Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time for an opportunity to speak about a great American, a great statesman, a great leader for our Nation and for all of the free world.
I will submit my written statement for the RECORD, but I am honored to state just briefly how much I admired and how grateful I am for the service of President Ronald Reagan.
I am honored to say that the first vote I cast in a Presidential election as an 18-year-old freshman in college was in 1980 on behalf of Ronald Reagan. He turned the tide for our Nation at a difficult time in our Nation's history. He taught us to again believe in our Nation and believe in the principles for which our Nation stood and continues to stand this very day. He also reminded us to be grateful for the blessings we have as Americans.
My mom and dad showed me by example the importance of caring about our fellow citizens, and they taught me about community service and led me to an interest in public service.
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Ronald Reagan furthered that interest and further inspired my desire to serve, first in the statehouse and now here in Congress.
On behalf of all of the people in the 19th Congressional District, I am honored to say, Mr. President, thank you on a job well done and on a life well lived. My deepest sympathies go to your family at this time of great loss. May God bless you and your family, and may God continue to bless the country which you so deeply loved, the United States of America.
