House Prepares to Welcome New Reagan Statue

April 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) expressed his strong support today for a resolution that will allow the state of California to bring a statue of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, to the U.S. Capitol.  The resolution was unanimously approved by the House today.  The statue is expected to arrive in the Capitol on June 3, 2009.  Dreier said the challenges currently facing the American people are reminiscent of those that faced our country when President Reagan was elected in 1980.

“Today is a particularly interesting time to recall the Reagan legacy, not just because we passed the twenty year anniversary of the end of his presidency in January, but because our country is facing circumstances not unlike those that met President Reagan when he assumed office.  Our economy is stalled and the world is an uncertain and dangerous place.  Back then, it was Reagan’s belief in the power of free markets and free peoples that saw us through the crisis.  Today, I remain hopeful that the Reagan example will be looked to as an inspiration for how to navigate difficult times.

“The fact is, our economy will recover and grow again.  But it will do so because of the innovative and entrepreneurial power of America’s workers and businesses.  We will recover because of the power of free markets, not because of any effort to restrain economic freedom.  This is the Reagan legacy. 

“Honoring our 40th president with a statue in the U.S. Capitol is a fitting tribute to a man who led our country to great prosperity and promoted freedom across the globe.  I look forward to joining my colleagues in welcoming his statue when it arrives this summer.”