Susan Collins: “today, I pay tribute to a great American, our 40th President, Ronald Reagan. Under Ronald Reagan's presidency and…”

“today, I pay tribute to a great American, our 40th President, Ronald Reagan. Under Ronald Reagan's presidency and leadership, America stood tall again in the world as a 'shining city on the hill.' Americans were proud once again to be Americans. Ronald Reagan assumed the presidency when America was facing an Iranian hostage crisis, a rising inflation rate, increasing unemployment, and an energy crisis that saw Americans waiting in lines to purchase gasoline. Upon assuming the presidency, Ronald Reagan proposed a bold economic and defense program. His economic policy created the longest peacetime job expansion in history. Under his leadership, our defenses were rebuilt to handle any adversary. It was his leadership that saw America triumph as the communist evil empire that scarred Europe fell. President Reagan fought for his convictions and followed up his campaign promises with successful action. Under his leadership, government bureaucracy and regulations were reduced. Taxes were lowered and a strong national defense was rebuilt to fight against the spread of communism. These moves won him a landslide re-election victory.”