Bill to Rename National Airport for Reagan Clears Both Houses
Both houses of Congress voted Wednesday to rename Washington’s National Airport after Ronald Reagan, two days before the former president’s 87th birthday.
“This is a gesture of thanks from a grateful nation and a grateful Senate,” Sen. Paul Coverdell (R-Ga.) said after the Senate’s 76-22 vote to change the name to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The House followed suit a few hours later, approving the name change on a largely partisan 240-186 vote.
White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry said President Clinton will sign the bill.
“Ronnie and I are honored,” Reagan’s wife, Nancy, said from Bel-Air.
A minor difference in the two bills prevented the switch from going to Clinton immediately. The House version of the name is Ronald Reagan National Airport. The House is expected to adopt the Senate version today.
The local operating authority and many local officials, including Rep. James P. Moran, a Virginia Democrat whose district includes the airport, opposed the bill. Air traffic controllers, remembering Reagan’s firing of 11,000 controllers during a 1981 strike, were vehemently against it.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
