, but I do not remem- knew he had been a film star. I knew he played ber. I remember fully—and the presiding officer a role on these two television shows I watched is probably too young to remember this—a tele- as a kid growing up, but I had no idea. I heard vision show called ‘‘Death Valley Days’’ and he had been involved in the Actors Guild, sort watched later, I remember, a television show of a labor union for actors, but I had no idea called ‘‘General Electric Theater.’’ He was the he was involved in politics to any extent and that host and introduced each week’s segment. My he would end up with a major role at that con- family would watch those shows, not religiously, vention speaking on behalf of Barry Goldwater. but regularly. I enjoyed them as a kid growing He came across in this speech a bit differently up in Danville, VA. than he did in his other roles on television, but At the time, RONALD REAGAN, who, I guess, he did project a great deal of sincerity, a lot of was maybe in his fifties at that time, or maybe conviction. forties, had a reasonably successful career in mo- He also suggested a good-naturedness and a tion pictures, certainly a lot more successful than certain warmth I have always found refreshing any of us, except for former Senator Fred Thomp- and endearing about him. son. But he had a reasonably successful career. We learned that evening, as we watched that We were in this in-between place where tele- speech, that this was a man who had some strong vision was coming of age and playing a role with convictions and gave a powerful speech and one respect to ‘‘Death Valley Days’’ and ‘‘General who got a lot of people to think about him as Electric Theater.’’ a future leader. Not long after that, he was elect- I remember my first thoughts of him were ed Governor of California, served there for the that he was a nice-looking guy, a handsome kind most part with distinction and then ran against of rugged fellow. He seemed to be amiable. He Gerald Ford for President, lost and came back came across as amiable and exuded a certain a couple of years later, ran against Jimmy Carter warmth and also a sense of sincerity that came and won. across clearly on that small television screen that It is interesting, conventions were different we owned back in those days. then. The first convention I ever remember pay- I remember being surprised in 1964. I think ing much attention to was in 1964. It was a con- I was 17 years old. I was about to enroll in Ohio vention with serious questions about who was State University. I was going to be a Navy going to be the President. ROTC midshipman. I was at the age of 17 a We had the Republicans. Conservatives were young Republican for Barry Goldwater. I do not supporting Barry Goldwater and we had the know how I ended up on this side of the aisle. Rockefeller Republicans. There was a lot of give Memorial Tributes in the Senate 277 and take, and real primaries. It was hard fought it because he felt people who worked ought to right up until the convention. be better off than folks who were on welfare. I remember in 1968 I was a supporter for Eu- He presided over big tax cuts in the early gene McCarthy who was running for President. eighties, 1981, and later on, faced with ever-grow- I respected both McCarthy and Goldwater be- ing tax deficits, he presided over some of the cause they were standup guys. They were willing largest tax increases that were adopted in our Na- to take tough positions and not mince their tion’s history. words. I respected them both for that. Conven- He was a staunch opponent of communism, tions were different than they are today. but a fellow who could reach out not just across Although I was impressed by the speech that the aisle but across the world to Gorbachev to then-citizen RONALD REAGAN gave, I never become friends, and they embraced one another imagined he would be Governor of California, at the end of their tenures as they together and I certainly never imagined he would be helped to change the world in a better way. President of the United States. I never imagined I find in RONALD REAGAN that he was some- I would be a Congressman, Governor, or Senator, one who would stake out a position; he would adhere to that position with his convictions for either. I am probably more surprised by that as long as he could, and at the end, if he had than I am about him ending up as Governor and to change, he would. He was willing to do that, President. but he did not back off easily or readily. He was As luck would have it, he ended up as Presi- willing in the end to compromise. dent of the United States and I ended up here In reacting to folks in my own State in Dela- serving with our presiding officer, and that is ware this week who asked me for my reaction something I enjoy very much. to what he was like, I said, well, whether or not Before I was Governor, I served in the House you liked the man’s policies, it was hard not to 10 of Representatives for years. RONALD REAGAN like the man. 1980 was elected President in ; I was elected to Since his death, there has been a fair amount 1982 the House in . I had a chance to interact of conjecture about what we should do to pay with him from time to time during limited op- tribute to him and his memory. Some people portunities as a Democratic Congressman. He have suggested we ought to rework Mount Rush- had qualities I admired all those years ago when more and find a way to put his image on Mount he was hosting those television shows. His Rushmore. We have had a few people suggest warmth, his sincerity, his good humor, those maybe RONALD REAGAN’s picture should be on were qualities he possessed in the real world off the $10 bill instead of . I the TV screen. heard our Republican leader suggest yesterday Sometimes the folks we see or admire on tele- that maybe we should rename the Pentagon in vision and film or other venues do not turn out honor of RONALD REAGAN. I do not know that to be quite the same when we meet them in per- those are good or bad ideas. I have not given son. He was very much the same. those a lot of thought. While I did not always see eye to eye with I ask we consider a couple of other legacies him on environmental issues, for example, and that might even be more important and more en- I had concerns about the budget deficits we were during. One of those deals with the disease that starting to rack up, and questions about deploy- dogged him for the last years of his life, Alz- ing space weapons, star wars, and the way we heimer’s disease, a disease my mom also suffers conducted our business in Central America, there from. She lives in Kentucky. I visited her over was a lot he wanted to do and sought to do with the weekend. She does not remember much. Ac- which I did agree. He was an early proponent tually, she remembers a few things that hap- of welfare reform. He was a guy who believed pened a long time ago, but she does not have work should pay more than welfare. We have all any recollection of RONALD REAGAN and all of heard of the earned income tax credit. He was those years we watched him on television when a major proponent of the earned income tax cred- I was a kid growing up. 278 Ronald Reagan My mom is going to be 82 years old this Au- have been treated. It is a lesson that was good gust and my hope is she will live to be as old and meaningful then and it is one we can cer- as RONALD REAGAN. I do not think that is like- tainly take again today. ly, but that would be wonderful if it happened. I have heard our own leader, Tom Daschle, My mom is 1 of 4 million people in the world begin to speak of late of a new civility, and we today who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. It need a new civility. We need some civility, not was something we saw the first signs of 5, 6, 7 going through the formalities, but treating one years ago, and we knew where it was leading. another the way we would want to be treated; Her mom suffered the same fate. Her grand- not just in this Chamber, not just in this Capitol, mother had suffered the same fate as well. but throughout this country, even in a Presi- While there are roughly 4 million Americans dential election year. today who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, by the year 2020 we are told there could be as many as 14 million Americans who suffer from Alz- Hon. Peter G. Fitzgerald heimer’s disease. It is a tough disease not so much for the person who suffers from it but cer- OF ILLINOIS tainly for their families and those who love them and who are unable to have the kind of relation- Mr. President, as one of the two Senators from ship we once did. Illinois, I am very proud of RONALD REAGAN I know Senator Mikulski is going to be lead- and his contributions to this country. RONALD ing the effort, I think with Senator Bond, for us REAGAN is the only American President who to focus anew as a Congress, as a Senate, on pro- was, in fact, born in Illinois. Many people think viding meaningful increases in funding to find of Abraham Lincoln as having been born in Illi- a cure for Alzheimer’s disease; not simply a way nois, but he was actually born in Kentucky and to treat the symptoms, but a way to stop it dead later moved there. Of course, I think there is no in its tracks. I commend them for their actions question that RONALD REAGAN will join Abra- and I stand fully ready to support them. I hope ham Lincoln as one of our Nation’s greatest others will as well. Presidents. I only want to say a few words about The other legacy I suggest that may be as im- him. portant or we may be inspired to address and do I didn’t actually serve in the Senate when he something about other than dealing with Alz- was President. I didn’t ever have the opportunity heimer’s disease is civility. I am not the first per- to get to know him. I did, however, get the op- son who has noticed this of late, but there has portunity to meet him once as a very young man, been a huge loss of civility not only in Wash- when I was about 20 years old or so and he was ington, DC, but shortly after I heard of President campaigning for President in 1980. REAGAN’s death I was flipping through the radio But my first real recollection of him came channels in my car and I came across one of these from watching his address on television in 1976 right-wing talk shows. There was pure vitriol at the Republican National Convention. He had coming out of the speaker on my radio. I find lost the primaries to incumbent President Gerald it hard to listen to that stuff so I turned it off. Ford but had nonetheless had a very strong show- I find it hard to watch the television shows any- ing. He gave a speech at that 1976 convention more because it seems there is no meaningful dis- that literally brought down the house and fired course; they are really shouting matches. up the delegates. I remember watching that at RONALD REAGAN, for whatever faults he may home and thinking, What an outstanding leader. have had, was a civil person, he was a gentleman, You could see that this man certainly still had and at a time when that kind of behavior charac- a great contribution to make. terizes too little of what not only goes on here He won against all the odds. All the pundits but what takes place in politics throughout our and many of the commentators dismissed RON- country, he is a good role model in that the way ALD REAGAN. They thought he was too old. he treated people was the way he would like to They thought he was too conservative to run and Memorial Tributes in the Senate 279 be elected President in 1980. But he proved them would be a very close election with President all wrong. Carter. But, of course, as we know, RONALD I think a pivotal moment came in 1980 during REAGAN went on to win in a landslide. his primary elections. At that time he lost the He had a remarkable career. He was an enor- and he had a lot of pressure on mous source of inspiration to me as I was fin- him to win the New Hampshire primary. Many ishing college and going on to law school. I was of us will recall that New Hampshire primary very proud at the time to be a Republican and debate where he grabbed the microphone as oth- to have him as the leader of our party, but also ers tried to shut it off. He grabbed the micro- to be an American and have him lead our country phone and said, ‘‘I am paying for this micro- and represent us in the world. I thought he han- phone, Mr. Green.’’ He wanted his other oppo- dled himself with incredible poise and dignity. nents to be allowed the opportunity to speak at His achievements are monumental. You will that debate, as opposed to just having a one-on- recall that he had few allies in Congress. The one debate with George Bush, who later became other party controlled both Houses of Congress his Vice President and succeeded him as Presi- while he was President. Yet he was able to work dent. his will through Congress by calling upon the I remember watching that Nashua, NH, de- American people to lobby Congress for some of bate in 1980 from the basement television room his important initiatives, such as lowering taxes. of my fraternity house in Hanover, NH, at Dart- President REAGAN succeeded in lowering the mouth College. I was very much paying atten- highest tax rates, which at that time were up to tion to that primary because it was happening 70 percent. He dramatically lowered the tax rates in New Hampshire where I was attending col- and unleashed a flurry of economic activity that lege. I will never forget seeing RONALD REAGAN is still with us today. in that debate and his remarkable performance. He went on to achieve major arms control Later, in 1980, I had the opportunity to meet agreements, and also, with the threat of his will- him when he came to Illinois to campaign for ingness to spend whatever it took to defend our a U.S. Senate candidate in October, about a country—his will in that regard, his sheer will month before REAGAN was elected President. I to succeed in defeating what he saw as an evil was an intern on the campaign of a fellow by ideology, communism—in ending the cold war the name of Dave O’Neal who was running for with the Soviet Union, he ultimately succeeded the Senate in Illinois. He actually lost. But as in doing that. No one has a greater claim on end- an intern on that campaign, I had the oppor- ing the cold war than RONALD REAGAN and, as tunity to meet RONALD REAGAN and to wel- Margaret Thatcher has said, he did so without come him into the back room before we had the firing a single shot. dinner in honor of Dave O’Neal. I think one of his greatest accomplishments I will never forget RONALD REAGAN. Every- occurred in his second term, and that was the body called him Governor at that time. That was simplifying of the Tax Code. If you recall, we the most recent office he had. They didn’t call went for a time where we got rid of a lot of the him President REAGAN yet. But when he walked Swiss cheese loopholes and deductions that are into the holding room, the bartender imme- in our Tax Code. We dramatically simplified the diately told him, ‘‘Governor REAGAN, we have Tax Code, collapsed the rates, and it held for a squeezed some fresh oranges for you. We have few years. We have gone back now and allowed some freshly squeezed orange juice for you. all the special interests to fill up the Tax Code Would you like some of this?’’ with all sorts of special interest loopholes and Governor REAGAN looked at him and said, giveaways to politically connected interests. ‘‘I’ll take it if you put a little vodka in that.’’ Sometimes I wish we were rereading what RON- I was struck immediately at the time by his ALD REAGAN said at the time about the necessity charm and his sense of humor and his relaxed of cleaning up that Tax Code. nature, even though he was just a few weeks out One of the most cherished treasures in the from the election day in what everyone thought State of Illinois is the boyhood home in which 280 Ronald Reagan

RONALD REAGAN grew up in the twenties, in turn in his life that turned out for the better, Dixon, IL. That home has been purchased and not only for him but certainly for our entire Na- lovingly restored by a foundation and by mem- tion and the world. bers of the Dixon, IL, community. It is a won- I ask that we not forget the example of RON- derful place for Americans who want to pay their ALD REAGAN and his cheerful optimism about respects to RONALD REAGAN and his legacy, to our country and our future. No one could com- go by and visit on in Dixon, IL, municate their thoughts as well as RONALD just off Interstate 88. I certainly hope a lot more REAGAN, in my judgment. I know of no equal Americans who are interested in the history of he had in public service in terms of commu- RONALD REAGAN will visit that home. nicating with people. He was an inspiring leader. RONALD REAGAN himself went back to visit RONALD REAGAN came to the Presidency of it, I believe, after he left the White House even. a self-doubting nation, a nation more suspicious He has recounted many tales of his growing up of its power than inspired by its possibilities. there. And he understood—as magnificently as any He was actually born in Tampico, IL, in an American leader—the restorative force of faith, apartment above a commercial building in down- of conviction, of pride. He was the Great Com- town Tampico, and later moved to Dixon, IL. municator, not because he mastered the sound Some of his fondest memories are of growing up bite, but because this midwestern man of 10,000 in Dixon, along the Rock River. handwritten letters knew that words matter— Of course, many people will remember RON- words with simple, self-evident integrity, words ALD REAGAN talking about one of his proudest that reach into the vagueness of a volatile democ- accomplishments in life, saving 77 people from racy and perfectly describe the essential goodness drowning over the 7 years that he was a lifeguard of our character. along the Rock River in Dixon, IL. RONALD REAGAN returned us to ourselves. He If you go to Dixon, IL, you can see this won- did not work miracles. But he emboldened us derful small town that shaped RONALD REAGAN, to see the grace of God in the destiny of our his character, his values, his common sense, his great Nation. He enabled us to hear the still, midwestern way of thinking, of looking at the small voice in the clamor of great historical con- world. I don’t think that ever left him. flicts. He reminded us to treasure the simple There is also an interesting story not many miracles of life, laughter and love. people are aware of, but President REAGAN wrote This man, who survived into the 21st century, about this in his biography. He graduated from embodied as perhaps none other the panoramic Eureka College, about 130 miles south of Dixon, sweep of America’s 20th century. REAGAN was in Illinois. After graduating from college, he born in the small town of Tampico, IL. It was went back to Dixon and he applied for a job in 1911, the year of the first coast-to-coast airplane the sporting goods department, I believe, at a flight, a 49-day ordeal with 69 stops and 16 crash Montgomery Ward store in Dixon, IL. landings. It was also the year of the first aircraft Guess what happened. Montgomery Ward landing—crude though it was—on a ship an- turned down RONALD REAGAN for that job. chored in San Francisco Bay. A series of ropes That set him off in different pursuits, and he ul- stopped the aircraft. Ninety years later, on March timately went to Iowa and became an announcer, 4, 2001, the United States christened the Navy’s did Cubs games from a regional radio station newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, the USS Ron- there. But he wrote in his biography he wonders ald Reagan, a 90,000-ton nuclear-powered fight- what would have happened had he actually got- ing ship, and the pride of the most powerful ten that job at the Montgomery Ward store in navy in the world. Dixon, IL. He suspected he might never have left RONALD REAGAN fundamentally changed the Dixon, IL. face of American politics—and profusely contrib- We need to thank somebody who failed to hire uted his name to the new political lexicon. What RONALD REAGAN at Montgomery Ward in 1932, American before or since RONALD REAGAN has I think, because it was that little twist, that little become the popular namesake for a theory of eco- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 281 nomics, a political and electoral sea change, and ALD REAGAN—a statesman with many more con- a decisive partisan crossover? I speak of Reagan- verts than implacable enemies—is a shining bea- omics, the Reagan revolution, and Reagan con in his own shining city. When President Democrats. Clinton announced in 1996 that ‘‘the era of big The man was that large. He had strong and government is over,’’ it was homage to the dura- distinct views which he was able to communicate ble influence—across the political landscape—of with remarkable effectiveness. He had an irresist- RONALD REAGAN’s faith in the American peo- ibly winning personality and was irrepressibly ple. When Mikhail Gorbachev recently said of optimistic. Though the establishment of both RONALD REAGAN, ‘‘he was sincere,’’ he captured political parties often ridiculed his beliefs, the with fitting simplicity the worldwide power of people somehow always seemed to have faith and the American dream in the hands of America’s confidence in him. In fact, they loved as perhaps finest dreamer. they have loved no other President in modern RONALD REAGAN stayed the course, through- history. out and after his Presidency, until a progressive Conventional intellects and comfortable pun- illness consumed him. Indeed, sliding dits were aghast when President REAGAN spoke irretrievably into forgetfulness a decade ago, so freely of evil in the world. In a world where RONALD REAGAN remembered to say goodbye to evil is neatly banished because it is too his beloved American people. judgmental, the moral declarations of RONALD When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I REAGAN were inevitably revolutionary. The will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and Great Communicator understood perfectly well eternal optimism for its future. that communication without a moral compass I now begin this journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a becomes all talk. And so we are the heirs of a bright dawn ahead. more civilized and less menacing world because Thank you my friends. May God always bless you. RONALD REAGAN had the courage to maintain May God rest his soul, and may God bless firm beliefs and to stand up for those beliefs. Nancy Reagan, who is also from Illinois, and all As a Senator from Illinois, I am proud to re- the Reagan children and their families. mark briefly and comparatively about another great son of Illinois, the only President to be elected from Illinois, Kentucky-born but Illinois- Hon. Richard J. Durbin settled Abraham Lincoln, whom our history hon- ors as few others. Lincoln and REAGAN both OF ILLINOIS grew up humbly and gained a natural comfort with people from all walks of life. They were Mr. President, I join my colleague from Illi- both frequently underestimated by opponents nois in paying tribute to the late President RON- who imagined themselves intellectually, cul- ALD REAGAN. turally or socially superior. They both possessed Today the Senate passed by an overwhelming an equanimity and fortitude that kept them se- vote a resolution commemorating RONALD rene while navigating treacherous waters. They REAGAN for his service to America and recalling both loved the United States of America. And his legacy. they both cherished American freedom and There has been a lot said on the floor about staked their public lives on the resolute pro- President REAGAN. I come to this task with a motion of it—for Lincoln, against the forces of little different perspective than some. Were it disunity and enslavement at home, and for not for RONALD REAGAN, I wouldn’t be in the REAGAN, against a godless tyranny Senate today. I say that because I made three vain abroad. I am proud to hail from the State of Illi- and futile attempts to be elected to public office. nois. In 1982, I ran for the House of Representatives When we finally measure the worth of a against an incumbent Republican Congressman. statesman, the words of political or ideological Were it not for the sorry state of the economy adversaries can speak volumes. And here RON- in Illinois after the first 2 years of President 282 Ronald Reagan

REAGAN’s Presidency, I would have lost. But be- spent months running against him and his poli- cause of the economy and the troubles faced at cies. that moment in time, I was successful in my The same thing held true when it came to his campaign against a long-time Republican incum- State of the Union Addresses. I can remember bent Congressman. so many different times when I marched to the I will not mislead anyone before making these House of Representatives Chamber for the State remarks. I will tell you that while a Member of of the Union Address by President REAGAN. the House of Representatives during the 6 re- After a while I came to understand what the maining years of President REAGAN’s Presidency, rules were. The rules were these: You didn’t have there were very few things I agreed with in ref- a chance as a Democrat to say anything critical erence to him. In fact, over 90 percent of the and be successful the night of President time we didn’t see eye to eye. I had some very REAGAN’s speech. He had such a magical style strong philosophical differences with President and was so affable and friendly and approachable REAGAN on economic policy, foreign policy, and that after he concluded his State of the Union many other things. But I will tell you this: He Address, the best for the loyal opposition was to was an extraordinary person, and I think even wave and leave the stage because he was so good. those of us who disagreed with him politically He was one of the best. We did learn that after respected him very much. 24 or 48 hours had passed, perhaps a closer look I recall when I was elected in one of the largest at what he said could lead to some constructive new classes of Congressmen since Watergate, in criticism. But we knew right off the bat when 1982, that President REAGAN and Mrs. Reagan President REAGAN took to the floor of the House invited all of the new Members of the House of of Representatives for the State of the Union Ad- Representatives and their spouses to come for a dress and walked up those stairs, the best thing dinner at the White House. It was an amazingly the loyal opposition could do was to be quiet. heady experience to walk in as Congressmen-elect There was another aspect of RONALD REAGAN with our wives and shake hands with the Presi- which I miss so much. It is part of the political dent and Mrs. Reagan, realizing full well that life which unfortunately we don’t have enough most of the people in the room were new Demo- of. He was President in an era of some great peo- cratic Congressmen who had been running ple—Tip O’Neill, Speaker of the House of Rep- against President REAGAN and his policies. But resentatives, and Bob Michel, Republican minor- he was gracious to a fault and could not have ity leader from Illinois. They brought to this been more cordial to all of us who gathered that business of politics a certain humanity and civil- evening. One of my great memories of that pe- ity which we have lost almost completely. riod of time between the election and being I can recall the bitter battles we had on the sworn in was sitting there in the White House floor of the House of Representatives with Presi- at this dinner hosted by President REAGAN and dent REAGAN over very contentious issues and Mrs. Reagan. At the same table was my Senate the debates going on for days. Ultimately, some- colleague, then-Congressman Mike DeWine, and one would prevail, and many times it would be his wife Fran, who had made the trip from Ohio President REAGAN and his position. Without for that special dinner with the REAGANs and fail, when it came to those critical votes, Tip new Members of Congress days after she had O’Neill, then-Speaker of the House, the leading given birth to a little baby girl, whom she Democrat, would pick up the phone, call the brought to the same dinner in a basket which President and congratulate him. It was a gesture, she had right next to the table. We have laughed but it was an important gesture to say that, about it all the time, because obviously after 23 frankly, we have both given it a good fight; the years that little girl has grown up to be a re- decision has been made; now let us move on to markable young woman. the people’s business. But those are some of the memories I have of President RONALD REAGAN understood that, President REAGAN opening the door and wel- Tip O’Neill understood that, and Bob Michel coming in some new Congressmen who had understood that. I wish our generation of leaders Memorial Tributes in the Senate 283 could understand that more, that even though we to ask for when the time comes for those to con- disagree, and disagree with a great deal of con- sider what to do in his memory than the con- viction, we should try to look for that human tribution suggested by our colleagues Senators side we can all share. I think time and again Mikulski and Bond, one which I think is worthy President REAGAN did that. I commend him for of our immediate consideration. They called for it. the establishment of the RONALD REAGAN Alz- Even though you have disagreed with him heimer’s Breakthrough Act of 2004. They believe during the course of the debate, when it was all we are near a breakthrough in treating Alz- over, you knew you would be treated with re- heimer’s and they want us to put special atten- spect. tion and special resources and special efforts in Time and again, my wife Loretta and I would that regard. That not only will serve the memory go down to the White House for the Christmas of President REAGAN and his courageous family party, the barbeques and picnics. It was always who stood by him, but it will also serve to help a warm welcome and greeting, even though the 4.5 million Americans inflicted with Alzheimer’s President was of a different party where there disease today, and their husbands, wives, chil- were very serious differences. dren, and their loved ones who stand by help- I would like to reflect, too, for a moment on lessly at their side as they drift into the darkness the former First Lady, Nancy Reagan. She has of this dreaded disease. That would be such a been a pillar of strength since it was announced great tribute to President REAGAN. I hope we that the late President was suffering from Alz- can do it on a bipartisan basis with the civility heimer’s; 10 years watching the man she loved and humanity which President REAGAN dem- the most of any in the world slip into darkness. onstrated during the course of his life. She said in a few interviews since President I might also add that the First Lady’s commit- REAGAN passed away, the worst part was the ad- ment to stem cell research is an exceptional state- vancing years and not being able to share memo- ment on her part. She has broken with some ries anymore because President REAGAN was in- members of the Republican Party on this issue. flicted with Alzheimer’s disease. That takes a I know her position is controversial, even within toll. this administration, but she understands, as We have had friends who have gone through many do, that unless we are committed to med- it. It takes a special commitment and sacrifice ical research, including stem cell research, the to make it through that terrible illness. My heart chances that we can successfully deal with Alz- goes out to Nancy Reagan and her family, all heimer’s, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and other of them, for what they have endured for 10 years, terrible afflictions will be diminished. I salute standing by the former President while he was the First Lady and I hope we will, in recognition afflicted with this disease. of her commitment and in memory of President My colleague Senator Carper mentioned earlier REAGAN, also decide we will step forward in this that many people are now talking about tributes critical area of medical research involving stem to President REAGAN, and he is deserving. De- cells. spite my differences with him politically, I voted I am honored that President REAGAN was a for the renaming of the Washington National friend, at least in passing, on a political basis. Airport in his memory. I thought that was ap- I am happy he came from Illinois and happened propriate for someone who had served our Nation to believe that perhaps his midwestern roots as President of the United States. Now people might have helped him in his various careers. It are trying to think of other things they can do. certainly helped him serving this country as They are kind of upping the ante: Well, you President. know, not the 50-cent piece, maybe the $10 bill; He had an amazing record of victories. I know no, maybe Mount Rushmore. I would like to because I was on the losing end of a lot of those suggest to them the most enduring legacy for campaigns. I campaigned for his opponents with this President would be to help others in his little or no success. He carried 44 States in the name. I can’t think of anything more important first election and 49 States in the second. Prob- 284 Ronald Reagan ably few Presidents in history have had a man- in the world and the values upon which this date that substantial when they were reelected. great Nation was built. He opened the gate of It is a tribute to the fact that America loved that the American spirit. He tore down the wall of President, America wanted RONALD REAGAN to doubt. serve, and he served our Nation so well. RONALD REAGAN was a great communicator because he had something great to communicate. He was the right man for his time; and now he Hon. Susan M. Collins belongs to all time. He will be missed, but President REAGAN’s OF MAINE ideas will always be part of the American experi- ence. Mr. President, over the past few days, more than 100,000 Americans have stood in line in California for 12 hours or even more to pay their Hon. Larry E. Craig respects to President RONALD REAGAN. This great show of respect and affection will be re- OF IDAHO peated during the coming days in Washington. This overwhelming outpouring cannot be ex- Mr. President, I have, for the last day, listened plained by merely citing the traits for which he to a good number of my colleagues reminisce was so well-known—his likability, his wit and about the late President RONALD REAGAN, many optimism, his courage when attacked by a of them quoting from his speeches, many of would-be assassin’s bullet or, at the end of his them quoting from books written about him, life, by a devastating disease, or even his skills about his phenomenal life, and his phenomenal as the Great Communicator. Americans are presence in this city as one of our Presidents. So standing in line because of President REAGAN’s I would guess that by this moment nearly every- ideas and the principles and convictions that gave thing that can be said about RONALD REAGAN those ideas their power: The God-given right to has been said but, then again, not everyone has freedom, responsibility for one’s own actions, and said it. charity toward others. The very ideas that are the I find myself in that situation in these mo- foundation of this great Nation were the founda- ments just prior to the adjournment of the Senate tion of President REAGAN’s character. and hours before a coffin bearing President RON- President REAGAN became President at a time ALD REAGAN will arrive at the rotunda of our when the world had begun to question the great Capitol. strength of that foundation. It was a time when What I might do for just a moment is remi- freedom, balanced by personal responsibility and nisce about a couple of personal experiences I had justified by charity, was in danger of becoming the privilege of having with the late President just one of the many ways in which human soci- that, to me, speaks volumes about the gentle- ety could be organized. Rather than appease or man’s personality, his style of Presidency, and accommodate communism, he confronted it and what he meant to my State of Idaho. exposed its moral bankruptcy. Idaho, by its conservative character and its President REAGAN emboldened freedom-lov- independence, was always a strong REAGAN ing people everywhere—those behind the Iron State. It spoke out loudly for the President. It Curtain and those in danger of being enveloped voted in large numbers for the President. There by it—and gave them faith and strength. He be- was never a question where Idahoans would be lieved, as he said in his first inaugural address, when it came to supporting RONALD REAGAN that no weapon in the arsenals of the world is for his Presidency. so formidable as the will and moral courage of My relationship with him began at the very free men and women. He was right. time he came to Washington. I was a freshman President REAGAN became President at a time in the House of Representatives in the winter of when America had begun to question its place 1981. Both President REAGAN and I were elected Memorial Tributes in the Senate 285 at the same time. I was one of those of the large women—out of work in the Silver Valley of class of 54 Republican freshmen who entered the Idaho, known as the Coeur d’Alene mining dis- U.S. House, many of them because of the trict, that was in part a direct result of this an- strength of RONALD REAGAN, and we all became nouncement. known as Reagan babies. I suspect that is a title That was my congressional district. I had peo- that at the age of 58 I still bear with some pride. ple out of work. This was largely still an old line Because we came at a time when we had a Presi- labor Democrat stronghold in north Idaho, and dent who was speaking of change; and the Amer- the hue and cry was very loud. These men and ican people were wanting it, demanding it, and women were out of work because of President his Presidency embodied it. RONALD REAGAN. The situation I want to relate for the Record I had thought that if RONALD REAGAN really this afternoon occurred during the first budget understood the impact of what he was doing, he process of the Reagan administration. David might change his approach. But because it was Stockman, a Congressman, had just been ap- a directive from OMB, because it was a part of pointed Director of OMB. Of course, the major the budgetary policy of this administration, my tax cut that our President was so well known small voice simply was not getting heard. for—that began to stimulate the economy and I appealed one evening in a conversation to the turn the American people back into then-Secretary of the Interior, Jim Watt. I said: entrepreneurialism—was all at hand. But there Secretary Watt, how do I get to the President? were deficits. So came up with How do I tell my story, our story, Idaho’s story, the idea that we should sell off our strategic min- about this particular problem? erals stockpile. He said: Well, Larry, you have to get to the Well, that is something you do not hear President directly. Obviously, David Stockman is talked about hardly at all today, but following not interested in hearing your story. The sale of World War II, Congress had passed legislation the strategic metals, the sale of the stockpiles, saying that we should stockpile silver and mag- is his idea. He’s not going to be your champion. nesium and titanium and zinc and a variety of So if you’re ever down at the White House, see other metals in case we got in another war, so if you can get the President’s ear. we would have these supplies of metals available Well, freshmen Congressmen do not often go for industrial purposes. to the White House. But because of the key tax By 1981, it was largely determined on the part votes that were coming up, I got invited to the of the Reagan administration and David Stock- White House to visit with RONALD REAGAN. I man that they were just not necessary any longer. had presented on one, small sheet of paper, on It was probably true that some Members of Con- one side, a very brief, clear explanation of the gress believed the same thing. So when the an- impact of the sale of the silver stockpile out of nouncement of the sale of these stockpiles be- the strategic metals stockpile on the people of came public—and the money then from their Idaho. I put it in an envelope, and wrote across sale was to return to the Treasury, and that it ‘‘To President RONALD REAGAN,’’ and stuck money would offset some of the deficits that it in my pocket. might occur as a result of the tax cuts—the silver Now when I was down at the White House market plummeted. The price of silver on the conversations went forward. At the end of the world market dropped because the large supply conversation, I said: Mr. President, here is a note of silver being held by our government was I would like to have you read. It’s important to going to enter the market at some point. So the my people in Idaho. By your actions, you have market out there was beginning to adjust and put 500 Idahoans out of work. prices fell. He said: Really? Because Idaho at that time was a primary sil- I said: Yes, selling off the strategic metals. ver producer, not only did prices fall in Idaho, He smiled and said: We are? but when they fell, many of our mines closed. Well, that did not surprise me. The longer I There were 400 or 500 miners—men and am here in Washington, I know not everybody 286 Ronald Reagan knows every detail about everything. That is why Last, I remember coming to the U.S. Senate you hire and have around you competent people, in 1990, certainly after President REAGAN had and Presidents are certainly no different than left this city. The first office I took in the Hart many of us. Building had on a conference wall a very large He kept the note. I saw it go into the breast map of the world. It filled the whole wall, and pocket of his suit coat. A day and a half or two it still had the Socialist Republics of the Soviet later, I got a call from the White House saying: Union written across that map. That will tell you Congressman Craig, can you come down and how old it was in 1990. I remember at the time visit with the President about your problem in looking at that map and saying: Thank you, north Idaho and the sale of the silver stockpile? RONALD REAGAN. You have made that map of My, I was impressed. I went to the White the world obsolete. You as the President—not House. There in the Oval Office was the Presi- singlehandedly but certainly by the force of your dent and David Stockman, the Director of OMB, beliefs and by the force of your efforts—have the man who had established the policy of selling made the Soviet Union obsolete in such a way off the stockpiles to bring money to the Treas- that it simply withered and died, almost without ury. We discussed it at length. In fact, David a whimper. And that, of course, is one of the Stockman and I had a small debate in front of great legacies of our President, and many of our the President about the pros and cons of doing colleagues have spoken about that. so. We are not going to let revisionist historians What I said at that time was: Mr. President, suggest that the Soviet Union would have crum- I am not opposed to you selling off the stockpile bled anyway. There was a reality they had to face. of silver, but it’s how you are approaching it, and The reality was RONALD REAGAN and the na- how you are approaching it has had a dramatic tional resolve of this country in the cold war, impact on the market. As a result of that, it has built on the strength and the beliefs of a great dropped the price of silver worldwide, and men President by the name of RONALD REAGAN, that and women in Idaho are now out of work. we not only could overcome communism but we He said: Well—in his inevitable way—let me would, in essence, arm ourselves and build a think about that. military ready and capable of defeating the Soviet A week later, there was a very small but very Union. That combination of efforts, put together important announcement that no longer would with his willingness to deal with Gorbachev and there be any more sale of the silver stockpile, others, obviously changed the dynamics of world and, of course, the prices came back and the men politics and the environment I grew up in as a and women in north Idaho went to work. child, known as the cold war. What is the message? The message is that I will attend the ceremony in the Chamber to- when this President, RONALD REAGAN, under- night, and I will mourn the loss of RONALD stood the impact of an action—if it were hurting REAGAN. But more important, I will celebrate. people or impacting them adversely, or if it were I will celebrate a great President, a President doing something that was against his market who came to our country’s call at the right time ideas and his philosophical belief in limited gov- in our history, to lead us with optimism and en- ernment and that government should not be the thusiasm and vision in a way few Presidents arbiter nor should government infringe upon the have. So while I will certainly miss the presence well-being of citizens—he would make changes. of the man, I celebrate his record and the history And he did. And of course, I have told that story that will be written about him. many times in Idaho. It was very clear to Ida- I send my prayers and the prayers of my wife hoans that the market changed because RONALD Suzanne to Nancy Reagan and all of the Reagans. REAGAN saw what he was doing or saw what his They stand with a great legacy they are obviously administration was doing and was willing to very proud of, as we all are as Americans. make a very important change to impact people’s To RONALD REAGAN I say: Thank you, you lives. built a place in history that is well deserving of Memorial Tributes in the Senate 287 the actions you took as President of the United I just returned yesterday from the D-day cele- States. bration and commemoration in Normandy. No one will ever forget President REAGAN’s speech 20 years ago at Normandy commemorating the Hon. 40th anniversary of the D-day invasion; it will be permanently etched in our memories. Or his OF NEW JERSEY poignant remarks when the space shuttle Chal- lenger exploded, and how he helped America re- Mr. President, I wanted to be sure to have an cover from that terrible national tragedy. Or who opportunity to make some comments about can forget his insistence that helped break the President REAGAN before we went out of session iron grip of the Soviet Union on millions of peo- tonight. I will take the opportunity to do so ple around the globe? right now. President REAGAN was known for his ideolog- I join with my colleagues, so many of whom ical zeal. But the interesting thing about him at have already spoken, in tribute to our Nation’s the same time was that he ultimately was a prag- 40 th President, RONALD REAGAN. My first term matist. Perhaps the clearest example of his prag- 6 in the Senate coincided with the last years of matic side is what happened after he pushed his Presidency. I had the opportunity to work through a massive tax cut in Congress in 1981. with him on several occasions. As someone who One thing that President REAGAN disliked enor- came from modest beginnings and a working- mously was Federal budget deficits. He thought class family, I understood the fact that he rose the idea of borrowing from future generations from his humble beginnings to become one of was truly repugnant. the crucial world leaders. He was respected great- On the campaign trail in 1980, he promised ly. I had a chance to work with him on several he would work to balance the budget. When he occasions, not the least of which was something took office, he argued that a tax cut was nec- 21 as simple as raising the drinking age to across essary to stimulate the economy. He believed the the country, thereby saving thousands of families Federal Government would end up with more, a year from having to mourn the loss of a young not fewer, revenues. But when the revenues person in their household. The bill was signed didn’t materialize as predicted, and the Federal in the morning at the White House, and I was Government began running huge annual budget pleased I was able to return from a convention deficits, his pragmatism took over and he fol- in San Francisco in time to be there and share lowed his 1981 tax cuts with tax increases that those good moments with President REAGAN were necessary in 1982 and 1984, determined to and then-Secretary of Transportation Elizabeth reduce the burgeoning budget deficits. His tax Dole. increases were a tacit admission that the plan We did a lot of good for families across Amer- wasn’t working as expected. He was pragmatic ica with that legislation, and also offered support enough to change the course. to say to those who would pollute our environ- His personality was so unique for someone in ment, ‘‘If you pollute, you must pay to clean it that high office. As Mikhail Gorbachev wrote in up,’’ and that was Superfund. It had a very im- a New York Times op-ed page, President REAGAN portant beginning in those days. was ultimately someone with whom you could President REAGAN is appropriately being re- negotiate. His suggestion was that he was human membered for his overpowering sense of opti- enough, he was collegial, funny, and gracious, mism and rock-solid faith in the fundamental and you could discuss serious issues with him goodness of America. Many of his actions stand and accomplish goals. as examples of ideas that we ought to consider One of President REAGAN’s last great acts of as we carry out our responsibilities in govern- public service was to acknowledge 10 years ago ment. There was no doubt that he was the Great to the American people and to the people of the Communicator, and his ideas and his words will world that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s dis- long be remembered. ease. 288 Ronald Reagan He handled his affliction with his customary ending the cold war and promoting freedom and grace, saying that he was sharing the news with democracy throughout the world in a peaceful the public in the hope that it might ‘‘promote way. greater awareness of this condition.’’ That was a In closing, I recall a large color photograph courageous thing to do. He went on further to on my father’s office wall. It is a picture of merri- say that he hoped it might encourage a clearer ment, Senator Robert Dole having just cracked understanding of the individuals and families a joke, with President REAGAN, Alan Simpson who are affected by it. He really brought a focus and standing by, smiling from ear on the disease that ultimately consumed his re- to ear. maining years. Later, my father obtained a copy of the photo One truly meaningful way that we can honor and at a later meeting with the President, slid President REAGAN is to pursue the kind of re- it down the table toward him and asked if he search that might produce a treatment, or even would sign it. Without hesitation, REAGAN a cure, for Alzheimer’s disease and a host of other penned a line and slid it back. illnesses, something his beloved wife Nancy has It read simply, ‘‘John—some times it is fun, called for. Since we witnessed the pain of the de- isn’t it?’’ terioration of this great individual, we have to RONALD REAGAN, with unfailing good humor be mindful of that for the future. and optimism, made Americans feel good about His life yielded so many more things, besides their country again. I believe that is his lasting those obvious ones, during his service as Presi- legacy. dent of the United States. The Chafee family offers our sincere condo- lences to Nancy, and the Reagan family. Hon. Lincoln D. Chafee Hon. Christopher J. Dodd OF OF CONNECTICUT Mr. President, I pay tribute to President RON- ALD REAGAN, a man for whom I had the utmost Mr. President, I rise today to offer words in respect. memory of America’s 40th President, RONALD A strong, principled leader, President REAGAN WILSON REAGAN. used his optimism and humor to help the Nation RONALD REAGAN was elected President on feel better in a post-Vietnam, post-Watergate the same day that I was first elected to the U.S. country coping with an energy crisis and high Senate. I was somewhat of an anomaly that year, inflation. being one of only two freshman Democrats elect- He brought strong leadership and could relate ed to the Senate, compared with 16 Republicans. to people from all walks of life very, very easily. Over the years, there is no question that when Democrats controlled the House during both of it came to matters of policy, RONALD REAGAN his terms, and the Senate during his last 2 years and I disagreed, in a very fundamental way, on in office. In order to advance his priorities, he a great many occasions. had to bridge the partisan divide and work with But in today’s very partisan atmosphere, it is members of the other party. He was also very easy to forget that personality can be much more proud of his good personal relations with Tip important than agreements and disagreements. O’Neill and other Democratic leaders. The proof Many of the qualities that distinguished RONALD of his appeal was his ability to carry a Democrat REAGAN—as a President, as a leader, as an indi- stronghold like my State of Rhode Island in the vidual—went beyond policies and politics. 1984 election. He was the last Republican Presi- RONALD REAGAN was one of our Nation’s dential candidate to do so. most personable Presidents. His congeniality, wit With tremendous vision and dignity, Presi- and trademark sense of humor could bring a dent REAGAN will ultimately be remembered for smile to the face of even the most ardent political Memorial Tributes in the Senate 289 opponent. And he had the uncanny ability to to fully researching the causes of, and cures for, communicate his thoughts to the American peo- diseases like Alzheimer’s that cause such great ple. suffering for such great numbers of people. As a member of the opposite side of the polit- At this difficult time, my heart goes out to ical aisle, I had a particular appreciation for Nancy and the entire Reagan family. America RONALD REAGAN’s openness. As we all know, celebrated with you on so many happy occasions. President REAGAN was a man of great convic- This week, we all join you in your sorrow. tion. It wasn’t easy to change his mind. But he was willing to sit down and talk. He was open to listening to views that were different from his Hon. James M. Jeffords own, even if he ultimately chose to disagree with OF them. RONALD REAGAN was able, as the saying goes, to disagree without being disagreeable. Though we had our differences on many Mr. President, I join my colleagues in remem- 40 ONALD issues, I would never doubt for a minute RON- bering our Nation’s th President, R ALD REAGAN’s commitment to this Nation, just REAGAN, who passed away last weekend at his as I don’t believe he doubted the patriotism of home in Bel-Air, CA. his political adversaries. RONALD REAGAN be- Of course, much has already been said, both lieved deeply in our country and in its values, in this Chamber and in the media, about the leg- and in its place in the history of humankind. He end of his large life. His career in movies, his correctly saw the former Soviet Union, with its entry into politics and, of course, his two terms regime of repression, imprisonment, and stifling as President during a most tumultuous time have of the individual spirit, as antithetical to every- been well documented in the past several days. thing in which we believe. He presided over a By all of these accounts, RONALD REAGAN historic time period during which we witnessed was a most admired politician, and while he and the beginnings of a dramatic, global political sea I had our policy differences, I have always shared change. in that admiration. RONALD REAGAN was a leader who reflected RONALD REAGAN held true to a strong con- the optimism and spirit of this great Nation. At servative philosophy, which often made it hard the time he was elected President, our country for the two of us to find common ground. I was was experiencing a crisis of confidence. Many a Member of the House of Representatives dur- wondered if America’s best days were behind it. ing his 8 years as President, and you might say RONALD REAGAN had an unflagging belief in I was often a thorn in his side. We were on op- America, and he helped restore a sense of possi- posing sides when it came to many issues, most bility in our land. notably tax cuts and funding for the arts. As a society, we often elevate our public fig- But through all of our sometimes heated dis- ures to practically mythological proportions, and cussions and debates, it was so evident to me that our Presidents are no exception. Toward the end President REAGAN held a deep and abiding pas- of RONALD REAGAN’s life, though, we were re- sion for his country, and an equally deep convic- minded of his humanity. All of us, particularly tion for what he believed was right. those of us who have watched a loved one strug- As Americans take time this week to honor gle late in life, were inspired by the dignity, the life of President REAGAN, it is that passion grace, and courage with which he and his family and conviction that they will remember and re- battled a terrible and devastating disease—a dis- flect upon. I believe, that those memories of our ease that ultimately took RONALD REAGAN, in Nation’s 40th President will inspire our future the words of his wife Nancy, to a place where leaders. she could no longer reach him. I extend my condolences to his wife Nancy, Many tributes have been and will be paid to and to the entire Reagan family on the passing President REAGAN’s memory. But I can’t think of President RONALD REAGAN. May the memo- of a greater tribute than to commit our Nation ries of his life’s accomplishments sustain them in 290 Ronald Reagan their time of grief, and may the Nation’s prayers Hon. Debbie Stabenow bring them comfort. OF MICHIGAN

Hon. Blanche L. Lincoln Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to RONALD REAGAN, our Nation’s 40th President. OF ARKANSAS First, my condolences and prayers go out to Nancy Reagan, the Reagan family, and all of Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to those who are mourning his passing. former President RONALD WILSON REAGAN, our RONALD REAGAN was an optimist. He was Nation’s 40th President. Like many Americans, I admired President the best kind of optimist—a living example of the fulfillment of the American dream. From a REAGAN’s eternal optimism and his belief in America and her people. small midwestern town, he rose to become leader I am struck by the numbers of mourners who of the free world and was respected around the have paid their respects to our former President. world by both our allies and our Soviet bloc op- The outpouring of respect and grief is a testa- ponents alike. ment to the great impact that he had on so many President REAGAN was called the Great Com- Americans. I am sure that one of the reasons so municator for a reason. Many of his speeches many have taken time to honor President touched the heartstrings of all Americans. Whether it was his speech at the Berlin Wall REAGAN is because of the great optimism and 1984 purpose that he showed. His trust in the funda- or his tribute to those who died on D-day, mental decency and goodness of the American President REAGAN always conveyed a positive, people is a guide and inspiration to us all. optimistic sense of our shared destiny. His words I admired his sense of civility and his ability will long be remembered. to disagree with his opponents without being President REAGAN loved America, and this disagreeable. He fought hard for the policies in love for our country shaded every word he spoke which he believed, but after the fight, he shook to the Nation as President. He always wanted hands and moved on. We need more of that kind our country to be the ‘‘shining city on a hill.’’ of statesmanship in Washington today. And I I also pay tribute and convey my genuine re- hope my colleagues will join me in trying to fol- spect to our former First Lady Nancy Reagan, low his example. a woman whose unwavering commitment to her During one of our Nation’s greatest chal- husband not only provided a testament to their lenges—the cold war—President REAGAN was a love but also extended hope and empathy to strong voice against the enemies of freedom. His countless Americans who share in the role of leadership and vision helped us to overcome our caregiver. enemies. As we begin now to consider ways to pay In the final years of his life, he and Mrs. proper tribute to our admired former President, Reagan were an example of the kind of sacrifice let us go beyond the erecting of a monument or and love that we should all seek to emulate. Mrs. the etching of a portrait. Instead let us act to Reagan’s quiet dignity and support for her hus- help the many Americans who needlessly suffer band during the most difficult of times should from the debilitating effects of Alzheimer’s dis- be an inspiration to us all. ease. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, We should increase research funding for Alz- Nancy, his sons, Michael and Ronald, Jr., and heimer’s and expand stem cell research, which his daughter, Patti. Nancy Reagan supports. RONALD REAGAN lived a full life and was a I am pleased to be a co-sponsor of a Mikulski- great American. His contributions to the Amer- Bond bill that will double our investment in ican political system and to our way of life will Alzheimer’s research and refocus our efforts to not soon be forgotten. find a cure. This bipartisan measure, if passed, Memorial Tributes in the Senate 291 would leave a lasting legacy to President to mind when remembering President REAGAN REAGAN. is exactly that: optimism. President REAGAN was Earlier this month, I joined with 57 other an incurable and infectious optimist when it Members of this body, both Republican and came to America. By insisting that, as he said, Democrat alike, to urge President Bush to broad- it was morning again in America, he connected en the current Federal policy regarding stem cell with Americans, lifted their spirits, and restored research. By expanding stem cell research beyond their confidence in our future. those stem cells derived by August 9, 2001, we This power to communicate and connect with will take the necessary first step of helping mil- Americans from all walks of life was central to lions of Americans who are plagued by Alz- his success as President. He could sway skeptics heimer’s—Americans, who like President and charm supporters with his simple eloquence REAGAN, live out their daily lives traveling an and self-deprecating wit. People came to know unknowable journey of solitude. him and feel comfortable with him; and they If we allow the medical experts to do stem cell were moved by his simple, clear messages. Presi- research, we can begin the work Mrs. Reagan so dent REAGAN perfected the art of selling his steadfastly promotes: finding a cure to this dev- policies to the American people and using that astating disease. ability to pressure Congress to work his will. Not To find a cure of Alzheimer’s would indeed surprisingly, the Great Communicator, as he be the greatest tribute we could ever give to came to be known, left office with the highest President REAGAN. approval rating of any recent President. In this time of grief, let us evoke President President REAGAN was one of the truly larger REAGAN’s gentlemanly service, swift wit, jovial than life figures of the post-World War II era. candor, and unconditional patriotism. With dif- He brought a new conservative philosophy to the ferences in philosophy and politics aside, let’s all White House, and he championed freedom at praise a man whose decorum and distinguished home and abroad. One of the reasons for his suc- character exemplified the office for which he cess, I believe, was his willingness to com- held. promise, to put aside partisan politics and ideo- logical purity to do what was right for the coun- try. When his 1981 tax cuts caused deficits to Hon. Kent Conrad skyrocket, President REAGAN supported tax in- creases in 1982 and 1983 to contain the damage. OF NORTH DAKOTA After tagging the Soviet Union as the evil em- pire, he negotiated historic arms control treaties Mr. President, I want to take a few moments with the Soviets, coining the famous phrase today to join my colleagues in celebrating the ‘‘trust but verify’’ in the process. He had, as his life of our 40th President, RONALD WILSON chief of staff Howard Baker once put it, ‘‘a capac- REAGAN. ity to surprise.’’ In many ways, RONALD REAGAN embodied And throughout it all, he was a wonderful the American dream. He was born in the small man, someone who you couldn’t help but enjoy town of Tampico, IL, and grew up 30 miles down being with. I met with President REAGAN sev- the road in Dixon, another small town. His was eral times during the last years of his Presidency. a normal, middle class American family, and he The last time I was with him, President REAGAN was the all-American boy-next-door: Good look- was telling two or three of us in the White ing, popular, an actor, and an athlete. And from House an Irish story full of warmth and wit. I that modest background he fulfilled the Amer- believe that best describes President REAGAN ican democratic ideal that anybody can grow up himself—a man of endearing wit and great per- to become President of the United States. sonal warmth. That ideal—that anyone can grow up to be- As America mourns his passing, my thoughts come President—captures America’s optimism, and prayers are with Nancy and the rest of Presi- so it is fitting that the word that comes most dent REAGAN’s family and many, many friends. 292 Ronald Reagan It is my hope that their memories of his life, willing to work closely and cooperatively with laughter, and legacy will be of some small com- Mikhail Gorbachev, helping not only to end the fort in these days and weeks ahead. cold war but to liberate millions of people and change the course of world history. In doing so, he was not following his party. He was not fol- Hon. Jon S. Corzine lowing the polls. He was following his con- science. And the entire world community owes OF NEW JERSEY him a deep debt of gratitude for his vision and his leadership. Mr. President, on Saturday, June 5, 2004, There were many issues about which I strongly President RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th disagreed with President REAGAN. But I always President of the United States, passed away after had great respect for him personally and for the a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. I way he conducted himself while in office. Presi- extend my deepest sympathies to the members dent REAGAN knew how to disagree without of his family, who have suffered a terrible loss, being disagreeable. He knew that those in the and I want them to know that Americans other party were not enemies. He knew that, at throughout our Nation, regardless of their polit- the end of the day, we are all Americans and, ical party or ideology, share in their loss and though we may disagree about particular poli- mourn with them. cies, we all share a love of our country and a com- RONALD REAGAN was an exceptional national mitment to its future. leader who loved this country and its people. He President REAGAN’s life was marked by his will long be remembered for his infectious opti- fundamental personal decency and his sense of mism and his faith in America’s future. To Presi- dignity. That was never more evident than when dent REAGAN, America was always a ‘‘shining he announced to the world his struggle with Alz- city on a hill’’—a beacon of hope for all man- heimer’s disease in 1994. His and Nancy Reagan’s kind. He understood just what a great country courageous fight against this debilitating disease America is, and always remained a committed brought a new awareness to the devastation that advocate for the ideal of freedom that helps de- accompanies this illness. I hope it also will bring fine us as Americans. a new commitment to do what it takes to find President REAGAN was known as the Great a cure for this horrible affliction. Communicator, and he richly deserved the acco- In conclusion, Americans throughout our Na- lade. Few politicians, if any, have had his ability tion are saddened at the passing of President not just to connect with the American people but REAGAN, and our hearts go out to his family. to inspire them. His speeches didn’t just make RONALD REAGAN was an extraordinary man a point, they touched a chord. He talked to whose impact on our Nation, and our world, will Americans in a powerful and personal way. be felt for generations to come. Today, we join As is widely understood, RONALD REAGAN together to honor his memory and to give thanks had strongly held views about public policy, for his historic service on behalf of the country from his support for lower taxes to his strong he loved so deeply. anticommunism. But as is less widely appre- ciated, President REAGAN was not inflexible or dogmatic. He actually was a practical and prag- Hon. Jon Kyl matic leader who was willing to adjust his ap- proach, sometimes dramatically, when cir- OF ARIZONA cumstances called for change. For example, after pushing through a large tax Mr. President, Robert Robb is one of the great cut at the start of his Presidency, he reversed columnists in American journalism today, and course and increased taxes when the deficit start- his tribute to RONALD REAGAN is among his ed to explode. Perhaps most important, after de- best work. I ask unanimous consent to have the nouncing the Soviets as an evil empire, he was following article printed in the Record. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 293 There being no objection, the article was or- Winston Churchill believed that history was the story of dered to be printed in the Record, as follows: great men altering its course. In his History of the English Speaking Peoples, writing about Alfred the Great, who jFrom the Arizona Republic, June 9, 2004k united much of modern-day England in the ninth century, MY FIRST FAN LETTER WAS SIGNED ‘‘REAGAN’’ Churchill described his ‘‘sublime power to rise above the whole force of circumstances.’’ (By Robert Robb) As much as REAGAN dominated and transformed the do- RONALD REAGAN wrote my first fan letter. mestic political landscape, his greatness—his sublime power When he announced for president in 1976, I was editor to rise above the whole force of circumstances—was in the of the student newspaper at in Los Ange- way he managed the Soviet Union and communism. les. Early in his presidency, REAGAN described the Soviet The Los Angeles Times had developed an obsessive dislike Union as an evil empire and said it and Marxism-Leninism for REAGAN. And it pounded on his announcement speech, would be deposited on the ‘‘ash heap of history.’’ denouncing it and him for superficiality and a lack of spe- This was denounced by foreign policy sophisticates at the cifics. time as naive and dangerously provocative. Of course, it’s standard fare for announcement speeches to Yet he quickly embraced Mikhail Gorbachev, who gained 1985 enunciate broad themes. And the only thing that would have power in , and his perestroika reforms. This made con- unhinged the Times more than a lack of specifics from servatives highly nervous, and they openly wondered whether REAGAN would have been if he had been specific. REAGAN was being had. And so I wrote a column for the student newspaper having But REAGAN, having lived through the Hungarian and a bit of sport with the Times’ hypocrisy and disequilibrium. Polish rebellions, intuited that the Soviet Union could not Not much later, I was astonished to receive a letter from both liberalize and remain intact. EAGAN REAGAN. Apparently being defended in a student newspaper R also knew the moment to apply pressure, as in 1987 was an unusual enough event to catch the attention of his , when he stood before the Berlin Wall and, against the campaign. advice of his entire foreign policy team, famously called upon REAGAN thanked me for my ‘‘generous words,’’ and al- Gorbachev to tear it down. lowed that ‘‘a great part of my pleasure was your masterful A few years later, I was in Berlin, after the wall had been handling of the Times.’’ torn down figuratively, but not yet physically. You could That purposeful understatement was characteristic of travel freely in eastern Berlin, but it was like Dorothy step- REAGAN in political combat. He was far more inclined to ping from black-and-white into the colorful land of Oz, only give his opponents a gentle and humorous poke in the ribs, in reverse—from the vibrant feel of a free people into the rather than a rhetorical knife in the stomach—a restraint he still-stale desolation of the repression of the human soul. maintained even as the invective and bile against him mount- You could visit the wall and even take a blow against it ed. yourself. So, I clawed loose a few chunks and brought them Bill Buckley invented modern American conservatism—a home. sometimes uneasy blend of anti-communism, free-market eco- They’re mounted now, pieces of history’s sadness and joy. nomics and traditional cultural values inspired and informed I can never look at those chunks of concrete without thinking by religious faith. Barry Goldwater launched it as a political about RONALD REAGAN, a champion of freedom for our time. movement. But RONALD REAGAN embodied the conservative move- ment. He was the glue that held its factions and strands to- Hon. gether long enough, for a time, to be politically triumphant. This was no small feat. American conservatism is more nat- OF NORTH CAROLINA urally a dissenting movement than a governing one. Yet REAGAN not only governed, he transformed the coun- try, indeed the world. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to What began as REAGAN Democrats are now simply Re- the late President RONALD REAGAN. publicans, and the Republican Party now competes with the We were of different parties and very different Democratic Party for majority status, rather than the semi- political philosophies but I respected him as a permanent minority role the party seemed consigned to be- strong leader—a man of principle and dignity. fore REAGAN. To compete with Reaganism, Democrats had to overcome He was also good-natured and affable, never let- their legacy from the 1960s and 1970s, a belief that there ting political differences drag him down into bit- was as much wrong as right about America. Democrats rec- ter partisanship. onciled themselves to America’s essential goodness, as well I was always impressed with President as its defining institutions and values: free markets, enter- REAGAN’s ability to communicate and persuade prise, faith and family. Bill Clinton was a reaction to Reaganism, and today’s Re- and his talent for soothing our Nation in difficult publican Party, unfortunately, is as much a reaction to times. In good times and bad, he sought to ap- Clintonism as it is a legitimate heir to Reaganism. peal to the best in all of us, to our hopes and 294 Ronald Reagan better instincts, not our doubts and fears. And His optimism was prevalent and penetrating while he enjoyed a good political fight, he never and inspiring even during the darkest moments demonized his opponents or accused those who of his administration. With the Challenger explo- differed with him of being unpatriotic. RONALD sion, we grieved and despaired, but when Presi- REAGAN seemed to understand that we could dent REAGAN spoke of how those courageous as- disagree without being disagreeable and that we tronauts reached out and ‘‘touchjedk the face of all love our country, even as we debate the best God,’’ suddenly all of us realized that we, as a way to move toward a more perfect union. All country, would make it through this grievous of us can learn from his example. hour, and the American adventure into space As we pay tribute to our 40th President, this would go on. He was truly the Great Communi- man who rose from humble beginnings to the cator. greatest heights, I offer my condolences to Nancy I came to know and work with Mr. REAGAN Reagan and the Reagan family. I join my col- from a unique and important perspective. I was leagues in saying farewell to RONALD REAGAN, the leader of the opposition party in the U.S. a modest man who was larger than life. Senate during both of President REAGAN’s terms. From this position, I came to understand and Thank you, President REAGAN, for your serv- appreciate, probably even more than his strongest ice to our Nation and for the important example supporters, his hold on the American people, and you set for us all. the importance of the leadership that he pro- vided. In fact, I found him to be as charming in per- Hon. Robert C. Byrd son as he was when speaking to an audience or OF WEST VIRGINIA appearing on television. Never once did I hear him engage in personal Mr. President, on Saturday, our Nation lost a attacks on his challengers. When we disagreed, which was more often good man and a great American, the 40th Presi- than not, it was always in civil tones. He was dent of the United States, RONALD WILSON always smiling, patting you on the back, asking REAGAN. you about your family, and wishing you the best. A former sports announcer, actor, television You simply could not help but like him. He performer, and Governor, this man from a small seemed not to confuse differences of opinion with midwestern town was eventually elected to our differences of ideals or values. After all, he liked Nation’s highest office, not once, but twice, in to point out, ‘‘we are all Americans.’’ landslide victories. His was a success story, an That is the way American politics is supposed American success story. He demonstrated that to be. That was the decency of RONALD WILSON the key to the American dream is still determina- REAGAN. He might consider me a political op- tion, hard work, and perseverance. He did it by ponent, but never a personal enemy. Just as I un- appealing to our ‘‘best hopes,’’ not our ‘‘worst derstood his difficulties as the leader of the free fears.’’ world during 8 years of trial and turmoil, he un- Historians will study and evaluate the impact derstood my role as the loyal opposition. of the Reagan administration—his role in ending As much as I admired and respected him when the cold war and the results of his domestic poli- he was President, never was my appreciation for cies. him and his wife Nancy stronger than in their What is beyond debate was his uncanny abil- dealing with his last and greatest struggle—the ity to connect with the American people. He struggle he eloquently and heartbreakingly called knew where he wanted to take the country and the ‘‘journey that jwouldk lead jhimk into the attempted to do it with remarkable determina- sunset of jhisk life’’—his battle with Alzheimer’s tion and charm. He restored a much needed sense disease. He and Nancy confronted this cruel, of optimism in America, and he did it with a crippling disease with an openness and dignity cheerfulness that was absolutely contagious. that inspired a Nation. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 295

Mr. President, my wife Erma and I extend our S. Res. 374. A resolution honoring President RONALD most heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Reagan. She WILSON REAGAN; considered and agreed to. has been an inspiration to America, gracefully By Mr. ALLARD: fulfilling the role of loyal, loving spouse even as S. Con. Res. 118. A concurrent resolution expressing the she has watched her greatest love drift away into sense of Congress that an artistic tribute to commemorate the fog of Alzheimer’s. In the years when they the speech given by President RONALD REAGAN at the Bran- denburg Gate on June 12, 1987, should be placed within the should have been able to enjoy the warm memo- United States Capitol; to the Committee on Rules and Ad- ries of their storybook life together, she endured ministration. personal emotional tortures that are difficult to imagine. In these last years, the vigilance and SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS SENATE RESOLUTION 373—RELATIVE TO THE caring she displayed throughout their marriage DEATH OF RONALD WILSON REAGAN A FORMER led her to become an outspoken advocate for PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES medical research, a role for which she has earned Mr. FRIST (for himself and Mr. Daschle) sub- the immense respect and gratitude of the Nation. mitted the following resolution; which was con-

A SUNSET FANCY sidered and agreed to:

(A poem by an unknown author) S. RES. 373 I saw the sun sink in the golden west Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow No angry cloud obscured its latest ray; and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honor- Around the couch on which it sank to rest able RONALD WILSON REAGAN, a former President of the Shone all the splendors of a summer day, United States, and a former Governor of the State of Cali- And long—though lost of view—its radiant light fornia. Reflected from the skies, delayed the night. Resolved, That in recognition of his illustrious statesman- Thus when a good man’s life comes to a close, ship, his leadership in national and world affairs, his distin- No doubts arise to cloud his soul with gloom; guished public service to his State and his Nation, and as But faith triumphant on each feature glows a mark of respect to one who has held such eminent public And benedictions fill the sacred room; station in life, the Presiding Officer of the Senate appoint And long do men his virtues wide proclaim, a committee to consist of all the Members of the Senate to And generations rise to bless his name. attend the funeral of the former President. Resolved, That the Senate hereby tender its deep sympathy MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE DURING to the members of the family of the former President in their ADJOURNMENT sad bereavement. At 3:26 p.m., a message from the House of Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the House of Representatives and transmit a copy thereof Representatives, delivered by Ms. Niland, one of to the family of the former President. its reading clerks, announced that the House has agreed to the following concurrent resolution: SENATE RESOLUTION 374—HONORING PRESIDENT S. Con. Res. 115. Concurrent resolution author- RONALD WILSON REAGAN izing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for Mr. FRIST submitted the following resolu- the lying in state of the remains of the late RON- tion; which was considered and agreed to: ALD WILSON REAGAN, 40th President of the Whereas RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President United States. of the United States, was born on February 6, 1911, in Tam- pico, Illinois, to Nelle and John Reagan and raised in Dixon, SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND SENATE Illinois; RESOLUTIONS Whereas as a lifeguard at Rock River in Lowell, Illinois, 77 The following concurrent resolutions and Sen- a young RONALD REAGAN saved the lives of swimmers; Whereas RONALD REAGAN enrolled in Eureka College ate resolutions were read, and referred (or acted where he played football, acted in amateur theater, and grad- upon), as indicated: uated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and sociology; By Mr. FRIST (for himself and Mr. Daschle): Whereas RONALD REAGAN landed his first job as a radio announcer for WOC in Davenport, Iowa, and went on to be- 373 S. Res. . A resolution relative to the death of RONALD come a popular sports announcer; WILSON REAGAN, a former President of the United States; Whereas RONALD REAGAN launched a movie career that considered and agreed to. spanned 50 movies, including his most famous role as the By Mr. FRIST: football legend, ‘‘The GIPPER’’; 296 Ronald Reagan

Whereas RONALD REAGAN, who received more fan mail Resolved, That the Senate notes with deep sorrow and sol- than any other actor at Warner Brothers Studios except Errol emn mourning the death of RONALD WILSON REAGAN. Flynn, served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from Resolved, That the Senate extends its heartfelt sympathy to 1947 to 1960; the wife and family of President REAGAN. Whereas on March 4, 1952, RONALD REAGAN married his Resolved, That the Senate commends the former President great love, Nancy Davis, who was to become his lifelong con- for his Presidency and its many accomplishments. fidante and companion; Resolved, That the Senate calls on all the people of the Whereas RONALD REAGAN was the father of 4 children: United States to reflect on the record of the 40th President Maureen, Michael, Patti, and Ronald Prescott; of the United States during this national period of remem- Whereas RONALD REAGAN hosted the popular television brance. series ‘‘GE Theater’’ from 1954 to 1962; Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions 1962 Whereas in , RONALD REAGAN switched his party af- to the House of Representatives and transmit a copy thereof 2 filiation from Democrat to Republican and years later deliv- to the family of the former President. ered a major televised speech in support of Presidential can- didate Barry Goldwater; SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 118— Whereas in 1966, RONALD REAGAN won the governorship EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT AN of California and in 1970 was reelected to a second term; ARTISTIC TRIBUTE TO COMMEMORATE THE Whereas Governor REAGAN campaigned for the Repub- SPEECH GIVEN BY PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN 1968 1976 lican nomination in , and again in ; AT THE BRANDENBURG GATE ON JUNE 12, 1987, 16 1980 Whereas on July , , the former Governor won the SHOULD BE PLACED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES 4 1980 Republican nomination and on November , , won the CAPITOL United States Presidency in a landslide vote; Whereas President REAGAN appointed the first woman to Mr. ALLARD submitted the following con- the United States Supreme Court, Justice Sandra Day O’Con- current resolution; which was referred to the nor; Committee on Rules and Administration: Whereas on March 30, 1981, only 2 months into his Presi- dency, RONALD REAGAN survived an assassination attempt S. CON. RES. 118 and upon meeting Nancy in the hospital, quipped with char- Whereas the people of the United States successfully de- acteristic good humor, ‘‘Honey, I forgot to duck’’; fended freedom and democracy for over 40 years in a global Whereas President REAGAN delivered on his promise to Cold War against an aggressive Communist tyranny; cut taxes for American workers in 1981, and achieved the his- Whereas President RONALD WILSON REAGAN’s dem- toric tax cuts of 1986 which overhauled the Federal tax code onstration of unwavering personal conviction during this con- and reduced tax rates for almost all taxpayers, including re- flict served to inspire millions of people throughout the moving 6,000,000 Americans from the tax rolls; United States and around the world to seek democracy, free- Whereas under President REAGAN’s leadership, inflation fell, interest rates declined, and by the seventh year of his dom, and greater individual liberty; and Presidency, the stock market hit an all-time high; Whereas RONALD WILSON REAGAN’s determined stand Whereas President REAGAN presided over the longest eco- against the Soviet empire during his eight years as President nomic expansion in the history of the United States until served as the catalyst for the end of that regime: Now, there- that time and rebuilt the national defenses of the United fore, be it States; Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), Whereas President REAGAN won reelection in 1984 car- That it is the sense of Congress that an artistic tribute to rying 49 out of 50 States—one of the biggest electoral vic- commemorate the speech given by President RONALD tories in the political history of the United States; REAGAN at the Brandenburg Gate on June 12, 1987, during Whereas during summit meetings with Soviet Union which he uttered the immortal lines ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear President Mikhail Gorbachev in December 1987, President down this wall!’’, should be placed within the United States REAGAN signed a treaty to eliminate intermediate-range nu- Capitol. clear forces; Whereas President REAGAN’s steadfast opposition to com- munism, his unshakeable resolve to defeat the ‘‘Evil Empire’’, and his secure belief in government for and by the people, Hon. Joseph I. Lieberman led to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and victory in the Cold OF CONNECTICUT War; Whereas President REAGAN’s belief in freedom as a God- given right of all peoples led to a democratic revolution Mr. President, I am honored to have the op- across Central America; and portunity to rise today to join my colleagues and, Whereas RONALD WILSON REAGAN, father, husband, indeed, my countrymen and -women in paying actor, and dedicated public servant, restored the pride, opti- mism and strength of the United States and earned the deep tribute to our departed and, I would say, sin- respect and affection of his fellow citizens: Now, therefore, cerely beloved former President RONALD be it: REAGAN. We mourn his loss and we give our Memorial Tributes in the Senate 297 condolences, of course, to Mrs. Reagan and their lot for our country and the world. He understood family. what America was about, which was freedom and I cannot claim, as some can in this Chamber, opportunity, and extended both in America and to have known President REAGAN personally and throughout the world. well. In fact, we met a few times while he was After all, he led our country and the free world serving in the White House. I was attorney gen- to victory in the final battle of the cold war eral of Connecticut and visited with attorneys against communism. general. We did have one remarkable rendezvous. RONALD REAGAN’s message of optimism and Our paths crossed, figuratively speaking, as purpose was carried by one of the most effective President REAGAN was departing Washington, messengers ever to occupy the Oval Office. His having completed his second term as President. rhetoric, after all, made us swell with pride, I was arriving as a freshman Senator from Con- sometimes harden with indignation, often reso- necticut. It was January 14, 1989, and the out- nate with emotion. He also made us laugh. going President was set to give his final weekly I loved President REAGAN’s jokes and bor- radio address Saturday morning. rowed them often, sometimes with attribution, As always, he gave a masterful and moving sometimes not. One of my favorites was the one performance, engaging the Nation with his wis- that said a lot about him and about what he be- dom and his wit. Senate Majority Leader George lieved, what he was for, and what he was against. Mitchell, the new Senate majority leader, asked It was about the commissar who visited the com- me to give the Democratic response to President munist collective farm in Russia. He greeted the REAGAN that Saturday morning in January. It farmer, who was the head of the farm, on an in- was a high honor, of course, for me as a freshman spection tour and asked the farmer how the po- Senator to be asked to give the weekly radio ad- tato crop had been that year. dress but it was, needless to say, a tough act to The farmer said: Oh, commissar, the potato follow. crop has been excellent. As a matter of fact, if I looked back to my remarks and in them I we took all the potatoes we grew on this farm see I praised President REAGAN for his love of this year and put them one on top of the other, country, his fervent devotion to freedom, and his they would reach all the way up to the feet of commitment to the values of faith, flag, and fam- God. ily. I said I was ‘‘inspired and encouraged by his Troubled, the commissar from Moscow said: sense of patriotism,’’ and I urged all Americans Comrade farmer, I am glad to hear you did so to work together on our unfinished business with well raising potatoes, but what do you mean ‘‘the spirit of purpose and confidence that is the about reaching up to the feet of God? This is legacy of the REAGAN years.’’ a Soviet communist collective farm. There is no Today, 15 years later, I am very proud I was God. able to speak those words, and proud of their The comrade said, that is OK, because there truthfulness. My admiration and respect for are no potatoes, either. So it was. President REAGAN has only grown with time. I heard someone in the last few days since The optimism, the idealism, the patriotism, and President REAGAN’s death repeat a one-liner of confidence he radiated infected us all and are ex- his where the press was getting on him because actly what we need today. they said he was not working hard enough as President REAGAN won the trust of the Amer- President. At some public gathering, President ican people and used that trust to lead. I believe REAGAN said he was aware of these criticisms he won the trust of the American people because and he was also aware of the old line that hard he reflected their values and they knew he was work never killed anybody, but, President the real thing, that he stuck to what he believed REAGAN said, ‘‘I figure why should I run the was right, whether it was popular or not. His risk?’’ And so it was. leadership was classic democratic leadership, with His sense of humor and exuberance served him a small ‘‘d.’’ His moral conviction, combined and the country well. Yes, he was a cold warrior, with his pragmatism, enabled him to do an awful our leader in the final battle of the cold war, but 298 Ronald Reagan he was also a happy warrior. In this and in so President of the United States. RONALD WILSON many other ways, RONALD REAGAN reflected the REAGAN achieved extraordinary heights. personality and values of the American people. But he would tell you, I suspect—and it was You could disagree with his policies, but you reflected in so many of the comments among his could never find his personality or his sincerity friends and colleagues over the last several days— disagreeable. that he was simply being an American, fulfilling He treated Democrats and Republicans alike, the American dream. He described the American which is to say with respect. That attitude was dream once as ‘‘a song of hope that rings through contagious and even infected both Chambers of night winter air; vivid, tender music that warms Congress. President REAGAN once urged an audi- our heart when the least among us aspire to the ence of young people to live lives ‘‘that were a greatest things.’’ statement, not an apology.’’ RONALD REAGAN brought that song back to our hearts. He believed we could achieve great This week we remember a true American things, that America could achieve great things, giant, whose life was a statement, not an apol- and because of his unshakable belief in freedom ogy—a statement of America’s values and its and liberty and democracy and his ironclad faith transcendent spirit of our faith in God and our in progress, his love and respect for his fellow love of country, of our national purpose, which citizen, we did. We triumphed over the Soviet is to uphold and extend the reality of freedom empire. We created one of the longest economic and opportunity in the world. expansions in American history. We regained our strength and our optimism. We remembered the special privilege it is to be an American. Hon. William H. Frist But we also remembered that freedom is not OF TENNESSEE for us alone. It is the right of every man and woman across the globe, in every age, in every It has been a different week, a very solemn civilization. 1964 week, and a week that has required all of us to In , two decades before he would be re- 49 work together from an organizational standpoint elected in a landslide victory carrying of the 50 and to pull together what has been almost a cele- United States, RONALD REAGAN told the Na- bration of this legacy of RONALD REAGAN. tion, ‘‘You and I have the ability and the dignity and the right to make our own decisions and de- This evening Members will gather in the Sen- termine our own destiny.’’ ate Chamber and right around that period of As we would learn later, it was our destiny time a number of people will be proceeding to to choose RONALD REAGAN to be our leader, our the arrival ceremony. It will indeed be a historic standard bearer, and our hero. The history books moment for the Senate, for this body, but indeed will record RONALD REAGAN as one of our great- for the American people. Over 150,000 est Presidents. Of this I have no doubt. And the wellwishers are expected to line the streets as American people will remember him with love President REAGAN’s flag-draped caisson is drawn and with affection for generations to come. up to this building, the Capitol, by a single rid- erless horse. ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2004, AT In the past 5 days, we have witnessed a re- 1 P.M. markable unity in the country, a fraternity of Mr. FRIST. If there is no further business to spirit in many ways. Partisanship has fallen away, come before the Senate, I ask unanimous consent and old political foes have set aside disagree- the Senate stand in adjournment under the provi- ments. Americans have come together to cele- sions of S. Res. 371 as a mark of further respect brate the remarkable achievements of a truly re- for President RONALD WILSON REAGAN. markable man. Lifeguard—the pictures are im- There being no objection, the Senate, at 3:15 printed in everybody’s mind—radio announcer, p.m., adjourned until Monday, June 14, 2004, at actor, Governor, father, husband, and finally 1 p.m. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 299 Monday, June Üâ, áÖÖâ

Hon. William H. Frist iation of nuclear weapons to prevent an attack by the opposition. He asked: What would it take OF TENNESSEE to free the world from this threat? He answered as follows: Mr. President, today the Senate returns to reg- I know this is a formidable, technical task, one that may ular business. Last week the Nation and the not be accomplished before the end of this century. Yet, cur- world bid a final farewell to President RONALD rent technology has attained a level of sophistication where WILSON REAGAN. The services and ceremony it’s reasonable for us to begin this effort. It will take years, were fitting tributes to our 40th President. I re- probably decades of effort on many fronts. There will be fail- ures and setbacks, just as there will be successes and break- mind my colleagues that we will be printing a throughs. . . . But isn’t it worth every investment necessary memorial book that will include all of the floor to free the world from the threat of nuclear war? We know tributes and services related to the passing of our it is. former President. For those Members who were We began making that investment. It was one unable to speak on the floor, we will allow Sen- of the reasons we had a deficit during the Reagan ators to submit statements on RONALD REAGAN years. It was part of the so-called defense build- 25 until June in order to have those tributes up, to invest billions of dollars in the research— printed in the memorial book. yes, there were failures, but there were many suc- cesses—to develop a Strategic Defense Initiative, an ability to defend ourselves against a ballistic Hon. Jon Kyl missile attack from an enemy. A lot of Americans OF ARIZONA probably think we developed that strategic de- fense, that we have that capability today. They Mr. President, I, too, would like to comment might remember that during the first Persian on one of the legacies of our late President RON- Gulf war Patriot missiles shot down some of the ALD REAGAN, the legacy of ensuring that the free Scuds that were fired by Saddam Hussein. world would prevail over the Soviet Union in the But the grim reality is strategic defense is still cold war. not a reality. We still don’t have the ability to I thought it was interesting that in one of the defend against a missile attack. What happened comments about REAGAN very recently made on during the Persian Gulf war? We used an air de- National Public Radio, June 8 of this year, Mr. fense system to shoot down airplanes, and in the Gennady Gerasimov, spokesman for Mikhail field, literally, as we shipped it from the United Gorbachev, said this: States to Israel and to and to Ku- I see President REAGAN as a gravedigger of the Soviet wait, made modifications in it so that we hoped Union and the spade that he used to prepare this grave was it might work to shoot down some of the mis- SDI, the Strategic Defense Initiative, so-called ‘‘star wars.’’ siles that Saddam Hussein shot toward Saudi The trick was that the Soviet leadership believed that this Arabia and Kuwait. In fact, some of those mis- SDI defense is possible and then, because it’s possible, then also we must catch up with the Americans. And this was siles—roughly a third of them—were intercepted an invitation to the arms race, and the Soviet economy could by the Patriot. It was a crude weapon that was not really afford it. In this way REAGAN really contributed modified in the field. It had never been tested to the demise of the Soviet Union. against other missiles. Yet we used what we had Who better to know that than the spokesmen at the time because of the threat that existed. for Mikhail Gorbachev who have said similar The point I want to make today is this: The things? Twenty-one years ago, President Soviet Union was brought to its knees because REAGAN posed a very important question to the it believed President REAGAN when he said we American people. He asked us to consider wheth- are going to develop a means of countering your er the free people of the world should continue most effective weapon, so you might as well not to have to rely upon the threat of a massive retal- even try to spend the money and the effort and 300 Ronald Reagan the time to create this program because we will what we say, just as RONALD REAGAN meant be able to defeat you; we are not kidding. what he said. It has been over 20 years since President REAGAN made that announcement, and we still do not have the missiles in the ground. I am Hon. Richard G. Lugar afraid some of our potential enemies are going to conclude that we were bluffing all along, that OF INDIANA we do not have the will to spend the money and to put the program in place to provide this kind Mr. President, I pay special tribute to Nancy of defense. Reagan who has been indispensable throughout The point of this defense is not just to be able the public life of the Reagans, and particularly to operationally test it and have it in the ground during this past decade. It was my privilege to to stop a missile should one be launched against sit beside Mrs. Reagan during several White us, but to deter nations that might believe we House and Republican Party events and to un- are bluffing, to deter nations from spending the derstand her strength and shared dream for money to build these offensive weapons in the America. first place, to deter these leaders, these people in The service of President REAGAN to our coun- places such as North Korea and Iran, from con- try can only be approached by understanding cluding that if they will simply spend the money how wide he cast the net of potential achieve- it will take to build the nuclear weaponry and ment, and fulfillment of dreams, hopes and vi- the missiles to fire them, that we will somehow sions. forget about developing missile defenses or con- President REAGAN actually believed and ar- clude that it is too expensive, and the richest Na- ticulated that our country had a special destiny, tion on Earth, the Nation that has the financial that no barriers were insurmountable because we capability of providing this kind of defense, will are Americans. He actually believed and said that decide not to do it. the Soviet Union was an evil empire, that its po- Now is the time for us to act. It is not the litical and economic institutions were disinte- time for us to blink in the face of these dictato- grating, and that if its leadership and people rial countries. Should we support the amendment knew the alternatives which our country pre- that would cut the heart out of missile defense sented, they would choose democracy and market funding for this year, it would send a signal to economics. these countries that the United States has been President REAGAN was prepared to invest an bluffing all along. We were not bluffing when increasing portion of our national treasure in RONALD REAGAN made that important an- military defense with the certainty that we would nouncement. The Soviet Union understood that. negotiate successfully with our adversaries from Can we do any less today than to make it crystal a position of strength. He shocked foreign policy clear to our would-be enemies that we are not and defense specialists by proposing that all in- bluffing, that we mean what we say, that we in- termediate nuclear missiles be destroyed, a nego- tend to protect America, that we intend to pro- tiating position labeled universally as a bizarre tect others who are our allies, and that we will arms-control nonstarter. not permit an offensive ballistic missile to strike He affirmed the staying power of NATO by our land and kill our people? To do anything deploying Pershing missiles to Germany and else would be morally irresponsible. cruise missiles to even after the Soviets de- As President REAGAN said, if we have the ca- clared that such deployment would end all arms pability of defending ourselves and preventing control negotiations and stimulate Soviet nuclear this kind of conflagration, should we not take buildup. advantage of that wonderful capability? I am op- Add to this, President REAGAN’s startling timistic about our ability, and I am confident proposal that the United States should develop about the American people, and I am sure they a Strategic Defense Initiative to protect our coun- want us to confirm to the world that we mean try against incoming missiles fired upon us. He Memorial Tributes in the Senate 301 contended that we should and could try to de- of the Soviet empire and then to the collapse of fend ourselves against the so-called balance of the Soviet Union, itself. terror. President REAGAN advocated two more things He proposed to President Gorbachev that the which were inspiring and critically important in United States and the Soviet Union ban all nu- world history. clear weapons. In fact, he was confident that if First, he rejected the , the he could take Gorbachev on an extended tour of idea that territory which socialism had occupied America that Gorbachev would want to shape the could never be reclaimed. When he advocated Soviet Union into many of our successful tradi- this of the Iron Curtain, he created deep tions. anxiety and alarm among most international for- Meanwhile, President REAGAN knew that sub- eign policy advisers who loved liberty a lot, but stantial new growth must occur in our domestic loved stability even more. economy to pay for the special leadership role he U.S. Stinger missiles shipped to the expert had envisioned in foreign policy. He was con- ministrations of the Mujahadin in Afghanistan fident that substantial cuts in individual mar- were a major instrument of the Soviet rollback, ginal tax rates and a host of investment incen- and the world watched in awe as the Soviet tives would establish and sustain the longest troops withdrew to a smaller socialist world. peacetime prosperity we had ever enjoyed. Our prosperity underwrote the magnificent gains in Second, President REAGAN enunciated a new free and fair trade which he championed and policy in a statement sent to the Congress after worldwide wealth grew abundantly. the Philippine election and revolution. He stated When RONALD REAGAN stood on a balcony that henceforth, we would oppose tyranny of the of the Reichstag in Berlin and challenged Gorba- left and tyranny of the right, that we were for chev to tear down the Berlin Wall, he could see democracy developed by people who sought to white crosses just below where courageous per- know and enjoy democracy and human rights. sons seeking freedom had lost their lives in that This statement was severely criticized by experts pursuit. Everything still appeared to be so locked who suggested that in the ‘‘real world’’ a good up and grim, and sophisticated observers were number of dictators were friendly to the United barely patronizing in comment on his Berlin States and certainly useful in waging the cold Wall challenge. war against communism. The evil empire crumbled, the Berlin Wall In articulating his vision on the rollback of the and other walls fell, all of the intermediate nu- Iron Curtain; in identifying with nations all over clear force weapons were destroyed in exactly 3 the world who applauded our passion for build- years as the INF Treaty provided, and the United ing democratic institutions; in celebrating States became the only superpower with the human rights and free market principles; in all strongest economy and the ability, uniquely, to of these areas, RONALD REAGAN was far ahead extend military authority around the world. of the prevailing wisdom. Yet he ultimately All of this occurred because President REAGAN brought other leaders in America and around the persuaded the Congress and his countrymen to world to his point of view in a relatively short build our Armed Forces, to build our economy interval. through the growth incentives termed ‘‘Reagan- President REAGAN was courageous and on the omics,’’ to maintain the successful strategies of right side of history. He performed these deeds our NATO alliance, to utilize military force to in a very public way which instructed and in- support foreign policy as required, and to com- spired others. Those of us in public service mence Strategic Defense Initiative research. learned much from President REAGAN as we We now know that the Soviets were much watched him speak and act. He was charismatic, weaker than experts estimated. We now know he was determined and consistent, and he en- that they could not keep up the pace and that joyed a remarkable batting average of being desperate attempts to do so led to the collapse right. 302 Ronald Reagan Hon. Charles E. Grassley not. Now 24 years after the Reagan revolution, I am privileged to continue advancing our shared OF IOWA principles: Big ideas instead of big government. Deregulation to foster free enterprise. Tax relief Mr. President, at sunset last Friday, the 40th that encourages productivity, growth and indi- President of the United States was laid to rest vidual ingenuity. Self-reliance rather than self- on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The con- pity. summate optimist, who etched the promise of a REAGAN’s policies proved that economic and ‘‘shining city upon a hill’’ into the Nation’s con- political freedom bring about peace and pros- science, leaves behind a legacy that beckons us perity. As REAGAN said in his 1989 farewell ad- to stay true to the American spirit. dress to the Nation: ‘‘Democracy, the profoundly Whether folks agree with his political philos- good, is also the profoundly productive.’’ ophy or not, the actor-turned-politician-turned- Many people grossly underestimated the statesman from the Midwest helped usher in the strength of REAGAN’s convictions and the foot dawn of a new day for millions of jobless Ameri- soldiers who helped sweep him into office. With cans and to those living in oppression behind the a steely determination coupled with folksy Iron Curtain. charm, REAGAN masterminded the efforts that Through bold, buoyant leadership, RONALD liberated Eastern Europe in 1989. WILSON REAGAN, 1911–2004, persuaded his fel- low citizens that it was ‘‘morning again in Amer- Eight years earlier, he had predicted the end ica’’ by restoring the promise of peace and pros- of communism as the ‘‘sad, bizarre chapter in perity. human history whose last pages are even now The outpouring of support during last week’s being written.’’ REAGAN’s leadership helped remembrance for the former President reflects change the course of history for the better. REAGAN’s ability to bring out the best in people On June 5, 2004, REAGAN lost his 10-year bat- and unite America. tle with Alzheimer’s disease. A decade earlier, in The pageantry evoked patriotism. The solem- a handwritten note to the American people, nity of the events underscored the public’s appre- REAGAN again looked on the bright side: ‘‘When ciation and respect for this leader who cham- the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, pioned the cause of freedom all around the world. I will leave with the greatest love for this country For 8 years, he served as a beacon of hope for of ours and eternal optimism for its future.’’ those cast under the dark shadows of totali- President REAGAN valued the gift of life. He tarianism. used his to expand human freedom. His legacy The Great Communicator arrived in the Oval shapes America’s character and lights our way as Office when America was licking wounds left by we continue the ‘‘march to freedom’’ against evil Watergate and Vietnam. Stifled by a sinking in the world. economy, joblessness and sky-high inflation, the national mood also wavered under the uncer- tainty of the cold war. Americans yearned for Hon. Rick Santorum brighter days. Elected to his first term in November 1980, OF PENNSYLVANIA President REAGAN exuded optimism, charm and kinship with ordinary Americans. His good- Mr. President, I rise today in great sadness, natured disposition, self-deprecating humor and to speak on the passing of President RONALD can-do attitude launched a new era in American WILSON REAGAN. It is a sad time for our Na- politics. Like REAGAN, I won an upset victory tion; a monumental figure in the history of the over an incumbent in that election. United States has gone to his rest. The response He and I shared a conservative political philos- to his passing in our Nation’s Capital and across ophy rooted in core beliefs spelled out by the Na- this country has been overwhelming and a fitting tion’s Founders and agreed much more often than tribute to this giant of 20th century politics. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 303 First, I would like to offer my heartfelt condo- Illinois, which permeated all aspects of daily life. lences to Nancy and the Reagan family in this He found the attempts of some to excise religion difficult time. Mrs. Reagan was not only an in- from the public square wrongheaded. He knew credible role model for faithfulness to her spouse, that Founding Fathers barred not only the gov- but was always the rock that he leaned on when ernment establishment of religion, but also any the entire world leaned on him. law ‘‘prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’’ In speeches on this floor, we have heard much As President REAGAN told those gathered at about President REAGAN’s vision and leadership the Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast during the Re- on foreign and economic policy, which indeed publican National Convention in Dallas, TX: continue to bear fruit. Yet, I come to the floor Without God, there is no virtue, because there’s no to speak about an aspect of the REAGAN Presi- prompting of the conscience. Without God, we’re mired in dency that is less commented upon: President the material, that flat world that tells us only what the senses perceive. Without God, there is a coarsening of the society. REAGAN’s legacy on social policy, which stands And without God, democracy will not and cannot long en- still as a moral compass for our Nation’s future. dure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then As has been remarked, President REAGAN was we will be a nation gone under. a fabulous optimist. He worked to create a soci- I began this speech by stating I would focus ety where good and evil, life and death, are rec- on President REAGAN’s moral and social legacy ognized for what they are, and are not obscured rather than on the tremendous impact he had in by the gray tones of moral relativism. After years bringing down the Iron Curtain and freeing East- of lingering malaise following Vietnam and Wa- ern Europe. But in truth, these different areas of tergate, RONALD REAGAN came forward and policy all flowed from the same wellspring of proclaimed that America was ‘‘in the midst of faith and conscience. a spiritual awakening and a moral renewal.’’ That In a particularly moving speech before the Na- was a message of hope that America sorely need- tional Religious Broadcasters Convention in ed to hear. 1984, President REAGAN tied together these He believed that America’s strength came not seemingly separate strands. He told listeners: just from military might, but also from its moral Our mission stretches far beyond our borders; God’s family superiority. As much of a priority as he made knows no borders. In your life you face daily trials, but mil- foreign and military policy, he strived just as lions of believers in other lands face far worse. They are hard to ensure that our Nation’s roots as a people mocked and persecuted for the crime of loving God. To every of faith, who value life and each other, was not religious dissident trapped in that cold, cruel existence, we diminished. It was that social foundation that send our love and support. Our message? You are not alone; you are not forgotten; do not lose your faith and hope because made us different from the godless Soviet state someday you, too, will be free. that oppressed the Russian people. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that President REAGAN spoke forcefully and bril- a larger excerpt of this speech be printed in the liantly about the importance of family, the reli- Record. gious foundations of American democracy, and the tragedy of Roe v. Wade. He knew that strong REMARKS AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE NATIONAL families were a key to America’s continued suc- RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS CONVENTION, JANUARY, 30, 1984 cess as the land of opportunity. This conviction ‘‘AMERICA IS HUNGRY FOR A SPIRITUAL REVIVAL ... ’’ is clear in a proclamation he issued one Father’s (By RONALD REAGAN) Day, where he asserted: I was pleased last year to proclaim 1983 the Year of the There is no institution more vital to our Nation’s survival Bible. But, you know, a group called the ACLU severely than the American family. Here the seeds of personal char- criticized me for doing that. Well, I wear their indictment acter are planted, the roots of public virtue first nourished. like a badge of honor. I believe I stand in pretty good com- Through love and instruction, discipline, guidance and exam- pany. ple, we learn from our mothers and fathers the values that Abraham Lincoln called the Bible ‘‘the best gift God has will shape our private lives and our public citizenship. given to man. But for it,’’ he said, ‘‘we could not know right from wrong.’’ Like that image of George Washington kneel- His political beliefs were greatly shaped by the ing in prayer in the snow at Valley Forge, Lincoln described sensible religion he grew up with in small-town a people who knew it was not enough to depend on their 304 Ronald Reagan own courage and goodness; they must also look to God their But President REAGAN chose to use the one Father and Preserver. And their faith to walk with Him and tool that the Senate could not stall and the trust in His word brought them the blessings of comfort, power, and peace that they sought. House could not block: his voice. His voice was The torch of their faith has been passed from generation strong and reassuring, and it reached the Amer- to generation. ‘‘The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but ican people in their living rooms, bypassing the word of our God shall stand forever.’’ those in Washington who thought they knew More and more Americans believe that loving God in their much better. Even his own advisors urged him hearts is the ultimate value. . . . My experience in this office I hold has only deepened a not to speak out on abortion, yet he would not belief I’ve held for many years: Within the covers of that be silenced. He always spoke his conscience on single Book are all the answers to all the problems that face the matters that weighed heavily on his heart, us today if we’d only read and believe. and no one could convince him to do otherwise. Let’s begin at the beginning. God is the center of our lives: the human family stands at the center of society: and our On the tenth anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Presi- greatest hope for the future is in the faces of our children. dent REAGAN spoke from the heart against the ... abortion-on-demand culture, to poignant effect. God’s most blessed gift to His family is the gift of life. That day, he said: He sent us the Prince of Peace as a babe in a manger. I’ve said that we must be cautious in claiming God is on our I, too, have always believed that God’s greatest gift is side. I think the real question we must answer is, are we human life and that we have a duty to protect the life of on His side? an unborn child. Until someone can prove the unborn child Our mission stretches far beyond our borders; God’s family is not a life, shouldn’t we give it the benefit of the doubt knows no borders. In your life you face daily trials, but mil- and assume it is? lions of believers in other lands face far worse. They are mocked and persecuted for the crime of loving God. To every Perhaps the only President to publish a book religious dissident trapped in that cold, cruel existence, we while in the Oval Office, President REAGAN’s send our love and support. Our message? You are not alone; 1984 volume, entitled ‘‘Abortion and the Con- you are not forgotten; do not lose your faith and hope because someday you, too, will be free. science of the Nation,’’ stood as a thoughtful and If the Lord is our light, our strength, and our salvation, moving essay that inspired the growing prolife whom shall we fear? Of whom shall we be afraid? No matter movement. This message of this book was hope- j k where we live, we have a promise . . . from Jesus that can ful. ‘‘As a nation today, we have not rejected the soothe our sorrows, heal our hearts, and drive away our fears. He promised there will never be a dark night that does not sanctity of human life,’’ he writes. ‘‘I am con- end. Our weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh vinced that Americans do not want to play God in the morning. He promised if our hearts are true, His love with the value of human life.’’ will be as sure as sunlight. And, by dying for us, Jesus Given his remarkable legacy on foreign and showed how far our love should be ready to go: all the way. ‘‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begot- economic policy, I am not surprised that his ten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish moral agenda is less commented upon. Yet in his but have everlasting life’’ . . . Helping each other, believing March 8, 1983, ‘‘Evil Empire’’ speech, President in Him, we need never be afraid. We will be part of some- REAGAN devoted as much time talking about the thing far more powerful, enduring, and good than all the sanctity of all human life as he did addressing forces here on Earth. We will be part of a paradise. May God keep you always, and may you always keep God. foreign policy. On abortion, he told the audience, ‘‘Human life legislation ending this tragedy will RONALD REAGAN was a champion of the pro- some day pass the Congress, and you and I must life movement and believed that abortion was a never rest until it does.’’ grave threat to the liberties we cherish as Ameri- cans. When President REAGAN came to office, Sadly, President REAGAN has gone to his rest the shock of Roe v. Wade was still fresh. It was without being able to see that glorious day when commonly believed that the Supreme Court had we again recognize the full and equal value of had the final say on abortion, and that there was all human lives. But those of us who proudly fol- no hope in turning back the tide of the abortion- low in his footsteps will tirelessly continue the on-demand culture. The conventional wisdom struggle until we correct this grievous wrong. was that enacting legislation to regulate abortion President REAGAN, that day, I know you will was politically impossible. be smiling down on us from above. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 305 Hon. John Ensign same amount of dignity and respect—and loving humor. OF NEVADA Commitment to principles: RONALD REAGAN never shied away from his principles. His stead- Mr. President, I rise today to honor and re- fast commitment led to monumental changes in member the greatest President of the 20th cen- the world landscape—making it a better place tury, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. for all of us. On Memorial Day 1986, President RONALD REAGAN is widely known for taking REAGAN said at Arlington National Cemetery: some of the most courageous stands on behalf of If we really care about peace, we must stay strong. If we our Nation and for truly changing the course of really care about peace, we must, through our strength, dem- the world, but RONALD REAGAN may have never onstrate our unwillingness to accept an ending of the peace. known the impact that he had on so many indi- We must be strong enough to create peace where it does not exist and strong enough to protect it where it does. viduals, including me. That’s the lesson of this century . . . I was in college when RONALD REAGAN swept 40 through our country in 1980—on a mission to And that is a lesson from our th President. empower Americans by reducing taxes, shrinking Mutual love and admiration: I would be re- the Federal bureaucracy, and instilling a sense of miss if I did not note the relationship that RON- hope for the future. Until that point, I had al- ALD and Nancy REAGAN shared. Reading some of their old love letters, watching them together ways considered myself a Democrat. RONALD during his Presidency, and seeing her devotion REAGAN’s straight talk and emphasis on com- 10 mon sense and individual empowerment changed over these most trying last years, one cannot help but be touched by the feelings that ema- the way I looked at politics. As RONALD nated from their marriage. Nancy Reagan was REAGAN used to say—and he would know—I became ‘‘a former Democrat who saw the light.’’ every bit RONALD REAGAN’s partner in the He opened my eyes to a philosophy that I truly White House, and his legacy is theirs. Today felt could change the direction of our country. Nancy Reagan grieves—she has lost her soulmate. And we grieve for her loss. I was not alone. President REAGAN’s popu- larity while in the Oval Office for two terms Optimism and hope for tomorrow: If nothing showed that Americans—Republicans, Demo- else, I hope that Americans today are inspired ONALD REAGAN’s eternal optimism. He be- crats, and Independents—were inspired by him by R lieved in this country and its people with every the way I was. More impressively, tens of thou- fiber of his being. He once told a gathering of sands of Americans are mourning his death and youth in 1985 that: reflecting on how he touched and changed their lives. The endless line of mourners, waiting for True wealth, and the real hope for the future comes from hours to walk past his coffin and pay final re- the heart—from the treasure of ideas and spirit, from free people with a vision of the future, trust in their fellow men, spects, is unparalleled. The most heartwarming and faith in God. The better future that we all yearn for for me is to see parents with their children, will not be built by skeptics who spend their lives admiring teaching them about the legacy of this great the complexity of the problems. It’ll be built by free men President and hopefully instilling a dose of and women who believe in themselves. REAGAN optimism in the next generation. I know RONALD REAGAN is in a better place There are many lessons to teach our children today, and, from his view, he is rooting for us about RONALD REAGAN. I know I will teach and believing in our future. them to my own children. Leaders like RONALD REAGAN change the Respect for others: Many of the stories that course of history with their vision and inspire a are being shared by those who knew RONALD new generation. I serve Nevada in the U.S. Sen- REAGAN revolve around his respect for all peo- ate because I, too, was inspired by RONALD ple. Whether it was someone who washed dishes REAGAN. Today, I thank him from the bottom in the White House or the leader of another Na- of my heart for his service to this Nation, for tion, RONALD REAGAN treated each with the his unwavering leadership, and for his spirit that 306 Ronald Reagan will always represent our greatness and remind worthiness of the bill also goes without question. us that we can achieve anything. Most of us have seen Nancy Reagan discuss her President REAGAN, may God bless you and husband’s illness. Watching Mrs. Reagan as she watch over you. And may God continue to bless has so openly and eloquently shared touching in- America. sights about their struggle with Alzheimer’s dis- ease has always been very moving. There is no 9 2004 MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE—JUNE , doubt about the truly deep bonds that united 9 33 At : a.m., a message from the House of RONALD and Nancy REAGAN and that we need Representatives, delivered by Mr. Hays, one of to continue to do what we can to fight the dis- its reading clerks, announced that the House has ease that slowly took its terrible toll on the Rea- agreed to House Resolution 663, expressing the gans and so many other American families. profound regret and sorrow of the House of Rep- RONALD REAGAN wore many hats in his life, resentatives on the death of RONALD WILSON including endeavors as a sports announcer, actor, REAGAN, former President of the United States Governor and President of the United States. He of America. was first elected President in 1980 and served two terms, becoming the first President to serve two MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE DURING ADJOURNMENT full terms since Dwight Eisenhower. His boundless optimism and deep-seated belief At 3:26 p.m., a message from the House of in the people of the United States and the Amer- Representatives, delivered by Ms. Niland, one of ican dream helped restore our Nation’s pride in its reading clerks, announced that the House has itself and brought about a new ‘‘morning in agreed to the following concurrent resolution: America.’’ His challenge to Gorbachev to ‘‘tear 115 S. Con. Res. . Concurrent resolution authorizing the use down this wall!,’’ his successful revival of our of the rotunda of the Capitol for the lying in state of the economic power, his determination to rebuild remains of the late RONALD WILSON REAGAN, 40th Presi- dent of the United States. our Armed Forces in order to contain the spread of communism, and his international summitry STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT skills as seen at Reykjavik, Iceland, combined to RESOLUTIONS help bring an end to the cold war. RONALD By Mr. CAMPBELL: REAGAN left our Nation in much better shape 2517 S. . A bill to require the Secretary of the than it was in when he took office. Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of As Alzheimer’s sets in, brain cells gradually RONALD WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President deteriorate and die. People afflicted by the dis- of the United States; to the Committee on Bank- ease gradually lose their cognitive ability. Pa- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. tients eventually become completely helpless and Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, today I intro- dependent on those around them for even the duce the ‘‘RONALD WILSON REAGAN Com- most basic daily needs. Each of the millions of memorative Coin Act of 2004.’’ Americans who is now affected will eventually, This bill is the same as one I introduced in barring new discoveries in treatment, lose their the 107th Congress, and would accomplish two ability to remember recent and past events, fam- worthy goals. First, it would help honor RONALD ily and friends, even simple things like how to WILSON REAGAN, the 40th President of the take a bath or turn on lights. RONALD REAGAN, United States, and the many worthy contribu- one of the most courageous and optimistic Presi- tions he made to this Nation. Second, it would dents in American history, was no exception. also help raise much needed resources to help Shortly after being shot in an assassination at- families across the United States provide care for tempt, RONALD REAGAN’s courage and good their loved ones who have been stricken by Alz- humor in the face of a life-threatening situation heimer’s disease. were evident when he famously apologized to his This legislation’s timeliness is obviously with- wife Nancy saying, ‘‘Sorry Honey, I forgot to out question, as we as a Nation honor RONALD duck.’’ Unfortunately, once Alzheimer’s disease REAGAN this week and mourn his passing. The takes hold, it delivers a slow mind destroying Memorial Tributes in the Senate 307 bullet that none of us can duck to avoid. As there are many American families out there who RONALD REAGAN wrote shortly after learning of do not have access to these resources. This bill his diagnosis ‘‘I only wish there was some way will help alleviate that by raising money to help I could spare Nancy from this painful experi- American families who are struggling while pro- ence.’’ From the moment of diagnosis, it’s ‘‘a viding care for their loved ones. truly long, long, goodbye,’’ Nancy Reagan said. Funding for Alzheimer’s research has increased Fortunately for all of us, when RONALD significantly over the past several years. RONALD REAGAN courageously announced in such an REAGAN’s courage in coming forward and pub- honest and public manner that he had Alz- licly announcing his condition played an impor- heimer’s, rather than covering it up, he did a tant role in raising public awareness of Alz- great deal to help alleviate the negative stigma heimer’s and paved the way for the recent in- that has long faced those suffering from this ter- creases in research funding. But much more rible disease. Much of the shame and pity tradi- needs to be done and this bill would complement tionally associated with Alzheimer’s was trans- these efforts. formed almost overnight into sympathy and un- Once again, the legislation I am introducing derstanding as public awareness suddenly shot up today authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce com- and those suffering from Alzheimer’s, and their memorative coins honoring RONALD W. families, knew that they were not alone. REAGAN while raising funds to help families care While RONALD REAGAN’s health didn’t dete- for their family members suffering from Alz- riorate right away, according to Mrs. Reagan, he heimer’s disease. I urge my colleagues to support had his good days and bad days, ‘‘just like every- passage of this legislation. body else.’’ In recent years, however, REAGAN’s RONALD REAGAN’s eternal optimism and deep condition completely deteriorated—and quickly. seated belief in an even better future for our Na- ‘‘It’s frightening and it’s cruel,’’ Nancy said, tion was underscored when he said. ‘‘I know that speaking of the disease and what it has done to for America, there will always be a bright future her husband and family. ‘‘It’s sad to see some- ahead.’’ In honoring him this week, and in hon- body you love and have been married to for so oring his struggle, this bill, in keeping with this long, with Alzheimer’s, and you can’t share quote’s spirit, will help provide for a better fu- memories,’’ Mrs. Reagan said. ture for many American families. In the introduction to a recently released book I ask unanimous consent that the text of the based on the touching love letters exchanged be- bill be printed in the Record. tween herself and REAGAN, Nancy elaborated on There being no objection, the bill was ordered her sense of loss when she wrote, ‘‘You know that to be printed in the Record, as follows: it’s a progressive disease and that there’s no place to go but down, no light at the end of the tun- S. 2517 nel. You get tired and frustrated, because you Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the have no control and you feel helpless.’’ She also United States of America in Congress assembled, " said, ‘‘There are so many memories that I can SECTION . SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Ronald Reagan Commemo- no longer share, which makes it very difficult.’’ rative Coin Act of 2004’’. Nancy Reagan has earned our Nation’s admi- SEC. #. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. ration for her steadfast and loving dedication to (a) DENOMINATIONS.—The Secretary of the Treasury her husband as she watched her beloved husband (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint slowly fade away. Likewise, families all across our and issue the following coins: (1) $5 GOLD COINS.—Not more than 100,000 $5 coins, Nation, day in and day out, choose to personally which shall— provide care for their loved ones suffering from (A) weigh 8.359 grams; Alzheimer’s, rather than putting them in institu- (B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and (C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy. tions. They deserve our respect and support. 2 1 500 000 1 Fortunately, Mrs. Reagan has had access to ( ) $ SILVER COINS.—Not more than , $ coins, which shall— vital resources that helped her care for her hus- (A) weigh 26.73 grams; band. This is how it should be. Unfortunately, (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and 308 Ronald Reagan

(C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (1) the face value of the coins; (b) BIMETALLIC COINS.—The Secretary may mint and issue (2) the surcharge provided in subsection (d) with respect not more than 200,000 $10 bimetallic coins of gold and plat- to such coins; and inum instead of the gold coins required under subsection (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including 1 (a)( ), in accordance with such specifications as the Secretary labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, determines to be appropriate. marketing, and shipping). (c) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted under this Act (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall make bulk sales of 5103 31 shall be legal tender, as provided in section of title , the coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount. United States Code. (c) PREPAID ORDERS.— SEC. $. SOURCES OF BULLION. 1 N GENERAL (a) PLATINUM AND GOLD.—The Secretary shall obtain ( ) I .—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders platinum and gold for minting coins under this Act from for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of available sources. such coins. 2 (b) SILVER.—The Secretary may obtain silver for minting ( ) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders coins under this Act from stockpiles established under the under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount. Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act and from (d) SURCHARGES.—All sales of coins issued under this Act other available sources. shall include a surcharge established by the Secretary, in an SEC. %. DESIGN OF COINS. amount equal to not more than— (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.— (1) $50 per coin for the $10 coin or $35 per coin for the (1) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins minted under $5 coin; and this Act shall— (2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin. (A) be emblematic of the presidency and life of former SEC. (. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES. President RONALD WILSON REAGAN; (a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, (B) bear the likeness of former President RONALD REAGAN United States Code, the proceeds from the surcharges received on the obverse side; and by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act (C) bear a design on the reverse side that is similar to the shall be paid promptly by the Secretary to the Department depiction of an American eagle carrying an olive branch, fly- of Health and Human Services to be used by the Secretary ing above a nest containing another eagle and hatchlings, as of Health and Human Services for the purposes of— depicted on the 2001 American Eagle Gold Proof coins. 1 (2) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On each coin ( ) providing grants to charitable organizations that assist minted under this Act, there shall be— families in their efforts to provide care at home to a family (A) a designation of the value of the coin; member with Alzheimer’s disease; and (B) an inscription of the year ‘‘2005’’; and (2) increasing awareness and educational outreach regard- (C) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In God We ing Alzheimer’s disease. Trust’’, ‘‘United States of America’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. (b) AUDITS.—Any organization or entity that receives (b) DESIGN SELECTION.—The design for the coins minted funds from the Secretary of Health and Human Services under this Act shall be— under subsection (a) shall be subject to the audit require- (1) selected by the Secretary, after consultation with the ments of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, Commission of Fine Arts; and with regard to such funds. 2 ( ) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advi- SEC. ). FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. sory Committee. (a) NO NET COST TO THE GOVERNMENT.—The Secretary SEC. &. ISSUANCE OF COINS. shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that (a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under this Act minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities. any net cost to the United States Government. (b) MINT FACILITY.—Only one facility of the United States Mint may be used to strike any particular combination (b) PAYMENT FOR COINS.—A coin shall not be issued of denomination and quality of the coins minted under this under this Act unless the Secretary has received— 1 Act. ( ) full payment for the coin; 2 (c) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary may issue coins ( ) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the minted under this Act only during the period beginning on United States for full payment; or January 1, 2005 and ending on December 31, 2005. (3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the Secretary SEC. '. SALE OF COINS. from a depository institution, the deposits of which are in- (a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under this Act shall be sured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of— National Credit Union Administration Board. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 309 Tuesday, June Üä, áÖÖâ

Hon. Richard J. Durbin this memorable week have been of Nancy Reagan and her family. We saw again, and so clearly, ILLINOIS her strength, her compassion and her deep love for her husband. As we mourn the passing of President RON- Ever since President REAGAN’s deeply moving ALD REAGAN, we should recall his vision of announcement to his fellow citizens and to the America as a ‘‘shining city upon a hill’’—a model world that he was suffering from Alzheimer’s dis- of democracy, freedom and the rule of law that ease, I have watched Mrs. Reagan conduct herself people around the world look to for inspiration. with compassion, loyalty, competence and caring As President REAGAN said in his farewell address that have been an inspiration to the thousands to the Nation: of family members who every day struggle to After 200 years, two centuries, jAmericak still stands cope with loved ones suffering from this disease strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held or from any of the long variety of other disorders steady no matter what storm. And she’s still a beacon, still that can come upon us in our older ages—and a magnet for all who must have freedom. sometimes far earlier than that. President REAGAN was right. Our ‘‘city upon The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 4.5 a hill’’ must hold steady in defense of our prin- million Americans today suffer from this debili- ciples no matter what storm. Despite the threat tating disease. Often, family members and espe- of terrorism, we must stand by our opposition cially, spouses—end up as primary caregivers to to torture and other cruel treatment. their partners or other family members. Along In fact, it was President REAGAN who first with the emotional pain and heartbreak of watch- transmitted the Convention against Torture and ing the mind of a loved one slowly fade away, Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment many caregivers are ill equipped to handle the or Punishment to the Senate with his rec- many facets of the illness that present themselves ommendation that the Senate ratify the treaty. over the duration of this mental and physical As President REAGAN reminded us, our ‘‘city struggle. Their own physical health suffers. Man- upon a hill’’ must stand firm. The eyes of the aging a job or any other activity outside the world are upon us. home becomes almost impossible. I believe Nancy Reagan is an inspiration to so many Americans. The love that she and her Hon. Patrick J. Leahy husband so clearly showed to each other com- forted and sustained their marriage in sickness, OF VERMONT as it did in health. Marcelle and I extend our best wishes to Mrs. Mr. President, we have come to the close of Reagan and to the entire Reagan family. several days of tribute to our late President, RONALD REAGAN. So much has been said about President REAGAN’s buoyant spirit and about the Hon. Jon Kyl contributions he made to our Nation, and these tributes have helped millions of Americans with OF ARIZONA the healing process that comes with the death of so popular and beloved a leader. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Though much has already been said about the column ‘‘Empty Words’’ by Frank Gaffney, President REAGAN, I do want to pay special trib- which appears in today’s Washington Times, be ute today to our former First Lady, Nancy printed in the Record. I believe that this piece Reagan. appropriately emphasizes the crucial role contin- For me—and, I suspect, for millions of other ued research plays in maintaining the credible Americans—some of the most stirring images of nuclear deterrent of the United States. As more 310 Ronald Reagan information becomes available regarding covert ground before detonating. Such a capability would allow us 10 000 nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran, the to hold at risk some of the , concealed and hardened command-and-control bunkers, weapons of mass destruction sustainability and credibility of America’s nu- (WMD) production and storage facilities and other buried clear arsenal is of paramount concern. high-value targets built by potential adversaries. There being no objection, the material was or- If anything, the absence of a credible American capability dered to be printed in the Record, as follows: to attack such targets may have contributed to rogue states’ massive investment in these facilities over the past 15 years. jFrom , June 15, 2004k One thing is clear: Our restraint in taking even modest steps EMPTY WORDS to modernize our nuclear deterrent—for example, by design- ing an RNEP or new, low-yield weapons—has certainly not (By Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.) prevented others from trying to ‘‘get the Bomb.’’ The U.S. Senate gets back to work today after a week of There is no more reason—Sens. Kennedy, Kerry and Fein- bipartisan mourning of RONALD REAGAN and tributes to his stein’s arguments to the contrary notwithstanding—to be- security policy legacy. It is fitting that the first orders of lieve continuing our unilateral restraint will discourage our business will be votes on amendments to repudiate two of prospective enemies’ proliferation in the future. the initiatives most central to the GIPPER’s foreign and de- Last September, the Senate recognized this reality, reject- fense policy success: the maintenance of a credible and safe ing an earlier Feinstein-Kennedy amendment by a vote of nuclear deterrent, and protection of Americans against missile 53–41. Five Democrats—Sens. Evan Bayh of Indiana, Fritz attack. Hollings of South Carolina, Zell Miller of Georgia, Ben Nel- The first effort to reduce last week’s Reagan endorsements son of Nebraska and Bill Nelson of Florida—joined virtually to empty words will be led by some of the Senate’s most every Republican in permitting nuclear weapons research, liberal Democrats, notably Sens. Edward Kennedy of Massa- with the proviso further congressional approval would be re- chusetts and Dianne Feinstein of California. They seek to pre- quired prior to development and production. The prudence clude the United States from even researching new nuclear of this is even more evident today in light of revelations of weapons, let alone testing or deploying them. covert Iranian and North Korean nuclear activity since last RONALD REAGAN hated nuclear weapons as much as any- fall. body. What is more, he seriously worked to rid the world The other assault on the REAGAN legacy will be led by of them. Yet, unlike these legislators, President REAGAN un- Democratic Sens. Carl Levin of Michigan and Jack Reed of derstood—until that day—this country must have effective Rhode Island. They hope to strip more than $500 million nuclear forces. He was convinced there was no better way from defense authorization legislation that would buy anti- to discourage the hostile use of nuclear weapons against us missile interceptors, the direct descendant of Ronald Reagan’s than by ensuring a ready and credible deterrent. Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Toward that end, Mr. REAGAN comprehensively modern- ized America’s strategic forces, involving both new weapons Just last week, former Gorbachev spokesman Gennadi and an array of delivery systems. He built two types of inter- Gerasimov, reminded the world how mistaken those like Sen. mediate-range nuclear missiles and deployed them to five Carl Levin, Michigan Democrat, were when they ridiculed Western European countries. And, not least, he recognized and tried to undermine the Reagan missile defense program: our deterrent posture depended critically upon a human and ‘‘I see President REAGAN as a gravedigger of the Soviet Union physical infrastructure that could design, test, build and and the spade that he used to prepare this grave was SDI.’’ maintain the nation’s nuclear arsenal. Without such support, Today, there are published reports the U.N. Security America would inexorably be disarmed. Council has been briefed by its inspectors that ballistic mis- In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that, but for Mr. siles and WMD components were slipped out of Iraq before REAGAN’s nuclear modernization efforts—most of them over Saddam Hussein was toppled. Such weapons, like some of the strenuous objections of senators like Mr. Kennedy and the thousands of other short-range missiles in arsenals around —we may well not have a viable nuclear deterrent the world, could find their way into terrorists hands and be today. Even with his legacy, 15 years of policies more in keep- launched at this country from ships off our shores. ing with the anti-nuclear ‘‘freeze’’ movement’s nostrums than Can there be any doubt but that RONALD REAGAN—faced Mr. REAGAN’s philosophy of ‘‘peace through strength’’ have with today’s threat of missile attack and the proliferation of undermined the deterrent by creeping obsolescence, growing nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction—would have uncertainty about its reliability and safety and loss of infra- been any less resolute in building missile defenses and main- structure to ensure its future effectiveness. taining our nuclear deterrent than he was in the 1980s? If This is especially worrisome since some of the research in last week’s praise for his visionary leadership two decades ago question would explore whether a Robust Nuclear Earth Pen- was not dishonest rhetoric, it should inspire, and guide us etrator (RNEP) could be developed to penetrate deep under- all now. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 311 Wednesday, June Üã, áÖÖâ

Hon. Barbara A. Mikulski heimer’s research. The legislation doubles the funding for Alzheimer’s research at the National OF MARYLAND Institutes of Health from $700 million to $1.4 billion. We need to give researchers the resources Mr. President, I rise today to announce the in- they need to make breakthroughs that are on the troduction of the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s horizon in diagnosis, prevention and interven- Breakthrough Act of 2004. I believe the greatest tion. Also, our bill calls for a national summit tribute to President REAGAN and the Reagan on Alzheimer’s that would bring together the family is a living memorial. That is why I am best minds to look at priorities for research mov- introducing this legislation with my colleague, ing forward. Senator Kit Bond. Our legislation makes an all- Second, our bill provides critical support for out effort to spark and accelerate breakthroughs caregivers. The family is always the first care- for Alzheimer’s. The legislation supports research giver. The Nation saw what a family of prestige on how to prevent the disease, how to care for and means went through; imagine what other people who have it, and initiatives to support American families are going through. The legis- those who are caregivers. Let’s celebrate President lation creates a tax credit for families caring for REAGAN’s life of vigor by attacking Alzheimer’s a loved one with a chronic condition, like Alz- with vigor. heimer’s, that would help them pay for prescrip- The time to act for real breakthroughs is now. tion drugs, home health care and specialized day Just last month, Senator Bond and I held a hear- care. Also, it helps create one-stop shops across ing on Alzheimer’s research. Expert after expert the country so families can find services like res- told us: We are on the verge of amazing break- pite care, adult day care and training for care- throughs; we will lose opportunities if we don’t givers. move quickly; we are at a crucial point where Third, our legislation promotes ‘‘News You NIH funding can make a real difference. Re- Can Use’’ for families and physicians. Incredible searchers, families, and advocates all said the advances are being made every day. We need to same thing, we need to do more, and we need get the word out so families and doctors know to do better. I believe that the answer to that the most current information. The Alzheimer’s call is passing the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Association has been doing a great job with their Breakthrough Act of 2004. ‘‘Maintain Your Brain’’ campaign; however, phil- We are truly on the brink of something that anthropic efforts of advocacy groups are not a can make a huge difference for American fami- substitute for public policy. Our bill builds on lies. We know that families face great difficulties these efforts to create an effective public edu- when a loved one has Alzheimer’s. There is great cation strategy. emotional cost as well as financial cost. We know It is amazing how far we have come. Back in that for our public investment we could get new the early eighties, Alzheimer’s was a catchall treatments that would prolong a patient’s cog- term for any kind of memory loss. Today, doctors nitive abilities. Each month we delay admission diagnose Alzheimer’s with 90-percent accuracy. to a long-term care facility is important to the Every day NIH is making progress to identify family and to the taxpayer. Everybody wants a risks, looking at new kinds of brain scans for ap- cure; that is our ultimate goal. But even if we propriate detection, and understanding what this keep people at home for 1 or 2 more years, to disease does to the brain. help them with their memory, and their activi- How did we get this far, this fast? With a ties of daily living, it would be an incredible bipartisan commitment of the authorizers and breakthrough. appropriators. Together, we have been working Our bill would do three things. First, it would to increase the funding for the National Institute strengthen our national commitment to Alz- on Aging. In 1998 the National Institute on 312 Ronald Reagan

Aging was funded at approximately $500 mil- Nancy REAGAN did was to announce publicly lion. Thanks to our bipartisan effort, it is at $1 that he had Alzheimer’s disease. Through their billion. Now is the time to do more. courage and commitment, the former President My own dear father had Alzheimer’s. I remem- and his wife, Nancy, changed the face of Alz- ber when I would go to visit him. It didn’t mat- heimer’s disease by increasing public awareness ter that I was a U.S. Senator; it didn’t matter of the disease and of the need for research into that I could get Nobel Prize winners on the its causes and prevention. phone. The research and treatments didn’t exist In honor of RONALD REAGAN, today my col- for my father, for President REAGAN, or for more league Senator Mikulski and I are introducing than 4 million families. Alzheimer’s is an all- the Ronald Reagan Alzheimer’s Breakthrough American disease that affected an all-American Act of 2004. This bill will increase research for President. Now we need an all-American effort Alzheimer’s and increase assistance to Alz- to speed up the breakthroughs so no family has heimer’s patients and their families. This bill to go through the long goodbye. will serve as a living tribute to President I urge my colleagues to support this bill and REAGAN and will: (1) double funding for Alz- move swiftly to enact it into law. heimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health; (2) increase funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program from $153 Hon. Christopher S. Bond million to $250 million; (3) reauthorize the Alz- heimer’s Demonstration Grant Program that pro- OF MISSOURI vides grants to States to fill in gaps in Alz- heimer’s services such as respite care, home Mr. President, I rise today to speak of the life, 4 1 leadership and the truly remarkable legacy of the health care, and day care; ( ) authorize $ million for the Safe Return Program to assist in the iden- 40th President of the United States, RONALD tification and safe, timely return of individuals REAGAN. with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias President REAGAN was a great communicator 5 with a powerful message. He preached the gospel who wander off from their caregivers; ( ) Estab- of hope, freedom and opportunity not just for lish a public education campaign to educate members of the public about prevention tech- America but for the world. REAGAN was a genu- inely optimistic person who brought that spirit niques that can maintain their brain as they age, of optimism and hope to the American people based on the current research being undertaken 6 3 000 and to enslaved peoples around the world. He by NIH; ( ) establish a $ , tax credit for was a man who took disappointment and moved caregivers to help with the high health costs of 7 on. He was a man of unfailing good humor, care caring for a loved one at home; and ( ) encourage and thoughtfulness. Even people who disagreed families to prepare for their long-term needs by with his policies across the board could not help providing an above-the-line tax deduction for the but like him. purchase of long-term care insurance. In the United States, his policies encouraged Ironically it was President REAGAN who drew the return of more tax dollars to average Ameri- national attention to Alzheimer’s for the very cans and unfettered entrepreneurship to create first time when he launched a national campaign against Alzheimer’s disease some 22 years ago. jobs and build the economy. REAGAN’s strong 1983 military opposition to the Soviet Union helped In President REAGAN proclaimed No- bring down the walls that harbored communism vember as National Alzheimer’s Disease Month. and tyranny throughout Eastern Europe and In his proclamation President REAGAN said: much of the world. The emotional, financial and social consequences of Alz- In a letter to the American people in 1994 heimer’s disease are so devastating that it deserves special at- tention. Science and clinical medicine are striving to improve RONALD REAGAN announced he was one of the our understanding of what causes Alzheimer’s disease and millions of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. how to treat it successfully. Right now, research is the only One of the most courageous things RONALD and hope for victims and families. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 313 Today, approximately 4.5 million Americans face a future without Alzheimer’s disease if we have Alzheimer’s, with annual costs for this dis- act now to achieve breakthroughs in science. 100 ease estimated to exceed $ billion. Today President and Mrs. REAGAN have been leading 4 5 there are more than . million people in the advocates in the fight against Alzheimer’s for United States with Alzheimer’s, and that number more than 20 years, and millions of Americans 70 2030 is expected to grow by percent by as have been helped by their dedication, compassion baby boomers age. and effort to support caregivers, raise public In my home State of Missouri alone, there are awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and increase over 110,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease. the Nation’s commitment to Alzheimer’s re- Based on population growth, unless science finds search. a way to prevent or delay the onset of this dis- ease, that number will increase to over 130,000 This bill will serve as a living tribute to Presi- by 2025—that is an 18-percent increase. dent REAGAN and will offer hope to all those In large part due to President REAGAN, there suffering from the disease today. As we celebrate has been enormous progress in Alzheimer’s re- the life and legacy of RONALD REAGAN, we are search—95 percent of what we know we discov- inspired by his legendary optimism and hope, ered during the past 15 years. There is real poten- and today we move forward to confront this ex- tial for major breakthroughs in the next 10 years. panding public health crisis with renewed vigor, Baby boomers could be the first generation to passion, and compassion.

Thursday, June Üå, áÖÖâ

Hon. Jeff Sessions sile defense star wars. Then when President REAGAN said no to Gorbachev’s proposal in Rey- OF ALABAMA kjavik, which accepted so many of the things President REAGAN wanted so badly but told Mr. President, I thank Chairman Allard for his President REAGAN he would have to stop na- leadership and his expertise. He is becoming per- tional missile defense, he thought about that very haps the most authoritative Member of the Sen- hard on the eve of the reelection campaign. He ate on this issue. He has worked on national mis- knew he would be criticized, but he said, No; sile defense since he has been in the Senate. It national missile defense is important to America. is great to work with him. It was important to peace in the world because, We do need to do the right thing. We have instead of worrying about how many of the committed as a country to deploy a national mis- enemy we could kill, we could begin focusing sile defense system. We voted to deploy that sys- on how to protect our people from being killed tem as soon as technologically feasible. That was by missile attacks. It was a defining moment in back in the nineties, and President Clinton the cold war. One expert recently said that was signed the statute we passed. I believe it got 90- the moment that signaled the end of the Soviet plus votes in the Senate. Although there were a Union. lot of people who were opposed to it until the very end, in the end everybody realized that we needed to defend America, and we had the capa- Hon. William H. Frist bility of doing so. OF TENNESSEE There has been a cottage industry of skeptics out there that has made fun of President Mr. President, I would like to take a moment REAGAN. They called his vision for national mis- to thank all of the dedicated members of the Sen- 314 Ronald Reagan ate family who poured their hearts into making Likewise, the President of the Senate and the President REAGAN’s final journey to the Nation’s President pro tempore presided over the Senate Capitol a dignified and fitting tribute. on this momentous occasion with dignity and Lawmakers and dignitaries from all corners of distinction. the globe, Supreme Court justices, Federal offi- I also wish to extend my thanks to my col- cials and hundreds of thousands of citizens made leagues in the House of Representatives. their way to the rotunda last week to pay their Throughout, both Chambers worked closely and final respects to our 40th President. patiently to carry out a tribute that I think all It was a solemn and stately event. Each mo- would agree properly reflected and celebrated ment radiated a sense of history. I would like to President REAGAN’s extraordinary legacy. thank some of the Senate individuals whose hard work made last week possible: (1) Sergeant at I specifically thank: (1) The Speaker and his Arms Bill Pickle; his deputy, Keith Kennedy; dedicated staff; (2) The House Sergeant at Arms protocol officer, Becky Daugherty; Capitol infor- and Doorkeeper, Bill Livingood; (3) The House mation officer, Laura Parker; and the Sergeant at chief administrative officer, Jay Eagen; (4) The Arms staff; (2) Alan Hantman, the Architect of Clerk of the House, Jeff Trandahl; and (5) The the Capitol, and the Capitol Superintendent, Car- House Chaplain, Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin. los Elias; (3) Terry Gainer and the Capitol Police His stirring remarks are now a part of America’s who, under extraordinary pressure, maintained history. security with discretion and consideration; (4) Finally, to the Reagan family: Through a bleak Emily Reynolds, the Secretary of the Senate; her and solemn weeklong procession, their love and deputy, Mary Suit Jones; and their hard-working respect for RONALD REAGAN was a beacon to us 5 staff; ( ) The Senate Chaplain, Pastor Barry C. all. The Reagan family showed an uncommon Black whose sonorous and reflective tributes cap- dignity and grace that raised us up and touched 6 tured the public’s love for President REAGAN; ( ) our hearts. All of the volunteers who handed out bereave- ment cards to the public, manned the condolence We will never forget their love. And we will booths, and handed out water to the thousands never forget how RONNIE loved his Nancy, and of visitors waiting patiently to see the President; how hard it was for her, even at the very last, and (7) The Capitol Guide service which worked to let him go. round the clock. Thank you to the Reagan family. And thank My sincere thanks also go to Chairman Lott you to the man who led us so well and loved and Senator Dodd. Their steady leadership over his country so deeply—RONALD WILSON the proceedings was crucial. REAGAN, 40th President of the United States.

Monday, June áÜ, áÖÖâ

I see President REAGAN as a gravedigger of the Soviet Hon. Jon Kyl Union and the spade that he used to prepare this grave was SDI, the Strategic Defense Initiative, so-called ‘‘star wars.’’ OF ARIZONA The trick was that the Soviet leadership believed that this SDI defense is possible and then, because it’s possible, then Let me read what very recently, just before the also we must catch up with the Americans. And this was an invitation to the arms race and the Soviet economy could Reagan funeral, Gennady Gerasimov, spokesman not really afford it. In this way REAGAN really contributed for the former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, to the demise of the Soviet Union. had to say: It worked. President REAGAN was not bluff- ing. He meant to deploy this system. At Rey- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 315 kjavik, when Gorbachev said, ‘‘We can make this Gorbachev knew at that moment it was over. arms deal we have been talking about, if you will They could not compete with us, and it wasn’t do one more thing. If you will stop development obviously worth the effort to try to do so because of your SDI Program, we have a deal.’’ they knew the technology of the United States President REAGAN thought about it over- could produce a defense against the only real night, came back the next morning and said, ‘‘I weapon that the Soviet Union had that could de- am sorry. The United States is going to proceed feat us, and that was the ballistic missile. with missile defense.’’

Thursday, June áâ, áÖÖâ

Hon. William H. Frist with layers of obstacles, mines, and gun positions with hardened bunkers. Some of those structures OF TENNESSEE are still there today. You can see the remnants of others. These remnants stand today almost as Mr. President, the hour is late, and I know ghostly reminders of those battles that I had the we will be wrapping up in about 30 minutes or opportunity to hear described first-hand by the so. There is a lot of business with the recess to- veterans who had come back for the celebration. morrow—and we will be in tomorrow—and we At Normandy, Nazi forces were commanded, will be wrapping up tonight. It will take a while as we all know, by none other than to wrap up. , the ‘‘Desert Fox’’ of North Afri- Thus, I would like to take a few minutes to ca fame who was regarded as the finest, the very come to the floor and take advantage of the time best field commander in the German Army. He to talk about the fascinating trip I had the op- won practically every battle he enjoined. His de- portunity and the privilege to take about 3 weeks fenses were considered impenetrable. ago. I had the privilege of traveling to Nor- In the early morning of June 6, 1944—of mandy, France, to celebrate the 60th anniversary course, that was the day so many years later that of the D-day landings. we were there—American soldiers, mainly from That same week, as my colleagues know, we 1 29 suspended business on the floor of the Senate to the st Infantry Division and th Infantry Divi- sion, landed at that beach we visited now several pay tribute to President RONALD REAGAN— again, a wonderful week in that the messages weeks ago. They were supported by the Army were delivered and the tributes were shared. Air Force flying over and naval gunfire. They In the midst of that, however, I did not have struggled forward inch by inch, out of boats up the opportunity to share with my colleagues the beach, as fellow soldiers were literally cut some of my experiences from the D-day celebra- down one by one, wounded, and killed in this tion in Normandy, France, and thus I would like hail of enemy gunfire. to take this opportunity to do that. We have all read about what went on at that I took this particular journey with two of our beach, but to have that opportunity to hear first- colleagues, Senator Bob Bennett and Senator hand, as we walked along the ridge above that John Ensign. The three of us had a truly extraor- beach, from people who were there. Many of dinary experience. We spent the previous 2 days them had not talked a lot—at least they said in Baghdad, Iraq, and in Kuwait, and then flew they had not talked a lot about their experience. from Baghdad to the United States-French bina- They seemed to open up as we were there. Many tional ceremony at Omaha Beach. of them were there at the age of 16, 17, 18, or Back in 1944, in the thick of war, Fortress Eu- 19 years of age. And they all described the battle rope was the strongest at this point, reinforced raging. Body counts swelled, and many expressed 316 Ronald Reagan doubt that they would succeed—they described separated, but, no, you would sit in the audience it as such—that every second seemed like an surrounded by scores and scores of veterans. eternity. A few minutes ago I called Congressman Char- It was clear that in spite of all this, soldiers, lie Rangel to talk about another bill we will be through boldness and through courage, per- talking about later tonight. In that conversation severed. I was reminded of the fact that 2 weeks ago he Further down the beach, the U.S. Army Rang- was there. He called me over to meet several vet- ers had scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc and erans from New York. There was another knocked out the German artillery positions that woman, Grace Bender, a neighbor of mine in were there to disrupt any invasion force. Washington, DC. I had no idea I would see her By the end of that blood-soaked day, our there. She was there a few rows away with her American boys had pierced that Atlantic wall. father, of whom she was clearly so proud. They seized their objectives. And, as history The veterans were gathering with their bud- would prove, because we had the opportunity to dies and with their family members, with their celebrate, they launched the liberation of Europe. shipmates, with their fellow crewmen. Even after Thousands of American soldiers perished in 60 years, they clearly regarded these colleagues, those few hours. Their heroism today is marked these comrades in arms, as brothers, bonds forged by the familiar pictures today with television and over that period of a day, weeks, and those C–SPAN and video—the familiar pictures of all months in the midst of this war. of those white crosses against that green grass I vividly remember standing for the national and the stars of David, all in very neat rows. Wherever you stand, you see them lined up par- anthem. As we all stood up, the first people on allel, horizontally and vertically, or diagonally. their feet were those veterans, the ‘‘greatest gen- Wherever you stand, the symmetry jumps out at eration.’’ They were the first to stand. I also you. It goes on for acres and acres. I have no noted, they were the ones who would be singing idea how big it is. But these crosses go on for the loudest. They seemed to stand the tallest. acres. Their love of country clearly had even grown over There is a little path where the beach is right time. below. You can walk along these winding paths President Bush spoke and delivered capti- of the cemetery. As you do so—especially, I vating remarks. President Chirac also delivered think on this day, when the sky was bright blue, stirring remarks. They both recounted specific the white crosses, the green grass—there were moments and acts of heroism on D-day. We hon- veterans by the hundreds and, indeed, by the ored those who gathered and we paid tribute to thousands with their family members, with, ob- those who were no longer with us, the soldiers viously, their daughters, sons, grandchildren, and and the sailors and the airmen who had made great-grandchildren huddling around them as that ultimate sacrifice for the cause of freedom. they walked along those paths. One could not The ceremony ended with a ceremony of honor help but admire their bravery, their boldness at guards. Again, my heart filled with awe and ad- a time in their life when they were very young, miration to be able to walk with those veterans at a time they had to be uncertain; they were on that D-day celebration. They were then, and far away from home, fighting a ruthless enemy. they clearly remain today, true heroes. Each cross and each star, obviously, represents a After the ceremony, my colleagues and I young man, a young person who died on June boarded a bus to the town of Bayeaux, a small 6, 1944, defending his country. French village that was spared the heavy fighting The crowds would gather as we were there. and bombing on D-day and of the weeks that A lot of people had come in. There was a lot followed. As we rode the bus through the coun- of security at the gathering to hear President tryside, we passed through beautiful green fields, Bush and President Chirac. As the crowd gath- hedgerows, and small towns of the French coun- ered, we were seated amidst the sea of veterans. tryside that were showered in 1944 by the Amer- Usually they put the officials in one or two rows, ican paratroopers of the 101st and the 82d Air- Memorial Tributes in the Senate 317 borne Divisions, the night before those Nor- number of our allied nations. We watched a mandy landings. whole range of demonstrations by various multi- I specifically mention the 101st because this national military marching units. We had fly- past weekend I had the opportunity to be in overs occur where a number of these nations Clarksville, TN, and Fort Campbell, KY, and demonstrated the very best of their aircraft in had the opportunity to witness an air show in precision flights overhead. They had a wonderful which the 101st Airborne participated. You can multimedia presentation that combined the best see dramatically their training exercises. of dance and video and audio to recount that his- While I was in Kentucky last week, again, I tory of World War II with a very special focus was thinking back to what happened in 1944 on Normandy. 101 82 when these paratroopers of the st and d Air- During the final ceremony of the day, in borne Divisions paratrooped in the night before. which President Chirac delivered remarks, we Thousands of those paratroopers, as we all know, did have the opportunity to reflect on those larg- were killed. Many of them drowned. Many were er contours of the war and how America and her wounded that night. Many were wounded on the allies united to defeat tyranny and oppression. jump itself. The mission was specifically to jump As we sat among the survivors of D-day and behind enemy lines to distract the Nazis and as we listened to America’s veterans recount their seize important strategic or key terrain and to fears and exploits, I could not help but draw disrupt the Nazi reinforcements. Their heroism comparisons between the veterans of World War and success were ultimately crucial to the allied II and our proud troops serving abroad today, the victories at Omaha Beach, at Juno, at Sword, and very same troops which 2 days prior my col- at Gold. leagues and I had the opportunity to visit in When we arrived in Bayeaux, we were greeted Baghdad and Kuwait. The parallel is there, not by the president of the French senate. We had just because of the temporal relationship, but be- the opportunity to have lunch there with 33 cause of both groups’ commitment to freedom members of their senate. We also met with the and democracy and to a better life for others. town mayor, and many of the town citizens came America was blessed in World War II on that out to speak of this. I don’t speak French, but 6 as I went over to the side and shook hands and June , so long ago, yet so close, as it is now, introduced myself to an interpreter, immediately to have the very same soldiers who have that a smile came on their faces with an expression strong character, who have that courage, that of appreciation and thanks. boldness, and that determination. Young patri- Among the people we had the opportunity to ots, then, as now, answered the call of duty, and meet were many survivors of war who had been through their bravery and through their selfless small children at the time of the occupation. determination, they fought and they won the They did recall D-day and the American GIs who battle for freedom and security. liberated their villages. It was these traits that inspired a whole succes- They treated us to a wonderful luncheon that sion of American Presidents, including the late day and, once again, representing America as of- President REAGAN to whom we paid tribute 2 ficials, U.S. Senators from America, we were weeks ago. He believed in a Europe and a world showered with praise and thanks, as well as a whole and free of the shadow of communism. promise of continued friendship and alliance. The ‘‘greatest generation’’ threat involved nazism This was a group of French senators, so I did and fascism. For nearly 50 years, America con- not expect that at the time, but that is what we fronted another hegemonic ideology, that being received. communism. Under the leadership and vision of Our final event for the day was also very spe- President REAGAN, we emerged from the cold cial. It was the multinational ceremony at war victorious and, as Margaret Thatcher rightly Arromanches. We were joined by gatherings of reminds us, without firing a single shot. heads of state from around the world, senior offi- Today, we do fight a different enemy, but one cials from countries around the world, and a that is no less ruthless, no less determined, no 318 Ronald Reagan less uncompromising than our enemies of those That is our calling. And I truly believe, like gen- wars past. erations before us, we will look evil squarely in Once again, we must stay the course. Once the eye, and we will not flinch, we will not run. again, we must have faith in our Armed Forces. We will gather up our courage to press forward Once again, we must hold tightly to the belief and defeat the forces of terror and secure the that freedom will prevail. That is our challenge. blessings of democracy.

Friday, June áä, áÖÖâ

Hon. William H. Frist in state. We had the opportunity to welcome many of those world and national leaders, but OF TENNESSEE what was truly remarkable to me was to be able to be in my office or in the hallway and see the Madam President, the Senate has been busy hundreds and then the thousands and then the 4 over the past weeks. I thought I would take tens of thousands of ordinary, regular, hard- a few moments to look back and then look ahead working Americans who came to the Nation’s a bit. Capital from all around the country, people who 1 4 The week I left out of the last weeks is would drive hundreds, indeed thousands, of the week we spent in tribute to RONALD miles. People would get on an airplane and arrive REAGAN, where we recognized the life and leg- at 10 at night to stand in line for 4 or 5 hours acy of one of America’s greatest Presidents. A lit- to pay their respects. tle over 2 weeks ago, we paid our final respects to President RONALD WILSON REAGAN. Over Throughout the week, our shining Capital the course of the week, we had the opportunity City united peoples throughout the world, both to mourn the passing of this great American those who could be here, those who watched on leader but also to celebrate the values for which television, those who read the newspapers, and he stood. There were countless tributes paid to those who heard it on the radio. It united the President REAGAN, his beloved wife Nancy, and American people and the world peoples in a way to the entire REAGAN family. All of those trib- that is very rare. Indeed, it is the sense of na- utes helped us celebrate the memory of this opti- tional and global community that embodied the mistic, bold, and compassionate President. legacy of the 40th President, and though we said World and national leaders filed through this goodbye to the man, we carry forward his relent- building, the Nation’s Capitol, down the hallway less faith in those values of freedom and democ- behind me, to pay respects as the President lay racy. Memorial Tributes in the Senate 319 Wednesday, July áÖ, áÖÖâ

Hon. Tom Daschle country, and as we debate legislation here in the Senate, we should do all we can to give life to OF SOUTH DAKOTA that promise. We should make certain that no American Mr. President, 60 years ago Franklin Roosevelt who works full time lives in poverty. Unfortu- gave one of the most memorable State of the nately, the gap between promise and reality is Union speeches in our history. widening. Among full-time, year-round workers, As he spoke, Germany occupied all of Europe. poverty has doubled since the late seventies to Americans were dying in battle abroad and sacri- 2.6 million workers. All told, the working poor ficing for the war effort at home. are raising 9 million American children. Total victory was uncertain. But that did not Moreover, as recent work by the Family Eco- diminish President Roosevelt’s optimism and vi- nomic Self-Sufficiency Project shows, the level of sion. income it now takes just to pay the basic bills In his address, he said the Nation had accepted is far above what we consider to be the poverty a Second Bill of Rights that, he said, would cre- line. No working American wants a handout. ate ‘‘a new basis of security’’ for all. These families are playing by the rules. But as In this Second Bill of Rights, President Roo- hard as they work, they cannot escape the grip sevelt cited the right to a decent home, a good of poverty. education, and dependable health care; the right A few weeks ago a Sioux Falls family sent me to fair prices for farmers and free competition for a letter. The father works 56 hours a week as a business; and the right to be free of the fears of skilled welder. His wife is a substitute teacher hardship caused by old age. But first, and most who only works part time so she can care for her fundamental, he called for the right to work for son, who suffers from autism and diabetes. They a fair wage. live in a 20-year-old mobile home that has sink- Our country should be proud of the extraor- ing floors and a leaking ceiling. They wrote: dinary progress we have made in many of these areas. Together we have made our country better, We are facing possible foreclosure. Lights, heat, phone, etc. 60 stronger, and more secure. There is, though, are all -plus days past due and on the verge of disconnec- tion. . . . Medical bills have been turned over to a collection more work to be done, and today I want to focus agency. on President Roosevelt’s call for a fair wage. No value is more fundamental to the Amer- Their final question was: ‘‘Now what?’’ ican character than the value of work. No ideal They feel trapped. Since they can’t afford in- is shared so widely or cherished so deeply. surance, their son’s medical bills have erased No principle binds us more closely to the gen- their savings and destroyed their credit. Without erations of Americans who built up our country, good credit, interest payments eat up much of and the millions of new Americans who came to their income. And without affordable child care, our shores to join in the effort. And no convic- the family’s mom can’t shift to full-time work, tion so unites the conservative and liberal tradi- which could help lift them out of poverty. tions of our Nation. They are working as hard as they can and want RONALD REAGAN once said that: to work even harder. But that doesn’t seem to be enough. They are farther away from President People in America value family, work, and neighborhood. These are the things we have in common socially and politi- Roosevelt’s vision today than when they first cally. When it comes to the bottom line, all of us are striving wrote to me. It’s in our national interest not to for the same thing—a strong and healthy America and a fair look away from this difficult problem, but to face shake for working people. it squarely and honestly. There is a fundamental American truth in If the people who work hard don’t get a fair those words—working people deserve a fair shake, then our Nation risks losing an essential shake. It has always been the promise of our value that has contributed to America’s excel- 320 Ronald Reagan lence and ongoing success. We cannot let that We must also acknowledge that despite the happen. We should not kid ourselves and pre- many benefits of globalization, it has placed tend this is an easy problem. It is not. It is enor- downward pressure on low-income wages. We mously complicated. But there are things we can won’t make progress if our wages fall faster than and must do. the prices for the products we need. First, it is important that American business ‘‘What do the American people want more leaders live up to their responsibility as good cor- than anything else?’’ President Roosevelt asked porate citizens and share the benefits of increased in 1944. productivity with their workers, not just their This was his answer: shareholders. The chief economist at To my mind, they want two things: work, with all the Lynch recently noted that there’s been a notable moral and spiritual values that go with it; and with work, a reasonable measure of security. . . . Work and security. ‘‘redistribution of income to the corporate sec- These are more than words. They are more than facts. They tor.’’ While salaries have remained flat over the are the spiritual values, the true goal toward which our efforts past 4 years, corporate profits now occupy a should lead. greater share of our GDP than at any point since That was the challenge 60 years ago, and it 60 tracking began nearly years ago. We are mov- remains a central challenge today. It is, as Presi- ing in the wrong direction, and leaders in the dent Roosevelt said, ‘‘our duty.’’ private sector have a responsibility to help us I hope we can all join together to make that move back in the right direction. vision a reality for millions of hard-working and Here in Congress, we also have a responsibility honest Americans. to address the problems confronting the working poor, and we should start by requiring a long overdue increase in the minimum wage. Today, Hon. Orrin G. Hatch the minimum wage of $5.15 per hour is worth $3 less than it was in 1968. Americans who work OF UTAH at the minimum wage for 40 hours a week, 52 In a July 1, 2004 article entitled ‘‘RONALD weeks a year, still fall $5,000 short of the poverty REAGAN, Sagebrush Rebel, Rest in Peace,’’ Wil- line. That means, as the Sioux Falls family liam Pendley of the Legal Foun- knows, that adequate housing, enough food to dation wrote: ‘‘I am, former Governor RONALD eat, health insurance, and college funds are the REAGAN proclaimed in 1980, ‘a Sagebrush stuff of fantasy, not reality. In the time we have Rebel.’ ’’ left this year, we should increase the minimum Now, at his hearing jto be nominated to be wage to $7. That won’t solve all our problems, a U.S. circuit court judge for the Ninth Circuitk, but it is a beginning. Bill Myers was attacked merely for having used We should also revisit the earned income tax this same term, in an advocacy piece he wrote 20 credit. It was created years ago as an incentive for his farming and ranching clients. In fact, he to help working families lift themselves out of was mocked at this hearing, and after it, for poverty through hard work. President REAGAN merely channeling the concerns of his clients, called it the ‘‘best anti-poverty, the best pro-fam- who, like RONALD REAGAN, considered them- ily, the best job creation measure to come out selves ‘‘Sagebrush Rebels.’’ of Congress.’’ I agree. Now we need to expand Mr. Pendley’s article goes on: it, so that every American child grows up seeing When RONALD REAGAN was sworn in, he became the first that work is rewarded and respected. president since the birth of the modern environmental move- We should also make sure all families receive ment a decade before to have seen, first hand, the impact their fair share of the child tax credit. Extending of excessive federal environmental regulation on the ability the credit to all working families would restore of state governments to perform their constitutional func- tions; of local governments to sustain healthy economies; and a basic level of fairness and offer millions of of private citizens to use their own property. . . . REAGAN working families the same child tax credit given thought federal agencies in the West should be ‘‘good neigh- to those higher up the income ladder. bors.’’ Therefore, REAGAN returned control of western water Memorial Tributes in the Senate 321 rights to the states, where they had been from the time gold Act—there are probably 70 environmental stat- was panned in California until Jimmy Carter took office. utes that give evidence to that truth. REAGAN sought to ensure that Western states received the lands that they had been guaranteed when they entered the But the Reagan approach, which is also the Union. REAGAN responded to the desire of western governors Bush Interior Department’s approach, which Bill that the people of their states be made a part of the environ- mental equation by being included in federal land use plan- Myers did his best to defend, is inimical to the ning. environmental activist groups that oppose Mr. Myers’ nomination. Any attempt to give the peo- I would also like to note that REAGAN criti- cized ‘‘excessive’’ regulation, not any regulation ple who actually make their living on and around at all—neither Bill Myers nor anyone else thinks Western lands a stake in how those lands are reg- there is no role for the Federal Government in ulated is violently opposed by these groups. And environmental regulation. And Bill Myers em- then these groups label their enemies ‘‘enemies phasized this at his hearing, in response to very of the environment,’’ or ‘‘friends of polluters.’’ It hostile questioning by Democratic Senators: is unfortunate that such labels are uncritically ac- A centralized government—i.e. Congress—has cepted by some Senators, and because these lib- an important role to play in environmental pro- eral groups have similarly labeled Bill Myers, he tection. And the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air won’t get the up or down vote he deserves.

Thursday, July áá, áÖÖâ

Hon. Richard J. Durbin The legislative clerk read as follows: A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 135) authorizing the OF ILLINOIS printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late President of the United States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. As we mourn the passing of President RON- ALD REAGAN, all Americans should recall his vi- There being no objection, the Senate pro- sion of our Nation as a ‘‘shining city upon a ceeded to consider the concurrent resolution. hill.’’ Here is what President REAGAN said about Hon. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous the shining city and immigration: consent that the concurrent resolution be agreed If there have to be city walls, the walls have doors and to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the the doors are open to anyone with the will and the heart table, and that any statements relating to the to get here. . . . The city is a beacon a magnet for all who concurrent resolution be printed in the Record. must have freedom, for all pilgrims from all the lost places The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objec- who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home. tion, it is so ordered. 135 Like me, President REAGAN was the son of an The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. ) immigrant. We had very different political phi- was agreed to, as follows: EAGAN losophies, but President R understood the S. CON. RES. 135 importance of immigrants to our great country. Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), SECTION ". COMMEMORATIVE DOCUMENT AU- AUTHORIZING PRINTING OF A COMMEMORATIVE THORIZED. DOCUMENT A commemorative document in memory of the late Presi- Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous dent of the United States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN, con- consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate sisting of the eulogies and encomiums for RONALD WILSON consideration of S. Con. Res. 135, which is at the REAGAN, as expressed in the Senate and the House of Rep- resentatives, together with the texts of the state funeral cere- desk. mony at the United States Capitol Rotunda, the national fu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will neral service held at the Washington National Cathedral, report the concurrent resolution by title. Washington, District of Columbia, and the interment cere- 322 Ronald Reagan mony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, resentatives and 10,350 copies shall be for the use of the Sen- California, shall be printed as a Senate document, with illus- ate; or trations and suitable binding. (2) such number of copies of the commemorative document SEC. #. PRINTING OF DOCUMENT. In addition to the usual number of copies printed, there that does not exceed a production and printing cost of 1 000 000 shall be printed the lesser of— $ , , , with distribution of the copies to be allocated (1) 32,500 copies of the commemorative document, of in the same proportion as described in paragraph (1). which 22,150 copies shall be for the use of the House of Rep-

Wednesday, September áé, áÖÖâ

MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE S. Con. Res. 135. Concurrent resolution author- At 3:56 p.m., a message from the House of izing the printing of a commemorative document Representatives, delivered by Ms. Niland, one of in memory of the late President of the United its reading clerks, announced that the House has States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN. passed the following bill, in which it requests the concurrence of the Senate:

Sunday, October ÜÖ, áÖÖâ

AUTHORIZING PRINTING OF COMMEMORATIVE dent of the United States, RONALD WILSON REAGAN’’, do DOCUMENT IN MEMORY OF LATE PRESIDENT pass with the following amendment: RONALD WILSON REAGAN Page 1, beginning on line 13, strike jSenate document, with illustrations and suitable bindingk and insert ‘‘House Mr. FRIST. I ask that the Chair now lay before document, with illustrations and suitable binding, under the the Senate the House message to accompany S. direction of the Joint Committee on Printing’’. Con. Res. 135, providing for the printing of a Mr. FRIST. I ask unanimous consent that the commemorative document honoring former Senate concur in the House amendment and the President REAGAN. motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, and The President pro tempore laid before the Sen- any statements relating to the concurrent resolu- ate a message from the House, as follows: tion be printed in the Record. Resolved, That the resolution from the Senate (S. Con. Res. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without ob- 135) entitled ‘‘Concurrent resolution authorizing the printing of a commemorative document in memory of the late Presi- jection, it is so ordered. I N D E X

Memorial Tributes in the House of Representatives of the United States

Aderholt, Robert B., of Alabama: Addresses, 3, 24 Address, 112 Tribute by George P. Shultz, 3 Remarks Duncan, John J., Jr., of Tennessee, address, 67 Ronald Reagan at an Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast in Ehlers, Vernon J., of Michigan, addresses, 67, 68 Dallas, TX, August 23, 1984, 112 Emanuel, Rahm, of Illinois, address, 102 Akin, W. Todd, of Missouri, address, 117 Emerson, Jo Ann, of Missouri, address, 84 Alexander, Rodney, of Louisiana, address, 19 Engel, Eliot L., of New York, address, 61 Appointment of Members To Attend the Funeral, 159 Etheridge, Bob, of North Carolina, address, 104 Baca, Joe, of California, address, 50 Everett, Terry, of Alabama, address, 90 Barrett, J. Gresham, of South Carolina, address, 94 Faleomavaega, Eni F.H., of American Samoa, address, 57 Barton, Joe, of Texas, address, 32 Feeney, Tom, of Florida, address, 88 Becerra, Xavier, of California, address, 149 Ferguson, Mike, of New Jersey, address, 105 Berkley, Shelley, of Nevada, address, 65 Flake, Jeff, of Arizona, address, 109 Biggert, Judy, of Illinois, address, 42 Foley, Mark, of Florida, address, 64 Bilirakis, Michael, of Florida, address, 134 Forbes, J. Randy, of Virginia, address, 93 Blackburn, Marsha, of Tennessee, address, 46 Ford, Harold E., Jr., of Tennessee, address, 150 Blumenauer, Earl, of Oregon, address, 33 Franks, Trent, of Arizona, addresses, 46, 175 Blunt, Roy, of Missouri, address, 13 Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., of New Jersey, address, 150 Boehlert, Sherwood, of New York, address, 31 Frost, Martin, of Texas, address, 81 Boehner, John A., of Ohio, addresses, 109, 175 Gallegly, Elton, of California, address, 14 Bonilla, Henry, of Texas: Garrett, Scott, of New Jersey, address, 89 Addresses, 155, 160 Gibbons, Jim, of Nevada, address, 92 Letter from Robert L. DuPont, MD, et al., 160 Gilchrest, Wayne T., of Maryland, address, 87 Bonner, Jo, of Alabama, address, 156 Gingrey, Phil, of Georgia, address, 34 Bono, Mary, of California, address, 127 Goode, Virgil H., Jr., of Virginia, address, 44 Bordallo, Madeleine Z., of Guam, address, 48 Goodlatte, Bob, of Virginia, address, 30 Bradley, Jeb, of New Hampshire, address, 139 Granger, Kay, of Texas, address, 45 Brady, Kevin, of Texas, address, 125 Graves, Sam, of Missouri, address, 120 Brown, Henry E., Jr., of South Carolina, address, 97 Green, Gene, of Texas, address, 49 Brown-Waite, Ginny, of Florida, addresses, 52, 121 Green, Mark, of Wisconsin, address, 88 Burgess, Michael C., of Texas, addresses, 66, 88, 149 Gutknecht, Gil, of Minnesota, address, 77 Burns, Max, of Georgia, address, 120 Hall, Ralph M., of Texas, address, 29 Burr, Richard, of North Carolina, address, 115 Harman, Jane, of California, address, 61 Burton, Dan, of Indiana, address, 101 Harris, Katherine, of Florida, address, 91 Buyer, Steve, of Indiana, address, 103 Hart, Melissa A., of Pennsylvania, address, 28 Calvert, Ken, of California, address, 37 Hastert, J. Dennis, of Illinois, address, 10 Cannon, Chris, of Utah, address, 145 Hastings, Doc, of Washington, address, 91 Cantor, Eric, of Virginia, address, 117 Hayes, Robin, of North Carolina, addresses, 38, 164 Capito, Shelley Moore, of West Virginia, address, 110 Hayworth, J.D., of Arizona: Capps, Lois, of California, address, 154 Addresses, 77, 164 Cardin, Benjamin L., of Maryland, address, 87 Article from Free Press, 1997, 164 Carter, John R., of Texas, addresses, 93 Hefley, Joel, of Colorado, address, 66 Castle, Michael N., of Delaware, address, 157 Hensarling, Jeb, of Texas, address, 41 Chocola, Chris, of Indiana, address, 38 Herger, Wally, of California, address, 23 Cole, Tom, of Oklahoma, address, 98 Herseth, Stephanie, of South Dakota, 103 Collins, Mac, of Georgia, address, 135 Hill, Baron P., of Indiana, address, 76 Communication from the Clerk of the House, 6 Hobson, David L., of Ohio, address, 138 Costello, Jerry F., of Illinois, address, 146 Hoekstra, Peter, of Michigan, address, 59 Cox, Christopher, of California, addresses, 71, 95, 123 Holden, Tim, of Pennsylvania, address, 50 Crane, Philip M., of Illinois, address, 111 Holt, Rush D., of New Jersey, address, 122 Crenshaw, Ander, of Florida, address, 129 Hooley, Darlene, of Oregon, address, 82 Cubin, Barbara, of Wyoming, address, 81 Hostettler, John N., of Indiana, address, 120 Cunningham, Randy ‘‘Duke,’’ of California, addresses, 19, 57, House Concurrent Resolution 444, 68 171 House Resolution 663, 7 Davis, Artur, of Alabama, address, 105 House Resolution 664, 11 Davis, Danny K., of Illinois, address, 13 Hoyer, Steny H., of Maryland, address, 16 Davis, Lincoln, of Tennessee, address, 81 Hunter, Duncan, of California, addresses, 39, 162, 164 Davis, Tom, of Virginia, address, 62 Hyde, Henry J., of Illinois, address, 75 DeLay, Tom, of Texas, address, 7 Isakson, Johnny, of Georgia, address, 92 Diaz-Balart, Lincoln, of Florida, addresses, 50, 94 Israel, Steve, of New York, address, 24 Diaz-Balart, Mario, of Florida, address, 68 Issa, Darrell E., of California, addresses, 27, 51, 172 Dreier, David, of California: Istook, Ernest J., Jr., of Oklahoma, address, 129 325 326 Ronald Reagan

Jackson-Lee, Sheila, of Texas, address, 20 Radanovich, George, of California, address, 79 Jenkins, William L., of Tennessee, address, 140 Rahall, Nick J., II, of West Virginia, address, 146 Johnson, Timothy V., of Illinois, address, 142 Ramstad, Jim, of Minnesota, address, 108 Kennedy, Mark R., of Minnesota, address, 104 Regula, Ralph, of Ohio, address, 156 Kildee, Dale E., of Michigan, address, 137 Rehberg, Dennis R., of Montana, address, 131 Kind, Ron, of Wisconsin, address, 111 Reyes, Silvestre, of Texas, address, 132 King, Steve, of Iowa, address, 52 Rohrabacher, Dana, of California, addresses, 18 Kingston, Jack, of Georgia, address, 122 Ross, Mike, of Arkansas, address, 98 Kline, John, of Minnesota, address, 90 Royce, Edward R., of California, address, 78 Kolbe, Jim, of Arizona, address, 58 Ryan, Paul, of Wisconsin, address, 144 Larson, John B., of Connecticut, address, 71 Ryan, Tim, of Ohio, address, 97 Latham, Tom, of Iowa, address, 132 Ryun, Jim, of Kansas, address, 4 Leach, James A., of Iowa, address, 147 Sandlin, Max, of Texas, address, 78 Lewis, Jerry, of California, addresses, 11, 13, 23, 29, 31, 37, Saxton, Jim, of New Jersey, address, 47 41, 47 Schrock, Edward L., of Virginia, address, 135 Lewis, Ron, of Kentucky, address, 119 Scott, David, of Georgia, address, 15 Linder, John, of Georgia, address, 35 Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, 74 Lipinski, William O., of Illinois, address, 147 Senate Concurrent Resolution 135, 173 Matheson, Jim, of Utah, address, 75 Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr., of Wisconsin, address, 76 McCarthy, Karen, of Missouri, address, 137 Sessions, Pete, of Texas, address, 153 McCollum, Betty, of Minnesota, address, 153 Shadegg, John B., of Arizona, address, 126 McCotter, Thaddeus G., of Michigan, address, 114 Shays, Christopher, of Connecticut: McDermott, Jim, of Washington, address, 169 Addresses, 123, 170 McGovern, James P., of Massachusetts, address, 119 Tribute by Ambassador Joseph Verner Reed, 170 McNulty, Michael R., of New York, address, 107 Shuster, Bill, of Pennsylvania, address, 67 Meehan, Martin T., of Massachusetts, address, 145 Simmons, Rob, of Connecticut, address, 62 Meek, Kendrick B., of Florida, address, 130 Simpson, Michael K., of Idaho, address, 161 Menendez, Robert, of New Jersey, address, 159 Smith, Christopher H., of New Jersey, address, 139 Message from the President of the United States, 7 Smith, Lamar S., of Texas, address, 130 Michaud, Michael H., of Maine, address, 154 Smith, Nick, of Michigan: Millender-McDonald, Juanita, of California, address, 69 Addresses, 6, 53, 168 Miller, Candice S., of Michigan, address, 110 Poem by Albert Carey Caswell, 53 Miller, Gary G., of California, address, 152 Souder, Mark E., of Indiana, address, 125 Miller, Jeff, of Florida, address, 82 Stearns, Cliff, of Florida, address, 66 Moore, Dennis, of Kansas, addresses, 84, 121, 124 Stenholm, Charles W., of Texas, address, 26 Moran, Jerry, of Kansas, address, 141 Stupak, Bart, of Michigan, address, 151 Murphy, Tim, of Pennsylvania, address, 114 Sullivan, John, of Oklahoma, address, 131 Nethercutt, George R., Jr., of Washington, address, 116 Tauzin, W.J. (Billy), of Louisiana, address, 147 Ney, Robert W., of Ohio, address, 73 Taylor, Charles H., of North Carolina, address, 128 Northup, Anne M., of Kentucky, address, 61 Thomas, William M., of California, address, 15 Norwood, Charlie, of Georgia, address, 80 Thornberry, Mac, of Texas, address, 86 Nunes, Devin, of California, address, 142 Tiahrt, Todd, of Kansas, address, 133 Nussle, Jim, of Iowa, address, 138 Tiberi, Patrick J., of Ohio, address, 59 Ortiz, Solomon P., of Texas, address, 136 Turner, Michael R., of Ohio, address, 60 Osborne, Tom, of Nebraska, address, 34 Udall, Tom, of New Mexico, address, 151 Oxley, Michael G., of Ohio, address, 143 Upton, Fred, of Michigan, address, 94 Paul, Ron, of Texas, addresses, 148, 174 Wamp, Zach, of Tennessee, address, 44 Pearce, Stevan, of New Mexico, address, 122 Waxman, Henry A., of California, address, 12 Pelosi, Nancy, of California, address, 9 Weldon, Curt, of Pennsylvania, address, 106 Pence, Mike, of Indiana, address, 80 Weldon, Dave, of Florida, address, 31 Pitts, Joseph R., of Pennsylvania, addresses, 5, 65 Weller, Jerry, of Illinois, address, 118 Platts, Todd Russell, of Pennsylvania, address, 83 Wicker, Roger F., of Mississippi, address, 43 Pomeroy, Earl, of North Dakota, address, 158 Wilson, Joe, of South Carolina, addresses, 36, 65, 163 Porter, Jon C., of Nevada, address, 133 Wolf, Frank R., of Virginia: Portman, Rob, of Ohio, address, 116 Addresses, 5, 54 Prayer by Rev. John Boyles, 4 Article from Jerusalem Post, June 6, 2004, 56 Pryce, Deborah, of Ohio, address, 115 Wu, David, of Oregon, address, 101 Putnam, Adam H., of Florida, address, 108 Young, C.W. Bill, of Florida, address, 152 Index 327 Memorial Tributes in the Senate of the United States

Alexander, Lamar, of Tennessee, address, 181 Leahy, Patrick J., of Vermont, address, 309 Allard, Wayne, of Colorado, address, 215 Lieberman, Joseph I., of Connecticut, address, 296 Allen, George, of Virginia, address, 205 Lincoln, Blanche L., of Arkansas, address, 290 Bennett, Robert F., of Utah, address, 244 Lott, Trent, of Mississippi: Bond, Christopher S., of Missouri, addresses, 222, 312 Address, 263 193 Boxer, Barbara, of California, address, Tribute by Senator Connie Mack, 263 211 Brownback, Sam, of Kansas, address, Lugar, Richard G., of Indiana, address, 300 Bunning, Jim, of Kentucky, address, 243 235 186 McCain, John, of Arizona, address, Burns, Conrad, of Montana, address, McConnell, Mitch, of Kentucky, address, 265 Byrd, Robert C., of West Virginia: Messages from the House of Representatives, 295, 306, 322 Address, 294 Mikulski, Barbara A., of Maryland, addresses, 220, 311 Poem by an unknown author, 295 276 Murkowski, Lisa, of Alaska, address, 249 Carper, Thomas R., of Delaware, address, 250 Chafee, Lincoln D., of Rhode Island, address, 288 Poem by Robert Service, 229 Cochran, Thad, of Mississippi, address, 184 Nelson, Bill, of Florida, address, 217 Coleman, Norm, of Minnesota, address, 233 Nickles, Don, of Oklahoma, address, Collins, Susan M., of Maine, address, 284 Prayers: Communication from the President, 240 Dr. Prentice Meador, 188 Conrad, Kent, of North Dakota, address, 291 Dr. Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the Senate, 179, 240 Cornyn, John, of Texas, address, 184 Pryor, Mark, of Arkansas, address, 239 Corzine, Jon S., of New Jersey, address, 292 Reid, Harry, of Nevada, address, 195 Craig, Larry E., of Idaho, address, 284 Santorum, Rick, of Pennsylvania: Daschle, Tom, of South Dakota, addresses, 202, 319 Address, 302 Dodd, Christopher J., of Connecticut, address, 288 Remarks Dole, Elizabeth, of North Carolina, address, 180 Ronald Reagan at the Annual Conference of the Domenici, Pete V., of New Mexico, address, 198 National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Dorgan, Byron L., of North Dakota, address, 213 January 30, 1984, 303 Durbin, Richard J., of Illinois, addresses, 281, 309, 321 Senate 2517, 307 Edwards, John, of North Carolina, address, 293 Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, 188 305 Ensign, John, of Nevada, address, Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, 296 227 Enzi, Mike, of Wyoming, address, Senate Concurrent Resolution 135, 321 238 Feingold, Russell D., of Wisconsin, address, Senate Resolution 371, 188 Feinstein, Dianne, of California, address, 236 373 295 278 Senate Resolution , Fitzgerald, Peter G., of Illinois, address, Senate Resolution 374, 295 Frist, William H., of Tennessee: Sessions, Jeff, of Alabama, addresses, 246, 313 Addresses, 179, 241, 263, 298, 299, 313, 315, 318 Shelby, Richard C., of Alabama, address, 204 Authorizing Printing of Commemorative Document, 321, 322 Smith, Gordon, of Oregon: Address, 224 Graham, Bob, of Florida, address, 254 Grassley, Charles E., of Iowa, address, 302 Remarks 189 Ronald Reagan’s Farewell Address, 224 Gregg, Judd, of New Hampshire, address, 191 Hagel, Chuck, of Nebraska, address, 216 Snowe, Olympia J., of Maine, address, 200 Harkin, Tom, of Iowa, address, 268 Specter, Arlen, of Pennsylvania, address, 290 Hatch, Orrin G., of Utah, addresses, 255, 320 Stabenow, Debbie, of Michigan, address, 207 Hollings, Ernest F., of South Carolina, addresses, 235 Stevens, Ted, of Alaska, address, Hutchison, Kay Bailey, of Texas, address, 269 Sununu, John E., of New Hampshire, address, 271 Inhofe, James M., of Oklahoma, address, 230 Talent, James M., of Missouri, address, 252 Jeffords, James M., of Vermont, address, 289 Thomas, Craig, of Wyoming, address, 249 Kennedy, Edward M., of Massachusetts, address, 242 Warner, John W., of Virginia: Kyl, Jon, of Arizona: Address, 272 Addresses, 209, 292, 299, 309, 314 Remarks Article from Arizona Republic, June 9, 2004, 293 Ronald Reagan’s Speech at the U.S. Ranger Monument, Article from Washington Times, June 15, 2004, 310 Pointe du Hoc, Normandy, France, on the 40th Lautenberg, Frank, of New Jersey, address, 287 Anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1984, 274

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