Congressman Elton Gallegly
Serving the 24th Congressional District encompasses most of Ventura County and inland Santa Barbara County.

WASHINGTON, DC — In a White House ceremony attended by former first lady Nancy Reagan and U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties), President Obama today signed Gallegly’s bill to honor President Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

The Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act creates an 11-member commission that will plan and carry out activities deemed fitting to honor Ronald Reagan on his 100th birthday, which falls on Feb. 6, 2011.

The commission will make recommendations and provide necessary assistance for federal, state and local governmental agencies and civic groups to honor President Reagan’s 100th birthday. Such activities could include special stamps or coins. In addition, the commission will recommend to Congress activities to honor President Reagan’s 100th birthday, including the possible convening of a Joint Session of Congress.

No federal money can be spent on the commission or its activities.

“Having Mrs. Reagan at the bill signing gave it special significance,” Gallegly said. “She was President Reagan’s staunchest supporter before, during and after his presidency. I appreciate that President Obama scheduled the ceremony so that she could attend.”

Mrs. Reagan will also attend the unveiling of President Reagan’s statue in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday.

Gallegly’s bill attracted wide bipartisan support. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent on May 20 and the House passed it on a 371-19 vote on March 9.

Previous commissions have been instituted to honor Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is in Simi Valley, CA, Gallegly’s hometown.