Bob Ney

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, let me make it clear, first of all, because we have heard the half a million dollar figure bandied about a couple times now. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) never asked me for half a million dollars. Now, I can produce today about nine to 10 different sheets that we have had over the last 4 years in House administration of people asking for all types of money, minority and majority. So the half a million dollar figure is absolutely erroneous. And to actually stand here today and think that House Administration would be able to produce a half a million per committee in the future is also ridiculous. And I also think the gentleman does not want to start to talk about the history of spending in House Administration in this House, especially in the last 9 years when we, in fact, have pared down hundreds and hundreds of staff and cut one-third of the size of this House, in fact. So I do not think you want to get into today the spending history. But let me make it clear. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) followed the rules to the T. This was bipartisan. This was mailed out for Democrats. This was mailed out for Republicans. Another statement today that is incorrect, I am sure the gentleman did it in error, is about the fact of limits, Members in this House are unlimited in how much they would spend. Your 70-some mailers in the last 2 years, you are unlimited, and that is your choice; and I do not today disparage you for mailing those. That is a Member's choice. As far as the committee affects the entire United States, they have every right, every right to communicate in today's society. These were bipartisan. This was bipartisanly approved by House Administration. The gentleman from California (Mr. Pombo) followed this to the T. But I can assure you, House Administration has been responsible with the last ranking member to the current ranking member, and I am sure it is going to be responsible in the future. There is absolutely no way there is going to be millions of dollars of accounts. That is a type of fear spreading that simply will not occur. But I will close. I respect the gentleman's tenacity. And also, it was a pleasure to be here in the pinnacle of your year when you got the National Taxpayers Union because I am sure it is the last time I will see it.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Working Wardrobes is a dedicated and tireless organization worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Working Wardrobes has been acknowledged for its philanthropic service; and Whereas, Working Wardrobes should be commended for its excellence in service and for its unwavering dedication to helping individuals obtain the necessary skills to obtain employment; and Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Working Wardrobes for its outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Aubrie Wasicek is an outstanding student and loving daughter; and Whereas, Aubrie Wasicek has been acknowledged by Adams Elementary School for her outstanding academic achievements; and Whereas, Aubrie Wasicek should be commended for her academic excellence, for her dedication to learning, and for her willingness to obtain and share the knowledge she has gained; and Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Audra Wasicek for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I agree with the gentleman.

Mr. NEY. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I continue to yield to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time just to close on this issue, let me just say that this funding is a critical component. The entire funding where we get to the $3.9 billion, which we have gotten some money and have a little more to go, the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert) has been assisting on that funding. We worked with the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young), as the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) mentioned. Originally when this started we went to the Democratic leader, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Gephardt) at that time. Everybody along the way has been very good on providing the money. We still have some more components to go, but this particular aspect right now is just so important, to provide this for NIST to be able to really do its job and to interact with the EAC.

Mr. NEY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, earlier today the Committee on House Administration, which I chair, along with our ranking member the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Larson) and our members, held a hearing on electronic voting system security. A diverse group of technology specialists and election administrators testified before the committee regarding issues relating to the reliability of electronic and computer-based voting systems and discussed what is needed to ensure the integrity of the latest generation of voting systems. Though a wide range of opinions were offered throughout the course of the hearing, everyone agreed that well-written standards and a rigorous testing and certification process are absolutely necessary for maintaining the integrity of electronic voting systems under the Help America Vote Act of 2002, known as HAVA, of which I am proud to have been a principal author with the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) and also the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt) and others in the House. That bill is an important bill for voting in the United States, and again, I am proud that that bill has passed. In that bill, NIST plays a crucial role in both the standards setting and testing and certification processes. First of all, HAVA tasks the director of NIST with chairing the Technical Guidelines Development Committee, known as TGDC, which HAVA created to assist the Election Assistance Commission, known as EAC, in crafting standards to ensure the security and reliability of voting technologies used in our Federal elections. NIST is also tasked with evaluating testing laboratories and providing recommendations to the EAC as to which laboratories should be accredited for voting systems testing and certification. Now that jurisdictions across the country are beginning to upgrade their voting systems, the American people demand and deserve to know that the latest generation of voting equipment will cast and count their ballots accurately and will be tamper-proof and free of technical malfunctions, for the purpose of HAVA was to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat. The successful achievement of this objective of the bill will depend in great part upon the ability of NIST to fulfill its responsibilities under the Help America Vote Act, which in turn will hinge on whether NIST receives sufficient funding specifically allocated for its HAVA- related obligations. Therefore, I believe it is urgent, and I want to stress urgent, that we get the needed resources to NIST as quickly as possible. I am joining today with my colleague, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), in support of the report language for this bill that urges NIST to devote funds for these functions. I want to thank the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), who has always supported the idea of NIST. I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf) for his attention to this issue and for his consideration today. I also have been in contact with the gentleman from Oklahoma (Chairman Istook) to see if the money dedicated to NIST, via the EAC, can be included in the Transportation-Treasury appropriations bill. The vehicle for the funding is not of greatest importance. What is important is that the funding be absolutely provided. Regardless of the vehicle, we need to see that NIST will receive the money it needs to carry out its important statutory obligations. I would like to note that the White House recently submitted amendments to its fiscal year 2005 budget that would provide an additional $10 million for the Election Assistance Commission. Perhaps funding for NIST to meet its obligations under HAVA could be taken from this amount. I will be talking again to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Chairman Istook). I want to thank the gentleman from Virginia (Chairman Wolf), and express appreciation for the diligence of our colleague the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) on this issue and the bill.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas Merle W. Marburger was born on July 21, 1914 and is celebrating his 90th Birthday today; and Whereas, Merle W. Marburger is a long-time active participant in the social and civic life of the community; and Whereas, Merle W. Marburger has exemplified a love for his family and friends and must be commended for his life-long dedication to helping others. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in congratulating Merle W. Marburger as he celebrates his 90th Birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Marion Stewart was born on July 19, 1905; and Whereas, Marion Stewart is celebrating her 99th birthday today; and Whereas, Marion Stewart, is a long-time active participant in the social and civic life of the community; and Whereas, Marion Stewart has exemplified a love for her family and friends and must be commended for her life-long dedication to helping others. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in wishing Marion Stewart a very happy 99th birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Nina DiScipio; and Whereas, Nina DiScipio was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to the members of her family; and Whereas, Nina DiScipio took pride in her role as a mother and homemaker and was named the Ohio Valley Chamber of Commerce Mother of the Year in 1990, receiving recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives for this honor; and Whereas, Nina, who gave continuous support to her community, earned an appointment, by Governor James A. Rhodes, to the Jefferson Technical Board of Trustees in 1980. In 2002, the Nina Gentile Scholarship was established in her honor; and Whereas, in 2003, The Franciscan University Steubenville honored Nina and her husband Tony by naming the University's art gallery, The Gentile Gallery, and presenting them with the Founder's Award; and Whereas, the kindness and compassion she showed towards others will stand as a reminder of a truly remarkable person. Her life and love gave joy to all who knew her; and Therefore, while I understand how words cannot express our grief at this most trying of times, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family and friends Nina DiScipio.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Anthony Chung-Yi Ho has provided outstanding service and contributions while serving as the Senior Officer with the Taipei Economic Council and Cultural Representative and Senior Assistant to the Honorable C.J. Chen, Taiwan's chief representative in the United States; and Whereas, Anthony Chung-Yi Ho graduated from the National Taiwan University and joined Taiwan's foreign service in 1994; and Whereas, Anthony Chung-Yi Ho has worked diligently during his time in Washington, D.C., to improve the understanding of Taiwanese-American relations held by Members of the United States Congress and their staff; and Whereas, Anthony Chung-Yi Ho's service has served his country loyally and worked to establish a lasting friendship between officials in the Taiwanese and United States government; and Whereas, Anthony Chung-Yi Ho will be greatly missed once he returns to Taiwan with his family next month; Therefore, I join with members of Congress and their staff in recognizing Anthony Chung-Yi Ho for his exceptional work and immense contributions, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi), for yielding me this time. He is a neighbor of ours. I have the Knox County area, and we share Licking County. So I want to thank him for carrying this. I also want to thank, obviously, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner). The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) who is here today, I want to thank the gentlewoman for helping with this resolution on the floor. Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Owen Beetham of our staff, who is a graduate of Kenyon College who happened to prepare this resolution, so it is kind of Kenyon College Day. But right now, Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I introduce this resolution congratulating the Kenyon College Ladies swimming and diving team for claiming the 2004 NCAA Division III swimming and diving national championship. They captured it by scoring an impressive 506 in points. The win was particularly impressive due to the fact that the team roster was limited this year. In past years, the Ladies swam to the title with a full or nearly full championship roster of 18 swimmers. This year, however, the Kenyon team had a roster of 14 swimmers and still managed to post a winning point total. Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that winning a national athletics championship is a tremendous accomplishment, but for these young ladies, this year's championship marks something more. It was the 20th time the Kenyon Ladies returned from the NCAA national championship victorious. I think it is also important to take a moment to recognize Jim Steen, who is in his 28th year as the head coach of the Kenyon Swimming and Diving Program. Coach Steen's consistent and innovative contributions have produced unparalleled results: 300 men and women, All-America swimmers who have together earned nearly 2,500 All-America awards since his arrival on campus in 1976. His teams have won more NCAA events and set more national records than any other school in history. But Coach Steen is perhaps even more proud of the fact that his swimmers have compiled a record number of athletic postgraduate scholarship awards. In fact, many of the swimmers exemplify something that is often overlooked in college athletics: the importance of being both hard-working athletes and strong academics. At Kenyon, swimming, like academics, is something one does because one wants to do it, not because one has to do it. They like the challenge and enjoy the rewards of their hard work. I think it is safe to say Kenyon's reputation as one of the top swimming programs in the country nicely complements the fact that it is one of the elite schools of higher education in the United States because of the students and their desire to have an education and acquire an education. That marriage of athletics and academics, of hard work and strong intellect is what makes Kenyon College a remarkable place for swimmers and students alike. We should all be proud of the accomplishments of the Kenyon Ladies swimming and diving team. The Ladies have shown us the real definition of what it is to be champions. Their hard work, dedication and desire will preserve their place in the history of collegiate athletics as the most successful women's athletics program in any division. I could not be more pleased to represent the Ladies here today. I could not be more pleased to represent Kenyon College in the Eighteenth District of Ohio.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support in H. Res. 658, which recognizes National Homeownership Month and the importance of homeownership in the United States. Offered by my colleague and friend from California, Mr. Gary Miller, this resolution is a testament to the benefits of a strong and robust housing market in this country. A home is more than just the symbol of the American Dream; it is the backbone of the American way of life. Over the past three years, the housing market has driven the national economy, as Americans bought and refinanced homes in record numbers. Many regions were spared the worst of the recent recession due to the strength of some local housing markets. Today, the housing sector directly accounts for about 14 percent of the country's total Gross Domestic Product. Building a home involves multiple segments of our economy, including builders, bankers, mortgage lenders, realtors, and numerous others. For every 1,000 single-family homes built, we see 2,500 jobs created, $75 million in wages earned, and $37 million in tax revenues generated. June is National Homeownership Month and so many of our partners celebrate this because in America, every citizen--regardless of race, creed, color, or place of birth--has the opportunity to own a home of their own. And, new homeowners can create wealth for their families for generations to come, while also helping transform neighborhoods and communities. Right now 68 percent of all families own homes. However, the homeownership rate for minorities is around 50 percent. This must improve. Lagging minority homeownership rates are a serious concern. Minority households are expected to account for two-thirds of household growth over the coming decade. Improving the ability of such households to make the transition to homeownership will be an important test of the nation's capacity to create economic opportunity for minorities and immigrants and to build strong, stable communities. Last year, the Housing Subcommittee assisted in the successful enactment of 11 housing related bills. Through bipartisan cooperation with Congresswoman Katherine Harris and Cong. Artur Davis, Congress and the Administration were able to enact legislation that today is making existing housing programs work better. Of those enacted last year, the American Dream Downpayment Act and the proposal to raise the FHA multifamily loan limits are helping thousands of individuals and families realize the dream of homeownership. I am especially proud of the American Dream Downpayment Act, which will provide $200 million in grants to help homebuyers with the downpayment and closing costs. Sponsored by Ms. Harris and Mr. Davis, this bill will assist 40,000 families annually achieve the dream of homeownership and will make available subsidy assistance averaging $5,000, to help low-income, first-time home buying families. In an effort to continue the goal the increase minority homeownership, on June 3rd of this year the House Financial Services Committee approved HR 3755, the FHA Zero Down Payment Act. This bill, introduced by Congressmen Tiberi and Scott, would provide a program to eliminate the downpayment requirement for certain families and individuals who buy homes with FHA-insured mortgages. During the enactment of the American Dream Downpayment Act last year, we learned that the biggest obstacle to homeownership for most families is the inability to save enough cash to meet down payment and closing costs. HR 3755 is a good bill that represents another important step forward in helping all Americans achieve the dream of homeownership. In closing, let me say that the federal government, consumers, and the housing industry are linked by our mutual goal of creating housing opportunities for more Americans. We have much to achieve together for the American people, and our best hope of being successful is to work in close concert with each other--guided by the same high standards and principles and motivated by the same goals. In that way, we will continue to open up our communities to new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I am also very proud to have introduced this second resolution congratulating the Kenyon College Lords swimming and diving team for capturing the 2004 NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving National Championship. You can see this is a great day for Kenyon College with both the female swimmers and the male swimmers, and the same coach, I should note, Jim Steen, who has just done a wonderful job. This year, the Lords follow in the footsteps of those great swimmers who came before them. Like their predecessors, the Lords once again dominated the swimming and competition, scoring and incredible 678.5 points, while capturing their 25th consecutive national championship. Some have argued that Kenyon Lords swimming is the greatest dynasty in sports. At the least, the Lords have accomplished something unparalleled in the history of collegiate athletics, a record 25 consecutive men's national championship teen titles, the most by any team in the history of NCAA athletics. So for the past 25 years now, Kenyon has brought the Division III National title home to Gambier, Ohio. In fact, the last time the Lords lost a national championship, Jimmy Carter was President. Since 1980, Kenyon swimmers have had nearly 140 different people score points, while swimming more than 200 individual and 85 relay titles at the NCAA Division III Nationals. Perhaps even more impressive, are the 1,445 All-America honors as well as the 83 academic All-America awards Lords swimmers have accrued. This is an amazing amount of points. These accomplishments testify to the hard work and the commitment to excellence the Kenyon Lords embody. But this strong work ethic extends far beyond the swimming pool. Kenyon College's tradition of excellence started long before their national championship streak. Since 1824, when the school was founded by Philander Chase, students have enjoyed its reputation as an environment friendly to those willing to work hard and further their intellect. That is why I think it is important to note that many of these athletes did not attend Kenyon for the sole sake of swimming, rather their choice was twofold: Kenyon boasts one of the best swimming programs in the country, but it is also one of the greatest schools of higher education in the United States. The result is by being a member of the Kenyon community, students enjoy the opportunity to become educated not only in the world of academia, but life as well. The hard work and dedication displayed by the Kenyon Lords reminds us that, whether or not you want their streak to continue, and for Kenyon's sake let us hope that we do, this year the Lords team made it possible for all of us to celebrate the fact that for a quarter of a century now a small liberal arts school in Ohio has established itself as the benchmark for aspiring athletes in athletic programs all over this country. I cannot be more pleased to celebrate the Lords accomplishments here today. I am very proud of the Lords, I am very proud of Kenyon College, and I think very fortunate to be able to represent Kenyon College in the Eighteenth District in Ohio. I want to thank again the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Tiberi) and the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) for her support.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of S. 2238, the ``Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004.'' The Senate bill, in most respects, is identical to H.R. 253, which passed the House on November 20, 2003. The Senate bill did make some acceptable changes to the House-passed bill, such as a new title which provides new consumer protections for flood insurance policyholders. The Senate bill will extend the authorization of the NFIP through September 30, 2008, and create a temporary pilot program to address severe repetitive loss properties. The authorization of the NFIP is set to expire on June 30, 2004. This legislation, S. 2238, represents a continuation of this chamber's past efforts to reform the National Flood Insurance Program. Floods have been, and continue to be, one of the most destructive and costly natural hazards to our nation. The National Flood Insurance Program is a valuable tool in addressing the losses incurred throughout this country due to floods. It assures that businesses and families have access to affordable insurance that would not be available on the open market. The National Flood Insurance Program was established in 1968 with the passage of the National Flood Insurance Act. Prior to that time, insurance companies generally did not offer coverage for flood disasters because of the high risks involved. Today, almost 20,000 communities participate in the national flood insurance program. More than 90 insurance companies sell and service flood policies. There are approximately $4.4 million policies covering a total of $620 billion. In order to participate in the program, communities must agree to abide by certain hazard mitigation provisions. These provisions include adopting building codes that require new floodplain structures to be protected against flooding or elevated above the 100-year floodplain. The National Flood Insurance program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is worth noting that on November 25, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Homeland Security Act of 2002 which brought FEMA under the new Department of Homeland Security. As many of you are aware, the NFIP reauthorization expired on December 31, 2002. Unfortunately, Congress adjourned without extending the flood insurance program. This situation was quickly remedied in the 108th Congress and on January 13, 2003, President Bush signed into law a bill to reauthorize the program for one year, retroactively to January 1, 2003. This one-year reauthorization gave us the time necessary to determine how best to go about reforming the existing program. This is a good day for the National Flood Insurance Program and is a good day for the American tax-payers. I applaud all members from both chambers for reaching an agreement. I urge my colleagues to support this initiative.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Bonita L. Shepherd is a dedicated employee worthy of merit and recognition; and Whereas, Bonita L. Shepherd has been acknowledged by the United States Government for her thirty years of faithful service; and Whereas, Bonita L. Shepherd should be commended for her excellence, for her devotion to her work in the United States Capital Building; and Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Bonita L. Shepherd for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Renzi and myself hereby offer our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Specialist First Class Lori Ann Piestewa upon the death of this outstanding soldier; and Whereas, Specialist First Class Piestewa was a member of the 507th Ordnance Maintenance Company serving her great nation in the country of Iraq. She was a leader in her unit and is to be commended for the honor and bravery that she displayed while serving our nation in this time of war; and Whereas, Specialist First Class Piestewa will be remembered for her unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. Her example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew her; and Therefore, we join with the family, friends and the citizens of our great nation in thanking Specialist First Class Lori Ann Piestewa of the United States Army for her service to our country. Your service has made us proud.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Susan Freno is an exceptional individual worthy of merit and recognition; Whereas, Susan Freno has been acknowledged by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation as the 2004 Corrections Officer of the Year recipient, therefore, receiving the DRC Ronald C. Marshall Award; Whereas, Susan Freno should be commended for her excellence, for her professionalism and integrity, and for her ongoing efforts to effect others lives in a positive and in a changing way; and Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Susan Freno for her outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, Whereas, Robert and Mary Ann Hendershot are devoted parishioners of the Antrim United Methodist Church; Whereas, Robert and Mary Ann have been acknowledged by the Antrim United Methodist Church for 72 years of good attendance; Whereas, Robert and Mary Ann should be commended for their excellence, for their devotion to God, and for their ongoing dedication to both their Church and their fellow parishioners; and Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Robert and Mary Ann for this outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I hereby offer my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and community of Staff Sgt. James William Harlan upon the death of this outstanding soldier. Staff Sgt. Harlan was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves 660th Transportation Company serving his great nation in the country of Iraq. He was a leader in his unit and a loving father to his son. Staff Sgt. Harlan was an active citizen in his community and did his best to make his country a better place to live. Staff Sgt. Harlan will be remembered for his unsurpassed sacrifice of self while protecting others. His example of strength and fortitude will be remembered by all those who knew him. While words cannot express our grief during the loss of such a courageous soldier, I offer this token of profound sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues of Staff Sgt. James William Harlan.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Jae's Towing and Recovery of Newark is an exemplary business devoted to its customers' care; and Whereas, Jae's Towing and Recovery of Newark has been acknowledged by AAA with the 2004 AAA/CAA Service Provider of Excellence Award; and Whereas, Jae's Towing and Recovery of Newark should be commended for its excellence, for its seven years of devotion to serving others, and for its ongoing efforts to provide its customers with outstanding care; and Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in honoring and congratulating Jae's Towing and Recovery of Newark for its outstanding accomplishment.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker: Whereas, Bernice Buehler is celebrating her 100th birthday today; and Whereas, Bernice Buehler is a long-time active participant in the social and civic life of the community; and Whereas, Bernice Buehler has exemplified a love for her family and friends and must be commended for her life-long dedication to helping others in her community. Therefore, I join with the residents of the entire 18th Congressional District of Ohio in wishing Bernice Buehler a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce House Concurrent Resolution 444, to allow the use of the Rotunda of the Capitol for the late Honorable Ronald Wilson Reagan, the Fortieth President of the United States of America, to lie in state. More than any leader in my lifetime, Ronald Reagan embodied the noble ideals and irrepressible optimism of the American spirit. As President, he led our country into an era of renewed faith in the American Dream. Ronald Reagan guided the United States to victory over Communism in the Cold War, and his domestic policies ushered in an age of unprecedented prosperity. As we stand in the wake of Ronald Reagan's recent passing, we mourn his loss, but we celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves to the country he loved and served so faithfully. Ronald Reagan was born into humble circumstances in the small town of Dixon, Illinois. It was in this quintessential Midwestern setting that Ronald Reagan recognized the near-limitless opportunities that flow from liberty, and consequently developed his deep and abiding appreciation for the founding ideals of our great country. Rising from these modest origins, Ronald Reagan set off on a life journey that was both rich and diverse in experiences. As a young man, he spent seven summers as a lifeguard on a hazardous section of river near his hometown where he saved the lives of 77 swimmers. He went on to become a college athlete and then traveled to Hollywood, where he became one of the most popular actors of the '50s and early '60s. But, it was in the realm of politics where Ronald Reagan would make his most meaningful and lasting impact, first as a two-term governor of the State of California and then, most significantly, as the President of the United States from 1981 through 1989. Quite, simply, Ronald Reagan changed the world, and we are all the better for it. Ronald Reagan, more than any other individual, was responsible for winning the Cold War, the epic struggle that pitted the United States and its allies against a Communist force armed with enough nuclear weapons to threaten the existence of humanity. Relying on his deeply held beliefs of the supremacy of liberty and democracy, Reagan assumed the office of President and sought not to accommodate or merely contain Communist expansionism, but to defeat it. He had the courage to speak the truth about the former Soviet Union, to accurately label it as an ``evil empire'' that would ultimately be consigned to the ``ash heap of history.'' He realized that for democracy to prevail in this twilight struggle of differing ideologies with monumental consequences, he had to become a relentless warrior on behalf of the American ideals of liberty, free enterprise, and the primacy of the individual in society. His fortitude provided the American people with purpose and victory over Communism. Ronald Reagan buoyed up our nation not only with his ever-present smile, his genial nature, and his self-deprecating humor but also with the substance of his ideas: his enduring faith in the innate goodness and creativity of the American people; his steadfast belief in the exceptionalism of our constitutional democracy and economic order; and his unyielding conviction that freedom and democracy will triumph over oppression and tyranny. Ronald Reagan was, and will always remain, a giant on the stage of history, a commanding presence and respected leader whose commitment to freedom and democracy will inspire generations to come. Truly it can be said that Ronald Reagan lifted the spirits of the American people by appealing to our best hopes, not our worst fears, and because of that, he will remain forever in the hearts of the American people. Walking side-by-side with Ronald Reagan through his life's journey was his wonderful wife and best friend, Nancy. Her dignity and grace as First Lady were exemplary, but even more inspiring has been the strength and resiliency she has demonstrated since her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease 10 years ago. Nancy's devotion to the former President has been nothing less than heroic, and our prayers and the prayers of a nation are with here during this time. Though our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a beloved leader, we are comforted knowing that Ronald Reagan has gone onto a better place. To borrow the words he used to comfort the nation following the Challenger disaster, Ronald Reagan has ``slipped the surly bonds to earth'' to ``touch the face of God.'' Passage of this resolution will allow us to pay tribute to this great man and his legacy. It will allow all those who loved and admired Ronald Reagan a final opportunity to say a final goodbye. As he lies in state, the American people will have the opportunity to pay their respects by coming to the Capitol Rotunda. I expect that many thousands will do so. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this Resolution.

Mr. NEY

Mr. NEY. Mr. Speaker, on June 8 and 9, 2003, I was unable to be present for rollcall votes: 229 on H. Res. 663 expressing profound regret and sorrow on the death of President Ronald Wilson Reagan, 230 on approving the journal, and 231 on H. Res. 664, mourning the passing of President Reagan. Due to technical difficulties with our mode of transportation, a number of colleagues and I were unable to return from the events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the invasion of Normandy, and the veterans that served there, in time to cast these votes. Had I been present I would have proudly voted ``aye'' on all three resolutions.