Vernon Ehlers: “I am very pleased to address the portion of this bill which honors the thirty-eighth president of the United States…”

“I am very pleased to address the portion of this bill which honors the thirty-eighth president of the United States, Gerald R. Ford and his wife Betty. We previously passed that portion of this bill, but it was under unanimous consent, and we did not have an opportunity for debate. The thirty-eighth president, Gerald R. Ford, has long been noted for his successful efforts to heal this Nation after a previous impeachment drama that we dealt with. Our Nation owes him a great debt of gratitude for his unprecedented work in carrying us through that most difficult period, for restoring and healing and stability in this Nation. This is a particularly appropriate year to recognize him. It is the year of President Ford's 85th birthday. It is also the year of the 80th birthday of Betty Ford, who in her own right deserves recognition. Her name is also included on the medal, due to her work in publicizing the dangers of breast cancer and vastly increasing public awareness of this terrible disease in this Nation. Her work with the Betty Ford Clinic also has earned her a place of recognition on this medal.”