Congressman Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, made the following statement on the passing of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher:
"I am deeply saddened to hear of Prime Minister Thatcher's passing. We have lost one of freedom's great champions. Her indefatigable will changed the United Kingdom forever, but preserved the ideals that made England tower. She reminded us all that there can be no liberty unless there is economic liberty. She pulled the realm from uncertainty and despair. And she fought tirelessly for Her Majesty's Armed Forces.
"Together with President Reagan, she brought the conflict of a generation to a peaceful conclusion and ushered in a new era of prosperity in Eastern Europe. She insisted that the community of free nations must never, ever, compromise in the face of aggression. She was willing to stand alone when she had to, but America is blessed that on more than one occasion she stood with us. As free nations are challenged by aggression from North Korea, Iran, and Islamic extremists around the world, we would do well to remember the lessons left to us by the Iron Lady.
"Tennyson said that there's no glory like those who save their country. Lady Thatcher brought that glory to herself and her people. She leaves behind a great hole in history, but the free world will reap the fruits of her courage for generations to come."