Political Quotes

“I rise today to endorse this proposal to name the next aircraft carrier, CVN-76, the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan. I believe this would be a fitting tribute to a great man and a great President. Ronald Reagan was elected the 40th President of the United States on November 4, 1980. Central to President Reagan's agenda was the defeat of communism and the rebirth of America as a 'beacon of hope for those who do not have freedom.' He therefore made the buildup of the Nation's Armed Forces, which began under President Carter, his No. 1 budget priority. Two defensive weapon systems, in particular, have become synonymous with the Reagan administration. First and foremost is the strategic defense initiative, which the President announced in his historic 1983 address to the Nation. It was the work of scientists and engineers in Huntsville and California that convinced President Reagan to endorse research on missile defenses, and I am proud of the leadership role that Huntsville has continued to play in this regard. The second weapon system associated with the Reagan administration was the MX missile. The intercontinental ballistic missile was the cornerstone of our ICBM modernization program and it, together with SDI, can be credited with convincing the Soviets to begin serious arms control talks.”