U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern's Official Statement Honoring President Ronald Reagan

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern's Official Statement Honoring President Ronald Reagan

June 9, 2004

Congressman McGovern made the following statement today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives:
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in marking - with sadness - the passing of President Ronald Reagan. I send my deepest condolences to Mrs. Reagan, the entire Reagan family, and to those friends who knew the President best.
"Ronald Reagan was a man of principle, deep patriotism and great humor. He loved this country, and he loved the American people. His was, in many ways, the quintessential American life: moving from a small town to chase the American dream in California, achieving success through hard work and determination, and finally giving back through public service.

"One of the things I most admired about President Reagan was his ability to disagree without being disagreeable. During the 1980's I was a staff member for Congressman Joe Moakley from Massachusetts. We had a front-row seat to the great political battles between the Reagan White House and the House of Representatives under Speaker Tip O'Neill.

"And while President Reagan and Tip O'Neill had sharp political differences, they never had sharp words. Their arguments were never nasty or personal. At the end of the day, their battles shifted from policy to who could tell the most outlandish story, or the funniest Irish joke. It's an example that I believe all of us should try to do a better job of following.

"Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to take a moment to say just how much respect and admiration I have for Nancy Reagan. These last several years have been extremely difficult for her, as President Reagan battled Alzheimer's disease. Mrs. Reagan has faced this tremendous adversity with strength, dignity and class, and she serves as an inspiration to us all. Again, my wife Lisa and I send our sympathy and prayers to the Reagan family during this sad time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker."