Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to support HR 6669, a bill that will waive and relinquish claims by the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This legislation would…
Mr. Speaker, today I am proud to support HR 6669, a bill that will waive and relinquish claims by the United States to certain documents relating to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This legislation would allow the transfer of the Tully/Suckley papers from the Sun Times Media to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Library. These papers shed a great deal of light on the FDR era and are the largest collection of FDR documents and memorabilia in private hands.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt started his political career in New York State by working vigorously for reform movements that would redefine the role of government, and he never stopped. The programs that epitomized the New Deal had their genesis in Albany. As governor, Roosevelt implemented many of the innovative, progressive policies he would later introduce to the Nation as President. He expanded state assistance to social services and state agencies and eased the hardships on New York's agricultural industry by encouraging tax cuts for small farmers. Upon the onset of the Great Depression, he authorized the New York State Unemployment Relief Act and the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration.
In 1928, Roosevelt won the Democratic nomination for Governor at the Naval Armory in my home city of Rochester, New York. While serving as Governor, his successes elevated him to national prominence, and in 1932, he was elected President of the United States for the first of an unprecedented--and never to be repeated--four terms in office.
Franklin Roosevelt embraced the unique capabilities of every individual and worked tirelessly to ensure that all Americans would be able to earn a living and build this great Nation. As a result of initiatives like the PWA, the
WPA, and the CCC, the unemployed got jobs, people were able to support their families, and this Nation was able to grow and prosper. I hope that, as public servants, my colleagues will join me in following in his example by supporting honest policies that work to better the lives of American people.
Franklin Roosevelt had great regard for public service, and served with a sense of responsibility and honor. His respect for the American people and the value he placed on their well-being and security drove everything he did. President Roosevelt came to embody strength, hope and resolve during some of the most difficult days in our Nation's history. From the economic distress of the Great Depression to the horrifying attack on Pearl Harbor that caused the Nation to enter World War II, Roosevelt's steadfast leadership ignited an economic engine and calmed a frightened nation.
The legacy of his policies will certainly outlast my lifetime and will continue to benefit my children and grandchildren for years to come. We owe him an unpayable debt of gratitude. And while only those closest to him realized that he couldn't walk unaided, as former Governor of New York, Mario Cuomo said, ``Franklin Roosevelt lifted himself from his wheelchair to lift this nation from its knees.''
Today more than ever, we can learn from Franklin Roosevelt's leadership. There is no better way to do this than to study his past. By allowing the transfer of these documents, it will open up the life of Franklin Roosevelt for everyone to enjoy. With the economic distress that our nation is facing today, we would do well to follow President Roosevelt's example. There is little doubt this nation could use some lifting up right about now.
This bill makes sense, is non-controversial, and is for the good of the United States. Please support this legislation that would allow this transfer to the FDR Library. It would shed light on one of the most important Presidents of the 20th Century and greatly consolidate the legacy of the Roosevelt era. I am honored to rise today and support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.
