Ralph Hall: “I rise today to honor the 90th birthday of former President Ronald Reagan and to pay tribute to his distinguished…”

“I rise today to honor the 90th birthday of former President Ronald Reagan and to pay tribute to his distinguished service during his eight years as our Nation's leader. President Reagan's idealism and vision set the stage for remarkable achievements both at home and abroad. His policies placed America on a course for economic growth and prosperity and military superiority in the world--helping to secure America's position as the world's super power and the pivotal leader of the free world. President Reagan's optimism for life, and his ability to inspire, renewed our citizens' commitment to the values and principles of freedom and justice upon which our Nation was founded. His policy of 'peace through strength' brought an historic ending to the Cold War, dismantling much of the Soviet Union's military might and positioning our armed forces for victory a few years later in the Persian Gulf. His domestic policies introduced an era of economic expansion that would help carry us through the end of the 20th century. His efforts to combat crime and drugs and to reevaluate our Nation's healthcare system marked the beginnings of much-needed and long-overdue reforms. In short Mr. Speaker, President Reagan embodied those qualities that we seek in our Nation's leaders--vision, optimism, decency, integrity, responsibility. He believed in democracy, freedom, and the basic goodness of America. And he led by example.”