Congratulating Representative Robert Badham



Congratulating Representative Robert Badham

HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, this week, as we mourn the passing and commemorate the life of Ronald Reagan, we have another occasion for unabashed celebration. My predecessor in this office, Representative Robert Badham, who blazed trails for President Reagan in Sacramento and in Washington, celebrates his 75th birthday today. Bob Badham won election to the California State Assembly at a remarkably young age, four years before Ronald Reagan won the governorship. He won election to the U.S. House of Representatives four years before Governor Reagan won the presidency. As soon as he arrived in Washington he was elected president of his incoming class of Members, and he remained a leader throughout his tenure here. From the 117 feet of his records held by the University of California at Irvine to the GOP records stored by the Policy Committee on the fourth floor of the Longworth House Office Building, Bob's name stands out as one of our party's most energetic spokesmen and most articulate advocates for our agenda; as an active litigant for electoral fairness; as an international diplomat supporting our critical security alliances; and as a Member of Congress who set a standard for constituent service and attention that I must work very hard to approach. Most significantly, as Bob rose to becoming the ranking Member on the House Armed Services Procurement Subcommittee, he helped President Reagan rebuild our military, and, through the policy of peace through strength, win the Cold War. As President Reagan headed back to California in 1989, Representative Badham chose to leave one of the most secure Congressional seats in the nation and to return to California as well. Needless to say, the career of our colleague, Duncan Hunter, and my own, were both advanced by Bob's decision that a quarter century in elected office was enough. The people of southern California are fortunate that giving up elected office has not meant giving up public service to Bob Badham. Since his return to California, Bob has remained an active leader in Orange County. He and his wife, Anne, remain two of Orange County's most active and energetic citizens. They are among the kindest and most interesting people anyone will ever know. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join the people of Orange County, all of Bob's colleagues in the House of Representatives, and all of those who are fortunate to call Bob Badham a friend, in wishing him the happiest of birthdays on this, his 75th!

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