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Events >> The Democracy Award >> 2001 Democracy Award
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 President Fox's Remarks Congressman Robert Menendez's Remarks Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt's Remarks Photos from the Event Back to 2001 Democracy Award |
The following is a tribute statement by House Democratic Leader Richard A. Gephardt to President Vicente Fox at the National Endowment for Democracy Award Ceremony "I am honored to be with the National Endowment for Democracy and all the distinguished guests to honor President Fox and the Mexican people for the great progress of democracy in their country. I also want to give a special welcome to the delegation from Mexico, here for the first official state visit of the Bush administration. "This is a historic moment for Mexico and the United States. The election of President Fox represents the maturation of Mexican democracy and a growing opportunity for political participation for every person in Mexico. The President is undertaking a number of bold steps to make the lives of people in Mexico better. He is seeking to bring more transparency to the Mexican government. He is working to create jobs and more economic opportunity for every Mexican citizen. He envisions a country that is peaceful and prosperous at home and a powerful force for peace and prosperity around the world. "We are so honored to have President Fox in the United States. In addition to progress at home, his election also means an enormous opportunity for Mexico's place in the world and for strengthening ties between our two great nations. Our countries are tied together by so many shared values: a common commitment to democracy and human rights and human opportunity; a common commitment to free and fair trade; and under President Fox's leadership, we are working toward a mutual relationship that strengthens security and opportunity for both countries and exerts positive influence on the world stage. "Just as important, we have the chance to make quick progress in the vital area of immigration reform. President Fox has helped lead the way. He has generated momentum with a vision grounded on a number of key principles. The President believes in fairness, equal treatment for families, and responsible reforms that make sense for people in both countries. He understands that most immigrants in America are hard-working taxpayers who contribute to our economy and culture in countless ways. "President Bush has expressed support for these principles. And Senator Daschle and I have followed through by developing proposals that we stand ready to work on in a bipartisan way with President Fox and President Bush, to reach the shared goal of improving our economies and making people's lives better. I believe the Bush administration is prepared to work with us, and I am confident that as President Fox said just this morning we can accomplish the goal in this Congress. "Finally, let me just say to President Fox that we welcome you to Washington. We applaud your strong commitment to democratic values of, by and for the Mexican people. And we believe this is the start of an even more remarkable relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, and a new era in the Americas thanks in large part to your vision, your leadership, and your courage." |
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