Etheridge Statement Honoring Former President Reagan

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) made the following statement on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today honoring former President Ronald Reagan. Etheridge will attend the state funeral and viewing for national and international leaders in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda tonight.

"Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of North Carolina's Second Congressional District, to pay my respects to the late Ronald Reagan, the fortieth President of the United States. My wife Faye and I join all North Carolinians and all Americans in expressing our condolences to former First Lady Nancy Reagan and the entire Reagan family.

"Ronald W. Reagan served two terms in our nation's highest office after winning overwhelming margins of victory in the presidential elections of 1980 and 1984. His time in office was marked by renewed pride in America, and he is to be commended for his steadfast devotion to liberation from the oppression of Communist rule in nations throughout the world.

"Regardless of one's position on President Reagan's policies and politics, all Americans remember his warmth of spirit and the respectful manner in which he engaged public debate. This approach kept acrimony to a healthy minimum even when conflicting views on vitally important issues were debated. That example stands in marked contrast to the divisiveness and bitter partisanship we have all too often witnessed since his Presidency.

"Finally, Mr. Speaker, all Americans stand in solidarity and salute Nancy Reagan and the whole Reagan family for the dignity and grace they have displayed throughout the former President's long and difficult struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. Their struggle has been our struggle for it reminds us of the afflictions millions of American families face in anonymity every day. The federal government must act to ease this needless suffering by increasing research funding and modernizing regulations to allow for potentially life saving research using stem cells and other medical techniques. The pain on Mrs. Reagan's face should prod the conscience of this country to end the cruel victimization of stricken patients who require potentially life-saving research.

"In conclusion, the passing of President Reagan closes an important chapter in American history. As the leaders of the 20th century pass from the scene, we must endeavor to carry on their legacy of progress at home and American leadership in the world. On behalf of the people of North Carolina, I rise today to say, rest in peace, Mr. President."