Gibbons roots for Reagan award

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

Gibbons and Rep. Jennifer Dunn, R-Wash., want to present the nation's highest honor to the former president before his 89th birthday on Sunday.

It would be the second time that a presidential couple had received the Congressional Gold Medal. Gerald and Betty Ford received it in 1998.

House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and more than 170 other House members have joined the call for the award for the Reagans, Gibbons said.

"Their beliefs and strengths helped promote national pride, encourage community service and better the quality of life in America," Gibbons said.

"Their enormous contribution to this country extends well beyond the president's tenure in office," he said.

Dunn named one of her sons Reagan in honor of the former president.

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