Opening of Clinton Presidential Library

OPENING OF CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 18, 2004)

Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, having just returned from the opening ceremony in Little Rock, Arkansas today, I rise to congratulate President Bill Clinton on the opening of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. The library, an architectural triumph that evokes President Clinton's "Bridge to the 21st Century," is a superb accomplishment worthy of the outstanding presidency it documents.

Containing 80 million pages of records, nearly 2 million photographs, nearly 80,000 artifacts and 21 million emails, it is the largest presidential library ever. It covers every aspect of his eight years in office, including domestic and international issues, legislative achievements, and personal triumphs and challenges.

The thoroughness of the library, however, is no surprise. President Clinton has always been known for his love of learning. The construction of this library and the opportunity to make resources available to scholars and the public is a personal joy to him.

In the library, visitors will learn the story of a great presidency that lifted the lives of so many Americans. During President Clinton's two terms in office, he created 22 million new jobs, and median household income was the highest in history. With an expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit and an increase in the minimum wage, America had the lowest poverty rate in 20 years. At the same time, President Clinton's responsible economic policies eliminated the deficit, and we had three years in a row of budget surpluses. More Americans were able to access health care and to own their own homes. We modernized our defenses, while strengthening our role in the world.

Bill Clinton's presidency is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we "put people first." Future Presidents and leaders should study his example.

Also characteristic of President Clinton, the library exists not for its own sake but as part of a larger effort to continue the good work of his presidency. Through the library and the Clinton Foundation, he is continuing to fight against HIV/AIDS, to promote racial and religious reconciliation, to encourage economic empowerment, and to support citizen service and leadership development. The library itself has helped revitalize Little Rock and has spurred more than $1 billion in economic development.

Bill Clinton's love of learning is infectious. He reminds us all of what a dedicated individual with drive and conviction can accomplish. I am confident that the Clinton Presidential Center library will be a valuable asset to scholars for generations to come and a destination for his many admirers from around the world.