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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2008
Contact: Tom Pfeifer, (202) 225-5811

Gallegly Bill To Honor President Reagan Passes House

WASHINGTON, DC—The House of Representatives today passed a bill by Congressman Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties) to honor President Ronald Reagan on the 100^th anniversary of his birth.

Gallegly’s bill passed unanimously.

“‘The Great Communicator’ spoke for the American people, capturing the hearts of small-town citizens and world leaders alike,” Gallegly told his colleagues before the vote today. “His remarkable career in public life spanned over 50 years. It began as a student leader and sports broadcaster in Illinois and Iowa, then in Hollywood, as an actor and long-time President of the Screen Actors Guild.

“California enjoyed an economic resurgence during his terms as governor, and as President of the United States his legacy is extraordinary: In eight short years as President, Ronald Reagan presided over international changes and ushered in unparalleled peace and prosperity—not only for our nation, but for the world.”

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is in Simi Valley, CA, Gallegly’s hometown.

The Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act would create an 11-member commission that will plan and carry out activities deemed fitting to honor Ronald Reagan on his 100^th birthday, which will be on Feb. 6, 2011.

The commission will make recommendations and provide necessary assistance for federal, state and local governmental agencies and civic groups to honor Reagan’s 100^th birthday. Such activities could include special stamps or coins. In addition, the commission will recommend to Congress activities to honor Reagan’s 100^th birthday, including the possible convening of a Joint Session of Congress.

Previous commissions have been instituted to honor Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln.

U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, the Republican Whip, is an original cosponsor of the bill. Before passage, 167 Republican and Democratic members co-sponsored the bill.

“I want to thank Elton for his leadership in establishing this committee to honor the life and service of President Reagan,” Blunt said. “His ideals helped our nation believe it could once again be that shining City upon a Hill—a city that told the world of America’s promise of freedom and democracy.

“President Reagan understood that by tapping the optimism, ingenuity and determination of this great country we can build a future that outshines our bright past. And he instilled the belief in every American that the true power of our nation didn’t rest in the government, but in the hearts and minds of our fellow citizens.”

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