Barbara Mikulski: “Today I voted in support of renaming Washington National Airport as the Ronald Reagan National Airport. I am aware of…”

“Today I voted in support of renaming Washington National Airport as the Ronald Reagan National Airport. I am aware of the concerns about the need for local control over the airport. That's why I voted in favor of the Daschle Amendment that would have given the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority the final say over renaming the airport. I have always been a strong supporter of local control over National Airport. However, in the end, I decided that the decision to rename National Airport should rise above party politics. My decision to support S. 1575 was a personal one. It's no secret that I didn't always agree with President Reagan's policies. As a matter of fact, when it came to politics, President Reagan and I disagreed quite often. However, Ronald Reagan and I shared one important thing: our respect for the Presidency. President Reagan devoted much of his life to serving the people of this country--first as the Governor of California, then as our President. For that reason, he deserves our respect. He has mine. No matter how different our political viewpoints were, I have always respected President Reagan and always will. In the twilight of his distinguished life, President Reagan and I have something else in common. Like the President, my father suffered from Alzheimer's disease. I know how devastating this illness is and the strength it requires from a family. My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Reagan and all of the President's family.”