Mourning The Passing Of President Gerald R. Ford

MOURNING THE PASSING OF PRESIDENT GERALD RUDOLPH FORD -- (Extensions of Remarks - January 12, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 15, a resolution to honor the late President Gerald Ford who passed away on December 26, 2006. A man of great honor and integrity who led this country through one of the most difficult times in our history, he will be remembered as a fair, respected leader who was able to rise above partisanship to serve the citizens of this nation.

* President Ford, born in Omaha, Nebraska and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, embodied the spirit of the Midwest. He was hard-working, modest, unassuming, and throughout his life held an unabashed pride in the University of Michigan where he starred on the football team. During World War II, President Ford earned the title of lieutenant commander and several honors while serving this country in the U.S. Navy.

* Mr. Ford began his political career when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as the Representative from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He held that seat from 1949 until 1973, and of the 25 years he served in the House, he was minority leader for 8.

* In 1973, when Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned, President Richard Nixon nominated then Congressman Ford to assume the vice presidency. President Ford's nomination was quickly approved by both the House and the Senate. However, his time as Vice President was brief and the attention of the country was focused on the looming Watergate scandal. On August 9, 1974, President Nixon stepped down and President Ford assumed the position of Commander-in-Chief.

* As our nation's president, Ford was faced with the critical task of regaining the trust of a country that had lost confidence in its top leadership. In order to begin to restore transparency and integrity to the office of the President, he traveled around the country listening and talking to the people of this country. President Ford felt the way in which he could help the country to begin to move beyond the wounds of Watergate was to grant a full and unconditional pardon to President Nixon. President Gerald Ford put the needs of our nation before his own vulnerability to political fallout, and that is the mark of a great leader.

* On behalf of the families of Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District, we extend our prayers and sincerest condolences to Mrs. Betty Ford, her children and all of the family and friends of President Ford. President Gerald Ford was a loving husband and father and a devoted public servant. He will be remembered and honored in the highest regard.

* Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of President Gerald Ford.

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