Statements and Speeches

Mourning the Passing of President Ronald Reagan
June 8, 2004

Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan has been a part of my entire political life. President Reagan got his start in politics when he was elected Governor in 1966. Two years later, I got my start in politics when I was elected to the California legislature. I served in the State legislature until 1974, the last year of Governor Reagan's term. And, of course, I served in the Congress of the United States for the entire 8 years of his Presidency.

I knew from those early days that President Reagan had remarkable political skills. He is known as the Great

Communicator and, truly, he was. President Reagan knew how to connect with people. And he could articulate values and resonate across America and around the world with his ideals. He was also likable and charming.

For many years, President Reagan was actually my constituent. Hollywood, the place and the industry associated with it, had a great impact on his life. It refined his communication skills and honed his sense of drama and delivery. And it gave him something that many people do not fully appreciate, an understanding that in America, with hard work and honest values, Hollywood endings really can come true.

President Reagan thought our Nation should be a shining example to the world. And under his leadership, we were really admired and respected around the world. He viewed America as a city on the hill, a beacon for freedom and a model for democracy.

And here is another thing many people do not fully appreciate: President Reagan was a pragmatic leader. He had strong convictions, but if he learned that those convictions were taking America in the wrong direction, he had the confidence and the wisdom to change course.

As everyone knows, President Reagan was afflicted with Alzheimer's disease in the last 10 years of his life. President Reagan struggled with this terrible condition with great dignity. And with great courage he and his wife Nancy shared his struggle with the American people. It is a true tragedy that this country lost the opportunity to have this elder statesman involved and seek his advice and leadership in the last years of his life.

I know that all of us in this body would like to find a fitting way to honor President Reagan's life. For my part, I can think of no better tribute than an accelerated effort to address the horrific disease known as Alzheimer's. Mrs. Reagan, the President's beloved wife, bravely spoke out about this just last month. In her moving words she said, "Science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research which may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp. We have lost so much time already. I just really cannot bear to lose any more.'' Well, it is past time for us to seize the potential that Nancy Reagan identified. There could be no important or more lasting legacy to her husband.

America has lost a devoted citizen and a dedicated leader. I want Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan family to know they are in my heart and in my thoughts. President Reagan's passing is truly felt among Democrats and Republicans, by all Americans, and people of goodwill all around the world. We will certainly miss him.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.