Mourning the Passing of President Ronald Reagan

MOURNING THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN -- (House of Representatives - June 09, 2004)

Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the previous order of the House, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 664) mourning the passing of President Ronald Reagan and celebrating his service to the people of the United States and his leadership in promoting the cause of freedom for all the people of the world, and ask for its immediate further consideration.

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Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today as this House honors the life of the Fortieth President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, we remember both the man and the public servant. As President Reagan lies in state under the dome of this Capitol, the American people reflect on a man of optimism, a leader committed to freedom and a citizen who personified the American spirit of boundless ambition and achievement.

President Reagan lived a life unlike any other American president. A sports broadcaster, a movie star and a television personality, President Reagan entertained Americans with his charm, smile and warmth. He combined the skills of an actor with the determination of a pioneer to transform public life as he entered the political realm in California and finally was elected by the American people to the White House.

As President of the United States, Ronald Reagan won two large election victories in 1980 and 1984 to set this Nation on a course to transform our economy and confront communism. The outcomes and consequences of his policies will be interpreted by historians for years to come, but there is no doubt President Reagan motivated a new generation of conservatives to join his crusade as well as a generation of progressives to unite in pursuit of an alternative path of action.

Our State of Minnesota had a unique relationship with President Reagan. Minnesota was the only State in the Union to never give President Reagan an electoral victory. Minnesotans stood twice with our homegrown son, but we respected the President, his skills as a communicator and his determination to elevate the American spirit.

President Reagan lived a truly American life and, in his final years, stood hand in hand with Mrs. Reagan to encounter Alzheimer's with dignity and grace. The life of President Reagan the leader and Ronald Reagan the man will be remembered, honored and celebrated this week by Congress, the American people and people in nations around the world.

On behalf of the families of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, we extend our prayers and sincerest condolences to Mrs. Nancy Reagan, her children and all of the family and friends of President Reagan.