Political Quotes

“I do want to take a couple minutes here, because I do think that it should be said for the record that renaming this airport does constitute an unfunded Federal mandate on local governments. The cost involves more than just changing a few signs and reprinting stationery. Millions have been invested by the local governments, the private sector, the airlines, the travel hospitality industries to promote this region and identify Washington National as the gateway to the Nation's capital. The total amount might be in millions of dollars for new ad campaigns to associate the airport's new name with the location it serves. We felt it was ironic that part of President Reagan's legacy was the successful transfer to local control of Washington National Airport. All of the locality organizations and the local governments oppose this. But I think at this stage in the process, Mr. Speaker, that we want to also be clear that it is entirely appropriate to give some positive recognition to Ronald Reagan on his birthday.”