Sam Gibbons: “I rise today to again encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2131, a resolution that will bestow President of the…”

“I rise today to again encourage my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 2131, a resolution that will bestow President of the Government of Spain, Jose Maria Aznar, with the Congressional Gold Medal. Shortly after the September 11 attacks on the United States, President Aznar made the following comment: ``Our battle is a battle for the same ideas, for the same freedoms, for the same society and civilizations, and we will share all those efforts as long as it is necessary.'' President Aznar of Spain has stood by the United States and, despite heavy political pressure, has never wavered from his staunch commitment to the ideals of freedom, liberty and democracy. I urge my fellow Members to join me and over 100 cosponsors of H.R. 2131, a bill to award the Congressional Gold Medal to President Aznar. Join us in honoring a man who is a great leader in global democracy, a great leader in the war on terrorism, a notable ally of the United States, and a champion of freedom.”